“By the Four Winds, that hadn't occurred to me!”
“Relax. I doubt that he knows I'm back. And I'd like to keep it that way for as long as possible.”
“Agreed.”
The noise from over their heads had died down and a few minutes later, the entire troop of earthen came clattering down the stairs, speaking softly in their rumbling, bass voices.
“The upstairs rooms are clean, master,” Kronk said brightly as he led the others over to the table. “My brethren will take their places on the outside wall and begin patrolling, if you will allow it.”
Simon smiled at the small troop of earth elementals. Each one was slightly different from each other; some were formed of lightly-colored stone, others, like Kronk, were almost black. But all of them had the same burning red eyes and innocent, bright expressions.
“I would be honored if you all want to stay and secure my home. And thank you for your work today; you're an amazing bunch.”
There was a general rumble of pleasure from the group and all of the earthen bowed before they headed for the door.
Kronk hopped up on to the table and tapped across it to stand near Simon.
“Your bedroom is ready for you whenever you want to sleep, master,” the little guy said. “Aeris brought up a new mattress and we threw the old one out of the window. One of the others will take it away and dispose of it.”
“Did you replace the bedding?” Aeris asked him.
“Of course we did. We had to stuff a pillowcase with some towels because you had no pillows in storage, master, but I believe that it will do for now.”
Simon grinned at him blearily.
“I could sleep on a pillow made of cement right now, my friend. Thanks a lot.”
He drank the remnants of his tea and stood up slowly.
“I'm going to head up, guys. I can't keep my eyes open. Thanks again, to both of you. The best part of coming home is having you back.”
“We feel the same way, master,” Kronk said sincerely. He looked over at Aeris. “Don't we?” he prodded.
“Well, I'm not looking for a hug, but I'm happy to be back and pleased that you are well, oh most powerful wizard.”
Simon rolled his eyes and chuckled as he stumbled to the stairs.
“Never change, guys. I'll see you in the morning. Good night.”
The next morning, Simon woke up in a panic and leaped out of bed, staring around wildly. Sunlight was blazing in through the windows and he was blinded for a moment as he tried to remember where he was.
“Easy there, my dear wizard,” came a reassuring voice from the doorway. “You're safe and sound.”
Aeris floated into the room and hovered at head height as he watched Simon. He appeared to be amused and the wizard let out a long breath as he realized that he was home.
Simon sat down on the edge of his bed and ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh.
“Thanks, Aeris. I was dreaming that something was stalking me, but it was invisible and I started to run and...woke up.”
“Ah, I see.”
The elemental flew across the room and landed on the bedside table.
“My kind don't dream, obviously, because we don't sleep, but that sounds frightening.”
“It was. It was like being back in the elven realm, being hunted in the forest there. Scary.”
“You'll have to tell me the story sometime,” Aeris told him.
“Yeah, maybe. But not right now. What time is it?”
“Two hours after sunrise. You slept well.”
Simon nodded once and then realized that he was sitting naked as he chatted with the elemental and neither of them even cared.
It really does feel like I'm home again, he thought with an internal laugh.
“I did, for sure. Between the panicked last run to the portal in the other realm, and the magical energy I used here, I'm actually surprised that I feel as well as I do.”
“Your body is absorbing the magic in the atmosphere,” Aeris told him as he watched Simon get up and rummage through his closet.
Kronk had replaced all of his clothing and the wizard happily chose a dark brown robe and clean underwear and socks to wear. He looked back at Aeris as he got dressed.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that, like a man dying of thirst who is offered water to drink, your body is sucking in the energy around it at a frantic pace. You are, or soon will be, overcharged. So to speak. Don't let it go to your head though; if you spend too much magic too quickly, you risk becoming ill.”
Aeris looked at him sternly.
“And we've been down that road before, haven't we?”
Simon smiled crookedly as he smoothed the clean robe over his chest.
“I remember, thanks. Don't worry; I'll pace myself. Unless we are attacked by dragons, I'll take it slow. After all, I haven't had access to my powers for months. It will take me a little time to get used to being able to use my spells again.”
“Good. By the way, when I heard you stirring up here, I put the kettle on. The water should be hot by now.”
“Ah, thanks a lot. Let's head down.”
Downstairs, Simon found a packet of dried fruit waiting for him on the table. He made some tea and ate while Aeris flew around the room and opened up all of the windows.
A mild breeze rich with the many aromas of nature flowed through the room and Simon breathed deeply, savoring the moment.
“By the way,” Aeris said as he returned to the table and floated just above it. “One of the earthen cleaned the outhouse, so you won't have to worry about dealing with spiders.”
He grinned as Simon shuddered.
“You've fought undead monsters and dragons, my dear wizard, and you're still scared of bugs?”
“Not bugs, Aeris; spiders. I don't know why but they creep me out. Just the way they move their eight legs...ugh.”
Aeris laughed but dropped the subject. His expression became serious and he looked over at the open door.
“While Kronk is busy getting the garden sorted out, I did want to mention something I learned during my time back on my home plane.”
Simon chewed on a mouthful of dried apples and gestured silently for the elemental to continue.
“My people have been keeping a watchful eye on this world; well, as watchful as we can. Our vision is clouded these days; something to do with the dark gods trying to force their way back into your universe. Still, we've seen enough to get some idea of what's been happening since you escaped to seek refuge with the elves.”
Swallowing loudly, Simon sipped some tea and nodded slowly.
“Interesting way to put it. And?”
“And your fellow Changlings haven't fared very well in the past few years.”
The wizard set down his cup abruptly and leaned forward, staring at Aeris with a feeling of dread knotting up his stomach.
“What's happened to them?”
“Well, it's those damnable dracoliches, my dear wizard. They have killed and resurrected almost all of the remaining dragons in the world now, which is bad.”
“You don't say,” Simon commented dryly.
“”I mean beyond the obvious badness of a sky full of flying dragon skeletons. All of these undead monsters are totally under the control of the Chaos lords, and have one singular purpose now; destroy all remnants of your people. Not just that, but wipe out any and all physical obstacles in this world that are hindering the gods' return.”
Aeris frowned in confusion as he spoke.
“We have no idea why the gods need certain things eradicated, beyond the humans that is, but their servants are destroying various sites around the world. They've leveled old towns, torn down ancient monuments that survived the Night of Burning; frankly it's been an odd assortment of targets.”
“I'm sure they have their twisted reasons. But back to the Changlings, Aeris.”
“Ah yes, of course. So, many have been destroyed but not as many as you might think,” he added
quickly as Simon gasped. “The others have been rescued by, of all things, the dwarves. They have been taken deep underground and are being cared for in the capital city, Kingstone. Your old acquaintance, Shandon Ironhand, is responsible, I believe.”
Simon sat back with a relieved sigh and closed his eyes briefly.
“Shandon. Of course. Such a good person. I think we're lucky that he became king when he did. Dwarves are notoriously insular and I doubt that most of them even care what happens to my people.”
Aeris snorted and then barked a laugh.
“Oh, I think they do now.”
The wizard looked at him quizzically.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that the lords of Chaos have targeted the dwarves for extermination as well. Remember, besides your people and the elves, the dwarves had a hand in the dark gods' exile too. I believe that the evil ones are out to even the score. Whether they need to wipe out the rock brothers to aid their entry into this world, or it is just out of spite, they are moving to confront them. Shandon's rescue of the last of humanity probably just exacerbated the situation.”
Simon finished his tea and got up to make some more. He hadn't noticed the small jar on the counter and looked inside of it.
“Honey? When did we get some more honey?”
“Last night while you slept,” Aeris told him with a grin. “Kronk was eager to work through the night, but he didn't want to wake you, so he went out and retrieved some honey for your morning tea. You didn't see it just sitting there?”
Simon dipped a finger into the golden liquid and licked it off.
“I should have but I didn't. Half asleep, I guess. Something else to thank him for.”
“Don't be too excessive in your praise, my dear wizard. It might go to his head.”
Simon gave the elemental a wry glance.
“It might go to your head, but it would never go to Kronk's. He's much too grounded for that.”
Aeris rose up several feet and spun around in an exaggerated show of amusement.
“A pun! Grounded! Oh you are a clever one, most magnificent wizard.”
“Stop that.”
Simon made his tea and nodded toward the doorway.
“Let's sit out on the steps. I want to enjoy the sights and smells of home.”
“Certainly.”
The two of them went out into the bright sunshine and the wizard sat down at the top of the stairs. Aeris floated to his left, wafting gently in the breeze.
“So the dragons were betrayed by the very beings who first created them,” Simon said thoughtfully. “It's sad but almost poetic in its irony, I suppose.”
“Evil is as evil does,” Aeris replied primly. “Those demons who call themselves gods are twisted to their very cores. They will do anything and use anyone to achieve their goal of conquering this world and all the other worlds beyond it.”
“So I've noticed,” the wizard said and sipped his tea slowly. “How the hell do you fight something like that?”
Aeris looked troubled and, for a change, had no answer.
They sat, and floated, in the morning sunlight for some time before Kronk came barreling around the corner of the tower.
“Good morning, master!” he exclaimed as he hopped up the steps. “Did you sleep well?”
“Morning, Kronk. I did, thanks.”
Simon raised his cup.
“And thank you for the honey. There was no rush, you know. I can drink my tea or coffee without it.”
“I am sure that you can, master. But I was at loose ends last night and thought it would be a good time to go in search of some. I am glad that you are pleased.”
“I'm delighted. So, Aeris tells me that you've been working to restore the garden?”
Kronk sat down on the step next to Simon and nodded, a smile on his craggy face.
“Yes, master. But it is not too hard of a task. Most of the plants have survived over the past few years. They need some pruning and organizing, but will not need to be replanted. In fact, I will have some early beans and carrots for you in a day or two.”
“That's fantastic news,” Simon told him. “I love the taste of fresh vegetables.”
“I know, master.”
The earthen looked up at Aeris.
“And what have you been up to this morning?”
“I woke up the wizard and got him some breakfast. And I started a fire in the fireplace. Why?”
He sounded a little defensive and Simon watched the interchange with quiet amusement.
“Because master's horses are out in the wild somewhere, not to mention our cows and chickens. Shouldn't you be out there searching for them? What about the famous scouting skill of the airy ones that I've heard so much about, hmm?”
Aeris spluttered in indignation and seemed to be having trouble answering.
“As I thought,” Kronk said dismissively. “Master, I would be happy to go off into the forest and search for the livestock.”
His tone was so unlike that of the agreeable earthen Simon knew that he stared at Kronk in shock.
The little guy looked over at Aeris shaking with anger and then winked at the wizard surreptitiously.
Simon raised a hand to his mouth to hide his grin and tried to sound like he was seriously considering the suggestion.
“Well, I suppose you could,” he said to Kronk slowly, trying to look thoughtful. “If the garden isn't really in bad shape, then...”
“Now wait just a minute here!” Aeris interrupted. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Probably. Several times. Why?”
“Are you actually thinking about sending this rock head out into the wilderness to look for the horses? He'll be lost once he gets out of sight of the tower!”
“Oh, I think Kronk's much more reliable than that. Aren't you?”
“Of course I am, master. Aeris is just worried that I'll replace him as your go-to scout, that's all.”
“What!”
Simon had never heard the air elemental hit that high a note before and turned away before he exploded with laughter.
“You replace me? Ha! You make a barely adequate laborer; you will never be a scout. Never! I'm going to find those accursed horses, right now. And the cattle and chickens too, if they still live.”
Aeris turned away and shot down the steps toward the front gates. Then he stopped and looked over his shoulder.
“Or die trying!” he added dramatically.
With that, the air elemental flew off, fading into invisibility as he went.
When he was sure that Aeris was out of earshot, Simon looked at Kronk and both of them burst out laughing.
“Oh my friend,” he wheezed through his chuckles. “You are a very bad person sometimes, do you know that?”
“No master, I prefer to think of myself as motivational,” Kronk replied with a wide smile.
He looked over at the main gates, which were still broken and wide open, and frowned slightly.
“Aeris needed to feel useful, master. He is not a very good artificer, but he is an excellent scout. Now he can put his skills to their proper use and find the horses as well. Everyone wins.”
“Sneaky, Kronk, but well-intentioned. I like it. And I hope he really does find them.”
“So do I, master. And now that you are awake, my fellow earthen and I can repair your front gates without fear of making too much noise.”
Chapter 7
The next few days were spent putting the finishing touches on the tower. Simon discovered that while some of his books had become moldy on their shelves in his study and had to be destroyed, most had fared quite well and only needed to be cleaned.
His leather office chair and sturdy wooden desk were likewise fine and he happily wiped them down along with the shelving.
The rest of his home was soon gleaming like new again, thanks to Kronk and some help from his fellow earthen. Once that task was done, Simon began the rather more somber job of trying to discover what the world ha
d become since he had left it.
And so, the third morning after Aeris had left to search for the horses, the wizard sat down in his study to reluctantly find out how things had changed.
He had a fresh cup of tea beside him and was well-rested. Perhaps it was an omen, but it had rained all night and continued through the morning. The gloomy weather suited Simon's mood; he expected nothing good to come of his efforts.
“Well, get on with it, magic man,” he said to himself. “Waiting won't make things any better.”
He picked up his late mother's hand mirror, its silver frame now brightly polished, and stared at his smooth, hairless face in its reflective surface.
His blue and brown eyes stared back at him; wide and innocent and always a shock to the man who lived behind them.
“Who are you?” he whispered at himself. “Who are you really?”
He shook his head irritably and focused on his magic. Soul searching was a waste of time and he had more important things to do.
“Nottinghill Castle,” he said firmly and concentrated on that old edifice, picturing it the way he'd last seen it several years before.
The surface of the mirror shivered and warped, becoming foggy, and Simon waited for the spell to connect to its target. He sipped some tea and listened to the rain tapping on the windows; always a sad and lonely sound.
As the misty surface began to clear, the wizard put down his cup, concentrated on the emerging scene and held his breath.
“Oh my God,” he murmured. “What's happened?”
The castle was a shattered ruin. Its soaring walls were torn down and the buildings inside the courtyard were gone. It was such a scene of unwarranted destruction that Simon couldn't comprehend it.
But rising out of the middle of the wreckage was a tower. Not a squat, square tower like his, but a misshapen, soaring monster of a building.
Simon had no way to judge its size; three hundred feet? Five? Maybe even higher than that. But it looked as if the builders had taken all of the pieces of Nottinghill Castle and stuck them together in a madman's heap. How the ugly thing even managed to reach toward the heavens and not collapse upon itself was a mystery.
The Dragons of Bone and Dust (Tales from the New Earth Book 7) Page 8