Wizard of Elements

by Calista Lambrechts

  Thereafter, Borin shot his usual gaze at me and pursed his lips, crossing his arms.

  “MOVE IT!”

  I didn’t think twice before taking my way, holding a fear for both his aze and another possible flying dwarf that might be heading my way.

  CHAPTER 27

  SOME CLARITY

  CARLAYLIN

  Nothing. I heard nothing. I saw nothing… Nothing but a pitch blackness. A few coughs pushed up my throat and jutted me from the bed. My throat was burning and my stomach hurt pretty badly whenever I did. I felt a soft and comfortable bed embracing me in its pillows and many blankets. I took a big breath, almost as though I hadn’t in quite a long time. I groaned and turned, restless.

  Progressively, I started to stir. My breathing only started to ease up. Gradually, my eyes opened and recognized the room. It was the cathedral room, the same place I last saw. I grasped my stomach in hope of easing the pain. I felt terrible, twisting and turning in my bed, suddenly feeling extremely uncomfortable as if I’ve slept on a bed made of stone.

  I was given a few minutes when I heard a rattle at the doorknob. It turned and the door opened only a crack.

  I tried to sit up straight, but my body wouldn’t allow it. I was too weak. Too numb. All I could do was scoot up against the back of the bed, allowing me to gain some height.

  “Careful,” a soft voice said gently. I saw a young man with black and spiky hair appearing in sight. None other than Adrian. He smiled a smile of relief.

  “I thought I lost you for sure.” I took a moment before replying.

  “What happened?” My voice was cracked and hurt whenever I spoke.

  “We were sure you were dead. I could’ve sworn.”

  Adrian took the time to exhale a shaky breath.

  “How long was I out?” Adrian took his time to think about it, trying to get to a precise answer.

  “I’d say at about seven days.” My eyes widened as the shock hit me.

  Have I really been out for an entire week?

  My head was swarming with questions that I urgently needed to ask, but decided that they could wait for later.

  “At least it gave me time to travel back to Suntaria and get you your possessions back. Not to mention breaking that merchant’s nose for you. But for now…”

  He patted some white, silk clothing on the wooden chest nearby.

  “But I-” Adrian raised his hand to hush me.

  “Just try.” He gave me a smile of reassurance and just before exiting the room he said, “Deodonatus and I will meet you in the main hall when you’re ready.”

  He exited the room and closed it shut.

  I pushed the blankets from my person and nervously looked at the ground. I tried and put my one leg on the ground, slowly the other. I had never been more apprehensive in my life…

  I took a deep breath and lifted myself up, but didn’t succeed. I fell back onto the bed, but it didn’t stop me from trying again. I closed my eyes tightly and tried again, but my legs wouldn’t let me. Fortunately, I was no quitter and tried again until I finally succeeded, though not without some livid grunts and curses.

  I slumped against the wall when I lost my balance, but used strategy and moved alongside the wall to keep me up.

  I looked at the clothes and put them on. It was nothing more than a beautiful white, silky dress. It was a tad too large, but somehow comfortable.

  I grabbed a pair of crutches to help me keep my balance. I looked into the mirror and looked at myself. I was covered in cuts and bruises, but I was clean and there were no more signs of dirt. I studied myself and noted that I was still abnormally pale, but it just had to heal over time.

  As I fastened the silk sash around my waist, a terrible pain webbed off across my stomach when I pulled too tight.

  I winced and lifted part of the dress with a frown. The dress contained various complex sections to its design and made it possible.

  My heart skipped a beat. There was a large cut stretching across my waist.

  I stared at it for a while, slowly raising my gaze to the mirror once last time. I gulped and let go.

  Slowly, I made for the door, still struggling. I continued until entering the main hall. Both my arms and legs were numb, but I did it… I walked. A kind woman, home to the cathedral, came to my side and lent me her aid.

  She decided to leave her duties unattended to and saw to it that I got to Adrian and his chubby monk friend with ease.

  There the two warmly greeted me, gesturing me to sit on one of the steps nearby.

  They helped me down, Adrian taking my crutches from me and Brother Deodonatus stared at me in awe.

  “I don’t know how this is possible. I cannot believe that you’re still alive!”

  “How so?”

  “Well, at some point I couldn’t find your heartbeat. For three days now no breath as escaped your lips.”

  A thought came to mind.

  “Uh, can anyone perhaps tell me what’s with the giant cut on my stomach?”

  Brother Deodonatus fumbled nervously with his fingers, biting down on his lower lip.

  “It was the only way I could get that disease of yours cured. I call it… surgery. That is all I will say.”

  I wasn’t exactly happy or comfortable with the idea of ‘surgery’. It gave me shivers snaking down my spine and chilled my skin. I was sure not to dwell on the thought for too long.

  “But I have no idea how that cut of yours could’ve healed so fast. It’s almost nothing more than a scar.”

  He knitted his eyebrows and pressed the back of his hand to his forehead, worried he might be losing his mind or busy catching a cold. He dabbed away the beads of sweat on his forehead.

  “Uh, if you’ll excuse me, I will be praying at the shrine...”

  He quickly made his departure and soon disappeared.

  What’s his problem?

  Adrian came and sat next to me on the step, scooting closer.

  “How do you feel?” he asked, looking rather eager to hear my response.

  “I… I’m fine, except for that touch of nausea. Brings back memories.”

  Adrian gave a comforting smirk.

  “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine, Adrian,” I chuckled and playfully pushed him away. I couldn’t help but heave a miserable sigh, one of despair and grief. Regret perhaps?

  Although I punched Terrowin in the jaw… I kind of missed the guy. Maybe… Maybe I should’ve have been so hard on him.

  “I actually thought that I’d never see you awake again,” Adrian said with a sigh.

  “Well I’m here, so…”

  Our eyes locked. I frowned, recalling back on my memories, my enquiries driven by the sheer will of my undying curiosity.

  “Say, why didn’t you freak out when you heard the word magic? Isn’t that what you – how can I put this – mortals, or normals or whatever, do when you hear something like that?”

  “Well, I would be foolish not to accept the fact that Ysellian is a land of paranormal. Most people prefer to ignore the unexplained, but I’m well acquainted with it, believe me.”

  I gave a sarcastic chuckle, rolled my eyes and waved it away, my expression turning serious.

  “There is still one thing I don’t quite understand.” I puffed my cheeks and blew.

  “You said it took you a few days to return to Suntaria and come back. How come it only took us a few minutes? Or was it just me?” I cocked my head and raised an eyebrow.

  Adrian couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “It took us the same amount of time. Only difference is that you were falling in and out of consciousness. You were delirious.” I narrowed my eyes and grinned.

  “So it was me. Can you blame me?”

  “What is your last name?” he asked, out of the blue.

  I pursed my lips.

  “Thorel. Why do you want to know?”

  “Ah, Thorel. It
means heal in the tongue of the dragon.”

  Both my eyebrows raised and my eyes widened.

  “You speak ADULL?” Adrian frowned.

  “No, of course not. The language is too complex. I have been studying a few words over the years, before I got stuck in that godforsaken mine, that is.”

  I tapped my chin as I thought about something.

  “I was wondering. Let’s say I could understand ADULL without even having to go through the effort of studying it. Like a natural talent perhaps. What would that make me?”

  Adrian shot his glance up to the ceiling as he tried to think.

  “Why, that would make you a Drachem, but that would be impossible since no one has been born under the Sign of the Dragon for over centuries.”

  “So that damned dragon was right after all,” I murmured to myself.

  “Uh, what was that?”

  My heart skipped a beat and I froze.

  Nice going, Carlaylin… Idiot.

  I was alerted, my gaze scanning the room in search of a valid cover.

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  Pff, nice cover.

  Luckily, Adrian accepted my answer and we were left in a moment of silence.

  “Do you, by any chance, know about the six main dragons of Ysellian?” I asked, scratching my head.

  “In fact I do. Four of the dragons represent the four main elements: The Dragon of Air, Imperion, the Dragon of Water, Marinius and his accomplice Aquen, the Dragon of Earth, Graviss and, of course, the all too infamous Dragon of Fire, Thorodan. There is also a dragon that guards the gates of the dead-”

  “Tarauntis.”

  “Yes… How did you know?”

  “Uh… I took the time in studying them myself once.”

  Lying might have been the best action to take for now.

  “Is there anything you can tell me about the Dragon of Life perhaps?”

  I figured that if that damn life-hating dragon wouldn’t tell me, Adrian might as well do. He was good enough a replacement or substitute.

  “Yes, but I fear I do not know as much about him as I would like since he disappeared many centuries ago without as much as a trace.”

  Adrian warily scanned the area before continuing his lesson, one I was eager to hear about. Adrian’s eyes glinted.

  “The Dragon of Life is said to be named Thorelnius. The one word, which means heal, and the other that means life in ADULL. I think you might know which is which.”

  He winked alongside a joyful grin.

  “Anyway, that is why I asked for your last name. Clearly it is impossible for anyone to heal this fast. Just look at you, you’re already up and walking. By my diagnoses you shouldn’t actually be able to walk for another few more months...”

  The idea made me shiver and cringe against my will. It was enough to get encroached by that eerie feeling of shock.

  “I personally think that you may have a link to the Dragon of Life… and perhaps his disappearance.”

  I dropped my gaze, staring at the steps.

  “You really think so?” Adrian nodded, with a slight expression of amazement on his face.

  “Yes, I do.” I crossed my arms and snorted, breaking the moment with an unsuspected answer.

  “Nonsense if you ask me.”

  There was no way I was ready to believe that the Dragon of Life had a link to me… although…

  Agh! No, Carlaylin! You have enough questions and heavyweight pressing down on your shoulders. Let it go.

  “What? Of course it’s not.”

  “Perhaps it is, perhaps not. But for now, let’s agree to disagree… If you’ll excuse me, I have to go see Brother Deodonatus over there.”

  I tried getting to my feet, but struggled. Adrian was quick to help me. He handed me my crutches.

  He didn’t hesitate to escort me to where Deodonatus was praying at the foot of a shrine at the end of the large hall.

  Fortuitously Adrian was obedient and knew when he had to leave us be. He would truly do anything to help in any way he could. He left the soon as he was certain that I was all right.

  I walked down the hall, marvelling at my large surroundings. Deodonatus didn’t notice me at first until I gently rested a hand on his shoulder.

  At first he was startled, but quickly calmed down when he realised it was only me, letting out a breath of liberation.

  We exchanged grins.

  The monk quickly found his feet. I took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eyes.

  “I believe you were expecting me, Father. Merlin sent me.”

  He clasped his hands together, hiding them within the long sleeves of his brown monk’s robe.

  “Ah, yes, but weren’t there supposed to be two I was supposed to meet?”

  I dropped my gaze.

  “Yes, but unfortunately the other one… couldn’t make it.”

  He nodded with sorrow.

  “I see.”

  He paused to close his eyes in a moment of silence. “I am truly sorry for your loss.”

  “What, no! – I mean… yes, it is… quite tragic.”

  I knitted my eyebrows to make the situation more believable, working on the charade I pulled.

  “What is this about an artefact I hear?”

  Deodonatus didn’t answer immediately and gestured me to walk beside him, allowing for us to discuss the matter as we move forward.

  “We should be careful not to talk too loud. There are ears just as eager to gather the information I possess.”

  “Of course.”

  I respected his orders and lowered my voice.

  “I will try to say as little as possible.” He carefully scanned the area before continuing.

  “This artefact is called the Star of Hallos. It is quite powerful and could declare the fate of the war. I do not yet know how, but I do know this: It cannot be obtained… but it can be won.”

  I frowned.

  “What do you mean it can only be won?” Deodonatus sighed.

  “The governor of Morrowburg, Maxus du Perron, once discovered this artefact hidden within these very walls. He was greedy and did not think of the dangers and uses it withheld. Instead, he used it to his advantage and declared it a trophy for all champions that win the arena, but that hasn’t happened in so long. All the survivors’ last challenge always manages to kill them. That is why the Star is still held as trophy within the arena walls somewhere, probably guarded by Governor Maxus du Perron himself.”

  I bit down on my lower lip.

  I didn’t like the sound of this...

  “So what are you saying? I should enter in the arena and fight for that artefact?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. It is the only way… unless you consider robbery, but that is no way we work in.”

  I knew I had little choice, though I would have either chosen robbery, but I don’t think brother Deodonatus would’ve approved. This is a cathedral after all.

  We came to a stop at the end of the large hall and faced the exit.

  “How will I identify the artefact? How does it look like?” Brother Deodonatus gave a faint smile.

  “You will know it when you see it. Be careful though, and good luck, my child. Let He guide you and be your saviour in times of need.”

  “What should I do once I acquire the Star?”

  “Bring it back here so that I may study it, to know and verify that it is the right and actual artefact.”

  I nodded and accepted the challenge, though I was a little frightened of what lay ahead for me, but scraped all my courage together and said goodbye.

  Adrian tried to stop me, telling me that it wasn’t such a good idea, that I wasn’t in the state to go on with this, but I had to do what was right and deny. He only wished me the best of luck. I exited the cathedral on my own risk.

  CHAPTER 28

  THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR

  INFURIATING A GIRL

  T
ERROWIN

  Well, the journey wasn’t that bad, even though it did take me quite a few days to reach Morrowburg. I now see that the master was truly right. This is a place of great sorrow. It was dark, rainy and cold. The entire city clung to an eerie and somewhat uncanny feeling.

  Whomever I passed gave me a scowl, or at best, ignored me whenever I would ask for directions and or questions.

  Even my hijacked horse ran away when he got the chance. I can honestly say that this city was quite literally made of grey and so were most of the buildings.

  The sky was dark and rain poured lightly down from the heavens above. I held out my hand to feel the swift little drops of rain trickling down on my palm and running down my fingers.

  I took a black silky cloak and fastened it to my shoulders. I pulled its cowl over my head for protection from the rain and its cold and unwelcoming touch. The wet streets were glistening. People merely sauntered on, quite used to the daily rain that so haunted this city.

  Yet, this city wasn’t too bad. I could learn to like it here.

  Unfortunately, I had a duty. I was set on doing what I came for. I couldn’t stay here and marvel at my surroundings all day. My first priority was to find Carlaylin and make things right again, right my wrongs. I couldn’t stand seeing her this mad at me. Besides, I not knowing her current state had left me with countless sleepless nights. I couldn’t bear it. It was even worse knowing that I had been the fool.

  If she was fine, she would’ve ran away from me the moment she saw me.

  Think, Terrowin, think! Where am I going to find her in a city as great as this?

  Then it suddenly hit me.

  I overheard her newest confidant talking something about seeing a monk that could help her and where better to find a monk than in a cathedra? I started meandering the city, sure to keep a quickened pace, searching for the minster… but the city was so damn large.

  I knew what I had to do and grabbed a random man by the shoulder. He froze in his tracks. That got his attention since simply asking was of no use.

  “Watch it, you bastard!” the man roared.

  “Calm down. I just want to know which way to take to the cathedral.”