“We’ve been all over this mountain today. I’m not sure we will find anything,” Celes said.
“We have to. Alrion really needs to set this right.”
“He does seem rather attached to Alyx from what you said. Is there something going on there?”
“No.” Lara almost shouted the words and reined herself in.
“I seem to have touched on something,” Celes said with a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ve seen you two together. I approve.”
“This just seems awkward, discussing it with you.”
“It doesn’t need to be. Just promise me that you won’t hurt him.” Celes looked Lara directly in the eyes. Lara held her gaze.
“I promise.”
“Good.” Celes looked away. “You think his obsession with Alyx is just his sense of responsibility?”
“Mostly. The only reason she was infected was because she saved us. But I think it’s more than that. I think he admires her, and her fighting ability. And her fierce independence. She’s done amazing things all by herself. But that’s all been taken away from her, because she’s infected.”
“That does seem like a big responsibility for him. We need to find something. I don’t want to go back empty handed.” Celes rose and looked around the area.
“We could try over here. It’s not a proper track, but that wouldn’t stop her. Especially in the state she’s in.” Lara pointed at what was little more than a gap between rocks. But it extended further than they could see.
“Worth a try. After you,” Celes said. Lara took the initiative and pushed forward. The ground sloped up quickly, and they almost had to climb up in sections.
“I’m really not sure about this,” Lara said.
“I know what you mean. But can you head back knowing you hadn’t checked this?”
“Absolutely not. We have to exhaust all the possibilities.”
“I thought the same.”
“I just hope we find something, even if it’s not her.” Lara was desperate to find Alyx. Alrion seemed so lost in his thoughts. But he didn’t want to talk about it.
“Ooh, look at this,” Lara said. She stopped and let Celes catch up. Then she pointed at some markings just ahead.
“Looks like signs of a struggle. Look how torn up the ground is,” Celes said.
“My thoughts exactly. This isn’t what I would call a heavily frequented area. We could be on to something.”
“I sure hope so.” Celes signalled forward with her eyes and Lara pushed ahead. She took care following the trail, but also trying not to step on it or damage it in any way. The search took them around the corner and off on another small trail. It ended in a dead end. But there was something waiting for them.
“Is that a Tracker?” Lara said.
“Definitely. I wonder what happened?” Celes crept closer to inspect. Lara could tell from the way the Tracker was lying that it was dead. It was in an unnatural position.
“Look at this.” Celes waved Lara over. With care Lara stepped around the body to see what Celes was pointing at.
“The neck?”
“Yes. It looks like it has been crushed. That’s unusual.” Celes ran her fingers over the skin.
“It’s horrible. What could do this?”
“A Shade could do this.” Celes looked at Lara.
“You don’t think …”
“This guy escaped. Alyx escaped. She had just been transformed, a lot was going on. Maybe she chased it down and killed it. Do you have a better explanation?”
“Not really.”
“I travelled extensively with a Tracker. He was a bit different I think, but they’re incredibly resourceful, tricky, and quite strong. I don’t see what else could have happened.” Celes stood and looked over the rest of the area.
“You’re probably right. But where would Alyx go next?”
“If she hasn’t come back …” Celes trailed off and looked at Lara.
“Then she’s gone away? To protect us?”
“Or for some other reason. But I think we’re out of luck. And we’re almost out of daylight. We need to head back.”
“I wish I had more than this. Let me look around here one last time.” Lara gingerly turned over the Tracker, looking for any other clues. There was nothing at all. She looked over at Celes and shook her head.
“We’re done here, let’s head back.” Celes marched forward and Lara rushed to catch up with her.
Alrion was not in their room when they returned.
“Let’s try the great hall,” Lara said. Celes nodded. They walked quickly and with purpose to see if he was there.
“How do you think he will react?” Celes said.
“To the news of Alyx? I think it will rekindle his disappointment in himself. I really wanted to get him something more concrete.”
“He was always terrified of failure. I think it’s been holding him back for a long time. Vincent used to always say that he knew Alrion was capable of more in the workshop, but never tried.”
“He’s been trying pretty hard here.”
“I can see that. It’s hard to explain, but as a parent it’s so difficult to see your child go through things like this. You want them to succeed, and learn the lesson. But you don’t want them to suffer anything. So, I’m glad that he’s found something to care about. But you’d never want it under these circumstances.”
“I can understand that. I can’t even begin to imagine that sort of responsibility.” Lara shook her head.
“It grows on you,” Celes said, and flashed her a smile. Lara returned the smile and stepped through the giant doorway.
She spotted Alrion instantly. He was at the back of the room, standing over the water fountain that Jovana always used. Next to him was Freyda. He looked up when they entered.
“Good timing, come over,” Alrion shouted. Lara headed right over, with Celes at her side.
“I’m about to cure Freyda. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and talking it through with Marla. I think I have a way that will be kinder than what Branthor went through.”
“Sounds good, I hope it works well,” Lara said.
“Me too,” Freyda said. She still looked out of sorts.
“Before I start, do you have any good news for me?” Alrion said.
“Well, we have some news,” Celes said. She looked at Lara.
“We found evidence of Alyx. Off the main trail we found the Tracker that fled. His throat had been crushed.”
“And you think Alyx did that?”
“Looking at the injury, I don’t think a person of average strength could have done that. It’s our best explanation.” Lara looked over at Celes and she nodded. Alrion looked thoughtful.
“That’s good in that she seems to have retained her mind, even if only a little. Did you find anything else?”
“No, that was all. She’s gone.” Lara looked down.
“But we’ll find a way to track her. It’s important,” Celes said. Lara looked over at her and nodded along.
“I know we will, I have a promise to fulfil. But first, I have to help Freyda.” Alrion waved Freyda closer. She closed the distance with hesitation.
“I am so sorry for what you went through. I can never fully atone for that, but I will set things right.”
“You are not accountable for the actions of a monster.” Freyda’s voice was quiet, yet defiant.
“I failed to stop him before, which I am responsible for. I’ll have to find a way to balance that out. But at least, this is something I can do for now.” Alrion put his right hand slowly into the water, so it was touching the surface. With this left hand he placed it on Freyda’s chest.
“I’m amazed they managed to get the Blight to take hold. But I believe I can fix that right now.” Alrion closed his eyes. His left hand glowed white, and Freyda’s body seemed to respond. She gasped and almost stumbled, but she held her footing. A bright light soon surrounded her. It suddenly exploded and vanished, leaving Freyda stumbling forward.
Alrion managed to catch her in time and ease her back onto the throne.
Lara couldn’t believe it. He had made it look so easy.
It’s really happening.
Sure, Wraith and Freyda had been special cases. But if Alrion could cure them, he could cure anyone. It was incredible. Freyda opened her eyes after a minute and looked around. Her eyes flashed quickly.
She must be using her power, Lara thought. Tears streamed down Freyda’s face.
“You did it. You drove it away. I can’t thank you enough.” She clutched Alrion and sobbed into his chest. Alrion looked shocked, but held the woman tenderly. Freyda recovered and wiped her face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. I felt like my life had been taken away. It was so horrible!” Freyda visibly shuddered.
“I understand completely. And I am glad that I could help you.”
“I feel renewed.” Freyda stood quickly. There was a new spring and energy to her that hadn’t been there just minutes ago.
This really is the stuff of miracles, Lara thought.
“What will you do now?” Alrion said.
“First, I will return home. But I’m not sure if I can stay. This whole experience, it’s been like returning from the dead. I can’t settle into my old life, well not straight away.”
“Journey as far as you need. We will always be here to help,” Marla said. Freyda bowed.
“Lara, let’s go for a walk,” Alrion said. He walked over and offered her his hand. Lara’s heart skipped a beat and she held on tight.
What’s going on?
In all the time they had been travelling together, not once had Alrion taken her aside. Her mind raced, wondering what might be the cause of it. But the realist in her shot down any fanciful thoughts.
Alrion just has no clue. He’ll just want to grill you about Alyx.
They walked in silence across the snow, heading towards a building Lara had not yet explored. Alrion opened the door and motioned for her to enter. She stepped inside and looked around. It was a sparse, empty room but had what looked like a large pool in the middle.
“This is where we did our training. It’s nice and quiet here,” he said.
“Don’t worry, I’ll find Alyx,” Lara blurted out. She didn’t want him to be disappointed in her again.
“I know. This is not about Alyx, forget her for a minute.” Alrion paused and look to be gathering his thoughts.
“This has been a really tough time. Being infected and on the run, fearing each day if we would be attacked and feeling like I couldn’t even defend myself. I haven’t exactly been the easiest person to be around during all that.”
“I don’t blame you. But you got through it.”
“I did, well we all did. Together. But I’ve learned something through all this. I’ve got a different perspective now. We can’t use destructive things as a crutch, not anymore. I used my anger, my frustration to fuel myself and push forward. But that’s their way, that’s what the Blight does. And we need to be better than that.” Alrion seemed to be building up to a point.
“I understand.” Lara didn’t know what he was getting at though. It was all very confusing.
“And it’s so easy to focus on those emotions, and neglect the other parts. It’s not just about what we’re doing, it also has to be how we do it. We have to embrace the better way.” Alrion shifted uncomfortably and looked around the room.
Why is he philosophising so much? Lara thought. She remained quiet and let him continue speaking.
“It’s our connection that helps us succeed. It’s love being the opposite to all the hate that they thrive on.” Alrion swallowed hard. Lara was starting to get a sense of what he was trying to say.
“I love you,” he said abruptly. His face started to turn red, and he looked like he was trying to turn away. But he looked her directly in the eyes. She could see the sincerity of his words.
“I know,” she said, almost laughing. He started to say something else but she just leaned in and kissed him. It was lovely and warm and felt so right after so long. She withdrew, and looked at him. He looked equal parts happy, and surprised, and relieved.
“I love you too. You’re stuck with me now.”
“I could think of worse things,” Alrion gave her a smile. It was a real smile, one that she hadn’t seen for a long time. That warmed her heart. His old self was coming back, from before being infected.
“You had me worried for a while there with Alyx.” Lara gave him a pointed look and Alrion looked sheepish.
“I’m sorry about that. It was just respect and admiration. And I wanted to treat her like a human being. All that talk of being a weapon and a tool, that wasn’t right.”
“I thought that might be the case. But we worked that all out.”
“You … talked about me?” Alrion looked surprised.
“Of course we did. I care about her too, so don’t be surprised about that. We’ll find her. We just need to figure out a way to do that.”
“It’s of absolute importance. I can’t move forward until we do. She’s the one person I swore I would cure, and I won’t be able to focus on what I need to do until she’s found and cured.”
“So, everything else is on hold?”
“Things can still continue to happen. But my entire focus from now on will be learning how I can find and save her. The quest is on hold.” Alrion had a fierce determination to him. Lara loved that; that he cared so much. But it was also worrying.
“Are you sure that’s the right thing? I’ll support you, but it’s a big thing to put everything else on hold.”
“I’m sure. I can’t be the hope people need, if I can’t even save one person.”
“Then I guess we need to step up our game.” Lara shook her head. Things were different but also the same. But there was a gentle relief in her heart. She felt like she knew how he felt, but she didn’t know if he realised it. Or if she had been mistaken. But his words today had lifted a great weight off her, one that was heavier than she had realised.
36
SPARK OF TRUTH
Alrion stepped through a hallway, the sounds of his footsteps echoing strangely around the space. He looked around and had a sudden realisation.
“I’m in a dream. One of those dreams.” He stepped through the doorway and saw his grandfather sitting at a desk, writing away.
“Here we are again,” Alrion said. He pulled up a chair and sat next to his grandfather.
“Here we are. You are nearing the end of your quest.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you have completed the three trials. Don’t forget, I’m just a part of you that is interpreting your knowledge and your memory.”
“I realise that. Each time you show me something. Or I’m showing myself something. What is it this time?”
“Very well.” Granthion stood slowly and walked over to a heavy stone doorway. He opened it slowly and it revealed a scene behind. Alrion walked over and looked closely.
A much younger Granthion held an orb of light in front of him as he walked through a dark cavern. The walls were worn down, as if by the wind and rain. Which seemed odd for what seemed like a deep cave. There was the occasional stalactite, but otherwise the cave was unadorned.
The young wizard walked forward without fear or hesitation. He trekked further and further down, like he knew what he was looking for. Finally, he reached the end of the cave. It was a wall. The cave just ended abruptly. Granthion slowed and approached the wall carefully. He held up his light and gasped. Alrion could see why.
The wall wasn’t like the rest of the cavern. It looked like it was oozing and fluid. It pulsed and moved with a strange rhythm. It was alive.
“Is this really it?” Granthion said. He peered closer at the surface. He stepped back and took in the whole of the wall.
“This can’t be it,” Granthion muttered. He walked around the small space inspecting all of the walls. But he returned all the same to the st
range oozing wall. He brought the light closer and closer. The wall seemed to react to it, shrinking away from the light ever so slightly. Granthion reached out with his other hand, slowly and tentatively. Closer. Closer. Finally, his hand touched the wall. For an instant nothing happened. Then the wall came alive, swallowing his hand. Granthion yanked it back in horror, thick black tendrils of oozing substance clinging to his fingers. He couldn’t shake them off.
A stream of fire erupted from his hand, encasing the black goo, and burning it. The flames leapt onto the wall itself. But once they transferred they fizzled out instantly.
“What have I done?” Granthion said. He hurled more and more spells at the oozing wall, and struggled harder to free his hand. Eventually he managed to yank it back, the black substance that had been on him retracting back into the wall. But it had left a mark. Black streaks lined his hand.
The vision quickly collapsed and all that was left was blackness. Alrion closed the door and turned back to the now seated Granthion.
“That was you! Where was that?”
“That was the source of the Blight.”
“You found it? And you touched it?”
“Yes, I became infected. And I always suspected that it had greater repercussions than just that.” Granthion looked back down at the book before him. Alrion thought through the statement.
“What do you mean?” Alrion said. Granthion looked up again.
“In the time since that moment, there have been two rather major turning points in the existence of the Blight. The widespread creation of Shades. And the turning of the four generals.” Granthion returned to his book.
“Oh no. That explains your obsession. You sought out and found the source of the Blight. But not only were you infected, you think that it somehow grew and changed because of its contact with you?”
“That is correct.”
“That explains so much.” Alrion was stunned. His mind was buzzing with all the potential of that revelation.
“That ruined your life.”
“I have to assume so, looking at the other information available. Although, a great many things were achieved because of that.”
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 28