“Good grief, how long was I out?”
“About four hours. As I said, you needed it. And now, I assume you must be hungry?”
The wizard started walking again and his stomach decided to announce itself to the world at that moment with a loud growl. Aeris laughed.
“I'll take that as a yes.”
When they got back, Clara spotted Simon quickly and took his arm to lead him back to where the chairs were set up. On the tables, plates were stacked with sandwiches of fresh bread and smoked meat. There was some sort of baked fish covered with an orange sauce that was amazing. Simon had thirds, even though he'd never cared much for fish. There were fresh orange slices and someone had made lemonade with honey as a sweetener. It was delicious.
The entire community seemed to have been waiting for the wizard to return before eating and now the group attacked the food with a vengeance. Simon made sure to compliment the cooks, including Malcolm, who seemed to have a special knack for the art.
“He could boil stone and make it taste good,” Aiden said of his partner, while the big man smiled shyly. “But will he make a bed? God forbid!”
Clara and Simon chuckled as Malcolm scowled and made a threatening gesture at a laughing Aiden.
“On a more serious note,” the cleric said. “We all want to thank you, Simon, and your elemental friends for all the help you've given us. You've helped us build a town months faster than we could have on our own and we all owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“We were happy to do it,” Simon assured her and the others close enough to hear him. “But I'll pass on your thanks to Kronk and the others.”
The rest of the day passed quickly. The earthen finished what they could before nightfall and then they volunteered to man the walls overnight and allow the sentries to get some much-needed rest. The offer was gratefully accepted.
Simon went to his assigned tent as darkness fell and dropped into a deep sleep, feeling satisfied that the day had gone better than he could have hoped. He could only wish that the following day went as well.
Chapter 24
The first thing that Simon did the following morning was to ask Clara if he could borrow her hand mirror.
“My mirror?” she asked and then grinned. “The pink one?”
“Sure, I'm manly enough to use that one,” he responded, flexing his skinny arms in a muscleman pose. “Welcome to the gun show!”
The cleric burst out laughing.
“Stick to magic, young wizard,” she told him. “Since I'm assuming you don't need a mirror to style your non-existent hair, I'm guessing that you want to make a call. Not that I'm being nosy!” she hastened to add.
“Of course not,” Simon said with a grin of his own. Then he sobered. “Actually I want to call the mages in London, fill them in on what's been happening. Neither Tamara nor her brother Sebastian can cast Magic Mirror for some reason, but they can Gate, so I'll let them know where you are in case they need a place to retreat to, or if they'd just like to visit.”
“Oh, that's a wonderful idea! I wonder how they're doing?”
Simon and Clara were standing just outside of his tent. She had been waiting for him to wake up and they began walking toward the tables and chairs they had used yesterday. The wizard was wearing a new robe, light gray in color, kindly given to him by the cleric to replace the dirty one from the day before and felt much better after his rest.
“No idea. They have a lodestone, just like you and Liliana, but they haven't used it, up until yesterday at least. I left it at home. I also want to tell them about my possibly heading into the elven realm to help in the fight against the brown dragons.”
“You may not have to do that,” Clara said quickly.
They arrived at the chairs and found that someone had put out bowls of sliced oranges, toasted bread and honey, and a large steaming pot of hot chocolate.
“I know. But I'd like to give them a heads-up anyway, just in case.”
The two of them served themselves and sat down to eat, watching the comings and goings of the community while they talked.
“Where are your little friends?”
“Kronk and the earthen headed off to get more wood for construction. Malcolm told them which direction to take and I sent Aeris with them as a scout, just in case.”
Clara looked at him sharply.
“You're expecting trouble?”
“No, but haven't we had enough surprises? I'm not taking any more chances. I lost Kronk once and that was enough.”
“I understand.”
They finished their breakfast, chatting amiably and then the cleric went off to fetch her mirror. When she returned and handed it to Simon, she was laughing softly to herself. When he looked at her curiously, she shook her head.
“A helpful person, who asked not to be named, left you a basin of hot water, soap and a towel in your tent so that you can get washed up. They are, um, rather smitten with you apparently.”
Simon felt his ears getting warm.
“A secret admirer? Isn't that a bit...high school?”
She shook a finger at him.
“I think it's cute, so be nice. I told this person that you are much too busy to get involved right now, quoting you by the way, and they understand, so accept the kindness and don't worry about the rest.”
The wizard got up and took the mirror.
“Good advice. Thanks. I'll get cleaned up and call the mages. And after that,” he fixed her with a keen look, “I want to have our meeting with Virginia and the others. If you and Malcolm want to sit in, feel free.”
Clara's smiled disappeared and she nodded once.
“Okay. I'll talk to them while you're taking care of your other business.”
They parted and Simon hurried back to his tent. It was large enough for him to stand up in and to hold a cot and a small bureau. When he walked in, a large porcelain basin filled with steaming water was on top of the bureau, a towel and a bar of soap resting next to it.
Vaguely wondering who he should thank for the kindness, Simon closed the tent flap, took off his robe and got washed up. When he was finished, he got dressed again, sat on the edge of his cot and cast the Magic Mirror spell.
As he was waiting for the fogged surface of the mirror to clear, the tent flap rippled and Aeris popped in and moved to hover beside his left shoulder.
“Hey, welcome back. That was quick. How did it go?”
“It went well,” Aeris said, sounding pleased. “Kronk and the others are on their way back right now. I have a feeling that the townspeople are going to be surprised when several dozen logs pop up in the center of town. And before you ask, I made sure that the new town hall was cleared of people. Kronk thought it safest to leave the wood in there, out of the way.”
“Ah, good idea.”
“So who are you calling?” the elemental asked as he peered at the mirror. “Pretty color.”
“Thanks. Tamara and her brother. I want to tell them what's been happening.”
“And about your 'rebirth'?” Aeris asked slyly.
“Uh no. Let's not muddy the waters here. Maybe one day we can discuss it, but right now I think it would just lead to more questions and I really don't have the time for them.”
The fog faded from the mirror and they both watched as an image appeared. Simon gasped and lurched backwards, almost dropping the mirror in the process as a huge fireball momentarily dazzled him.
“What the hell?” he spluttered as he steadied the mirror and stared at the picture in shock.
“It's a battle,” Aeris said tersely.
“Yeah, I can see that. But who's fighting whom?”
Simon adjusted the view and the picture pulled back to reveal the frosted, snow-covered streets of London. Twisted metal, heaps of ruined buildings and rusted cars made the old city look like a war zone, and another explosion of fire reinforced that image.
“Look, isn't that Tamara and Sebastian?” Aeris asked and pointed at two small figures racin
g across from one side of a street filled with rusting cars to another.
“It is. Oh thank God, look; they're both shielded.”
Simon could see the air around each mage rippling and sparkling as they ran, their dark robes flapping as they moved. As they ducked into the remains of a storefront, another blast of orange fire seared his eyes and he blinked rapidly to clear the after-images.
“What is going on, damn it!” Simon asked helplessly.
“Ask them!” Aeris told him and nodded at the two mages who were now huddled together, their shields overlapping and strengthening each other.
The wizard took a moment to admire how much each sibling's magic enhanced the other's. He was sure that his own Shield spell would only be repulsed by someone else's. Then he zoomed in on Tamara's scowling face, streaks of dirt and sweat making her look much older than she was.
“Tamara? It's Simon. Can you hear me?”
She looked around, startled and nodded.
“I can. Sebastian?”
Simon moved the view to include her brother, who looked equally dirty and grim.
“Yes, I can hear him. How are you doing?”
“Bastian, we don't exactly have time for the niceties here. What do you want, sir wizard? We're a little busy at the moment.”
Another explosion caused them both to duck and Tamara rattled off a string of obscenities that would have done justice to a dock worker.
“I can see that,” Simon said loudly, trying to be heard over the sounds of battle. “What the hell is going on?”
“Dragons,” the mage said shortly. “Red dragons to be precise. Two of the bastards. They appeared just before dawn and caught one of our people out in the open.”
She hesitated and Sebastian cut in.
“She was immolated, Simon. It was horrific. We got everyone else under cover and we're been fighting them ever since.”
“Just the two of you?” the wizard asked in awe. “Against a pair of dragons?”
“You don't see anyone else here, do you?” Tamara barked angrily.
“No. Sorry, stupid question. What can I do to help?”
“One's coming in for a strafing run,” she said to her brother, ignoring Simon's question. Sebastian nodded as he peered upward. “You ready?” she asked.
“Of course,” he answered calmly.
Simon watched apprehensively, thinking that the siblings couldn't be more different personality-wise. Tamara was volatile and quick-tempered while Sebastian was reserved and seemed to exude an aura of cool confidence.
Hard to believe they're related, he thought briefly and then forgot about that as Sebastian stepped out on to the street, his shield throwing up sparks as it pushed snow and debris from his path.
He muttered too quietly for Simon to hear the spell, then raised his arms and waited.
“You've got to time this just right,” Tamara called out.
“I'm aware, sis,” he replied loudly. “Now please stop distracting me.”
Simon was amused at their constant banter, even in the midst of a pitched battle.
Sebastian's calm demeanor suddenly changed and he scowled as he looked up. He jerked his arms forward and twin streams of dazzling lightning blasted from his fingertips at his unseen foe.
A deafening screech of pain was followed by a blast of wind that drove the mage to his knees amid swirling snow and particles of dust.
The screams continued but faded into the distance and then were gone. Sebastian stood up, dusted off his robes and looked back as Tamara walked out of the ruined building to join him.
“Well, that was effective,” she said with some relief. “Simon? You still there?”
“Right here, Tamara,” he answered. “Am I right in guessing that you drove one of the dragons off?”
“The second one, actually,” her brother answered with some satisfaction. “Big sister here hurt the first one so badly with her Magic Missiles that it barely managed to fly out of the city. Lovely sight.”
“Thanks,” she told him with a light punch on the arm. Both of their shields had flickered and died as soon as the battle was over.
“Now, what's going on, my friend?” Tamara asked as she scanned the sky.
Simon was taken aback by the casual attitude the siblings were showing after successfully fighting off two red dragons.
“Um, you guys do this often?” he asked.
The brother and sister exchanged glances and then both laughed.
“Hardly. We haven't seen a dragon in months; not since we helped you defeat the primal white,” Tamara answered and then added heavily, “And it's cost us the life of one of our own. It's a hard price to pay for complacency, let me tell you.”
“We weren't complacent,” Sebastian protested, giving his sister a stern look. “Who would have believed that a red dragon would venture into the skies over London in the middle of winter, let alone two?”
“Well, we know now. And we'll take precautions. Now, Simon, it's cold and we aren't exactly dressed for it. So while we head back home, why don't you tell us what's going on?”
The wizard watched as the pair made their way down the street, ducking around wrecked cars, jumping over fallen bricks and weaving in and out of piles of frost-covered debris.
“I wanted to tell you what's been happening over on our side of the ocean lately,” he said and then proceeded to explain recent events.
He avoided mentioning his death and rebirth but did tell the siblings about the wight attacks.
“Any big storms come your way lately?” he asked as he finished his tale. It had been a long explanation and the mages had walked several blocks by the time he was done.
“Not yet, but there's still several months of winter left,” Tamara answered.
They were crossing a large square now that was fairly clear of wreckage and making better time. Both were shivering with the cold and had recast their shields to stave off some of the wind. Obviously they had rushed into battle without grabbing their winter gear.
“Is your home secure enough to hold off a horde of wights? If not, I'm sure that Clara and her people would welcome you here, at least for the winter.”
“Tempting, my friend. Very tempting.”
Tamara stopped walking and she and her brother looked at each other for a moment. Sebastian shook his head and she nodded.
“But this is our home, wights, dragons, winter and all. We have a dozen Changlings to care for and we are doing well, all things considered. We've even built an underground greenhouse and are growing fresh vegetables all winter long now. And we have some chickens and geese for eggs and meat. No, we're fine. Our refuge is, for all intents and purposes, impregnable.”
Before Simon could make a comment, she raised a hand and pressed on.
“I can't see your face, but I can guess what you'll say to that statement. Yes, I know nothing is totally impregnable. But, while Bastian and I aren't wizards, we can more than hold our own against the dangers that threaten our people. At least for now.”
“Considering what I just saw, you'll get no argument from me. Just the same, I wanted you to know that if things get really bad, you have a place to retreat to. Just concentrate on an image of Clara if you need to Gate away in an emergency, and it will bring you here.”
“Thanks, Simon,” Sebastian said with a tired smile. “It's always good to have a back-up plan. I'm more worried about you and those brown dragons. If you cross over to the world of the elves, you'll effectively be trapped there until the dragons are defeated, won't you? I mean, if I'm understanding you correctly, only an elf can take you through from one world to the other.”
“Yes, that's true. But it's worth the risk, I think. Imagine, if we can neutralize the browns, that will leave only the red dragons. They will have a hell of a hard time eliminating humanity on their own, don't you think?”
“Don't underestimate them, my friend,” Tamara said darkly. “Their queen remains as well, and wherever that monster is, I'd guess th
at she's really the ultimate threat.”
“One impossible quest at a time, guys,” Simon said with grim smile and the siblings chuckled appreciatively.
“Right. Well, thanks for the call. We really want to get indoors now.”
A few flakes of snow had begun to float down around the mages and the sky was darkening into evening.
“Okay, guys. Listen, all the best. Remember that you have a refuge over here if you need it. Hopefully we'll talk soon.”
“You take care, Simon,” Tamara replied earnestly and Sebastian nodded, his expression one of concern. “And if you do cross over to take the fight to the browns, give them hell.”
“I will. Goodbye.”
Simon canceled the spell, tossed the mirror on to his cot and leaned forward with a sigh, resting his elbows on his knees.
“A powerful pair,” Aeris ventured to say.
“Absolutely. Tough, resolute, resourceful. I don't have any worries about those two. It's sad that they lost someone though.”
“Yes, it is.”
The wizard reached up to run his fingers through his hair and realized that there was very little there. He grimaced and then noticed Aeris smiling at him.
“That's become a habit, I think,” he said with amusement.
Simon shrugged irritably.
“I guess so. I miss it, to be honest. Oh well.”
He picked up the mirror again.
“Would you do me a favor and see if there's any more of that hot chocolate available? I have a craving.”
“Certainly. Are you calling someone else?”
“Yeah. I figured that since I have the time, I may as well check in with the folks down in Australia. It's been quite a while and I'd like to make sure they're okay,”
“Ah, good idea. I'll be right back with your drink,” Aeris said and zipped out of the tent.
Simon got up and peeked out, making sure that the elemental was actually gone. Then he dropped the mirror back on to the cot, grabbed his staff where it was lying next to the bureau and quickly chanted the Gate spell. He took a deep breath and swallowed nervously.
Aeris is going to be furious if he finds me gone, he thought gloomily and gripped the staff tighter.
Tales from the New Earth: Volume One Page 151