Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4)

by Vaughan W. Smith

  “Surely that’s just one possibility.”

  “You tell her.” Alrion looked to Falric.

  “Whilst we shouldn’t discount the idea, the facts don’t look good.” Falric shook his head slowly.

  “What do you mean? What are we talking about here?” Lara said with alarm.

  “Alrion will interact with the source of the Blight. And in order to strip it from the entire world, he must be the conduit for it. The entire power of the Blight will flow through Alrion back to the source.”

  “Which will destroy my body, and likely my soul, in the process. Great, huh?”

  “We don’t know that for sure.”

  “Look at what happened to my grandfather. If he couldn’t avoid it curing a country, how can I avoid it curing the entire world?”

  “That’s still not a foregone conclusion. You’re different from your grandfather!”

  “I appreciate your optimism, and I won’t discount it.” Alrion sighed. “But we need to accept the fact that this quest will likely destroy me if I succeed.” Alrion watched Lara’s face. She looked from Falric to Caleb, and neither gave her any reassurance.

  “There’s always a way. No need to be glum about it.” Lara beamed a smile around at them all and got none in return.

  “Let’s focus on what we can do. You said you knew the location of the source of the Blight? Can you describe where it is?”

  “Hmm, it was described to me, but I don’t know the area well. But I suspect I could point it out on a map. Do you have one?” Alrion said to Caleb.

  “Oh no, sorry. Valrytir are very precious about their maps. Detailed maps are kept close to their chest. Perhaps for reasons such as this. At any rate, we only have very high-level charts showing different regions and major routes into the country.”

  “I have one.” Lara rummaged through her jacket and retrieved a neatly folded thick piece of paper. She unfolded it onto the desk in front of them. Caleb walked over and investigated it.

  “This is amazing. Where did you get it?”

  “I have my sources.” Lara winked at Caleb and guided the map closer to Alrion. “Do you think you could point out the location?”

  “Let me see.” Alrion absorbed the details of the map, looking at the different roads and landmarks. Without realising he started to move his hand to the right spot. He hesitated.

  “Is this a bad idea showing everyone?” he said to Falric.

  “That’s a good question. I believe those in this room can know, but I wouldn’t show others. The fewer people who know, the better.”

  “You already know anyway.” Alrion let his hand navigate the map, pointing to a spot. Lara gasped.

  “I know where that is. It’s not far from the city at all!”

  “That’s a bit unnerving, but there we go. I think the best course of action is to start our journey.”

  “How do you intend on getting there?”

  “Are you offering your assistance?” Lara said.

  “No, no. I’ve done my share of adventure and performed rather dismally. I was going to suggest the Wizard Gates.”

  “Go on.”

  “There’s a special gate combination that gets you close to Valrytir. Not many know of it.”

  “And it’s nearby?” Alrion said.

  “Yes, it’s in a tower not far from here.”

  “We came back through that one.” Lara looked puzzled.

  “Indeed, one thing to remember is that Wizard Gates aren’t necessarily the same in both directions. Sometimes you cannot travel back to where you came from.”

  “I see. Is there anything else we should know? There’s been one occasion where I was unable to activate the gate again.”

  “That sounds like a restriction of some kind. Quite rare, but then again, we don’t have all the answers. I was going to say that the passage of time is inconsistent within the gate. You will not travel instantaneously.”

  “What do you mean?” Lara said.

  “It will feel like only a few moments between when you stepped into the gate, and when you arrive. But it’s longer than that. Each gate is different, and the areas you travel to make a difference. At any rate, I just wanted to alert you.”

  “It’s not the same as actually walking, is it?” Alrion didn’t feel like these gates were all that reliable. No wonder he hadn’t heard about them prior.

  “Oh of course not. But you might lose a day in some cases. Just something to keep in mind.”

  “Thanks. And that combination you mentioned?”

  “Take the desert option.” Falric looked at Alrion. “Then you’ll need to search out the next gate. Are you confident enough to do that?”

  “I have managed before.”

  “Good, I assumed so because you managed to find and use a gate already.” Falric stood and walked over to Alrion. He leaned back against the desk and took Alrion’s hands in his own.

  “Lad, this is too much for one person to bear. But I cannot help you with this. As far as the spell goes you are on your own. I can’t say exactly what will happen, but you need to be prepared for the worst. Otherwise…” Falric looked away.

  “Otherwise what?”

  “Otherwise the worst will happen. Alrion will fail, and he will be consumed by the Blight. Transformed into something terrible.” Falric sighed, and his hands trembled.

  “There can be no hesitation. No doubts. Travel now, yes. But don’t rush in before you are ready. There’s only one chance, and the consequences are dire.”

  “Great pep talk.” Lara shook her head.

  “Listen, I know that I’ve failed you. I haven’t been the support you’ve needed, you’ve had to go elsewhere. But it’s made you stronger, and you have people to watch over you. You can do this, but don’t walk in there if you have doubts. It’s better not to. We can make do, there are other options.” Falric rose and stepped over to join Caleb.

  “This is goodbye then,” Alrion said, a little more stiffly than he intended. He stood with some effort and ambled over to Falric, hugging the wizard and almost toppling him over. He did the same with Caleb.

  “It’s been an honour to serve you. We will await your return. I know you’ll find a way.” Caleb smiled and bowed.

  “Well, that’s one of us.” Alrion turned and left the room, Lara by his side.

  37

  The Fellowship Rebuilds

  Alyx adjusted her uniform again.

  I can’t believe I’m wearing this.

  She had avoided it as long as possible, but there were no excuses left. If she wanted to join, she had to look the part. The black and brown did help her blend in, and the padding and design were good for fighting in. The armoured plates were more of a hindrance than anything else, but she could use them as required too. Mary walked into the room, looking Alyx up and down.

  “Good, it was about time. I was beginning to think you had forgotten how to get dressed.”

  “I did.” Alyx laughed but Mary did not. She did almost smile though.

  “You certainly didn’t forget how to fight. So, have you considered when you are going to talk to the commander about your request?”

  “Soon, but not yet. I want to time it just before the wizard gets here.”

  “You might want to do it sooner rather than later.”

  “Why?”

  “Go talk to the scouts.” Mary waved and left the room.

  She couldn’t tell me herself, could she? Probably still hurting from losing the unfair duel.

  Alyx left the room promptly, striding down the corridor quickly. Thankfully, they hadn’t given her any active duties, just the usual training. She hadn’t been assigned to a squad either.

  Maybe she is protecting me?

  It was all odd, but Alyx didn’t want to question too hard when it suited her just fine. The scout’s office was at the front of the building. It had two rooms, one of which was more a reception area, and a back room. That’s where all the scout reports were filed and compared. A small
group pored over all the reports and tried to draw out larger trends or things of interest.

  Alyx entered the reception area and nodded slightly to the staff manning the desk. The two men saluted and went back to their duties. She continued to the back room, marvelling at the rapid pace of activity.

  They do never stop.

  At the back of the room, she spotted Baker.

  He’ll be my best bet.

  Alyx weaved through the many desks and scouts rushing around. Nobody paid her any attention, which was how she liked it. Baker was running his hands through his thinning hair, reading some paperwork.

  “Baker, it’s been a while.” Alyx stopped right in front of his desk and waited. He continued reading.

  “Nice to see you, Alyx. I heard all about your big return. Sweet of you to pay us a visit.”

  “How are things back here? Busy as usual?”

  “Probably busier. Is that why you’re here?”

  “I can’t be here just to see you?”

  “You never did before, so why start now?” Baker’s eyes were still on the paperwork. But Alyx could tell she had his full attention.

  “Always quick off the mark, I’ll give you that. Mary said that your team had something significant.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t say that, not yet. But it’s building towards such a statement.” Baker put down the papers and looked at Alyx for the first time. His blue eyes looked tired.

  “Tell me a story.” Alyx walked around and moved the stack of paperwork in the chair next to Baker, placing them on an empty space on his desk. She eased herself down into the chair and made herself comfortable.

  “You aren’t going until you get what you want, are you?”

  “Of course not.” Alyx smiled.

  “As you wish, I needed a break anyway.”

  “What’s the big news? In a single sentence.”

  “The Blight are massing,” Baker whispered. He rummaged through his papers and seized a thick wad. He unfolded it, showing Alyx a map of Valrytir. There were tiny markings all over it.

  “See, each mark is a sighting of Blight activity. It’s never been this busy. But they’re being smart too. We’re not seeing huge masses of Blighters. But when you add them all up, there’s a massive force building. And it’s getting bigger every day.” Baker leaned back, looking conspiratorial.

  “They’re planning something.”

  “I can see that. It’s not unexpected, but I had hoped we had more time.” Alyx could see Baker’s eyes light up. He was hungry for more information.

  “Sorry, I can’t add anything right now. You’ll find out soon enough. But I think it’s time I talked to the commander. Have you briefed him on this?”

  “Of course!” Baker jerked and nearly fell out of his chair. “As per usual he said to sit on it. Nothing to do until they start mobilising and we have cause to expect an attack.”

  “Oh, I don’t expect you’ll see an attack. More of a defence.” Alyx smiled. She enjoyed watching Baker trying to piece things together.

  “Now that’s an interesting scenario. I can look again with that in mind. Reinforcement to protect some sort of goal.” Baker started digging through his papers again.

  “Before I go, where can I find the commander?”

  “This time of day? He’s taking a walk in the gardens. Best time to catch him.”

  “Excellent. I think I’ll do just that.” Alyx waved but Baker didn’t notice. He was buried in paperwork once more.

  I wonder if he’ll turn up anything else.

  Alyx’s stomach started to churn. She wasn’t afraid of the commander, far from it. But knowing what she had done would make it a difficult and awkward conversation. And she needed to ask him for something too. But there was no choice. She had to press on.

  Willing to die by the sword, but hesitant to talk to a superior officer. Doesn’t make sense.

  Alyx dismissed the thought and charged through the hallways, heading towards the garden. She needed to not dwell on such thoughts and get to it. The sooner she confront the commander, the better.

  There were more and more soldiers out in the gardens training. More than when she had taken advantage. It was a good sign, but surprising. Alyx stopped and looked over the scene. If she was the commander, she’d focus on the secluded patch near the back. It would be the best place for a quiet interlude before going back to the heavy burden of leadership.

  As she wound her way through the gardens Alyx saw fewer and fewer soldiers and recruits until she found the garden she sought. It was leafier than she remembered, the tall trees bigger and more plants were in between. The whole area felt cooler and more at peace. She naturally slowed her pace and tried to enjoy the walk. There was no point wasting such a nice spot, and she figured that the commander would get quite annoyed if she burst in and destroyed the sense of calm.

  She found him seated on a stone bench in the middle of the garden. Small hedges were to each side of him, and he leaned back, looking into the distance. He looked exactly the same as she remembered, the short-cropped grey hair and the tidy moustache. His eyes were hard, the brown irises looking like volcanic rocks. His uniform was almost the same as hers, save for a few decorative elements on his shoulder. He had pioneered this style of uniform and armour and led by example. It gave him more credibility amongst the troops.

  “Commander Brady.” Alyx gave him a small bow and stood ready.

  “Alyx. So, the rumours are true, you have returned. And you’re in uniform. This is a surprise.”

  “It’s been a turbulent time. I hope you’ve been well.”

  “A turbulent time indeed. Yes, I’ve been as well as can be expected. Luckily, there’s been nothing out of the ordinary to test us. Until recently.”

  “You mean the new massing of Blighters?”

  “You heard about that? News travels far too quickly.” Brady shook his head softly.

  “I don’t think it’s travelled that far, but I do still have my contacts.”

  “Of course you do. I won’t dredge up the past, but I just want to ask. Was it worth it?”

  “Yes. But the cost may have been too high.”

  “I expected as much. Don’t worry, I’m not as sentimental as Mary. I knew you’d leave suddenly one day, though the situation did surprise me.” Brady paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. “I could see that you wouldn’t stay with us above your personal mission. Though I had hoped you would come back.” Brady looked her directly in the eyes.

  “Are you really back?”

  “Honestly, sir, I don’t know. I have a job to do, and after that…”

  “Tell me about this job. Is it as extreme as your last one?”

  “Possibly. I’m assisting a wizard, who will be here soon.”

  “For what purpose?” Brady shifted his posture, leaning forward.

  “To cure the Blight.” Brady let out a barking laugh.

  “That’s preposterous. You’ve been taken in on another suicide mission.”

  “No, it’s not like that. I’ve seen him do it. I’ve seen him clear the Blight from people. He even saved me.” Alyx watched Brady’s reaction. He was hard to read, but she could tell he was shocked. He knew Alyx didn’t lie.

  “This is rather sensational news.”

  “It’s why the Blight are massing. They know he will be coming, and they are preparing their defences. We’ll need to meet them head-on, to bear the brunt of the attack so that the wizard can make it to the source of the Blight.”

  “Stop right there.” Brady held out his hand and spoke with annoyance. “I will not commit any of my men or women on such a fool’s errand. It was flights of fancy like this that created the generals of the Blight. I will not sacrifice my personnel on another disastrous venture.” Brady stood abruptly.

  “I know you’ve been through a lot, but I expected more from you.”

  “You’ll see that I’m right. I’m only here to prepare you.” Alyx met his gaze without faltering.

&n
bsp; “Is this uniform a joke to you?”

  “No, although, right now, it’s a means to an end.”

  “So be it.” Brady started to walk away but stopped before he passed her. He turned and addressed her.

  “Is this because of what happened to that young man? Do you feel responsible?”

  “I am responsible. But this is not because of that.”

  “You are on the bench. Let Mary know when you’re available for active duty.” Brady stiffened his back and marched off. Alyx watched him go wordlessly. Once he turned the corner, she let herself relax. She let out a deep sigh.

  Still not good with people. And I didn’t communicate the situation that well.

  Alyx started to walk back. It wasn’t the time to beat herself up. She had achieved her aim, planting the seed with the commander. He was quite astute and would start to put things together. Hopefully, when Alrion and Lara arrived he’d be more inclined to support them.

  Alyx wandered back through the gardens, ignoring the soldiers training. She didn’t want to spot anyone that she’d have to stop and talk to. She just wanted to walk and let her mind wander. As she reached the street, she stopped suddenly.

  Who is that?

  She spotted a monk walking around. He stuck out like a sore thumb, but it seemed like he was looking for something. Unsuccessfully.

  What an oddity.

  Alyx dismissed the thought and kept walking. But within moments the monk ran up to her.

  “Excuse me,” he said.

  “Yes?” Alyx said. The monk had a worldliness about him that suggested he hadn’t been just confined to a temple or monastery. And he was on alert and active, like a soldier. She could feel his presence. Relaxed, but ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

  “Where did you get that sword?” The monk pointed at the blade. Sheathed at her waist, the diamond on the pommel was quite prominent.

  “A friend of mine let me borrow it. Why?”

  “A wizard?” the monk said.

  “Maybe.”

  “That’s Alrion’s sword, I was there when his father presented it to him. Is he well? Is he with you?”

  “That’s correct. How do you know him?”