“Unlikely. I mean, it’s possible but it doesn’t sound right.”
“Then let’s work on the assumption that he is until we find out more.”
“Speaking of which, you haven’t really told me much about where we are heading. Just that it’s north.” Celes stood and started stretching her legs again. They felt so stiff.
“Still north. Do you know where he might be heading?” Tarren said.
“I really have no idea. The only information I had was him needing to get to the desert. He must have a new destination that he’s working towards.”
“There’s not much in the north lands. Fewer people, more mountains and lots of cold. Although you don’t get much Blight activity up there.”
“Could be something to it. If he’s infected, it has to be something that he can use to get cured. Otherwise they wouldn’t be tracking him so closely, would they?”
“They could wait for the transformation to take place and then move in. It would be less effort, and easier to track. That’s what I would do.” Tarren looked away after the comment.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ve had to do things you aren’t comfortable with. There’s a reason it’s called the Blight, and why we’re working to put a stop to it.”
“Thank you for your understanding. I fear I’ve been a monster for so long now, I sometimes find the line blurred.”
“I understand. But tell me a story about your life before. It will make me feel more comfortable.”
“I like to reminisce about those times. Very well, but we should not dally telling stories. Let’s take a slower pace but still progress.” Tarren stretched carefully, then retrieved the heavy coat. Celes imagined him sighing as he put it back on. His disguise, hiding his real form.
He so desperately wants to be past it. I think we can work with that.
She cringed at the thought of getting on the horse again so soon, but there was nothing else to it.
Alrion needs me.
Celes gingerly mounted the horse and pretended it wasn’t instantly uncomfortable.
“Story time, let me think,” Tarren said. His eyes got a faraway look, but he started walking. Celes kept pace with him.
“Long ago, I was working in Altarbright. Very busy place, always something valuable being traded or transported. Lots to do for a man like myself. I was never without a job, sometimes having several on the go at once.”
“How long ago was this?”
“Probably ten years ago.”
“And when were you … transformed?”
“A year ago. Recently, in the grand scheme of things.”
“Very recently. Not that it’s a short amount of time,” Celes said. She didn’t want to belittle his condition. He was certainly worried enough about it and the effect on his mind already.
“On this one particular day I was offered a job that was quite unusual. There was a rare and prized sword coming from Valrytir via the ferry. I was to catch the thief who was planning to steal it.”
“You had a tip beforehand?”
“Yes. I was brought aboard the ferry not long before it was due to land, and concealed myself in the cargo. From there I kept track of all who came and went.”
“Did the thief succeed?”
“Not initially. In fact, I started to believe that it was a hoax. Nobody came to check on it. I heard the ferry dock and all the passengers disembark but not a soul came to retrieve the cargo. There were other things than the sword. Which made it so strange.”
“Please continue,” Celes said. She adjusted her position on the saddle and nudged the horse closer to Tarren. Once she was used to his raspy voice, he was a good storyteller.
“Eventually, I decided to leave my hiding place and go find out what had happened. It didn’t take long. As soon as I reached the deck I knew.”
“What was it?”
“The first sign that something was not right was the location. We were not at Altarbright. We were in some sort of giant cavern. The ferry had been hijacked and brought somewhere else. Some sort of smuggler’s cave no doubt.”
“That’s one way to steal a sword,” Celes said. She was impressed by how bold it was.
“Indeed. The only other problem was that I had been betrayed. As soon as I reached the deck I was surrounded and had to surrender all my weapons.”
“You were set up?”
“No, I don’t think so. Not on purpose. I think that whoever was behind the scheme knew I would be planted on the ferry and therefore changed their tactics to suit. But they didn’t know where I would be so they waited for me to emerge. I felt quite foolish for falling into their trap.”
“How were you to know? That’s not something you would normally expect.”
“In hindsight yes, it was not something you could anticipate. Not without a precedent but there I was, captured and humiliated.” Tarren had obvious emotion in his voice, like the feelings were still fresh.
“How’d you get out of that one?”
“Like you, I’m no stranger to locks. They locked me in a cargo storage cage and I let myself out when it was convenient. I suspected the captain was involved, but didn’t know with enough certainty to take action. So I hid and watched and waited. I finally spotted the perpetrator.”
“Who was it?’
“The quartermaster at the docks in Altarbright. He must have gotten wind of the sword and decided to make a play for it. I never did find out if he had prior arrangements with the smugglers.”
“Corruption, it’s almost always the answer,” Celes said. She was a little disappointed.
“I know, it’s at the heart of many things. I know I had an uphill battle trying to pin the whole thing on the quartermaster. The man who hired me would never believe it. The whole incident was completely unbelievable. So, I did the only thing possible.”
“You stole the sword?”
“Of course. I had already memorised the manifest and knew where the sword was destined to go. I stole it back and rowed my way out of the cave and back to Altarbright. After quite an adventure I delivered the sword as promised, and was paid by its new owner after relaying my tale.”
“We’re not that different after all,” Celes said. She smiled at him and tried to get a reaction. He chuckled a little, the sound horrifying to her ears. But she smiled back all the same.
There’s still humanity there. How many of those who are Tainted or similar have we been tarring with the same brush as Blighters? There’s way more to this than anyone understands, she thought.
“Speaking of which, what was your biggest heist?” Tarren said.
“There’s been a few, but one stands out. One that spanned the beginning and end of my career. The Pure Diamond.”
“I know of it. Last I checked it wasn’t stolen.”
“It has been now. That single gem has been so central to my life; I almost can’t believe it thinking back. It’s what prompted me to change my approach from small-scale thefts.”
“Something I always wondered. What turns people to thieving?”
“Haven’t you caught enough to figure that one out?” Celes said. Tarren shook his head slowly.
“I heard many excuses, but never a reason.”
“That’s fair. I never thought too much about it. But it has something to do with upsetting the order of things. And anyone can do it. There’s no requirement for being born into the right family, or having wealth or privilege. Just the hunger for more, and the will to make it so.”
“That does seem to be a central thread. I think that hunger is a disease for many, and they keep going after bigger and bigger targets.”
“It certainly is. My obsession with the Pure Diamond introduced me to my husband, it made us flee Brangtur when we failed, and it recently led me back there. But here’s the funniest part.”
“Yes?” Tarren stopped walking and looked at Celes.
“In the end, I was caught. I needed help to escape, and someone else took it for me. That’s life, isn’t it?”
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“Nothing ever goes to plan,” Tarren said. He seemed lost in his thoughts, so Celes stopped talking. After a time, with there still being no settlement in sight, she had to ask him about it.
“Will we ever pass through another town?”
“Yes, soon enough. From the little that I know of the north, we can’t help but pass through Rolyntide. And from there, I fear there aren’t many paths to take. Good in some ways and bad in others.”
“Easier to track them.”
“And harder to remain hidden,” Tarren said.
“We can defend ourselves, that’s an acceptable risk.” Celes withdrew two of her knives in a flourish.
“I don’t doubt that. But, if we really get their attention we will be in considerable danger.” Tarren stopped suddenly.
“What is it?” Celes said. She could sense something was wrong.
“They’re preparing an attack on the wizard. It’s significant. Perhaps even an ambush.”
“How far?”
“I’m not sure. Too far for us. I need to be careful,” he said. Tarren slowly sunk to the ground and sat cross-legged. He looked to be concentrating intensely with his eyes closed.
“Only a small Tracker presence, but they’re not going to engage. There’s something else. Something dark. This is not a good sign. Does he have help?”
“He does. My husband and another thief.”
“That may not be enough.” Tarren went quiet again. Celes felt so powerless. Her son was in danger again, and she was too far away. She had to catch up. She could help. She was about to speak to Tarren again, but his eyes suddenly opened and he looked right at her.
“We have a problem. They’ve detected my snooping and they’re suspicious. We should prepare ourselves for the possibility of an attack.”
12
A SURPRISING FOE
Alrion braced himself for another communication. But he didn’t dare respond.
“Giving me the silent treatment? That is fine. It was about time you wised up,” Wraith said. Alrion looked at his father.
“Find them,” he whispered. Vincent seemed to understand, and took off to look for Lara and Alyx.
“You’ve been very helpful, aiding my Trackers. And we’re not far away. That’s why I’m communicating with you now. I am sending you a special gift,” Wraith said. Alrion decided to respond, but without emotion. He had to see what he could do.
“Always so thoughtful,” Alrion said.
“So, he speaks. I thought that perhaps you had been rendered mute from fear. Have you been enjoying the Blighters?”
“I’m a little tired of them to be honest. So dull,” Alrion said. He was trying to turn the tables, to wind up Wraith rather than be the one that got angry. It did help that he felt a little calmer after his training.
“I completely agree. But that was just the warm-up. I’m sending you a taste of what’s to come. I won’t be there myself, but just imagine me coming soon.”
“You’re all talk, Wraith. For all I know you’re still stuck in that pit.”
“That was a clever move. But we both know you’re not powerful enough to do that anywhere else. And without your Spark you’re powerless. Just admit it,” Wraith said. The mocking tone in his voice would normally trigger Alrion. But he had just enough control to keep his reaction down.
“I know what you’re trying to do and I’m not going to bite. I’m still here, and all your attacks have failed.”
“Oh, have they? I beg to differ. But all in good time. Just remember that there’s nowhere you can go. Nowhere you can hide. I will be there and claim you for myself. You belong to me; it’s just a matter of time. Keep struggling if you like. It’ll just make your eventual failure all the more enjoyable,” Wraith roared. He did seem a little annoyed. Alrion took pleasure in that.
“Just more empty words, Wraith. I’ll see you when I feel it necessary. Goodbye,” Alrion said. He tried blocking out any further communication. He wasn’t sure if it was working, or if Wraith had just stopped talking. Vincent soon returned with Alyx and Lara.
“What’s going on?” Lara said.
“Wraith was communicating with me. It seems out of the ordinary, I get the feeling that it’s difficult for him to do it.”
“And what did he say?” Vincent said.
“He said that he’s not far behind, and he’s sent me a special gift. One that’s not as dull as a horde of Blighters. Make of that what you will.” Alrion shrugged his shoulders.
“I don’t like the sound of that. Could be a Shade?” Lara said.
“I get the impression that it’s something else. Something different.”
“Either way he’s told you that something is coming. We should prepare for that,” Vincent said. He looked at Alyx.
“I can’t suggest a location specifically, although I do think we should move to a narrower section. That way we can control how we are engaged, at least in terms of numbers,” Alyx said.
“But he said it wasn’t as dull as a horde of Blighters. What if we get boxed in?” Lara said. Nobody had a good answer for that.
“Let’s just move further down and assess places to make a stand. Clearly, we shouldn’t remain here,” Vincent said. Alyx started taking off and Alrion hurried to catch up.
“Do you have any ideas?” Lara said to Alrion as they walked.
“Not really. I just know that it is different. He seemed excited. That’s a bad sign. I tried to antagonise him a bit, to see how he reacted. But I don’t think it made much of a difference. He was too pleased with himself.”
“That definitely doesn’t sound good. I’ll make sure we have a good place to defend ourselves,” Lara said. She ran ahead to confer with Alyx and scout ahead. Alrion kept walking, lost in his thoughts.
“Alrion, prepare yourself!” Vincent shouted. Alrion was startled, and drew his sword. The rest of his group were clustered together ahead, but he couldn’t see what they were talking about. He stepped forward, the nerves giving him both pause and also a manic energy.
“What is this gift from Wraith?” Alrion wondered. He stood beside his father and looked ahead. Blocking the path was what looked like a Shade. But it was completely quiet and looked asleep with its head lowered.
“Stop the games, we see you!” Alrion shouted. He didn’t know what game was being played, but the tension was uncomfortable. He needed to know what he was dealing with. The creature slowly raised its head and looked at them.
“I bring the gift of fire!” it said. Its voice was reminiscent of Wraith’s, with an alien, harsh tone to it. The gift was a fireball, slowly increasing in speed and size as it hurtled towards them. Alrion’s first reaction was to swat it away, but Lara tackled him to the ground. He felt the searing heat passing over him and curled up into a ball. It passed and exploded against a large rock behind them, showering sparks everywhere. As he regained his senses he realised that Lara was shielding him.
“I’m sorry,” he said, as she quickly rolled off and stood. Alyx and Vincent also rose from where they had sheltered and stepped in front of Alrion.
“You can’t stop them right now. You have to remember that,” Lara said. Alrion propped himself up with the help of his sword and looked over at their enemy. It was laughing.
“To think that you almost stood there and took the blast. You’re more idiotic than I was led to believe,” it said.
“Who are you?” Alrion said.
“Call me Fury. I am a former wizard and the first disciple of Wraith. I will show you the power that you will soon have when you join us!” Fury started to run forward with incredible speed. It drew back its right arm, preparing a strike. Vincent stepped forward and swung his sword, aiming at Fury’s arm. The creature continued forward with the strike, knocking Vincent back.
Vincent steadied himself, keeping his eyes on the Shade. Fury examined its arm.
“No damage. Your sword won’t work on me,” it said. It laughed, a terrifying screaming sound coming out.
&nb
sp; “He must be shielding himself. The sword can still work, you may need to create an opening,” Alrion said. He approached Alyx and handed over his sword. The diamond glowed bright blue.
“Take this. You can do more with it than me, and your weapon has no chance of doing anything against this kind of enemy,” he said. Alyx didn’t argue and accepted the weapon readily. She gave her short sword to Alrion.
“I will take the lead. Vincent and Lara, you shadow me and look for opportunities. But make sure one of you can always cover Alrion. That short sword won’t do much.”
“Agreed. I’ll follow your lead,” Vincent said. Alyx started immediately, hurling herself at the Shade. It raised his arm, blasting a wave of force at her. She shielded herself with the sword, but flew back several paces. Vincent attacked from another angle with the same level of ferocity. Fury turned its attention over to him, throwing another wave of force. Vincent defended himself the same way. Lara used the opportunity to start flanking the creature.
“Don’t think you can sneak up on me!” Fury roared. It spun completely and let loose a spray of fire that swept along aimed at Lara. She turned and ran, just fast enough to outpace the fire. Fury kept laughing as the flames licked just behind Lara’s heels.
Alyx attacked again, a little bit faster than before. This time Vincent was beside her. Fury noticed them and stopped his attack, swinging around to take a swipe at Alyx. She slid down, maintaining her momentum, and slicing at the creature’s legs. Fury quickly brought up his other arm and fired a blast of force at her, pushing her back and preventing her weapon from coming into contact.
“Got you!” Vincent shouted as his sword came down. Fury quickly grabbed the blade with his free hand, screaming in pain. The sword cut free of the creature’s grasp, and Fury stumbled back. Vincent held his ground, watching the scene unfold.
Fury stared at its hand and clenched it. It composed itself then let out a furious cry.
“That stung. But nothing more than that I’m afraid. I’m just getting warmed up,” it said.
“That means you can hurt it, you just need to create an opening,” Alrion shouted. He wished he could help more, but he had no power to use. The best he could do was watch the creature and figure out its limitations. It was clearly the same sort of creation as Wraith himself. But even Wraith had used magic sparingly. There had to be a degree of difficulty or cost to using magic in that Shade-like form. So Alrion would watch and think. He would figure out a strategy for them to use to bring this thing down.
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 9