The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare

by April Leonie Lindevald

  Tvrdik cocked an eyebrow at her, “Are you sure, my lady? There is no guarantee he will not turn out bad again, despite your best efforts…”

  “No more than there is any guarantee with any child of one’s own birthing. I will take that risk. Delphine, my dear, you have such a beautiful heart, but I must believe this is our miracle – his and mine.” She held out her arms, and after only the slightest hesitation, Delphine handed the child over to her mother, with a smile and a blessing. As Brendelle shifted the sleeping bundle against her own heart, the little boy, without waking, sighed deeply, and murmured, “Mama…” Brendelle gasped and looked up, speechless, tears in her eyes, and everyone present smiled back at her, knowing that at the end of this long, frightening, exhausting, amazing, magical day, they had all, in the end, been present for a true miracle.

  FORTY-ONE

  Aftermath

  AS WORD SPREAD THAT LORD Drogue had vanished into thin air, his army evaporated. Neighboring lords who had supported him with troops or supplies, or even captained regiments for him, lost their nerve and slunk back to their own estates, hoping that their treachery would not be called to account. In this case, it seemed obvious enough that with the head cut off, the rest of the rebellion would wither, and the Lady Regent saw no reason to take any punitive action other than keeping an eye on the malcontents. She hoped that her leniency in this matter would serve to draw the renegades closer in gratitude. It helped also that there would be no fatalities, on either side of the battle, to provoke personal vendettas. In any case, time would tell.

  Among the rank and file, those who were lucky enough to collect gold from the field were already gone to celebrate their good fortune. The foreigners headed for home, or went searching for another war elsewhere in the wide world – one this time that wouldn’t hold so many surprises, and would be closer to what they were accustomed to. The mountain gnomes sighed and headed back to the hills, to their normal, secluded lives, working the earth for gems and metals, quite relieved to be done with all the politics and unpleasantness, which they did not care for in the slightest. Valour helped to reunite any of the magical beasts who had fought for Drogue with their ancient cousins on the other side. Talks occurred, and bridges were built, especially when it was revealed what Drogue’s plan would have meant, in the long run, for all magical creatures. The gryphons, including the one who had snatched Delphine, were surrounded by dragons, given a stern talking to, and sent off somewhat shame-facedly, but nonetheless forgiven.

  Those that had been frightened almost to death by dragons, or enchanted by the blue mirrors wandered off, and for the most part turned fresh pages in their lives. Some despaired and fell into ruin, but many went about trying to erase their past misdeeds by doing service to others. There were none whose lives were not changed in some measureable way forever. Any whom Drogue had blackmailed, pressured, enchanted, or deceived into his service, now free of whatever bondage held them in thrall, were out celebrating their newfound independence. Scores of these began showing up, hat in hand, at the Legion’s campsite, begging amnesty, and seeking to bend the knee to the rightful king. Jorelial Rey and her counselors did their best to welcome all comers, and to assure them that every effort would be made to find them useful employment upon the Legions’ return home. Verger, calculating the financial ramifications of such promises, all but tore the last of his hair out. But the Lady Rey managed to calm him with her word that they would soon sit down together and work it all out, and reminded him what the cost of a prolonged war might have been in comparison.

  Boone, Maygrew, and Bargarelle congratulated each other on a brilliant campaign, well waged, and admitted to Tvrdik and Jorelial Rey that their eyes had been opened to the benefits of this new way of responding to threats. They all wanted to continue planning for a standing Legion, and for developing a peacetime training regime. The Lady Regent and the wizard responded with sincere gratitude for their eventual faith, commitment, and expertise, without which there would have been no victory.

  Jorelial Rey wished to keep Mark and Delphine close by her side, but she asked Baldezir if, after a suitable rest period, he might be willing to return to his wife and family with the message of the battle’s ending, and to help them liberate and escort the humans in their charge back to Mark’s family estate, where they could now wait in comfortable safety until it could be arranged to take Lynette and Darian home. Baldezir was more than happy to undertake the mission, and the Lady Regent repeated her intention to call him to the palace, knight him, and grant him lands carved from Drogue’s own holdings. These lands would be declared safe zones for all wolves, talking or not. Baldezir was moved by her generosity, and thanked her on behalf of himself and all his clan. The Lady Regent reminded him that no words or favors could ever thank him enough for the major role he played in saving her sister, and perhaps the king as well. The great dire-wolf trotted off with his head held high.

  Messengers were sent to Theriole with the joyful news of victory. Among them was Jarrod the crow, who had returned to camp frantic and miserable at the near tragedy his carelessness had caused. It was Tashroth who took the time to soothe him, assuring him that no one held him responsible for Delphine’s misfortune, especially since it had all worked out well in the end. The dragon added that every great warrior at some time or other had learned from mistakes and grown from them. Jarrod acknowledged both the gentle reprimand, and the confidence in that remark, and was comforted.

  Several Legionaires who normally worked in the palace stables went about rounding up any horses from Drogue’s cavalry who were wandering about, riderless and frightened. Shar, seeing what they were up to, lent his presence and voice to calm the muddy, confused beasts, and shepherd them to a still-grassy area where their needs and injuries were seen to by compassionate, knowledgeable folk.

  Andrus reported that all the wounded were doing well, and on the road to recovery, remarkable as that might seem. He then became very solemn, and offered his deepest regrets to the Lady Jorelial Rey and to Delphine that he had been so helpless and blind during their father’s illness. In hindsight, foul play seemed an obvious possibility, which, at the time, had never occurred to him. He told them that he would never forgive himself for failing that great man, and them. “I brought him that port myself every night. It seemed to soothe his pain…” The man’s voice broke at the memory.

  In answer, Delphine threw her arms around him, and Jorelial Rey said that it was Drogue, not he, who deserved their wrath – old Drogue, who no longer existed. The would-be usurper had all of them, including their wise and clear-eyed father, so fooled and manipulated, that no one could blame the doctor for not realizing what was going on. They assured him that they both knew that he had done everything he could think of to help Gareth, and they begged him to forgive himself for not discovering the poison. They already had.

  Tvrdik summoned some glow-balls to light his way in the deepening shadows, and went to the river for a joyful reunion with Ondine, who couldn’t resist a pirouette and a splash or two at the sight of him. He thanked her for the important part she and her compatriots had played in winning the day, and when he inquired, was assured that she and all the naiads had emerged well and unharmed. He also shared his deep appreciation for her help in pulling Jorelial Rey out of the darkness that almost claimed her. “I don’t know what would have happened this day if we had lost her, Ondine, and I wasn’t able to bring her back on my own.”

  Ondine beamed, “We work together, always, Lovely Man. I tell you at waterfall, I can help – you need me. See, I show you how you need me for great adventure. We send nasty folk away, make things right again.”

  “That’s right, dearest. It was my lucky day indeed when you insisted on joining me on my travels. I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without you. We are great partners… and great friends.” She splashed him just a little, and then leapt up to kiss him on the cheek. He laughed, taken by surprise, and then shared
her ebullient company for a time, rediscovering the deep feelings of delight she always stirred in him. Then, excusing himself, he walked the edges of the wood, thanking and blessing the trees for joining their cause, doing such a wonderful job of derailing the enemy’s assaults, and, in the end, of capturing Drogue. A whisper of leaves and a gentle swaying of branches welcomed his acknowledgements.

  It was almost midnight when he approached the central campfire, where Jorelial Rey, Mark, Delphine, Stewart, Warlowe, Verger, Bargarelle, Boone, Maygrew, Andrus, and the Praegers were bustling about trying to put together some semblance of a meal from the supplies on hand. There had not been much sleeping or attention to eating for days. They were all beyond exhaustion, but wide awake, unwilling to let go of the day – its accomplishments, and its feelings of camaraderie, of confidence, and of vindication. Now, at last, they allowed themselves the luxury of feeling their weariness and hunger, but it felt good to be all together.

  “Where have you been? We missed you.” Delphine asked brightly, not in the slightest changed by her frightening experience.

  “Thank you, my friend. I was out talking to the naiads and dryads, thanking them for their part. They are all well, and very proud of what we pulled off today. They send their love. Where is Lady Brendelle?”

  “Oh, she begged leave to retire early and attend to the baby-uh-the child…Drake. You know. I suppose her life will be quite different now.”

  “Children will do that, I hear.” Tvrdik smiled.

  “Are you hungry?” Rel asked.

  “Yes, famished. But there is something I think I need to do first. Don’t you all think it seems incomplete to enjoy this victory without letting Xaarus know? Aren’t you all just dying to see if we changed anything – the future, I mean – if we accomplished anything bigger than the here and now? And don’t you think we should let him know what happened here?”

  Everyone was staring at him. Bargarelle smiled and answered for the whole lot, “Well, young man, yes, to all of it. But you are our only link to the great wizard, and we didn’t want to push you, figuring you must be tired, and that there would be time enough for most things tomorrow.”

  “I am weary, I suppose, but I think I owe Xaarus, and all of you, at least a brief contact. With my energy this low, I could use Tashroth’s help. Where is he?”

  Jorelial Rey put something hot in her mouth and shrugged, “Last I saw, he was going off somewhere with Candelinda.”

  Delphine giggled, “I think those two have something going on.”

  Rel frowned, “If I have to share him with someone, I’m very glad it’s a girl as remarkable as she is. How could I not be crazy about her? Especially after she pulled off that brilliant rescue and brought you back to me, Sweet Pea.” The two sisters smiled at one another across the campfire.

  Tvrdik tried to redirect the conversation, “I hate to disturb him, but I think it’s important, and it shouldn’t take long…”

  “I’ll call him,” Rel agreed, still eating. Someone handed Tvrdik a plate, which he received with appreciation while the Lady Regent concentrated on sending a mental message to her saurian companion. Tvrdik had only begun to sample some of the simple fare he’d been given before they were all aware of the familiar sensation, and noise, of giant wings. Tashroth and Candelinda both soared into range, and landed with precision in a nearby space. Tash’s great, green head swung into view in the firelight, a sight that startled more than one of the friends sitting there.

  “What is it, dear one?” Tash’s patient voice rumbled.

  “We are sorry to bother you now, Tash, but Tvrdik thinks we need to contact Xaarus right away, and I think he’s right. He is afraid his energy is too low for a meaningful contact without your help. Are you up to it?”

  “Of course. A very good idea. We can begin anytime.” The head withdrew, and she knew he was arranging himself in a comfortable position, and setting his concentration on holding the energetic space for Tvrdik, amplifying his mind’s outreach. Tvrdik put his plate aside and seated himself on a stump near the fire where he too could be somewhat comfortable. He handed his staff to Mark to hold, and, placing his hands on his knees, closed his eyes, knowing he was surrounded and supported by his friends. Before casting after Xaarus, he teased, “If you all concentrate, perhaps some of you might even catch a glimpse of him.” And then, he set his mind on some of his most vivid memories of his old teacher: the familiar voice, a peculiar scent, the touch of his long, bony fingers, the ageless, twinkling eyes…

  “Oh, my boy, my boy…you did it! You did it.”

  “Master, is that you?” Tvrdik opened his eyes, and Xaarus stood solidly before them. Tvrdik could not recall a time when his mentor had last looked so young, so joyful and light-hearted. He was beaming, his eyes were shining, and he moved about as if he would break into a dance at any moment.

  “Of course it is, son. I am so proud of you, and of all the rest, that I cannot contain myself. I knew you could do it. I knew you were the right man for the job. I knew it, even when you weren’t so sure, my boy, but you are quite a wizard – quite…a…wizard, if I do say it myself. And now, you’ve done it.”

  “Uh…yes. We defeated Lord Drogue, and we did it just as you showed us, no lives taken, none lost that we know of. Even Drogue, twisted as he was, managed to get a second chance. But, however did you know?”

  “Lord Drogue? Ah, yes, Drogue. Yes, yes. You’ve saved the kingdom, defended the king, and managed to prevent a war of great destruction. I imagine all of those things mean a great deal to those of you there right now, and they were well done. You have every right to be proud. But, I am talking about the bigger picture, lad. You changed history! You have shifted the timeline, just as we had hoped. Oh, my boy, we were so right that your moment in time was indeed the turning point for everything that was to follow. I knew you had succeeded, because, in an instant, everything was different here in the future. Well, not different, so much. But different, if you know what I mean. Before, the place felt gray, miserable – dying, in fact. Now, it vibrates with life, with energy, with hope, my boy. The magic is back, the people are happy. The extraordinary is accepted as ordinary…oh, the changes are subtle, but so very, very deep. I have faith now that life and love and creativity will go on from here, robust and healthy. If I must remain here, at least I can be content to do so now. I cannot express to all of you the magnitude of what you have done. Your courage and resourcefulness, your willingness to take a leap of faith have changed the course of everything.”

  Tvrdik could not conceive of how to respond to such amazing news. “Wait, Master. I want to take a moment to relate to everyone here the basics of what you are telling me.” And he repeated as best he could to the assembled company around the campfire all that the elder wizard had described. They sat listening, wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the remarkable reach of their actions that day. Of course, they had all hoped that Xaarus’ plan would have the desired impact on what would come after them, but to hear that such an instant, profound, positive transformation had taken place was…was…well, more than any of them could have wrapped their minds around.

  Candelinda asked, “Find out if there are magical creatures and talking animals now in his time.” Tvrdik relayed the query and the response, “He says he is pretty sure yes, though most of them have settled in remote areas and keep a low profile. But people talk of them as if they encounter them on occasion, without amazement. And he swears he heard a woman having a two-way conversation an hour ago with her cat, and no one even batted an eyelash in surprise.”

  Mark spoke up, “Is it possible we might have done some irreparable harm by changing the timeline, even with the best of intentions and results that appear to be positive?”

  “Ask if there wasn’t a sudden huge increase in the goose population!” Jorelial Rey quipped, her mouth full of bread and cheese.

  Tvrdik frowned, and then paused to listen, �
�He says that Mark’s is a very astute question, and one he had long considered. But the truth is that we did not set out on purpose to change the timeline to suit our own desires. What we did was to make better choices in the present, which came from a place of love and compassion, rather than the usual fear and defensiveness. We always intended that things would unfold for the highest good of all involved, and the results, at least right away, seem nothing but exciting and positive. He doesn’t believe anything but good could come from such an approach.”

  Now Tvrdik’s focus came back to his own time, “Master, we are overjoyed by your news, but we will need time to understand and absorb all that it means. It has been a long and very eventful day on this side, and I am not sure how long I can continue to hold this link even with Tashroth’s assistance. In the interest of efficiency, can you enter my mind and scan my memories of recent events, so that you will be up to date on all that has occurred here?”

  “That sounds prudent, son, and of course, I am eager to know of it all. Wait a moment.” The image of Xaarus closed its eyes this time, and Tvrdik concentrated on his own detailed memories of the day they had all just come through, all the events of the battlefield and beyond. With Tashroth strengthening the connection between the two men, it proved a quick and simple operation. When Xaarus opened his eyes again, however, they were welling up with tears. “My, my, you lot have been through quite a day there, haven’t you. How I wish I could have been there to assist you and share some of the burden.”