Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3)

by Vaughan W. Smith

  “Now’s the time, if there’s anything else you can tell me. Are you armed?”

  “I have only a dagger with me. However, I am quite strong, so I can use my body as well.”

  “Then we need to get them in close. And not get surrounded. The nearby woods are a good possibility.”

  “I had thought that too. Let’s enter here,” Tarren said. He pushed through some smaller shrubs and brushed a tree branch aside. He held it back, and Celes nudged the horse carefully and passed through as well. They ended up on a partial track that led deeper into the trees.

  “Somewhere along here then.”

  “Yes. Keep your eyes open for a suitable location.” Tarren swung his head from side to side slowly. Celes did something similar, analysing the surroundings for anything that would be useful.

  I wish I was better outdoors. Vincent was always the woodsman among us.

  But she would make do. Alrion was counting on her.

  “This could do,” Tarren said. He pointed out a side track. It was rough and mostly overgrown. But it was narrow with thick tree density either side.

  “Let’s try it.” Celes followed closely behind. It felt closed in as they navigated down the track. Which was a good thing for what they needed. Although it gave her no comfort in the moment. The horse seemed uncomfortable as well. The track ended at a small clearing with a giant rock at the end.

  “It’s a dead end. At least we can’t get attacked from behind,” Celes said. She dismounted and tied up the horse.

  “And there’s a little extra room here, but not too much. We could avoid being overwhelmed with any luck.” Tarren paced around the area, staring out into the surroundings. He removed his cloak and draped it over the horse.

  Celes did an inventory of what she had on her. Two smoke vials, one poison and a vial of exploding powder. Not too bad.

  “You any good at rigging traps?” Celes said.

  “I know a little, from another time. Let me take a look,” Tarren said. He set off down the track once more. He returned a bit later.

  “Sorry, there’s not enough to work with. I only have a dagger. We just need to wait.”

  “That’s fine, it was worth a shot.” Celes paced around the area. What would Vincent do? He’d probably find a way to rig some sort of log trap. But that was only a diversion really. It wouldn’t take out any of the enemy.

  “Now we wait,” Celes said. She hated this part. But there was nothing else she could do. Tarren sat in the middle of the clearing, deep in concentration.

  Hopefully he can give us some sort of warning.

  Tarren stood quickly. He started to walk forward.

  “What’s going on?” Celes said. Tarren was unresponsive.

  “Hey! Tarren!” Celes shouted. He kept walking. She ran over and slapped him hard on the face. He shook his head and turned to look at her. The expression on his face was strange. Almost inhuman. Like he wasn’t present.

  “Are they here? What are you doing?” Celes said. Tarren’s eyes flickered and he seemed to see her once more.

  “I was too deep, trying to find them. They were inside my mind. There’s Trackers here. Probably more too. Thank you for shocking me back here. We have work to do.” Tarren crouched down, looking down the track. Celes heard something approaching.

  “Blighters,” Tarren said without emotion. As the first two came through the track, they changed from single file to side by side as they reached the clearing. Tarren sped forward at incredible speed, taking out both Blighters with his dagger in a blur. They fell and he returned to Celes.

  “They’re just testing us and wasting time. Stay on guard.” Tarren went back to a crouch and Celes nodded. She readied herself and thought about when to use her tools.

  “Don’t overanalyse, you’ll know,” she told herself. There was more rustling ahead and she noticed what looked like more Blighters. Many more.

  “More time wasting,” Tarren growled. As before he dashed in, taking down the Blighters quickly. He paused to wait for the next two to come through. But they parted and a blur of black sped between them. With a loud ringing the attack was parried by Tarren, but he suffered another strike on his leg. He retreated quickly.

  Celes saw the attacker now. It was another Tracker. He seemed taller than Tarren, and his skin was completely black. She wasn’t sure if it was more tattoos or some other effect.

  “They’re crafty, I’ll give them that,” Celes said. Tarren nodded but kept his attention on the other Tracker. The Tracker stepped back and four more Blighters ran into the clearing.

  “They’re yours,” Tarren said. Celes didn’t waste any time, she ran over to the closest one. She feigned an attack then struck out at the one next to it. The Blighter dropped quickly, letting out a cry as it did. The other three converged on Celes. She retreated a step, then kicked her leg out. Thud, thud, thud she connected hard with a few legs. Two Blighters went down, not seeing the attack. The third dived at Celes. She fell back throwing a dagger as she fell. The Blighter landed on her, twitched then became still. Her dagger had pierced its eye.

  A bit of luck to start.

  Celes pulled out the dagger and shoved the Blighter off. The other two were circling around, trying to flank her. Sparing a second, she glanced over at Tarren. He had two Trackers attacking him from different angles. He was in trouble.

  They don’t even care about me. It’s about him.

  Celes knew that she had to end this quickly so she could help him. She threw a smoke vial. It shattered and a large plume rose instantly. The smoke distracted and slowed the Blighters. She waited a moment for the smoke to spread, then went after one Blighter. Before it could realise she had snuck behind it. A quick strike to the neck and it went down.

  The other Blighter was still noisy, and Celes had a good idea of where it was. She ran over and tried to be quiet. It worked well enough, that the Blighter wasn’t aware of her presence until too late. It shouted something, but she launched herself at it with her knees, knocking the Blighter down then finishing it on the ground.

  Panting, Celes stood and surveyed the scene. The smoke was starting to clear. Tarren seemed to be on his knees. Without thinking Celes threw the vial with the exploding powder. It shattered between the two Trackers, knocking them over. The sound of the explosion was almost deafening. But Celes didn’t waste any time. She rushed to the nearest Tracker and aimed for its chest. Just as she landed on it, the Tracker grabbed her hands. It was preventing the knife from piercing its chest.

  It’s too strong.

  The Tracker gave her an evil smile and started to overpower her. Suddenly it stopped all resistance and the dagger plunged into its chest. Celes looked up and saw that Tarren was there, holding the Tracker’s head in his hands.

  “Nice save,” Celes said. Tarren didn’t even acknowledge her, he was turning to view another threat. He fell to the ground, clutching his chest. Celes stood quickly and assessed. The other Tracker had taken the opportunity to stab Tarren.

  This is our last chance.

  Celes could see that the Tracker thought it had won. It looked to be mocking Tarren, as he struggled to remove the dagger. She crept up, trying to remain unseen. The Tracker spun quickly as she was upon it. But she had expected that. And unlike before she didn’t go for the chest. She drove her dagger through its foot. The Tracker screamed out in pain. Celes kicked it down while it was distracted. Before it could stand Tarren was on it. He had removed the dagger and forced it into the Tracker’s chest. It groaned, then went limp. Tarren staggered off. Celes ran after him.

  “Are there more?” she said.

  “No, that was it. More than you bargained for, right?”

  “Yes. But we survived.” Celes checked herself but had no injuries. Tarren looked to be in worse shape.

  “You’re still with me. You look pretty tough, we can work through this,” she said. Tarren coughed and slumped to the floor. He was clutching his chest.

  “Not. Good,” he said, then coug
hed more. Celes grabbed her dagger and cut off a section of his cloak. She knelt and applied pressure to his chest wound.

  “It’s no use. It was deep enough. They know what they’re doing.”

  “I’ve seen normal people survive worse. Don’t be a baby,” Celes said. She looked around for anything else she could use.

  “You’re good. I almost believe you. The problem is, that even if this doesn’t kill me outright, I can’t walk. I’m too weak and my leg is also injured.” Tarren touched his leg with his hand and winced.

  “We have the horse, it’s fine,” Celes said. She looked over and the horse was gone.

  “What?” she said, confused.

  “They’re crafty. Always have a strategy. Even though they perished here, they achieved their objective. I’m as good as dead and you’re crippled. You can never catch up now.” Tarren’s eyes closed.

  “Hey, open those eyes. You can’t die on me now. How am I going to keep tracking them?” Celes said. Tarren let off a raspy chuckle.

  “I’m busy helping you. I need to concentrate.” Tarren remained still. Celes kept pressure on the wound with her elbow and cut another long strip of cloak. She then tied it around his waist, keeping the cloth pressed hard against the wound.

  “And now the leg,” she said. It wasn’t a deep cut, but it was right across the calf muscle. And it also went straight through the middle of his tattoos.

  “I’ll do what I can here,” she muttered. Working quickly, she bound the wound as well as possible, to keep it together and limit the blood loss. Tarren moaned and tried to sit up.

  “I feel a little under the weather,” he said. He smiled. Celes knew that something was wrong.

  “You’re smiling. What’s happening?”

  “I have helped you. They’re at, or near, a town called Highroad. You need to get there.”

  “Thank you. But I would prefer a guide.”

  “I’m sorry Celes, but your son Alrion is infected. There’s no doubt.” Tarren looked genuinely upset.

  “He’s got good help, and I’m sure he’s got a plan. I just need your help to get there faster.”

  “It’s no use. I don’t have the energy to move. Or a way to get help. So, I’m going out my own way. I sent them a message.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I broadcast something that your son will definitely get. I told him that you are coming. The rest is up to you now.” Tarren sighed and tried to lie down. Celes dragged him across the ground so that he could lean against the giant rock. He seemed more comfortable.

  “That’s better.”

  “You seem different. Are you really dying?” Celes felt terrible. She had convinced this tortured soul to help her, and now he was losing his life and his chance at a better one.

  “Yes. It’s very freeing. I don’t have to worry anymore. I should have done this a long time ago.”

  “Done what?”

  “Helped someone. That’s my only regret. That I let my shame prevent me from being true to myself. But you have given me an opportunity to play a part. A part in creating the cure for the Blight. Your son will succeed.”

  “Thank you for saying that.”

  “I’m not just saying that. I have seen his mind. He struggles, but he has the fire to succeed. That makes me feel better.”

  “What can I do for you?” Celes said. She needed to do something. To recognise what had just happened. Tarren just smiled at her.

  “Go find your son. He cannot succeed alone. I’m fine here. I can finally find peace. But you must go. It is a long way to travel on foot, and I can’t let this be for nothing.” Tarren waved Celes off and closed his eyes.

  “Thank you, Tarren. I won’t forget what you’ve done.” Celes draped the cloak over him and turned to leave.

  A noble spirit can survive within a cursed shell. There is hope for us all. Even you, my son. The infection is not the end. I’m coming Alrion, just keep fighting, she thought. She had a destination, and a path to follow. Nothing would keep her from her son.

  16

  THE HOUSE OF HEALING

  Alrion pulled a chair over so he could sit near Alyx. She seemed peaceful but was starting to stir.

  “She is doing well,” Beatrix said.

  “Good. We’re going to be staying here with her until she can be safely moved,” Alrion said. He gave Lara and his father a challenging look but they said nothing. He felt reassured by that and looked back at Alyx.

  Another casualty of my quest.

  Another reason he had to succeed. To make all this worthwhile. Alyx opened her eyes and looked around.

  “I’m still here,” she said.

  “Yes, you are. We are too,” Alrion said.

  “How long has it been?”

  “Not that long. It’s only just after midday.”

  “I see. How long do I need to stay here?” Alyx said to Beatrix.

  “It depends. It might be a few days, given your previous injuries and then the Darkroot. I certainly wouldn’t encourage any strenuous activity then either.”

  “Days?” Lara blurted out. She seemed shocked.

  “I hope you understand the seriousness of her injuries,” Beatrix said.

  “But we don’t have days,” Lara said. She looked over at Vincent and he shrugged.

  “It’s hard to say. This assassin and the Shade Wizard both came alone. It could be that Wraith and whomever he is with are still a way behind,” he said.

  “That’s not an assassin. It’s that Tracker, and he tried his hand at poisoning. Look at what we think he has done so far: tracked me, scattered our horses, escaped the battle, tracked us again, and poisoned Alyx,” Alrion said.

  “Let’s assume that’s correct. He’s a special type of Tainted. Are you saying that’s more reason for him to be working alone and in advance of other Tainted?” Lara said.

  “Yes. It seems like a specialised set of skills, right? They wouldn’t be able to keep up. Nor would he want them to if he needed to travel without being spotted,” Alrion said.

  “That does seem plausible. There’s a lot of evidence to suggest a new type of Tainted. I’ve never heard of that before though,” Vincent said.

  “We never saw Shade Wizards before either. Now we’ve seen two!” Alrion said. He stood from the chair and paced around the room.

  “Who is making these creatures?” Alyx said. Alrion stopped pacing and looked at her.

  “That’s the right question. Who could do that? Wraith can’t do that, surely?” he said.

  “I have no idea. This is way out of my experience,” Lara said.

  “You know, it could be one of those Generals of the Blight,” Vincent said. He looked thoughtful. He walked over and sat on the far edge of Alyx’s couch.

  “When I encountered Rindale, many years ago, he did something unusual. He made this black tar come from his finger. And he said that he could control how the infection reacted to me. That’s why he had me captured. He was able to control my conversion to Tainted,” Vincent said.

  “Didn’t you say he was cleansed by your father’s spell?” Alyx said.

  “He had to have been. Maybe he’s still around, maybe not. But if he could do that, maybe the others have special abilities too,” Vincent said.

  “What did the Skull King do that was special?” Lara said.

  “He did seem to have particularly good control of Blighters and Tainted. But I think it was his extreme strength and resistance to damage. He was practically indestructible,” Alyx said.

  “How’d you kill him?” Lara said.

  “With my family’s sword. It was special,” Alyx said. She stopped talking and offered no further details. After a pause, Vincent continued.

  “Let’s assume then that there’s someone out there who can create new types of Tainted, and it’s not Wraith. Maybe that same person is working with Wraith. Another Shade Wizard attacked us recently. Maybe Wraith needs to be involved though,” he said.

  “Which is why he can�
�t catch up as easily? He’s trying to create more like him at the same time?” Alrion said.

  “It’s just a theory,” Vincent said. He stood and walked around the room.

  “I must admit, this is a strange conversation to be witnessing,” Beatrix said. Alrion felt embarrassed, he had forgotten that she was even there.

  “I’m sorry, we were a bit carried away there. Given all your help, I feel like I should at least explain what we’re doing. Especially since we may be placing you in danger too. Alyx, you can listen in, and hopefully you can fill in any gaps,” Alrion said. Beatrix brought another chair in and joined them. Alrion looked around to ensure everyone was ready, and started from the beginning.

  “That’s quite a story. Thank you for sharing it with me,” Beatrix said.

  “Thank you for saving Alyx,” Alrion said.

  “Thank me when she’s walking again. Although I suspect it won’t be that long. There are still things that I cannot tell you, but I will say this. I don’t think the Mystics can help you, not the way you think. But that should not prevent you from seeking them out.”

  “That’s interesting,” Alrion said. He stood and stretched his legs. It wasn’t something that he wanted to hear. He was relying on the Mystics to cure him and Alyx. But at the same time Beatrix had not said the Mystics couldn’t help him.

  “Can you tell us about them?” Lara said.

  “No, I cannot. I just know they exist.”

  “Still sounds like more stories,” Alyx said.

  “Stories that will save you,” Alrion said.

  “I don’t think I have that much time. Neither do you. Be honest, Beatrix, how long until I could walk out of here and be well enough to ride a horse,” Alyx said. Beatrix looked away, a concerned look on her face. She turned back to face Alyx.

  “At least another day, if not more. I need to monitor your progress to give you more certainty. But definitely no sooner than that. You need time,” she said. Beatrix had an apologetic look on her face.

  “That’s too long. Even if Wraith is delayed, and he’s sending attackers ahead to slow us down, he can’t be that far behind. We will be swamped. And we must be days away from the Mystics. It doesn’t work,” Alyx said.