I wish I knew more about this infection. There has to be more we can do.
Although it had been progressing slowly, it weighed on her mind every day. Every night she lay awake, listening out for signs of it progressing. Nothing was obvious, but the lack of any signs was in itself troubling. Her greatest fear was that it was progressing silently, and there would be no sign of it until too late.
In time they reached a small area with thinner tree cover. There was still thick vegetation, but also places to sit. Lara threw her pack onto a nearby shrub and sank into the grass. It was hard and slightly damp but she didn’t care.
The rest did the same thing. Vincent spoke up first.
“Alyx, we are in your debt. You made the difference today, and I will be forever grateful.” He stood and bowed to her. Alyx waved him away.
“I accept your thanks, but it is not necessary. I followed my curiosity, and decided I could not stand aside.”
“You were ready to die for us! Why?” Alrion said, full of wonder.
“I’d like to know too,” Lara said. Unlike Alrion, she gave Alyx a questioning look.
“I am not afraid of death. Especially now that my life’s work is done. It seemed like a fitting end, if that were the case. But, here we are. My story is not done yet,” Alyx said. She lay back, using one of the bushes behind her as a makeshift pillow.
“Please, share your story. At least some of it,” Vincent said.
“Very well. As you know, my name is Alyx. I was the only child to my father, and therefore the only heir to the Warden of the North.”
“Your father was Fenkirk?” Lara said. She couldn’t hide the surprise in her voice.
“That is correct. You may be aware, but he was slain by the Skull King when I was only eight years old.” Alyx paused. Lara knew of the story, but didn’t know Fenkirk had had a daughter. She looked over at Alrion and Vincent and they appeared lost.
“I don’t think they are as familiar with the history around here. You may need to explain a little,” Lara said.
“The Skull King was one of the Four Generals of the Blight. We can discuss them later. All you need to know, however, is that he was completely evil and his head was all black with only his skull showing. He killed my father to prove his dominance, and conquered the rest of the area without opposition,” Alyx said. She spat into a nearby shrub. Lara could see the anger boiling up in Alyx. Surprisingly she noticed something similar in Alrion too.
What’s happening with him?
“I had no future. No woman can become the Warden. And the title means nothing if you can’t provide the people with leadership and safety. So, I took up my family sword, and swore revenge on the Skull King,” Alyx said. There was a satisfied look upon her face as she spoke, and Lara thought that perhaps Alyx had succeeded.
“That’s a hard life, to take on such a burden at such a young age,” Vincent said.
“It’s the life I chose, so it is not hard.”
“Your family’s sword? Wasn’t it famous?” Lara said.
“Yes. Both for its size and its legacy. It is called Andrylir.” Alyx looked at her hands, despondent for a moment. She quickly recovered, but not before Lara noticed.
“What does that mean?” Alrion said.
“It means ‘One Strike’.”
“Is there a reason for that? Is there a story around it?” Lara said.
“Yes, there is, and the legend is true. One strike from it can kill anything.”
“Impossible!” Vincent said.
“Believe what you want. But I took up the giant sword of my father, and turned myself into a living weapon. I thought of nothing else, did nothing else, until I could have my revenge.”
“You did it, didn’t you?” Lara said. A wicked smile crept along Alyx’s face.
“I did. At great cost, but I did. And now I’m here.”
“Without your sword and without a purpose,” Alrion said. Alyx looked like the wind had been knocked out of her. Lara turned her attention to Alrion.
That was incisive of him, she thought. Wonder and curiosity flowed through her in relation to his words.
“You have me at a loss, but I cannot deny your words. Perhaps there is another purpose for a weapon like me,” she said, her voice much quieter now. The pride that had infected it before was gone.
“I also said that I would show you my sword,” Vincent said. He stood slowly, taking the opportunity to stretch.
“Allow me. My father made both swords,” Alrion said. Before Vincent could react, Alrion unsheathed his sword and offered it to Alyx, pommel first. She grabbed it and Alrion sat back, satisfied.
“This is a beautiful blade,” Alyx said, turning it over and admiring it from many angles.
“The stone …” Lara said, pointing. She almost thought she had imagined it. A quick glow from the diamond in the pommel of the sword. But it wasn’t reflected light. There was a pale blue to the glow. She looked over at Alrion and he was looking at Alyx with interest.
“What do you mean?” Alyx said. But Vincent understood immediately. He strode over and examined the diamond while Alyx still held it.
“It’s faint but unmistakeable. You were bitten,” he said. Alyx shrank back.
“Who are you?” she said.
“The diamond reacts to those tainted by the Blight. If you were a Shade it would be bright blue,” Alrion said as he rose. He quietly stepped over to Alyx and retrieved the blade. The stone had a distinct glow to it, stronger than before. But still relatively pale.
“You also?” Alyx said, pointing at the diamond.
“Yes. But it hasn’t claimed me yet,” Alrion said before returning to his previous seat. He put the sword away, and watched Alyx with a curious gaze. Lara wanted to quiz Alrion, but she decided to wait until later. For now, she had to get to the bottom of this new problem.
“When were you thinking of telling us?” Lara said. She didn’t hide the anger in her voice.
“Soon. I didn’t want to taint the purity of the gesture you made.”
“That’s why you threw your sword down,” Vincent said.
“Yes, I knew it was over. I am sorry for the confusion. It seemed like a fitting end, that was all.”
“It is a fitting end,” Lara said.
“It might be, if it was the end. But it won’t be. You’re coming with us,” Alrion said.
“She’s infected! This isn’t a game!” Lara shouted. She couldn’t believe what he was saying.
“She saved us. It’s the least I can do.”
“No, the least we can do is not harbour a threat like her. No offence, Alyx,” Lara said. She had to shut down this idea before it grew any further.
“What is she going to do? Infect me?” Alrion said, laughing. He had to be losing his mind.
“I do appreciate your kindness, but it would not be a kindness travelling with you and knowing that I will succumb to the infection and be a danger to you,” Alyx said.
“Would you change your mind if I told you I am going to find a cure,” Alrion said. He had a gleam in his eye and stared straight at Alyx. She sat up straighter, giving him all her attention.
“You should not toy with me like this.”
“I’m not. I’m on a quest to end the Blight, and I have a lead for how to get cured. The Mystics who live up in the mountains.”
“Fairy tales. You shouldn’t give yourself false hope,” Alyx said. She sank back into the greenery and watched the sky.
“No less of a fairy tale than the Pool of Knowledge. Which I found and drank from. Or the fact that my grandfather cured the Blight from Avaria,” Alrion said.
“You did what?” Alyx rose and stood over Alrion.
“I found the Pool and drank from it. It gives me visions of what I need for my quest. It showed me to the monks of the desert, and their secret trial of the Will. And now it is bringing me to the Mystics of the north. I know their power is crucial to cleansing the Blight. I just need to get there.”
&nb
sp; “Your story is fanciful, yet plausible. But no matter, we will never get there in time.”
“How infected do I look?” Alrion said. He rose and stood close to Alyx. She looked him up and down.
“Judging from the mark a few days. But you don’t seem to have some of the other signs.”
“It’s been a week,” Alrion said quietly.
“We can’t let this happen,” Lara said to Vincent. She could sense the conversation turning, and didn’t want it to continue.
“I’m seeing both sides here. Alyx is an incredibly effective fighter. We could use the help,” Vincent said.
“And when she turns?” Lara said.
“If we don’t make it in time, we can deal with her. We just dealt with a whole clearing of Blighters,” Vincent said.
“I’m already infected. We just need to keep you two safe. And monitor her progress. The diamond should help,” Alrion said.
“I just—” Lara said, but Alrion interrupted.
“There’s something you all should know. This whole attack was my fault.” Alrion paused and waited. After a few seconds he continued.
“Wraith has been taunting me ever since that day. He’s inside my head, whenever he wants. I have been working at blocking him out, but it’s exhausting and I’m still learning how to deal with this. The Blight is affecting me too somehow. My emotions surge more, especially what we might consider darker emotions. Like anger. And so earlier today I lost it. And look what happened!” Alrion grew very quiet. Lara tried to speak but choked up. She walked over and gave him a hug.
“Don’t beat yourself up, we’re here for you remember. Have you been carrying this all by yourself?” she said.
“Yes, I’ve been trying to be strong. And I’ve given Alyx a death sentence at the same time. That’s why we have to bring her with us. It’s her only chance. And we owe her that much.”
Alyx closed her eyes and looked down. Vincent walked over to join Alrion too.
“We’re with you son, and don’t worry Alyx can join us if she’s willing. I actually think it’s her best chance too. The risk is not too great, and she will be a fine addition to our group,” he said.
“I understand why you want her to come and won’t stop it. I guess I’ll just have to keep my eyes on you,” Lara said, looking directly at Alyx. She finally understood what was going on with Alrion.
Why didn’t he just say something? They were close enough for that.
“You are all assuming that I want to come,” Alyx said finally.
“I know you will,” Alrion said. His voice had a confidence that Lara didn’t understand.
“How can you know my mind when I haven’t even decided?”
“Because you haven’t said no yet. And I need to cure you. You are infected because of me, so as soon as I am cured and I have the power to do so myself you will be my first case. That’s why you must come.”
Alyx rose stiffly from the ground. She walked over to Alrion.
“Please stand,” she said. Alrion stood with a little rockiness.
“I, Alyx Vanstar, Warden of the North and Slayer of the Skull King, do hereby pledge my life into the service of Alrion.” She completed the gesture by plugging her short sword into the ground in front of her.
“I accept your service. And I hereby pledge that I will cure you from this infection. Once I do so, you will be released to do whatever you wish,” Alrion said. He removed her sword and handed it back to her. Alyx bowed and sat back down.
“Now that we’re all friends, what’s the plan?” Lara said.
“We need to brief Alyx on the way, and continue on our journey.”
“Do you know your destination?” Alyx said.
“Not exactly. Just that it’s north, at the snowy peaks,” Alrion said.
“That helps, there is only one region that could be. But those mountains are vast and treacherous. We will need more guidance.”
“It will come.”
“Very well. Then I suggest we head to the nearest town and resupply ourselves. We will need much for this journey.”
“Agreed. Do you have a place in mind?” Vincent said.
“I do.”
“Then let’s make a start. We can talk on the way, and the further we get from this mess the better,” Vincent said. He started to work through their belongings. Lara approached Alrion with care, putting a hand on his shoulder. He turned to face her.
“You’re not alone. Don’t carry this burden by yourself,” she said softly. Alrion took her hand gingerly, and warmed between his own. Then he returned her hand.
“I must. I can’t taint you with it, and weigh you down. You deserve to be free,” he said, sadness in his eyes. He blinked away a potential tear and turned to look for his belongings. Lara’s heart cried out.
I have to find a way to help him.
3
LEFT BEHIND
Celes had been incredibly patient. She had kept a low profile, avoiding areas of Plynth that would be accessed by the network of Tainted. It was infuriating but she knew it was important. Eventually Vincent would send word and confirm that everything was all right.
Except he hadn’t. It had been over a week, and she was tired of waiting.
I just need a way to find them. And I know just the place, she thought. The one place she had been avoiding, was the place she needed to go. Regardless of the outcome of the clash in the desert, she knew that the Tainted would have information and perhaps even instructions on what to do next.
I need to start with Glinda.
It made perfect sense. Glinda was either an ally, or too compromised by the help she had already given them to run to the leaders of the Tainted. If Glinda was still trusted, she might find out something useful.
She will definitely tell me something.
She checked her outfit, and left the small house with confidence. Her boots echoed noisily on the stone walkway outside. For the first time she wasn’t trying to sneak around. She didn’t care if she was found.
Celes started by walking around to the barracks near the town gates. She knew Glinda was a guard, so it was the most logical place to look. Acting like she belonged, Celes walked right into the building. There were a few people loitering around, and those that were paid her no attention.
“Head up, you belong here,” Celes told herself. After a quick lap around the barracks she saw no sign of Glinda. She stopped beside a guard standing around near the entrance. He was staring off at something else, his mind elsewhere.
“Have you seen Glinda this morning?” Celes said. The guard was initially startled, and ran his hand through his hair.
“Oh, ahh no, I don't think so. She must be on patrol,” he said. Celes thought he was very odd.
“Are you new?” she said.
“Yes, how did you know?”
“Oh, I just know most of the faces around here.”
“Do you want me to pass on a message?”
“No, that’s fine I’ll just see her later. Thanks,” Celes said. She waved at the guard and left. As helpful as it would have been to leave a message, she didn’t trust that guard. And she didn’t want to compromise Glinda. There was no knowing how many of the guard were Tainted.
It was a strange position to be in, relying on a Tainted guard. She would never have expected it, but Vincent had been insistent and she had come to realise that there was something different about Glinda. She was Tainted, but trying to live her own life.
Maybe there’s a whole lot of people like that out there. Wanting to be different, but trapped by the infection? she thought. It was certainly a perspective she had never considered before. But then again, she had been living another life. Sheltered, and focusing on her family. Tales of the Blight had been fanciful stories to the folk of Hamley.
Celes headed back to the blacksmith shop where Vincent had been working. She found the owner working in the shop, and approached him.
“Hello, I’m sorry I forgot your name. But my husband Will was wor
king here recently,” she said.
“Oh, no problem. It’s John. Is everything alright?”
“Everything is fine. He had to leave suddenly for family reasons, but I thought he would be back by now. So, I just wanted to stop by and let you know.” Celes could see the real concern on the man’s face slowly change into relief.
“Oh, great. I was really worried. I never really paid him, and he completed a lot of work. I felt really bad that something had happened, and I never had a chance to properly compensate him!”
“It’s all fine, don’t worry he was happy enough for the experience. Have you had more trouble with the guards?”
“No, they backed right off after that last incident. It’s been very quiet. I managed to get my orders out and it’s all been busy. I do miss having Will around though, he’s fantastic. I hope everything’s all right. I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t even know where he was staying!” John looked flustered and apologetic. Lara thought it was sweet.
“I feel bad about not coming to see you sooner. For now, assume that he won’t be back for a while. I’ll make sure he does see you though.”
“That would be nice, I need to thank him in person, even if he won’t be sticking around. You take care,” John said. He waved at Celes then returned to his work.
At least that’s taken care of now.
Next, she took the main path between the blacksmith and the council chambers. It was the best next step. She knew Glinda frequented that route in the past. Plus, she expected that the councilman would still be active. All they had done was embarrass him, and probably only to a limited audience.
She spotted several guards as she went, but none paid her any attention. There were market stalls up, and she could smell the spiced meats tempting her in. There were many other handmade goods as well, such as garments, wooden trinkets, and even some blacksmith toys and tools.
Celes stopped suddenly. She picked up a blacksmith puzzle and looked it over carefully. It was so similar to one that Vincent had made for her years ago.
I remember the day so vividly, she thought. It was her test, to see how good he was and how willing he was to work on other things. He had passed with flying colours. Even then she had spotted something special in him.
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 2