“I never knew you,” Simon said thickly. “But I will never forget you. I'm so sorry I wasn't here in time.”
He began to turn away again and then glanced back one last time.
“Rest,” he whispered and then, shoulders hunched and consumed with guilt and grief, he walked away.
Simon appeared in the yard in front of his tower. He stumbled with exhaustion and waited until he'd caught his balance before climbing the steps and opening the door.
“Master! You're back!” Kronk exclaimed the wizard walked in.
Simon nodded mutely and, leaving Bene-Dunn-Gal resting against the wall, collapsed into the chair in front of the fireplace.
Aeris, who had been adding a log to the fire, flew up and looked closely at him. He opened his mouth and then shook his head.
“I was going to scold you for ordering us home, my dear wizard, but I think you've had enough for one day.”
The air elemental flew to the kitchen counter, picked up the kettle, flew back to the fireplace and hung it there.
“I think I'll make you some tea instead,” Aeris said gently.
Simon shook his hair back from his face and some ash trickled past his eyes. He ignored it.
“Thanks,” he muttered.
“You look tired, master. You should wash up and change your clothes. You will feel better.”
The wizard glared down at Kronk, ready to say something biting about at least being alive, when he realized that the little guy was staring, not at him, but at the floor.
Confused, Simon looked at Aeris and saw the air elemental watching him from the corner of his eye as he waited for the water to boil.
The wizard's mood changed instantly and he felt a twinge of guilt as he understood what was going on.
“Guys, look...” He leaned forward and lowered his head, running his fingers through it. A cloud of dust floated to the ground.
Simon sat back and closed his eyes tightly. It had been a hell of a day, he thought wearily.
“I want to apologize for ordering you to leave me back there,” he said.
Kronk looked up, wide-eyed and Aeris turned from the fire and watched warily.
“That's why I took so long to Gate back. If that wizard was watching, I wanted to keep her attention focused on me until I was sure the two of you were safely back home.”
He tried to smile but only managed to twitch his lips.
“I had already failed to save those farmers. I was tricked and I lost them. I couldn't lose you too. So I'm sorry. I wish I could promise that I'll never do anything like that again, but when it comes to keeping you safe, well, I can't.”
The elementals looked at each other and shared a nod.
“We understand, master. Aeris and I discussed your reasoning while we waited for you to return. But,” Kronk hopped up on the arm of the chair and put a small hand on Simon's shoulder, “we are in this together. I am not as fragile as my size indicates, and Aeris has powers as well. If we are truly your friends, and not just servants, we want to help in these battles. There will be others in the future, probably many. Will you send us off to cower here in this tower each time? What use is that to you, or to us?”
Simon listened in amazement. Kronk wasn't exactly known for his eloquence, but his point was well taken.
Aeris spoke up before the wizard could answer.
“In this, Kronk and I agree, Simon. We are not helpless. I was damaged by that dark wizard because she surprised me, not because I cannot fight. We want to help and, no offense, but I think we've earned that right.”
Simon nodded blearily.
“You're right, both of you. I was afraid for you and I was afraid that I'd be distracted trying to keep you safe. But you aren't children. In fact, you are both so old that I can't really conceive of it.”
He stood up and almost managed a real grin this time.
“Okay, from now on, I'll try to do better. Meanwhile, I think I'll get cleaned up before I have that tea.”
The next day, Simon slept in. He was still saddened by the loss of the Changling farmers, but he also realized that dwelling on it was the wrong way to fix his mistake. He had to do better and prepare to face that wizard again, as soon as she popped up.
In the meantime, he had to tell Clara the bad news. It wasn't something he was looking forward to.
When he walked downstairs, Simon saw that Aeris had, yet again, made him tea without being asked. And he had toasted some bread and added a generous dollop of blueberry jam to each slice. The air elemental smiled at Simon's delighted surprise.
“Don't let it go to your head, my dear wizard,” he said as Simon sat down at the kitchen table. Sunlight streamed in through the windows and lit the room brightly. The fire was banked and the front door open to let in the warm morning air.
“You earned this favor after yesterday. And,” Aeris became serious, “I know that you have to contact our friend the cleric and tell her what happened to those farmers.”
Simon's mood became somber and he chewed his toast reflectively.
“You're exactly right. And I have to warn her again too. We don't know where that blasted wizard has gone, but if she's aware of me, she probably knows about Nottinghill as well.”
“Sound reasoning,” Aeris said with an approving nod. “And speaking of protection, I did some research last night after you went to bed, and I think I found a way to block that evil woman from spying on us, and from possibly Gating into the tower itself.”
Simon swallowed the last bit of toast and stared at the air elemental.
“I hadn't thought of that. God, if she could do that and maybe bring some of those mutated Changlings with her, it might be all over.”
“Exactly.”
Aeris flew from the table to the comfy chair in front of the fireplace, picked up a book lying there and returned.
Simon looked at the heavy book in surprise.
“It's that mystery book that I found those new spells in,” he exclaimed.
“It is. Your divine friends gave you more than just some spells when they gifted you with this amazing tome, Simon. Look at this.”
The elemental flipped open the book and turned pages until he found what he was looking for. He tapped a small illustration.
“Look familiar?”
Simon leaned forward and scanned the page.
“Hey, that's the rune I use to ward the walls,” he said with some surprise. “But, different. It looks more...complex.”
“It is. You've been using a very simple version of the rune, apparently. According to this, if you strengthen the existing runes and add some to the parapet up on the roof, they will actually encase the entire tower and block hostile magic.”
He smiled up at Simon.
“All hostile magic, my dear wizard. That means Gate spells, Magic Mirror spells, anything at all.”
“Hmm.”
Simon read the text dubiously.
“But what if she showed up and started raining fireballs down on us?”
“Doesn't matter,” Aeris said smugly. “If the tower is sealed with these runes, an attacker would have to breach the wall physically before they could attack with magic. And good luck knocking down a wall built by earth elementals.”
The wizard sighed with a profound sense of relief.
“If we have a way to keep the wizard out and unaware of our plans, maybe the next time we try to stop her, we'll catch her by surprise.”
Aeris made a growling sound and his smile was cold and deadly.
“Let us hope so.”
Simon hurried to finish his tea and jumped up. Aeris looked at him in surprise as the wizard grabbed the book.
“I think I'll beef up the runes on the wall with this new one and add several up on the roof. I won't feel safe until I seal this place magically.”
“Good thinking, my dear wizard. I approve. Kronk is in the stable. I'll join him and let him know what you are up to. It will ease his mind, I think.”
�
�Sounds good,” Simon said as he headed for the door. “I'll call Clara after I get this done. See you soon.”
Upgrading the runes along the wall and then climbing to the roof to add a rune at each point of the compass to the parapet was probably one of the most satisfying things Simon had done in a long time.
When he had finished casting the spell to inscribe the final rune, the wizard breathed a sigh of relief and then gasped. A translucent dome appeared briefly over the tower, racing up from the outer wall and snapping closed just above the tower itself. Then it faded and Simon smiled.
He was weak-kneed and shaking from casting so many spells in a row, but felt that it had been worth it. For a few minutes, the wizard leaned on the parapet and looked out across the forest.
“Spy on us now, you...” he muttered with a scowl. “I'll find you eventually, but the next time, you won't see me coming.”
A mild breeze, filled with the sweet smell of spring, blew over him and ruffled his hair and Simon breathed deeply. He allowed himself to let go of his fury for now and just enjoy the moment. Then he smiled and made his way back inside.
Kronk and Aeris were waiting for him downstairs. Both were grinning when he arrived.
“Beautiful, master,” Kronk exclaimed. “We saw the shield come into being around the tower. Well done.”
“Thanks,” Simon said with a tired smile. “I can't tell you how much better I feel now.”
He went to the counter and filled the kettle with water. After he hung it over the fire, he tossed the spell-book on to the table and looked at Aeris.
“I still don't understand why I didn't see that rune earlier. I went through that blasted book backwards and forwards and never came across it.”
The air elemental flew over to the book while Kronk jumped up to the table top.
“At a guess, I'd say that you are being spoon-fed spells as you need them, my dear wizard. You were not strong enough to cast that rune even a week ago. Now that you are, the rune appears.”
He stared at the book speculatively.
“I suppose it's reassuring to know that the gods of Light are still giving you their aid, if only surreptitiously.”
Simon leaned against the fireplace and raised an eyebrow.
“Maybe. But it also makes me feel like a child being led around by the hand. Not the most comfortable feeling, you know.”
“But you are a child, at least in magic, master,” Kronk said gently. “One step at a time is the best way to learn, don't you think?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
The kettle began to boil and Simon made his tea. He sat down at the table and sipped it for a minute, staring blankly at the book.
“Is something wrong?” Aeris asked.
“Hmm? Oh no, not really. I'm just trying to figure out how I can tell Clara about what happened. She's going to be very upset.”
Kronk tapped over and stood by Simon's right hand.
“Tell her about it as it happened, master. It is the only way.”
“I suppose.”
The wizard sat back, put down his cup and cast the Magic Mouth spell. The elementals looked at each other in surprise but said nothing.
“Clara? Are you there?”
“Simon!” he heard the cleric respond. “Good morning. I'm so relieved to hear your voice. I'm sorry I'm not near a mirror so that we can speak face to face.”
“Don't worry about it. I'm not using the Magic Mirror spell at the moment. Do you have a free minute so we can talk?”
“Certainly. Actually, since you can't see me, I can tell you that I'm standing out in the corn field right now, overseeing planting. So go ahead, I have plenty of time.”
Simon nodded and looked around the room vaguely as he began to explain what had happened the previous day.
Clara did not interrupt his story and the wizard told it all the way through to the end, pausing occasionally to drink some tea. When he was finished, Simon drained his cup and waited tensely for the cleric's comments.
“She knew that you were coming to attack her? That dark wizard knew?”
“Yes, she did.”
“By the gods. Simon. I have been impressed by you before, but being able to escape that trap? You've outdone yourself this time.”
The wizard stood up and went to the front door. He leaned against the door frame and stared out across the yard. A robin poked around in the grass, searching for a meal, its chest a brilliant ruby red.
“But Clara, I failed them. All of those Changlings, killed, because I was too stupid to realize that any spell that I could cast to spy on an enemy wizard could in turn be used by them to spy on me.”
“Don't you blame yourself for that woman's evil deeds, my friend. Don't you dare!”
Clara sounded as angry as Simon had ever heard her.
“But...”
“No! I won't hear it. In this crazy world of magic, we are all still finding our way. Those poor farmers were probably doomed whatever you had done. I know it's hard to hear. It's harder for me to say. But that is the truth. And now you know better and your next meeting will be much different, I have no doubt.”
Simon looked back at the elementals watching him and smiled grimly.
“You can be sure of that. We found a way to block her spying, thanks to Aeris.”
He explained the new runes and their use and Clara expressed her delight.
“So they not only block a Magic Mirror spell, but actually block magical attacks? Hmm. Would it be possible to do the same for Nottinghill?”
“Hang on, I'll ask.”
Simon walked back and sat at the kitchen table.
“Our friend wants to know if we could protect her town the way we've added protection to the tower,” he told the air elemental.
“I'm afraid not,” Aeris said regretfully. “The runes could not extend their field over something as large as an entire town.”
He paused thoughtfully.
“You could protect a large building, such as the town hall, though. That way, any plans that Clara and her people made there would be kept secret, plus it could be used as a refuge in the event of a magical attack on the town.”
Simon passed on Aeris' answer to the cleric.
“Well, that's certainly better than nothing,” she replied. “It would be good to know that we can't be overheard by evil forces when we hold meetings. If you could stop by in the next week or so, Simon, and help with that, we would very much appreciate it.”
“I will, Clara. By the way, the next time those gods of yours drop into your dreams, thank them for their gift of my new spell-book.”
He had told the cleric about the mysterious book earlier and the woman had laughed.
“I'll try to remember to do that, Simon,” she said, amused. “Let's be reassured that they are still trying to help us in our battle against their evil brethren.”
Simon watched as Aeris began to make him some more tea and smiled his appreciation.
“Oh I am, believe me. Well, I'll let you get back to your planting. By the way,” he looked at Kronk and winked, “now that we have a bit of time, I'm going to ask Kronk to find me another lodestone and I'll send Aeris down with your half in the next day or so.”
“Ah, that's a relief. Thank you. It will be good to have a way to get in touch with you, just in case.”
“Any time. Talk to you soon.”
Simon canceled the spell and accepted a fresh cup of tea from Aeris.
“You don't mind, do you, guys?” he asked them, already knowing the answer.
“I'm happy to help, master,” Kronk said quickly. “In fact, now that the horses are taken care of, I will go immediately if that's all right.”
“Sure. Go ahead. Just be careful down there.”
The earthen smiled at Simon's warning.
“There is nothing that I fear beneath the earth, master,” he said. “I will return as soon as I can.”
He hopped down from the table and tip-tapped out of the tower.
“And me? Delivering the lodestone to Clara, you mean? Of course I will. It is important that they are able to call for help from you if they need it.”
“Good. Thanks.”
Simon opened the spell-book and flipped through it at random while Aeris watched.
“Looking for something in particular?” he asked finally.
“What? Oh, no. I'm just catching my breath. I want to add more spells to Bene-Dunn-Gal,” and he glanced at the staff across the room as he spoke, “just in case.”
“Good thinking. I have to dust the rooms upstairs anyway, so enjoy your casting.”
Simon gaped at Aeris as the elemental flew toward the stairs. Before he went upstairs, the small floating figure turned and caught the wizard's expression.
“What?” he said with some irritation. “We all have to pull our weight around here, don't we?”
“Uh, yeah. Yes, of course,” Simon said quickly. “Err, enjoy.”
“Very funny,” Aeris snorted and disappeared up the stairs.
Chapter 19
Kronk returned that evening with a new lodestone. He split it in half and Simon asked Aeris to head to Nottinghill the following morning with one piece of it and give it to Clara.
As darkness fell, the three of them sat companionably on the front steps watching the sun set. The air cooled down and the surrounding forest quieted until bird song was replaced with the chirping of crickets.
Simon could see the wall around the tower shimmering slightly with the power of its new runes and he felt a sense of security from it. He sat with his knees drawn up, resting his chin on his hands and staring into the darkening sky. He was drained from casting a dozen spells and storing them on his staff and now he sat sleepily, feeling content.
“How was your search, Kronk?” he asked, his voice hushed as he listened to the night. “Did you have to travel far?”
“Not far, master,” the earthen replied quietly. “Deep.”
Tales from the New Earth: Volume One Page 67