The three-headed hellhound came over to sniff my open palm. I was careful not to get scorched by his fiery breath. “Rudolph knows Bryn’s scent really well. Once we get to Balor’s Basin, we can set him loose to track her.”
Fonthill reached over and scratched behind the ear of Rudolph’s middle head. “It’s a dangerous mission, but I think Rudolph wouldn’t mind being useful, would you?”
Rudolph panted in response.
I looked into the hound’s middle set of eyes. “Your job is very important. We can’t use magic to track Bryn or else we’ll give up the element of surprise, so we need your brand of expertise.” Although Gray and Nick were excellent trackers in their own right, we needed their attention on other things—like fighting off any attackers. Rudolph could be solely dedicated to finding Bryn.
Rudolph’s long tongue rolled out and a drop of his saliva fell into my hand and burned my skin. I winced and pulled away my hand.
“I’ve got an ointment for that,” Fonthill said. He immediately retrieved a tube of paste from his pocket. “Professor Mayweather made it for me when she saw the burns on my arm one day.” He smeared a pea-sized amount of ointment on my hand and the pain disappeared.
“Thank you,” I said.
Fonthill handed me the tube. “Take it. You might need it.”
I slid the ointment into my pocket. “Do you have the leash?”
Warden Armitage clipped the leash onto Rudolph’s collar. “I’ll walk him.”
I looked at the warden askance. “You’re not planning to come, are you?”
“Did you think I was going to sit around here and wait?” he shot back. “I’m a warden, Holmes. If Morrow needs our help, then I’m going to be there.”
Fonthill tipped his hat. “Good luck to you both. Hope the witch makes it out. She’s mouthy.” He paused. “I always liked that about her.”
I smiled. “I’ll let her know when I see her.”
The warden and I left the enclosure with Rudolph in tow. The hellhound seemed happy to accompany us. We only had to restrain him once when a butterfly fluttered past and he tried to chase it.
“This is quite a ragtag team you’ve assembled, Holmes,” Warden Armitage said, once we arrived at the armory.
“Who’re you calling ragtag?” Peter demanded. He shook his staff at the warden. “One touch with my death stick and you’re toast, old man.”
“What did I tell you about calling it a death stick?” Dani said quietly.
Peter frowned. “What? That’s basically what it is. I touch you with it and bam! You’re dead.” He shrugged. “Death stick.”
“Funny, that’s what I call these,” Gray said, flicking one of his elongated fangs.
“Enough with the measuring of your sticks,” Dani said. “We need to focus on the plan.”
“The plan is to rescue Bryn and then kill every brother in sight,” Master Horton said.
Gray held up a hand. “Not you, friend. We need you here, in case the academy comes under attack.”
“Another day, another apocalypse,” Cerys said with a mock groan.
“Welcome to the AMF, Davies,” Warden Armitage said.
I aimed my wand and conjured a large, three-dimensional map in the middle of the room. “Balor’s Basin is in the Northern Quadrant,” I said. “X marks the spot. This location was likely chosen by Moldark for its isolation and natural barriers. No doubt he used it as a hideout during his lifetime. I suspect the brotherhood will try to harness his energy that lingers there as part of the ritual.”
“It may be isolated, but it’s pretty exposed,” Cerys said. “Where are they planning to do the ritual?”
“I suspect there are hidden pockets or something that would prevent detection,” I said. “Maybe a protective ward that makes the basin look empty.”
“There’s no record of any activity in the mountains,” Robin interjected, “but Balor’s Basin is huge. It’s quite possible that there are secret spaces we have no knowledge of.”
“Then how will we find Bryn?” Dani asked. “We don’t exactly have the resources to peek under every rock.”
I angled my head toward the hellhound. “We’ll set Rudolph loose in the basin and follow him.”
Rudolph’s three heads perked up at the sound of his name and he wagged his tail.
“Are we all trailing the hound?” Peter asked. “That seems like a waste of potential trackers.”
“Glad you asked,” I said. “No. We’ll divide and hopefully conquer.”
“Your best bet is to reach Bryn before the ritual is set in motion,” Robin said. “Otherwise, it will be more difficult to stop whatever they’ve started.”
“The wheel of time keeps turning,” Dani muttered.
“No, it won’t,” I said firmly. “Because we’re going to smash it.”
Dani and Cerys offered their fists and I bumped them both.
“Why was I not informed of this meeting?” Professor Abelia Mayweather bustled into the armory, her cheeks pink from exertion and, presumably, annoyance.
“Professor Mayweather,” I said, “we can’t endanger any more academy staff than we already have.” Chancellor Tilkin would have our heads—if we managed to survive.
The herbology professor was having none of it. “I have as much interest as any of you in keeping that horrid sorcerer from returning to this world. He’s an embarrassment to magic users everywhere.” She crossed her arms. “Not to mention Bryn. I know she’s been taken. The whole academy is talking about it.”
Professor Langley appeared behind her. “I may have said a word or two about the situation.”
“Professor Langley?” Dani said, her pale brow lifting. “You’re coming to Balor’s Basin, too?”
“I think you might find me helpful under the circumstances,” he said. “I have a particular knowledge of this sorcerer. Should he be reborn, I would be more than willing to help smite him.”
“I’ve taken the liberty of researching the types of rituals likely to be used by the brotherhood under the circumstances,” Robin said.
“I have a couple of ideas, as well,” Professor Langley said. “I shall be interested to hear yours.”
Robin took center stage in the armory, clutching a heavy tome to his chest. “They were searching for the healing stones and, failing that, they decided to take Moldark’s daughter. As you’ve likely deduced, the common factor is blood. The stones contained Moldark’s blood, and so does Bryn.”
“How much blood would they need to complete the ritual?” Dani asked. “It seems to me the stones wouldn’t have contained more than a few drops each.”
“If you’re hoping Bryn will leave there unharmed, you’re sadly mistaken,” Warden Armitage said.
“Theo is right,” Gray said. “If the brotherhood believes as Bryn and her mother did—that Moldark would have slain his own daughter—then they won’t hesitate to sacrifice Bryn in pursuit of their goal.” His eyes flashed with anger. “And if I have to drain the blood from every brother in Balor’s Basin in order to get to her, I’ll do it with a smile.”
“Me, too,” Dani said, and plucked a sickle from the armory wall to make her point.
Robin cleared his throat to garner our attention. “The first possible ritual is called Sanguis Sanguinem Meum.”
“Blood of my blood,” Declan said.
Peter grimaced. “Dude, does anyone here not speak Latin?” He groaned when no one raised a hand.
“That sounds promising, Robin,” Professor Mayweather said. “How does it work?”
Robin opened the book to a marked page. “It’s quite complicated, really. There are several stages.”
“No wonder they need all those brothers,” Declan said.
“They must create two sacred circles,” Robin continued. “One where they place the blood and offerings of power and strength, and a second one where they place an ancient artifact used to purify the blood and leave space for the newly resurrected being.”
Dani scrunc
hed her nose. “So basically blood and guts? Sounds gross.”
“The next possible ritual,” Robin began, but I quickly cut him off.
“There’s no need,” I said. “Blood of My Blood is the one.”
Professor Langley eyed me curiously. “What makes you so certain?”
“The offerings of power and strength and the ancient artifact,” I replied. “They’ve already collected the body parts as offerings, and the ancient horn that was recently stolen is what they plan to use for purifying Bryn’s blood.”
Gray swore loudly. “Of course.”
“Will he get a body?” Dani asked. “How does it work?”
Robin scanned the page for answers. “It appears that he will take some type of solid form, but it isn’t clear from the text how it will present. The key is to stop the ritual prior to completion because he will still be at his weakest and unable to perform magic. What you do not want is for Moldark to take shape.”
“What we do not want is for Bryn to die while they drain her blood for her father’s resurrection,” Gray ground out.
“Fair enough,” Robin said.
“Then I suggest we get moving,” Warden Armitage said. “We have no idea how far along they are.”
“Everybody grab a weapon,” Gray ordered. “You want a backup in case your magic gets snuffed out. The brotherhood is full of mages, wizards, and warlocks. They haven’t all been stripped of magic.”
“They will be when I get through with them,” Professor Mayweather said crossly.
I stared at the armory wall, deciding between a sword and a crossbow. Declan came to stand beside me.
“This is a fantastic room,” he said. “I heartily approve.”
I smiled up at him. “I guess you do. Any recommendations, Mr. Demigod of War?”
Declan contemplated the choices. “For this battle, you need something that travels easily and that won’t encumber you in the event that you can use your magic.”
That ruled out the crossbow. “A sword means close range, though. I was thinking I’d prefer to keep my distance if I can help it.”
“I’m bringing Revival,” Dani said. She’d given the sickle to Professor Langley. “That’s the only weapon I need aside from my wand.”
“I’ve got my rune rocks, my wand, and my sword,” Cerys said. “Maybe you should use the escrima sticks or one of the blackthorn staffs.”
“A staff might come in handy in that terrain,” Declan said.
I removed one of the blackthorn staffs from the wall. They were good conduits for magical energy, too, so if my magic was accessible, it would provide the staff with a boost.
“Maybe someone should let Chancellor Tilkin know what’s happening,” I said. She might be unhappy to learn that so many of us had vacated the premises on a dangerous mission.
“Consider it done,” Hazel said. I hadn’t even noticed her enter the armory. “The chancellor has been traveling, making inquiries about the brotherhood. The moment she returns, I’ll update her.”
“What’s in the bags, Hazels?” Gray asked.
“I’ve packed plenty of snacks for the journey.” She dangled several bags in the air. “Miss Bryn will be hungry when you rescue her.”
Gray accepted the bags with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Hazel. You’re the best.”
“I may not run around the world with a mystical hammer, but I do my part,” Hazel replied. She gave a slight bow before exiting the room.
“Anyone else find the mention of a mystical hammer oddly specific?” Peter asked.
Dani laughed.
“What’s the fastest route to Balor’s Basin?” I asked.
“I know a portal to the Northern Quadrant,” Declan said.
“You’re like the portal master,” I said.
The demigod grinned. “I’ve spent many years traveling back and forth between quadrants. It’s hard to avoid.”
“All right, Brown Coat,” I said. “Lead the way.”
“That’s Captain Sexy Brown Coat to you,” Declan said with a wink.
“In demigods we trust,” Peter quipped. He looked around in exasperation. “Nobody? Man, I really miss Bryn. She’s the only one who gets my Terrene references.”
“I’ll have Callan meet us at the portal,” Cerys said. “You can overload him with Terrene trivia on the way there.”
“And I’ll call Nick,” I said. “He’ll want to go, too.” Two shifters would be useful additions to the group. They weren’t reliant on magic and would be able to fight several brothers at once in their animal forms.
“Robin, head back to the agency and send word to the Keepers of the North that we’re in need of assistance at Balor’s Basin,” Gray instructed.
Robin’s expression grew anguished. “I want to be there to help. Bryn is important to me.”
Gray placed a hand on his narrow shoulder. “You’ve already been incredibly helpful. The best way to help Bryn now is to alert the keepers.”
Robin’s jaw tightened. I understood his desire to join the fray, but he’d never been comfortable in the field and the last thing Bryn would want is for Robin to risk his life for her sake. “You’re quite right. Someone needs to update the keepers and monitor movement from headquarters.”
Gray clapped Robin on the back. “You’re a critical member of the team, Magic Robbie, and don’t you ever forget it.”
“No matter what happens,” Warden Armitage said, “do not let Moldark take form. I don’t care what else is happening. That’s our primary goal. Once he’s back, we’re in real trouble. His dark magic is remarkably strong.”
“That may be true,” I said, “but in all his planning and scheming, I bet there’s one thing Moldark and his followers didn’t count on.”
“And what’s that?” Declan asked.
I lifted my chin a fraction. “Us.”
Chapter Sixteen
We arrived at the far edge of Balor’s Basin and the salt flats from my vision came into view.
“This is the place the Oracle of the Dead showed me,” I told the group, which now included Callan and Nick.
“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Warden Armitage said. “One of the highlights of my career.”
The valley appeared desolate—no sign of a resurrection in progress.
“Unleash the hounds!” Peter said emphatically. He glanced over at Rudolph. “I mean, the hound.”
Rudolph panted.
“They could be hiding in any one of these mountains,” Professor Mayweather said. “Perhaps a revelation spell…”
“No spells,” Declan said quickly. “Any magic right now will likely trip an alarm.”
Warden Armitage unhooked Rudolph from the leash. “We’ll start with good, old-fashioned tracking.” He patted the hellhound’s middle head. “Rudolph, we need you to find Bryn.”
Gray produced a rolled-up T-shirt from his pocket and held it under the hellhound’s nose. “Here’s a reminder of her scent.”
Flames streaked from Rudolph’s nose and Gray ripped the shirt away before the cotton was burned.
“Bryn would never forgive you if her favorite T-shirt was destroyed,” I said. I recognized the familiar material with its witch silhouette.
“She’d forgive me even less if I let her get killed so her father could be reborn,” Gray replied.
We were so engrossed in our conversation that I failed to notice Rudolph’s three faces pressed against the ground.
“I think he’s got a scent,” Warden Armitage said.
My spirits lifted. I knew I could count on the hellhound.
“Should we still split up?” Callan asked. “Nick and I can track other scents. Do we have items from any of the brothers?”
“I wish,” I replied.
Before Callan could respond, someone shouted. I spun around to see Rudolph digging in the dirt. I ran over to investigate.
“Rudolph, what are you doing?” I asked. “You’re supposed to be looking for Bryn.”
The
hellhound was so intent on the ground that he completely ignored me.
“Perhaps give him the shirt again,” Professor Langley suggested.
I watched Rudolph for a longer beat. “No, wait. He’s on the move again.”
Rudolph trotted further along the basin with three noses sniffing the ground. Just when I thought he was about to start digging again, he bolted toward the salt flats.
“Rudolph!” various voices called.
The hellhound stopped at the first hexagonal honeycomb shape and waited for us to catch up. Professor Mayweather was the last to reach the group and I worried about her joining the fight. She was primarily an herbology expert. We should have forced her to stay behind like we did with Robin and Master Horton.
“Abelia, you and Nick stay up here in case any brothers show up,” Warden Armitage said.
I gave the warden a silent nod of appreciation. I knew he was thinking the same way and had tasked Nick with keeping the professor safe.
“Also, if Keepers of the North turn up, you can show them which way we went,” I added.
“Excellent,” Professor Mayweather said. “I’ll conjure a brightly lit sign with a blinking arrow.”
“What do you think, Rudolph?” I asked. “Is Bryn somewhere around here?”
Rudolph looked at me before taking a step forward—and slipping right through the hexagon.
“Rudolph!” I yelled, but the hellhound was gone. I stared at the sea of salt flats in front of us.
“Is it like quicksand?” Peter asked. He stuck a toe in the place where Rudolph disappeared. His toe sank below the surface. “I don’t feel any resistance.”
I suddenly remembered my vision of Bryn in restraints when we performed the locator spell. “The water fell from above! Rudolph’s right. She’s down there,” I said excitedly. “Bryn is down there.”
Gray didn’t hesitate. He launched himself straight into the hexagon without another word.
I felt Declan’s strong hand in mine. “Ready, partner?” he asked. I gave his hand a squeeze and, together, we stepped into oblivion.
Outgrow: Spellslingers Academy of Magic (Keeper of the North Book 2) Page 15