The Complete Series, page 4
part #1 of The Hidden Wizard Series
Vincent disappeared to help Celes in the kitchen with the final preparations for their meal. Alrion began to realise that it would be his last meal at home for a long time.
Saul drank deeply, like he was dying of thirst. He didn't even taste the ale. He slammed the tankard down, drops of ale flying out and spilling onto the tiny, grimy table.
Never again! he thought. Images of the hideous creatures came unbidden to his mind, their screams and ferocity. He needed to distract himself. Thrusting his trembling hand into his satchel, he found and removed the sack of coins. He only dared peek inside. The glint of gold was enough of a reminder, and he hastily stashed the sack. The inn wasn't particularly safe, and even worse if you invited trouble.
Dingiest place in Altarbright, just how I like it. But he pushed the thought away. It was time to start a new chapter. He had enough gold now to start afresh. Live out his life somewhere else in peace. No more smuggling. And as far away from the Blight as possible. The memories started flooding back again.
I never should have taken that job, he thought. But maybe the gold was enough. He heard footsteps and looked up. A hooded man sat down gracefully, occupying the chair opposite. He rested his arms on the table, like he had been invited.
“Saul, I knew I could find you here. How are you?” the man said. Saul didn't recognise the voice. In the low light he couldn't see the man's face under the hood.
“I don't think we've met. Who are you?” Saul tried to hide his fear, but his voice was thin and weedy. He gulped down more ale.
“You can call me Dale. I was your most recent employer.” Dale pointed to the satchel, and Saul reflexively covered it with his hand.
“I see. What can I do for you, Dale?”
“I'm in need of your services again.”
“Why?” Saul swallowed hard, his throat sticking.
“The last job was just a test. I needed to make sure that everything went according to plan. This time, it will be a lot bigger. It's the real deal.”
“I'm not sure,” Saul stammered.
Why is this man so intimidating? Just stand up to him. The job was done, now you are done.
“I'm done with that. Sorry.” Saul managed to sound more confident. Dale shook his head.
“Saul, Saul. Why would you say that?”
“I never signed up for that.” Saul forced the images away.
“Oh, but I took care of everything. Everyone played their part, correct? Nobody challenged you on the way through?” Dale had a dangerous tinge to his voice. Saul swigged more ale.
“No, of course not. But, those creatures …”
“You mean the Blighters?” Dale said. Saul shrunk away, and looked around.
“Don't worry, nobody will overhear us. You had a problem with the Blighters?” Dale talked even louder.
“Sshh. Yes, alright the Blighters. Horrible creatures. And I saw what they did to a man. I want no part of it.” Saul looked around, nobody seemed to have noticed their conversation.
“I thought you were the best.” Dale sounded disappointed.
“I am. Or I was. That wasn't part of the deal.”
“We were upfront about the cargo. You saw it yourself before you left.”
“Well it was too late then, wasn't it? Look, I won't say nothing. I'm done. Find someone else.” Saul tried to lift his satchel, but Dale's hand came down quickly and held his arm.
“I'm afraid that's the wrong answer. Such a pity, you would have been more useful had you the stomach for it.” Dale reached out with his other hand. As it passed through the light Saul saw a long black nail, dripping with a thick black substance.
“Welcome to the fold,” Dale said and jabbed Saul's chest.
4
Final Preparations
“How far will we be travelling?” Alrion said to Falric.
“Not too far, only a couple of days' ride. The majority of it is on established roads, so it's fairly quick with horses and quite safe. Have you travelled much?”
“Not really, no.” Alrion couldn't believe how little he had travelled now that he thought about it. Life had so easily revolved around their little town.
“Well, I think you'll enjoy the trip. Being a wizard will eventually require a lot of travel, once you have trained. Wizards are an important part of society.”
“I didn't even know about them!”
“No offence intended, but a small place like this has little use for a wizard. We are generally more involved in cities and countries. There is a lot we can do, and a lot that people require us to do.”
“I suppose I'll understand that later.”
“Of course, don't worry. You will learn these things gradually. There are many mysteries to being a wizard, but I'll try and keep your training as straightforward as possible. There are enough things we don't understand without adding to that list.” Falric started to speak again but suddenly stopped.
“Now, what do we have here?” he said, eyeing the food that Vincent was carrying.
“This is lemon potatoes with assorted vegetables. My wife is about to bring in her famous roast chicken,” Vincent said with pride while laying down some dishes.
“We don't get that at the Wizard Academy. Looks great,” Falric said.
“It's not that famous,” Alrion said.
“Trust me, lad, you'll be missing this.” Falric looked to be mentally devouring the food. Alrion couldn't understand the extreme reaction. Celes walked in with the roast chicken platter, placing it at the centre of the table. She put generous servings on everyone's plate.
“I feel like I should say a few words,” Vincent said. He paused before continuing.
“It's been a pleasure bringing you up, Alrion, and now you are about to take your first big steps into the world beyond. There are many things that you have not learned by being here, in this village with us. However, I think that what you have learned, are the tools to becoming a great man. The path of a wizard will be a challenging one, but know that we will always support you. Always remember that you have a home here.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Alrion said. He had never heard his father talk like that before. He had always been kind and supportive, but this seemed different.
“He spoke for both of us, but let me add one thing. You be careful out there, Alrion. Not just of the dangers of the world but watch out for women. They'll see how good you are and will be on the attack. Remember that if you get serious with a woman you need to bring her back here to meet us,” Celes said. She had a serious look on her face.
“Mum, that's just embarrassing.” Alrion turned away.
“It had to be said,” Celes said with a devious smile.
“Let's dig in.” Vincent started to eat, and everyone else joined in.
After they ate, they returned to the living room and the couches there. Alrion continued through the room, leaving the house. Vincent followed him out. He found his son staring off towards the town gates.
“Is something up? Do you have somewhere to be?” Vincent said. Alrion was lost in thought. He wondered where his friends were right now.
“No, it's nothing. Let's go back inside,” Alrion said. Vincent nodded and gave Alrion an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder. They headed back in together.
“Amazing meal Celes, I'll be dreaming about those potatoes,” Falric said.
“Thanks, you are too kind.” Celes beamed with the praise.
“I need to come up with a spell for that.”
“I don't think there's enough magic in the world to recreate that,” Vincent said.
“Do you want to stay here tonight?” Celes said to Falric.
“No, I'll go sleep in the workshop actually, if you don't mind. I have a few preparations to make myself.”
“Are you sure? It'll probably be uncomfortable and cold,” Celes said.
“Cold? Did you forget who you were talking to?” Falric said.
“Just don't burn the place down,” Vincent said.
“I'll do my best. Would you mind accompanying me, Vincent?” Falric said, rising from his chair.
“Sure, let's go,” Vincent said, and the two left the house together.
* * *
“What kind of preparations are we talking here?” Vincent asked once they were alone.
“Nothing too special, just a few things I need to go over myself. I want to see if the road ahead is clear and try to communicate with the Wizard Academy. They need to know we are on our way,” Falric said.
“Sure.”
“You do remember me, don't you?” Falric looked at Vincent.
“Yes, you were my father's star pupil. You've aged somewhat, though.”
“Good. At least you've kept some of your faculties, if not your name.”
“It was important to get a new start. You can't imagine how hard things were after that happened.”
“You should have come to us. We could have helped you.”
“No, you couldn't have. Here we are,” Vincent said, unlocking the workshop once more.
“Thank you. I will come around in the morning, then we can set off.”
“Good night. See you tomorrow,” Vincent said, leaving Falric to enter the workshop.
* * *
The next morning Alrion woke up early. He hadn't slept well, his mind churning about becoming a wizard. He had so many questions, but he couldn't even articulate half of them. There were just too many unknowns. Nevertheless, he was excited to be leaving the village. It was like a huge weight had fallen from his shoulders, and the possibilities seemed endless.
He felt a little bad for how ungrateful he had seemed for his upbringing and his dad's insistence on being a blacksmith apprentice. But now he was truly discovering what he should be doing.
Alrion packed some clothes, then went to check on his father. Vincent was sipping coffee in the living room, a bulging pack sitting next to his chair. Propped up next to the pack was a sword with an ornate scabbard.
“I see you've packed already. What's that sword?” Alrion said.
“It's a relic from another life,” Vincent said.
“Do you even know how to use it? I know you refuse to make weapons, so it's strange to see you with one.” Alrion couldn't reconcile his father with having a sword. It seemed so foreign.
“I have made swords before, a long time ago. I may be a bit rusty using one again, but I can certainly handle myself. It's just a simple precaution. Are you packed?”
“Almost. I just need to check a few things.”
“Don't worry; you won't even know half of what you really need until you need it. Just make sure you have clothes.” Vincent grinned at Alrion.
“I don't remember the last time I saw you this excited,” Alrion said.
“It's an adventure, even if it's a small one. We should celebrate things like this. It's a break from routine, and we're going out into the unknown.”
“Well, when you put it like that, it's pretty exciting even for you.”
“It's not every day you accompany your son to begin his wizard training.”
“True. It's not every day you set out to train as a wizard either.”
“See, something to be celebrated,” Vincent said.
“How long will you be away?” Celes said as she entered the room.
“Probably a week,” Vincent said.
“That doesn't sound too bad. How long until Alrion comes back?”
“No idea, that's one for Falric.” Vincent shrugged his shoulders.
“I heard my name,” Falric said from the front door.
“Come in!” Vincent called out. Falric opened the door and walked in. He was dressed the same as the night before.
“Celes was just asking how long Alrion will be at the academy before he can come home.”
“To visit? Or for good?” Falric said.
“Both,” Celes said.
“He really shouldn't visit for at least six months. That gives us time to get some traction and build in some good safeguards once he starts learning more.”
“And then?” Celes said.
“Well, truthfully if his training goes well he should never return here to live. Once he becomes a wizard, he belongs to the world, and not one place. Of course, he can and should visit you when he can, but his duty will be elsewhere: either at the Wizard Academy, in a royal court, or on an expedition. I'm afraid your son's days in Hamley are numbered,” Falric said. Celes nodded. She looked over at Alrion.
“This really is goodbye then. Should he go say goodbye to his friends?”
“I would advise against it,” Falric said.
“Why?” Alrion said. He didn't have that many, but they deserved to know he was leaving.
“How will you explain it? They either won't understand or won't believe you. Of course, I won't stop you, but I think it's easier to just leave, and explain when you return.”
“I'll think about it,” Alrion said. But he suspected Falric was right about this.
“Whatever you decide, we will tell people you left to study,” Vincent said.
“That is an excellent idea,” Falric said.
“Are you ready?” Vincent said to Falric.
“A wizard is always ready. Occasionally they need more preparation, though.”
“Are you fully prepared then?” Celes said with a laugh.
“Just about, but I do seem to be lacking some quality food, though.” Falric licked his lips and looked at Celes.
“Don't worry, I'm sending some with the boys. Come over to the kitchen and take a look,” Celes said. Falric rubbed his hands with glee and followed her.
“I'll bring horses and meet you outside,” Vincent said. Alrion nodded and watched his father leave. A few minutes later he saw Falric return from the kitchen. But his face was white, and he looked unsettled.
“What happened in there? Did you get the food?” Alrion said.
“Oh yes, of course. Nothing important. Your mother just ... err … shared her concerns about our trip.” Falric chuckled, but it didn't have the same energy to it. Alrion wondered what could have spooked the wizard so badly.
“Excited?” he said to Alrion.
“Yes, but I'm also a bit unsure what to think,” Alrion said.
“I know the feeling. It'll be a true adventure, though, you can count on that.”
“I don't doubt that. Compared to Hamley, anything is an adventure. We are almost ready, I'm just waiting for my father to return with some horses,” Alrion said. Celes distributed the last of the food she had prepared. Alrion watched her closely, and she stole a pointed look at Falric. The wizard pretended not to see and Celes looked satisfied. Then they all left the room to wait outside. It didn't take long to see Vincent leading two black horses over.
“Saddle up,” Vincent said, handing the reins of one of the horses to Alrion.
“You can't leave without saying goodbye to your mother,” Celes said. Alrion hugged her and gave her a kiss goodbye. Then he threw his bag over the back of the horse and climbed up into the saddle. Vincent and Falric followed suit.
“This is it. Are you ready?” Falric said.
“I'm ready,” Alrion said with more conviction than he felt.
“I expect a full report when you get there, write me a letter,” Celes said.
“Can't you just ask Dad?”
“No, it's not the same.”
“Alright, I'll do it.”
“You two keep him out of trouble,” Celes said looking at Vincent and Falric.
“Sure thing boss,” Vincent said grinning at her. Falric turned his horse around and they started to ride off. Alrion looked back at his mother one last time. But that was it. He didn't look around as they left the village, instead he just stared ahead. Once they were clear of the village, he finally turned back and had one last look.
I don't know when I'll be back, or who I'll be when I do return. Goodbye Hamley.
He watched the village go about its business and realised that apart from his mother he probably wouldn't be missed. His destiny lay elsewhere. Turning his horse, he raced to catch up with his father and Falric.
5
Wizard Principles
There was little conversation at the beginning. Alrion did not know why, but he was preoccupied with checking out the landscape. It was ground he was familiar with, and he could identify every farmhouse and building that they passed. He didn't know what he was looking for at all. After riding for over an hour they passed a point at which he finally understood. He had been waiting to pass from the area he knew into unknown terrain.
The transition was so subtle and fast that he did not notice it at first. However, once he did, he sat up straighter in the saddle, looking more intently at the surroundings.
“You're in unfamiliar territory now,” Vincent said, confirming Alrion's reaction.
“The adventure is finally starting. It's exciting.”
“It should be, there's a whole wide world out there for you,” Falric said. He gently pulled on the reins, nudging his horse closer to Alrion.
“Now that we have some riding ahead of us, is there anything you want to ask me about?” Falric said.
“Too many things. But, I was wondering if you could explain magic a bit more. I don't understand it at all.” Alrion shuffled his position so he could more easily ride and pay attention to Falric as well.
“Of course. The first thing that people usually don't understand is that magic is not just for wizards. Wizards are just the most well-known and complete practitioners. I'll explain that point in a minute. But it should be made clear to you that your mother could use magic with a little instruction.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. There are forces in this world which anyone who has the knowledge of how to do so can summon and use. Of course, the effect is generally quite tame because you are leaning heavily on the natural order of things and not supplying any force of your own. But there you go, that's a common misconception.”
“You just need a recipe then?” Alrion tried not to sound sceptical, but it just seemed too simple.
