The Fated Swords (Mystics of V'nairia #1) by J.C.Ritchie Page A

bear to think about not having her with him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her, “Stay with me, I need you.” He whispered in her ear as tears began to run down his cheeks.
    “Zander I’ll always be here with you.” Kerra said to him softly.
    It was if his love for her had awakened her once again. He was relieved, the warmth rushed back into him and he could feel her hugging him tightly. He had her and he was never going to let her go.
    “How pathetic, I guess it’s time to finish you.” Vallus said.
    “Well it’s four against one I believe we can take you.” Heiro said.
    Ryder stepped forward, “I believe you need to rethink your odds.” He said as his appearance changed. “I am Raphael personal servant to Lord Diaboro and accomplice to Vallus.” The man said.
    This had changed everything, he had been reporting back to Vallus the entire time. “Raphael deal with them I’m going on ahead.” Vallus said.
    Zander was furious, “You bastard!” He shouted as he ran at Vallus with his weapon drawn.
    Vallus blocked the strike, grabbed him by the arm and threw him across the water. Vallus knew Zander wasn’t strong enough to defeat him. Something held him back from killing him then and there. Vallus wanted him to become stronger to hate him, to be able to put up a fight before he dies. Vallus turned his back on them, the very friends that were always there for him. He began to walk toward the waterfall and disappeared into the cave.
    Zander slowly got to his feet, it was far from over but for now their man focus was guarding the cave. “Which one of you wants to go first? I can make it quick and painless.” Raphael said.
    Zander drew his sword, “Both of you stay back, I’ll handle this.” He said. Kerra and Heiro had never seen him like this. He was enraged and unpredictable; Heiro could feel the energy inside of him rising.
    “ Zander, be careful.” Kerra said.
    “I won’t be long.” He said.
    He raised his sword to Raphael, “I swear on everything I care for, I will end you!” Zander shouted running at Raphael. As their blades collided the energy had caused the water to raise and then fall back down. It was almost as if it was raining, but only for a brief moment.
    “I ’m going to eliminate you three and bring the sword to Vallus myself.” Raphael said.
    Zander tripped him and grabbed his leg, with a burst of incredible strength he threw Raphael over his head into the side of the mountain. His anger had increased his magick tenfold, increasing his strength and speed.
    Heiro looked at Kerra in amazement, “No normal person should be able to do that.” He said.
    “Zander has never been normal.” She said.
    Raphael gathered himself from the rubble. “Such strength, it has to be his magick energy.” Raphael thought. Zander suddenly appeared behind him to strike him from his blind spot; Raphael barely had enough time to block the attack. Zander hauled off and punched him so hard in the face it sent him flying backward. Raphael stood up unwavering, “Water Art: Tidal Surge!” He said as the water began to rise and a wave swept Zander up and pushed him up against the mountain. “Earth Art: Body Coffin.” Raphael said. The mountain began to cover Zander’s body all except his head. Raphael walked over and stabbed Zander in his shoulder with his sword, he cried out in pain. “How does that feel, not so confident now are you?” Raphael asked.
    “ Zander, no!” Kerra shouted.
    Raphael looked over at them, “Shut up! You two are next.” He screamed.
    Kerra and Heiro couldn’t help Zander they were frozen with fear; it must have been some kind of ability that Raphael had used on them. Raphael kept stabbing Zander over and over, to Kerra it was a nightmare. The spell she was under didn’t allow her to cry she could only feel the stream of tears running down her face. She had known Zander since they were children, she loved him and now she was going to watch him die before her