“I think you’re right. We know he’s coming,” Lara said.
“We did account for that in our planning. We had to assume that by having Freyda, he would be wise to our usual defensive mechanisms,” Marla said.
“I can see now. Wraith is at the front,” Vincent said. It was mixed feelings. Relief that the enemy had finally been identified and spotted. But dread at the ensuing confrontation. It had been a long and bloody fight at the temple, and most of that was before Wraith had even shown up. Now he was leading the group. He would not be sitting back.
“Makes sense. He would survive any traps, so he’s going first,” Lara said.
“Do you need to alert anyone about anything?” Vincent said.
“Not until he’s closer,” she said.
“Don’t wait too long,” Marla said. Vincent could hear the concern in her voice. He had to assume that she could see Wraith clearly now, and was starting to finally get an idea of what he actually was.
“Just a bit further,” Lara said. She continued to stare off into the distance. Vincent was not sure what she was looking for exactly.
“That should be enough. I’ll be back soon, just need to set something in motion,” Lara said. She took off at great speed through the snow.
“How are you feeling?” Vincent said.
“I’m fine. Ready to rescue our sister.”
“Good. Just keep a cool head. It looks like there’s probably quite a few Shade Wizards there.”
“I know. Don’t worry about me,” Marla said. But her voice was strained. Vincent didn’t press the issue. He had to trust that they could protect themselves. He still didn’t fully understand all they could do, although he had seen lots of potential.
“I’m here!” Wraith shouted. He was almost upon them, and his voice thundered through the space. It had to be amplified through magical means. It still carried that harsh, stinging tone. The sound brought back memories for Vincent.
I can’t believe Alrion has had to deal with this, inside his head, he thought with horror. It sounded bad enough in theory, but hearing this reminder of what it would actually be like was scary. Vincent drew his sword and held it ready.
“Are you sure you want to welcome it with a weapon?” Marla said.
“Wraith won’t be at ease otherwise. He will suspect something,” Vincent said.
“I won’t argue with that. Let’s see what this thing looks like up close.” Marla stayed in a neutral pose, but she looked alert and ready. Vincent peered out, trying to see Wraith’s final approach.
This time, he looked different. His height, physique, and skin were all the same. But he was dressed in a black cloak. And he held a staff. It was wooden and ornamental with a jet-black orb at the top.
“Vincent! So nice to see you again. I’m touched that you chose to welcome me,” Wraith said. Vincent looked past Wraith, trying to see what else he needed to deal with.
“There’ll be plenty of time for introductions later. Why don’t you start with the woman?” Wraith said.
“Marla, one of the Mystics. And you are?”
“Wraith. First amongst the Shade Wizards, and leader of the Blight.”
“Funny that, I’ve never heard of you until today.”
“Because I work in the shadows, your ignorance is testament to my power.”
“Hardly,” Vincent said. He adjusted his stance and stayed in the ready position.
“You only had half a chance with that blade last time, you have no chance this time. Where’s Alrion? Hiding away?”
“He’s waiting for you, and completing his preparations,” Vincent said.
“Oh, that’s nice. Are you going to start the fight now? Or can we start off with a civil chat?” Wraith said. He clicked his fingers and four similarly dressed figures broke out from single file and stood next to Wraith.
Shade Wizards.
He looked over at Marla and pretended like he was considering his next move. But they knew what to do. Marla nodded at him. Vincent sheathed his sword.
“I suppose we can try that first, she said it was fine. But keep your manners,” Vincent said. Wraith laughed, the evil sound causing Marla to flinch.
You don’t know the half of it, Vincent thought. But they had met Wraith and convinced him to waltz in like he owned the place. That was all they needed to do for now. The rest would happen soon enough.
30
FIRST STRIKE
Vincent couldn’t decide whether it was better to know or not know what was coming. He was tense because he knew something would happen. But at least he had no way of tipping off Wraith accidentally. Vincent looked around as they walked, and spotted nobody.
“I expected more of a welcoming party,” Wraith said.
“Why would they be here, when they could be with Alrion?” Vincent said.
“I’m the one you need to appease here. You all live by my whim alone. As soon as I decide otherwise, it’s over for you.” Wraith snapped his fingers to demonstrate how easy he considered it.
I can’t wait for Alrion to take you down a notch.
But Vincent held his tongue. It was not the right time to antagonise Wraith. The walk was slow and considered. Vincent wanted to look back and see who else Wraith had brought. But the odd glances he had risked earlier showed only the Shade Wizards. They were flanking Wraith and trailing behind him. Vincent had to assume that Freyda was back there somewhere. But now was not the time to verify that.
A flash of light startled Vincent and he stopped suddenly. Before he could even empower his eyesight, he noticed a group of Mystics had attacked. They had come in pairs. Four groups were there now. The front Mystic in each pairing was streaking forward with a glowing hand. They had each singled out one of the Shade Wizards.
Before their enemies could react, the Mystics landed their attacks. An explosion of light enveloped each Shade Wizard and almost in unison they clutched at their chests.
That’s amazing. But it’s a suicide strike. Wraith won’t let them get away, Vincent thought. But then he saw the purpose of the second Mystic. Before the lead Mystics had even finished moving, the rear ones were gathering their Soul power and pushing it to their legs. Their role was now clear. As the pieces connected in Vincent’s mind he saw them streak away from danger, taking their partner with them.
Wraith had cottoned on, but the wave of fire he unleashed was too slow. The Mystics were all gone.
“Take advantage of my leniency, do you? What a foolish decision!” Wraith roared. He whirled around and faced Vincent.
“And now we leave,” Marla said. She grabbed Vincent’s hand and the two of them sped away before Vincent could say anything. The terrain flew by like a dream, and before Vincent could get his bearings he was standing in front of the great hall.
“Inside. We have no time,” Marla said. Vincent opened the doors and stepped inside. He looked for Alrion and saw him at the end of the room with Jovana. The rest of the room was filled with Mystics. He spotted what he assumed were the eight that had just attacked. They were all crouched down and meditating. Marla seemed tired already. She walked past Vincent and took a position meditating as well.
“Well done,” Vincent said.
“I’m quite impressed,” Lara said. Vincent hadn’t spotted her in the corner.
“So, we’re all here then. This is the final stand?” Vincent said.
“That’s the one. Once our visitors have arrived nobody is allowed to leave,” Lara said.
“Sounds like quite a party,” Vincent said. He understood that much of the plan. But he didn’t like the thought of how it was going to work. Clearly that sneak attack had expended the full power of eight Mystics. And it wasn’t likely to work again.
“It’ll work. We don’t have a choice,” Lara said. Vincent nodded. She was right about that. But for now, his priority was Alrion. He walked up and joined his son.
Alrion looked up at the noise. He noticed a lot of people entering the hall. First it was a group of eigh
t Mystics. And then his father and Marla.
Wraith must already be here. I feel like I’m ready as I’ll ever be, but at the same time it doesn’t seem like enough, he thought. But he felt reassured seeing his father there.
Lara entered soon after, and Vincent walked over.
“Are you ready?” Jovana said.
“Yes. I’ve done what I can,” Alrion said.
“Good. Now you must remain calm and push through at the appropriate time. The clock starts then.”
“I know,” Alrion said. He was not looking forward to that. The intense pressure having to regather his power to cure Wraith. It would take a lot of restraint to focus on his task, rather than on whatever fight was there.
“I can see that you’re ready. Wraith is here, and in fine form. He’s already had a taste of the Mystics, and let’s just say they wiped the smile off his ugly face,” Vincent said. Alrion grinned.
“Good. So, he’ll be here soon. I noticed that Lara is here.”
“He can’t be far behind. I’ll give you the signal when you can complete activation.”
“I’m waiting.” Alrion could feel the tension in the room, and he himself couldn’t sit still. He stood and tried to remain calm.
The giant doors to the hall flew off their hinges and embedded into the nearby walls. Wraith strode through the open doorway, a short procession trailing him closely.
“He certainly looks angry,” Alrion said. Wraith looked the same as he remembered, but the addition of a black cloak and staff was interesting.
Maybe he has more completely mastered his transformation?
But he decided not to jump to any conclusions. For now, he just had to watch and wait.
“You ignorant insects! You dare attack me? I thought you were interested in avoiding unnecessary death and destruction. Now, you will pay!” Wraith shouted. Jovana motioned for Vincent and Alrion to stand aside. She rose to her full height slowly from the throne.
“Abominations should know their place. Show some respect before I throw you out,” Jovana said. Her voice rang loud and clear throughout the hall. Wraith looked so angry that his eyes were about to pop out.
“What did you say to me?” Wraith roared.
“Come closer if you’re hard of hearing.” Jovana maintained her calm demeanour and poise, which seemed to annoy Wraith even more. He whirled around, looking at his retinue. After a few moments he signalled to them to hold and he walked slowly through the room. Wraith glared at the Mystics as he walked.
“That is far enough,” Jovana said once Wraith had reached the midpoint of the room. “State your business.”
“I’m here for Alrion. He has evaded me long enough. If you hand him over now, I will show some leniency when dealing with your Mystics.”
“Alrion is my grandson. He will not be leaving with you,” Jovana said.
“Start the process Alrion,” Vincent whispered. Alrion nodded and closed his eyes. He started checking on each of the gateways within his body. Each one had been bolstered and filled with Soul power. All except one. But he knew what he had to do.
One by one he transferred the available Soul power to his heart. He wasn’t sure how much could be contained in a single point, but nobody had cautioned him against it. He had a strange feeling of being full, and yet more and more power accumulated. He could already feel a strange resonance in his neck. Like the Blight could feel something was happening.
“What’s going on over there? What’s Alrion doing?” Wraith said. It sounded so distant, but Alrion could sense the fear within it. He could tell something was changing. But Alrion maintained his focus.
He took all his gathered Soul power and started to move it up, on a familiar path. At first a stroke of panic entered his mind. He remembered how hard it was to move so much energy at once. But his concerns were unfounded. It was not as bad as when he was dealing with the pool’s energy. There was a weight and momentum to contend with, but the energy seemed to do a better job of staying on the path.
He pushed it along, building up pace. He could feel the inevitability of it. Such a large and dense mass of Soul power. The Blight could not stand by and resist that. Suddenly, the two forces collided within him.
As before, the Blight put up resistance. But Alrion knew it could not survive. He didn’t panic, he just pushed gently. He knew it would falter, and give in to the overwhelming light. So, he kept up the pressure. And the Blight began to give way. But as it did so, the light kept going. It overran the infection and took up all the space within Alrion’s body. He could feel the Blight bending, breaking, and then with one final explosion it was gone completely. Alrion experienced a moment of tranquillity, then blackness.
Alrion awoke in a haze. He was lying on the cold floor. As he dragged himself up he could hear commotion around him. Memories started to flood back.
Wraith’s here. I cured myself. Didn’t I?
He sat up and tested himself for any signs of the Blight. There was nothing. But he didn’t feel different. The Soul power was not there. He started to panic. Something was wrong.
A warm hand settled down on his shoulder.
“You didn’t finish the activation. Nothing is wrong,” Jovana said. Alrion felt embarrassed first, then relieved.
“Thank you. I’m still catching up,” he said. He looked at her. The stern look on her features had softened a little.
“Don’t dilly dally. Time has not frozen for you.” Jovana pointed at the room. Alrion looked over and saw a battle raging. That was the source of commotion. His father was fighting side by side with Marla, and Lara was backing them up. There were other Mystics in the battle too. Wraith was largely unengaged, but observing. He seemed to be waiting for something. Alrion spotted some Trackers in the fight too.
“Don’t get distracted. Finish the activation and start gathering your power,” Jovana said. This time it was harsher and it shocked Alrion out of his stupor.
“Of course,” he said. He remembered the exercise when his father did it. He just needed to connect all his internal gateways just once. He reached out and felt his heart point. It was weak but there.
This may be harder, because I’ve expended all my power.
But that was no excuse. He just had to keep at it.
“I thought you’d gone and killed yourself. But I see you didn’t have the nerve!” Wraith shouted. He stepped past the fight and started walking closer.
“Keep going,” Jovana said. Alrion tried to focus, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Wraith.
“I did the impossible. It was a little more taxing than I expected,” Alrion said. Wraith stopped walking and looked at him with a curious look. Alrion closed his eyes and made another connection.
“I thought that perhaps you had done it. My pet Mystic told me that was what you were trying to do. I told her you couldn’t do it, but look at this. You proved me wrong. But I don’t want you getting any ideas. Come here pet,” Wraith said. He beckoned without turning around. A woman stepped out from the back of the room and slowly approached. She was too far to identify properly.
Another connection. Don’t lose focus.
Alrion looked out again and recognised Freyda. She wore a cloak with the arms exposed, and long black tattoos covered much of her skin. Another pattern criss-crossed her forehead. She kept her head down a little, and shuffled along like she was broken.
“Here she comes now. She is a wielder of this Soul power you seem to be after now. But look at her. She’s been infected. It doesn’t protect you, it just makes us have to work a bit harder.” Wraith started laughing. He forcibly pulled up Freyda’s face so she could look Alrion in the eyes. He could see her fear, and realised that whatever had been done, she was still aware of it. In some fashion. Alrion closed his eyes, and forced himself to connect another gateway. He was almost there.
“Too much to look at, is it? Well, that there is your fate Alrion. No matter what tricks you think you have up your sleeve,” Wraith said. Alrion ignored him, he ne
eded to finish up. Just a bit further.
“He’s not listening to me. What’s he doing?” Wraith said to Freyda.
“I cannot sense that, you have blocked me,” she said. Wraith smacked her over the head.
“What do you think he’s doing then?”
“Activating his Soul power,” she said.
“Oh, this will be good. How long does that take?”
“The sequence shouldn’t take longer than a minute if uninterrupted.”
“And then?”
“Then … he can use his new power,” Freyda said. She trailed off at the end. Wraith lifted her head up and stared into her face.
“I can sense you are holding back. What do you want to share with me?”
“Because he passed out, he probably expended all his stored Soul power curing himself,” Freyda said.
“I don’t care about that. He’s a wizard, that’s what he will use,” Wraith said. Alrion closed his eyes; he just had to concentrate one last time.
“Go ahead, Alrion, do your thing. It won’t make a difference!” Wraith said. Alrion did as instructed, making the last link. A sudden surge of power within him took his breath again. He coughed suddenly, then felt like the wind had been taken out from him. He started to fall forward but Jovana grabbed him and hauled him back.
“It’s a bit disorientating with your power drained like that. Not as it is meant to be. But welcome back,” she said.
“Thank you. I will never be able to thank you enough,” Alrion said.
“Don’t let that stop you trying. But for now, you better start with that pool,” she said. Jovana gave Alrion a short shove and he rose unsteadily. He stepped over and leaned over the pool of water, hovering his right hand above it. It was easier now, to start to harness the power. And it felt great to be restored. Like he was thirsty but in a different way.
“It’s like another sense. It’s incredible,” Alrion said. He tried diverting some to his eyes, like his father had done. The room blazed with colour, and he had to immediately close them. But he opened his eyes again carefully and started to see. Jovana had a strong core of blue, and a powerful aura. Marla was the same, but the strength seemed different.
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 24