He lowered his eyes in the soft light and looked around. The place had a certain silvery beauty at night, very different from its daytime charms. He sat for awhile, and just let the feel of its peace wash over him. His mind drifted to other times and places, and he found himself thinking of Xaarus, especially of the brief weeks they had spent together in the ancient wood, completing his education. It had been so good to spend real quality time together, just the two of them, talking and learning and working toward a goal. He felt himself wishing that his old Master could be there with him now through the events to come.
“Oh, but I am with you,” a voice partly in his head said, and he turned to see Xaarus’ distinctive profile. The Master was sitting beside him, as real to him as the stone at his back, or the leaves that brushed his face. Tvrdik turned his gaze back to the river.
“It isn’t the same.”
“I know. But it is something.”
“True. I am glad you are here. I wanted to thank you for all you did to help me hold that projection, and to support me today. I know it probably cost you a great deal, working for such a long time from such a great distance.”
“I tried to help where I could, son, but to be quite honest, I did very little. You did it all yourself.”
“Tashroth helped too, and I am happy to report that we succeeded. We made the entire palace invisible, and we confused and fooled those ships, so that they couldn’t find us. And then, with a little organized help from the water nymphs, the unicorns, and the dragons, we harried and worried them until they turned tail and fled back to their own ports without so much as a single blow being exchanged. Did we make a difference, Master?”
“You tell me. How did the Palace Council react?”
“Corbin Maygrew cancelled the trials. He said he was won over by today’s stunning success, and would make it his mission to convince anyone who still harbored doubts. General Boone apologized for his skepticism, and promised to help teach the Legions battle strategies.”
“Why, then, you made an enormous difference. You have proved what a little ingenuity can accomplish. By the dragon’s egg, you have gathered everyone together at last under one standard. A few weeks ago, all of this would have seemed impossible.”
“But, will it be enough to tip the balance in the end?”
There was a pause as Xaarus considered. The old wizard sighed, “I can’t promise you that yet, but I tell you, Tvrdik, that you have already exceeded all my hopes and expectations. What you did today was like the mother bird creating a diversion to keep her fledglings safe from harm. You thought of it yourself, you executed it with great skill, and you protected all of Theriole, as if it were your own nest. You have proven yourself a fine wizard, my boy. But I must tell you that you won’t be able to keep them out of harm’s way forever…”
“Why not? Isn’t that what I was sent here to do?”
“Tvrdik, this might be difficult for you to understand, but, to really tip the balance and shift the events of the future requires a change in the beliefs and behavior of a large number of people. You have made a spectacular beginning, convincing so many to even entertain a new way of thinking. But, your most challenging moments still lie before you, because the real battle will not be waged against Lord Drogue.”
Tvrdik stiffened, “What do you mean?”
“Oh, do not mistake me; Drogue will never back down, and he will engage you. But the more desperate conflict will take place within the individual hearts and minds of each and every one who has agreed to participate in this great, historic experiment.”
“I don’t understand.”
“It is the battle to stay true to one’s professed ideals and beliefs – to align with the highest aspects of one’s nature, and to resist falling into old patterns of behavior when the circumstances are most grim, the hour darkest, and the cost most high. You may think you know what you believe now, but I tell you, even you, Tvrdik, will face temptation, and will have to fight to master it.”
“But, if I cannot even be sure of myself, Master, however can you expect me to keep everyone else from betraying their principles? It is an impossible task.”
“You lead by example, my son. You must overcome your own weakness, and then, with compassion, remind everyone else of the highest vision they have for themselves, and hold them to it. You will know what to do. I have great faith in you…”
“Well, perhaps you should not have quite so much faith. Why did you not explain this to me ages ago? I thought I was striving to defeat Lord Drogue.”
“You are fighting to preserve the identity of a kingdom, yes. But also to preserve its soul, and the souls of its people for centuries to come. I could not reveal the nature of the real task at hand earlier, because you would not have understood. But now….I wish I could make it easier on you, boy, but if anyone can succeed, it will be you.”
“Master, it is so much to consider…”
“You’ll figure it out, and I’ll be in and out to help you when I can. By the way, happy birthday!”
“I was right then; the sixteenth, is it? I wasn’t sure…”
“Don’t you remember, we used to use those dates for astrological studies, and sometimes we had a little celebration? I just wanted you to know I would be thinking of you as you cross this important threshold into a new phase of your life. Stay well, my boy. Hold tight to your vision, as you did today, and know you are never alone…”
At that moment, a cold splash hit Tvrdik square in the face, startling him. And, when he wiped his eyes, Xaarus was gone, bare rock and shimmering air where he had been. But turning his head toward the river, he almost jumped to find himself face to face with the very person he had come to this place to find. “Ondine,” he breathed, his nose inches from the little blue face, cocked to one side, lovely eyes narrowed. She was hovering in the air just before him, and then, with a sploosh, she dropped back into the water. Tvrdik adjusted the glow-ball a little closer to the spot where she had submerged, and brightened it a bit. The curly blue head reappeared.
“Lovely Man, it is night time. Are you well?”
“I am very well, my girl. I came to find you and thank you for your excellent work today. Everyone at Theriole is talking about how you and your friends saved the day. The Lady Regent sends her most heartfelt gratitude and admiration.”
Ondine leapt up, somersaulted and pirouetted in delight. “You do a great thing, Lovely Man. I see. Hide everybody good, make nasty ships go home. But they stubborn – keep coming. I watch. Cannot let them pass. I say, ‘Naiads, help my friends. Talk to water. Push bad ships back where they come from.’ We do well, friend?”
“Oh, Ondine, you did very well. If you had not acted as quickly as you did, they might have found us out after all, and there would have been a terrible battle. Please thank the water for us, will you, and all your friends, too. You were a vital part of our victory today. A lot of important people came over to our side after our success. We proved that, working together, we could achieve our goals without violence. An awful lot of good came out of this day’s work.”
Ondine was beaming, her blue-silver gleam intensified with pride and joy, her slim form in constant motion. “So happy to help, Lovely Man. Could feel people on ships – dark and scary. I do not like them. Taste bad, like poison. Make them go away, leave us in peace.”
Tvrdik leaned forward, “Now, dearest, you know I am certainly not criticizing, and I didn’t actually see your work, being… well, being occupied elsewhere. But, I was told it might have been a teensy-weensy bit more powerful than we needed. Is that true?”
She frowned, then giggled. “Maybe true. We act fast. We feel angry – put our powers all together; make one really big wave. We are surprised how tall it goes, too.”
“I understand. Why, you surprised everyone with your awesome strength today. But, you will be careful the next time, won’t you? We didn’t in
tend to drown anyone, and you might have hurt yourselves, or the people in the palace.”
She sounded a bit defensive, “We do not hurt palace. We aim at ships. Why you worry about men in ships? Very bad men – come to hurt you. Very stubborn.”
“I know. You’re right, of course, Ondine. But, we all took a vow to try not to harm anyone, yes? We just wanted to scare them away, and we did, didn’t we? Thanks to you, and the dragons, and the unicorns.”
“And you, Lovely Man. You make powerful magic. I see…okay…we practice smaller wave, not drown bad people. Why you say, ‘next time’? They go away.”
“Yes, but, my dear, we expect they will be back. Maybe not in ships next time, but we are far from finished. They will return, bigger, stronger, and more clever, and we will have to face them once and for all, and convince them that it is not in their best interests to try and steal this kingdom.” Ondine frowned again, and muttered something almost inaudible. Tvrdik asked, “Did you say something, dearest? I couldn’t quite make it out…”
She shouted back, “I say, you should have let us drown them. Not come back to bother us.”
The wizard’s response was patient, as Xaarus’ recent words flashed through his mind. “Now, now, I know that would be tempting – after all, we didn’t start this whole thing, did we. But it isn’t what we agreed to. We frighten them, convince them, harass them, defend ourselves from them as best we can, every way we can, even try to change their minds. But, as much as possible, we try not to kill anyone. Then we would be just like them, understand? And then we would be the ones who tasted like poison. We are trying to represent a higher road.”
Ondine’s pretty face pouted for a moment. Then, she smiled. “You good man, Lovely Man. Good heart. It is why I love you.” Tvrdik blushed, but no one really saw in the moonlight. “OK. We not harm anyone. Scare them good, but not kill.”
Tvrdik shrugged, “It’s possible that what you did today was exactly what was needed. Perhaps those ships never would have turned back if they hadn’t been severely compromised. We’ll never know for sure, and it’s more important right now that we succeeded, and everything turned out alright. Just be careful, alright? I worry about your welfare too.”
“Silly man. We fine in water always. Big waves like games for us. No fear. But thank you for worry. I worry for you, too, so long to hold picture. Good magic! Hard work. You fine now?”
He smiled. “Yes, I’m tired, but fine. Thank you, dearest. We should both get some rest now. No work tomorrow. The Lady Regent made it a holiday for us.”
“Very good thing, everybody rest and play.”
“Oooh! Before I go, next week, six days from now, is my thirtieth birthday. I’m a little embarrassed, but I mentioned it and Delphine wants to have a party – a picnic outside, at The Cottage. Will you come?”
“Your birthday? Ooooh! Wonderful time, Lovely Man. Yes, yes, I come. Bring friends. We sing you a song, make you happy.” She spun around and showered him with water. Laughing out loud, he reached for his staff, and let it support him as he got to his feet. He was still stiff and achy.
“I am already so happy, dearest, to have friends like you.”
She stopped, mid-splash, “Six days? Is that not the day set for trials to prove our strength to Council?”
“It is indeed, and because of your quick thinking today, they have been deemed unnecessary. The skeptics are joining forces with us already. So, we will be having a picnic instead.” That brought forth a whole new round of acrobatics and joyful laughter. Tvrdik brushed himself off, and made ready to go home. “Thank you again for everything, sweet Ondine. Rest well. I will see you soon.”
She spun around, leapt straight up, and planted a very wet kiss on his forehead, then turned to dive below the surface and disappear. The mage lingered another moment, sighing as images of everything the day had brought, danced through his mind, waiting to be sorted and filed. But for now, it would all have to wait. He could only focus on one thing – most welcome sleep. He turned, the glow-ball both following and anticipating his movements, pushed his way through the lush bushes, and started down the path for home.
“We sank three of the enemy’s ships, my lord.” Neritz reminded Drogue, who stared down at him from a formal chair of audience, an expression of disgust contorting his handsome features.
“You lost three of my ships, Neritz.”
“My lord, it was all we could do to escape with our lives. You weren’t there. It was as if all the demons in hell had been unleashed upon us. I beg you to consider that I have returned to you the better part of your fleet, only somewhat compromised, and most of the men as well. Even this was something of a miracle.”
“And what victory have you brought me that was worth the sacrifice of the rest, sir?” Drogue’s voice pierced the trembling Captain like an icicle.
“My lord, we sunk three of their ships. Three ships they will not be able to use to oppose you…”
“And is Theriole delivered into my hand?”
“No, my lord…”
“Do you see a crown on my head, Neritz?”
“My lord?” Neritz was growing uncomfortable, and uncertain. How was he supposed to respond? He blinked and sputtered a few more words, but before he could even form a coherent thought, Drogue had sprung from his seat, and was bearing down on him, his eyes all fire.
“How could it be possible that you could not even find an enormous, sprawling edifice that can be seen for miles? How can you face me, and claim you never came upon it?”
“Lord Drogue, we searched for hours in every direction. We took measurements with all the instruments we had and consulted all the maps. I had all the most experienced seamen putting their heads together. It simply wasn’t there!”
“They must have used some kind of sorcery to veil it, or to keep you out of range. Can you not recognize a trick when you encounter it, Neritz?”
“We found ourselves surrounded by jagged rocks and dangerous whirlpools, and hampered by evil mists that made it hard to see anything at all…”
“You are an idiot and a coward. You should have braved all of that, and come to the palace.”
Neritz was almost in tears. “My lord, I had no wish to lose your brand new ships to the whirlpools.”
Drogue lashed out at him, “You lost three of them! It seems your cowardice did not, in fact, protect you.”
“You can’t know, my lord. There were dragons everywhere, and a tidal wave that nearly drowned us all, and some sort of blinding lights that came out of nowhere…”
Drogue stood still and collected himself, sounding now eerily calm. “All that, but no Theriole, even though you sailed right up to where it should have been. Well, I am so sorry, Captain Neritz. You have had a difficult time of it. All that drama, and nothing to show for it, hmmm? Poor Neritz. You did your best, I’m sure, but you simply couldn’t see the palace, is that right?” The dark ruler was pacing the floor very near him, and Neritz was beginning to feel a sense of alarm. What was the man working up to, and what had he been thinking, aligning himself with such a madman? He took a single step back, but there were two large guards firmly planted behind him. Fear squeezed his heart in its cold fist.
“M-m-my lord, wh-what would you have me say?”
“Say, Neritz? Oh, you needn’t say anything more. I understand. You tried your hardest, but you could not see Theriole. Obviously, there is some flaw in your vision. We must strive to correct that, my dear man…we must help you to see properly. Guards!”
At that last word, before he could even turn to run, Neritz was held fast by the two burly strangers, one on either side of him. Squirming and struggling in their grip, he pleaded, “My lord, please, no! I am ever your man. I will go back again. I will let nothing deter me, and I will find it this time, trust me…”
“Oh, Neritz, I do trust you, and good officers are difficult to come by
. I don’t blame you entirely. It seems my plans are constantly being spoiled by that infernal wizard, lately come out of the woods. He is a nasty surprise, like the hand of that idiot Xaarus come from the grave to put obstacles in my way. No matter. I shall soon find a remedy for the annoying young mage.”
Neritz was whimpering, “Yes, my lord. You must dispose of him, my lord. I can see now that it was some spell that held us off. It was not our fault. Surely you can see that, my lord…”
Drogue sidled up very close to the sweating, pale man, and clucked his tongue with a scolding sound. “Of course I cannot expect your little brain to comprehend such complex mysteries. There, there, I forgive you.”
Neritz’ knees nearly buckled in relief, “My lord is generous and good.”
“Yes, whatever. But, I really think we should do something to help with your vision, so that next time, it will serve you better. And perhaps to remind you that I do not expect my commanders to fail in their assignments. It rankles me beyond words. Guards, take him below and remove his left eye. Mind you, the right one is to remain undamaged. He will need that if he is to be at all useful.”
Neritz howled, “No, no, my lord, please! Please, spare me.”
Drogue laid his hand gently on the man’s cheek and purred, “Don’t struggle so. It is unbecoming of an officer. You will come to understand that this is fair, and that I have, in fact, been quite lenient in taking only the one. I am feeling particularly sympathetic, and I wish to reward your good intentions. Be off, now. Let’s have it over with. Guards, take him.”
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 58