Summoner 6

by Eric Vall

  “Not sure if I should be worried about that or not to be honest,” I snorted.

  “Well, you’re in good hands for the moment,” Geheim assured, “but we won’t be able to keep you here forever.”

  I looked around and noted that wherever we were was dark. Orbs of light about the size of my palm floated in place around the room, and they gave off a soft, ambient light, but it was enough for me to make out a few details. The walls were wood, but not the typical polished wood you’d find in the inns and taverns. This was jagged and rough, as though they were made from the bark of the finest, oldest oaks in the forest. There were a couple of beds, which told me this was either someone’s home, or some other apothecary that wasn’t the Medic Ward. A few supplies and maps were scattered about as well.

  “Where exactly is here?” I asked carefully.

  “The Underground,” replied a voice I recognized, and then Marangur Sleet stepped into the room, followed by a couple other familiar faces. Orenn and Ashla stood at his sides, tired and weary, but they still smiled weakly at me.

  “Well, aren’t you lot a sight for sore eyes,” I teased as they walked up to the bed.

  “By the looks of you, I’d say your eyes aren’t the only thing that’s sore,” Orenn jabbed.

  “At least I have a reason,” I snorted. “The hell is your excuse?”

  “Still the same as always, man.” He grinned, and then he reached his hand out for what would be a weak high five on my part.

  “Glad to see they didn’t crush your spirit along with your bones,” Ashla chided as she leaned over Nia to ruffle my hair.

  “Nah, I got a spirit that’s thicker than Madox’s skull,” I replied with a snicker.

  “I’m still standing here,” Gawain groaned.

  Again, I ignored him, mostly because I knew it annoyed him. Okay, it was entirely because I knew it annoyed him.

  “I am quite relieved to see you’ve all made it back here,” Sleet intervened, “however, I must impress upon you the severity of the situation.”

  We fell silent as Sleet moved to stand beside General Kenefick. The two of them looked as though they hadn’t slept in days, which was likely the truth, given what I knew about said situation. I had a feeling it was only a part of what was really going on, though, and we were about to find out how screwed we really were.

  “Hartmire has fallen,” General Kenefick began solemnly. “Cottington Hall was leveled in our attempts to close the rift, and over seventy-percent of the entire area has turned to nothing but chunks of debris and bodies.”

  A silence fell over the group. It was hard to hear the numbers, and I knew that wasn’t even all of the statistics. To be honest, I didn’t want to know the numbers at all. Knowing what happened today was enough.

  “Where does that leave things?” I asked. “What happens now?”

  General Kenefick considered me before he replied.

  “I will accompany my daughter and son-in-law back up to the surface and assess the damages,” he answered. “Right now, we don’t know much of anything, but there are people out there who need our help, and it is our sworn duty to the citizens of Hartmire and all of Mistral to be their rock when everything else is falling apart around them.”

  “We just needed to make sure all of you made it to the Underground first,” Nehra chimed in.

  “The Underground?” I frowned. That was the second time I’d heard the name used. What exactly was this place?

  “It is where those of us against the council have come to put together a plan and make a stand,” Sleet informed.

  “So, a resistance?” I balked. I had no idea there was anything like this, much less under our own noses and run by our Headmaster.

  “If that is what you would like to think of it as, then yes,” Sleet considered.

  “Did you know about this?” I asked Nia, who shook her head.

  “It was on a need to know basis,” Geheim offered. “Until now, myself, Nehra, Sleet, and General Kenefick were the only ones who needed to know.”

  “So, small ranks, then,” I joked.

  “Not so much anymore,” General Kenefick said proudly, “but I’m afraid I’ll have to leave the rest of this explanation to Sleet. The rest of us need to take our leave. We shouldn’t be away from the Enclave for too long.”

  He marched over to Nia, who stood and hugged her father tightly, before he turned and hugged Layla as well. It was kind of endearing how Gallahar Kenefick had taken Layla under his wing like she was one of his own after she visited him the one time.

  “Take care of yourselves,” Gallahar told them, and the two of them nodded. “And make sure you keep an eye on these two.”

  The General motioned to Gawain and I, and the two of us rolled our eyes in unison, though I believed only one of us did it in good nature. Kenefick bowed his head then and waved to Sleet, who waved to his retreating back.

  “I’ll be back later to give you and Arwyn more medicine,” Nehra told me as she pulled away from my bed. “Don’t go capturing anymore Double A grade monsters while I’m gone, okay?”

  “I’ll do my best,” I laughed.

  Nehra, pleased with my answer, looked to Nia then.

  “If anything happens, you know where the exit is,” she told her sister. “I doubt you’ll need to escape from anything, though. This place is already well beneath the surface.”

  “Right,” Nia confirmed.

  Geheim and Gawain exchanged silent goodbyes before the former ushered Nehra out the door. It was just the team and Sleet now.

  “Well, this has been quite an adventure, hasn’t it?” Sleet spoke lightheartedly as he turned back to us.

  “You could say that,” Layla muttered and propped her elbows up on the bed. “Can we finally know what all of this is about?”

  Sleet hummed as he stroked his beard, and I could have sworn that it became whiter each time I saw the man.

  “Yes, I suppose it is time to divulge to all of you what is going on,” Sleet sighed, and then he plopped himself rather uncharacteristically on the bed across from mine. “Unfortunately, time is of the essence.”

  There was a collective sigh around the room. We all wanted a clue to what was going on, and what was going to happen now that an Enclave had been nearly wiped off the map.

  “Perhaps a shortened version, then?” Ashla prodded, likely because she knew none of us wanted to pester him. After all, most of us were still either learning or working under him. It had been a few years since Ashla was a student at the Academy in Varle herself, but now that she was a mercenary, she didn’t have as much to lose in speaking up as we did.

  Sleet pursed his lips as he locked eyes with Ashla, and then some sort of intense staring contest started between the two of them. Between Ashla’s determination and sheer willpower and Sleet’s trained eyes, it was hard to guess which one would cave first.

  After several long seconds, however, Sleet conceded. “Very well,” he said.

  Excited to hopefully learn something, I tried to wiggle my way to an upright position. With a little help from Nia and Layla, I was able to get a proper look at everyone in the room. We all sat on chairs and beds as we gathered around Sleet so he could reveal to us the nature of what had been going on.

  “I’m not quite sure where to start,” Sleet began with a frown, “but I suppose it is best to start from the beginning, is it not?”

  We all nodded with anticipation.

  “We don’t know a lot ourselves,” Sleet started, “but what we do know is politics have become more prevalent in the society of mages than the power of the mages themselves. The name Grand Mage used to mean something. It was powerful, fierce, and a weapon as well as a shield. Now, it is a glorified name for a mage to sit upon and make decisions without the ability to think for themselves.”

  “And now?” I asked.

  “Things are changing in Mistral,” Sleet intervened, “and they have been for quite some time, about the last decade or so. These changes started w
ith the shift in the government’s focus from fighting inside the rifts to collecting essence crystals. Then the rifts happened more frequently, to nearly two or three opening around the world daily. There have been changes in geography and climate just in those ten years, and the entire time, Gallahar and I have been trying to convince the council that there is cause for concern.”

  “Let me guess,” I deadpanned, “they don’t want to hear anything you have to say because they think they know everything.”

  “That is precisely what they think, Mr. Gryff,” Sleet agreed with a wry smile, “and it is why I recruited all of you to help me.”

  “I wasn’t exactly recruited,” Ashla replied snarkily. “I simply happen to have an interest in the ciphers you are seeking out.”

  Sleet nodded.

  “Yes, though I don’t think it is a coincidence you and your group ran into two young men who were after the same thing as you,” Sleet pondered aloud. “In fact, I daresay the fates willed it.”

  “I haven’t a clue about your fates,” Ashla waved him off, “but I am still interested and willing to offer my services if it means I can learn about the ciphers and what they do.”

  Sleet smiled. “I was counting on that, Ms. Avihs.”

  Ashla nodded, though she failed to hide the sweet blush that graced her cheeks at the use of her last name. It was cute and somehow suited her.

  “As I was saying,” Sleet carried on, “I handpicked all of you because I thought your circumstances as well as your abilities were best suited to help Gallahar and I in our quest.”

  “You mean the ciphers?” Nia asked.

  “Indeed, Ms. Kenefick,” Sleet responded. “While it is true monsters appeared in our world a little over one hundred years ago, it is my theory that this is not the first time there has been a monster invasion in Mistral.”

  There were a few gasps, as though this was news, but I remained unmoved. There was still something more to this than Sleet had gotten to.

  “There are years, centuries, perhaps even a millennia of knowledge in the books found in the ancient libraries,” Sleet pressed on. “The problem is what lies within their pages is a mystery to most because we don’t teach from them anymore. Scholars are only interested in teaching the best ways to defend oneself against monsters, or otherwise make a profit from the magic. However, there is more to our magic than just parlor tricks and slaying monsters. You all know this.”

  We nodded. It was true that through our magic we’d learned a lot, not just on an individual level, but as a team, a family. We had abilities worth more than what they taught us in school, and we should have the power to use it.

  “So, what is your theory, sir?” Orenn pressed as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall behind Layla and Nia.

  “It is my belief that there are answers to our monster problems within the pages of the books in the ancient libraries,” Sleet revealed. “However, with only two of the four of them remaining, we are already at a disadvantage. That is already half of Mistral’s mage lore and history lost.”

  Sleet waved his hand, and the book, along with four of the six ciphers, appeared.

  “You found your cipher?” I looked up at Layla in surprise. Last I had known, she hadn’t been able to find it, and I’d left her with the Wild Reds to close the rift in Balvaan.

  She grinned from ear to ear. “Had to fight a giant squid for it, but you know how it is.”

  I laughed a little and squeezed her hand. I was proud of her for finding it on her own. Well, mostly on her own. I was sure the Wild Reds were there to help her with the fight.

  “These ciphers will help us decode many of the books that are written in this language,” Sleet told us, “and it is my hope that within those books there is a way to learn about our history. It has been kept from us as a way to better defend ourselves against the monsters.”

  “Is that what the council wants from us?” I asked. “Do they want the ciphers?”

  “I’m unclear of what they want, Mr. Gryff, but I do know they will be hard pressed to get it,” Sleet replied firmly. “Regardless of the council, we have a duty as mages to the people of Mistral to keep them safe. We were granted these powers, and we should use them for the good of everyone.”

  Everyone hummed and nodded as they agreed. Even Gawain, who until recently I would have thought to be on the side of the council, was willing to be a part of this rebellion. It was a nice change of character for him, I thought, not that I knew all that much about his life outside of the Academy, but I did know he and his father were definitely not cut from the same cloth. That much he had divulged to me.

  “That said, once you and Ms. Hamner are recovered, I have a mission for you,” Sleet announced as he leveled his eyes on me.

  “Sir?” My spine straightened, well, as much as it could without being in an exorbitant amount of pain.

  “We are missing two of our members,” Sleet said solemnly.

  My eyes went wide. “Varleth and Braden!” I exclaimed.

  “Seek them out. I’m afraid I don’t have much for you to go on aside from where I sent them in the first place,” Sleet informed with a frown, “but it’s a good place to start.”

  “Yes, of course, sir,” I replied and nodded. “Who might my team be?”

  Sleet hummed as he looked over the group of us. His long fingers tangled into his beard as he stroked it, and he clicked his tongue as he considered his options.

  “I think your original five person response team would be fitting for this mission,” Sleet replied finally, “once you and Ms. Hamner are fully healed, that is.”

  I couldn’t stop the grin that spread across my face. While I loved traveling with everyone else, there was something special about fighting alongside Nia and Orenn, and Varleth as well, once we found him.

  “What about the rest of us?” Almasy questioned. “I think I can speak for everyone in here that we want to help in any way we can.”

  Again, there was a collective agreement throughout the room, and Sleet’s smile softened as he looked about.

  “Although I am thrilled you’re all so willing to lend a hand, we must look at all of the angles of this situation,” Sleet replied slowly. “There is a lot to be done here in Hartmire, not to mention most of you are fugitives in the eyes of the council.”

  “So then what are we supposed to do?” Layla huffed and sank back in her chair, and I knew she was probably upset Sleet hadn’t included her.

  “I need you all to do what you can here to save people,” Sleet said. “Layla, I know you want to go with Gryff, but we desperately need your excellent summoning prowess here.”

  “Okay,” the short-haired beauty said, and her frown quickly switched to a grin.

  “Everyone will have their part to play,” Sleet said as he glanced at those whom he wanted to stay with him.

  “What would you have us do?” Almasy questioned, arms folded against his chest.

  “A fine question, Mr. Almasy,” Sleet spoke as he folded his hands in his lap. “I would like for you, along with Mr. Madox and Ms. Bethel, to aid in the rescue and restoration of Hartmire.”

  “I’m sorry, sir,” Gawain piped up, “but are you sure that’s wise? We were about to be imprisoned for treason, and the council-- ”

  “Oh, have a damn heart, Madox!” Layla sneered as she rolled her eyes. “These people just lost everything. They aren’t the council. They’re people, innocent people who have lost their homes, their families, their lives, all because of the same council you’re so worried about coming after you.”

  “They aren’t exactly in a position to be picky and choosy over who comes to their aid,” Almasy added.

  “That is true,” Sleet commented, “though I have a special project for you specifically, Mr. Almasy.”

  “Sir?” Almasy tilted his head quizzically.

  “I want you to go to the ruins of the Cottington Hall Library,” Sleet instructed. “Take anything that may be of use to us that h
asn’t been torn to smithereens.”

  “Now that’s treason,” Ashla joked, and I snorted quietly.

  “Call it what you will, but if it helps our cause, then it will be well worth it,” Sleet stated firmly.

  “So you want me to scavenge the library,” Almasy repeated. “Is that all?”

  “For now.” Sleet nodded. “When you’ve done that, we can move on from there.”

  “What about us three?” Ashla asked as she nodded to Layla, Gawain, and herself.

  “Layla and Gawain will be working separately with different tasks amongst the Enclave,” Sleet informed. “Gawain, you’ll be reporting directly to General Kenefick and assisting him in any way you can.”

  Gawain stood straighter as he nodded, clearly proud of the honor of getting to work side by side with the General. Sure, he was Nia’s father, but at the end of the day he was also a fantastic and powerful mage. It was only right Gawain treated him with the respect he deserved.

  “As for you, Layla,” Sleet when on as he turned to the female summoner, “I want you to work with Nehra. She’s remarkably skilled in creating numerous kinds of potions of all sorts. You’ll be accompanying her in the field and using your summons in any way possible to aid her.”

  Layla grinned. “You can count on me, sir.”

  “Your assignments start first thing tomorrow morning,” Sleet informed them. “I suggest you get a good night of rest.”

  “And me?” Ashla asked.

  “Don’t think I have forgotten you,” Sleet chuckled with a sly grin.

  “With all due respect, Headmaster,” Ashla said hesitantly, “before you say anything, my place is with my men in Balvaan. We’re still trying to restore the town from all of the water damage.”

  “I could not agree with you more.” Sleet nodded and clapped his hands together. “Though, you are not my student any longer, I do hope you will continue to help our cause.”

  “Of course,” Ashla agreed without hesitation. “I’m honored to help, but I fear I have some unfinished business to tend to before I can fully commit myself.”

  “Then we shall have transportation arrangements made for you.” Sleet bowed his head respectfully.