Just be safe. She put the puzzle back down, smiled at the vendor, and kept walking.
“You’re getting too sentimental. Everything is fine,” she told herself. Celes quickened her pace and soon saw the council building looming. A shiver went down her spine as she remembered her last encounter there, and what happened after.
I’ll just have a quick look, she thought. After a quick glance left and right, she eased into the flow of pedestrians and entered the council building. As before the room was full of people, some bunched together in conversations, others trying to get the attention of officials. Celes wove her way through, heading directly for the passage that led to the council chambers.
It was a risk heading back there, but she needed to investigate. And she felt confident that she could leave quickly if she was spotted. With a sure step she entered the hallway and looked for people. There were some administrators walking around, but few others. Celes carefully navigated down the corridor, heading for the room at the end. Where the councillor worked.
It’s safer here, it’s more public, she thought, reassuring herself. As she approached she slowed down, ensuring her footsteps were quiet and wouldn’t draw attention. She listened out for voices, and only heard the general murmur coming from the main hall. Most of the doors she had passed were closed, which explained the lack of noise.
She crept along, trying not to look too suspicious. The door to the councillor’s chamber was half-open. When she couldn’t hear anything, she flattened herself next to the wall and listened closely. Nothing.
Next, she peered through the crack in the door hinge, trying to see inside. She didn’t see any evidence of people.
Seems empty, I’ll take a quick peek.
She quickly entered the room and verified it was empty. Then she reached for the door.
“No, better it’s untouched,” she told herself. She retracted her arm and looked around the room. It was a simple arrangement, even though each piece of furniture was heavy and expensive. A large desk dominated the space, with the councillor’s chair behind. It was larger, more padded, and detailed than the two visitor chairs.
Celes stepped around the ornate desk, skimming her eyes over the stacks of paper. Most were reports or letters, but all were concerned with general council matters. Nothing she could use.
To be expected. They seem to do all their communication another way, she thought. Satisfied that there was nothing useful, she approached the door and glanced out.
“Damn!” she whispered and hid behind the door. There was a guard walking down the hallway. His steps were heavy and loud, and they weren’t slowing.
I’ll talk my way out.
She started working on her story. The footsteps started to slow, and finally stopped. Celes could see the guard standing in the doorway.
“I know you’re in there. Meet me in the laneway behind the chambers, and don’t attract any attention,” a female voice said. It sounded familiar, so Celes could only assume it was Glinda.
If I keep getting spotted like this, I’ll have to hand in my thief card, Celes thought with a laugh. Although, to be fair, she normally operated at night. These daytime infiltrations were a new thing. She retraced her steps, walking through the corridor like she belonged there. Nobody challenged her, although most were busy or behind closed doors.
She emerged into the main room and joined the flow of people.
Well, I found Glinda. Doesn’t matter how it happened. Now I can get some answers, she thought as she left the building and walked around looking for the lane access. She turned left into the first cross street, and before long found a lane that extended behind the council chambers.
It was narrow and full of rubbish. Celes could smell that before she saw it. There were plenty of places to hide, which was comforting and risky at the same time. She stepped through carefully, trying to find the guard.
“Over here,” a voice said. Celes followed the voice and stepped behind a large crate full of wet paper. She saw Glinda standing there.
“Oh, good it is you. Come here often?” Celes said, gesturing at the lovely surroundings.
“No, which means we will not be spotted together. What are you doing?”
“Looking for leads. Vincent hasn’t returned, and the Tainted are my best link to find him.”
“There’s some sort of upheaval going on. Wraith is mobilising lots of Tainted in the north. But I don’t get most of the communication,” Glinda said. She sounded tired.
“Is everything alright? Were there any repercussions from when we escaped?”
“Some. I was put on guard duty for the mansion. I had to stand outside for fourteen hours a day. It was my punishment.”
“They didn’t suspect anything?”
“If they did, they’re over it now. By having me there I proved my loyalty since they were able to observe everything. Thanks for backing off.”
“Of course. And the councillor?”
“He flew into a terrible rage. But he didn’t really have anyone to focus it on. So, we all copped it. I think Wraith was more amused than anything else. It was just a humiliation that passed. All in all, it could have been worse,” Glinda said. She had a concerned look on her face and she directed it at Celes.
“So now you’re wondering why I’m showing up to cause you more trouble?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, I’ve been hiding out and staying out of sight. But it’s been over a week now and I haven’t heard anything from Vincent. I was hoping you might have something you can tell me?” Celes really needed something. Glinda was her last hope. Glinda looked around the alley, and stepped in closer. She expertly avoided some trash on the ground.
“There has been some talk. The last thing you heard about was the desert attack, right?”
“Yes. And the damn councillor was so gleeful about it as well.”
“I’m not sure what happened, but it didn’t end as expected. There’s some sort of chase on now.”
“That sounds promising. Like they made it away.”
“I would assume so. But I have a bad feeling. I can’t explain it, but I don’t think Wraith achieved nothing. I’ve heard him before when something completely failed, and he’s ruthless. And if something went wrong and it was his fault, he still makes everyone else feel it. But I don’t get the same feeling.”
“You think he achieved a victory of some kind? Even if there’s some sort of chase going on?”
“Yes. I know it’s a little vague, but it feels like an important detail,” Glinda said with care. Her eyes darted around again, and she crept closer still, leaning in. She whispered in Celes’s ear.
“There’s something else. They’re using some sort of special Trackers. It’s a type of Tainted I’ve never heard of before,” she said. As soon as she had spoken she stepped back. Celes’s eyes widened and she thought through the implications.
“I need to meet one,” she finally said. Glinda nodded.
“I have someone in mind actually. But I’m warning you, he’ll want some kind of deal in return for helping you.”
“That’s fine, I can negotiate that. It’s too important to pass up,” Celes said. Glinda acknowledged Celes with a slight nod and beckoned her to follow. Celes’s mind was running wild with theories and plans. But she solidified it all into one thought.
I’m coming.
4
PATH OF THE SWORD
Alyx led them through the woods and back to a path of sorts. Alrion welcomed the open space. He had felt so confined, especially when the Blighters boxed them in.
It’s crowded enough in my head, need a little space out here, he thought, laughing to himself. He appreciated Lara’s offer of help, but he couldn’t accept it. Not in its current form. He wouldn’t burden her with the taunting, the feeling of being weighed down slowly. The weight of a thousand angry, mindless beings trying to pile on him. No, this was better. He just had to watch his temper.
In these times he would almost r
each out to his Spark. But he shuddered at the memory of the one time he had. Even the thought of reaching through that murky filth was enough to put him off. There was no reason to keep thinking about it. But he couldn’t resist, since it was off limits. He needed to occupy himself. He sped up until he was alongside Alyx.
“How did you learn to fight like that?” he said.
“Years of intense training. And focus. Why?”
“I need to learn something. I’m useless right now without my power. I can’t afford to be a liability when the stakes are this high.”
“It will help with your anger management too,” Alyx said. She turned to look at him again, sizing him up. Alrion felt inadequate, but he didn’t know why.
“That sounds like it could help. I need something to focus on, since I can’t do any magic. Would you be able to train me?”
“I can. But you must follow my instructions to the letter. There’s no point otherwise.”
“I can do that.” Alrion imagined fighting better. It seemed like a great idea to defend himself without using his power. He could see himself fighting off nearby Blighters with a sword then burning others at range seconds later. He got a little carried away with his imagination, and found himself swinging his right arm. Alyx stifled a small laugh, but Lara didn’t hold back at all.
“Practicing, are we?” she joked.
“Just warming up,” Alrion said, his cheeks reddening.
Why do I have to be so awkward?
It hurt more with Alyx there. She was so cool and focused and to the point, that he felt like more of a clown in comparison.
“I used to do that kind of thing. You must have inherited it,” Vincent said with a chuckle. That made Alrion feel better. His father had a knack for changing the mood.
“I’ve never trained anyone before, but you seem keen so I’m sure it will work. We will start slow, and ramp it up. I’m afraid my body needs a proper recovery before we get too advanced,” Alyx said. Alrion nodded and turned to take in the scenery. The windy road was taking them far away from the forest, and into some sparse plains.
They stopped briefly for a snack, before pushing on.
“It’s so exposed here, we need to reach somewhere more sheltered to rest this evening,” Alyx said.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Vincent said. He was looking around at their surroundings and seemed concerned. Alrion was looking forward to a rest, but not the quiet it would bring. He wasn’t looking forward to fending off Wraith again. Things were easier during the day when he was occupied and had people around. But at night it was far worse. Sometimes his mind turned to thoughts of Wraith and the Blight unbidden. He found it difficult to think of anything else.
Soon they came upon some rolling hills, and Alyx led them into a dense copse of trees nestled into a hill. It made for a nice sheltered spot, with lots of space around.
“This looks great,” Vincent said. He immediately started setting up camp with what they had available.
“I’m just going to do a quick scout around,” Lara said. She dropped her bag and took off.
“Don’t worry, it’s safe here,” Alyx said to Alrion.
“Have you used this spot before?”
“A long time ago during a terrible storm. Hopefully we fare better tonight.” Alyx slowly seated herself against a tree. She closed her eyes and relaxed.
“How did you become so focused?”
“It’s just a state of mind. With practice you can achieve it.”
“You sound like the monks I met in the desert,” Alrion said, laughing.
“I’ve heard of them. Capable warriors and strong willed. Didn’t you mention some sort of trial there?”
“Yes. I can’t talk about it, but it taught me a lot.”
“Well, you probably have all the tools you need. It then becomes about throwing away the distractions. For me it was simple.”
“Why?”
“I watched my father be murdered in front of me. It was nothing to discard everything else. Too easy, in fact,” Alyx said. She stared off into the distance.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring that up,” Alrion said.
“It’s fine, it was a long time ago. And he has been avenged.”
“What happened to your family sword?”
“Long story. Suffice to say it’s gone.” She drew her short sword and turned it over in her hands.
“This is not suitable for training. Not ideal for sparring due to its length, not safe enough and won’t last long against your Runesteel. Let’s skip to real swords. Vincent, can I borrow yours?”
“Sure,” he said, handing her the scabbard. Alyx put her sword away on the grass nearby and drew the Runesteel sword.
“Let’s see how this works,” she said. She strode over to one of the trees nearby with purpose in her step. In one fluid motion she slashed out with her arm. The tree offered no resistance, and after a momentary delay was neatly sliced open. The cut portion tumbled down causing a loud bang.
“Well, now they know where we are!” Lara said with frustration.
“The sound will carry, but not far. Don’t worry. The sword has a good balance to it, you are very skilled, Vincent.”
“Thank you.” Vincent gave her a short bow.
“Alrion we will train with these. You shouldn’t be fast enough to injure me, but let’s start slow, just in case. I’d rather not lose any limbs.”
“Not until I can heal you,” Alrion said, trying to make a joke. He thought he saw a partial smile from Alyx, but it was gone in an instant, so he wasn’t sure.
“Ready your sword,” she said. Alrion shuffled his feet and drew his sword, holding it out. His muscles were tense, awaiting his commands.
“Too stiff, and too forced. You need to be light and reactive. Tension will cause you to move slowly and make mistakes. You will drop your blade.” Alyx walked over and shifted Alrion’s legs, and adjusted his posture.
“Still too stiff. Imagine that you just had a long hot bath,” she said. Alrion gave her a strange look.
Did she really just say that?
“You think that I don’t bathe? That’s quite insulting,” Alyx said. Lara burst out laughing.
“It just seemed like an odd suggestion,” Alrion said.
“I think it’s quite accurate really. Heat is a great way to relax your muscles,” Vincent said. Alrion started to speak again, but stopped himself. He tried to loosen up.
“Better, for now.” Alyx walked back until she was several paces away. “Follow my movements,” she said, taking him through a simple exercise. Alrion followed along, paying particular attention to allow him to copy her exactly.
Hours later they took a break. Alrion was bent over, drawing in deep breaths and leaning on his sword.
“You look tired now,” Alyx said.
“I am.”
“Good. One final movement. Do the whole sequence,” she said. Alrion’s arms were heavy, and his shoulders ached. Even his legs were complaining. The day’s events, the walking, and now the training had worn him out. But he complied all the same.
He was too tired to worry about the finer movements, letting his sword flow the easiest way.
“Good. Again. Continue,” Alyx said. Alrion gathered one final burst of energy, and rather than step away Alyx blocked it. The meeting of the swords rang out through the clearing. With a slight push she sent Alrion tumbling back, and he found himself seated on the ground.
“Now you can rest,” Alyx said. She slowly walked over to Vincent to return the sword then eased herself down. Alrion watched her very carefully.
“I see you’re sore and tired too!”
“Of course. After two battles, hours of walking and another training session with you. I’m only human after all.”
“So you say,” Alrion muttered under his breath.
“You did a lot better at the end there. What changed?” Lara said. She quickly dropped down and sat right next to him.
“I was too tir
ed to think about what I was doing. It was part memory, part instinct.”
“And that’s why it looked more fluid. Don’t you think Vincent?” Lara said.
“Definitely. You’re making great progress. Maybe you can hang up your wizard robe,” Vincent said.
“I wouldn’t do that just yet,” Alyx said with a smile.
“If you insist. Not that I can do anything right now,” Alrion said. He had reminded himself of the infection. He felt around his neck, seeing if there was any change. But there was nothing to feel. The mark had spread, but it was only colouring. It didn’t have any dimension to it.
“It seems to have stabilised, well in terms of looks,” Lara said.
“I might have to start wearing a scarf.”
“It won’t look out of place once we get further north,” Vincent said.
“True. I think I might turn in,” Alrion said. He said his goodnights and found himself a comfortable nook to set up for sleep. As he lay down, he had one last thought.
I’m way too tired to care about anything right now. What a relief.
Alrion rose gingerly, feeling the stiffness and pain throughout his muscles. He hadn’t felt like this since the first days of his apprenticeship as a blacksmith.
“You look a little uncomfortable,” Lara said. She was perched on a rock nearby watching him.
“I haven’t had a workout like that, probably ever.” Alrion tried massaging his calf muscles, but they remained the same.
“It gets harder before it gets easier,” Alyx said. She approached and tossed him a hunk of bread.
“Eat quickly and get packed. We need to make it to town today, and the sooner the better,” she said. Before Alrion could respond she had turned and walked away.
“She looks well-rested,” he said.
“I know. Maybe she’s not human,” Lara said, chuckling.
“Well she did kill the Skull King. That sounds like a big thing.”
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 3