Issue # 53-A Shattered Clasp

A Shattered Clasp

*~~~~*

Ephra reaches out hesitantly to touch the gray stone walls of the keep. She hisses and draws back her hand quickly.

“There is a protection spell surrounding this place,” she murmurs softly causing Mikel to bend some to catch her words.”A powerful one that is reinforced with dark magick I haven`t encountered before.”

Silver eyes meet worried sapphire ones and he straightens to tip his head back and study the castle in earnest. Twin spires rose from each end of a high stone wall that shielded the castle inside. The Guardian has to swipe at his lashes to clear the sand frequently.

“Mikel, this place is not supposed to be here.”

“I know,” he replies to the witch’s statement.

The Netherrealm was a world made to contain only the darkest of creatures, ones that had been created eons ago by the black one himself. A citadel such as this should not exist here for it was forbidden for any to enter this realm. That he and his party had was a worry for a later time he concedes, keeping his scrutiny on the two towers.

“Gallo, you are certain that the trail led here?” Mikel asks then flicks a glance down at his witchling as her finger travels over his dangling right hand. The protection glyph glows softly upon the back of his hand. She smiles up at him then does the same for herself then Gallo at her side.

“Positive,” the bestial responds offering Ephra his other hand with a lop-sided smirk,” Any guesses?”

“Not a one,” Mikel states honestly.”I would be happy for any suggestions on how to gain entry.”

“Why isn`t there anyone here to greet us, you know?” Ephra inquires of the two males, “Guards, Dobermans, guys with Uzi`s, more were-bruins, something!”

“I cannot say,” Mikel mutters taking a long step back then walking over to peer up at the massive gates that sat in eerie silence.

One rugged, sand-swept lock holds both thick wooden portals closed. He inhales hot air deep into his lungs as his traveling crew gather around him, the witch and the ani-morph exchanging looks across Mikel`s wide back.

“What are you doing?” the blond asks tentatively.

“Opening the lock,” he says as his black lashes drift downward,” That is my profession now is it not? Locksmith for the Echelon?”

“Guardian, this smells of much more than just one of your own. I can taste a trap on my tongue,” Gallo comments pawing at the rush of gray hair now in his amber eyes.

“Then so be it,” Mikel grunts gathering his powers then laying his hands to the stout round lock.

Shoving all he now possess in the way of magick into the clasp it screams out once, a sound that sends Ephra`s small hands up to cover her ears to block the wail of agony. Then the clasp shatters into powder and is carried off with the sands.

The doors part before them.