The Elementalist (The Kothian Chronicles Book 1)

by Andrew Wood

  Mikel, although absolutely petrified, somehow knew the wolf was no longer any kind of threat, and after a few seconds of it licking Mikel's hand, he bravely ruffled the dark hair behind its ears. "Are you going to eat the meat I bought then?" he mumbled looking down at the large piece of beef on the ground. As if it understood him, the wolf picked the meat up, and after a moment looking at Mikel, shot off through the trees.

  After standing still for a little while, trying to make reason of what had just happened, he decided it best to return. He found Maxim placing some sticks on the fire, and Aileen pouring some water into the kettle for boiling. He knelt down besides Maxim, and after staring into the newly created flames spoke softly. "Thank you Maxim," he said. "I would also like to apologise...well...you know for sometimes being a little mean to you...I guess...I'm just a bit of an idiot sometimes," he rambled. Maxim said nothing, but did turn to face him. The youngster placed his hand on Mikel's arm and smiled, as if to say everything was fine. The moment was cut short by Aileen who barged between them, "Come on you two, stop hogging the fire, this kettle won't boil itself."

  The whole group was up before the sun actually decided to make its appearance, and after a few grumbles and groans, mainly about how cold it was, they settled down for breakfast. Although it was only porridge, it was sweetened by a little honey, and as far as Maxim was concerned, any meal was a good one. Since that morning in Woodhaven, he felt different, it was if something had awoken inside of him. He found he seemed to know things he shouldn't, and do things that would normally have seemed impossible. Whatever it was, he felt it was something good. Moreover, he was eating regularly, and had what he could think of as real friends. It was clear these people cared for him, even willing to risk their own lives for him.

  After packing the camp away and re-saddling the horses, they were all ready to move on again. Stanton told them by mid-day he hoped to pass a place called Ecrin, and although Danton confessed to knowing of it, he had never actually been there. Apparently, it was a small town, mainly made up to support the surrounding villages and farmsteads. Here there would be no soldiers, as there was no garrison, and they would also be able to stop for a warm lunch, and buy any further provisions they may need.

  With the thought of stopping, if only for an hour or so, to do something other than travelling, firmly in their minds, the group set off. Zack found his horse in a fine mood, as the young filly behaved impeccably. He was wondering whether thanking the creature the previous day had anything to do with it, and when he thought nobody else was looking, he leant forward and rubbed her neck, "Good girl," he said.

  Considering Maxim had never ridden a horse before, he did not look like a novice; a point that Mikel made in discussion with Danton, as they rode side by side at the back of the group. Mikel thought about telling him about the incident with the wolf, but thought better of it. Danton confessed that he had never seen anybody quite like Maxim, "Each day, just when you think he cannot surprise you, he does just that. I mean what happened with the horses at the river yesterday was bordering on bizarre," he told the younger man. Mikel just nodded, he had finally concluded that Maxim was indeed going to be a powerful young man.

  It was just before midday when the outlying farmsteads came into view, as the road they travelled appeared a little better maintained than the one yesterday. There were fewer ruts for starters, meaning the wagon did not bounce around so much. Stanton stood and pointed over slightly to their left, "There's the town of Ecrin," he said, as if they had doubted him. Aileen told him to be quiet and sit back down, which he did without question.

  Zack trotted up beside Maxim, "I have some coins for you to spend, should you wish to buy anything Max," he said holding his hand out. Maxim looked over at the other boy; his dark hair was in need of a trim but the face beneath showed nothing but kindness. Knowing the offer was a sincere one, Maxim held out his hand. He felt the touch of metal in his palm, "Thank you Zack that is very kind." The two held each other's gaze for a few moments before retracting their hands.

  Melia was quick to move her horse up the other side of Zack's. Danton noticed how she always tried to intervene at moments when Zack was giving attention to somebody else. As usual, Zack was polite to her, as he was everybody really, but there was certainly nothing to indicate he could be attracted to her. Danton thought that perhaps it was time for him to have a quiet word with her, when the next opportunity arose.

  The town of Ecrin had little more than a couple of stores at its centre. It had a smithy, a bakery and general store that appeared to sell pretty much most things. The largest building seemed to be the inn, where they agreed to meet up after they had browsed the store. After the group had split up, Stanton and Aileen went to talk the smithy about getting some of their kitchen knives re-sharpened, Danton went to the bakery to get some bread for their travels, whilst the others all headed into the general store.

  The elderly man seemed very weary of them as they entered. Maxim, despite never being in the town before, never mind the store, headed for an area at the back. He crouched down to examine a dusty box on the floor, where inside there were bits of this and that, as well as a few old tatty books. Despite not being able to read, he selected two of them, and went to the counter to pay. He waited as Mikel was in front of him paying a few coppers for a rabbit. "Only caught that this morning," the man told him as he handed over his coins.

  Maxim asked how much he wanted for the books, but the old shopkeeper seemed not to know. "Bloody hell them things been in that box years. I tell you what young man, if you buy something else I'll let you have them tatty old books for nothing." Maxim did not really want anything else, but looked around quickly and noticed hanging from a stand, were a few trinkets and bracelets. "I'll have that one there, and those two, please," he said pointing them out. Maxim was actually unsure how much money he had, as he had just shoved it in his pocket after Zack had handed it to him. "Call it a sixpence my young friend and we'll have a deal," the old man said.

  Maxim actually knew what a sixpence looked like, being as it was all he was given by the orphanage. Fortunately, amongst the coins Zack had handed him such a coin existed. He paid and left to join Mikel outside, who seemed to be looking for someone. "You bought the rabbit for the wolf didn't you?" Maxim asked as he stepped up beside him. Mikel nodded, "I don't think he followed us though, so looks like we might be having it for tea ourselves." Maxim patted him on the back, "It was still a very kind thought Mikel. Here I bought this for you," he added handing the older lad one of the books. Keeping his voice low, he uttered the words, "It is about magic, and animals...don't ask me how I know...because I don't know." Mikel looked at him, "Thanks," he said with a lump in his throat.

  Zack was much slower around the shop. He realised if he wished, he could probably buy the entire place and still have change left in his purse. He was looking for something special, but many of the shelves were filled with items that would be needed by households for everyday use. These varied from blocks of soap, reels of cotton, varieties of tools for both garden and workshop use to a wide choice of foodstuffs. There were racks with clothes upon them, although some had clearly seen better days and had been patched and repaired; there was nothing there he needed or particularly wanted. He also found himself at the back of the shop, rummaging through boxes full of miscellaneous items.

  He eventually found what he was looking for, and after collecting a couple of other items, went to pay, where he found the old man in a talkative mood. "You youngsters all together then?" he asked as he wrapped Zack's items in brown paper. He nodded to the affirmative, but thought it best he did not reveal where it was they were going, or indeed, where they had come from. Once his goods were all ready and wrapped, he paid and wished the man a good day.

  Zack found the others waiting outside for him. "Thought you had got lost," Mikel said, "We were just going to send Melia in to rescue you."

  "Ooh what have you bought Zack?" Melia said trying to peek at the parcel under
his arm.

  "A little bit of this and that," he replied not giving anything away.

  They did not have to wait long for Stanton and Aileen to arrive back at the wagon. Danton however had already gone ahead and checked out the inn, "I've been in and ordered us some food and drink. There is a nice warm fire burning inside," Danton said gesturing for them to take the horses about the back for the stable hand to take care of.

  They all stepped inside the inn. The warmth was not the only thing to hit them, as the smell of smoke and stale ale was difficult to miss. A rather chubby looking woman showed them to a table quite near the large fireplace, as Stanton rubbed his hands together looking forward to a drink, only to be told by his wife to think again.

  A rather bedraggled looking woman shuffled her way over, carrying a tray. Upon it were bowls, each covered with a piecrust, and the larger of the two women took the bowls off one at a time and placed them before each guest. Stanton was actually quicker than Mikel in picking up his spoon and breaking through the outer layer. Inside the bowls was a kind of thick meat and vegetable mixture, and although it was not the greatest tasting thing, it was sufficient enough to keep the group quiet while they ate.

  In Bosaria, Gorius sat upon his throne. Before him stood the first person of real use that he could make use of. A man in his late twenties had just summoned a strange looking flying creature. "It is called an Eken, your Highness. It flies totally under my command, and I can control it from hundreds of miles away," the man said a little nervously, not sure he had impressed his king. On the contrary of course, the king was in awe at the magic before him.

  Gorius slowly stood and stepped toward the strange beast fluttering in his throne room. Larger than an eagle, yet it had no feathers. Its skin was more like that of a reptile, more scale like, he thought. It had large talons that looked like they could do severe damage, yet no beak. Instead, it had a small set of snapping jaws, with what looked like very sharp teeth. "Might you be able to send this beast to scout for me?" he asked the man. Subserviently the man nodded, "Yes your Highness. Just tell me where you want it to go, as long as I know a direction to send it...yes...I can," he ended realising he was saying more than he needed.

  Gorius gestured for the man to follow, and the two left the throne room and entered a study room off to one side. Upon the large table was a map, held in place by small brass weights. "I need you to find a boy, but all I know is he is somewhere south. Probably in this region," he added pointing to a large area of south Kothia. The man looked worried. How was he supposed to find just one boy in such a large area? Unless the lad walked around with a beacon on his head, the task seemed almost impossible. "The boy has bright red hair...he travels in a small group...go find him for me."

  At least the man had something to go on. A boy with red hair in Kothia was second best to a lad walking around with a beacon upon his head. With an area to search and an idea of a target, the man closed his eyes. The Eken fluttered a few times, and after opening one of the windows to the study, it flew off. Gorius watched it go, darting through the air much quicker than he ever thought it would.

  After dismissing the man, to join the other magicians in his new army, he sat down. After pouring himself a larger than normal glass of red wine, he leaned back, satisfied of the progress he was making. His raiding parties would soon be hitting the border areas of Kothia, and now he had means by which to find this youngster whose powers he sought. He still had to decide, on what to do about the news that a member of the Kothian royal family was travelling with a magician, perhaps even magical himself.

  He closed his eyes, sipping from his glass, imagining the turmoil he could put the Kothian monarchy in. He knew that he just needed to play it right. He needed the news to come out at the right time. If all worked well, Kothia could well turn upon itself, and ultimately make his job much easier.

  Chapter 10.

  As the group once more made camp for another night of cold restless sleep, Mikel looked out into the blackness beyond. The rabbit he had purchased hung limply in his left hand, disappointedly, he turned around to re-join the others, deciding he would try again later. As they had ridden that afternoon, he had started to read the small book given to him by Maxim. To any normal person it was just an old tome about wild animals; to a person with magic it was much more.

  He had noticed at the end of each chapter that the author had written notes. To anybody else, they would appear to be just scribbling, yet Maxim had told him they were much more, and Mikel was beginning to think this to be true. The more he stared and mumbled the words written at the bottom of the page, the more sense they appeared to make. If he was not mistaken the first was some kind of spell to make a link with an animal. However, the author had warned that such a link, if carried out incorrectly could have adverse effects.

  The link could not be carried out on just any creature. Apparently, the animal in question had to want to make the link; a kind of mutual respect, the author had called it. Forcing a link on an animal that did not want to, could cause both magician and creature unwanted side effects. Although, as Mikel had turned the page, the author had neglected to mention what they might be, and instead started on a new chapter.

  The second book Maxim had purchased he intended to give to Zack. Again, it looked old and tatty, but it was what was written within that mattered. It was at first glance, just a storybook about a magician, who could transport himself from one place to another. If you read the words in a much deeper context however, it was giving instructions on how a person with such abilities might achieve to better them. Not wanting to leave the others out, he gave Melia and Danton each a bracelet he had purchased. They were nothing more than a strip of leather with a few coloured beads on, but they were received gratefully nonetheless.

  Maxim had one other gift to give, and again, it was for Zack. This was made similar to the bracelets given to Melia and Danton, but was a necklace. Instead of beads, the long thin leather strip had a single polished stone, which the maker had drilled, to allow the leather strip to go through. "For your friendship Zack," Maxim said as he passed him the gift. Zack smiled, "Thank you Max, I shall treasure it always," he said putting it around his neck.

  Zack was going to wait until they got to Pitford before he gave his gift to Maxim. "Come with me," he told the red haired youngster as they headed back towards the horses. After retrieving the package from his saddlebags, he handed it over. Maxim had never received a present before, and felt almost overwhelmed by the occasion. With hands almost trembling, he unwrapped the brown paper. Even in the dark of night, he could make out the contents. Aside a few pieces of parchment were a writing book, a pot of ink and a small box. Inside that box was a pen. "I'm afraid it's about as fancy as I could find, it still looks okay though," Zack said.

  "I think it is perfect," Maxim said holding the slim engraved pen up so he could see it better.

  "Thank you," Maxim said leaning forward and giving Zack a hug. Zack said nothing, and was just pleased his new friend was happy. "Come on let's go back to the others," Maxim said eventually.

  After another night of camp stew, served with some of the bread bought earlier by Danton, they once more settled for the night. Again, they took turns to keep a watchful eye on their supplies, and more importantly their horses. Mikel had again offered to do the final watch before dawn.

  He had already walked around the perimeter of their small camp several times; there were no ruins to sleep amongst this time. The fire was in the centre, and he decided to get more wood, ready for Aileen to make breakfast in a few hours. He had barely collected a couple of pieces when he heard a rustling through the bushes. His heart pounded, as he thought the wolf from yesterday had come back to see him. He quickly dropped the few pieces he was carrying, and jogged nearer to where the noise had come from.

  He saw a pair of yellow eyes staring back at him, "Hello," he said nervously stepping nearer. He heard a low growling, and he realised perhaps this was not the best idea he had
ever had. He decided instead to step back, only to see a wolf emerge from the bushes, only it was not the same one as he had hoped to see. This one was grey and not quite so large, although by the looks of its fangs, just as fearsome.

  Mikel stepped back, and using his magic he made a few sticks fly toward the advancing wolf. They all hit, but only appeared to have the effect of infuriating the creature further. The beast before him crouched ready to pounce. His heart pounded, Maxim was not here to save him this time. As they wolf leapt a large dark shape emerged from his left, crashing into the attacking creature.

  Mikel stumbled back, "It's you," he gasped recognising the black haired beast from yesterday. The two wolves snarled at each other, growling, circling as they faced off. After a few moments, the smaller grey wolf tried to lunge forward, but the larger dire wolf snapped its large powerful jaws biting into the flesh. The smaller wolf yelped, before scurrying off into the bushes, disappearing out of sight.

  Mikel took a deep breath, as the dark haired dire wolf turned to face him. "Hello," he said waving a hand rather pathetically. The creature walked slowly over to him, and nuzzled his hand in greeting. "Am I glad to see you boy," he said scratching the wolf behind the ears. He then Remembered the rabbit he had purchased the previous day, "Ooh wait here," he told the creature before running off. He returned just a few moments later to see the wolf still stood where he had left it. "Here...I bought this for you," he said proffering the dead rabbit. The wolf cast his big yellow eyes up, as if staring at him. It then opened its large jaws taking the gift, before turning away. "Bye," Mikel said watching the creature walk slowly back into the bushes.