Only an hour had passed since Brunel entered the now invisible castle. Suka seemed unaffected by her kidnapping and was just as determined as the others not to leave without knowing her husband’s fate.  Blake had spent the better part of the hour turning the golden key over and over in his hand wondering what he had meant by a portal.

A loud roar, neither man nor beast, shook the forest about them. The air wavered and moved where the castle once stood. They heard the sorceress scream as a blinding light enveloped the lands about them.  Trees toppled as the earth cracked. Slowly the barrier hiding the castle fell to reveal nothing but a mound of rubble on top the hill. They all stared in disbelief.

Another hour passed as they attempted to gain access to the castle grounds. Much of the building had fallen over the gates and walls creating a ten foot high pile of loose rock that was extremely dangerous to walk on. They worked in silence as they scoured the area for a way in.

It was Suka who saw him first. Screaming with joy she ran to her husband who lifted her into the air with ease. Relief swam over the two of them as the embraced each other, kissing with no mind to those who watched. His clothes were torn and blood soaked, but still he seemed unharmed.

Adris approached them carefully and, when he attempted to question Brunel on the happenings in the castle, received only a rough pat on the head with a genuine smile. The others seemed just as confused, though he made it obvious that the sorceress Umari was dead.

As they left to follow the lovers, hoping to get more information on what occurred in the castle, Blake turned to face what was left of the once greatly feared fortress. In an instant it was gone, taken apart by a single man on a mission to save the one he loved most. The idea played in his mind that love may in fact be more powerful than any magic any sorcerer or mage had ever known. Looking at the golden key again, a deep sinking feeling of dread overcame him. It also occurred to him that there may have been something far worse than the old witch who took his parents inside that castle. 

Turning back to join the group, Blake glanced at Brunel and his heart stopped. Under the tattered old cloak that now hung about his shoulders he saw what appeared to be a pointed black tail. He shook his head, the dread in his chest turning into fear and he saw it was still there. With wide eyes he chanced a glance at Brunel’s face and thought surely he would die then and there.

Eyes silted like a serpents, smile as wide as a cheshire cat’s, Brunel’s face had turned demonic. Blake was rooted to the cold rubble on which he stood, unable to scream, the golden key burning in his hand. He watched in horror as those he had come to know as family walked unknowingly into the dark forest with a man who was anything but human.