“And if we pooled our sorcerers we could make sure the man was suitably shielded,” one of the guards suggested. Haldar smiled, at last he thought. “Excellent, now off you go!” he said with a renewed sense of hope.
The king watched each man leave his study before standing and walking over to the small cabinet against the far wall. He removed the stopper from the glass decanter and poured himself a small drink in to one of the glasses stacked neatly on the tray beside it. His train of thought moved once more to his son, and in particular whether it was safe enough for the boy to return home to Surmont. Now his forces had repelled the main attack surely it would be far better for Kellan to be with his father. The only drawback now being the journey back from Riverdale being fraught with danger.
Haldar knew he could not afford to let Daron leave the city just in case another attack did come, especially when the boy Leo was already out helping the recruitment of new apprentices. With the enemy known to be causing trouble in Surmont, it would only need one of them to realise both of his most powerful sorcerers had left the walls for the possible troubles to escalate. Worst still, if word got out the defensive capabilities of the capital were significantly reduced it could lead to another all-out attack.
Perhaps a smaller force of sorcerers, maybe disguised as merchants might be better suited to transport his son back. Despite the risks in moving the prince, Haldar missed his son enough to think them minimal enough. Knowing this was something that needed to be kept secret, he swilled back his drink and slowly placed the empty glass back down on the tray. He decided to seek out Daron and discuss the idea with him. As he passed through the doorway his guards dropped in alongside him as he headed down the corridor.
Chapter 15.
Leo and his group had been on the road for nearly two weeks, and having visited just a few of the planned towns, were heading back to Surmont with their haul of new recruits. The latest of which were now sat in one of the wagons, another three warriors, three rangers but just one more sorcerer.
Samuel realised that the last selection had probably been one of panic, and that both he and Sasha had taken at least one that they might not have under normal circumstances. However, with him deciding to cut short their travels he felt the need to at least look like his trip had been a worthwhile one. With his ranger still carrying the effects of her injuries, and Leo’s uncertainty that he for one was still being tracked by a mystery sorcerer, the sooner he got back to Surmont the better.
Jake and Mason were actually a little disappointed to be going back to the capital. Both had revelled in their heightened level of importance, and were getting quite used to being referred to as Guild Masters. They had selected four new apprentices, although both knew the guild was expecting for them to bring back at least three times that number. Magic in people was not that common, and perhaps in hindsight they might have selected more from their first visits. That being said, with so few to pick from they had not been given a lot of choice.
The guild had sent Leo along as protection in the thought that perhaps they would be bringing home a dozen or more sorcerers, in addition to scores of warriors and rangers. Samuel’s problem, at least where warriors and rangers were concerned, being that every young man or woman he took, resulted in the town they lived in being one less in number. With the threat around the countryside a very real one, each town naturally wanted to keep anybody with potential for their own defence.
Samuel had mused over the rather unsuccessful trip, and was certain he would be getting some kind of reprimand on his return. Perhaps they may even decide he was not fit to command and remove his rank, only time would tell he guessed. The numbers he was bringing back may have been far fewer than had been expected, but at least he felt at ease in his own mind that he not left any of the towns worse off. In fact, he felt some modicum of satisfaction that he had indeed helped the first town on their trip, leaving it in a far better situation than he had found it.
Whether his superiors would deem his trip a waste of time he did not know, and decided worrying about it would do no good. Those he had selected he felt were generally of a good quality, and even Sasha’s selection of Jon had proved to be a good one. The young apprentice ranger had certainly lifted the mood in the camp, especially now he was showing signs of confidence. They had all had a good laugh the previous evening when the boy had regaled in all his glory, telling his version of events during the fighting against the Belarians they had encountered.
Leo had been the brunt of most of the quips and jokes, but to his credit he let the young ranger have his moment. If Jon was to be believed it had been him not Leo who had downed the enemy sorcerers, and although as a group they knew that was not exactly true, they let the boy have his glory. Even Leo felt the need to laugh along as Jon impersonated him hiding behind a tree, and the entire group had been in stitches as they youngster did his impression of Leo running in his robes.
With the sun slowly lowering in the bright summer sky Leo looked over at Sasha. The pair had barely had any time alone together on the trip, and he was wondering whether their brief relationship had run its course. He had hoped that perhaps this particular one might have moved on to something a little more than kissing, but it appeared Sasha’s interest in him had been short lived. Naturally he might have just been reading the situation wrong and she was keeping their relationship on ice until they returned to the guild, he guessed he would find out soon enough, as they hoped to be back there before nightfall.
Feeling in a reflective kind of mood he thought it had been a strange kind of trip. The bonds of friendship between all of them had been tested, and he felt they were as strong, if not stronger than they had ever been. Even if Sasha was no longer interested in him romantically, he thought they would still be the closest of friends. He looked over his shoulder to see Mason and Jake, and smiled as the two were clearly deep in debate; knowing that pair like he did, they were probably arguing about what they should have for supper.
Alec, without doubt the person who had suffered more than any other on their journey, seemed to be coming to terms with the loss of his family. Although Leo had thought he spotted him with a tear or two in his eyes the previous night when they had chatted. The main subject of conversation had actually been about magic, and in particular how the enemy Belarians had managed to shield his initial attacks when they had fought in the woods.
As Alec was clearly the more intellectual of them both, Leo had let him read the small book given to him by Daron. Naturally in the time it had taken Leo to read a chapter, Alec had all but finished the book, although neither were familiar with some of the words. Alec had assumed they were in an old language, and would probably be able to research the meaning when they returned to the guild.
In lending Alec the book, the Literary apprentice had also come up with another of his theories as to how the enemy had withstood an attack that would normally have succeeded. Apparently when the book was originally written, despite this being a later version, some several hundred years since, magic and sorcerers used very different techniques than were used today. One of those being the overlapping of shields, apparently allowing several weaker sorcerers to better a far more powerful one.
Alec had remembered reading an account in the guild library of such a battle, which had in fact led to the building of the current guild. In the engagement there had been several very powerful sorcerers, from origins unknown, although it was believed to be from a place across the oceans. After suffering several defeats, the combined forces of what is now Caldronia and Farasavia started utilising ancient techniques. Although dangerous if not carried out properly, they could be highly effective against an opponent who was far stronger. Alec had surmised that the Belarians had revitalised such techniques, and by the looks of things had perfected the use of them. Leo had only come up against a couple of sorcerers in the woods, had it been five or six, Alec reckoned the outcome might have been a very different one. By all accounts, the practice often used skilled
bowmen working alongside the sorcerers. Whilst those with magic shielded against the stronger foe, the archers often took down the preoccupied enemy.
Leo pulled his horse his to a standstill, wondering why those at the front had stopped. His first thought was there being something wrong, but any worries were soon forgotten as he realised Surmont had come in to view. He thought back to the first time he had cast his eyes on the city walls, and how in awe he had been at the sheer size of the place. He supposed it must have been something like the other new members were feeling at that moment. “If you think it’s big from here, wait until you get inside,” he found himself saying as he trotted his horse nearer to the rest of the group, almost feeling their excitement.
Despite them all knowing it would still take another couple of hours before they reached the main gates, the fact the city was now in view, appeared to give them all a lift. Within touching distance of home, Leo began to wonder what had been going on at the guild. Although he and Mia had long since moved on from their brief romance, he hoped she was feeling better. As daft as he thought it might sound, he was actually looking forward to life back in the guild. In a strange kind of way, he missed the routine of lessons and mealtimes where they often sat and ate as a big group, laughing and chatting freely.
With them all being out of contact with the capital no one quite knew the current state of affairs. Nobody knew whether there had been any more attacks, although from their current position all appeared normal. Sasha pointed out she could see people and wagons moving in and out of the city, although Leo could not make them out.
Word had obviously gotten out as to their arrival, as several members of the city guard rode out towards them. Leo doubted it was for any kind of greeting, and probably more likely to be a precaution, checking to see just who they were. The guards approached at pace, kicking up clouds of dust as their horses thumped down onto the dry dirt track.
Samuel remained calm and explained just who they were, and what their purpose had been. The man leading the city guard nodded, but obviously decided to check out the other members of the group anyway regardless of whether he believed him or not. Leo noticed the soldiers gaze linger longer his direction more than any others. It took a few moments to figure out why the man was glaring at him, before it eventually dawned on him.
With Leo wearing the robes of the king’s sorcerer he was easily identifiable; especially when there were only two people who wore such a garment. As Leo was not exactly Mr. Popular with the city guard, after their previous altercation, it was apparent that much had not changed in his time away. “Would you like me to sketch you a picture?” Sasha shouted over, realising the soldier in question was singling out Leo. The man just grunted, mumbling something under his breath, before turning his horse about and re-joining the rest of his men.
Leo looked over to Sasha and smiled; his way of thanking her for sticking up for him. She returned the gesture and nodded, before trotting her own horse forward to the front of their group. Leo watched for a few seconds before nudging his own horse slowly forward. The City Guard did not hang around, as they sped off back towards Surmont, leaving Samuel and his group to follow at a much more sedate pace.
There were still a few hours of daylight left as the newer members of the guild were once more in awe at the size of their new home. The lush green lawns and floral gardens of the guild grounds were truly breath-taking, but it was apparent nothing could prepare you for the magnificent building they surrounded. Moreover, Carlton excitedly pointed out to the others he could see the Palace which looked even grander still. Leo chuckled quietly to himself, wondering whether he had been so excited on his arrival. He recalled feeling nervous more than anything, but supposed his arrival and that of these new apprentices was a little different.
As the group pulled up outside the main entrance, Jake and Mason were quick to take control of their new understudies. Several stable hands appeared to take their horses and those captured after their engagement with the Belarians. However, if Jake and Mason thought for one moment they were going to continue in their new role as temporary Guild Masters they were quickly disappointed. Aryan was one of a few Masters stood near the guild main entrance, and although he did not belittle the two young sorcerers, he did give them a look to say ‘just remember who and where you are’.
“Would you like us to get them settled in Sir?” Leo asked Master Aryan remembering to use the correct etiquette, and knowing who was actually the senior person present. Aryan, nodded and grinned, “Just let me have a look at what you’ve got first.” Jake and Mason stood a little nervously as the four apprentice sorcerers were asked to stand in line and wait for Guild Master Aryan to be introduced to them.
Carlton, who had recovered from his little incident with Leo, stood at one end. Deana, who had become friends with him stood next in line, and both bowed their heads just a little as they had been told to do when meeting a Guild Master. Aryan nodded his approval, seemingly happy with the first two choices.
Next in line stood the last of their selection; A young lad named Marcus, who had seemed too good not to pick. Smartly dressed and well groomed, with probably the politest manner Leo had ever seen, he understood why Mason and Jake had chosen him. Aryan seemed equally pleased with the choice as the youngster was introduced to the Master.
Last in line was the most controversial of the four apprentices selected. Chad, who had been quite rude and abrupt, had quietened down since they had taken him. The youngster still stood and walked with a certain kind of arrogance, yet had for now at least decided to keep his attitude to himself. Whether that was because Leo had frightened him half to death, or because he had decided to make a change for the better, only time would tell.
Aryan paused, scratching at his bearded face as he was introduced to the last apprentice. The Master then looked over to Jake and Mason as if to question their choice, before they in turn directed the man’s gaze to Leo. “Your pick?” Aryan asked Leo, tilting his head just slightly to the side as he looked back at Chad, clearly not sure of the lad stood before him.
One thing was for certain, that being that Chad was clearly nervous around so many sorcerers. Moreover, the youngster was at a disadvantage to the other newer apprentices, as Jake and Mason had been reluctant to show him anything of note. Leo suddenly looked at Chad in a new light. Here was a boy, just like him, scared, lonely, and lashing out at the world because he knew no other way. Had he been any different? There had been times in his past, not so long ago that he had felt the same way. “He just needs a chance Sir,” Leo found himself saying, although not sure why.
Aryan nodded once more, “Everyone deserves a chance,” the man said in a tone that sounded quite serious. “However, if one is given that chance and blows it, sometimes the consequences can be quite severe,” he added looking Chad directly in the eye. Whether the young apprentice knew the deeper meaning of those words or not, Leo for one certainly did. The Master may not have said it, but what he was insinuating was a warning that Chad needed to understand. “I’ll help him,” Leo found himself saying, wondering why his mouth seemed intent on saying things before his brain had actually had time to realise he probably should not have spoken.
The Guild Master stepped over to Leo, “Are you sure you are ready to be a mentor Leo? You may be powerful, but you know only too well how much there is still to learn.” Leo just grinned inanely. Why was it when he wanted to say something he couldn’t think of an answer. “Very well Leo, you will be the one responsible for Chad,” Aryan announced as Leo suddenly began realising what he was letting himself in for.
Leo listened as he was told that if Chad was late for lesson, it would be his fault. If he misbehaved, Leo would be partly responsible. “But?” Leo tried to intervene, thinking all this was a little unfair on him. However, Aryan was clearly having none of it, and continued on with his speech. Leo gave up and felt his shoulders drop. Basically if Chad did anything at all wrong, Leo would be the one responsible for him.
He waited impatiently as Jake and Mason, both clearly pleased with the task they had been given, gathered the other three new apprentices in a group and led them off to the dorms; a journey they had made themselves only a few months earlier. Leo gestured for Chad to move to the counter and collect his things. Black robes, boots, clean underclothes, as well as all the other bits and pieces a new apprentice would need were all handed out to him. “Can you help me please Sir?” the boy asked clearly not sure of his new surroundings or the situation he found himself in.
The Rogue Sorcerer: The Caldronian Guild : Book 2 Page 12