“Just stay. Explain what’s going on.”
“No, I have no way of knowing where they are now. I have to disappear. Goodbye Alrion, we will meet again.” Branthor vanished. Alrion blinked and looked around the room. He couldn’t see the wizard anywhere. Alrion plunged his arm into the pool of water and siphoned off some Soul power. He enhanced his vision and got a glimpse of a shape leaving the room. But he did notice that Branthor had left behind the staff that he had been using.
He’s gone, I’m in no condition to follow, Alrion thought. Branthor had sounded scared, which was not a good sign. Celes ran over and hugged Alrion. He had forgotten she was there. He welcomed the hug.
“Alrion that was incredible! I realised that I couldn’t do anything to help. I felt so helpless watching.”
“You intervened at the right moment. And it all worked out.” Alrion heard a groan from nearby.
“I need to check on everyone now.” Alrion walked over to check on Jovana.
“What did you do?” he said.
“Something foolish. But it worked, as I knew it would. Check on the others, they seem to be injured.” Jovana waved him away. Alrion thought she looked in bad shape herself, but he knew that he was dismissed. First, he found his father. Vincent was against the wall in a seated position. He lifted his head slightly as Alrion and Celes approached.
“What did I miss?” he said.
“It’s over now. Wraith is no more, and Branthor has escaped. I’m just checking on everyone.”
“Don’t worry about me, I’ve been worse. Your mother can help me up. Where’s Lara?”
“I’ll go check,” Alrion said. He spotted her at the other end of the room. She was still lying down.
Oh no.
He forced himself into an awkward jog. His muscles were tired and lethargic. The broken ground was hard to traverse, and he almost fell a few times. But he arrived next to her and quickly dropped down. She was lying still on her side, but seemed to be breathing. Alrion gently turned her so she was on her back, and put his hand on the side of her face.
“Lara. Lara can you hear me?” Alrion looked over her for signs of injury. There was nothing obvious. He noticed her eyes open slowly.
“I had a bit of a nap. What’s going on?” she said.
“It’s over now. Are you hurt?”
“Nothing life threatening. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.”
“Shh, don’t worry. It was my fault; I wasn’t strong enough to protect you all. But the plan worked. I’ll help you up.” Alrion reached down and gently eased Lara into a seated position. She winced in pain, but her breathing slowed and she looked comfortable.
“Everything hurts,” she said. Alrion nodded and helped her up again. With significant effort they were both standing, leaning on each other. They staggered along until they were closer to the throne. The ground there was undisturbed and they sat together.
“I bet you regret stealing that ring from me now,” Alrion said, trying to lighten the mood.
“It was the best thing I ever stole,” Lara said with a smile. A look of concern quickly passed over her face.
“Where’s Alyx?” Lara said. Alrion looked away.
“What happened?”
“She turned into a Shade right as Wraith attacked me. There was nothing I could do.”
“Where is she now?”
“I have no idea. She ran away. Wraith said something about the turning process being traumatic. I failed her.”
“But you stopped Wraith. You cured yourself!”
“I did. But I promised I would cure her, and I failed. She’s a monster now, and I don’t know where she is.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll find her together. And we’ll bring her back. That’s a promise.” Lara leaned against him and he put his arms around her. It felt good to have her close. They had come so far together and finally defeated the man who had been hounding them the whole way. But the victory felt hollow. He couldn’t enjoy it.
34
AFTERMATH
“I told you I would come,” Celes said.
“I should have known you would come at the last minute. You have impeccable timing,” Vincent said.
“Always. How’s your injury?” Celes crouched down and examined it. She seemed concerned.
“I’ll live. For now, I’m more worried about my mother.”
“Then let’s go to her. Although I wish I was meeting her under better circumstances.” Celes helped Vincent stand, and supported him with an arm around his back.
Together they walked forward, one step at a time. Vincent could see his mother was struggling, which was alarming. In the short time he had known her she had always projected herself as strong. Showing any weakness was not a good sign.
What has she done? Vincent thought. He knelt next to her. “How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better.”
“I’ll help you up.” Vincent gently eased her up into the throne. She settled back into it with a sigh. Celes stood quietly off to the side of the throne.
“Something’s not right. Do you need to use the water?” Vincent was really worried now.
“That won’t help. I believe you have someone to introduce?”
“Yes. This is Celes, my wife.” Vincent beckoned for Celes to come over. She walked over and crouched down to kiss Jovana’s hand.
“Jovana. I’m your mother-in-law. Aren’t you lucky that you haven’t had to deal with me all this time?” Jovana laughed which turned into a cough.
“I would have loved for you to be in our lives. I’m truly sorry that it took so long.”
“I think we are very alike, you and I. It takes a certain person to follow their family to the ends of the earth. You have a good fire, and he’s needed that kind of person to challenge him. I feel comfortable that he has you looking after him.”
“Thank you so much for your kind words. Don’t worry, I’ll keep him in line. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
“You won’t I’m afraid. It was lovely to meet you. Andar, make sure everyone else is fine then come back.” Jovana dismissed Vincent, then closed her eyes.
“Lovely to meet you too,” Celes said. She gave Vincent a questioning look. He shook his head and she started walking out.
I have a bad feeling about this.
He slowly did the rounds. Alrion and Lara were fine. Marla was just exhausted, but uninjured. The rest of the Mystics were in various states of injury, but nothing life threatening. He spotted Freyda sitting against the wall, rocking back and forth.
“Freyda. Are you alright?”
“No. Yes. They ran off when Wraith was defeated.” Her voice was quiet and shaky.
“I don’t know what he did to you. But Alrion can cure you and remove the Blight.”
“That will be good. But he can’t cure me, not truly.” Freyda’s voice cracked and she stared out of the open door.
“Everything will be fine, you’ll see.” Vincent looked around and saw no signs of any enemies. It was not worth pursuing them now. Satisfied that he had checked on everyone he returned to his mother.
She had slumped in the chair, and her breathing was now laboured.
“What’s happening? Please tell me.”
“I’m dying, Andar.”
“How? Alrion can help you. Or Marla.” Vincent was in a panic. “Alrion get over here!” he shouted. Alrion said something to Lara, and rushed back.
“It’s no use. I did it to myself. I overextended myself, I burned myself out. Too much Soul power, and expending it the way I did. It’s like burning the candle at both ends with two infernos.” Jovana’s eyes closed and she reopened them moments later.
“This can’t be happening. We’re finally reunited. And you saved Alrion.”
“I knew this would happen, I saw it in the waters. But I went ahead anyway. It was my turn.” Jovana let out a weak smile.
“What’s going on?” Alrion said. He looked over Jovana. “You’re hurt?”
“Dying. It was my turn to sacrifice myself. That’s our lot I suppose. Your grandfather started it all.”
“Why?” Alrion said. He looked distraught. Vincent put a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder.
“It was her choice. Sometimes you need to choose between two choices, neither good. But this, can’t we do something?”
“No, you can’t. All you can do is take the gifts you have, and use them well. You both have an important legacy to live up to. You are the descendants of the greatest wizard and greatest Mystic to ever live. You must succeed in your quest.”
“I will. I promise. Can’t I do something for you?” Alrion said.
“No, there’s no going back. I’ve fulfilled my purpose, and I finally met you. As much as I wanted things to be different, there was no other way. I’ve had a good run. It’s been a long and full life. And I didn’t just drift away in my sleep. I went out with a bang.” Jovana slumped down on her side, lying on the throne. After a few moments she opened her eyes again.
“Everyone must leave. I want to be alone with my son.” Jovana closed her eyes again. Her chest rose and fell with difficulty. Vincent turned to Alrion.
“Please respect her wishes. Go find your mother, I’ll come get you,” he said. Alrion nodded.
“I’ll take this, so we can study it,” Alrion said, picking up Branthor’s staff. Then with Lara they found Marla and escorted everyone out slowly.
“We’re alone now,” Vincent said. He tried to choke back the emotion, but it was rushing out.
“Good. I forgive you, Andar. And I know the burden you have been carrying. You are a foolish man, but I understand.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve let everyone down, one way or another.”
“But not him,” Jovana said. Vincent was silent.
“He will understand when the time comes.” Jovana gave Vincent a knowing look. Vincent didn’t know how to respond.
“Come now, did you think you could hide from your mother?”
“I suppose not. You have a few tricks up your sleeve.”
“More than you know. Hopefully, you’ll learn a few. There’s a book in my private quarters. It is a manual to the power of Soul. You and Alrion must study it carefully. Mastery will take a lifetime, but you need the knowledge to be on the path. This, you understand.”
“I do. What can I do for you now?” Vincent held back his tears with great difficulty.
“Hold my hand and stay with me. It will remind me of when you were a sweet young boy. A simpler time, before all this madness.” Jovana closed her eyes and Vincent held her hand. Her breathing slowed and he could see the life slowly fading from her. The tears broke free and streamed down his face. There was no more holding back. And, like that, her life drifted away.
Vincent emerged from the great hall into the blistering wind. He noticed Marla standing just outside.
“I will go to her now. You are not familiar with our customs.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know. We will talk later.” Marla walked back into the building with purpose. Vincent watched her leave, and had to decide where to go next.
I’ll try our room. Maybe the others are there.
He trudged through the snow, putting one foot before the other. His mother’s passing had hit him harder than he realised. He had spent his whole life treating her as a fact, and not a person. He thought he was immune to those feelings, due to the separation and the passing of time. But he was wrong. Being there, seeing her, even for a limited time had brought everything back. Memories of feelings from their short time together. And the selflessness of all she had done to help, to her final act of sacrifice.
Vincent stopped his train of thought. It was just going to end in more tears, and he had to be strong for Alrion. His son had just gone through so much. Every trial and injury that Alrion had to suffer was like a dagger through Vincent. He should have spared his son all this. But he could not. All he could do was support him as best as he could. But even that was not enough. At least they were together.
Vincent arrived at the small quarters they had been staying in and paused before opening the door. He sighed, then entered. He saw Alrion, Lara, and Celes inside all conversing. They stopped suddenly when they saw him.
“Is she …?” Alrion said.
“Yes. Marla is attending to her now.” Vincent sat down on one of the beds. Celes rushed over and gave him a hug.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Thanks. I think she understood the separation we had. But it shouldn’t have been that way. It’s my fault.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. Didn’t your father take you away at a young age? Your mother didn’t exactly live around the corner either,” Celes said.
“True, but it just doesn’t feel like I did enough.”
“You need to be kind to yourself,” Alrion said. Vincent looked up, surprised. Alrion continued.
“I’ve been thinking the same way. Blaming myself for what I could have done differently. But that was just the journey that led us here. All we can do is learn to be better.” Alrion paused and looked at Vincent. Vincent was stunned. He didn’t expect this maturity from his son. He felt so conflicted. Incredible pride at how Alrion had grown and matured. And also, a little guilty that recent events had accelerated this growth, and perhaps he could have shielded his son better.
“It’s going to be hard, but you’re right. Thank you Alrion.”
“I could just see you doing the same thing, and we need to snap out of it. That’s how the Blight controls people. It plays on their negative emotions and keeps them from breaking free.”
“Something interesting to consider. What do we do now?” Vincent said. There was silence.
“We need to honour my grandmother. Then, we need to find Alyx. I have a promise to keep,” Alrion said.
“Don’t forget Freyda,” Vincent said. Alrion nodded.
“When we’re ready for that, I’ll look for Alyx. If I find her, I’ll bring her to you. And you can help Freyda in the meantime,” Lara said.
“That’s probably for the best.”
“I’ll help you. I don’t know who Alyx is, but I witnessed her transformation. I’ll do anything I can to help,” Celes said.
“So, we have a plan. There’s just one thing we need to take care of now,” Vincent said. He let out a deep sigh. He wasn’t looking forward to this. And not just because his mother had sacrificed herself for them. He realised that he had never done this for his father. He had never held a proper memorial.
I’m sorry, he thought and left, looking for Marla.
“Thank you for your patience, please come now,” Marla said. She walked serenely through the settled snow, leading them to a smaller building they had never entered before. Marla opened the heavy metal door, and held it open for Vincent. Once he was inside she went ahead.
It took a minute for Vincent’s eyes to adjust, as it was a lot darker. He saw steps before them going down.
“Be careful, there’s lots of steps,” he said. He heard murmurs of acknowledgment behind him, and pressed on. There was the occasional torch to light the way, but it wasn’t enough. He descended carefully, wondering where they were going. As he reached the bottom he let out a gasp.
Before him was a small stone structure like a tiny house, and beyond it was a vast lake. But it was no ordinary water. It shone like a star, bright and white. He could feel his skin tingling from just being near it. Surrounding the edge were all the Mystics. They stood with their heads bowed.
This is something else.
“This is the source. The most concentrated collection of Soul power in the whole world,” Marla said. Vincent could believe that. It seemed so immense; he was actually scared of it. Marla must have noticed his reaction.
“Yes, it is something to be treated with care and respect. The water that you have used in your training is only a diluted feed from this source.”
“Incredible,” Vincent said. He couldn’t
believe something like this existed. No wonder his grandmother had lived here.
“We are ready now. Please take a position,” Marla said. Vincent found a place to stand near the edge of the lake. Alrion and Celes stood on either side of him and Lara stood next to Alrion. Vincent noticed them holding hands.
Good.
“We gather here today, to recognise the passing of our eldest, Jovana. She was the guiding light that we have all followed, and her wisdom has kept us all safe and given us purpose. We owe everything we have to her.” Marla paused before speaking.
“As is the custom, we will return her Soul to the source, so that she can continue to guide and assist us forever more.” Marla walked over to the stone structure. Marla’s hand glowed and she placed it on one of the walls. The structure began to glow white, and resonate with a strange sound. It was like something was building and building within.
A bright light suddenly burst from the top of the structure, then as it rose it began to bend. It rushed into the middle of the lake with immense force. A giant peak of water rose up, like a giant stone had been tossed into the lake. It gradually subsided and the waters settled down. But Vincent was sure it looked brighter than before.
He knelt, and reached down to touch the water. Marla rushed over to stop him, but he waved her off. He carefully put his hand into the water. The Soul power was intense and overwhelming. It was nothing like he had experienced before.
Farewell mother. I will strive to live up to your memory and will forever cherish the gifts you have given me, Vincent thought. He slowly removed his hand from the water.
“That was incredibly dangerous. You know now how potent the waters are,” Marla said.
“I had to, to bring a piece of my mother with me,” Vincent said. He rose and slowly walked out. He didn’t want anyone else to see the tears.
35
GONE
Lara slowed her steps and eventually stopped.
“I think we need a break,” she said. Sitting on a nearby rock Lara stretched her legs. Celes sat down next to her.
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 27