The Complete Series, page 86
part #1 of The Hidden Wizard Series
“You think of helping him at a time like this?”
“He has suffered more than any of us. Think about it.” Alrion gently stepped back and continued packing. He walked around the room, picking up anything that resembled a container and stuffed them into his satchel.
“If you say so. I still don’t trust him.” Lara sighed.
“I think Alrion is not saying that we trust him, but trust that he wants his revenge on Rindale.” Alyx leaned against the wall, waiting for them to finish. Lara grabbed a few things and stood next to Alyx. Alrion saw them ready and strode outside.
Branthor was stroking the mane of one of the horses.
“I take it you have no mount?” Alrion said.
“No. I have no problem walking, but it may slow us down.”
“You can ride with me.” Alyx walked up and slowly started untying one of the horses.
“Thanks. You know, I can help you. I understand the process you have been through.” Branthor stepped closer and put a hand on Alyx’s arm. Alyx remained still and calm.
“What are you doing?” Alrion said, advancing on Branthor.
“What you did is quite brilliant, Alrion. Amazing even. But I have to say, it was like curing someone with a hammer. It was quite destabilising. Take it from someone who just experienced your assistance.” Branthor chuckled. He then concentrated on Alyx. Alrion could feel Branthor manipulating his Spark. Alyx closed her eyes and shivered.
“Every place the Blight had its tendrils, is a place of damage. Once you understand the signs, you can fix them. As a wizard, I could not reliably fix myself. That took time. But I understood the damage quite well.” Alrion concentrated more, trying to see what Branthor was doing. He activated his Soul Vision and he could see the strands of Spark going from Branthor into Alyx. By peering closer, Alrion could see the areas Branthor was talking about. They were right there, clear as anything. Subtle, but obvious signs of damage.
“If you’re going to do something like this to the entire world, you may want to refine your technique a little.” Branthor chuckled again and stepped back. Alyx opened her eyes and flexed her arms. She took a few steps.
“I feel a lot better.” Alyx put a hand on her chest and breathed deeply.
“You’re welcome.” Branthor turned to Alrion. “No offence, but you have a lot to learn still.”
“No offence taken.” Alrion bristled at Branthor’s manner, but he couldn’t fault what the wizard had said. He did need to do better, and he had lots to learn.
“Ride with me,” Lara said. She climbed onto one of the horses and leaned forward, making room for Alrion. He joined her and looked over at Alyx. She seemed comfortable with Branthor riding behind.
“It’s not that far, don’t worry. We can resolve this awkward travel arrangement shortly.” Branthor made himself comfortable and closed his eyes.
He’s just infuriating, the way he behaves. Strides in here like he knows better than everyone. But I need him, at least for now. I need to learn what I can. There’s wisdom in there, despite his flaws and his corruption.
“Take this trail,” Branthor said, pointing. Alyx took the lead, and Lara and Alrion fell in close behind. Alrion closed his eyes and thought about what he needed to do. He could at least try to use the travel time for something useful.
He carefully leaned over and rifled through the saddle bag, retrieving a glass flask with a cork stopper.
“What are you doing back there?”
“I’m doing an experiment.”
“For what? You’re not going to explode us, are you?” Lara laughed. Alrion could tell it was a bit forced, but he appreciated the effort. These were strange times, and a little laughter couldn’t hurt.
“No promises. I’m going to see if I can store my Soul Power in an ordinary flask.”
“Really? So, I can drink it?”
“That’s the plan.” Alrion smiled. Lara let out a genuine laugh that went right through him, warming his soul.
I’m on the right path now. It’s not what I expected, but it’s the way forward.
12
Uncertain steps
Lara slowed the horse, signalling the rest to be quiet. She heard sounds ahead. Alyx drew close and leaned in.
“I heard something ahead,” Lara whispered.
“Do you want to investigate?” Alyx said. Lara nodded and carefully dismounted. She turned to look at Alrion and he gave her a slight nod too. Lara glanced at Branthor out of the corner of her eyes, but he seemed to be still and disinterested.
I don’t know what to make of him.
Lara crept forward, veering off the path and finding a way through the shrubs and trees that lined the road. She hoped that it was nothing, but her intuition was eerily accurate. As she progressed, sounds wafted over. Definitely conversation.
Lara realised that she was quite close but couldn’t see without revealing herself. Her view of the path was blocked by a dense collection of shrubs and leafy plants. She glanced at the surroundings and saw a promising tree. The lower branches were accessible and sturdy.
Here goes.
Lara clambered up, almost slipping as she reached for the first branch. She grabbed it securely, bracing herself as her feet looked for somewhere to rest. She found small knobs on the trunk that would suffice and rested for a moment. Next, she hauled herself up and perched in the crook between the branch and the tree trunk. She could see more now, but it was just vague shapes. The view was obscured by the leaves of the tree.
Probably for the best.
Lara found another branch to try to ease along, trying not to make any sudden movements. Any suspicious movement from the tree would draw attention, and she didn’t know what was before her.
I bet it’s the Blight. With my luck, probably a Shade or worse.
Lara gingerly shimmied along the branch until she had a better view. Leaning the right way, she could just peer through the foliage and see what was below her. Finally settled, she allowed herself to concentrate on the dialogue.
“This is definitely the right town,” a male voice said. There was a strange rasp to it that grated and made Lara’s skin crawl.
“You don’t seem sure,” another voice replied. It was deeper but had the same rasping quality. Lara couldn’t decide which voice was worse.
“I don’t see you confirming anything, you should know as well as me.”
“We could ask?”
“And look foolish? Never. I don’t want to be an example like Wraith.”
Something about them seemed familiar, although she could barely see with the fading light. A flame burst into being, flickering next to one of the men. In the light, she could see more details.
A Shade Wizard! Now it all makes sense.
Lara carefully retreated, being extra careful to not make any noise. One twig snapping could out her completely. She was not equipped to really deal with a Shade Wizard, let alone two.
We need to agree on a plan. At least I’ll go report this.
Lara reached the trunk and skirted down a little faster than she had hoped. Her feet scraped against the tree and there was a loud crunch as she reached the ground. She heard movement nearby and cries of surprise.
No time now. Move!
Lara kept quiet, but sped through the brush, weaving between trees. She could sense fires being lit behind her but dared not look back.
Push on, let them be distracted looking for you.
As Lara put distance between them, she allowed herself to be a little noisier and increased her speed. It was paramount to alert everyone. She arrived suddenly and quickly stopped, allowing a moment to catch her breath. It seemed as though everyone was already alert.
“We sensed trouble. Wizards or worse?” Alrion said.
“Two Shade Wizards. I didn’t notice anyone else.”
“See? I told you.”
“Nothing is confirmed yet, but it’s a good lead. What do we want to do?” Alrion looked around at the group.
“I say kill them, they’re an abomination and could get very dangerous. The less the better.”
“I could cure one at least,” Alrion offered.
“We could see that one for information too,” Lara added. Alrion looked to Alyx for an opinion.
“Either way we need to kill one or both. I have no particular preference.”
“Let’s advance then and try to separate them. That way we have a chance at capturing one.”
“You’re the boss,” Branthor said with sarcasm. He hurried away without waiting for anyone else.
“Lead the way,” Alrion muttered under his breath. He took off at a fast pace, Lara and Alyx by his side.
“They were on the path but noticed me leaving and started torching the nearby area.”
“That’s fine, it will make them easier to find.”
“Not in that smoke,” Alyx said. With the sun setting, there was much less light. And the smoke from the ongoing fires was hanging over the whole area. It looked like the Shade Wizards had let the fires continue burning.
“What are they doing?” Alrion said. He shook his head.
“Smoking me out?” Lara shrugged. She remembered Branthor and looked ahead. “The wizard is gone.”
“What’s he going to do?” Alrion sighed. He suddenly perked up and changed direction.
“This way.” Alrion pointed and drew his sword.
Why is he doing that? He’s more powerful than the sword. Lara noticed that the diamond was glowing blue, as expected.
Lara kept pace with Alrion and saw a white-hot glow explode from the distance. She increased her speed, sprinting as fast as possible. After a brief delay, Alrion caught up to her.
He must be using his Soul Power. The smoke was beginning to disperse, and Lara observed what looked like a wizard. She slowed and approached carefully, Alrion taking the lead.
“It’s just me,” Branthor shouted. The smoke quickly disappeared, and the scene became clear. Before Branthor was a small crater.
“What did you do?” Alrion shouted. He roughly shoved his sword back into its scabbard.
“They were too dangerous, I had to react.” Branthor shrugged. Lara saw a mischievous smile cross his face.
“That’s a forbidden spell.” Alrion was outraged.
“For good reason. But it suited my purposes here. They have ceased to exist, and there are no remains either. It covers our tracks.”
“Won’t it be obvious when they’ve completely vanished that a wizard was behind it?” Alrion paced over and knelt, looking at the crater. He dug fingers through the dirt.
“At worst, they will expect me. This is not how you fight them, so they’ll be off guard.”
“Seems like an extreme response.” Lara didn’t like how carelessly Branthor had employed such a spell. She still remembered vividly when Alrion had used it back in the desert. He had come so close to destroying them all.
“I have a little more control than this one.” Branthor chuckled. “Magical control, I should say.”
“What do you believe in now?” Alrion said.
“Revenge. Didn’t I say that?” Branthor’s voice was hard and he turned from them to view the road.
“Charming.” Lara noticed movement and turned to look. Alyx emerged from the brush on the opposite side of the path.
“No other enemies in the area.”
“Thanks for looking out for us,” Alrion said. He looked a bit embarrassed.
“I have no weapon, it was the best use of my skills.”
She still looks dangerous.
Alrion started to fumble with his clothes and removed his sword belt.
“Take this.” He offered the sword to Alyx. She stepped back and put her hands up.
“No, that is your blade. You need it.”
“It’s holding me back. You can borrow it for a while.” Alrion threw the sword onto the ground. Alyx glanced at him, then turned her gaze onto Lara. She nodded and smiled, trying to encourage the weapon master. Alyx gave a short bow and retrieved the sword. She strapped it around her waist then drew the blade. After a quick circular motion, she expertly sheathed it.
“As you wish.” She turned to observe the path ahead.
Alrion strode over to Branthor and roughly pulled him around so that the wizard was facing him.
“If we’re going to work together, I can’t have you going off on your own.” Alrion glared at Branthor, and the master wizard’s eyes glinted with delight.
“Oh, how interesting. And what then am I supposed to do?”
“Agree a plan and stick to it. Clearly, we’ve encountered worse than two Shade Wizards and survived. We do this my way, or we don’t do it at all.”
“Oh, is that a threat?” Branthor arched an eyebrow and observed Alrion. “Are you really that willing to let my information go?”
“I can find a way without you, if need be. But I can’t continue if I can’t trust you to behave in a way that’s acceptable to me.” Alrion stood taller and stared intently into Branthor’s eyes.
“Fine, you can dictate terms. I will, however, offer my expert opinion on whatever plans you come up with.” Branthor stuck out his hand. Alrion grabbed it and shook firmly. After a brief pause, he turned and addressed the group.
“Well, that’s done. We have at least some confirmation of Branthor’s information. Let’s go investigate the town.” Alyx kept staring out into the distance but nodded. Lara stepped closer to Alrion and leaned in.
“Well done. I’m proud of you, standing up to him.” Alrion blushed but quickly hid it. He turned to face Branthor.
“Do you have anything to add?” Alrion started walking and didn’t wait to hear the answer. Branthor paused then followed. He still retained an amused look on his face.
I still don’t understand him. Maybe he’s just broken now?
They walked in silence, observing the town as it rose before them. A nearby path converged with theirs, and a constant but slow stream of people filtered along, heading for the town gates. Puffs of smoke rose up giving an idea of the size, and Lara could already see quite a few tiled roofs and a few bigger structures stretching taller than the rest. Branthor finally spoke.
“While I suspect Rindale is based here, I don’t think it’s his home. I believe he has some lab somewhere else, where he conducts his… work.” Branthor spat audibly onto the path. The gesture drew the horrified looks of a few travellers.
“This is where you think the Shade Wizards come from?” Alrion said.
“I think they are perhaps trained here, but they are not made here. I haven’t quite figured out the connection. But there’s always a presence.”
“We will have to be careful. Perhaps they can detect us as well as we can detect them?”
“I doubt that. As you are aware, the Blight connection adds an element of noise. That would be quite distracting. I think we have an edge there. Well, I do. I suspect you haven’t quite honed that skill yet.” Branthor looked at Alrion, clearly to gauge his reaction. Alrion looked a little annoyed, but he quickly hid it.
“I’ve not yet seen the need, but it’s something I can work on. How do you suggest I do that?” Alrion spoke slowly and purposefully.
He’s really maturing. He’s not as defensive now.
Branthor seemed surprised at the response. He didn’t reply immediately.
“We can look at that later, it’s not critical to discuss right now. Obviously, I have agreed to defer to your judgement, but I suggest we focus on locating the base of operations for the Shade Wizards and see if we can track them to Rindale.” Alrion looked to Lara.
“What do you think?”
“Well,” Lara said before pausing. She thought carefully about her response. “Given the information we currently have, I think that’s the most prudent course. If Branthor can pinpoint a location, I can infiltrate and follow them.”
“I can live with that. Just don’t get spotted next time,” Branthor said. “We can’t have them turn you into a monster too. We’ve all had a turn.” Branthor laughed and pointed at Alyx, Alrion, and himself.
I couldn’t think of anything worse. Lara shivered and pressed forward.
13
Brangtur revisited
Vincent pulled his horse up short and took in the sight. Brangtur was not nearly as impressive when viewed from the minor service entrance, but his mind filled in the blanks.
“This is where it all started.” Celes slowed her horse and brought it alongside her husband’s. Vincent gazed at his wife and recognised the nostalgic look on her face.
“Our great adventure together. We have Wilhelm to thank, after all.” Vincent chuckled and Celes broke into a delighted laugh.
“We’ll have to give him an appropriate thank you present.” Celes winked.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I’m thinking it through. Let me work out some of the knots then I’ll talk you through it.”
“As you wish.” Vincent nudged his horse forward, knowing that his wife wouldn’t share any details until she was ready. But he could already guess at a few options. Celes wouldn’t settle for anything less than would pull the rug out from under Wilhelm. He was far too comfortable in his position and enjoyed lording it over everyone.
“Is there anything you need to do here?” Celes said. Vincent took in a deep breath and looked around.
“Nothing I can think of.” Workers bustled around in the early morning, none of them paying any attention to travellers entering via the service entrance. They knew better than to ask questions. Anyone coming in and avoiding the main entry had good reason and usually the authorisation to do so. Something Vincent himself had learned many years ago.
They rode in silence. Vincent kept an eye on any approaching guards, but none seemed interested in him or his wife. Celes seemed to be in her own world, and Vincent had to frequently remind her to make space between townsfolk that she didn’t seem to notice. Yet somehow, she seemed to be pressing ahead with purpose, as they were clearly heading towards the entertainment district. Celes suddenly stopped and looked up.
