"Show-off!" Alrion thought. He had to figure out how to make the wall work. He could see how useful the technique was. "I need to first figure out how to draw less water," Alrion said to himself. He started by practising variations of how he drew the water, but instead of the water forming into a greater body, he imagined thin wispy strands of it travelling through the air. He used the strands to define blocks and bind them together. It started working. His pile of dust and sand started to form into something with more structure, even though it wasn't particularly neat.
"That's the way," Ashra said. Once Alrion had finished, the desert wizard stood up and walked over. He kicked the wall and it practically disintegrated.
"Needs a bit more strength," he said with a chuckle.
"Just a tiny bit," Alrion said, sharing a smile.
"You've done well, let's rest for a while," Ashra said, heading back to his little hut. Alrion followed closely, pausing to look back at the remnants of his small wall.
They found Lara and Certan lounging in the hut, avoiding the heat.
"Aren't you hungry? We ate hours ago," Lara said as they approached. Alrion hadn't even realised how much time had passed.
"No, although I can definitely eat now. Too much concentration required," Alrion said, flopping down onto one of the cushions.
"How's he doing?" Certan said to Ashra.
"Fairly well, I don't have a comparison because I don't teach others. But I think he's getting the principles which is the most important part. We will practise more today on what we have learned, and try a few new things tomorrow," Ashra said.
"How long will it take?" Alrion said.
"Years, but you get two days with me. You'll be leaving tomorrow evening."
"How is that going to be enough?"
"Time is against you. Your enemy has been one step ahead the entire time, and knows everything you do since he has also drunk from the Pool of Knowledge. Have you considered that?" Ashra said. Alrion felt defensive immediately.
"Sure, but I still need to prepare. He's practically invincible!"
"There is always a way. All I can do is help you start down the path. You must follow it yourself. Be prepared for anything is my best advice," he said. Alrion ate quickly, and took the opportunity to rest out of the heat. Just as he became comfortable Ashra abruptly stood up.
"Time to get back to work, you have rested enough," he said.
"Have fun!" Lara said.
"You too, I hope I don't miss anything," Alrion said, trying to make a joke.
"We shall keep a detailed log," Certan said, getting in on the joke. Alrion shook his head at the lameness of the reply and followed Ashra back to where they had been training.
The hours passed quickly once more, and Alrion refined his ability to draw water and form the earth into a simple wall. He felt pleased by that, but wasn't sure if it would be effective for anything useful.
"That's enough for today, let's join the others," Ashra said. Together they walked back to the hut and found Lara and Certan in the same spots. It looked like they hadn't moved at all.
"Having a nice time?" Alrion said.
"It's not too bad, I could get used to this. I'd get bored though I think," Lara said.
"Some additional time to rest and recover is quite important. I would advise it for you, if we had the capacity to spare it," Certan said.
"Someday perhaps. I've been meaning to ask, where do you get this food from?" Alrion pointed at the various breads and biscuits and other food that was available.
"I do leave the hut occasionally you know, but I do also have to provide for myself quite a bit," Ashra said. He walked over to a corner of the hut and lifted the dirty brown rug there. Underneath was a trap door.
"This is interesting," Lara said jumping up immediately. Ashra opened the trap door and revealed a ladder going down into the ground. He started to descend and the others followed close.
Alrion found himself in a giant cavern. There were stores of food on shelves carved into the walls, benches, and other furnishing. Two fire pits were in the middle of the room.
"This is your kitchen then," Certan said.
"That's it. I use a few shortcuts, but otherwise it keeps me busy. I usually sleep down here as well when it gets particularly cold."
"This is incredible!" Lara said walking around the room.
"Thank you, I appreciate that. This is my home, so I need a few things. I can't live off the wind and sand you know," Ashra said. Certan laughed.
"Alrion, recover as best you can, we have an early start tomorrow," Ashra said, starting to prepare a meal for dinner.
Alrion awoke suddenly to Ashra's face in close proximity.
"Time to start, we eat later," Ashra said. Alrion rose quietly and they left Certan and Lara asleep. A short walk later they were back to the training area.
"First thing today, I want you to build a curved wall. Same principles as yesterday, but more complexity in the construction," Ashra said. He demonstrated by building a wall that curved slightly towards him.
"You used something similar to enclose me in the fight," Alrion said.
"Exactly. That's the end-game for a technique such as this. It can be used for many different things. Enclosing an enemy, shielding a target, hiding things, or protecting them from harm. I don't expect you to master it now, but I want you to understand the principles," Ashra said. Alrion could see the benefits, and threw himself into the practice. His few two attempts were barely curved at all. When Ashra chided him for being too cautious, Alrion changed his approach and made a wall that couldn't stand at all. But the extreme curvature did teach him something about the technique. He ended up with something similar to what Ashra had built eventually.
"I think you're beginning to understand. Still lacking strength," Ashra commented, collapsing the wall with his palm without exerting any effort.
"What can I do to improve that?" Alrion said.
"More compacting of the sand, injecting more Spark into the binding process. It takes a bit of experimentation to understand how it works." Ashra did another quick demonstration.
"I see," Alrion said, preparing to try again.
"Leave that for now, I have one other things you must learn. Wait here a moment," Ashra said. He walked off back to the hut and returned soon after. He was holding a large red cushion. The colour was a little faded, but it was still a bright red.
"You're going to make this cushion blue," Ashra said.
"Really?"
"Yes. Observe," Ashra said. He waved his hand over the cushion and it looked a vibrant blue colour.
"Wow, that was quick!"
"Come over here," Ashra said. Alrion walked around and Ashra directed him to look at the cushion from behind.
"It's red," Alrion said.
"Yes, it is. The first rule of an illusion is that you need to understand how it will be viewed," Ashra said.
"Is it possible to completely cover something?" Alrion said.
"Yes, but it requires you to consider all the angles and prepare appropriately. The spell becomes much more complex. It's a trade-off between the quality of the illusion and the effort of creating and maintaining it."
"So, you can't just create it and leave it?"
"You can, there are ways. But it lacks the nuance that your mind brings to it. Suitable for things that would not get close scrutiny, but the effect eventually fades. For now though, let's just focus on something that you must create yourself," Ashra said.
"How do I do it?"
"You draw water, like we have practised. But you imagine it as a light spray intersecting with the air and the light, bending the rays. Then you inject your vision into the water, and create the illusion."
"Sounds tricky," Alrion said, doubt entering his voice.
"It is, but it's incredibly useful. Just try to make this cushion green," Ashra said.
"I'll do it!" Alrion reminded himself that he had come a long way, and already learned some new skills. This was
just another one. He concentrated and found the underground water reservoir, drawing the water once more. He tried to disperse it and use it as a fine blanket in front of the cushion.
"It looks like you're wetting it, finer again and not so close," Ashra said. Alrion doubled his efforts, and kept trying. He kept the vision in his head completely clear, the cushion was not blue it was green.
"You're getting it, keep going," Ashra said. He could see that the pillow was starting to appear green in places, where Alrion had been successful. As he watched the cushion slowly alternated between the two colours in constantly changing patches. Then all of a sudden it locked in, and the cushion was green.
"That's it, now just open your eyes," Ashra said. Alrion opened his eyes and saw that the cushion was still blue.
"Come around here and look," Ashra said. Alrion walked slowly, trying to maintain his focus. As he took the last step he cautiously looked over at the cushion.
"It's green!" Alrion shouted in excitement. In that instant, the illusion dropped and the cushion was blue once more.
"Well done. Now you just need to practise some more. By the end of the day I need you to be able to make this cushion appear any colour I specify from any direction," Ashra said. Alrion felt exhausted already from the effort. It wasn't just a case of drawing on his Spark, the focus and concentration required were huge.
"I just didn't expect it to be so tiring," he said.
"That's why Will is such a key component of magic. The more you train and enhance it, the less effort it takes to create and maintain all these spells that require your mind's focus. Raw power is not always the answer, as you are no doubt finding out," Ashra said. Alrion nodded with understanding. He had discovered vast tracts of power, but Ashra had easily beaten him. Defeated by the desert wizard's superior Will and training. Alrion had to improve in all areas if he was going to succeed.
"Almost there," Alrion whispered to himself, then threw everything back into his training.
25
Bunkering Down
Alrion stumbled twice while walking back to the hut. Extreme exhaustion was making every step a challenge.
"At least the heat is dropping," he thought. The relative cool of the hut was incredibly soothing, and he quickly dropped down onto one of the pillows.
"Tough day?" Lara said. Alrion just nodded.
"He did well, but you'll need to let him rest a few hours before you leave," Ashra said.
"What did you learn today?" Certan said.
"Basic illusions. I can make that cushion appear a different colour," Alrion said, pointing at a cushion at random.
"Can you show me?" Lara said. Alrion just groaned.
"He's a little tired, I'm sure he will perk up and give a demonstration later," Ashra said.
"You seem fine," Lara said.
"I have a little more practise. Alrion has been doing this the hard way. The burden of that extreme focus has worn him out. I'm sure Certan understands what I mean." Ashra gave Certan a knowing look.
"Yes, until you achieve competency then mastery, exerting the Will is very draining. We had a little exercise demonstrating that a few days ago," Certan said.
"And I was the winner!" Lara said.
"That doesn't surprise me," Ashra said with a laugh. He disappeared downstairs and Lara followed him.
"Don't worry it will get easier," Certan said.
"I don't doubt you, I just can't understand it right now," Alrion said.
"Yes, your mind is too tired. But you are strengthening it every day, so don't worry. Maintaining your Will is a constant effort, you cannot just achieve a milestone then ignore it."
"But you're a monk, surely you just have it now?" Alrion said.
"In some ways yes, but in others no. Let me show you something.” Certan removed a small flask from his robes and handed it to Alrion. It was metallic and had the symbol of the monk order on it.
"What is this?" Alrion said.
"It was made for the monks by a craftsman who they had saved in the desert. It was originally intended for water, but it was too heavy and impractical for daily use. So, it was instead filled with a strong alcoholic spirit and kept in storage."
"And you took it? When you left?"
"Yes, I don't know why. It seemed like an even worse thing to do on top of everything else. And I drank from it nearly every day, just a drop to make sure I could keep it as long as possible. But since I met you, I stopped." A lightness broke up the sadness on Certan's face. He looked hopeful.
"You haven't drunk from it since then?"
"No, there's still some left. Every day I look at the flask, and I am tempted to drink from it. Just for a taste. But every day I stop and remind myself, that this symbol of my failure can be a sign of my success. If I can return to the monks and show that there is still alcohol left in this flask, then I can prove to them that I overcame my weakness and strengthened my Will," Certan said.
"Thanks for sharing that story. I never realised that this was still such a struggle for you." Alrion handed back the flask.
Certan carefully returned it to within his robes. "I suspect I may never be clear of it, but perhaps I can forgive myself one day and it will become easier. Ah, it looks like the food is now here.” Certan rose and helped Lara and Ashra distribute the bread.
"Eat well, you will need your strength. You must leave tonight so you can make good time. Certan, are you familiar with this area at night?" Ashra said.
"Mostly, it will not be an issue," he said.
"Good, you all eat your fill I will pack you some supplies," Ashra said, and disappeared again downstairs. Alrion and the others started to get ready, and soon they were standing at the entrance to the hut, packing away the food provided by Ashra.
"You've been such an incredible help. I was a little resistant, and I'm sorry," Alrion said.
"Don't worry, we are all under our own pressures. You did well here, good luck on your journey," Ashra said.
"Are you sure I can't convince you to come with us? Just to the temple? You wouldn't need to leave the desert," Alrion said.
"Not a chance. This is your journey, and I have played my part. Everything will be fine, just remember what I have shown you. And trust your companions, they are quite resourceful."
"Alright then. Goodbye and thanks again," Alrion said.
"It was enlightening to meet the legend himself, and to confirm your existence," Certan said.
"You keep that conformation to yourself. It's too troublesome diverting large numbers of visitors," Ashra said.
"I think you'd secretly let some in, you aren't as bad as you make out," Lara said.
"I'd appreciate if you don't share those sentiments," Ashra said.
"Don't worry, we won't send anyone here," Alrion said, and waved as they set off.
"Good luck young man. You have the slimmest of chances, but maybe you will succeed," Ashra whispered, then retreated to his hut. He looked out into the desert, and felt a chill run down his spine. Something bad was coming.
Certan lead the way, making as much haste as possible. He wanted to capitalise on the available light. Alrion was a bit slow, but once they worked into a rhythm the steps flowed easier.
"What a strange man, I don't know how you could live in such a place all by yourself," Lara said.
"There must be a story behind that. Something significant changed that man," Certan said.
"I wonder why," Alrion said. From what he knew of wizards, Ashra seemed positively brilliant. He would be remarkable in any setting, but had chosen to stay in such an isolated and remote place.
"We shouldn't stop yet, but the light is fading. Can you assist?" Certan said. Alrion created three orbs of light, and placed one above his right shoulder and positioned the other two with Certan and Lara.
"A bit brighter," Lara said. Alrion increased the intensity slowly.
"That's it," Certan said. Alrion took a moment to stabilise the spell and make it easier to maintain, then continue
d on.
They trekked down minor paths which wouldn't be visible unless they were known. But the path ended soon, and they had to traverse up and down sand dunes.
"Is there no other way?" Alrion said, struggling to keep up. He was already tired and had to keep up the light spells as well.
"There is, but it is a much further distance and would result in more effort. This is definitely worth the additional fatigue," Certan said.
"Fine," Alrion said, and persevered. With each step, he felt like he was sliding back ever slightly, which increased the strain and the feeling that he was not progressing.
"A bit further," Certan said, then they suddenly passed over a dune and down onto a nice flat surface.
"Can you illuminate the distance?" Certan said. Alrion repositioned and repurposed Certan's light, casting rays into the distance. Before them spread an expanse of desert. There was nothing as far as they could see.
"We have arrived at the plain of despair," Certan said.
"That's a lovely name," Lara said.
"Yes, it's named because we are relatively central to the desert and there is nothing for a long way. Just flat desert. Many get stuck here and lose their sense of direction, and despair. It is the despair that kills, the feeling of helplessness. If you keep a cool head and keep travelling in a single direction you will get somewhere in time," Certan said. Alrion could believe the despair, he couldn't see anything that would serve as a landmark.
"Definitely not sure I would like to get stranded. How much further should we go tonight?" Lara said.
"As far as Alrion can make it. There's nowhere to take shelter here, and we can rest during the day if we can find somewhere suitable," Certan said.
"Shelter from what?" Alrion said.
"Dust storms. They're relatively rare, and don't last long. But you can be sure if we are caught up in the middle of nowhere we will get one. Best to move along as far as possible."
"You've convinced me, let's get moving. Can you keep up Alrion?" Lara said.
"For now, let's just get on with it." Alrion let the light dim to assist with his concentration. He had to concentrate more on walking faster and more carefully.
Vault of Silence (The Hidden Wizard Book 2) Page 18