"Wow!" Lara called out and jumped backward. Alrion opened his eyes and saw a flame dancing above his hand. It was alternating between being small and contained, and rising like a giant pillar.
"It's harder than it looks," he said apologetically and focused on it more. He took the huge surge of Spark within him and put it in a box, then visualised it to be the lamp that he had originally used when Falric came to test him. The flame started to take shape and looked like it was contained within a lamp.
"It's actually working," Alrion said, some surprised joy sneaking into his voice.
"It sure is!"
"I think I'll quit while I'm ahead," Alrion said, as he felt his focus dropping a little. He mentally extinguished the flame and it puffed out in an instant. He examined his hand carefully, expecting to see some signs of the fire.
"Hand survived?" Lara said.
"Yes, it looks fine. Just a little warm," Alrion said while turning it over and feeling it with his other hand. "I feel better."
"Better because you learned another spell?"
"Partly. Better because I released some of my frustration into the fire."
"Sounds good to me. And you avoided burning down this entire area."
"Yeah, that's also a plus," Alrion said, managing a small chuckle.
"Are we good to go?"
"Yes. We really should and soon. How long to Paperton?"
"Riding we should be there today, provided there are no more adventures."
"I can't promise anything, but I think there's been enough excitement for today," Alrion said. He checked to make sure everything he needed was packed and looked over the campsite one more time.
"It feels better leaving this time. More hopeful, less depressing."
"Good. You can do this."
"Thanks. I appreciate the help, I know I've been cautious and not trusting, but sorry in advance I will continue to be. Just realise that it's not because I'm ungrateful."
"Don't worry I understand. You'll see, your trust today is well-founded."
"I take it we follow the road?"
"Yes, I'll show you the path when we need to divert to Paperton."
"Let's go then," Alrion said. He mounted the horse and shuffled forward, making space for Lara. She hopped onto the back and he started their journey, leaving some of the pain behind him.
25
The Paper Gatekeepers
The ride went smoothly and they progressed swiftly along the main road. Alrion explained more to Lara as they went, including some basic information and filling in some of the gaps.
"You've come a long way. I probably haven't given you enough credit," she said.
"Not really."
"I apologise, but now's the time to prove it. We are almost there," Lara said, pointing into the distance. They could see Paperton now, nestled down in a valley next to the lake. It was a sprawling collection of stone buildings with tiled roofs.
"Doesn't look very organised," Alrion said.
"That is the town of scholars. It looks perfectly appropriate. Like stacks of paper left haphazardly around the place."
"When you put it that way it does seem about right. You've been here before?"
"A while ago, but only as a visitor. I can direct you to their main hall, from what you said we should start there."
"Sounds good to me. Here we go," Alrion said and began the descent. As they traversed the winding path down to Paperton Alrion understood why the caravan did not take the route anymore. At times the path was relatively narrow, and the turns were tight. It would take the caravan a very long time to navigate that path, with no guarantee that they would be able to.
"What can you tell me about them? The scholars?" he said.
"Not much, but they are sticklers for rules and regulations. They have laws and by-laws and statutes and all other kinds of things that must be followed. They do not believe in just figuring it out. You may have some difficulty getting their help."
"Thanks for the tip. I'd rather know before going in there, so I can try and start on the right foot."
"They sure do love their paperwork there. But you definitely need their help, only they will know how to get to the Pool of Knowledge."
"Imagine that. What we need is kept safe by paper pushers and not guards."
"A refreshing change."
"Definitely," Alrion said. He could see more of the town now. It had a quaint quality to it as if it was a small village that had grown organically. It didn't have the harshness of some of the larger towns he had seen.
"Keep along here, there is a large hall at the end of this road," Lara said as they entered the town. Alrion couldn't see what she was referring to, due to the winding of the road but he followed the route, taking in the odd architecture as he went. Unlike other places, there weren't many people on the street.
"Where is everyone?"
"Not sure, maybe there's something on?"
"I hope we're not too late," Alrion said. If the black wizard knew about Paperton he could already be here. Alrion pushed his worry aside for the time being and focused on the task ahead of him.
A few turns later and Alrion finally spotted what Lara had been referring to. A giant stone hall sat above the rest of the town at the end of the road. It had a large black and white clock mounted at the top, and multiple stone columns framing the entrance.
"That must be it."
"That's it. It's the heart of their town, and also the brains."
"Into the scholar's den," Alrion muttered as they pushed forward. He noticed several horses tied up out the front, so he slowed and dismounted. After Lara bounded off, he tied off the horse and started to ascend the steps to the front door. He could hear the sound of talking from inside.
"Try and keep quiet so we can figure out what is going on," Lara said.
"Sure." Alrion slowed his walk and looked for people who might challenge him but there was nobody around. He reached the main doors, which were closed, but not locked. With care, he pushed one door open and slipped inside, holding it for Lara to join him.
He was inside a massive hall. The main floor was full of people, with a stage and a lectern at the end housing several others. Alrion looked up and could see gallery after gallery of people in attendance as well.
"The whole town must be here," Alrion whispered.
"Must be. Let's keep it quiet," Lara said and Alrion nodded. He moved closer and lurked behind the back row of people.
"That concludes item eighty-seven of the agenda. Seal the room for the last agenda item," a strong male voice called out from the front. Two imposing men stepped forward towards the doors and stopped.
"Who are you?" the first man said.
"I'm Alrion, a visitor."
"This is a private meeting, get out."
"I'm sorry but I really must see your leader. It's an urgent matter."
"You may file a meeting request tomorrow, and it will be processed in due course. But you must leave now."
"He's a wizard, very important business. Can't we file the paperwork later?" Lara said.
"Wizards have no special permissions, they must also follow the same rules and regulations as the rest of us," the second man said.
"You don't understand, this is an emergency. Now is the time to raise this, and I think with everyone here the perfect chance to brief everybody at once," Alrion said.
"No. Please leave before we are forced to escort you out," the first man said. He took a step forward.
"Why are we delayed in securing the room?" the man at the front called out.
"Out of my way," Alrion said, his frustration building. He threw his hand out in front of him, mentally attaching a push to it. Not a normal push but a spear-like column that forged ahead. It parted the mob, clearing a path ahead of him. Each displaced scholar gasped and turned with surprise. Alrion capitalised on their confusion and walked along the newly made path, using the distraction to progress. Lara followed closely behind, smirking at any of the scholars t
hat looked over at her.
The scholars stood back in silence, surprised by the intrusion. Alrion walked all the way up to the front. His burst of frustration had made him act tough, but it was running thin now. He had realised what he had just done and was alternating between feeling embarrassed and trying to stoke the fires of frustration and urgency and stay on the offensive. He looked up at the speaker standing at the lectern. The man was old and wrinkled, with a long grey beard.
"Are you the leader?"
"No, you impudent whelp, I am the Speaker. What gives you the right to barge in here?"
"My name is Alrion and I have a very urgent need. I don't have the luxury of waiting for the paperwork to be completed. I must speak with your leader about the Pool of Knowledge," Alrion said. His voice sounded more confident than he felt.
"You are wasting our time with such fairy tales," the Speaker said.
"No fairy-tale at all. I was brought here by the wizard Falric who not only confirmed that it exists but also that Paperton was the place to gain access," Alrion said. He had fudged the facts a little, but he needed to confirm that the scholars could actually help him.
"Falric. Yes, we know him. Perhaps he can clear up this confusion?"
"Unfortunately, he was killed this morning by an evil wizard. One who is on his way here. That's why I am in your hall without my mentor, and also why this matter is so urgent," Alrion said. A gasp went up among those on the stage.
"A major loss, if that is true. However, how are we to know that you are who you say you are, and Falric is indeed lost to us? How do we know you are not the one that killed him?" the Speaker said. Alrion paused for a moment. He had to reign in his annoyance and think of a solution.
"Show them the spellbook," Lara whispered to him. Alrion nodded and rummaged through his bag.
"Look at this, it is Falric's spellbook!" Alrion said. He handed it to the Speaker.
"Looks legitimate, but the pages are all blank."
"It is protected by magic, but surely a scholar such as yourself can read some of the pages."
"I can indeed, I was testing you. It would be hard to come into possession of this without him desiring it. But are you even a wizard?"
"Yes. I am a wizard," Alrion said. He decided to demonstrate, and at the same time do a little tribute to Falric. He closed his eyes and focused again on his spark, fanning the flames, and increasing the intensity. He channelled it into a flame and tried this time to give the flame some shape. More than the simple flare he had done earlier.
"What?" the Speaker called out and quickly stumbled backward. Shock and surprise were on his face. The whole group on the stage were on their feet, backing away.
"I like what you did there," Lara said, enjoying the reaction. Alrion opened his eyes to see how his spell had turned out. It was even better than he had hoped.
A flame extended from his upturned palm, but it didn't just go straight up. It bent and split into many smaller and connected flames, depicting the outline of a book with the letter 'F' in the middle of the cover. It filled the air above the stage, the heat threatening to set the stage alight.
"That's quite enough," the Speaker said and Alrion let the flame dissipate.
"Are you satisfied?" Alrion said.
"While your demonstration was acceptable, we need to confer before we come to you with a decision."
"How long will this take?"
"As long as it needs to take," the Speaker said. Alrion felt Lara leaning in close.
"Great that you got this far, I don't think you can push your luck much further. Be gracious," she whispered.
"That's all I can ask. I shall wait for your response. But please do be mindful of the urgency here. A deadly wizard is after the Pool of Knowledge, and we need to be ready for that."
"Don't worry; there are those who have been prepared for such things. Please wait in the guest rooms until you have an answer. We will return the spellbook to you at the same time," the Speaker said.
"Thank you," Alrion said and turned to leave. He tried to ignore all the strange looks and keep his composure as he walked through the crowd.
"I can't believe I did that," he thought. Nevertheless, he pushed the thought away. He couldn't afford to undermine himself with doubt. There would be plenty of time for that later if he so wished.
A short man pushed through all the people and stopped in front of Alrion.
"Alrion, my name is Caleb. I have been tasked with directing you to your accommodation."
"Caleb? Thanks. This is Lara."
"Nice to meet you, Caleb. Are you a scholar too?" Lara said.
"Of course, but a junior one. That was quite a display back there."
"It had to be. I hope this process doesn't take too long," Alrion said.
"I think they like you, they never agree to convene on such short notice."
"Wow, I'd hate to see what happens if they don't like you."
"It's always according to the letter of our law, but if you really ticked off the wrong person you could be waiting months for the most basic decision to be taken."
"Sounds pretty awful," Lara said.
"It probably sounds worse than it is. I don't think they would force outsiders to wait for months. That's saved for internal squabbles. Let's just get ourselves out of the hall," Caleb said.
Within a few minutes, they were outside, even with the commotion and the curious scholars trying to stop them with questions.
"Now we can breathe. What an exciting time!" Caleb said.
"You think this is exciting? It gets better, or worse depending on your perspective," Alrion said.
"Surely better, a little excitement could never hurt. Paperton is quiet, with good reason. It was explicitly designed to be so. It's conducive to research and learning."
"Makes sense to me. Do you get a chance to travel?"
"Yes, but only once you are formally admitted into the Fellowship."
"I hope you get there soon. I too lived a fairly sheltered life, but since I set foot outside my home it's been quite an adventure."
"Much appreciated, I look forward to the opportunity. Here we are," Caleb said, stopping in front of a small house. It was a simple structure, painted all in white with a bright blue door. Caleb unlocked the door and walked inside. Alrion and Lara followed.
The house was tiny but functional. Alrion saw a sitting room with a couch and two chairs, a basic kitchen and larder and a bedroom.
"I hope we won't need to stay that long," he said.
"Hopefully not, but the place is kitted out for longer stays just in case," Caleb said.
"How long do you think I'll have to wait?"
"A few hours at the earliest, it's quite a strange request."
"Can you tell me anything about the Pool of Knowledge?"
"Not much, it's a well-kept secret. The less that people know the better."
"Sure, but can you tell me anything?"
"Just generally available information. Access is restricted, nobody gets to go there. Which is why it is incredible they are even deliberating about your request. I don't know why it is so restricted, but I get the impression that it is about protecting the pool from the wrong people."
"That's pretty vague. Why not just tell us something interesting, even if it is just a rumour?" Lara said.
"Fine, that's a fair point. And maybe you'll get to see it anyway. They say it is an actual pool, and the knowledge of the world is contained there. You can see why they would want to protect that. Knowledge is power," Caleb said.
"That's exactly why I need to be there. Also, why the black wizard wants access too. Knowledge is a key pillar of magic. In most cases, you can't cast the spell if you don't know it is possible."
"Very interesting. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but I don't know enough. I will suggest though that you rest. We don't know how long they will be deliberating. They will send for you when there is a decision," Caleb said.
"Thanks for your help. Will they be
sending you?"
"Not sure, but likely."
"Then I hope I see you soon," Alrion said.
"Me too," Caleb said as he waved and left the tiny house.
"He's right, you know," Lara said after the door closed.
"About what?"
"Resting. It has been a long day, and you don't know how long the wait will be. But when they say yes, you need to be ready."
"I agree in theory, but resting now will be hard. I'll try," Alrion said and headed off for the bedroom. He knew he couldn't sleep immediately, so he decided to try and mentally rehearse some of his spells. He didn't have his spellbook or the time to try and learn something new, but he knew that he would need as much magic as he could muster for whatever lay ahead.
26
The Abandoned Gate
Alrion awoke to the sound of a bell and sat upright. He hadn't even remembered falling asleep. He dashed out of the bedroom.
"Talk about a rude awakening," Lara said. She was lying on the couch, and let out a little yawn. Alrion could see it was still dark outside. He walked straight to the front door and opened it. Caleb was standing outside, holding a torch and a hand-held brass bell.
"Alrion, the hall has completed their deliberation. You have been summoned to receive their judgement."
"Thank you, I will come immediately," Alrion said. Lara jumped up and joined him.
"Any indication of what the decision is?" Alrion asked.
"I am acting in the official capacity of the Notifier. I cannot engage in discourse."
"Fine," Alrion said. He didn't really expect an answer but was desperate to find out. He had no idea how long he had slept, and he felt like he was already behind. They walked swiftly back to the hall. Caleb opened the main doors and held them open. After Alrion and Lara walked through, he closed the doors behind them and stood guard.
Pool of Knowledge (The Hidden Wizard Book 1) Page 18