Morning came and the discussion of the new destination was not well received. Not only was it one more delay for their return to Farbank and away from any plans to help stop the pending war, but it was leading them into the most dangerous part of Terra Australis. Only Del’Unday were permitted beyond the Guardians, which stood at the entrance to the valley.
But Thorik had come too far to give up now, he would travel there by himself if need be. His determination trumped the concerns that any of the others would have. Eventually, they all agreed to follow him to the valley to help free Gluic.
“Santorray, I don’t understand why you’re against this trek? Aren’t you originally from the Ergrauthian lands?” Thorik asked as they walked out of the forest that surrounded the Govi Glade.
“It’s not a place for you. Outsiders are immediately found guilty of trespassing and are enslaved or taken to the City of Ergrauth.”
“But we have you with us.”
“I may not be able to save you.”
“Why can’t we pretend to be your slaves, like we once did in Corrock?”
“The two cannot be compared. Corrock is a far easier place to get away with such deceptions.”
“Is that why you left?”
Santorray didn’t answer at first, as his eyes squinted at the memories. “I was exiled for crimes against my father.”
“Your father? What did you do?”
“I disobeyed him.”
Thorik waited for further explanation, but received none, so he coaxed the Blothrud for more. “It had to be more than just disobeying him.”
“Your culture is different than ours. I’m fortunate to be alive after disobeying my father.”
“What? Surely you’re exaggerating. He wouldn’t have murdered you for such a thing. Your neighbors and local authorities would have never stood for such an atrocity.”
“He had full right to kill me where I stood and no one would have batted an eye. Disrespecting my father in public is one of the worst things I could have done to him. If word had got out that he didn’t take immediate severe punishment then he would lose face and respect toward him would be lost by all. He did the right thing by unleashing his fury at me.”
“How horrible. What a terrible place to grow up and live.”
“No, it was a grand place to live. Everyone knew the rules. Life was very cut and dry. You cross the line, you receive punishment. You do what you are told, and you are rewarded. Knowing boundaries keeps things in order and reduces unnecessary stress. Many cultures could learn from our structured ways.”
“But…” Thorik thought a moment before continuing. “The Ovs in the city of Trewek live just the opposite and they seem to be happy.”
“I’m sure they are as they run around without any ramifications to their actions.”
“But it seems to work for them.”
“That’s because the Ov’Unday are pacifists and avoid dealing with real issues. This allows others to take advantage of them very easily.”
“I didn’t get the sense that any of them were taking advantage of one another.”
“And you won’t. They will turn the other way and allow the minority of the culture to have their way. Warriors like you and I would never be able to live in such places.”
Thorik found it odd that Santorray would place them both in this category. “Why do you say that? I felt very relaxed there.”
“You and I could never sit idly by once we started witnessing some individuals get away with murder. They allow their victims to suffer as the city officials try to help the criminals understand what they did was wrong. Instead of taking swift action to eliminate the bad eggs, they allow them to continue to spread their poison, all the while hoping the offenders will change for the better.”
“You don’t think individuals can change?”
Santorray growled at the idea. “Few do.”
“I hope you’re wrong.”
“I wish that I was. Look at your fellow Nums. Brimmelle hasn’t changed much since I have met him. He’s still prejudiced against all Altered Creatures and most likely always will be, even though he relies on several to travel with and keep him alive. And then there is Avanda.”
“What about her?” Thorik voice was clearly defensive.
“She will never take the time to get things right. She likes shortcuts and quick results. Her magic is chaotic and risky and always will be. And yet, knowing this, you have provided her with a book that provides her more of these dangerous powers. Your mission to save your grandmother has put our safety at jeopardy by giving her the book, knowing in your heart that she will never change.”
“You don’t know that she can’t change.”
“I know that as long as you keep feeding her what she wants, there is no reason for her to change and become more responsible. Pain is a needed part of the Del’Unday culture. People don’t change until they feel they are forced into doing things differently in order to survive. As long as you protect Avanda and give her what she wants to learn more magic, she will never grow less dangerous.”
Thorik looked back behind them at Bryus attempting to get Avanda to practice a spell with little luck. As normal, she continued to want to move on to other spells that were more enjoyable to perform.
The Alchemist was sweating from the heat, which was increasing as they traveled southeast toward the Guardians. The sun continued to drain his strength as Avanda tested his nerves with her obsession with studies that were of more interest to her. Worn and tired, he continued to explain the basic elements to her.
“Excuse me,” Thorik said to Santorray before he walked back to Bryus. Once he arrived, he asked Avanda to walk up front with Santorray for a while to help him scout for danger, while he chatted with Bryus. She was always looking for something different to do, at least until she became bored with it.
“Bryus,” Thorik said, once they were alone. “Is Avanda ready to cast the spell we need to free Gluic?”
“Absolutely, I’ve had more than enough time to explain years of knowledge to her on how the fundamentals of the components work.”
Thorik bit his tongue, knowing that Bryus’ condescending tone was just how the man talked to everyone. “Will you be able to perform it?”
“Not with this evergreen growing out of my arm.”
“But if we fixed your arm, you can save her?”
“I’m more than capable of purging her from Varacon.”
“Okay, so all we need to do is find a new arm for you and then you can cast the spell, once we collect the spice.”
“New arm? It will take a year for my body to heal after I remove this one due to the bad magic used to attach it in the first place. Then, and only then, can I add a new one.”
This was not what Thorik was hoping to hear. “So, Avanda needs to be trained on this spell so she can perform it.”
“What do you think I’ve been trying to do, teach her to plant a garden? I’ve tried but she just won’t slow down. She has no discipline and focus. I’m better off teaching her the basics and see what she makes of it.”
“No, I need her to learn this spell.”
“It’s a complicated series of movements, words and components. She doesn’t have the patience. And I think I’m just about out of the patience I have. I surrender! I don’t need this aggravation.”
“Please don’t. I need your help on this and am willing to make it worth your while.”
The words caught Bryus’ attention and caused him to stop walking. “Go on.” He quickly exposed a devious smile.
“After she has successfully completed the spell and releases my grandmother, I will give you Vesik.”
“Avanda thinks the book of magic is hers. She will not be pleased.”
“I know, but I will give it to you under one condition.”
“Which is?”
“You leave with it, so she no longer has access to it.”
“Odd request from someone who is so fond of our little lady Num.”
“Not at all. I want her to be safe, and I fear that the book will only cause her to harm herself in the end.”
Bryus nodded. “That would be a logical conclusion for anyone who has seen her cast spells.” He grinned at the idea of not having to steal the book after the spell occurred, which is what he had planned to do anyway. “I accept your offer.” He then held out his thin dirty hand.
Thorik unexpectedly paused before reaching out to shake the Alchemist’s hand. As he did, it felt wrong, as though he had made a pact with Bakalor himself. Even though he knew what he was doing was best for Avanda, he didn’t like the emotions he was starting to feel.
Chapter 39
The Spell
Essence of Gluic Page 50