The Wizard

by Thomas Rouxville

  “Well?” Rue asked, raising a brow.

  “It started out one day in Slyfort,” Thane began. “I received a summoning to the castle. My first thought was that the King was going to punish me-”

  “Punish you for what?” Rue asked.

  There was no way Thane could avoid telling Rue and Abigast that he was a mercenary. Would that scare them? Would they shrink in fear as so many people did? He sighed again, deciding he might as well begin by revealing his identity.

  “I thought he was going to punish me for all of the murders I've committed.” Before Rue or Abigast had a chance to say anything, Thane clarified. “I'm a mercenary. A contract killer. People hire me to eliminate targets, my clientèle largely consists of crime lords, scorned lovers, upset workers, anyone with a reason to want someone dead.”

  “There shouldn't be a reason to want anyone dead,” Rue interjected. “You talk as if it's easy, as if these aren't human lives you're taking, but animals you're hunting in the woods or something.”

  Thane looked to Abigast, expecting the wizard to add something. Abigast simply looked past him, right through him, expression unreadable.

  “I did feel that way once,” Thane said, replying to Rue. “I didn't look at my victims as humans, only when they suffered, did I see any ounce of humanity. In those moments, I almost felt guilt, but I didn't feel real guilt, not until I killed Sluforn and started this plague.”

  Rue gasped. “What do you mean you started it?! You said when we met, that you knew how to end it!”

  “Let the man finish,” Abigast said, finally speaking. “You were saying you were summoned to the castle, begin from there.”

  “I was summoned to the castle, and it turns out that I was not in trouble, but that Prince Adaranth wanted my help. He wanted me to murder a wizard, Sluforn.”

  At the mention of Sluforn, Abigast's eyes grew wider, as if he knew who Sluforn was. “Adaranth told me that Sluforn had been banished from the castle after finding a wife for Adaranth. Adaranth's wife, Maia, was cursed with infertility by Sluforn, for he was angry that Adaranth banished him. Of course, Adaranth was angered by the action and thought that killing Sluforn was the best option. He told me all of this, and I agreed to kill the wizard for him, having no idea of the dire consequences.

  “You see, I am known for being the greatest mercenary in Galbar. I do not fail my clients, and I do not fail myself. When I traveled to Hazelhelm, to Sluforn's house, I had no idea that things would go so terribly. When I watched him, planning my attack, I saw an old, perceivably helpless man. He didn't look so different from you, Abigast. I had no idea how powerful he was, no idea what he would unleash. I attacked him, and he rendered me helpless, paralyzing me. And then he let me kill him, dared me to do it. Of course, as soon as I wasn't paralyzed, I stabbed him. I didn't hesitate when I should have. I should have asked why he dared me, why he was just succumbing to death, unlike all my other victims, who begged for mercy and pleaded for their lives. But I didn't hesitate, and as he lay dying, he released the plague.”

  Thane paused, waiting for someone to say something. Abigast was looking past him again, staring blankly, like he didn't comprehend or perhaps care what Thane was saying. Rue did not speak either, as if now fully invested in Thane's tale.

  “Before Sluforn died, he told me the only way to stop the plague would be to find a wizard equal in power to him who would know how to end it. I immediately reported back to Adaranth, expecting him to be shocked, expecting him to help me find a wizard or at least do...something. But Adaranth mocked me and blamed me for the plague. He wanted to have me hanged for a crime I didn't commit, or at least that I didn't mean to commit. Even if the plague was completely my fault, I wanted to absolve myself by stopping the plague before it spread. I begged Adaranth to let me live, but he had me sent to the dungeon. And you know what the worst thing was? He didn't care about the plague. He had no regard for all of his citizens, not the slightest care in the world. I think he knew about Sluforn and the plague, I think he wanted it to happen on purpose. I still don't understand why, but I intend on finding that out.”

  Rue shook her head and swore loudly. “Adaranth is the villain in this story,” she said.

  Thane nodded. “I was imprisoned, and within a few hours, I managed to escape by killing a guard and taking his uniform. I am not proud of killing that man. And ever since then, I've been feeling more and more guilt for all of the other murders I committed, all of the innocent people I killed, I've been remembering faces and the words of victims on the verge of death. I used to be a very selfish person; I didn't care about anything except money. I didn't care about anyone but myself. Just like Adaranth, I didn't care about people; they were just objects to be used or killed. And now I realize how horrible my thinking was. I was a monster, and there's nothing I can do to ever really take it all back. Even if I help stop this plague, I will still be a villain.”

  “You're not a villain,” Abigast said calmly. “You're telling us all of this aren't you? Revealing your secrets, all of your deepest thoughts? Villains are cowards, they would never reveal anything that made them vulnerable.”

  “And you're making yourself completely vulnerable,” Rue said.

  It was true. Thane was spilling out everything that had remained in his mind this entire time. He had to admit, it felt good to talk to someone.

  “So tell us what happened after you escaped the dungeon.”

  “I fled to the forest, thinking I'd be safe. I ran for miles, evading guards and dogs. Eventually, I found a river, jumped into erase my scent, and stayed in the water for as long as I could until I was sure I had thrown them off my trail. Unfortunately, just a short time later, I was found, ambushed. The Prince's Guard found me and attacked. Adaranth himself was there too, smirking, acting like I was nothing more than an annoying pest, a bug to be squashed. I fought off the entire Guard. It's a blur, honestly, I remember being injured, hence the shoulder, but I can't remember much of anything else, except being exhausted. Adaranth ran away like the coward he is, and I went into hiding again, just a small cave. I stayed there until I regained enough energy to move on, and after a tiring journey, here I am.”

  “I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified,” Rue said. “You're certainly strong, I'll give you that. But dangerous. Very, very, dangerous.”

  “I won't hurt you, either of you,” Thane said. “I have no reason to. The only person I want to hurt is Adaranth. I'm done being a mercenary and a murderer. I don't think you realize what it feels like to have decades of crime catch up to you in the space of just a few days.”

  “I've lived a long time,” Abigast breathed. “I've met many lost souls who found their way. Broken people who became healed. It's painful, but I think you're on your way to redemption, Thane.”

  The wizard's words were calming. “Thank you,” Thane said sincerely. “I hope so.”

  “Like I said, you're strong,” Rue said. “If you can fight off the entire Prince's Guard, the most powerful fighters in Galbar, you can probably do anything.”

  “There's a difference between physical strength and emotional strength,” Abigast countered. “Thane is physically mighty but emotionally weak. It's not something to be ashamed of, Thane. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. We all make mistakes. You were a villain once, but a villain no longer. You're a hero, just for coming here, just for trying to stop this vicious plague. Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake, already so many have been lost. But by coming here, you've perhaps already saved many innocent lives. For that, you should be proud.”

  “I know I should be proud,” Thane said. “But how can I be proud when I can't erase the past? All of those people I killed can't be brought back to life. They're gone, and they're gone forever; I can't change that. No one can, not even a powerful wizard.”

  “You made mistakes,” Abigast said, “but that's all they were – mistakes. Like I said, Thane, we all make mistakes. No one is perfect, and yes, of course, some mis
takes are bigger than others. Some mistakes have more consequences, but that doesn't change that they're still mistakes, and you learn from them. It took you a long time, but you finally did learn, and now you won't make that mistake again.”

  “Do you really believe that I've found redemption?” Thane asked.

  “You're on your way, you're on the path to redemption. It's a very long path, but I truly believe you can make it. Do not give into hate or self-loathing. If you hate yourself, you'll never get anywhere. You'll never feel redeemed.”

  Rue gently touched Thane's hand. “I don't trust you completely yet, I don't know if I ever will. But I can see what you're going through right now, and I want you to know that Abigast and I will help you. If we can save you from going back down the dark path, I know I'll feel like a good person.”

  “He's not some project to fix,” Abigast scolded.

  “I know, that's not what I meant, Abigast. What I mean is that I don't want to see you get hurt or hurt anyone else, Thane. Except for Adaranth; he deserves it.”

  Thane smiled. “I think you two are the most genuinely kind people I've ever met. Thank you for the meal, for listening to me, for your words of advice, everything. Thank you for everything.”

  “You've been spending time with the wrong people then. And you're welcome. Abigast and I like to help people. Especially now, what with the plague and everything. It's pretty miserable out there right now.” She sighed. “And about the plague, are you going to stop it, Abigast?”

  Both Thane and Rue looked at Abigast. “Yes, the plague. Can you end it, Abigast?” Thane asked. “Sluforn told me to find a wizard equal in power to him, are you the wizard I've been looking for?”

  Abigast nodded slowly. “Yes, I believe I am. I can stop the plague, and I will.”

  Chapter 5

  The trio sat in silence for several moments. Finally, it was Rue who decided to speak up. “So...what now?”

  Thane looked to Abigast, who was looking into the distance, seemingly staring into nothing. “Abigast.” Rue tapped his shoulder. “Abigast!” She nudged him.

  Abigast slowly turned to look at Thane and Rue. “Yes? Oh, sorry. I was thinking.”

  “About what happens now? How to stop the plague?”

  “Yes.”

  “And?” Rue asked. “What did you come up with?”

  Abigast shook his head. “Nothing.”

  Rue frowned. “What do you mean nothing?”

  Abigast sighed. “I must think some more, consult my old books. I know there's some information somewhere.”

  “We should leave him alone for a while,” Thane said, as Rue peppered Abigast with more questions.

  “We don't have much time,” Rue countered. “Look outside, the plague is already causing so much damage. People are dying, and here we are, sitting around the dinner table.”

  “Thane is right, Rue,” Abigast said, somewhat harshly. “I need to be left alone. I will do all I can to end this plague; I promise you that. But you must have patience.”

  “What are we supposed to do then while you sit around reading books?” Rue asked. “Take over my chores for a few days, don't let the house fall into disrepair.”

  Thane couldn't help but think the house already looked as if it was in disrepair, what with all the clutter lying about, but he didn't voice his opinion. He needed these people to like him, and so far, he was happy about the camaraderie they had established. They trusted him more now. He had told them everything, the entire truth, revealing things he didn't think he was capable of revealing. Thane had laid out his vulnerabilities, and Rue and Abigast had reached out with understanding and warmth. In the past few hours, they had become the closest thing to friends Thane had ever had.

  “I don't want to be your maid,” Rue said. “I want to help with magic-”

  “Rue, you are not my maid,” Abigast said. “You are my assistant, my apprentice. Right now, what I need from you, is your help in accomplishing the tasks that I am unable to complete. I must conduct a great amount of research; it will be time-consuming, you will grow impatient, but you cannot let this town fall apart while I sit hunched over books. Maplefrost needs you.”

  Finally, Rue nodded, leading Thane out of the room. They both turned to see that Abigast had already found a book.

  “We may as well sleep now,” Rue said. “It's getting late.”

  The thought of a decent bed made Thane's heart leap, but he could see the troubled expression on Rue's face. The old Thane wouldn't have bothered to ask what was wrong. He wouldn't have cared. But the new Thane cared perhaps too much. “What's wrong?” He asked.

  “I'm his apprentice, but instead of helping him stop the plague, I have to cook and clean. Does that sound right to you?”

  Of course it didn't. Thane was just as impatient, just as eager to truly help with ending the plague as Rue, but there was nothing the two of them could do to assist with that right now. Abigast was right. They were needed elsewhere. Even if Thane had risked his life to get here, and had been through hell and back, he had to accept that the most he could do to help for now, was to do chores.

  “It's going to be okay,” he said to Rue.

  “You don't look okay,” Rue replied. “You look tired.”

  “I'm exhausted,” Thane said.

  “There's a spare bedroom, right down that hall.” Rue pointed at a hallway filled to the brim with shelves of clutter. Thane was almost hesitant to walk down it, noticing that some items were balanced a little too precariously.

  “The sheets are clean. We haven't had any guests for a few weeks,” Rue said. “If you need anything, my room is right here.” She gestured to a door behind her that was practically hidden, obstructed by a bookshelf.

  “Good night, Thane,” she said.

  “Thank you for everything,” Thane said.

  “It's not a problem. Abigast and I like helping people, it's kind of what we do.”

  “No one has ever been this kind to me.”

  Rue laughed. “You haven't met very many nice people, have you, Thane.” It wasn't a question, she already knew the answer.

  Thane didn't say anything.

  “Well, I'm glad to be one of the only genuinely nice people you've met. See you in the morning.” Rue disappeared into her room, leaving Thane to stand in the crowded hallway, marveling at how quickly things changed. He'd gone from a cold-blooded killer to something close to an emotional wreck in the span of a few days. He walked to the end of the hall, finding the guest room, and dove into bed, not bothering to change into the robe laid out on the bench, or even to remove his boots. He fell asleep in a matter of moments, and it was the best sleep of his life.

  There was a knock at the door sometime later, and as Thane dreamed of beautiful women and delicious tavern drinks, the knocking grew louder, until someone burst through the door and into his room. Someone was shaking him, yelling his name. Was it the woman in the tavern? No, this voice wasn't silky enough.

  “Wake up, Thane!”

  Suddenly, he awoke, realizing the voice belonged to Rue.

  “We have to cook breakfast,” Rue said. “Abigast is starving but doesn't have time for any magic stuff. He was up all-night reading, and I don't think he's slept even for a second.”

  “How early is it?” Thane asked, still in the fogginess of sleep. He rubbed at his eyes, yawning. “The sun rose a long time ago,” Rue answered. “After breakfast, we need to go into the village.

  There's a vendor that Abigast likes to purchase trinkets from. He says the trinkets have magical properties, but I think he just talks to her because he's attracted to her. Anyway, he asked that you and I go visit her today, apologize that Abigast couldn't be there.”

  Thane wanted nothing more than to sink back into the wonderful comfort of the soft bed, but Rue grabbed him around the waist, pulling him up. She was surprisingly strong.

  “You're the one who said it was going to be okay,” she said, handing him a fresh set of clothing. “It's Abiga
st's old working clothes. From when was smaller. He's old and fat now.”

  Thane took the clothes, thanking her.

  “Hurry up and get dressed before Abigast gets cranky about breakfast not being on the table.” Rue strode out of the room.

  The feeling of sleepiness still hadn't completely vanished. Thane almost wondered if some sleeping spell had been cast on him. The bed was so enticing, but he had to help Rue. He could not sleep while Abigast researched and Rue performed chores. They would be angry with him; he would lose some of their trust, and therefore their friendship. He couldn't afford to lose that, not when for the first time in his life, he was beginning to feel more like a human and less like a heartless killer.

  By the time Thane discovered the kitchen, finding it to be in a disheveled state much like the rest of the house, Rue was already nearly finished. She swore under her breath, hardly glancing at Thane.

  “Take this to Abigast,” she said, shoving a plate of food into his hands.

  Thane rushed to Abigast, who seemed as if he hadn't moved since the previous evening. Abigast's eyes were red from lack of sleep, the veins looking like they were about to pop. Thane placed the plate in front of him.

  “Is everything alright?” He asked.

  Abigast looked up as if barely noticing Thane's presence. “I've been through a dozen books, nothing yet.”

  “I wish you luck,” Thane said sincerely.

  Abigast turned back to his studies, occasionally taking a bite out of the biscuits on the plate. When Thane reentered the kitchen, Rue shoved a biscuit into his hand, and then tossed an apron onto a rack.

  “You can eat that on the way to the village market.”

  “I slept in too late, didn't I?”

  Rue smiled. “It's fine. You've been through a lot recently, I don't hold it against you, Thane. Sorry for being so irritated. I kind of have a short temper.”

  Thane smiled back. “I'll wake up on time tomorrow. I promise.”

  They made their way to the village market, finding the vendor Rue had spoken about earlier. An elderly woman, probably near Abigast's age handed them a pretty necklace. She scanned the area for Abigast. “Where is that wizard? And who is this?” She asked, eying Thane.