The Complete Series, page 116
part #1 of The Hidden Wizard Series
“Dad, you’re still with us.”
“For now. I fear the worst.” Vincent weakly pointed at his leg. Alrion could see a glimpse of his father’s foot, and the skin was pure black.
“You can fight this. We won.” Alrion frantically searched his body for any semblance of power or magic. He found nothing.
“I don’t think we can, not now. But you’re right, we did win. That creature is gone. Look at the wall.” Vincent leaned back and closed his eyes. Alrion looked over at the dark wall of Blight. It seemed almost inert now, it didn’t have the same vitality and motion that it did before. And there certainly wasn’t a figure in black addressing them.
“We did it. I can’t believe it.” But Alrion couldn’t revel in the moment. He could see that his father was dying.
“Alrion, what will be, will be. We must accept our fate.”
“Surely there’s something I can do.”
“Yes, there is.” Vincent paused, a pained look on his face. “Listen closely.” Vincent drew in a few sharp breaths. Alrion held his father’s hand.
“Son, now’s the time to discuss what happens next. My body is failing, I will be gone soon. But not lost. I will live on in you, and your mother. Your memories, and the feat we achieved here today, that will give me eternal life.”
“But you won’t be here.”
“Not in the same way, but just trust me. Also, I need you to promise me something.”
“Yes, what is it?” Alrion leaned in closer.
“Don’t tell anyone about me being a wizard. This is your quest and your achievement.”
“Your story deserves to be told!”
“No, it does not. I can be the supportive blacksmith that followed his son to the end of the world. That’s good enough for me. There’s no need to confuse things now.” Vincent coughed, a ragged sound that pained Alrion just to hear it. After a few moments, he settled down.
“Now, I left your mother with some writing that explains a lot. Some you will already know. But it may help fill in the blanks and understand me better. I’m sorry for hiding so much from you. In that way, I was too much like my father.”
“Dad, it’s alright. I know you were trying to do the best for everyone.” Vincent shook his head.
“No, I was a coward. And angry. And I ran away from my responsibility. And yes, my father was not an easy man to work with, but he was brilliant, and he gave me impeccable training. And I still couldn’t step up. So, I lived a whole new life. I changed my name and pretended my old life didn’t exist. But you can’t just close the door on your past, as we have discovered.” Vincent opened his eyes and stared directly at Alrion.
“But you, my son, you achieved all this with minimal training and minimal information. You used your instincts, you took chances, and you trusted people. You succeeded where I could not. I am so proud of you, and I know your grandfather is as well. You are the true hero, and it was my pleasure to be here to witness you.” Vincent cried, the tear turning black as it ran down his face.
“Dad, I had the best preparation. You taught me everything I needed and gave me the desire to be better. You’re my hero.” Alrion could feel his father’s life slipping away. His pulse was weak and fleeting.
“What do I do now? I need your advice.” Alrion wanted to ask his father so much, but there was no time.
“Alrion, I can’t possibly tell you that. But I can get you started.” Vincent closed his eyes. “Go back to our home and investigate my workshop. I’ve left something there for you. It will show you the way.” Vincent’s face tensed. He gripped Alrion’s hand hard.
“Dad?”
“Goodbye Alrion. Be free and find your own path.” Vincent sighed and relaxed. His body started to disintegrate and turn into a fine black dust which floated away. And within a few mere moments, there was nothing left of him. Alrion couldn’t hold the tears back, and he lost track of time. Until everything became black.
54
Aftermath
Alrion felt an overwhelming warmth. He opened his eyes and saw a figure standing over him.
“Dad, you came back?” As his vision improved, he saw the dark shape next to him was someone else.
“It’s me, Lara. Are you alright?” Lara sounded incredibly worried.
Maybe I’m in worse shape than I realise.
“Mostly. Don’t touch the black stuff.”
“I figured that. Can you stand?” Lara bent down and put her arm around him. With her help, he managed to get himself to a standing position, albeit hunched and leaning on her.
“I lost my dad.” Alrion sobbed into her shoulder. He couldn’t help it, he didn’t even intend to say that.
“I’m sorry, Alrion. Let’s get you out of here, then we can figure this all out.” Together they took a step forward. It wasn’t as hard as Alrion thought it would be. His body felt numb and worn out. But at least it was moving. They struggled wordlessly through the cave, Alrion not knowing what to say, or having the energy to mutter any words. After an age, they came to the strange lake, the one infused with Soul Power.
“Stop.” Alrion eased himself down near the water’s edge. He leaned in and cupped water in his hands, drinking it carefully. The hydration was nice, but the Soul Power burned as it flowed through his body.
“This water has Soul Power in it.”
“I thought there was something odd about it.”
“I’m all burnt out, so let’s try to keep this quick.” Alrion knew he wasn’t fully explaining what had happened, but he couldn’t say any more. He was just too tired. Lara seemed to understand though.
“We’ll be quick through the water, don’t worry.” Lara took the lead, letting Alrion travel in her wake. The lake did seem to have a restorative effect, even though his body couldn’t handle the Soul Power. The burning feeling came and went, and when they emerged at the other end Alrion dropped to the ground and lay on his back.
“I feel like I’ve just run for a week straight.” He tried to slow his breathing, bit by bit. His body was not really paying attention. It was doing whatever it wanted.
“I’m not going to pester you with questions, but… did it work?”
“Yes,” Alrion rasped. Lara nodded and didn’t ask any follow-up questions. Alrion closed his eyes and rested a little. After a few moments Lara woke him, and they were off again.
Once they finally reached the exit, Alrion stumbled. His body wouldn’t go any further.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got a horse.” Lara smiled.
“Have you got rope? I doubt I can hold on.”
“Usually do. We’ll organise something.” Lara busied herself then helped Alrion up into the saddle. He swayed immediately, but she seemed ready for it and, before he knew it, he was tied to something.
“Rest if you can, it’s a bit of a ride.” Lara nudged the horse off and Alrion closed his eyes immediately, losing track of anything else.
Alrion awoke with a start and sat up immediately. He was in a clean bed, in a room he didn’t recognise. Lara looked up sleepily.
“You’re awake!” She smiled and rose from the chair she was slumped in and walked over. She peered into his eyes and examined his face.
“You look better. More alive. How do you feel?”
“Like everything in me has been squeezed out and nothing is left.”
“We’ll have to do something about that.” Lara looked out at the door, deep in thought. She looked back to Alrion. “Can you handle a few guests?”
“Sure.” Alrion wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t say no. He was pretty sure his mum was waiting outside. Lara walked over to the door and opened it, saying something to someone.
True to form, Celes entered the room first. Certan and Alyx were close behind.
“My son, I’m so relieved you’re alright. Celes rushed to his side and almost crushed him in a hug. Her eyes were full of tears.
“I’m sorry but…”
“I know, there’s no need to go into it now.”
“Alright.” Alrion had a panicked thought and looked over at the group. “It worked, didn’t it?” They all nodded. Certan stepped forward.
“It was a sight to see, Alrion. I’m not sure if you caught sight of the Blight army, but it was huge. Despite intense fighting and having some successes, they were still ridiculously strong. I didn’t think we could turn the tide. But when it started happening, wow. It was incredible!”
“What did it look like?”
“It looked like rays of golden light raining from the heavens. One for each creature. They were enveloped in the light and fell to the ground. The darkness was driven from them and dispersed into nothing.” Alyx spoke with such wonder like she still couldn’t believe it.
“It’s true, Alrion. It’s a day that nobody will ever forget.” Celes gave his hand a squeeze and she stepped back to join the others.
“I’m glad. Please, can I have some water? Then I will tell you the tale of what I encountered.” Alrion was eager to tell the tale, and to be free of telling it.
Alrion spoke at length of his experience but took care to leave out any parts that referenced his father. Only at the end did he mention how Vincent had shielded him from the Blight while he completed the spell, and how that had enabled him to be successful. He noticed many sad looks at that part, and he exchanged a knowing glance with his mother.
She will need more details when we can talk privately.
“What of that mysterious wizard? Was he a problem?” Lara said. Alrion sighed. He had forgotten about that thread, especially since both he and his mother knew the truth of that.
“He did make an appearance and was helpful. I can’t say more about it right now.”
“I see. It’s not a problem anymore?”
“No.” Lara looked relieved, and the others seemed content with that. Once Alrion had finished the tale, the rest of the talk came quickly.
“I’m so sorry I left you there. Even though you asked me to. Only when I reached the others did I realise that Darvin had left other horrors for you to encounter. I should have been there.” Lara looked pained. Alrion held his hand out and enclosed hers.
“It was as it should have been. You already helped me immensely with Darvin.”
“He was a tricky one, that’s for sure.”
“I have a question for you all: what became of those who were cured? Are they lost?” Alrion was a little apprehensive at what the answer might be. He knew there was a chance they had all died, and all he had done was reduce their suffering.
“Many seem to have survived. The copied Blight Generals, however, were a different story.” Lara looked to the others. Alrion spotted many awkward expressions.
“I don’t know much about that.”
“I know the most, I questioned the other Rindale,” Celes explained. “He was unable to replicate the Blight transformation in a simple way, so those copies were made using multiple people. I’m afraid they had no chance to return, and there’s also no chance for the original person to return from that creation.”
“I see.” Alrion thought over what his mother had just said. “What you’re saying is that any generals of the Blight that died are gone forever.”
“That’s right. It’s a small price to pay, isn’t it?”
“On the scale of what we did, yes.” Alrion resumed his thinking. He almost forgot they were all there.
“You’re all probably wondering what’s next?” Alrion looked and saw nods from his friends. “I have an idea, I just want to fully form it first. Could you all return tomorrow?”
“That’s fine,” Celes said, speaking for the rest. They took this as a cue to leave, but Alrion held on to Lara.
“Can you stay for a moment?”
“Of course.” She waved to the rest then pulled up a chair next to Alrion.
“What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m going to ask everyone tomorrow, but I need to know now about you. What are you going to do now? You’re home at last.” Alrion watched Lara’s face and saw a pained expression on it.
“My father is going to try to keep me here. Something about lineage.” Lara shook her head.
“Is that what you want?”
“No. You’ve seen what he’s like? They can find someone else. I’m sure there are other members of the royal family that can be substituted.”
“As long as you’re sure. I’d like you to come with me.”
“Where to?” Lara looked extremely curious. He had her full attention.
“I’m not quite sure yet. Wherever the wind blows us?”
“Sounds good to me. I’ve travelled the world by myself, without a purpose. There’s a reason I latched on to you and your quest.” Lara laughed. “But now I’m not sure what to do next. I’d like to find out, with you.” Lara suddenly reached into her pocket and pulled out a soft pouch. “This seems like a good time to return your ring.” She handed it to Alrion. He opened the pouch and took out the ring, examining it. He chuckled to himself.
“My father said this would keep me safe. I know why, now.” Alrion noticed Lara’s face go pale.
“What is it?” he said nervously.
“There’s something I never told you. About that mysterious wizard?”
“I’m listening.”
“He met me several times. In fact, he was the one that suggested that I stick with you, and work with you directly.” Lara looked down. Alrion was shocked. He didn’t expect it. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
“Well, that’s a surprise, but it’s all coming together now. A wizard with the appropriate knowledge can track that ring.” Alrion was amused at Lara’s surprise. “Now I understand why the mysterious wizard was delayed reaching me. He was tracking the ring, and you.”
“Oh, really. Was that a problem?”
“No, not at all.” Alrion handed the ring back. “Will you take the ring? I can promise that it will keep you safe.” He smiled.
“Not that you’ll get a chance to use it, I’m not going to leave your side ever again.” Lara winked at him. Alrion let out a small chuckle.
“And don’t worry about working with that mysterious wizard. There’s something you’ll need to know if we’re going everywhere together.” Alrion leaned in and whispered into Lara’s ear. Her eyes widened, and she gasped.
“No way! I can’t believe it!”
“It’s true. I find it hard to say out loud, but yes it was my father. But he asked for secrecy. That is not the legacy he wishes to leave. Can I trust you on that?”
“Absolutely, I’m a vault. You didn’t even need to ask.”
“I know, I just wanted to be clear, for his sake.” Alrion sank back into the bed.
“I think I’m going to drift off again. Let’s talk a bit later.”
“I look forward to it.” Lara gave him a quick kiss and left the room, closing the door behind her. Alrion drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning his companions were all gathered once more. Alrion was better recovered, fully dressed and sitting on his bed. He awkwardly stood when they were all gathered, to address them properly.
“First, I need to thank you all again. We really did achieve the impossible, and we’ve set the world on the right course.” Alrion smiled and took in all the smiles in the room. “I know you all have plans, I just have one more request for you all.” Alrion paused before continuing. “I want you all to accompany me to the Wizard Academy. There’s a special announcement I’d like you all to be part of.”
“It would be an honour,” Certan said.
“For me as well,” Alyx added.
“I already told you I’m following you to the ends of the world.” Lara winked at him.
“I never saw the place before, I would enjoy the opportunity to come,” Celes said.
“Great, I’m glad that it’s settled. I’ll see if there are any ways to speed up our journey.” Alrion thought about consulting Magnus for more details concerning local Wizard Gates.
This feels right. I’m excited at what might happen next.
55
A New Era
Lara was excited by the Wizard Academy. She had seen it from a distance but hadn’t dared sneak in when she was following Alrion. The main building looked like a miniature castle, with an impressive tower rising behind it. A small welcoming party waited out the front. She recognised Falric. He waved them over.
“Great to see you all. Congratulations.” Falric embraced Alrion and wept tears of joy. Lara couldn’t help smiling.
“I’m just glad we could lure you back here, even if only for a limited time.” Alrion stepped back and gave Falric a broad smile.
“I owe you this much. And I must admit I’m intrigued by what you are planning.”
“You’ll find out the same time as everyone else. I’m assuming since you stepped down, I can do what I want.”
“Well, you are Granthion’s heir, you’ve earned your place. The wizards are all assembled.”
“Let’s not keep them waiting then.” Alrion and Falric took off. Lara sped up to stay close. The trip here had been an interesting one. Fast, yet slow at the same time. Travel between places was very fast, as Alrion extensively used Wizard Gates. Yet he often stopped at odd places and talked to different people. It was all very secretive, he didn’t involve them in any of it. Whenever Lara probed too much, he told her ‘don’t ruin my surprise’. Lara had even compared notes with the others, and nobody had much to add. Not even Celes.
But it was good to be here, and once Lara walked out into the courtyard the sight took her breath away. The outside of the courtyard was lined with wizards in white robes. The tower stood tall behind. Alrion walked out with confidence. Lara slowed and stopped, wondering what her part in all this was. Alrion seemed to notice the slackened pace of his companions, as he stopped and looked back.
