“Thank you for being candid. Well, they’re surviving. That’s all I can ask. Next question. What was the message for me?”
“There wasn’t much to it. Mostly Vincent wanted to ensure that you were let inside and I told you everything I knew. One thing he did mention in particular was that you should just keep pushing north; there is only really one main trail. He would find a way to alert you to the path when a deviation was required.”
“That’s suitably vague. I bet he doesn’t know what the path looks like or how he will mark it,” Celes said. She chuckled to herself. Same old Vincent.
“I do fear they are figuring things out as they go.”
“Understandably. Since I’m here, do you mind if I stay a little longer?” Celes was not used to just inviting herself to stay. But she was so tired, and Beatrix had hosted her family already.
“No problem at all. I just hope you don’t get attacked like they were.”
“Oh no, I’m not anything for them to worry about. It’s been very quiet since I’ve been travelling alone. Too quiet in fact. It’s so nice to have company, even if for only a short time.” Celes relaxed back into the couch. She could fall asleep so easily. But she couldn’t. Not just yet.
“I can see you’re about to crash out. Let’s get some food into you and sort out a proper bed.” Beatrix had an amused glint to her eye.
“I think you’re right,” Celes said. She could use some rest. It had been such a hard slog to get this far.
Celes opened her eyes and turned over. Vincent was still not there.
This better not be the new normal.
She sat up and took in a deep breath. She felt better and refreshed. Not perfect, but much better. She stood and looked out the single window. It was definitely morning, but not too late.
I can’t lose any more time.
Leaving the room, she found Beatrix seated in the lounge and before her, a tray of breakfast. The smell tantalised Celes, causing her mouth to water.
“That smells amazing!”
“It’s not much. But please enjoy,” Beatrix said. Celes sat down and started eating.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me. I promise I will find a way to repay you.” Celes resumed eating. She needed to eat slower but couldn’t restrain herself.
“Not required. I believe in what you are all doing. The Blight has taken so many lives, caused so much pain. I want a world without it. This small assistance is nothing compared to what we may all gain.”
“While you’re feeling generous, I need something else.” Celes paused to drink some juice.
“I’m sorry we cannot spare any more horses.” Beatrix looked apologetic.
“Oh well, I had to ask.”
“But I do insist that you take some cold weather gear. You’ll encounter snow further up and you aren’t equipped for it.”
“You’re absolutely right. I do have a question though. You’re a Healer, what brought you here? It’s a very remote town.” Celes was genuinely curious. It made sense to have a Healer here. But what would entice one to stay?
“That’s a long story. Suffice to say, I once made a trip to visit the Mystics. They helped me, so I decided I would make my home here and help those who would also make the trip. Along with the rest of the town of course.”
“Oh, now that’s interesting. What else can you tell me about them?”
“Nothing. You must see for yourself. I can only confirm that if you persist you will find them.” Beatrix looked apologetic.
“Sure. Don’t worry, I’m not upset. How could I be when you’ve already been so helpful?”
“I’m glad. Please take your time and ready yourself. I went to the liberty of getting you some equipment early this morning. I’ll bring it now,” Beatrix said. She quickly left the room.
This was the break I needed. There’s no horse, but I’ve got a second wind. I can make it now, Celes thought. When Beatrix returned she was laden with clothing and bags. Celes looked through and selected an appropriate coat, scarf, and boots. She also packed a bag to get her through the final leg of the journey.
“I think this is goodbye. I’ll return soon with the rest of them. We all owe you our thanks.”
“Good luck and good speed to your travels. I look forward to hearing of your adventures. Follow the path outside and you’ll reach the way north.” Beatrix waved and Celes left. She heard the door locking behind her.
On my way again. This time I’ll finally catch up with them.
She still lamented the lack of a horse. But there was no use worrying about it. They’d given her everything else.
The walk through the town was quick, and soon she was on the trail. It didn’t take long for the weather to deteriorate, and the cold chill to start piercing through her layers of clothing. The track was slowly ascending the whole time, which made things harder without seeming like it should be.
Just accept that you’re climbing the whole time, she thought. She just needed to put one foot in front of the other for a while.
How will I know when to look for Vincent’s marker?
Whatever he left had to be something subtle; otherwise someone else would take it. She thought over the information she had already. The Mystics were far north. Beatrix had visited them and told her that there would be snow. That was a good indicator at least. Until there were decent amounts of snowfall she just had to keep going.
“But snow may also obscure the marker. This won’t be easy,” Celes realised. But that was fine. She had a destination and was on the path. Alrion and Vincent were up there somewhere. Hopefully already with the Mystics.
Alrion, I’m still coming.
She hoped that he would be all right. The infection had to hold out a bit longer. Together they could figure something out. Their family had been apart for so much of this quest. Surely, they were better off together.
23
THE MYSTICAL DESTINATION
The settlement started to take the shape of buildings. And as they approached the buildings took on real forms. They were large domes of some material that Alrion couldn’t figure out.
“This has to be it. Look at those buildings,” he said.
“I think you’re right. There can’t be anything else all the way out here. And those structures certainly look different,” Lara said.
“Let’s speed up, we’re so close.”
“Hold up there. The snow is getting deeper, and the wind is picking up. Let’s not stumble at the finish line.” Lara gave him a serious look so Alrion took note. It wasn’t just his desire to get Alyx and himself to what he hoped was safety. He was genuinely excited about discovering this place. What an incredible find. A group of magic users hidden from the world, their very existence a secret. He could learn so much.
He suddenly realised something he had lost since being infected. His sense of wonder had all but dried up. Sucked away by the vile infection coursing through him. He had been so preoccupied with it; he couldn’t see beyond it. But even at the first sight of the Mystic’s home, hope was rekindled. It was so reassuring.
“I have a good feeling about this,” he said.
“Me too,” Lara said. She nudged ahead, and Alrion let her lead.
The snow was falling and visibility was poor. They were initially shocked when they saw a figure standing in the snow before them.
“Welcome,” a female voice said. Lara stopped and Alrion slowed down, stopping beside her. The woman was wearing thick blue robes with a hood. It was hard to make out any other features.
“Hello. We have come a long way to find you. We need your help,” Alrion said.
“You can tell us everything inside. Follow me,” the woman said. She walked effortlessly through the snow like it wasn’t there at all. Alrion started to wonder what this place would really look like. He looked for gates, but saw none.
“Are there no gates here?” he said.
“No. Why would we need any? Only those who are truly determ
ined come here.”
“Fair enough.” Alrion didn’t understand, but it was a very remote location and hard to get to. Maybe they didn’t need gates.
There was a clearly marked path now that they were entering the settlement. It consisted of carefully laid stones. The horses’ hooves reached the stone through the varying layers of snow and the loud clop sound initially surprised Alrion. He looked around and saw the dome-shaped buildings in more detail. They were also built from carefully arranged stone, which he had never seen before. Each only had a single entrance. None of them seemed to have windows. He didn’t want to question it though. It seemed better to just follow along quietly.
“Where are you taking us?” Alrion said.
“To a place where you can rest and recover.”
“We need urgent attention first. Two of us are infected.”
“You will be able to rest here. The Blight infection will struggle here, and take longer to complete,” the woman said without even breaking stride. Alrion pulled up his horse instantly.
“I don’t need time, I need a cure.”
“We don’t cure the Blight here.”
“I don’t accept that. I need to meet with your leader.” Alrion remained still, not moving any further along. The woman finally stopped walking and turned to regard them.
“I don’t think you will get what you want,” she said.
“That’s my problem, not yours.” He was not going to be shuffled off somewhere to rest and wait for the infection to do its work. No, he was going to tackle this. There had to be a reason he had dreamed of the Mystics, and travelled so far to find them. He needed answers, not a bed. The woman continued to stare at him. Her gaze shifted over to Lara then back to him.
“Very well, as you wish. This way,” she said. The woman left the path and they cut through the snow to another path. Alrion didn’t notice anybody else walking around.
Must be the poor weather.
He doubted that the place was deserted. Before them rose a much larger structure. It was one giant dome with two others either side of it. Each structure had its own door, the main one with two giant wooden doors. The woman walked up and threw them open with only the slightest touch.
“Something is definitely going on here,” he said to Lara.
“Agreed. But I’m going to keep quiet and observe. You take the lead, you’re doing well.”
“Thanks. This can’t be for nothing.” Alrion checked on Alyx and she seemed to be asleep. He dismounted and looked at how he was going to get Alyx down safely. Two women appeared next to him.
“We will take her to a bed. Don’t worry she won’t be far,” one woman said. Alrion looked over to Lara and she nodded.
“Thanks,” he said. He watched them carefully take Alyx away and Alrion walked into the giant dome with purpose. He wasn’t going to be turned away.
It was surprisingly warm inside. There was a large fire in the centre of the room. The edges of the room were littered with torches on the walls, and lots of padded seats. Some had women sitting in them, but many of them were empty. At the end of the room, on a raised section was a crystal throne. On it sat an older woman, and before her was a small fountain filled with water.
The woman who had been leading them continued, and they followed her through the room. Alrion felt the eyes of the women on him, but he tried to ignore it. It was a disconcerting feeling though, like they were looking through him. Once they reached the foot of the throne, the young woman who had led them pushed back her hood and moved up the steps to take a position next to the older woman. Their leader presumably.
She looked old, yet still strong. She didn’t carry the same frailty he normally attributed to old women. She was dressed in similar robes to the rest, but had more jewellery. There was a fire in her eyes, and something about them was familiar.
This is the woman from my dream!
Alrion realised it wasn’t just a vision, it was a memory. His grandfather had known this woman, known of her powers.
“So, you have finally come to Wyr’s Peak. Cutting it fine, aren’t we?”
“My name is Alrion. This is Lara. And you are?”
“Jovana. I would ask you what brings you here, but I know the answer already. Therefore, I have a different question for you. Where is your father?” Jovana stared directly at Alrion. It made him a little uncomfortable. And the comment about his father threw him completely.
“He’s on his way, he was delayed. That doesn’t matter. I’m here and I need your help.”
“That’s a pity. I wonder if he did that intentionally. Come back when your father is here.” Jovana turned her attention to the pool of water in the fountain before her. Alrion waited, and she said nothing further and didn’t even look in his direction. He looked at Lara and she shrugged.
“I don’t think you understand why I am here.” Alrion was about to say more but he was cut off.
“Why are you still talking? You’re dismissed. Come back when your father is here.” Jovana waved him away and returned to staring into the water. Alrion didn’t understand. He needed her help. His father being here was irrelevant. Any important information could be relayed later.
“You won’t even let me explain my situation,” he said. Jovana looked at him once more, this time giving him an icy stare that caused him to shiver.
“You are Alrion, son of Andar and grandson of Granthion. You, and one of your companions are infected. You believe that by coming here you can be cured. You have been informed that the Blight infection will travel slower here, yet you still push for this cure. We can help you, but at the proper time. Go wait and rest, and when your father is here I will see you again. Until then we have nothing to discuss and I won’t even acknowledge you speaking. That is all.” Jovana finished speaking and stared into the water once more. The woman standing next to her had a grin on her face.
Alrion was stunned. He hadn’t expected this. First the strange refusal to help, then the way in which the woman had known all about what they were doing. He just shook his head. He looked at Lara and she seemed as confused as he was. The young woman walked down the steps and joined them.
“My name is Marla. I’m sorry about that, but I tried to warn you. She’s very particular about things. Don’t worry. You will get the help you need. But come with me now.” Marla gestured towards the exit. Alrion appreciated the kindness after the stern talking to they had just received.
“This is not what I was expecting,” he said.
“Good, then everything is as it should be,” Marla said.
“You know more than you’re telling us,” Lara said.
“Yes, I do. But you have nothing to fear. All will make sense soon.” Marla reached the exit doors, and held them open for Alrion and Lara. They stepped through and Marla continued to lead them back the way they had come.
“We’re just supposed to wait around until my father arrives. What’s so important about that?”
“You will see. And are you suggesting that you aren’t exhausted and hungry?”
“No,” Alrion said stubbornly.
“Then you need the rest anyway and you will be better prepared for when your father does arrive. Doesn’t that make sense?”
“That part does. I’m sorry, but you can’t understand what we’ve gone through to get here. And to be treated like that, it’s difficult.”
“Jovana is our eldest, and our leader. She is the wisest of us all, and very particular about things. But she is always right. You will see,” Marla said with a smile. Alrion just shook his head again. Lara smiled.
“You are just used to getting your own way. This is a nice change,” she said with a laugh.
“At least you’re seeing the humour in this.”
“Have you lived here your entire life?” Lara said.
“Yes. I have travelled extensively, but this has always been my home.”
“Is it always this cold?” Lara pulled her coat around her tighter.
“Usu
ally. It does vary by season, but it’s always cold here. You get used to it. Here’s your room,” Marla said. She stopped in front of a smaller dome. She didn’t walk inside. Alrion walked up to the door and pushed it open. It was a lot heavier than he’d expected, given how easily Marla had been opening them.
There’s a lot of surprises here, he thought. Inside was a small fireplace at the rear and four beds. Alyx occupied one. They were low to the ground without any frames. In the middle of the room was a round table laden with food. Mostly fruit, but some bread and meat were also there.
“This looks comfortable,” Lara said as she entered.
“Yes, it does. Perhaps we can rest a little,” Alrion said.
“You can find me in the great hall if you need anything. But I wouldn’t bother our elder until your father arrives. Don’t worry, there is plenty of time,” Marla said from the entry.
“But it’s not just the infection. There are some who are chasing us. They may find this place.”
“It is unlikely, since we are protected here. But if that is the case we will know before they arrive. You have time. Rest.” Marla left and once the door closed fully the room felt much warmer and comforting.
“You know, we don’t get a lot of opportunities like this. Let’s just take advantage of it,” Lara said. Alrion just sat down on one of the beds and started picking at the food. He was much hungrier than he had realised.
“We made it,” Lara said when she had finished eating.
“We did. And Alyx too.” Alrion looked over at her again. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully.
“Don’t worry, everything will work out. They’re mysterious and cryptic, just like everyone said they would be. And they’re still helping us.”
“I know. I’m grateful. But I can’t rest properly until this infection is behind us. And my responsibility to Alyx. I can’t move on with my quest otherwise.”
“I know. But we have time now. Rest.”
“I’ll try,” Alrion said. He was incredibly tired, and the food had done the job. But he had trouble relaxing. There was still so much to do, so much resting on his shoulders. But sleep came faster than he realised it would.
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 18