The Complete Series, page 2
part #1 of The Hidden Wizard Series
With the spell in full effect and the taint of a nation within him, he did the only thing left to do. He used the small amount of his Spark left within to call down one more ray of light from the sky. But this one was not to heal, it was to destroy.
He felt the white-hot heat searing him, and with it peace. As he was burned away, so was the sludgy taint from his soul. His final gift was to himself, a fitting end to an incredible life.
1
A Wizard Arrives
Vincent unlocked the workshop and ushered his son inside. The lanky young man hurried in, used to the routine. Vincent opened the doors all the way and let the light flood in.
He looked around, making sure everything was as it should be. The workbenches were clear, the anvil was clear, and the forge was ready. There was a clean version of the workshop smell filling his lungs.
Good, Vincent thought.
“Alrion, how does the workshop look?”
“Everything is fine. What did you expect?” Alrion didn’t hide the annoyance creeping into his voice.
“It's a good habit to always assess the situation. Otherwise, you can get yourself into trouble.” Vincent walked around the room, passing his eyes and hands over each of the workbenches.
“Well, a locked building is usually a safe bet.” Alrion stood rooted to the spot, watching his father's routine.
“You can't always be so sure,” Vincent said, with a chuckle. He had seen many strange occurrences over the years, some random accidents, some not so random. He finished his inspection after giving everything a proper look over. He was not usually so careful, but he had a strange feeling.
“It's going to be an interesting day,” Vincent said.
“If you say so.” Alrion looked bored already. That wasn't a good sign for the beginning of the day. Vincent decided to spice things up a little.
“Let's try and finish all the outstanding orders.” Vincent watched his son's reaction closely.
“I don't think we can.” Alrion looked unsure of his answer, however.
“Well, let's try.” Vincent walked over to the wall and grabbed some charcoal. He wrote up all the orders for the day. There were simple knives, tools, horseshoes, and other assorted implements to be done.
“Looks doable,” Vincent said, stepping back. Alrion didn't comment.
“So, do you think you can go buy me the required materials to knock these off?” Vincent watched his apprentice with interest. Alrion looked up at the board and ran his hands through his dark hair.
“Not sure.”
“C'mon son, you've done this a while. Just think carefully and break it down.” Vincent wanted to break through, he knew Alrion was capable. The lad just needed the right push.
“No, you've done this for a while. I just help out. You never actually let me do the work. I'm a grown man now, you know. Everyone else in the village is actually doing something with their life, not just acting as a hands-off apprentice.” Alrion paused, looking a little surprised himself at the outburst. Vincent shook his head slowly.
“Well, I do admit I've been a little strict in my teaching. But there's a good reason why you haven't been doing the bulk of the work. You're just not interested in being a blacksmith. You've no focus and no desire.”
“Then why keep me here? Why keep going through the motions?” Alrion looked ready to just walk out. His eyes were daring Vincent to give him a reason. But Vincent wasn't going to let his son off the hook that easily.
“I don't know exactly what the world has in store for you. I had hoped that you would follow in my footsteps. But I do know that I can teach you all you need to know through blacksmithing. It was my lifeline when I was drifting around, looking for a purpose. And also, how I met your mother.” Vincent walked over to Alrion and had to crane his neck a little. He still found it difficult looking up at his taller son.
Why are kids always bigger than you?
“Seriously? I can learn all I need to know in the world from blacksmithing?” Alrion said. Vincent smiled. He had his son's curiosity aroused now.
“Sure you can. To be a successful blacksmith you need three things: the knowledge of how to work the metal, an iron will to bend it to your purpose, and a passionate heart to bring out the best in it. Those three things are the building blocks for success in any field.”
“Sure, maybe.” Alrion turned back to look at the list of jobs. Vincent watched carefully, curious to see how his son responded.
“Sorry, I don't know what you need,” Alrion finally said. Vincent's hopes sank. Something was still missing, he hadn't quite gotten through to Alrion.
“You do, but you don't trust yourself. Fair enough, it's probably my fault. It's often easier to learn through doing. I'll write you up a list,” Vincent said. He scribbled the list on a piece of leather and handed it to Alrion. He delighted in watching his son's face as he read through, the realisation coming together that whatever he had been thinking was not far off what Vincent had written down.
“Show off,” Alrion muttered, then left the room. Vincent smiled as he watched his son leave.
Some things get through, as much as he doesn't like to admit it, Vincent thought.
Alrion walked quickly through the town. He was annoyed by the way his father handled things, especially when his father was right. He couldn't fault the man's approach too, which made it all the more irritating. But it still didn't help his frustration at being stuck in the same loop. He needed to move on to something else. But for now, he would complete his errands.
The first stop was the tanner. He knew intimately where the shop was, but his nose could have guided him blindfolded. The smell was strong, even from this distance. He expected to see Bruce, the tanner when he arrived. But instead, he saw Gavin. The blonde-haired apprentice was lounging around.
“Hey, Gavin,” Alrion said. Gavin looked up and smiled.
“Hey, Alrion, you running errands?”
“Yes, we're doing a big push today. Are you minding the shop?” Alrion kept looking around, but saw no sign of Bruce.
“Actually, my old man is out today so I'm running the show.”
“That's great.” Alrion tried to hide his annoyance. Either he did a good job at masking it or his friend didn't notice.
“What do you need?”
“Just these,” Alrion said, handing the list to Gavin. The young tanner glanced over the list.
“Yeah, that's no problem, I have everything here. Although you just made more work for me. If I fulfil this whole order, I'll have to push hard to finish it.” Gavin was frowning.
“Oh well,” Alrion said, not worried about Gavin having to do actual work. At least it seemed like meaningful work, rather than buying materials. He watched Gavin go and collect and trim all the hides he needed and let his eyes wander over the rest of the town. It seemed so slow and sleepy, that he couldn't imagine what would keep him here.
“Hey, are you coming out stargazing tonight?” Gavin called out as he worked.
“Maybe. What's the plan?” Alrion had forgotten all about it. Suddenly his day didn't seem so bad after all. There was nothing more freeing than seeing the clear night sky full of stars. They offered more than Hamley ever would to Alrion.
“We're going to Pyrin's Peak and we have a good group going. Looks to be pretty clear, no clouds at all.”
“Sure, why not?”
“Great. Meet us at the town gates after dinner and we'll hike over.”
Soon Gavin returned with a pile of hides, all perfectly cured and ready for use. He dumped the pile in Alrion's arms.
“This should do it,” Gavin said, taking enjoyment in Alrion's awkward handling of the hides. He was trying to carry them all without dropping them.
“Thanks. My father will come around later and pay.”
“No problem, we know where you live,” Gavin said with a laugh and Alrion quickly joined him. He left a bit happier than he had arrived and rushed back to the workshop, so he could drop off the hides. Alrion peeked inside and saw his father staring into space.
There he is, off in his own world again, he thought. But he didn't disturb his father and went off to find the carpenter.
Allan the carpenter was inside his own workshop. Alrion could tell that from the consistent sawing noises he heard as he approached. He walked in and watched Allan work, knowing that he wouldn't be heard until there was a natural break. Allan had several large logs lined up on his workbench, and he was methodically cutting them down into more standard sizes that he could use.
“Hi,” Alrion said when Allan had finished sawing one of the logs. The older man turned to see who had addressed him.
“Oh, Alrion, how are you doing?” Allan beamed a full smile as he always did.
“I'm fine.”
“Good to hear. Say, I still need an apprentice. I know you've been helping your dad, but would you be interested in trying your hand here?” It wasn't the first time Allan had asked, but there was a real earnestness to the man that made Alrion almost consider it.
“Sorry, it's not for me.”
“No problem. You know me, I have to ask. Would you believe I had to ask my wife out eight times before she said yes?”
“Yes, actually I would.” He really could picture Allan going back again and again with that enormous smile until she finally relented.
“Ha-ha yes she's a tough customer. But it was well worth the effort. So, what brings you in today?”
“I need a few materials, so we can complete our current orders.” Alrion showed Allan the list. The carpenter nodded his head slightly as he read each item.
“Hmm, that's fairly easy. Most of it I can give you straight away. I'll need to make a few cuts first.” Allan moved with purpose through the workshop, picking up planks that seemed to be placed at random. After he had a small pile assembled on one of the workbenches he set about cutting some logs to fulfil some of the other sizes that Alrion had requested.
As Allan was working, Alrion could see what his dad meant about passion. There couldn't be anything less exciting than cutting logs to a specific size. Yet Allan was some forty years into it, and cutting away with the enthusiasm of an apprentice. Alrion hoped that one day he would find himself a similar role, something to hold his passion and excitement the same way.
“There we go, all done. You need a hand hauling this back?” Allan said. He looked eager to help.
“No, it's not far I'll be fine. Thanks again.” Alrion didn't want to take advantage of the man's good nature.
“No problem, I'll sort the details out with your father. Don't forget my offer.”
“I won't,” Alrion said, meaning that he wouldn't forget but also wouldn't take the man up on it. He struggled with all the planks, but didn't want to go back and ask for help after he had already refused it. He kept going despite almost losing his grip multiple times, dropping them in a loud heap at the entrance of his father's workshop. Vincent ran out immediately.
“What's all this? Is there a battle out here?” he said before looking over the pile of lumber and hides.
“Job's done.” Alrion gestured at the rather messy piles.
“I can see that, maybe a little more care next time. Help me bring them in, and try not to drop anything.” Vincent sighed and started collecting materials. They carefully brought everything inside and stacked them up according to Vincent's instructions. Alrion let out a sigh of frustration.
“There's a method to this. I've set up a workflow to quickly churn through all the jobs to be done. You'll be impressed,” Vincent said. Alrion looked over the stacked benches and just felt tired.
“I'll be the judge of that,” he said.
“And now we start,” Vincent said with a big smile. Alrion just looked at him.
“You having fun yet?” Vincent asked, reaching for the first piece of iron.
Falric pulled his brown cloak tighter around him as he approached the outskirts of the town. It was a very small town, more like a village.
This has to be it, he thought, although it did seem odd. He hadn't expected to arrive at such a place. But he had done several magical pulses and the location had been confirmed every time without fail.
His cloak was too warm for the conditions, but it was more to avoid any unwanted attention. Now he just looked like a normal traveller. It was very important that he pass through the town unnoticed until he had completed his task. A small sign on the side of the path announced the town of Hamley.
I'm about to put Hamley on the map, Falric thought with a chuckle. Well, his actions here would do so, but it would take a while for the world to take notice. Such was the fate of wizards.
The town looked to be well-maintained and bustling, although from the clothing of those he saw that they were not rich. The houses had well-thatched roofs that showed signs of proper care. The people he saw looked happy and content, but busy.
A nice place to grow up I think.
Perhaps the perfect environment. There weren't many places like this left in the world. He let his horse determine the pace, only gently guiding him in the right direction. He received a few looks, but nobody paid him much attention. An old man in a dusty cloak riding a horse didn't look that out of place after all.
He passed several workshops, men and women alike working hard. There was a tanner, a blacksmith, and a carpenter servicing the town. Probably more trades as well, but those were the most obvious. He thought back to his task, a strange one. He had enjoyed the trip over, a good distraction from his otherwise administrative duties. Heading up the Wizard Academy was a busy job, and not as exciting as many would think. He enjoyed it but longed for trips such as this. Precious opportunities to explore the world.
He gently pulled on the reins, bringing his horse to a stop. It was a normal looking house, white with a red door. He dismounted and hitched his horse to a wooden post out the front. He stepped up to the front door and knocked soundly twice. At first, nothing happened. He focused more and could hear movement and footsteps within the house. Finally, the door opened, and a young woman with bronze skin and long bright blonde hair opened the door.
“Hello. Can I help you?” the woman said. She was dressed as the other villagers, in simple clothes, but Falric noticed something else about her. She seemed much more refined and was looking at him critically, trying to size him up.
“I very much hope so. My name is Falric, may I come inside?”
“You're not from around here. Care to explain why you are here?” The woman was polite but firm.
“Well, I had hoped to broach the topic inside, but why not. I am the head of the Wizard Academy, and I am here to locate the grandson of the great wizard Granthion. I know that he lives here,” Falric said. He took amusement from the stunned look on the woman's face and hoped that she wouldn't leave him outside.
2
Family History
Alrion moved the last knife into its proper place on the workbench and took a step back. They had completed all the work and placed each of the items together with the name of the requester.
“This was a good day's work. I think we're ahead,” Vincent said.
“Yes, you did well.”
“We did well. You played your part, son.” Vincent clapped Alrion on the back.
“Thanks.” Alrion had to admit that it was satisfying seeing all the raw materials converted into useful items for their customers. From experience in his home, he knew that the items lasted well. His father built things properly and they could be used for years with only minimal maintenance. While he didn't make particularly exciting things, they were definitely built to last.
“Well, let's head home then. I've worked up a fair appetite, how about you?” Vincent said.
“I'm starving.” Alrion thought that perhaps his stomach was trying to gnaw its way out and find someone else to properly feed it.
“That's the reward for a good day's work. And your mother's cooking is also its own reward. Step outside and I'll lock up the shop,” Vincent said. Alrion left and turned back to watch his father. Vincent was initially just staring at Alrion, and then nodded to himself and resumed closing the workshop.
I wonder what he's thinking.
The two of them set off to walk home. The town wasn't particularly large, so after a few minutes they had already arrived. No conversation was required. After a long day working together they usually had nothing else to say. Vincent stopped suddenly and pointed to the horse tied up outside the house.
“You expecting visitors?” he said to Alrion.
“No.” Alrion was surprised. Their friends and neighbours all lived close and didn't need to ride over.
“Maybe your mother is,” Vincent said. But his tone of voice suggested he wasn't confident. The two of them walked up to the door, Vincent entering first and Alrion rushed in just behind him.
Alrion saw his mother sitting in the lounge, an old man in robes sitting across from her. On the wooden table between them was a pot of tea and two cups.
“Welcome home, dear,” Celes said to Vincent. Her voice sounded strange. Alrion darted his eyes between his two parents, trying to figure out what was going on.
Something is wrong, I've never heard her call my father dear.
“Thank you, my dear wife. Who may I ask is our guest today?”
“I thought you might be able to answer that,” Celes said. The old man rose quickly and approached them.
“Hello, sorry to impose. My name is Falric,” he said looking at Vincent and Alrion. A look of recognition passed over his face.
“Ah, now the mystery is solved. Good to see you again, Andar,” Falric said. Alrion was shocked and could see the surprise in his mother's face as well.
“I'm afraid you are mistaken. The name is Vincent.”
