“I don’t suppose you found a small black book when you took me?”
Nathan shook his head and then replied. “No, but not all of the mages were in the camp.”
Cyrnic sighed. “Yes, three of them went ahead using my diary for directions, it probably won’t help them. I can see them getting close to order’s secret hideout, but it would take them months to decipher the important parts of my chicken scratch. Unfortunately, I am afraid we need that diary if we are to find the tomes.”
“Okay, so how do we find those mages?”
“Luckily for us, they too will be heading south. A small lake ahead is the first marker on my map. They will be heading for that lake,” said Cyrnic. He had a pounding headache, not uncommon with over indulging in spirited drinks or breathing hallucinogenic smoke. The strong dose of sleeping powder had some nasty side effects. He hoped his kidnappers were going to suffer the same headache or worse.
“Then so are we,” replied Nathan.
Chapter twenty six
THE GROUP COULD ONLY travel another hour before the sun started to disappear over the horizon. Not having an easy trail to follow, Nathan did not want to try traveling at night unless it was absolutely necessary. Finding a small clearing, they stopped for the night.
“We will keep a watch tonight, Ava and I will take first shift. Quinton and Sharon, you get the late watch. Cyrnic, you get some rest,” said Nathan.
Cyrnic gave a weary smile. “I would say I can handle taking a shift, but the truth is the last few days have been rather tiring, and I am exhausted. The Darcarions are not the most hospitable hostage takers I have encountered in my day. Their torture methods are rather crude.” Cyrnic lifted his hands up, the fingers on both hands were broken and misshaped.
“Oh my, let me look at those,” said Ava. “Do you want something for the pain?”
Cyrnic shook his head. “No. I have enough magic left to manage the pain, I just don’t have enough left to heal myself. I used a lot of energy surviving the torture.”
Ava swore. “Those bastards. Next time we are putting them to sleep permanently.” Ava ignored the cracking and popping as she forced each of Cynic’s fingers back into place, and then she focused her own magical energies on his hands. Her magic would allow his wounds to heal faster and ensure that he regained full use of both hands. Once she finished with his hands, Ava asked if he had any other wounds.
“Well now that you mention it, I don’t suppose you have any salve? The Darcarions also did some damage to my back.”
Ava carefully lifted the mages shirt up, revealing the raw-looking wounds. The Darcarions had sliced his back in several places. The raw wounds were swollen and blistered, if they weren’t cleaned soon infection would set in.
As Ava cleaned the wounds, Cyrnic talked about the horrors he endured. “It wasn’t the cuts that hurt the most, it was that I could never see when the next one was coming.” Cyrnic paused and shook his head. “You have to give the Darcarions some credit. They have torture down to an exact science.”
Ava said nothing as she applied the salve to Cyrnic’s back. She was so angry that she wanted to go back and kill the sadistic mages. When she was finished, she turned to Cyrnic. “I am so sorry you had to go through that.”
Cyrnic gave Ava a big smile. “Nonsense child, what have you got to be sorry about? You four rescued me and you have done a wonderful job of fixing up my wounds. I feel a thousand times better already, and knowing that the son of Soron Stoneblood is leading us to the tomes gives me confidence that we shall succeed in retrieving them. My day has gotten remarkably better thanks to you and your friends.”
“Was Nathan’s dad really that special? I only ever knew him as a blacksmith.”
“Oh, Soron was much more than just a blacksmith. There was a time he was the most feared warrior in all of Solotine. Soron grew up in a very volatile word. Northern Solotine is a harsh land and as the son of a chieftain, he was tested often. As his father grew in power, so did his number of enemies. When his father was declared king, even more powerful enemies came to destroy them. Soron saved his father, and their people, by going out to face an oncoming army alone. He defeated their greatest warrior in single combat, and then he disappeared.”
“Wow, he was always so gentle and kind. It is hard to imagine him doing those things. But it is also hard to imagine Nathan doing the things he has as well. I guess they are more alike than I thought,” said Ava.
“It is true. I can see it in the boy. He is much like his father, yet he is much more earth attuned.”
“Earth attuned?” asked Ava. She knew that Nathan’s magic was powerful and related to elemental magic but the term ‘earth attuned’ confused her.
“The boy has a powerful and deep source of magic power. His mother’s family, Quinton in particular, has always shown strong magic power. Add his father’s heritage in the mix, and you have a young warrior with some very unique abilities. Being able to produce bloodstones is a very powerful weapon. He will be a very powerful mage if he can control his temper,” said Cyrnic.
Ava looked across the camp to where Nathan was cutting down some of the jungle foliage, making more space for the camp. “His temper isn’t that bad,” she replied in defense of her friend.
“Ah, that just means you haven’t seen it yet. Giant’s blood is a blessing and a curse. Exceptional strength and strong magic are the blessing. The curse is the deep down rage that made giants so dangerous. Tame creatures until riled, they would become irrational when angered. Part of what made Soron such an exceptional warrior was his ability to harness that rage. Nathan has the same skills his father had, and a much stronger magical energy. But, until he is able to harness his dark side he will not be as dangerous as warrior as his father. Perhaps that is a good thing.”
Ava was not exactly sure what Cyrnic meant by that, but was uncomfortable talking about Nathan having this dark side Cyrnic spoke of. “I still don’t understand what you mean by ‘earth attuned’.”
Cynic looked around and then finally picked up a handful of dirt. “See this dirt, nothing magical about it right?”
“It certainly doesn’t appear magical,” Ava replied.
“Ah, but it is,” Cyrnic explained. “Everything around us has energy: plants, trees, rocks, even this dirt. The amount of magical energy stored in this dirt is so minuet that it would be useless to a mage. But what about a rock? I have seen your bag filled with magical rocks. Each has a large amount of energy stored in them. I am a powerful mage, I can do wonderful things, my good friend Balthazar is even more powerful. I doubt either of us can do that. Magic is not an exact science. There is still so much we are learning about magic. How different elements and energies interact. One way of describing it is a locked door. The rock has the same magic capabilities, regardless of who holds it. Nathan’s talent is being able to unlock its potential.”
This, Ava could understand. Her lessons with Balthazar and Helena had certainly unlocked her own magical potential. Before she could ask Cyrnic any more questions about Nathan’s magic, or his father Soron, Nathan came back to talk with Cyrnic.
“How did you find out the location of the tomes, Cyrnic?” asked Nathan.
“Well, after a fiasco where I almost blew up half of Balta, I realized that I was reaching for power beyond my understanding. I decided to stop experimenting so much and start studying more about the nature of magic. Historically, there have been many eras where magic was better understood and more common than it is today. Mages are usually on the front lines of war and often the most powerful and knowledgeable mage die young. So much knowledge has been lost over the years. When I was banished to the forest, I brought with me many of the old, half-destroyed tomes that were nearly over the generations. I was restoring a tome regarding the Red Order when I found a reference to their having a home at the southern tip of Hocton Forest beside a small lake. At first, I searched the forest itself and the few lakes that fit the description. None of them had a structure such a
s the tome described, but then I realized that the earth is always changing. The jungle has grown. What was once the southern tip of the forest is now deep in the jungle. Once I understood that, I was able to start mapping and learning how the jungle has changed over the years. I have made many excursions into the jungle, searching for the right lake and it was only recently that I found it.”
“If you left Balta because you almost destroyed it, then why are you searching for tomes that could end up destroying the city? That seems like you are doing the same thing over again,” asked Ava.
Cyrnic shook his head, he didn’t want people misunderstand his quest. “No. My reasons for finding the tomes have nothing to do with power. I know the legends about the stone golems, but the Red Order didn’t just study golems. They used elemental magic to build, for medical applications, and many other useful areas. The knowledge of the Red Order would be of great benefit to society.”
“It doesn’t matter now. King Ganus has heard about your work and he wants the tomes. We need to get your diary back and find them,” said Nathan.
“King Ganus? He is behind the Darcarions?” asked Cyrnic. “Oh, that is not good at all. Darcarions are ruthless and evil mages but nowhere near as power hungry or ambitious as King Ganus. He would put all of Mithbea under his thumb if he had the power to do so. How did you learn of his involvement?”
“King Ganus has a spy in the royal courts of Balta. Duke Evollan, the man behind the attack on our village, is now an enemy of King Ganus. The duke sent me a message about the spy and the Darcarion search for you,” explained Nathan.
“Intriguing. War, does make for interesting alliances, the enemy of my enemy, and all that rubbish. Well, I certainly am glad he chose to contact you. I am a little surprised that the king didn’t send someone with a little more experience, but I am glad to see you nonetheless.”
“He did send Balthazar, but we fell into a Darcarion trap at your house. Balthazar was wounded and a ranger died. Ava, Quinton, and Sharon came to rescue us. Balthazar sent us all to keep searching for you,” explained Nathan.
“Ah, that makes more sense. Balthazar defeated in battle. The Darcarions are more powerful than I thought. We will have to be very careful.”
Nathan agreed. The Darcarions were powerful mages indeed.
…
When they finally found the Darcarions, they were camped beside a small lake. From the edge of the jungle, Nathan and Cyrnic watched the mages as they methodically searched the edges of the lake.
“That is it, they found the lake,” exclaimed Cyrnic.
“Will they find the building?” asked Nathan.
“Not where they are looking. The tomes I found describe the building being near the lake, not right beside it. And my notes, past the description of the lake, are much more cryptic regarding where I thought the location would be. I doubt they even tried to figure them out. Look there,” Cyrnic pointed at one of the Darcarions. “He has my diary in his hand.”
Nathan nodded. “Okay, let’s back up into the jungle and decide a plan of attack.”
As they retreated to the where the others waited, Nathan started planning the attack. The three Darcarions would be deadly adversaries, but the element of surprise was on their side and it would play a large role in their success.
“Are they there?” asked Sharon when Nathan and Cyrnic came back.
“Yes, they are walking along the lake edge right now,” replied Cyrnic.
“What are you thinking, Nathan?” asked Quinton.
“Ava and I will attack them. The three of you will stay back. If we fail you can sneak in at night and try again.”
“What? No way,” protested Sharon. “Why don’t we all attack at once?”
“Because Cyrnic is not in any condition to fight yet and he is the one who can find the tomes. Someone has to protect him.” Quinton interjected before Nathan could answer. “You and I will make sure Cyrnic is able to find the tomes.” Quinton was finding it easier to follow Nathan’s thinking. Their teamwork was solidifying.
Nathan turned to Ava. “Are you okay with this?” Nathan remembered how he had felt after his first combat. He did not look forward to Ava having to go through those emotions but this was too important to spare her feelings. He needed her help.
“It is fine. Every time I thing of the things they did to Cyrnic, I want to make them pay. I know what we have to do,” replied Ava. She didn’t say kill them, but they both knew what was going to happen.
Nathan pulled his bow off his back and looked at Ava. “Let’s go.”
Leading her back to the edge of the jungle, Nathan spoke softly “Can you hit that closest mage with a rock from here?”
Ava looked at the mage. He was a good hundred feet away from the edge of the jungle. It was within her throwing range, but how accurate she would be at this distance was another question. “I’m not sure. If I step out a few feet into the clearing I will have a better shot.”
Nathan appreciated her honesty. False bravado would do them no good. “Okay. When I shoot the mage holding the book, you step out and throw your rocks at that mage. Be ready, they like to use fireballs.” Nathan recalled the day he first arrived in Balta. Shooting the fire mage, who ended up blowing himself up when Nathan’s arrow broke his concentration mid-cast. This was the reason Nathan was shooting the mage with Cyrnic’s diary first. He didn’t want the diary burning during battle.
While Nathan pulled an arrow from his quiver, Ava reached into her pouch and grabbed one of the magic-infused rocks. With the rock in her right hand, she opened up her left hand and started focusing on her magical shield. The ball of energy grew until it was the size of a grapefruit. As soon as she stepped out into the open area between the edge of the jungle and the lake, she would flatten it into a shield. Ava took a deep breath. She could feel her heart pumping faster. Her mouth was dry and her left leg was practically bouncing off the jungle floor. She let her mind fill with thoughts of Cyrnic’s torture, the wounds Balthazar and Nathan had sustained, and the loss of the ranger’s life. Her brow furrowed as her anger rose. She was ready. Ava nodded at Nathan.
Nathan, having received Ava’s ready nod, drew back his bow and took one step closer to the edge of the forest. His hands and face were now clear of any obstacles. The Darcarion mage was standing sixty yards away. The mage was reading Cyrnic’s diary, his head would lift and look around every couple of seconds, then return to the book. Nathan took a deep breath and as he slowly exhaled, he let the arrow loose. The arrow flew true, sailing mere inches above the book and into the man’s chest. The Darcarion’s eyes bulged as the arrow penetrated deep. The mage fell to the ground.
As Nathan fired his arrow, Ava strode out of the jungle onto the rocky clearing. Her target, the closest mage on the right, had turned his head towards his falling companion and had not noticed her yet. As the mage turned to see where the arrow had come from, Ava fired her rock at him. The Darcarion mage put up a shield just in time to stop the rock. Even with his shield, the Darcarion mage was violently hammered back by the force of the magical rock hitting his energy shield. As the mage stumbled back, he flung balls of fire at Ava. Ava ducked the first ball of fire and activated her own energy shield in time to block the second fireball. Ava flinched as the flaming ball of energy deflected off her shield. She felt a tingle in her fingers as the shield pulled more energy from her. She could deflect and stop the fireballs, but her shield would only last so long, especially if she kept getting hit. Calmly, Ava reached into her pouch and pulled out another rock. This time she walked closer before firing. Again, her magic rock knocked the mage back.
While Ava was dealing with the second mage, Nathan was fighting the last Darcarion. As soon as he had fired his first arrow, Nathan had pulled a second one out and fired at the last mage. The mage, having seen companion fall, had his shield up and easily blocked Nathan’s arrow. The mage fired a series of fireballs towards Nathan. Nathan ducked back into the jungle as the fireballs whizzed past. As Nath
an rose to fire another arrow at the mage, a fireball struck Nathan in the chest. The impact of the fireball knocked Nathan to the ground. But his vraber skin armor held up and he was unharmed. Dropping his bow, Nathan rose to one knee and hid behind a tree as the Darcarion stormed towards him. Fireballs whipped past Nathan’s head and smashed into the tree. Nathan took a deep breath and drew his sword. Crouching, he waited until the mage was only a few feet away from the tree before jumping out and running towards him. Caught off guard by Nathan’s change in tactics, the mage paused before firing another fireball. This time he fired from only a couple of feet away. Nathan, knowing his armor could withstand the hit, turned his body slightly, so when the fireball hit him in the chest it spun him around instead of knocking him back. Using the momentum of the impact of the fireball to spin again, Nathan brought his sword around in a wild swing. The spin had done nothing to slow Nathan’s forward progress and his sword came flying around into the mage. The Darcarion raised his energy shield, but to his shock, the sword kept coming. Nathan’s magically enhanced black steel was only slightly slowed by the energy shield. The blade sliced into the mages neck, dealing the Darcarion a fatal blow.
As Nathan was charging the mage, Ava was still in a heated battle with her own adversary. Her magic rocks were stunning the mage, but his fireballs were keeping her busy as well. Ava noticed that her fourth rock seemed to push the mage back farther than any of the previous ones. Was the Darcarions energy draining? She grabbed a fifth rock and threw it as hard as she could. This time the rock broke through the magic shield of the Darcarion and connected with the mage. Ava could not see the egg-sized rock, for it was deeply imbedded in the mages chest. The mage stumbled back, before falling to the ground. Turning, Ava looked just in time to see Nathan being hit with the fireball and spinning forward, killing the Darcarion.
Ava rushed over to Nathan, making sure he was okay.
“It’s okay, Ava,” said Nathan. “My armor stopped the fireballs. Are you okay?”
The Missing Mage Page 19