“Wow, that’s unusual. It’s never happened before.” Lara gave him an unimpressed look. “Go sit against that tree over there.” Alrion listened dutifully and rested against the tree. A gentle breeze blew past, making him feel relaxed.

  “I don’t suppose you know the way back to Paperton?” he said. Lara settled down next to Alrion.

  “Not exactly. But I’m pretty confident if we follow this path past the fortress, we’ll come to a relatively big town soon enough.”

  “That suits me. We can resupply and plan our trip back.”

  “Does it feel strange? Heading back there?”

  “A little. It feels like I’m backtracking, almost retreating. But I can’t think of it like that. It’s important.”

  “The wizards seem to think so. And Branthor had all that knowledge too. I wonder what he wasn’t sharing with you?”

  “I wonder that too. He definitely knew a lot more than he was willing to share.”

  “That other wizard seems to know too. If that last message was anything to go by.”

  “Yes, you’re right. Maybe he’s visited the Pool of Knowledge too? Maybe we can find out something when we return.”

  “I hope so, I love a good mystery.” Lara leaned over and rested her head on Alrion’s shoulder. It was a good weight to have.

  30

  On The Trail

  The intense bright heat of the gate was replaced by the dry oppressive heat of the desert. Celes stepped out of the Wizard Gate and into some barely shaded ruins.

  At least it worked. Can I use it to get back?

  Celes looked back at the gate and it seemed like the one she had passed through.

  Looks promising. Let’s see if I can find myself a clue.

  Celes wandered around the location. It was reminiscent of an old temple of some kind, constructed from stone. But it was terribly worn down by the elements. She had no idea how the paltry structure shielding the Wizard Gate was still standing.

  “Any clues here are long gone. What a bust,” Celes whispered. The wind picked up, as if in answer. Celes stepped into the minimal shade and gave herself a moment to think.

  The wizard came this way, years ago. What was he looking for in the desert? It can’t be whatever was just here because it’s already gone. Maybe there’s something nearby.

  Celes carefully sipped some water and evaluated her situation. She could afford to search the nearby area for anything of value. But she was not equipped for a proper trip across the desert.

  That gate better work, that’s for sure.

  Celes followed what looked like used to be a path. There was nothing immediately outside, or much of anything to look at. Just sand dunes and the remnants of a path. But something didn’t seem quite right.

  I need to follow this a bit, I feel it in my gut.

  She tried not to think about how foolish this was and set off. The walk was easier than she expected, even though the harsh desert wind and extreme heat made it uncomfortable. Somehow, though, her hunch had borne out. She could see what looked like an oasis up ahead.

  I could really use a drink, here’s hoping I’m not hallucinating.

  Celes pressed ahead with as much pace as she could manage. The sun’s rays seemed even more intense, and her throat was parched. But she didn’t dare drink the last of her water. She just needed to go a bit further and reach the oasis.

  And, like that, she was there. It was a small stone-fenced area, with some shade and water in the middle. Even the sight of water made her feel better. She stumbled forward, eager to drink. Just as she was within reach the water disappeared. Instead, there was a dry hole that she tumbled into. As she picked herself up, she saw a dark shape leaning over her then blackness.

  Celes awoke in a cooler place, amongst pillows. She darted to her feet and assessed her surroundings. She was in a small dwelling that was sparsely but comfortably furnished. A jug of water was set before her and a glass. She inspected the water and smelled it, checking for any known additives. It seemed clean. She poured a glass and drank it down fast.

  “You’re a cautious one. Good instincts.” A man with a sand-coloured robe approached and sat on a cushion at the far end of the room. Close enough to enable easy conversation, but not too close. His hair was a mix of grey and black and his green eyes studied her closely.

  “I have you to thank for my accommodation?”

  “And the mirage. Perhaps the two cancel each other out.” The man chuckled, his thick beard drawing her attention. He pushed it down and waited for her response.

  “You’re a wizard then?”

  “Yes. The name’s Ashra, although some call me the desert wizard.” Ashra stood and bowed with a flourish.

  “Celes. You lure a lot of travellers in with that mirage?”

  “Not that many. You came from an interesting direction, and you aren’t really prepared for a desert journey.”

  “Yes, it’s a bit of a long story. But suffice to say, I’m here and I likely need your assistance. Since you’re a wizard and all.”

  “Intriguing. And what is it you’re after in this rather inhospitable place?”

  “I’m following a wizard, well his trail. It brought me here. Perhaps you will know what he was after?” Celes studied Ashra’s features. He definitely knew something.

  “This wizard has a name?”

  “Not a real one, just an alias. Aydan.”

  “I see. And who set you on this path, Celes?”

  “A master wizard named Falric.” Celes noticed surprise in the man’s features.

  “I know him, from a long time ago. I’m sorry to say, last I heard…”

  “His death was feigned. He’s very much alive.” Celes tossed the medallion to Ashra and enjoyed the shocked expression on his face.

  “He gave you this?” Ashra asked, turning over the medallion. He then handed it back.

  “Yes, to get me into Wizard Stores. That’s how I’ve been tracking this wizard, Aydan. Although the trail is old, over twenty years.”

  “Falric, that old scholar. I didn’t know he had it in him, giving us all such a great scare.” Ashra paused and pointed at Celes. “There’s something familiar about you, what’s your connection to Falric?”

  “He took my son away to become a wizard.” Ashra burst out laughing.

  “Now, this is something. Your son is named Alrion, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “I know him well, we crossed paths when he came through here. His father too. A very difficult time for them. How is Alrion now?”

  “Alrion is well, he cured himself of his affliction. Vincent is also well, we were travelling together until recently.”

  “When you stepped through the Wizard Gate?” Ashra wasn’t dancing around the topic any longer, it must have been obvious where Celes had come from. There was no point in denying it.

  “Yes. We’ve had to take different paths for a time. I’m following the trail of Aydan, and Vincent is pressing forward to prepare for Alrion.”

  “I see. What does your husband think of your hunt for this mysterious wizard?” Ashra gave her a curious look.

  “He’s supportive. He agrees that it’s important to get to the bottom of who is meddling with Alrion’s quest before it’s too late. And that I’m the one best suited to find him.”

  “I see. Vincent is quite wise then?” Ashra chuckled.

  “Well, he knows when he needs to let me have my way. Besides, I am uniquely qualified to track this wizard down.”

  “I can see that. How can I be of help?”

  “You’ve already done enough.” Celes pointed to the room around her, and the water. “Although, if you can think of a reason why a wizard would travel here twenty years ago, I’m all ears.” Celes watched Ashra’s face. He nodded and closed his eyes, deep in thought.

  “The temple of the monks is quite a trek, I doubt it was that. There is something near here that might be of interest.”

  “What is it?” Celes leaned forward, desperate to find out.

  “Another Wizard Gate. It’s special in that it’s only one way.”

  “So, you need to come here to use it?”

  “Precisely.”

  “Where does it go?”

  “A small town, rather unremarkable I believe.” Ashra had a glint in his eye.

  “You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”

  “What? Me?” Ashra laughed. “Honestly, there’s no major mystery in that place that I am aware of. But not many know of this gate. It’s a good way to travel without drawing attention. Perhaps it was just a step in your mystery wizard’s trip.” Ashra poured himself a glass of water and drank deeply. Celes let the information brew in her mind.

  Is this all there is to it? The wizard came here to throw people off the trail?

  “Wouldn’t anyone who could take the gate to get here, be aware of the other gate nearby?”

  “I can count on one hand the number of people who have come through that gate in the last twenty years.” Ashra chuckled.

  “Were you here when this wizard passed through?”

  “Twenty years ago? It’s unlikely. It was around that time that I first came to the desert. I think it’s more likely that this wizard passed through before then.”

  “I see.” Celes wanted more to go on, but this was a good option. She wouldn’t need to spend much time in the desert, and with any luck, the next trip in the gate would get her closer to Valrytir so she wouldn’t be too far behind Vincent.

  “And you’re sure there’s nothing else here for this mysterious wizard?”

  “Honestly, no. I think your best option is to follow that gate and see if you can pick up the trail. Where’s Vincent heading?”

  “He’s going to Valrytir. We’re going to meet at a Wizard Store near the city. Falric said that it’s a key location for the end of Alrion’s quest.”

  “Ah, that’s interesting.” Ashra closed his eyes, deep in thought. “I believe the source of the Blight is around there somewhere, which makes sense. This next gate will definitely take you closer, or at least negate this rather large detour you’ve just made.” Ashra grinned at her. Celes gave him a quick smile in response. The wizard stood and stretched.

  “It’s time we got moving. I feel a storm coming in, and you won’t want to get stuck in it.”

  “Sure, I see no reason to hang around. Especially in such an inhospitable place.” Celes paused and looked around. “Excluding your home of course.” Ashra laughed without restraint.

  “You probably think me crazy for coming out here and living in these conditions.”

  “Not really, I know what people are like.” Celes gave him a grin and he returned it with a conspiratorial look.

  “Ah, a fellow enlightened one.” Ashra walked over to a ladder and directed Celes up. She climbed up and waited for him. Through the sparse windows, she could see the wind beginning to whip up.

  “I feel like we may not have as much time as you thought.”

  “Don’t you worry, I’m a wizard, remember? We’re good for some things.” Ashra strode outside and waited for Celes to join him. The heat and the dryness seemed a little less intense. She didn’t notice the wind as much as she expected either. Before she could say something, Ashra spoke.

  “You’re probably noticing that I’m shielding you from the extremities of the weather.”

  “I was just about to say something.”

  “I know. Just remember that I can do more if we need it.” Ashra said no more and Celes kept as close as she could. Whatever he was doing, it made the desert much more bearable and she didn’t want to miss out.

  They walked along a sand dune, following no discernible path. Ashra adjusted their course a few times, and within an hour he stopped abruptly.

  “We’re here.”

  “I don’t see anything.” Celes looked over the whole landscape and could see nothing.

  “You just need to know where to look.” Ashra brushed away some sand, revealing a metal ring attached to a square.

  “Is that a trapdoor?”

  “You tell me.” Ashra stood back and let Celes inspect it. She yanked the door open and noticed a ladder going down.

  “Ladies first.” Ashra didn’t make eye contact, he seemed preoccupied with something else. Celes clambered onto the ladder and carefully descended. It was almost pitch-black, even after her eyes adjusted to the gloom. Once Ashra climbed in and closed the hatch it became completely dark.

  “My apologies, light is on the way.” Ten little lights floated down and attached themselves to different parts of the structure. Celes could now see that they were in a tunnel leading to something.

  “We’ve not far to go.” Ashra climbed down quickly and joined Celes at the bottom. He started to walk and Celes followed along.

  “Do you know why wizards have such bad reputations?” Ashra said.

  “Because you meddle?” Celes said, hoping to get a laugh out of him. But Ashra stopped and looked serious.

  “Oh, that is just a matter of perspective. But you’re close. The reason that people dislike us, is that we tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.” Ashra started off again, letting the comment linger.

  “What’s so bad about that?”

  “It’s a matter of perspective. Because the wizard may have a different one, he sees what he does as completely reasonable. Even helpful. But the person interacting with the wizard only sees the wizard as being obtuse and unhelpful. And they get frustrated.”

  “Well, you’re all individuals. Why not just change the way you behave?”

  “It’s funny that. There’s a common thread through us, and not even Granthion can lay claim to it. Maybe there’s something we gain through our Spark? Regardless, no matter how they are brought up, all wizards gravitate to this same behaviour. To serve the greater good and longer-term benefit.” Ashra stopped to inspect something on the wall, it looked like a tiny carving. But Celes couldn’t make out anything interesting about it.

  “Branthor didn’t seem like he was doing that. Was he an exception?”

  “Again, it’s all a matter of perspective. He believed himself to be serving a greater long-term goal and sacrificing everything else to get there. Quite extreme, but classic wizard behaviour.” Ashra turned a corner and stopped completely.

  “Ah, here we are. Looks like it still works.” Ashra looked at Celes, to see her reaction. The gate was almost identical to the one she had travelled through. She walked closely and examined it. She could feel Ashra’s eyes on her, watching her carefully. She shrugged the sensation off and looked at the markings.

  “As far as I can tell there’s only one destination.”

  “Very good. Now show me how you activated the last one.” Ashra stood back, continuing to study her. Celes almost felt self-conscious. She retrieved the medallion and thrust it into the opening of the gate. Nothing happened. She left her hand there for a few seconds and tried again.

  “No such luck?” Ashra said. He gave her the strangest look like he was testing something.

  “Hmm, it was delayed but it worked last time.” Celes turned and saw Ashra was standing right there. He held out his hand, and she gave him the medallion. He turned it over again and handed it back.

  “Very curious. I hadn’t expected it to work, and this has proven me right. I think you lucked out at the last gate. That or whatever happened to this medallion was a one-time deal.”

  “In that case, I feel incredibly lucky to have your assistance.” Celes started to imagine what it would have been like to be stuck in the desert. She gulped.

  “Not your wisest move, but it paid off.” Ashra reached out and the gate activated, the light taking Celes by surprise and temporarily blinding her. The gate shimmered and showed a different scene this time, but it was quite dark and hard to make out.

  “This is where we part ways.” Ashra held out his hand, and Celes shook it. Ashra held on to her arm.

  “Before you go, I feel I must come clean with you. This wizard you are searching for…” Ashra paused, watching her. Celes stared at him, waiting for his next words.

  “I’ve met him. I know who he is.” The shock ran through her like a bolt of lightning.

  “Tell me!” Celes shouted. Her ferocity surprised them both. Ashra quickly changed his expression into a friendly smile.

  “Think on all that I’ve said so far. I’ve told you what you need to know, not what you want to know.” Ashra’s smile had a hint of sadness and he pushed her back, Celes tumbling into the gate before she could respond.

  31

  The Scenic Route

  Alrion tossed a saddlebag onto the horse and hiked up himself. He took a moment to steady himself and look for Lara. She was ready to go and nudged her horse forward the second she noticed Alrion was mounted.

  “Keen to go?” Alrion said as he caught up.

  “Desperate. I just found this whole town to be sucking the life out of me.” Lara cracked the reins, speeding up the horse further. Alrion knew what she was talking about.

  Everything they had done since arriving at the town had been slow and drawn out. Finding somewhere to stay, finding supplies, finding horses. Each activity had been like pulling teeth. Everyone had been polite, but unhelpful.

  “Good riddance, Beetham,” Alrion muttered. He matched Lara’s pace and soon they had passed through the town surrounds and were onto the main path.

  “How long is the ride?” Alrion said.

  “A few days I think, it’s not too bad. Hard days though.”

  “Well, we have nothing better to do. I’d rather not draw this out, the sooner we can return the more comfortable I’ll feel.”

  “Because it’s holding you back?”

  “Yes. Now that the whole situation with Branthor is resolved, and Alyx is cured, there’s nothing left on my list. I can’t afford any more distractions.”

  Alyx, now you’ve gone and disappeared again. At least this time you can protect yourself.

  “It does seem like we need to move things forward. Darvin is getting more and more aggressive.”

 

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