Master of Tomes

by Raconteur, Honor

  Shunlei walked at her side, eyeing Zaffi warily.

  Zaffi, for his part, glared back, turning slowly in place to watch them.

  It really was a shame that he’d woken up. Mei Li much preferred him dead asleep.

  “Where is my wife, dragon’s bride?” Zaffi ran up to the seal and slammed both fists against it, making the entire area rock. “My Jingfei. Where is she?”

  Mei Li ignored him. Telling him the truth would only rile him up further, she was sure of that.

  Zaffi slammed his fists into the seal again. “You’ll answer me!”

  Mei Li reaaaally didn’t want to. So, she didn’t. He was making it hard for her to focus, though.

  Because he was so awake, she didn’t dare utter a single comment to her husband as they walked. She just studied the water, the talismans, and the seal slowly fading overhead, and came to her own conclusions about what needed to be done.

  Then she walked away, and it was only when they were halfway back to camp and well out of earshot that she spoke. “The talismans are perfect; everyone did a good job there.”

  “Good. The water? It’s barely damp in the basin, and the outer rim on the far side was dry as a bone.”

  “Yes, that’s what worries me.” Mei Li’s right foot slipped a little on a patch of ice, and her balance abruptly went sideways. She made an undignified noise, arms windmilling.

  Shunlei caught her handily, an arm around her waist as he pulled her back upright and steadied her. “Icy through here.”

  “Nooo,” she said sarcastically, “I didn’t notice. Good catch, though.”

  “I didn’t think you wanted any bruises,” he deadpanned.

  “I don’t. You’re correct.” She leaned into him, feeling her equilibrium balance out again. “At the rate the water is going into the basin, how long do you think it will take to fill?”

  “To the rim? A good month.”

  She winced. “That was about my estimation. We certainly do not have time to wait a month.”

  “No, we do not. In many senses.”

  They looked at each other and said in unison, “More pipes.”

  “Round up some dragon volunteers,” Mei Li requested. “I’m going back to my well-digging group.”

  “Will do.”

  They were near enough to camp at that point that they split, Shunlei going right, Mei Li going left, with her calling as she walked, “Simeon, Alani, Finn! We need more water.”

  Simeon paused mid-step, turning toward her. “Is it not filling the basin?”

  “The basin is barely damp on this side,” she explained, turning to indicate the side in question. “The far side, away from the mountain, is dry. It’ll take a month to get enough water to base the seal on at this rate.”

  “Oh.” Simeon grimaced, then groaned. “We don’t have time for that. Right, I’ll search out another spot. How many should we do?”

  “Three? If we can have the basin filling overnight, then we might be able to get the seal up by tomorrow before dinner. Zaffi’s barely managing the water level as it is. I think we can overwhelm him if we can just get enough flowing that way.”

  Simeon lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I guess we’ll see. I think we can get two up and running, definitely, but we’ll need more help.”

  “Shunlei’s already grabbing dragons who can melt the snow. I’ll ask for volunteers to help with the well and such.”

  “Then give me a moment and I’ll start my search for another few spots. I have an educated guess about where to look this time.”

  “Excellent.” Mei Li left him to it, going around the camp and explaining the situation, asking for more help and getting it readily. She didn’t expect any other attitude.

  Simeon had more help than he knew what to do with for a good half hour, but he found one spot, a stone’s throw away from the new well, and pointed his helpers to it. They were like ants on top of a cookie—that’s how it looked to Mei Li. Everyone jumped on that one spot, determined to get it set up, and quickly.

  She focused on drawing the talismans into the ground so the others could activate them without her, as the talismans were the one thing she knew how to do that no one else did. By the time that was done, and Finn had drawn out where the pipe needed to go, Simeon had found another spot much farther away, closer to the mountain’s base.

  It was a matter of frantic work as they tried to beat the setting sun. No one thought it a good idea to be tripping around in the dark working on this, and they wanted the water to have as much time as possible to fill the basin. Mei Li kept a wary eye over her shoulder, studying the horizon and failing light, but her focus was on the wells.

  They got two up and running, a third one marked and started, before the sun set and all light disappeared with it.

  Mei Li checked in with Finn and Alani, feeling her heat charm starting to fade and the shivers setting in. “How is it? Do you want to stop for the night?”

  Finn shook his head. “I really don’t. Can’t we get some torches over here, finish this up? If everyone pitches in, I think we can get it operational in the next hour or so.”

  “Is that all it will take?” Mei Li looked around, evaluating, but he was the expert. She trusted his opinion on this. “Then let’s push through. I really feel like more water is better. I’d hate to wake up in the morning and realize we’re short again, and that we really should have put in the third pipeline.”

  “Me too.” Finn gestured with a wave of the hand to the spot Simeon stood on. “And according to Simeon, that’s one of the truer sources; it’s not coming from the same underground river.”

  “Oh?” Mei Li hadn’t heard that part. Just that Simeon had found water. She turned to look back at where he was standing several feet away. “Simeon! Is that one from a different source?”

  “It is,” he said, voice pitched up a little to carry. “There’s a different lake under the mountain that’s fueling this spot.”

  Oh, in that case, they were definitely pushing forward. “Let’s do it. I want two sources of water fueling the basin at all times if possible.”

  Finn nodded, pleased that they were in agreement. “I’ll get started.”

  She turned, intending to fetch some torches, but Dolan impeded her path as he jogged up to them.

  “What’s the word?” he asked, looking the situation over. “Are we going to put this one up tonight, or wait until morning?”

  “Tonight. We’re afraid the extra two might not be enough. And between you, me, and that tree over there, I really want Zaffi’s seal renewed tomorrow.”

  Dolan’s face screwed up. “I can’t disagree there. I think we’d all sleep better if he was finally resealed. Alright, let’s get some light over here for you. I’ve got a brace of fire sprites that will be happy to zip around and keep us illuminated.”

  Sometimes, Mei Li forgot mages could do things like that. “Please and thank you.”

  The ants on a cookie phenomenon happened again, with everyone pitching in on the last well. They were all cold, hungry, and tired after working a full day. But not one soul complained. They were all determined to push through and get this done.

  Dolan’s sprites weaved around them, trailing light wherever they flew, like overly exuberant fireflies. It was a pretty display, indeed, and Mei Li wished she could just pause and enjoy it.

  From farther down the slope, near where Zaffi stood, Finn called up to her, “CONNECT IT!”

  Mei Li waved a hand over her head to indicate she’d heard him, then pulled in the three waiting mages to help. “Alright, ready? Three, two, one!”

  They knelt, cold palms touching the icy ground, and activated the seals. The well sprang up immediately, spewing water everywhere, before settling slowly into the stone channel, drawing water directly into the basin below.

  A tired cheer went up, and Mei Li joined in. They were done for the day.

  Zaffi, of course, had watched them work, and as he saw the first rush of water hit the basin, he slamm
ed two angry fists against the ground, howling in rage and frustration.

  Which, really, warmed the cockles of Mei Li’s soul. So satisfying to thwart an enemy.

  Alina approached her and said tentatively, “Tomes? I’ve noticed something that’s a little disturbing. The water seems to be changing once it’s in contact with Zaffi.”

  “Changing…? Ah, yes, it will. Because Zaffi’s power comes from a volcano, it will turn any water in contact with him acidic. It’s dangerous for humans, of course. We shouldn’t touch it. And the gas it gives off isn’t safe to breathe, although fortunately, the seal around Zaffi keeps all of that in with him.”

  Alani looked even more perturbed by this information. “But won’t that affect the seal?”

  “No, it’s still water. Acidic in nature, but still water. The constant flow of water into the basin will keep it from changing properties completely. It helps that he’s not really a volcano, as too much magma would make this impossible.”

  Mei Li sent up a prayer, grateful for small favors. That was a headache that she absolutely didn’t want.

  “Oh. Good. I was worried after I saw that.” Alani stared at the basin, almost impossible to see in the darkness even with the fire sprites whizzing around their heads. “I hope we’ll wake up to a full basin of water tomorrow.”

  “Me too. Trust me. Me too.”

  Mei Li woke up to a gentle kiss against the bridge of her nose. She smiled in response, turning her head toward the man leaning over her. “Mmm, morning.”

  “I promise you it’s a good morning,” Shunlei murmured, keeping their blankets tucked up high to ward off the chilled air.

  “Is it?”

  “The basin under Zaffi has about a foot of standing water.”

  Her eyes sprang open, mind abruptly awake. If not for Shunlei leaning over her, she might very well have sat upright. “Is there really? You checked?”

  “No, but night-watch stopped by the tent and told me before they went to catch a few hours of sleep. That’s what they reported. Gleefully, I might add.”

  “For that matter, I feel gleeful.” Mei Li pushed at his shoulder, urging him away. “Let me up.”

  “Can’t we cuddle for just a few minutes?” he complained even as he rolled onto his side.

  “You can cuddle me all you like next winter, while we’re in Dragon’s Peak. Right now, we have ancient evils to defeat.” Mei Li shivered from the air, because despite the heating charms inside the tent walls and the brazier in the corner, it was a mite chilly in here.

  “May I remind you that Zaffi is, in fact, younger than I am, and referring to him as ancient makes me ancient as well?”

  She could tell he was teasing under that mock-injured tone, so she paused long enough to plant a swift kiss on his mouth. “Never. You’re eternally young.”

  “You say such sweet words even as you rush off,” he said with a sigh. Shunlei grumbled as he pushed the blankets down, reaching for clothes and shoes.

  Truthfully, Mei Li would have preferred to stay snuggled up with him. Cold mornings like this called for cuddles and slow starts. But they really didn’t have that kind of time, and Zaffi was like a dark cloud hanging over her head. She really wanted the job done.

  Besides, every day here they spent on Zaffi was one taken away from Odom.

  And Kovel Below.

  Just thinking about both stressed her out.

  Right now, Mei Li was trying to focus on one step at a time and nothing more. If she got too overwhelmed by it all, it would be hard to find the motivation to continue and make the right decisions. And she absolutely couldn’t be paralyzed by fear.

  Exiting the tent meant stepping into a winter wonderland. They’d had snow during the night, enough to cover everything, a good two inches thick. Mei Li groaned at the realization. More snow was not helpful. More snow was, in fact, anti-helpful.

  She didn’t know who was in charge of the weather in this area, but she wanted to have a very stern word with them.

  Shunlei stepped out behind her and groaned too. “Not more snow. It’s already cold enough out here as it is.”

  “I’ll need someone to melt the area around Zaffi’s seal, clear the talismans. We can’t work with them if we can’t see them, and they won’t work at all with snow sitting on top of them.”

  His hand found her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Chen and I will take care of it. Breakfast first.”

  “Yes, please.” Something hot was just what she needed.

  Everyone else seemed to be of the same opinion. They were all gathered around the multiple cookfires, sizzling up sausages and hot beverages, a few sticking potatoes into the coals to bake before serving them with salt and butter. Mei Li took everything offered and ate happily, as she needed the energy boost.

  But she could feel people’s eyes on her, everyone quietly wondering just when they would get to work. And halfway through her potato, she gave up on trying to eat peacefully. She had to give them an answer.

  Standing, she waved a hand over her head to get everyone’s attention before saying, “I think we have enough water to work with in the basin. Eat your breakfast, get ready. Chen and Shunlei will burn the talismans free for us, clear the area of snow, and then we’ll get to work.”

  People waved in acknowledgement and returned to their breakfasts, but this time with a purposeful air. They were eating now with a schedule in mind. Mei Li hadn’t been able to give them a firm timeline yesterday, as everything depended on how much water got into the basin overnight.

  She quickly finished eating and grabbed another hot cup of snow tea, which she needed if she was to keep up with everyone today. If things went well, this would take a few hours.

  If things didn’t go well, they’d be at this most of the day.

  At least the seal was still holding. They wouldn’t have to battle Zaffi and seal him at the same time, like they’d been forced to do with Jingfei. Mei Li detected a slight alteration to the seal this morning. It seemed a bit more opaque, the white barrier actually holding up the snow above it, and she could see the energy of the water below filtering up. It was gaining strength from the new water source. Excellent, indeed.

  Shunlei and Chen were already in dragon form and carefully burning the snow clear around the base of the seal. The basin underneath the seal soaked it up, the water inside gaining even more depth. It was a deep basin, too, like a crater that held Zaffi in the middle. Mei Li appreciated its size more than ever before.

  Zaffi raged and pounded the ground, hurtling insults at them as they worked, but every time he struck, more water splashed on him. And the seal. It didn’t do him any favors.

  Mei Li sipped her tea and smiled as she watched. Such excellent early morning entertainment was hard to find, after all.

  Shunlei and Chen finished, both retreating back to her. Shunlei seemed a little too pleased with himself, but then, it was always satisfying to thwart an enemy.

  “You’re clear,” he told her as he approached. “What can we do while you’re working?”

  “Keep us hydrated,” she requested. “We’ve all renewed each other’s charms this morning, but Zaffi’s also more riled up and active. If you could keep an extra close eye on everyone, too, please. I don’t want to lose all our progress to more sabotage. The seal is actually stronger this morning, so we’ve got better odds of wrapping this up today.”

  “Good! All that water helped, eh?” He turned and studied it judiciously. “No wonder he’s so worried. Under all of that anger, I detected a great deal of fear.”

  Chen nodded in agreement. “You can practically smell the fear rolling off him.”

  “Oooh, that is very nice to hear, indeed. Alright, let’s gather up all my helpers and get this over with.”

  Everyone was basically waiting around, eager to get started. Mei Li let them organize themselves around the seal, forming a large circle and standing practically on top of the talismans on the ground. When they were all situated, she lifted both hands
to either side of her waist—at a height she could sustain for a while—and then released her magic to flow from talisman, through her, and into the talismans on either side of her.

  Her actions started a ripple effect, and the mages to either side of her started up as well, each connecting to their neighbors’ talismans and building a conduit of magic. Mei Li tracked it on both sides and saw it all come together—saw, too, the moment when the last mage connected the circle. Their combined magic snapped into place and the talismans glowed transparent white, almost tinged with a light blue, building from the ground up.

  Or really, building from the water up.

  And building quickly, too. The spell liked having all this water to work with, most of it still actively flowing as the pipes continued to pump it all in.

  Mei Li didn’t cackle. Aloud. Well, maybe a little cackle slipped out. This wouldn’t take the full day, not with the way the seal was building. Maybe until lunch time. Maybe.

  And then the strong line of magic abruptly faltered.

  Mei Li actually went sideways a little, the effect so jarring that it offset her balance for a moment. She caught herself, looking up sharply. What was that? Someone had just dropped out, and the entire synchronization was broken.

  Her husband, ever sharp, leaned in. “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t know, precisely. Someone in the line has dropped their magic, and we’re now off balance.”

  “Zaffi’s influence?” Shunlei was already looking over the line in both directions.

  “Maybe, I don’t know.”

  “I’ll look. Keep going.” With a bound, he was off.

  Keep going, he’d said. But there was no way to do it, not with the magic so lopsided. They were no longer connected, and the spell suffered as a result.

  At her side, Dolan gritted his teeth. “Mei Li, I think it’s coming from my side. Somewhere further along. I’ll pass the word, ask each person to check their partners.”

  “Yes, do it.” Surely the person on either side of the mage who had dropped their magic would be able to tell. She could tell it had happened, even several people removed.

  Dolan passed the word, and the other mages started to do the same. It went down quickly, like a game of gossip with death and mayhem on the line.