“I’m Certan. I’m the monk that travelled with Alrion and guided him to our temple.” Certan held out his hand. “And you are?”
“Alyx.” She shook his hand, noting his strength. “I met Alrion after that, and we travelled together for a while. He gave me his sword for a time. I do remember him mentioning a monk, it’s good to meet you.”
“This is quite fortuitous. I came here to find Alrion, but I have no idea where he is. Is he here?”
“Not yet, although he’s on his way. Did you arrange to meet him here?”
“No, the elders directed me here. They said he needed my help at Valrytir. I’ve journeyed quite a way to be here.”
“Interesting. That’s why I’m here as well. Do you drink? No?” Alyx was surprised by Certan’s strong reaction. He shook his head and looked annoyed.
“No matter, let’s go for a walk. We can share a few stories.”
“Don’t leave me out,” a voice said from behind. Alyx whirled quickly to see who it was.
No way.
Vincent stood there on the street, smiling. He was dressed in a travelling cloak and had the companion Runesteel sword strapped on his back.
“I think we all have a lot to discuss. Alyx, I’m delighted to have you restored back to full health.” Vincent winked. “And I’m glad that you two have met. It’s good to have you both here.” Vincent started to approach, Alyx still shocked at seeing him.
38
Reforging the Legend
“How did you get here?” Alyx said. Vincent gave her a mysterious smile.
“I should ask you the same question, I’m sure you’ve had quite the journey. Weren’t you with Alrion? That’s his sword.”
“I was. Alrion gave me this temporarily to use. We were with Branthor for a time as well, as crazy as that sounds.” Alyx noticed Vincent’s features change, a look of concern crossing them.
“He was completely focused on destroying Rindale. He finally succeeded but at the cost of his life.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s go somewhere we can talk. You too, Certan.” Vincent started walking away and gestured for them to follow. Alyx looked at Certan, who shrugged and started following. Vincent led them through the city into the trades district. They passed several blacksmith workshops before he stopped in front of one.
“Balzar’s Blades. This place is an institution,” Vincent said.
“I know this place, it’s impossible to get a weapon from here.” Alyx wasn’t joking either. This blacksmith was for the elite of the elite.
“I go way back with the owner. Follow me.” Vincent entered the shop, Alyx and Certan keeping close. The shopfront was lavishly decorated. Gleaming weaponry of all types hung on the walls. The main floor was clear save for a nicely finished wood underfoot and a counter down the end for the staff to use. Vincent waved, and they waved back. He stopped midway down the room, opening a door and ushering them through. They entered a plain room with some benches and notebooks.
“This is just a planning room, it’s not being used right now. Take a seat.” Vincent pointed to a bench with a few stools around it in the far corner. He waited until Alyx and Certan were seated, then he eased down into a stool.
“I have something to discuss, but first let’s hear your updates. Certan?”
“Well, after you all left, I stayed to help rebuild the temple and heal those who could be saved. A surprising number recovered fully, although we lost so many.”
“I’m sorry for the loss, the bravery of your order was astonishing. And I’m sorry I couldn’t get there sooner.”
“You did what you could. I was content with doing the hard work, trying to build myself a place there, but the elders had other ideas.” Certan chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head.
“They asked you to leave?” Alyx said.
“In a fashion. They said that I had unfinished business. I was to complete the trial within the Vault of Silence then travel to Valrytir to support Alrion in completing his quest.”
“Congratulations!” Vincent stood up and offered Certan his hand. They shook firmly.
“Can you fill me in?” Alyx said.
“It’s a special trial designed to test a person’s Will. It is the pinnacle of achievement for a monk and designates mastery over one’s self and the world.”
“Alrion completed the trial as well,” Vincent added.
“I see. Can outsiders be admitted?” Alyx was very interested in this trial. She had heard stories of how the monks could fight, and what they could do. Things that would be incredibly useful for her to know.
“I suppose, yes, that is how I was first introduced. But you’d have to undergo the full training. I’m not sure if they accept students who don’t plan to stay with the monks.”
“Perhaps I’ll travel after all this is done and see for myself.”
“I’d be delighted to take you.” Certan bowed.
“We’re very lucky to have you joining us. Alrion is going to need all the help he can get,” Vincent said.
“I can’t agree more. The forces that the Blight are massing here in Valrytir, it’s unheard of.” Alyx noticed that she had Vincent’s undivided attention.
“What did you say?”
“The scouts have been tracking Blight sightings. They are massing within Valrytir. They’re sticking to smaller groups, but we’ve picked up on what they are doing. I’m not sure we’ve ever faced a force this big.”
“Perhaps the elders had some insights,” Certan mused.
“We’re all here for a reason, we each have a role to play. Alrion can’t face that alone.” Vincent looked determined.
“The three of us are a good start. We’re worth far more than our number,” Certan said.
“I couldn’t agree more. I think I have a way to improve our odds too.” Vincent rose and took a few steps towards another door. “Come and see.”
“I’m intrigued.” Alyx stood and followed along, waiting for Certan to catch up. Vincent led them through to another room. It was an active workshop. At the far end of the room, blacksmiths were hammering or working metal in different stages of completion.
“I’ll never get tired of that sound. It’s so welcoming,” Vincent said. An older man was overseeing the work, thick glasses sitting atop his grey hair. He was well-built and looked strong despite his age. He noticed their presence and approached quickly.
“Vincent! When I received your letter, I couldn’t believe it. But here you are, in the flesh.” The man encircled Vincent in a huge hug. Vincent returned the gesture. They parted, and the man slapped Vincent hard on the back.
“Who do you have with you?”
“This is Certan. He’s a monk from the order of a thousand eyes. He travelled all the way here from the desert.” The man nodded.
“This is Alyx. She is a weapons master that made a name for herself here, before going on to taking down the Skull King single-handedly.”
“Oh,” the man said, his eyes alive with interest.
“This here is Balzar himself. We worked together many years ago.” Vincent and Balzar exchanged a smile. Balzar started to shake his head.
“This one couldn’t stay put! Just when he was starting to get good, he ran out on me!”
“Sorry, I was young and impulsive.”
“Oh, you think you’ve changed now. Has he?” Balzar laughed.
“Not that I’ve seen,” Alyx joked. Certan refrained from saying anything. Balzar let out a few additional peals of laughter then composed himself.
“Right, well, Vincent, I was able to satisfy your request. Come with me,” Balzar started off, weaving through the various workbenches. He brought them to a heavily fortified metal door. He produced a key and unlocked it, heaving the door open. Alyx marvelled at the size of it, the door was as thick as a man. Balzar charged ahead, stopping midway through the room.
Alyx stopped dead still. Everywhere she looked hung legendary weapons. Ones she had heard about as a child, or when s
he was training. The Foe Lance, the Sparkling Blade, and even the Haunted Hammer.
“What is this place?”
“This is my collection of legendary weapons. A few of them I had the privilege of making myself, but the vast majority I’ve sourced from across the land. Vincent here asked about a particular item. I thought it was lost, but once I made enquiries it wasn’t as difficult as I imagined.” Balzar waited patiently and Alyx approached, curious. As she reached the table, she let out a gasp. It was a giant sword, broken into three pieces.
“This is…”
“The sword that slew the Skull King. The sword passed down by your family.”
“Andrylir,” Alyx said with reverence. “Why are you showing me this?”
“I asked Balzar to retrieve it for a purpose. I’m going to reforge it.” Vincent looked Alyx directly in the eyes. She could see the fire and passion in his look. She felt overwhelmed.
“Is that even possible? It was enchanted.”
“I won’t be able to restore the power it used to have, but I don’t think that it’s appropriate anymore. You need a weapon you can use, correct?”
“Yes.” Alyx reached out and glided her hand along one of the pieces. The feel of the metal was familiar, reassuring. It was like a part of her. She had carried it her entire life. She remembered suddenly what it had been like, and the emptiness became apparent.
“I need this,” she whispered.
“You will have it, I swear.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Certan said.
“No, not with this. I will consult with Balzar and do the work myself.”
“I will then focus myself on helping Alyx with her task.”
“Just let me know when you would like to start, Vincent. I’ll reserve whatever equipment you require,” Balzar said.
“Later today, I have something else to finish first.”
“As you wish. I look forward to working with you again.” Balzar smiled and directed them out of the vault. After they had all left, he locked the door once more. He was called by a member of his staff and quickly left to address the issue.
“What task is on your list?” Alyx said. She wasn’t just keen for him to start, she was curious about what Vincent had planned.
“I need to get the armed forces mobilised for when Alrion arrives. With all that talk of the Blight massing, we’re going to need a few extra hands.”
“I’ve already done that. Why do you think I’m in uniform?”
“Don’t worry, I think together we can crack this. Who did you speak with?”
“Brady, commander of the special elite unit. He was quite dismissive.”
“Take us there again. Please.” Vincent looked determined.
“Sure.” Alyx started off leading them back.
They arrived back at the building quickly. Alyx knew that Brady would no longer be wandering the gardens.
“Let’s try his office, I’ll show you the way.” Alyx entered the building, weaving her way through the corridors.
“This is much bigger than I expected. How many are in this special elite unit?” Certan said.
“I think the name is a bit misleading. Although the soldiers here are specially trained, it’s more a distinction from the main forces. There are a few thousand in total, although not all are stationed here at once.”
“Still, very impressive. And this commander is the one in charge of them all? What about the main army?”
“Yes, he’s the leader. The general runs the entirety of the armed forces, general and special unit, but Brady has a lot of influence. We need his support first.”
“Then let’s get it.” Certan smiled. Alyx sighed.
I was just with him before, he won’t change his mind so easily.
Before long they were outside the office. The door was closed.
“Here we are. He’s probably busy, are you still keen?” Alyx said.
“Absolutely.” Vincent opened the door and strode in. Brady was sitting at his oversized desk, deep in conversation with a man not in military uniform. Brady looked up, annoyance on his face and his moustache skewed on an angle. Just as he was about to speak his expression changed to complete surprise.
“Vincent?” Brady said. He rose immediately.
“It’s been a long time, a lifetime. I’m surprised you still recognise me.” Vincent laughed. Brady looked to his guest.
“I’m sorry, Marlin, let’s finish this off tomorrow. Same time?”
“Of course.” Marlin nodded to Brady, acknowledged the rest of them and quickly left the room.
How does Vincent know Brady? He never said anything about being a soldier.
“We always wondered what happened to you.” Brady looked to Alyx and Certan.
“How do you know Alyx? And is that a monk?”
“We ran into Alyx at an opportune time, while surrounded by Blighters. She’s been an invaluable ally on our travels. Certan, likewise, has proven himself an able fighter and reliable companion.” Vincent took a seat, and Brady sat down as well. Alyx and Certan stood at the back of the room.
“I’m a family man now. Busy blacksmithing, before I made this trip. I’m helping my son out.”
“I thought you were against making weapons.” Brady pointed to the Runesteel blade.
“An exception had to be made. I crafted only a few for people that I trust. Alyx is currently wielding the one I made for my son, Alrion.”
“Alrion, nice name. He must be grown up by now. Where is he?”
“He’s on his way here, but I’m not sure when he’ll arrive. I wanted to see you before then, on official business.”
“Official business?” Brady looked at Vincent with suspicion. “Does your son want to be a soldier?”
“I doubt it, although he’s keen on learning how to wield a sword properly. Alyx has been extremely helpful in that regard. No, I want to talk to you about your assistance in tackling the Blight.” Vincent’s expression lost the smile and became quite stern. Alyx watched Brady shift his focus from Vincent to her.
“Is that what this is about? Alyx has already talked to me.” Brady leaned back in his chair, unimpressed.
“My son is a wizard, Brady. This is real.”
“What?”
“Yes, my father was Granthion.”
“Hang on, really?” Brady looked completely thrown.
“You never told him?” Alyx said incredulously.
“It’s not something I advertised, I was trying to live my own life. But, as it turns out, you can’t get away from your past.”
“This story about the Blight is true? Your son is a wizard who can cure the Blight?”
“Yes, I’ve witnessed it myself. So has Alyx.”
“It’s true. Did you hear the reports of the Skull Queen?”
“Of course. We were preparing ourselves in case we were targeted. Some were discussing options for going after her. Suddenly though, she disappeared.”
“That was me. They infected me and transformed me into that thing, as payback for what I had done.”
“What? No, it can’t be.”
“The Skull Queen wielded a great sword. I destroyed the Skull King. It’s not a coincidence. But Alrion cured me.”
“It’s fantastical, but it’s true. Alyx has mentioned reports of the Blight massing. It’s for one purpose. They know Alrion is coming and they mean to block his passage. This is our chance to end this cycle.” Vincent spoke with real passion, and Alyx could see Brady starting to be swayed.
These two must have had some sort of bond back in the day.
“I trust you, Vincent, even though you abandoned us. It seems like that’s a bit of a trend in this room.” Brady glanced at Alyx. “But I can’t promise you support without some proof. Have Alrion demonstrate his power to cure the Blight when he arrives, and I’ll declare my forces and recommend that the general do the same.”
“Thank you, that’s all I can ask.” Vincent started to rise, but Brady motioned
for him to sit.
“You can’t drop this on me and leave. Stay and let’s catch up.”
“Sure, that’s only fair. I bet you have a lot of great stories to share.” Vincent turned to Alyx.
“I’ll come find you when it’s ready. In the meantime, why don’t you two go acquaint yourselves.”
“Sure. Let’s go, Certan.” Alyx was about to say goodbye to Brady but he was fixated on Vincent already.
I can’t believe that just happened.
Alyx walked out, trying to make sense of it all.
39
The Making of a Wizard
The boy entered the cave, the dark consuming him. He pushed forward, knowing each step intimately. Following the twisting of the path, the light behind him soon faded and he kindled his Spark, creating an orb of light and floated it ahead of him. Quietly, his steps resounded within the cave, and he observed the interesting formations on the walls.
There were multiple ridges and geometric constructions that looked unnatural. But at the same time, they didn’t appear to be made by human hands or tools.
I’ll have to ask him about that.
But the boy shook his head immediately. That would not do. He knew the answer he would get. None at all. He continued to progress through the cave, the depth of his exploration no longer causing concern. But deep within he could still remember the terror he had initially. There was something wrong about venturing that deep into the bowels of the earth.
In no time he had arrived. He could see his father standing and waiting. No matter what expression was on his face, the wizard always had fierce piercing eyes.
“You’re late.”
“Sorry.” The boy knew not to use any excuses. They just made his father angrier.
“We’ve discussed this. Punctuality is paramount.”
As is everything else.
“Have you selected a name?”
“Yes.” This was actually a task he found interesting. He had pored through all the old tomes, looking at old names and the old language.
“And?”
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 28