Sands of Nezza

by M. L. Forman

  “It’s not . . . It is not like I thought it would be,” Tom said. He looked stunned and pale.

  “I know,” said Alex.

  “The call is strong,” Tom went on, his voice troubled but steady. It was as if he had not heard Alex at all. “I see now why most healers do not wish to come here.”

  “It is a dangerous place for the living,” said Alex. He continued to watch every move that Tom made.

  “The lands beyond the wall are strangely beautiful,” said Tom, his voice becoming dreamy. “It would be nice to go and look at them.”

  “If you go, you cannot return,” Alex warned.

  “I know,” said Tom, his voice returning to normal. “It is difficult to remain focused.”

  “It is easier if you are looking for someone, trying to call them back,” said Alex, letting his eyes return to the shadowlands.

  “Yes,” said Tom. “If I were looking for someone I would have a reason to be here. Now . . . now it is pointless.”

  “Not pointless,” answered Alex, looking back at Tom. “You had to know what to expect. It is important that you remember how strong the call of the shadowlands can be and how hard it is to focus on your task while you are here.”

  “I understand,” said Tom, calling Alex’s attention away from the wall.

  Tom turned to look at Alex for the first time, and his face went slack and his eyes grew wide.

  Alex understood Tom’s reaction. Even though he had never seen himself in this place between life and death, he had seen his friend Calysto and her true power.

  “You see my powers more clearly here than ever before,” said Alex. “Are you ready to return to the land of the living?”

  Tom simply nodded.

  Taking Tom’s hand, Alex turned and walked away from the shadows toward the light that had been behind them. After a moment of darkness, a cool breeze blew across his face. He opened his eyes and looked once again at the night sky of Nezza.

  Tom was kneeling in front of him, shaken and unable to look him in the face. Alex waited for Tom to gain control of himself, but it was several minutes before Tom began to move.

  “You are much more than I imagined,” Tom said, his voice trembling.

  “Yes,” said Alex. “I am more than a healer, and what you saw was more than you expected. I am sorry, I should have warned you.”

  “Do not be sorry,” said Tom. “I am honored that you would let me see you there.”

  “It was necessary for me to accompany you on your first journey,” said Alex. “Now tell me, what did you see?”

  “I saw a low stone wall at the bottom of a hill,” Tom answered slowly. “I saw the lands of shadow beyond the wall.”

  “Anything else?” Alex asked.

  “No, nothing else,” said Tom in a tired voice. “Was there something else I should have seen?”

  He’s lying, Alex’s O’Gash whispered. As much to himself as to you.

  Alex considered what his O’Gash said, and then answered. “No, there was nothing else you should have seen. Now you must decide if you will make the journey again. No one will blame you if you choose not to go, as it is a dangerous journey. If you choose to go again, to take the second test, then you will go alone.”

  “I do not know if I can,” said Tom, looking at the ground.

  “You don’t need to decide right now,” said Alex. “In fact, it would be better if you waited for several days at least before making a decision. If you wish to take the second test, I will wait and watch as you do so. You may choose to wait for some time before testing yourself again, and then you may be the student of another. If you decide not to return, I can help you forget the path so that you won’t be tempted to go to the wall alone.”

  “I understand,” said Tom, standing up slowly. “I have much to think about and little time for thinking.”

  “You have all the time in the world, Tom. Your second test can be put off until you are sure you want to take it, until you are sure that you are ready,” said Alex.

  “I will ponder on this,” said Tom, his solemn tone returning.

  “We will speak again soon,” said Alex, leaving Tom in the garden and returning to his own room.

  Alex didn’t go to sleep right away. He lay awake on his bed, wondering not only why Tom had lied about seeing something more in the shadow lands, but more importantly, why Tom would lie to himself about what he had seen.

  The next morning at breakfast, Tom still looked shaken from his visit to the shadowlands. Alex watched him closely and tried to read his thoughts. He had little time to worry about Tom, however, as preparations for their move south were well underway.

  “Master Taylor,” Rallian called as they were finishing their meal. He waved for Alex to join him. “You carry no sword, and I would not have you go to battle with only your staff. If I can provide a weapon for you, I would be—”

  “I have a sword,” said Alex, cutting off Rallian’s offer. “I have had no need for it yet in Nezza, but I will wear it if that will please you.”

  “I hope you won’t need it,” said Rallian. “But it would be best to be prepared for anything.”

  “And your lords would be happier with a wizard who is a warrior and not a schemer like Magnus,” said Alex with a slight smile.

  “It might make them more trusting,” Rallian admitted. “Though if any of them speak against you, they will answer to me for it.”

  “You are most kind,” said Alex. “I will wear my sword. As you’ve heard from the stories Skeld has told, I do know how to use one.”

  “And a great addition your sword will be to our army,” said Rallian. “Is it really a magic sword, or was that just something Skeld made up?”

  “It is a magic sword,” Alex answered. “It was made long ago by the elves, and it has powers of its own.”

  “Can any man who uses the sword call on those powers?” Rallian asked.

  “The sword chooses its own master,” Alex explained. “It has chosen me. It would be dangerous for anyone else to try to use the sword as long as I am its master.”

  “Amazing,” said Rallian. “I’ve heard stories of magic swords, but like most of our stories, I thought there was little truth in them.”

  “Perhaps, when your throne is secure and there is peace in Nezza once more, new stories will come to your land,” said Alex. “If magic and adventurers are accepted in Nezza, then you and your people will learn a great deal.”

  “Nothing would please me more,” said Rallian. “I hope that our time of learning is not far off.”

  Alex left Rallian and spent most of the day wandering in the castle garden alone, thinking. When he left the garden for meals or to speak with Rallian and his lords, he noticed that Annalynn was never far away. She seemed to be watching Rallian and trying hard not to be seen doing it.

  Alex also noticed that Rallian would often glance toward Annalynn, though he also tried to make it appear that he did not. Neither of them seemed to be aware of the fact that Alex, at least, noticed their glances.

  The day passed quickly, and everything was in motion. The part of Talbot’s army that was in Talbas was making preparations to leave, and groups of soldiers and men from nearby towns and villages kept turning up all day. Alex was impressed by the number of eager and willing men who answered Talbot’s call. He remembered Tempe’s comment about the spell he had released when freeing the desert river, and he hoped that at least some of that magic was being turned to good here in Talbas.

  Alex skipped the evening feast, preferring the quiet solitude of the garden. Tomorrow he would ride south with Rallian, hoping to find Lazar’s army, though he was afraid of what would happen when they did. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t hear Annalynn’s approach, and he jumped when she spoke to him.

  “Can you keep him from harm? Prince Rallian, I mean.” She was wearing the cameo Alex had made for her, and her face was full of sorrow.

  “Rallian is at the center of a great storm—a storm
that may destroy all of Nezza,” said Alex, his own words taking him by surprise. “I can only try to guide him through this storm.”

  “It is said that wizards have their price,” said Annalynn, a nervous quiver in her voice. “What price would you ask to keep Rallian safe?”

  “What would you offer?” Alex asked, interested in what Annalynn would offer.

  “Anything,” Annalynn said without hesitation.

  “Anything?”

  “Anything I can give or promise,” said Annalynn, her tone firm and determined. “Anything and everything to keep him safe.”

  “Then, my lady, I will swear by my staff to do all I can to bring Rallian through this trial safely,” said Alex.

  “And your price?” Annalynn asked. “What will you ask for your services?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?” Annalynn repeated, stunned. “Nothing at all?”

  “You have offered everything, and the offer is enough,” said Alex.

  “I . . . I don’t understand,” said Annalynn.

  “True wizards do not sell their power,” said Alex. “I asked what you would offer only because I was curious, nothing more. I will do what I can to keep Rallian safe, not only because you have offered everything for this, but also because he is my friend.”

  “Forgive me,” said Annalynn, her gaze dropping to the ground. “I have been a fool.”

  “You know little of wizards and even less about magic,” said Alex in a kindly voice. “I cannot fault you for believing the stories you have heard all your life.”

  “I should have known better,” Annalynn said. “After you made the cameo, I should have known the stories were not true.”

  “No harm has been done,” said Alex, trying to cheer Annalynn. “Now you know more about wizards than you did before. You know that I will not sell my powers for any price, but I will give them away for friendship alone.”

  “I—” Annalynn began but stopped suddenly. “Someone is coming. I should not be here.”

  “Go, then,” said Alex. He had heard the footsteps as well.

  “I wish to speak some more with you,” said Annalynn, reluctant to leave.

  “Wait by the fountain,” said Alex. “I will follow as soon as I can.”

  Annalynn hurried away as silent as a shadow, vanishing in the darkness.

  Alex watched her go, and then he turned back to see Rallian walking slowly down the path toward him. He was pretending to be looking at the flowers.

  “You are up late,” Alex said as Rallian approached.

  “Oh, I . . . I didn’t know you were here,” said Rallian, a nervous and slightly guilty tone in his voice. “I was just thinking that . . .”

  “You were hoping to meet Annalynn in the garden,” said Alex, catching Rallian’s gaze.

  “No, I just—” Rallian began, and then he laughed. “Yes. I see it is pointless to try hiding anything from you. Yes, I was hoping to find her here.”

  “Some things are plain for all to see,” said Alex. “She is not far. You will find her waiting by the fountain.”

  “You spoke to her?” Rallian asked.

  “She asked me to keep you safe,” said Alex.

  “And what did she offer you for this kindness?” Rallian asked, looking both happy and troubled.

  “She offered everything,” said Alex. “I accepted nothing,” he added quickly, seeing the look on Rallian’s face. “You have known me long enough to know that I do not sell my powers. I will do what I can to keep you safe because you are my friend. Annalynn’s request is only one more reason for me to do what I can for you.”

  “Old stories are hard to forget,” said Rallian after a pause.

  “I do not blame her, or you, for believing them,” said Alex. “She is waiting for me by the fountain, but I think she would be happier to see you.”

  Rallian glanced down the pathway.

  “Go and talk to her,” said Alex. “We leave in the morning, so it would be wise for you to speak your heart tonight.”

  Rallian nodded his understanding. He smiled at Alex and moved quickly toward the fountain.

  Alex stayed where he was for a long moment, considering what he had just set in motion. He looked up at the silver moon, took a deep breath, and walked back to the castle.

  “Master Taylor,” a voice called out as Alex was heading toward his room.

  “Lord Colesum,” said Alex, turning and finding Talbot’s oldest son approaching him.

  “Forgive me, I have not had a chance to speak with you before now,” said Colesum.

  “It is a busy time,” said Alex. “What can I do for you?”

  “It is late. Perhaps I should speak with you another time,” said Colesum, looking awkward.

  “Not too late,” said Alex. “I am not tired, and if I can be of assistance, it would be my pleasure to help you.”

  “Yes, well,” Colesum began, looking over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. “I was hoping you might be able to advise me.”

  “Walk with me,” said Alex.

  It was clear the young lord did not wish to be overheard or possibly even be seen talking with him. Colesum walked along the castle corridor with Alex, but he did not speak for a few moments. Finally, he seemed to collect his thoughts and find the nerve to speak.

  “I’ve spent several hours with your friends. They have many tales of distant lands.”

  “They have traveled to many places,” said Alex.

  “Yes, exactly,” Colesum agreed. “Places that my people have long ago forgotten about, or perhaps have never known about.”

  “And you wish to see those places for yourself,” said Alex; it was not a question.

  “Your friends—Virgil and the others—they seem so different from the men of Nezza.”

  They walked on in silence for several minutes more before Colesum spoke again.

  “All my life, I have dreamed of seeing other lands, of doing great deeds. I suppose I have always wanted to be an adventurer, like yourself and the others.”

  “I’m sure Virgil and the others explained to you that adventurers do not choose themselves,” said Alex.

  “Yes, they have told me,” Colesum answered. “Yet the desire burns inside of me. At times I feel that I will burst with this desire. There are times when I want to run away in search of adventure.”

  “Do you wish me to cool your desire with magic?” Alex asked.

  “No, not that,” Colesum answered quickly. “I just thought, with Rallian becoming king, perhaps Talbas will no longer need so many warriors. Perhaps I could leave my people for a time and find the adventure that I long for.”

  “You are likely to find a great deal of adventure in the coming weeks,” said Alex.

  “Yes,” agreed Colesum. “Lazar will not willingly yield Karmus to Rallian, of that I am sure. I think, however, that many of the kingdoms will join Rallian willingly, so I hope the wars will not last for long.”

  They stopped walking, and Alex looked Colesum in the face. He could see Colesum’s desire, almost need, to find adventure.

  “What would you ask of me?” Alex asked.

  “You are a wizard,” said Colesum. “I thought you might be able to tell me if I can be an adventurer.”

  “I cannot,” said Alex. “You must find an oracle to answer that question for you.”

  “The lady of the red lands?” Colesum asked.

  “Tempe is a great oracle,” said Alex. “The journey to her house is not as difficult as it was.”

  “I would ride away tonight in search of her, but I have sworn allegiance to Rallian,” said Colesum, a slight look of pain on his face.

  “You must keep your oaths,” said Alex. “Honor is important to adventurers—more important than any treasure they may find.”

  “I would not break my oath,” said Colesum.

  “I know that you would not,” said Alex. “With any luck at all, Rallian will soon sit on the throne in Karmus. Once Rallian is king, you should see
k out the oracle and discover your destiny. That is, if you have not already found your destiny.”

  “And if I am not one of the chosen?” Colesum asked.

  “Then you must learn to live with who you are,” answered Alex. “Perhaps you will have enough of adventures before ever going to look for the oracle. It may take a long time to see Rallian accepted as the king of Nezza.”

  “You speak wisely,” said Colesum, looking less troubled than he had been. “Thank you for speaking with me.”

  “I am honored by your trust,” said Alex.

  Colesum walked with Alex back to his room. They talked about the war that was coming and what Lazar might do. Alex could see that Colesum was clever and that he understood a great deal about warfare. He thought Colesum would make an excellent general for Rallian’s army but would also make an excellent adventurer. He did not share his thoughts with Colesum, afraid to push him toward or away from either path.

  Colesum thanked Alex once more, and Alex watched him go. He closed the door to his room and dropped onto his bed, considering each of Talbot’s children in turn: Colesum, the oldest, who wanted to be an adventurer and to travel to distant lands; Hathnor, the second son, a friend of elves who wanted nothing more than to visit the far lands to the north and west; and Annalynn, the youngest child and only daughter of Lord Talbot. She was the most difficult to understand, and perhaps the most interesting of them all.

  They were an impressive family, and Alex thought his trip to Nezza was worth the trouble, if only to meet Lord Talbot and his children.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The Gathering Storm

  Alex woke to the sound of moving men and horses. It took a moment for him to realize what was ­happening, and when he did he almost jumped out of bed. Lord Talbot’s army was starting south today. He was happy to be moving again but worried just the same. Being a wizard, he could see a number of possible outcomes, but he was not an oracle or a seer so he continued to worry.

  Alex sat on the edge of his bed and, for the first time since he’d come to Nezza, he took his magic sword, Moon Slayer, out of his bag. He held the sword in his hands for several minutes, remembering how its power had filled him in the past. Part of him hoped he would not need to use the sword, but another part of him really wanted to use it again. Without trying to sort out his mixed feelings, Alex attached the sword to his belt and then took another item from his bag. It was the true silver mail he had made on his last adventure. He had made it to help fight off dark magic, but it would be even more useful against warriors in battle. Pulling a shirt over the chain mail, Alex left his room and made his way to the great hall.