“You think you can just waltz in and drop that information and disappear?” Mary looked annoyed.
“If that’s what it takes.” Alyx smiled.
“No, it’s going to take more than that.” Mary finished her drink and stood. She stood over Alyx. “If you want my help, you need to rejoin the unit.”
“I have different priorities now.”
“You did before as well. I can see your reluctance. It’s alright, I’ll sweeten the deal. You can duel me for a place in the unit. If you win, I’ll take you in and help you build support for your wizard friend. If you lose, you can slink away and return when you’re ready to fight.”
“Why are you doing this? Helping me is in your interests. The Blight will be done. Ended.”
“So, you say. It’s not even about that. You abandoned us. You fled and didn’t even say goodbye. You need to prove yourself again. If you can’t beat me, then you don’t want this enough. And that’s not going to work for anyone.” Mary stormed out of the inn. Alyx chased after her.
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. Follow me back to the training ground, or don’t. It’s your choice.” Mary didn’t utter another word.
I didn’t realise she was so upset. I thought they understood. But I was wrong. If this is what it takes, so be it. I can beat her. I won’t let Alrion down.
Alyx tried to remember how Mary fought, but she couldn’t remember anything in particular. They didn’t spar much, and Alyx was often on assignment with other squad members. They had mainly bonded because there were precious few women, and it had been because of Mary’s insistence. Alyx had been so single-minded, she hadn’t really tended to that friendship at all. And this was the price.
As they walked through the main building, people started to notice. Whispers followed them, and people started to trail along as well. Once they reached the training ground, there was quite a following. All wearing the uniform of the elite, the black and brown padded vests with armoured plating on their forearms and legs. Mary walked into the centre of the training ground and waited. The murmurs reduced to nothing. A lone man ran out with a sword, handing it over and rushing back into the crowd. Mary looked up and addressed the crowd.
“We are joined tonight by an old comrade. She was highly respected, a core member of the unit. But she abandoned us in a time of need, to fulfil her own quest. She’s returned, not to serve, but to ask for more. For that reason, she needs to prove herself. Right here, right now.” Mary clenched her right hand into a fist and whoops sounded all around the training ground.
Looks like I’m quite popular here.
“Alyx here figures herself quite the accomplished warrior. Which is why she has agreed to duel three of us at once.” Mary smiled and waved over two other fighters. One was male, and the other was female. They looked like they were twins.
Oh no. Not them.
Alyx recognised them. The terrible twins. An impossible pair, they harried any force with amazing precision, each one instinctively guessing what the other was thinking, leading to manoeuvres that were impossible to see coming. Mary could just sit back and let those two wear her down or create an opening. Then Mary could swoop in and finish it off. It wouldn’t even take long. Alyx closed her eyes and focused.
You can do this. You destroyed the Skull King. You survived being infected, you survived being cured. You made it all the way here. Alrion is depending on you. It’s time to win them over, it’s time to show them why you’re the best.
Alyx opened her eyes and drew her sword. A quiet murmur rippled through the crowd as the Runesteel glinted in the light.
“Begin!” Mary pointed with her sword and the twins moved in, their swords whirling in confusing patterns as they approached.
Divide and conquer.
Alyx targeted the male twin, named Shane. She went all-out attack, forcing him into a defensive stance. His sister, Sherry, tried to flank, but Alyx had pressed so hard that Shane was constantly retreating. That gave Alyx a little breathing room. Not for long.
Mary moved in, poking dangerously and interrupting Alyx’s assault. This gave both Shane and Sherry ample opportunity to close in. Now it was Alyx retreating, blocking and parrying the multiple sword strikes coming from different directions and heights.
I can’t keep this up forever.
Alyx knocked a few attacks back harder than necessary, to force the attackers to pause momentarily. The effort worked and made a strange sound.
What’s that about?
Alyx dashed backwards to give herself some space. She was reaching the limit of the training ground. Mary approached from the front with a wicked grin. Shane and Sherry approached from the other sides. As Sherry whirled her sword around Alyx noticed something.
There’s a nick on the blade.
Then she remembered. I’m wielding Runesteel. These must be ordinary swords. I can end this fight quickly. Alyx changed her stance, inviting attacks by lowering her guard. She needed to parry quickly and bide her time. But she was running out of space and she was beginning to tire. Fighting three high-intensity sword wielders at once was a huge drain. Suddenly she saw an opening, a slightly sloppy strike from Shane. Rather than parry, Alyx let it slide by and aimed for the sword. She swung with all her might, and the blades connected with a crash. But the Runesteel won out, and after the initial resistance, the other blade snapped apart, the metal dropping to the ground. Shane stepped back, perplexed. There was a murmur of wonder running through the crowd. Alyx took the advantage and turned her focus to Sherry. She hastily parried the strikes, trying to minimise the risk of Alyx also breaking her blade.
Alyx swung high, then kicked a leg out, dropping Sherry to her knees. Alyx quickly recovered and swung her sword down, forcing Sherry to raise hers to defend herself. With the high position and momentum, Alyx sliced through Sherry’s blade. She didn’t even pause and stepped to the side to continue her movement. She advanced on Mary immediately.
“Nice trick, but it won’t work on my blade.” Mary laughed. But Alyx could see the frustration behind her eyes.
“Now, we are back to what should have been the contest.” Alyx was still tiring, but she felt a wave of renewed energy now that the twins were out of the fight. Thankfully, they accepted their defeat honourably and retreated to the sidelines.
Alyx slowed her attacks and paused. Mary stood at the ready, watching warily.
“It’s time to finish this.” Alyx steeled herself and prepared to attack. Mary raised her sword, waiting.
Just one opponent and she’s human. Should be easy.
Alyx closed her eyes for an instant, drawing upon all her energy and focus. She became one with her weapon and charged it with all her will. She and the weapon were a force of skill and power. Like one they glided forward, nothing was an impediment. Each block, parry, or strike from Mary was just another step towards the next attack. Mary kept up well, but the constant fluidity and single-purpose of Alyx’s attack could not be turned back. Bit by bit, Mary retreated, and she started making mistakes. Strikes glanced off her armoured forearms, which caused further mistakes. Finally, Alyx pushed even harder, with a final flurry of attacks. Her final attack was so strong that Mary’s weapon was knocked from her hands and she cried out, dropping to her knees.
“Yield.” Alyx pointed her weapon at Mary’s neck.
“I yield. You won.” Alyx sheathed the sword and started walking away.
33
A Lifetime Ago
Alrion stepped back.
“Looks like this one can do multiple destinations.”
“Try it?” Lara said. Alrion pressed one of the symbols. It lit up in a faint blue light and the gate itself roared to life. A flash of light and heat then a shimmering picture hung before them.
“That was easy.” Lara stepped forward and stared at it. Alrion held onto her shoulder.
“Don’t fall in by mistake.”
“Of course not.” Lara chuckled and continued inspecting the
scene before them.
“It’s not clear where this is, looks awfully dark.”
“Let’s check the other one.” Alrion pressed another symbol and there was another flash, the scene changing again. This looked to be somewhere in the mountains.
“There’s not really mountains near Paperton are there?”
“I wouldn’t say so. We’re probably better off with the dark one.”
“Provided it isn’t a trap.”
“I’m sure the two of us are pretty safe. Besides, only wizards can use these.”
“Don’t forget that we just took two Shade Wizards.” Alrion looked at the different symbols. He couldn’t read what they were supposed to say. He looked to Lara.
“I’m just saying, we know that one of these is definitely the wrong direction. What harm can it be trying the other?”
“I can’t argue with that.” Alrion pressed the button and the light flashed again, the scene changing back to the dark one.
“Ready?”
“Absolutely.” Alrion stepped forward, bringing Lara with him. He felt an intense light and heat go over him. Suddenly he was somewhere else. It was a dark room, constructed of stone. He created an orb of light and attached it to the roof.
“It’s a bit cooler here, definitely not a desert but not mountains either.”
“There are no windows in here. Are those stairs over there?” Alrion pointed to the end of the room.
“Yes. Let’s investigate.” Lara walked ahead and Alrion took his time, trying to work out where they were. But it became clear that they needed more to work with. The stairs were narrow and cramped and were slow to descend. Alrion floated the orb of light ahead of them, illuminating the stairs. Finally, they reached the bottom, and it was a simple entry area with a door.
“It’s so enclosed, I have no idea where we are. Did we come down from a height, or did we descend deeper into the ground?” Lara said.
“I have no idea. But it doesn’t feel like we are underground.” Alrion placed a hand on the door and it activated, opening instantly.
“Curious.” Alrion noticed light stream in as the doors opened.
“Good, I wasn’t looking forward to being underground again.” Lara stepped outside immediately. Alrion followed her and looked around. They were in a small settlement, which looked ravaged by fire and other damage. The building they had been in was a tower, which looked like it had survived better than the rest.
“That must be a wizard tower. Which means there might be other things here of interest.” Alrion started walking around the tower, seeing what else was there. He noticed another large door, made of wood, on the opposite end of the tower.
“Let’s take a look.” Alrion stood before the door and Lara joined him. She tried to open the door, but nothing happened. Alrion placed a hand on the door. He felt something resonate within. But the door didn’t open.
“Is it a magical door?” Lara said.
“I believe so. It must be a Wizard Store. In the past, I used a knock to open it. This one seems different.”
“Maybe it needs your name?”
“I doubt that.” Alrion stared at the door. “Alrion,” he said finally. The door unlocked and started to open.
“Maybe I should be a wizard?” Lara said with a laugh.
“I think so, you’re more qualified.” Alrion stepped inside and took it in. The room was rather dishevelled. He created another few orbs of light and floated them into the space, attaching at different parts of the ceiling.
“Looks kind of trashed.” Lara walked inside, stepping around the debris. Alrion picked up a few books and looked at them.
“Nothing interesting here, just general wizard tomes.” He kept picking his way through, trying random books.
“This looks like something official.” Lara was standing before a desk of some kind, tucked into the corner. Alrion walked over to join her.
“There’s some sort of ledger here on the counter.” Lara started flipping through.
“What’s inside?”
“I think it’s the name of visitors.” Lara skimmed over the contents, trying to find the last page.
“There’s my name!” Lara looked at him with excitement.
“You’re right. Hang on, what’s this?” Alrion pointed to the next name.
“Celes? Your mother was here?”
“Recently. What’s she doing here? In a Wizard Store?” Alrion stepped back. It didn’t make sense.
“Didn’t your parents say they were going to Paperton to track down information for you? Maybe this is part of their journey.”
“Maybe we’re closer to Paperton than we realise. Can you open up that map?” Lara retrieved the map from her bag and opened it up.
“I can’t tell from here, we don’t know what this place is called. And they sure don’t have Wizard Stores and Wizard Gates marked on it.”
“Maybe something else in here has the name.” Alrion looked around the room. He grabbed a book at random and looked in the covers, and the first and last pages.
“Here’s something. ‘Property of Arnthorn Wizard Store. Please return after you are finished.’”
“Let me check the map, surely that’s the name of this area.” Lara pored over the map and stuck her finger on a spot.
“This is it. Barely registers, but it’s here. You’re in luck.” Lara looked up and smiled.
“Yes?”
“We’re so near Paperton. We could get there by tonight.”
“Wow, that’s great. Pity we had to leave the horses behind.” Alrion sighed.
“I know. I’m starting to think we should just stop getting them. Unless…” Lara trailed off.
“Unless what?”
“Do you think that horses could go through a Wizard Gate?” Alrion laughed.
“I’d like to see you get one up those stairs.”
“Don’t tempt me.” Lara winked and folded the map. She stashed it back into her jacket.
“Let’s be off then.” Alrion closed the ledger and carefully stepped over to the door. He held it open for Lara and they both left the building.
The rest of the area looked more damaged.
“Something bad happened here, that’s for sure.”
“At least that tower survived. It really saved us,” Lara said.
“I know, I feel like we’ve traipsed all over the world. It was nice that we found a little shortcut on the way here. Especially when it feels like we are backtracking.”
“It’s not backtracking, it’s returning. You are coming back with more skills, experience, and knowledge.” Lara smiled.
“That’s a good way of looking at it.” Alrion returned the smile and looked past the burnt and ruined buildings. There was a small trail outside and they started to follow it.
“This should link up to a main road, which we can follow all the way to Paperton.”
“Excellent.” Alrion lost himself in his thoughts and followed along. As Lara predicted they found the main road and kept walking. After a while, Alrion piped up.
“I wonder how Caleb is going?”
“It really hasn’t been that long, but it feels like an age has passed. I keep picturing him old and wizened, but I know that’s ridiculous.”
“I know what you mean. Maybe he will have grown a beard?” Alrion chuckled and Lara joined in.
“He’s a good man, hopefully, he can help you.”
“I’m sure he can. Both Branthor and the mysterious wizard think so.” Alrion sighed.
“One thing at a time. We’ll figure out who’s behind the scenes. But first, let’s act on what we can. You need to learn as much as you can, so you know how to complete the quest. This whole thing won’t end until you can perform that spell.”
“I know. We’ve done a lot of good already. But we need to reverse everything. Darvin will keep building otherwise, or someone else will rise up to replace him. The Blight is so resilient.”
“It is. But so are we.” Lara leaned in and
gave him a kiss on the cheek, then sped off. Alrion laughed.
“Where are you going?”
“Just follow me!” Lara kept running, aiming at something in the distance. Suddenly, she stopped. Alrion slowed down and stopped alongside her.
“Now look at that.” Lara pointed at the scene beyond. Alrion drew in a breath. They could see all the way into the valley, looking down at Paperton. It was dusk now, and tufts of smoke and a few lights could be seen coming from the odd-shaped buildings.
“There it is, just the same. Do you remember when we first came?” Alrion said.
“Yes. We had a horse then.” Lara laughed. “But seriously, it was quite intense. We were racing against time. Falric had just passed. It wasn’t a good time.”
“It wasn’t.” Alrion remained quiet for a moment. “But we’re in a better place now. Eventually.” Lara pulled him close, so their heads were side by side and they could watch Paperton breathe. Alrion felt calm.
“It’s time, let’s go.” They separated and started the descent down into Paperton.
After a long and winding walk, they arrived at the entry to the town. Most of the scholars had taken shelter within their homes and the streets were empty.
“Where do we start?” Lara said.
“Let’s try the main hall. It worked last time.”
“Sure.” Lara started off towards the large building. The lights were on, which was promising. Alrion remembered when he had charged in and disrupted the whole meeting. It was all done on instinct, with a little prompting from Lara. But they had achieved the impossible. They convinced the scholars and he gained access to the Pool. Things should be easier now.
I bet they’re not.
Alrion chuckled to himself.
“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, nothing. I just thought that even though things should be easier this time, they probably won’t be.”
“Don’t be like that. Think positive. We’re going to get the best possible outcome!” Lara poked him in the side with her index finger and smirked at him. It worked, he couldn’t possibly carry on that pessimistic line of thinking. Continuing, they soon reached the giant doors of the main hall. Alrion reached out to push open the doors when they started to open of their own accord. A short bald man was leaving at the same time. He stopped, surprised. Then he wore a broad grin.
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 24