by Blink, Bob
His abilities had grown with the knowledge Rigo had passed to him, and like Rigo and Jeen, he now could link at will. That suggested that something in the knowledge that had been held back from the majority of the community contained the essential information for the ability, although Rigo had no idea what it might be. More than likely he was going to need to select several more who showed the proper maturity and upgrade their abilities to ensure they had a large enough cadre of those with the ability.
“Let’s make a couple of more stops,” Rigo suggested. “I’d like to have a look all the way to the southern border.”
Reluctantly the others agreed. They found this place wearing. Rigo had selected this group because through linking and combining their powers, he couldn’t imagine any force of the Hoplani that would be beyond their ability to handle.
When they stepped out of the Bypass at the next location, all could see that this place was different. Scattered around the vast plain below them were Hoplani. They numbered in the thousands, but were not on the move. They milled around somewhat aimlessly, idling digging into the sandy soil, their snoots held close to the ground as if they were searching for something. That wasn’t what caught the wizard’s attention, however. Scattered among the herd that reached as far as Rigo could see, wandered a number of considerably larger animals. At first Rigo thought they might be an adult or fully grown version of the Hoplani, but there were simply too many differences. These were something else.
Standing over three times as high as the average Hoplani, they had to mass twenty or thirty times as much. Their skin was lighter and they had far more prominent horns, suggesting the energies they could release might be more powerful. This idea was further supported by the bursts of azure light that spider-webbed under their skin almost continuously.
“Great Risos!” Burke exclaimed when he first spotted one of the creatures. “What are those?”
Rigo shook his head. He could sense Daim was disturbed by the sight as well, the Master Wizard having never encountered such beasts before either. Were they something that simply had remained hidden in his time, or were they a new mutation, perhaps something resulting from the near death of magic. Daim had indicated that he had seen several characteristics among current wizards that he’d never observed in his own time. Perhaps that had happened to the Hoplani.
“They look to be powerful,” Kela noted. “Do you think Brightfire will work on them?”
Rigo had been having similar thoughts. It would be interesting to find out. He could see how they might attempt it. They could jump close, open a Bypass to escape, and then singly or in groups attack one of the creatures. Something held him back. This was not a time to experiment. Something unexpected might result, and they could ill afford to risk the lives of any wizards now that they had almost enough mature wizards to complete the barrier. The most junior pair had demonstrated the ability to support the linking, and only a few more days should find them strong enough to proceed. It would be stupid to take any risks until the barrier was in place. Afterwards they could return and see what could be discovered about these new creatures.
The final jump took them even farther south, but this time they were greeted once again by vast empty plains of dusty red rock.
“One more stop,” Rigo said. “Daim wants to visit the spot where the Rift had been. At least it’s closer to Lopal and not so far into this horrible place.”
The jump took them to a location that appeared very much the same as the rest of the Ruins. It meant something to Daim, however, and Rigo could sense the deep sadness inside. Well, Daim had lost a number of close friends and many compatriots here so long ago. To Daim, it wouldn’t have seemed like thousands of years. The time his memories had been stored in the crystal had passed without awareness, so the battle at the Rift would still be somewhat fresh.
“There,” shouted one of the group.
Rigo looked where the woman was pointing. Dust, and a lot of it. Dust storms were not uncommon out here, but this looked different.
“Let’s have a look,” Rigo commanded, and opened a Bypass on top of one of the distant hills near where the dust could be seen.
“Where do they come from?” Kela asked as they surveyed the massive herd spread out below them.
Thousands of the creatures were on the move, heading west toward Lopal. The lull they had enjoyed would soon be over. It would only be a day or two before these would start showing up at the towers.
“Can we destroy them all?” Burke asked, looking at the widely dispersed herd.
“Possibly,” Rigo replied, “but how many more are there?” Taking on a herd this size entailed risks. He wondered if they would have time to erect the barrier before these Hoplani were able to cross the Ruins. If they could, then the numbers wouldn’t matter.
“I think we need to scout north and south more. We were too far out. There could be more herds moving in.”
Five more jumps confirmed their worst fears. Extremely large herds were moving westward all along the north-south line. It was as if the Ruins had taken a break and used the time to gather all of the Hoplani into large groups in order to make a concerted effort to break through into Lopal. He didn’t have to tell the others that they didn’t have the manpower to deal with all the creatures that were advancing on the three kingdoms. Even to attempt such a thing would risk the loss of critical wizards and provide a setback that would likely mean Lopal being overrun.
There was no time to scout the full length of the border to see how bad it might be. They had to get back to the Outpost, organize their fellows, and make an attempt at the barrier, even though Rigo had estimated another week before they would be ready. They no longer had that much time.
Chapter 93
The discovery of the advancing horde headed their way from the Ruins threw everything into a panic. They weren’t ready, yet it was imperative that they move forward. If the beasts managed to slip past, it was certain they would be engaged in many smaller battles that would not only drain manpower but would place many in jeopardy, which in turn could further delay the barrier and allow even more Hoplani to reach Lopal. Rigo was also concerned that sooner or later one of the larger beasts they had seen would make an appearance.
Every wizard who was spread across the three kingdoms was recalled to the Outpost, not an easy task. While they could travel anywhere instantaneously, they had no means of communication save visiting, and people tended to wander from where they indicated they would be. Belatedly Rigo realized they should develop some form of recall bracelet to eliminate the need to go in search of their people under conditions like this. More than a day was lost simply getting everyone necessary back. Too many had taken advantage of the lull to visit family and friends elsewhere.
Finally everyone was back. There were seventy-one of them total. Sixty-four would be required to man the towers for the activation. They had sixty-five who were deemed capable, although several were weaker than desired. Rigo had tested each one individually, but no attempt at a full linkup had been made. They had hoped to give the newest recruits another week before such an attempt, but now they would need to press ahead.
Each wizard had been carefully assigned a tower. That included even the three Elders. Direct participation was unusual for them, but they had the ability and the numbers dictated their participation. Each had visited their tower and was able to make a Bypass to take themselves there. No one was available to escort anyone. The seven wizards who wouldn’t be part of the link were assigned other duties, primarily defense. Unfortunately most who couldn’t link properly were also poor in combat magic, but they would have to provide support for any Patrol teams that needed help for the next day and a half. Ash’urn was in charge of logistics, and had lists for everything.
“We will be leaving shortly for the first system trial linkage,” Rigo explained to the assembled group. They were meeting in the large common area of the Outpost. “Do not be surprised if there are problems. We have tried to assig
n everyone based on strength, but some relocations are almost inevitable. I’ve explained what to expect, so there shouldn’t be any surprises. We will meet back here after one glass, regardless of how things go. Just be alert. We don’t know when the Hoplani will arrive at the various locations.”
The wizards would be at the towers on their own. The linking and activation required they have one hand firmly on the tower activator plate, and under those conditions they could not create a Bypass to escape or to use their combat magics. That left them vulnerable to any Hoplani that might move into the area. In Daim’s time, there had been an abundance of those with the gift, and support teams had been available to assist those with any linkage. This time they would have to remain alert, and flee in the event the situation degraded on them.
“Questions?’ he asked.
There was a lot of shuffling and exchanged glances, but no one raised any issues. All had been briefed before, but now that they were to go to the sites alone, and with Hoplani on the move, most were nervous. Previous trips had been in groups which had provided a sense of security.
“Let’s go then. Jeen and I will provide the links, activating from the north and south anchor towers respectively. If all goes well, we will return here, make a couple of adjustments in locations, and then return for hopefully the last time. With luck we should have the barrier in place in a couple of glass, and then the Hoplani migration will be contained.”
“Is this really going to work?” Jeen asked as they watched the wizards move out of the common room towards the lower level where they would make their jumps.
“I’d be happier if we had another week for the two newest to develop a little more strength and we could make a number of practice links. But, Daim tells me it should be okay. How about you? Are you comfortable? You have one of the more demanding roles.”
Jeen smiled. “We’ve gone over it enough times. Since linking for real a few weeks back, I’m sure I’ll be okay.”
They had spread their people carefully across the sixty-four towers. Rigo and Jeen would man the ends and drive the anchor towers. Burke, Nycoh and one of the other strongest wizards would be spaced every sixteen towers. The others were paired, stronger adjacent to a weaker, hoping to make the link as resilient as possible. Now it was simply a matter of seeing if a continuous, sustainable link, could be forged from Rigo all the way to Jeen at the opposite end. If that happened, they could start the barrier activation, which would take less than a quarter glass. It was essential that the entire barrier be raised. Having been down so long and each of the interior towers left without power, it would take several days of continuous operation before single or dual power outages could be withstood without bringing down the full network. Once that constraint was met, a single outage could be repaired and reactivated with wizards at the affected location only. Towers on either side would be supplied with power via their respective anchor tower.
Rigo stood at the base of the massive structure at the southern end of the network, his hands placed against the base where the activation plate was located. The cool spring day was pleasant here. He had one of the better locations. Not only was it unlikely he would be bothered by Hoplani, but he was technically out of the Ruins as the anchor towers were located on normal land. He was drawing so much power he actually glowed, although there was no one nearby to witness the fact.
Twice now the link had briefly formed, only to break and cut him off from Jeen. Patiently he tried again, this time focusing carefully on where the problems appeared to be. There were three spots that were weak, but they seemed to hold. The problem was Tam, one of the two new members of their group. Rigo had thought him the stronger of the two, but he appeared unable to hold the necessary concentration required to maintain the link more than a few brief moments. That was not encouraging. Lars, the remaining wizard who was sitting this attempt out, had appeared even less prepared to support raising the barrier, but they would have to try again with him in place. Rigo would also adjust the locations of some of the other members at the same time. During one of the brief moments the link was fully in place, he passed the mental directive to return to the Outpost.
Most showed the disappointment at their failure to form the link, but Rigo hadn’t expected success the first try. He switched the location of several wizards, each of whom looked guilty as if they had been the cause of the failure. Finally he went over to Tam and told him he would be replaced for the next attempt. Rather than appearing upset, he looked relieved. Rigo was almost certain the boy had spent most of his time scanning for Hoplani rather than concentrating on the task at hand. Well, he was only thirteen. Lars, his replacement, was almost eighteen, although he had demonstrated less ability when tested. They were toying with failure, but Rigo was out of options. The Hoplani were already crossing, just in small numbers according to the reports he had overheard from those who had been at the various towers.
It took some time to escort those assigned new towers to the locations they would now support, but finally everything was ready for a second try. With a few words of encouragement, Rigo sent everyone off and then headed to the anchor tower himself. When enough time had passed that everyone should be in place, he placed his hands on the activator plate and began the linking process.
Jo hadn’t spent much time in the Ruins and found them disconcerting. Several of her friends had talked of seeing several of the Hoplani wandering westward during the last attempt, and she was afraid that they might be present near her own tower while she stood mated to the tower unable to respond. Nervously she looked around and scanned the desert in every direction. Thankfully, none of the creatures were present. She was all alone out here.
Three towers to the south, Tai watched, his hands held firmly in place and his mind open to the link that Rigo would be initiating soon. Several of the Hoplani were moving slowly past the tower no more than two hundred paces away, and more could be seen in the east. He thought he could see the beginning of what might be a herd, but so far none had shown him any interest. He pressed himself close to the tower hoping to blend in. Fortunately the activator plate was on the western side of the tower, allowing him to use the massive structure for concealment. The Hoplani that passed were mostly focused on what lay ahead, and those coming couldn’t see him because of the tower.
Twenty towers away, Cris was attempting to hide in the same way Tai was. The number of Hoplani was increasing, and he wondered how long before he was spotted. He wanted to flee, but knew that each attempt would become more dangerous as the herds that Rigo and Burke had spotted were obviously now starting to appear. With a silent prayer to Risos, he held on, hoping against hope that Rigo would be successful and they could leave this dreaded place.
For the second time that day, Rigo drew the magical energies to him and began extending his mind toward the next tower. The task seemed easier this time, as he felt the connection click into place and he used the base provided by the wizard he was linked to in order to reach out to the next location. One after another he made the connections, some a little more hesitant than others, but the weakest near the middle where the fledgling wizards didn’t need to hold as long. There he would meet the link being formed by Jeen from the other anchor tower. Additional stability was provided by Burke and Nycoh, those strong wizards scattered along the backbone.
Far away Nycoh marveled at the connection she could feel. This was easy, she thought. She let her mind feel outward as the link passed by her, noting the relative strengths of those around her, and feeling all the way back to Rigo. Then, the link changed. By the gods, Rigo and Jeen had connected. A solid link was formed all the way from the north to the south anchor. She held her breath, but could sense it was solid.
Rigo had felt the connection lock into place himself, and waited for the pulsation to settle. Certain after a bit that they had succeeded, he sent the mental command to Jeen at the other end to begin. He did the same. It took only moments for the pale green wall, the color so foreign to the wastel
ands, to spring forth from the side of his tower and disappear in the distance. He could feel it connect to the next tower over. Then it snapped back, and disappeared. Taking a breath, he pushed it outward again, this time firmly locking it into place, He also felt the burst of joy from the wizard located there.
One after another, the panels of the barrier sprang into existence, each bridging the gap between a pair of towers. From the north and south end, the barrier started to build. Using a map of the system in Daim’s mind, Rigo could visualize the barrier as it came into being after so many hundreds of years.
Where the barrier had established itself, passing Hoplani found their way blocked by the strange energy. Several charged into the barrier, to be burned and driven back by the field. Uncertain what this was, they gathered and waited near the edge of the new strange force that prohibited their passage.
As the barrier continued to grow, Rigo could feel the elation that he and the other wizards were adding to the link. As each wizard witnessed the panel extended beyond their position, another burst of cheer could be sensed. Sixty-four towers had to be connected, and it took time. For those where the panels had established themselves, the wizards were safe from Hoplani crossing toward the west. Any that had passed previously remained a concern, but for the most part those were slowly moving onward and could be hunted down later.
Six panels remaining! Rigo was beginning to savor victory when suddenly the link broke without warning. Far away Cris had been surprised as one of the Hoplani that was passing by the tower happened to sense his presence and had turned and charged, ripping the young wizard from the base of the tower and savagely ripping him apart in a matter of seconds. Cris had had no time to even realize the danger was imminent. He died instantly, but all it took was the loss of one in the link to terminate the process.