Wizard of Elements

by Calista Lambrechts

  First thing I did was to unlock the door, enthusiastically rushing into the cathedral hall, now brightly lit with rays of dim sunlight, the sky still being your regular Morrowburgian shades of grey, still not daring to show but a single sign of blue sky. I was slightly feeling like my own self. My hardened heart had softened up more and the bloodlust in my eyes had gone. Could it be the idea that all of this was finally over? Perhaps the adrenaline of running from man-eating spiders or the fact that I finally gained a good night’s sleep without any worries or troubles pressing down on my plate?

  Curiosity got the best of me, though. The urge to tell Brother Deodonatus about the glass dagger I found haunted me ever since the moment I woke up.

  I waited in the hall, pacing up and down, from one end to another until Deodonatus finally managed to show up. He still looked tired, but a bit bemused by the sight of me.

  The only ring of hair he had was tousled and reaching into every direction.

  I don’t think he had the chance for much sleep the past few nights, but yet again that makes two of us.

  Only difference is that he didn’t get the wonderful opportunity of falling down a flight of stairs in the middle of the night and acting out murderous aspects on a spider or so.

  “My, I see you’re awake early... and covered in some spider webs I see. Um…”

  “Please do ignore it.” I was glad the little monk man accepted my request.

  “Anyway, you were out for quite some time. A whole day or two. You had a good sleep I recon?” I snorted playfully and crossed my arms.

  “Really. But I am eager to hear about the Star though.”

  Deodonatus gave a long and highly infective yawn. I couldn’t stop myself from doing the same. Deodonatus gave a faint chuckle, still caught in a faint sleepy daze.

  “As you wish.” He gestured me to follow. I obeyed and followed him to the foot of the shrine. Deodonatus handed me the satchel, containing nothing else than the artefact itself.

  “Good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?” I took a moment to think about it.

  “Good, no! Bad, I mean – can you mix them together perhaps?”

  The monk gave another yawn and said, “This is the Star of Hallos, but yet at the same time it isn’t.”

  “So it is, but it isn’t? You’re confusing when you’re tired, Father.”

  “No, I – okay, this is what I mean by the theory. The form of the artefact and itself is definitely the Star you require, but it isn’t active, therefore doesn’t display the true power of the artefact. As you can see, for the past two nights or so, I stayed up late to study the artefact the best I could, but only came across this little knowledge I now possess.”

  Deodonatus got the artefact into sight and pointed to a small triangular shape on top, near the dragon’s head. He must’ve found a way to unlock this hidden opening as he did the research. The thought of the glass dagger suddenly popped into my mind.

  Could it be a perfect match? It just had to be!

  “I believe this may be the key to activate and unlock the Star’s full power and potential, but I do not quite accurately know how.” I smiled, full of self-confidence.

  “Perhaps this may have a link to the artefact.” I loosened the dagger from my belt and showed it to Deodonatus whose eyes grew wider than any I have ever seen.

  “Where did you get this?”

  “You should really check out your torches so now and then.”

  Without another word, we brought the two together. I carefully slid the dagger’s blade into the triangular shaped hole. It fit with a satisfying click.

  Like I predicted, it was a perfect match, but yet nothing happened. I frowned, a touch of anger settling over me. I didn’t just go through all that just for a broken artefact!

  “Dammit!”

  Luckily, the monk was there to reassure me.

  “At least my studies weren’t just for naught. I read that this artefact shall only be activated on the day when the three moons align – the day of Alzeniron. Plus the correct ritual is required.”

  A strike of hope caught up with me.

  “That isn’t until for quite a few months from now on!”

  “Yes, but unfortunately this ritual has to be done at a certain place, too.”

  My smile fell quicker than it came. I raised my hands in exaggeration.

  “Oh, great! Not this again!”

  “Don’t worry, I know you will succeed.” I puffed my cheeks and blew.

  “Well, can you at least tell me where it is?”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” It looked as though Deodonatus found it troublesome to keep his balance.

  “Oh, come on! Please?” He yawned once more before replying. “I’m sorry, but I do not currently have that kind of information. Perhaps my dear old friend, Merlin, might be able to tell you what you need to know, but I assure you that I myself cannot. Here.”

  Deodonatus returned the artefact to me, giving me a chance to gently place it back in the satchel.

  “It is about time you start your journey back. It is quite a long way, but I wish you good luck on your path that lies ahead.”

  I returned a thoughtful smile.

  “Where were those words of yours a few days ago, eh? But thanks all the same. I hope to see you again soon.”

  “Same to you.”

  I didn’t have much in my possession. I slipped the artefact and the glass dagger into my original satchel and gathered all my things. I really was a light traveller. I had nothing more than my sword, my satchel and… Terrowin of course.

  As you might know, I didn’t have much to grab and recollect, but I did have one thing left to do…

  CHAPTER 35

  BACK ON THE WANTED LIST

  (PART 1)

  CARLAYLIN

  “Wake up, idiot!” I couldn’t help myself. I was just in that good of a mood.

  Besides, I was kind of in a hurry. Who knows how long I have until Du Perron’s guards find me.

  Terrowin was startled and immediately woke up, shooting up straight in his bed.

  “Come on. Let’s go!” With that I left the dark room and returned to the main hall, surprised to find Adrian sitting at the crafting table in the far corner once again. I smiled brightly, straightened myself and formally walked towards him when ready.

  I stood next to him, observing his crafting skills. He was quite distracted and seemed determined to finish his work, but when noticing me he gave a little chuckle, his gaze still fixated on the little wooden cross.

  “You’re feeling much better I see?”

  “Guess so, but I just thought that I’d come over here and thank you for everything. So, yeah… um… thank you.”

  Adrian didn’t reply immediately, instead taking a piece of thread, weaving it in through the little top hole on the finished crucifix. I watched him in amusement as he did it.

  “Here. Take this before leaving.” He held his hand out to me. I was hesitant, but gave in. I reached out to him and he dropped the beautiful crucifix into the palm of my hand and closed my hand into a fist.

  It was the same wooden cross necklace he had been working on for who knows how long.

  “Adrian… I… I can’t take this.”

  “It’s yours.”

  I felt terrible. I couldn’t take it from him. He spent long enough time making it.

  “I can’t.”

  With softened eyes, Adrian smiled at me. I finally gave in and closed my hand. I don’t say this often, but I was truly touched.

  “Don’t forget me, okay?” Adrian gently stood. I took a deep breath and threw the necklace around my neck. “As if.” Without even having a second thought, I couldn’t help but embrace him tightly. “This is the best thing anyone has ever given me.” Too bad I had to let go and say farewell. I chuckled as he tried to brush the spider webs off that came off on him. Not my fault…

  ***

&nb
sp; I grabbed the door handle and pulled it open, letting a blast of cold temperature hit us. I studied the outside. The skies were a dark grey once more, but it didn’t rain though. The weather showed signs of rain still to come, the thunder rumbling angrily at us.

  “I don’t think I want to leave, even if I am on the governor’s bad side.”

  Terrowin nodded, all dressed and ready to go.

  “Yes, but what choice do we have?”

  “Good point.”

  Slowly I stepped to the outside, ready to start yet another journey, but something led me to freeze in my tracks. Just as I gave another, step a dagger shot past me and stuck itself in the stone wall next to me, missing my face by mere inches. I yelped with widened eyes. That was too close. Way too close.

  “The assassin?” Terrowin asked anxiously.

  “No.” I answered, my gaze still focused on the dagger. The blade looked awfully sharp today.

  “Guards?”

  “Nu-uh.”

  “Maxus?”

  “Nope.”

  “Necromancer?”

  “Nadda.”

  “The witch?”

  “Not the slightest.”

  “Terrowin?”

  “Seriously?!”

  “Well, who else then?” By then I felt my lips quivering. “Bounty hunters. Get inside.” Terrowin frowned. “What?” I snapped out of my daze, turned around and pushed Terrowin to the inside along with myself.

  “Long story, I’ll tell you later, but first – GET INSIDE! It is strictly against holly law to commit treacherous acts in any cathedral!”

  Terrowin remained silent, but obeyed. I locked the door behind us, heaving a sigh of relief, though my heart raced.

  But, just as I thought that was enough, a flaming arrow shot through the stained glass window, letting it shatter into a million pieces. The arrow got stuck in the wall, but I noticed a piece of paper stuck to the end of it. The flaming arrow brought back some memories, causing me to cringe, but I tried to forget about that for now. I pulled the arrow free from the wall, grabbing the piece of paper in the other hand as soon as it fell. I shook the arrow, letting the flame extinguish and threw it carelessly to the ground, my gaze fixed on the note. I blew the last bits of fire on the paper.

  It looked like a wanted poster with my face on it. The fire on the arrow had burned away at my face. I gulped, but noticed a few written words on top. It read:

  Carlaylin Thorel of Thorodan

  Hand yourself over to authority or else desperate measures will be taken. Your crimes are worthy of death, but we will spare you most of the suffering if you give in to be taken freely. We will return you to Thorodan to claim our prize. If you hesitate and do not hand yourself freely, you will most surely regret it. Choose wisely… You know the right thing to do. Choose to come with us and we shall not harm you, but deny and we must take consequences by force.

  From… you know pretty much who

  I sucked some air in between my teeth.

  “Someone burned my face.” I think I had just stepped over the line in confusing Terrowin. “That’s not a good sign.” From a distance, I noticed someone rushing to our side. It was Brother Deodonatus with widened eyes and an expression of utter shock.

  “What the devil is going on here? I-” He gave a dramatic gasp as he noticed the site.

  “My windows! They were expensive!” It looked as though he tried to pull out whatever hairs he had left.

  “Who did this?!” I was caught up in a moment without thought and innocently pointed at Terrowin, who only looked around and shrugged.

  “This must’ve been the biggest mistake you have ever made, my boy! Those windows were fu… ndamental.” Deodonatus tried to force out a smile whilst trying to cover his accidental swear, but his twitching eye made his rage pretty obvious.

  “Father, language,” I warned exaggeratdly. Deodonatus tried to collect himself, but couldn’t keep it in.

  “Sorry, but that won’t stop me from getting my revenge. Adrian! Bring me my knife!” I yelped. I learned my lesson: never anger a monk. I rapidly took action and changed his mind by saying, “Before we get to unnecessary violence, I have to tell you that it wasn’t Terrowin!” “Who was it then?” His gaze exchanged between Terrowin and I.

  I gave smile, trying to keep him calm by the answer I was about to give.

  “Bounty hunters.”

  “Oh my goodness! They are attacking the cathedral? What do they have against religion?” I waved my hands in rejection. “No, I assure you that they aren’t here to attack the cathedral. They’re just here to kill me, nothing much.”

  “Uh…” The monk was speechless… I had that effect on people these days.

  “I know… Will the fun never end?” I actually meant that in a literal sense.

  “Err…” Deodonatus was at a loss for words.

  Terrowin quickly interrupted his thoughts.

  “She actually does enjoy these sorts of things, but put a Minotaur on her path and things might get serious. So I’d watch out if I were you. She can be quite threatening from time to time.” I nodded in sarcastic agreement, stroking my chin as I did.

  “Yeah, but your forgetting something…”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m still here!”

  “Uh, please forgive me. I-” I raised my hand in gesture for him to stop. “Sorry, poet boy, but I don’t have time for this. Come on. Let’s get out of this corrupted city!”

  Unfortunately, before I could make a run for it, mostly from the enraged monk, Deodonatus stopped me.

  “Wait, before you leave… Perhaps you could be so generous as to… uh, I don’t know… donate some money to the basilica in helping for the funds to pay off the stained windows? Someone has to pay for these you know.”

  “Yeah, but it wasn’t us, so... try asking the hunters. Or…”

  “What? You expect ME to?”

  “Pretty much.” There was a moment of silence, but I could start to hear the hunters closing in.

  “What are you going to do?” Deodonatus asked, his tone yet not so curious.

  “Well, I’m not going to hand myself over to authority, that’s what. Come on, Ters!” I escaped through the door, but noticed Terrowin to be frozen in his tracks, staring at Deodonatus.

  “Terrowin!”I yelled, luckily snapping him out of his daze. Shortly after, he joined me and we made our escape.

  Adrian came rushing to the hall, carrying a single steel dagger in his hand. “You called for a dagger, Father?” Deodonatus raised a finger to make his point.

  “Uh, yes, but I’d like to cancel my order.” A rock flew through another window, letting it shatter into yet another million pieces, just like the other.

  “On second thought, I’ll take that then.” As soon as the first bounty hunter stuck his head through the opening, Deodonatus found his other side – his dark side. He raised his dagger and scowled furiously at the man.

  “You’ll pay for that! Come here you bastard!”

  The man was pretty frightened and I guessed that he was probably going to see violent monks in his dreams for the next few months. I’ll call them (note to self: a very complicated and well thought out name) monkmares.

  CHAPTER 36

  BACK ON THE WANTED LIST

  (PART 2)

  CARLAYLIN

  As we escaped through the front door, I noticed but only three bounty hunters and no more than three. All of them were dressed in similar attires – fur armour – but in different designs. My head already started experimenting with possible nicknames for the group, but my conscious and moral urged me to let it go and leave the toying for another time.

  Yet, last time I looked, there were four, not three. But I had a pretty good idea what happened to the fourth. Thanks to my ‘I’m-against-violence’ monk friend, Deodonatus.

  The poured down once again, carried by the wind in wild vortices. Streaks of rain ran down my
face and left me soaked, but it was of little bother to me. I always loved the rain and I still do and I always will.

  Nothing stopped me from running as fast as I could, for both the fear of my life and the possible joy I had beyond all desires. I gave a look back over my shoulder, only to see that the mercenaries were not far behind, closing in even more so by the second.

  One carried a bow and readied it with an arrow. With a twang, the arrow was sent darting at us and it shot through the air with deadly accuracy. Luckily for me, I had to duck for an upcoming sign that read ‘Aiming practice with Gustav Crabs’ and the arrow lodged itself into the wood of the sign instead of picking a clean target with my head.

  I can truly say that I was relieved, but got worried all the same the soon as one of the bounty hunters appeared right up in front, blocking our path.

  Damn these shortcuts!

  I needed to find another way around. I wasn’t in the mood for fighting and all that. I’ve had enough of that.

  An idea struck me, even though at first I knew it was rather crazy, I knew it could also be pretty fun.

  “Hey, Terrowin!” I yelled over the loud howling of the wind.

  “Let’s take this escape to the rooftops! It’ll only slow the hunters down, probably letting us avoid that other guy in front!” “What? Are you mad?!” “Yes! Possibly! Follow me!” Rapidly I took a sharp turn to my left that led into an alleyway, Terrowin followed from behind with little choice at the matter.

  I leaped towards a crate and used it as a boost to reach the edge of the roof. I used all my strength and hauled myself up. I knew I had to help Terrowin, but saw the hunters closing in fast.

  His arm. I know it’s healed, but… Maybe it’s still not one hundred percent?

  I stood there, panic settling over me, but eh, I guessed he could handle this himself and kept on running. I knew it was wrong, but it was my cowardly instincts, but by my surprise, Terrowin got up with ease, looking as though he didn’t even give it an effort, soon catching up with me.