The Complete Series, page 108
part #1 of The Hidden Wizard Series
“One more lesson. Are you game?”
“Yes.” Alrion nodded.
“Good. Let’s go at once. Afterwards, I’ll take you to the next gate.” Ashra stood and immediately headed off. They followed him out of the house and back into the desert. Alrion suspected they were heading back to the same place where they had duelled before.
“Before we reach Valrytir, there’s something you should know.” Lara looked quite apprehensive.
“What is it?” Alrion stopped suddenly, looking at her with concern.
What has she been hiding?
“Um…” Lara stumbled over her words, “well, you’re going to need military support. There’s no way you’ll be able to walk up to the source of the Blight without an army behind you.”
“I hadn’t really considered that. Can I count on them?”
“Not for sure. They’re quite adept at fighting the Blight and are geared up and have the numbers to do so. But they’ll be quite reluctant.”
“Hmm, I suppose that’s something I can think about. Do you have any special insights?” Alrion watched Lara’s reaction. She still looked uncomfortable about something. And this revelation about the military didn’t seem quite like it was what she meant to discuss.
“Not really. Not anymore, I’ve been away for a while.”
“Right. Well, do let me know if you remember something.” Alrion noticed Lara’s face relax a bit when the conversation wound down.
I’ll have to ask her about it later when I get an opportunity. Something about Valrytir is troubling her, maybe it’s in her past.
Alrion hurried to catch up to Ashra. Soon enough they emerged into the arena. Despite the shifting sands, Alrion could still tell what he had done here. He felt a shiver go down his spine.
“Lara, please go wait up where you did before. You can observe and report back after the duel.”
“Sure. Good luck.” Lara gave Alrion a quick peck and jogged off to find safety. Alrion watched until he could see her reach the right area. Then he gave his attention back to Ashra.
“What’s this going to involve?” Alrion said.
“Where’s the fun in that? Just know that I’m going to test you. I want to see how far you’ve come.” Ashra looked mischievous. Suddenly, he dropped the expression and became quite focused. Alrion started to notice darkness covering the area.
Another illusion.
Within a minute, the entire area was dark, with minimal light shining through. A swirl of dark sand surrounded Ashra. When the sand subsided, Alrion couldn’t really see anything. But he did notice movement. He activated his enhanced vision, and then he could see.
Ashra wasn’t there anymore. Instead, it was a dark humanoid shape. Alrion expected to see the tell-tale signs of Ashra’s Spark, but it was hidden or invisible. The shape didn’t look or move like a Shade, it felt like something else. Alrion prepared a fireball and shot it over. Black tendrils shot out from the shape and grabbed the fireball, squeezing it into nothing.
Now that’s strange. What is he playing at?
Alrion decided to up the ante. He built up his Spark then unleashed waves of fire, followed by a seismic fissure, splitting the earth on a path to intercept. The black figure spawned more and more black tendrils. Simultaneously they swept away the fire and stopped the earth spell. Before Alrion could start another, the black shape suddenly multiplied. There were now four of them, and they all started to advance on Alrion.
He spun quickly, throwing waves of force at each one. Bit by bit he increased the Spark imbued into each one. But even these new figures had the same ability to knock away Alrion’s spells. He reached for his sword and remembered he didn’t have it. He had loaned it to Alyx.
I can’t underestimate these.
But he already had. Something grabbed him from behind. Alrion turned his head to look back and saw one of the shapes behind him. It had grabbed him and was now spawning more tendrils to wrap around him.
There were five. How did I get cornered so easily?
Alrion struggled and struggled. But the hold on him became tighter and tighter. He noticed the other shapes advancing. They would be on him soon. He lashed out with waves of force, but they just cancelled out when they reached the black shapes. He forced fire into his arms, hoping to shake the figure off him. But the fire just dissipated as soon as it touched a black tendril.
Alrion started to panic. He was being smothered, and soon he would be completely enveloped. He thought about using the light bomb again but remembered how poorly he had done before, employing it in desperation. Images of Branthor using it flashed through his mind, but he didn’t have the patience and presence to carefully control it, and his arms were not free to try to target it precisely.
What do I do? I can’t be helpless.
The shapes were almost on him now. He saw one of them oozing a black substance.
Not again. Never again!
Alrion felt the Spark swelling in him. He was panicking. He felt the composition of the spell. It was a light bomb. He felt powerless to stop it. But he needed to. He needed to soften it somehow, to hold it in.
And then he felt his Soul Power. He knew that could help. Purely by instinct, he started to let it out, he let it infuse and mix with the Spark that was becoming a light bomb. He imagined a sphere surrounding him. It would suck all the dark shapes in like a magnet, and it would also contain the light bomb. His Soul would act as a container, keeping the force within a tight radius. He completed the visualisation and had a microsecond of peace and calm before he let it loose.
As he planned, the black shapes were drawn closer in. He was smothered completely. But it was by his choice. They were prevented from moving, and the altered light bomb exploded. Its effects were restricted to that small sphere he had set out, so the excess power and light shot up straight into the air like a beacon.
The darkness was dispelled instantly in a flash of white. Alrion looked around. The ground was cleared near him, but the rest of the arena was untouched. He saw Ashra standing off in the distance. He started approaching immediately.
“How did you find that?” Ashra said.
“Intense. How did you do that?”
“Trade secret, sorry.” Ashra chuckled softly. “You really surprised me there. What’s with you and light bombs?”
“I don’t know. I guess deep down I know that they can wipe anything away.”
“That they can.” Ashra stopped in front of Alrion and put his hands on the young wizard’s shoulders. He stared into Alrion’s eyes. “Well now, do you feel any different?”
“Yes.” Alrion searched his feelings. “I feel less burdened, a little more resilient.”
“Good. You have the right instincts, but you need to be more aware, and more in control. Do you agree?”
“Yes, I know. I felt the panic there. But it was good to find a way out. That was horrible, by the way. Where did you come up with that?”
“I’ve listened to a few good stories in my day, thought you might appreciate it.” Ashra grinned.
“You could say that.” Alrion turned when he heard footsteps. It was Lara.
“I couldn’t really see much, until that burst of light. Was that you, Alrion?”
“Yes. I think I passed?” He looked at Ashra. The wizard nodded.
“Good. Did it help?”
“Yes, it did. I must admit though, I didn’t expect that.”
“What did he do this time? Another illusion?”
“He outdid himself. Black figures with long dark tendrils advancing on me and smothering me.” Alrion saw Lara recoil. “My reaction exactly.”
“Ashra, you have a wicked imagination.”
“Thank you for the compliment.” Ashra bowed then walked past them. “We better get moving, you don’t want to get stuck out here.”
“Agreed.” Alrion started walking, Lara by his side. Images from the recent confrontation kept bubbling up but he pushed them away. There was something terrifying about it that he didn’t understand. For another time.
They found their way back onto another trail. It was slow going along the path, up and down dunes. Suddenly Ashra stopped and waited for them to catch up. Once they had, he reached down and pulled up a trapdoor.
“Wow, that’s sneaky,” Lara said.
“One day I’ll forget how to get back here,” Ashra said. He gestured at the ladder down. “After you.”
Alrion climbed first, creating some orbs of light to dispel the complete darkness. They were in some sort of stone underground structure. Ashra closed the hatch and climbed down, before leading the way. They passed through nondescript passages until Ashra slowed, inspecting a wall.
“This way.” He led them around a corner and there stood a Wizard Gate, glowing and at the ready.
“This is where we part ways. This gate only goes to one location. It’s a small town that will get you close to Valrytir.”
“Thank you.” Alrion held out his hand and shook Ashra’s.
“It was a pleasure. I look forward to your success.”
“Thanks again,” Lara said. Alrion reached out and activated the gate. It flashed and shimmered into existence, showing a dark scene beyond.
“Any last words of advice?” Alrion said.
“Say hello to your mother when you find her. Also, be careful. I suspect you’ll meet that mysterious wizard that’s been following you around once your quest is done.” Ashra wasn’t giving anything away with his expression. Before Alrion could ask a follow-up question he found himself tumbling into the gate.
Alrion found himself in darkness. Only the light of the gate was illuminating the area. Luckily, Lara was with him.
“That Ashra, can’t help himself,” Alrion said.
“He’s just trying to help you. And look, we definitely made it here. Wherever here is.” Lara started to explore, so Alrion created more orbs of light and attached them to the walls. He noticed stairs leading up to somewhere else, somewhere where there was light. As he approached the stairs, he noticed two shapes waiting up the top. They started to descend, one of them was carrying a torch.
Lara gasped before Alrion could see them. But he soon saw why. The one carrying the torch looked like an old farmer, the other was clearly a Shade. They seemed to be working together.
“Well, well, well. More through the gate,” the farmer said. He licked his lips and looked nervously over at the Shade. The creature didn’t notice, it was fixated on Alrion.
“I think we can work with this,” Alrion said to Lara. He then turned his attention back to the farmer. “Before we start, I’d like to hear about a woman who passed through here recently.” Alrion noticed the farmer’s eyes widen.
Time to get to the bottom of this.
42
The Prodigal Daughter
Alrion emerged into the room, full of curiosity. It looked oddly familiar, the stacks of books and the small selection of equipment in the corner. Once he spotted a wizard, he knew where he was.
“This is a Wizard Store,” Alrion announced. The wizard flinched, a look of annoyance passing over his features.
“Another one? Is that becoming a thoroughfare now?” the wizard grumbled.
“A woman passed through here recently?”
“Yes, are you related to her?” The wizard looked suspicious.
“It’s his mother,” Lara said. The wizard looked like he remembered something.
“Oh yes, she was on the trail of another wizard. She found a lead for a local inn, and I haven’t seen her back.”
“Glad to hear she passed through here. My name is Alrion, and you are?”
“Magnus. I’m the caretaker here and representative for Valrytir.”
“Great to meet you. I may need to call on your help.” Alrion gave him a small bow.
“Of course, anything for a fellow wizard.” Magnus inclined his head slightly to acknowledge Alrion and went about his business.
“Let’s go find this general that needs convincing.” Alrion noticed Lara’s features pale a little. Even though she seemed onboard with his plan, she seemed quite nervous about the whole thing. He started off towards the door, just as he was about to open it, he heard Magnus again.
“Sorry to be a bother, but what is that?” Magnus pointed to the large wooden box floating behind Alrion.
“Oh, it’s just a magic trick for the general.”
“High General Wynston? Commander of all the forces of Valrytir?”
“I believe that’s the one.” Alrion grinned.
“He’s not one for magic, son. Or tricks. Or anything not rooted in reality. I don’t know where you got your information.” Magnus sighed.
“Don’t worry, he’ll love this one.” Alrion smiled and opened the door. Lara left soon after, and the box floated out after them.
Alrion took a moment to revel in the scene. Valrytir was a huge city. There were clearly different districts and styles of buildings. But everywhere was busy. What drew his attention most was the large keep at the rear of the city. It gleamed white and sandy, the two types of stone used in its construction.
“I take it we head into the keep?”
“We should, but perhaps it would be wise to make one stop beforehand.”
“Such as?”
“There’s an elite unit of special troops in their own base within the city. Winning over their commander would help your cause.”
“If you think it’s worth the stop, I’ll do it. But he or she would need to come along with us, I’m not wasting this on anyone less than the general.”
“Fine, hopefully, we can convince him.”
“Lead the way.” Alrion waited for Lara to head off. He kept close but continued to marvel at the sights and keep tabs on his box. He was getting some attention for it, but clearly, the population weren’t that surprised by wizards and they went back to their business.
After a brisk walk, they were in another district. It seemed more sedate and reserved than the one they had been in. A bit more polished as well. Lara confidently led him through the streets until they reached a large building. It looked almost like a school. He saw a lot of people his age going in and out in special uniforms. It reminded him of the academy.
That was a lifetime ago, and such a brief stay. Could I go back there?
Alrion’s train of thought was interrupted.
“Alrion!” a voice shouted. He looked over and saw Alyx waving and running over.
“Alyx! You made it!” He couldn’t believe it. Alyx was already here! And she was wearing the same uniform as those training.
“Lara, good to see you too,” Alyx said.
“I see you signed up.” Lara was sizing up Alyx’s outfit.
“I used to be a member, it made sense given that we need their help.”
“How’d you get here?” Alrion said.
“That gate went straight here. I’ve been trying to prepare things as well as I could.” Alyx paused and lowered her voice. “Did you get what you needed?”
“Yes, I did.” Alrion didn’t add any extra detail and he maintained a straight face. He could see Lara giving him an odd look but ignored it.
“Has Lara filled you in on Valrytir?” Alyx said.
“Barely. But she did suggest quite rightly that we would need military assistance to approach the source of the Blight, and that the general would need some pretty strong evidence of our mission.” Alrion noticed Alyx give Lara a questioning look, but it passed quickly. Alyx went on.
“As it so happens, I’ve started the campaign for you. Brady, the commander of the special unit, has agreed to voice his support, as long as you can demonstrate evidence of your need.”
“That’s amazing!” Lara said, genuine surprise on her face.
“We had a stroke of luck. Vincent and Brady know each other from a long time ago, that tipped the scales in our favour.”
“My father is here? Already?”
“Yes. He’s working on a special project. And Certan is here too?”
“What?” Alrion couldn’t believe it. What were the odds of everyone being here?
“Your team is coming together when you need us the most. It’s how it should be.”
“Have you seen my mother?”
“No, can’t say I have. Vincent didn’t mention anything either. Is she here?”
“Yes, but maybe she hasn’t been lucky enough to run into you all yet.” Alrion took a deep breath. “Alright, well we can’t just stand around in the street. I need to go see the general. Do you think you can get your commander to come along?”
“Absolutely, just let me get him. And I’ll send a runner for Vincent as well.” Alyx jogged back over to the large building.
“It’s really happening.” Alrion sighed. He was so relieved that his friends were there to support him. But part of him had hoped he would have more time to get things ready before he moved ahead. It looked like he wouldn’t have much time at all.
The more time you wait, the more the enemy can prepare as well. Maybe this is for the best.
“Are you sure you want to do this now?” Lara said. She looked anxious again.
“I don’t really see another option. How long are we going to lug this box around?” he said.
“I suppose you’re right.” A look of resignation passed over her face. Alyx didn’t take long to return. She had Certan with her, and a man with grey hair and a moustache. Clearly the commander.
“So, you’re the wizard I keep hearing about?” the commander said. He held out his hand and Alrion shook it.
“That’s me. Alrion, nice to meet you.”
“Brady. And likewise. I’m very curious about what you can do.”
“All in good time. Let’s go see the general.”
“I’m sure he’s keen to see what you can do as well.” Brady chuckled. “I’ll follow your lead,” he said to Alyx. She nodded and took two steps away, before stopping and returning.
“It’s time you had this back.” Alyx unbuckled the Runesteel sword and handed it back to Alrion. He hesitated before accepting.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, it has served me well, but now you need it back. Don’t worry, I have other options.”
