by MJ Blehart
For a moment Cam felt fear, fear of being trapped within, unable to return to his body in a small room in the village of Olitarn. But he realized almost immediately that he was completely safe here, though how this realization came to him, he could not tell, but was absolutely certain none-the-less.
He let the river of energy and light and color flow through him, did not stop it, did not hinder it. He absorbed it, felt himself completely renewed, more at peace and conscious of himself than he’d ever been before. And he felt the webbing, a protective entity, almost alive in and of itself, flowing all about him, comforting.
He was able, from within, to hold the webbing, to feel why it protected him. To understand what it was. Cam was amazed to find that it was almost like a separate manifestation, a life within life, inside his power. Even held still, it moved and flowed and shifted, translucent, but taking occasional ripples of color, and added energy. Cam was completely fascinated by it.
The web was a guardian, a protective shell generated by the orb for its own protection. Without it, the energy would have disappeared, and with that, Cam’s life as well.
It also acted as a healer, a bandage for a mortal wound. And with this knowledge, Cam knew that its task was complete.
He reached to it, stretched it, then let it surround him. The webbing was warm and cold, fiery and frozen, light and dark, strong and weak all at once.
Gently, slowly, Cam felt it begin to fade, until it dissipated into the all-encompassing energy that had spawned it. It became grainy and indistinct, then gone entirely, absorbed back into the fast-flowing current of power and light and color swirling around and through him.
Thoughts seemed to intrude upon Cam that were not his own. He attempted to catch them, tried to see them, sought to make them comprehensible, but to no avail.
He found himself momentarily conflicted. Cam wanted to leave, to see if he’d succeeded, see if the webbing was well and truly gone, if his strength was all his own again. Yet he was here, and wanted to better understand what this was, unravel its many mysteries, and learn how it worked within him.
Whispers, sounds loud and soft, painful and pleasant. Feelings as exquisite as a hundred orgasms, and as painful as a million pins stuck into every pore of his body. The energy within himself was all his own, and yet, at the same time, was a part of something greater. A thing unseen, but touched by everything in the universe that lived, generated and fueled by everything and nothing all at once.
Cam tried to understand what he was facing, what he was enduring. Suddenly, the rippling streams took on a new pattern, and to his shock, an appearance. A face. Many faces. Thousands of faces. Some familiar to him, swirling about, through, and around him.
One in particular paused before him, a very old man, long beard, grey hair. He was engulfed by the energy, and soon the voices, the whispers began to make sense.
The light was slowly glowing brighter, and Cam recognized the Prophecy of The Source, repeating softly, faster and faster, over and over again.
The light grew more and more frenzied, becoming steadily brighter. And one last whisper came to Cam, more intelligible than the rest, impossible to ignore, a hiss of air that touched him to his very soul.
“The time is not now.”
A terrific, painful flash of light, and Cam found himself floating in a grey space. Images, some familiar, passed before him. Soon, he recognized many as they became clear. His father waving from the field. His mother’s sad face. A fireball tossed from his outstretched hands, throwing a boy down a street. The library at Aldara. Various roads traveled over the years from nation to nation across the continent. Cam realized it was memories of the past.
The visions seem to come more rapidly now, and he recognized they were approaching the present. The loss of his power. His capture. His torture. His rescue. Escape from Gara-Sharron. Max Parcall being slain, his wife dead at Cam’s feet. Lyrra-Sharron presenting him his rapier. The raid on Brivarn. The entrance of the Baron to the meeting of the officers. Dak, slamming him into the wall.
The images were all brief, but powerful, with an extraordinary clarity. They appeared, they wavered, and were replaced.
Another flash of light, and Cam saw himself, shallowly breathing, his heart barely beating, sitting cross-legged on his bed. The present. It was dark, save for a lone candle flickering, burning away. Another flash of light.
The images were many, and varied, all blurry, each with an opposite. Lyrra-Sharron dead, her head removed, Falcon Raiders strewn all about. Lyrra-Sharron crowned Queen. Lyrra-Sharron dead at the feet of a man with a crown upon his head. Varlock-Sharron beheaded. The King triumphant. The Sharron Army overrun. The Sharron Army outnumbering their adversary five to one. Dak dead, Lyrra-Sharron imprisoned. The Princess and former soldier wed. These were clearly visions of possible futures.
More, blurrier images passed swiftly before him, clear for only the shortest instance. A dark haired woman Cam had never seen before, but who felt very familiar. A group of sorcerers sitting around a glowing orb of energy. A thin, olive skinned blonde sorceress with tremendous power, meditating. Two armies of unimaginable numbers facing one another across a wide field. Caves in which Cam sensed tremendous danger lurking, waiting for him.
Another flash, and Cam found himself returned to his body, in his room, the candle flickering, fading. He took a deep breath, coming fully awake.
For the first time, he felt it. Cam paused, feeling within himself, and burst into unbidden tears. He was complete. His power was all his again. Cam Murtallan was a Sorcerer once more.
He continued to cry, feeling the release of agony and torment, feeling a sweetness filling him, and emptiness leaving him. He was returned to being whole, but far more whole than he’d been when this had begun. His strength of sorcery was all his for the first time since his error. No longer missing, no longer broken to pieces.
As the tears slowed, and stopped, Cam contemplated what this truly meant. He would not, could not return to the way he had been. He’d grown patient, he’d matured, lost his arrogance and self-righteousness. He would strive to remain the stronger, more competent and calm man he’d grown into these last several months.
As his eyes dried, Cam pondered the visions he had seen. In his heart of hearts, he knew what they meant. And he knew, with the utmost certainty, that he was correct when he though Lyrra-Sharron’s course dangerous and wrong. For herself. For Sharron. Ultimately, he knew, for Cam Murtallan.
He had sworn to follow her, agreed to be a part of her Falcon Raiders, an officer, no less, a part of her plans. “I am with you, Lyrra-Sharron,” he had assured her. But what could he do?
Cam wondered where things would go from this point forward. As a part of the Falcon Raiders, could he help her? Did it really matter what condition Sharron was in, if Cam departed, continuing his quest for The Source? Though he questioned everything, Cam already was aware of the answer.
He knew, even though it pained him, that he had to leave the Falcon Raiders. If he remained with them, his very life may well be forfeit. If he stayed, his destiny would be for naught. Of this he was certain.
What could he, a singular man, unwanted criminal, Sorcerer, do? His powers did not allow him to alter minds, not without a terrible cost to himself, and his victim. But something had to be done, somehow the course of things had to be altered. He thought hard, considering what he should do.
Of only one thing was Cam certain. Cam had to rely upon that which he’d seen, and trust that he was being guided to the next step. Everything inside cried out for him to make haste, strike out on his own, before it was too late. He could not ignore this. Quietly, he gathered what few belongings had come into his possession. He pulled on his vest, his belt and sword, fingering the intricate carved pommel below the hilt. He threw on his black cloak, pulling up the hood. He extinguished the candle.
For the first time in his life, he had belonged to something larger than himself. He did not want to go. Why did he need to leave,
and now? He shook his head. He knew, somehow, he did not abandon his friends and comrades to their doom. He would abandon them now so he could save them. Somehow.
Cam silently walked out of his room, stealthily closing the door, traveling along the hallway. He was down the stairs, and on the edge of the main room, where several of the Falcon Raiders were already awake, beginning preparations for the dawn’s departure.
He concentrated, softly muttering the spell.
“Sleep,” he whispered.
The effect was instantaneous. As Cam entered the room, everyone within was soundly asleep.
He felt a certain satisfaction knowing his power had fully returned. It had been easier, and far faster than it had worked in a long time. Quickly, Cam stole out into the dark, abandoned streets.
His night vision was excellent, so Cam moved fast towards the stables. Normally reliant on his own feet, he sensed that he must travel more swiftly than his feet could carry him. As he neared the stables, he recalled that Alran and Khelvan were on duty. Not wanting to harm them, he approached with his spell already planned out.
A few minutes later, he was walking along the road out of the abandoned village, leading the saddled grey horse he’d chosen. This was the only road that was usable out of the town, all the others had become either too badly rutted or were seriously overgrown.
Cam remembered that there were three guards in the trees, just outside of town. He began, softly, to cast the necessary spell to avoid them.
“Power within me, magic of sorcery, power beyond sight. Sleep bring only a moments dreams to these men, forgetting that which they see before them. A moment’s sleep of pleasant, peaceful bliss. A slumber by my power induced - Sleep.”
He hoped no one would fall from the tree they were perched in. They’d only nap a few moments - he certainly didn’t want to leave the Falcon Raiders without their defenses.
When he was just past them, he mounted the horse, and rode along at a fast walk.
A few minutes later, he increased his pace to a trot.
Once again, Cam was on his own. He quested now to find a way to rescue Lyrra-Sharron and her kingdom.
He hoped with tremendous fervor that he could save his friends. Somehow. He felt the debt he owed, though they were mostly unaware, must be paid. He had to believe they would forgive him his abrupt departure.
Cam Murtallan, Falcon Raider, Sorcerer, rode alone into the west as the sun began to rise at his back.
Chapter 24
Lyrra-Sharron had gathered her things, and called for her officers. Before her stood Dak, Andim and Kallan. She waited on Cam, and had sent a Falcon Raider to his door to awaken him.
“All assignments have been set?” she asked.
“Aye,” Dak responded.
“This is unlike Cam,” remarked Lyrra-Sharron, a hint of impatience in her tone. “He is usually the first to answer summons.”
“He did seem somewhat...preoccupied, after we finished assignments,” Dak commented.
“He usually meditates before he sleeps,” Lyrra-Sharron explained. “Perhaps he did so over-long, and sleeps it off now.”
“He’s been a real boon to our forces,” stated Andim.
Dak nodded his head in agreement.
A Falcon Raider named Torra approached them. “Lord Cam is not in his room. In fact, his belongings are gone.”
Lyrra-Sharron’s eyes turned cold. “Gone?”
“Yes,” Torra acknowledged. “No cloak, no staff, no sword...”
“Andim, Kallan, go fetch our posted guards from last night!” Lyrra-Sharron interrupted.
She muttered thanks to Torra, gestured to Dak, and began to walk to the stables.
“Did Cam say anything to you?” she asked quietly.
Dak shook his head. “Not at all. He expressed concern about this plan, but aside from that, no.”
Lyrra-Sharron crossed her arms. “It makes no sense. Where is he?”
They reached the stables, where most of the horses were already mounted, the rest saddled and ready. Alran and Khelvan, the young boys who’d been on duty during the night, looked uneasy.
“Your Highness! Lord Dak!” they intoned, bowing their heads quickly.
“Is something the matter, lads?” asked Lyrra-Sharron, catching the boy’s clearly distracted looks.
“Uh, not, not that we, that is...” Alran stumbled.
“It’s just...well, something odd,” said Khelvan.
Andim and Kallan came to them with the prior night’s tired guards. They each made their own salutes to Lyrra-Sharron and Dak.
“Dufon, Lingon, Gravin,” she acknowledged. “My lords, did anyone leave camp during the night?”
“No, m’lady,” replied Gravin. “It was a peaceful night.”
“You all remained awake?” questioned Dak.
“Of course!” they each replied quickly.
“You are certain Cam Murtallan did not leave during the night?” queried Lyrra-Sharron.”
“Not a soul stirred, I assure you,” reiterated Dufon.
“Lord Cam?” Alran hesitantly questioned.
Dak turned to the boy. “He is missing.”
Alran started to shake his head. “It, it simply couldn’t have been real!”
Khelvan also shook his head nervously, looking to his friend. “We both remember, Alran. It, it must’ve...but it seemed like a dream, and I don’t remember going to sleep...”
“Lads, an explanation would be appreciated here,” interjected Lyrra-Sharron.
They both snapped out of it, looking to one another.
“Gravin, Dufon, Lingon, you’re dismissed.” said Dak.
They made gestures of farewell quickly, and left.
“Would you two care to explain yourselves?” Lyrra-Sharron asked crossly.
They looked at one another again, clearly more uneasy than before.
“Khelvan, what happened?” asked Dak more gently.
Khelvan shrugged. “We, well, we were on duty, when, uh, someone, uh, approached.”
“We put up our staffs, and it was, well, Lord Cam,” added Alran.
“We, uh, we asked him, um, what he was, uh, doing out here, and...well, and...”
Khelvan seemed at a loss, looking to Alran.
“Go on already!” Lyrra-Sharron impatiently burst out.
Alran jumped, startled, as Khelvan shrank back against the wall. “Well, that’s just it. The next thing we know, we find ourselves on opposite sides of the door, lying on the ground. We figured we’d dozed off, but...” he made a sound, almost like a higher pitched belch.
“We thought it couldn’t be, but, but we both saw the same thing, or at least thought we did, and then...” added Khelvan.
“We saw the saddled messenger horse was missing as we went off duty this morning,” Alran concluded meekly.
“And you did not report this immediately!” exclaimed Lyrra-Sharron.
“It didn’t seem real,” started Khelvan.
“We were so sure it was a bad dream,” added Alran in a rush. “and we, well, we never fall asleep on duty, and we just...”
“It’s alright,” said Dak comfortingly.
“No, it certainly is not,” Lyrra-Sharron remarked, turning on him.
“Yes, it is,” he said with emphasis, raising a hand to forestall the argument. “It’s alright, because Cam is an officer of the Falcon Raiders. They’d be loathe to question his actions.” He turned to the boys. “Go eat. Then get to your assignments.”
They both bowed shakily, and took off at a run.
“Do you care to explain why you have chosen to usurp my authority?” asked Lyrra-Sharron icily.
Dak turned to her. “They didn’t fall asleep on duty. Cam cast a spell on them.”
Andim and Kallan looked startled. “I wouldn’t think he was strong enough anymore...” started Andim.
Dak shook his head. “You know he has strength, still. And we four all know what he really is.”
“Why would he leave?�
� questioned Lyrra-Sharron.
Dak shrugged. “Perhaps he disagreed more than we thought.”
“That doesn’t sound like Cam,” Kallan commented softly.
“No, it does not,” agreed Lyrra-Sharron, looking inwards. “Maybe…maybe he succeeded. Perhaps he actually got his power back.”
“What difference would that make?” asked Andim.
She looked at him. “He has a...task…that had brought him to Sharron. If he has got his powers back, perhaps he...continued what he began.”
“Leaving without a word?” queried Dak.
“It is possible,” Lyrra-Sharron conceded. “Perhaps he found something, and had to leave immediately to pursue it.”
Dak let out a sigh. “I guess. You should know that he expressed serious misgivings to me. It’s possible his conscience got the better of him, and he left.”
“Are you in disagreement with this action?” she asked pointedly. “Do you think I have made a bad choice?”
Dak looked at her closely, clearly chose his words with care. “I support you.”
“Good. Now is not the time for dissention in the ranks.” She chose to move to a new topic. “Now then, what do we do about this?”
“Is there...a chance Cam might betray us?” asked Kallan.
Lyrra-Sharron chortled a moment. “To whom? Where could he go? No. He is a Sorcerer, and thus a criminal in this Kingdom. He can only remain here disguised, as I assume my father has likely kept his face on the wanted scrolls. If he is gone, he likely is leaving Sharron, if not the whole of Estaria.”
“It still makes no sense,” said Dak, more despondent than Lyrra-Sharron would have expected. “I really trusted him.”
She glanced at her second in command. “I think our secrets are safe with him, Dak. Did he...did he reveal to you why he was here?”
Dak nodded his head.
Andim and Kallan both had a questioning look in their eyes.
“That task was more important than us. If he found something, had a vision of some sort...” she trailed off.
“I see what you’re saying,” remarked Dak. He was himself once more. “You are right.”
“So we let it be,” she concluded. “My lords, if anyone questions you about Cam’s whereabouts, tell them he was sent off on a special assignment. But let it be known that if anyone comes across him, or hears of him, I want to know about it.”