“Guess what?” he said to it. “My friends don't trust you.”
The staff shuddered and made a low sound, like a growl.
The wizard stared at it suspiciously.
“Neither do I,” he whispered and began chanting.
Chapter 23
The week passed and early summer began to make its presence known. The weather became unseasonably hot and Simon wore shorts all the time. Even his lightest robes were too heavy in the oppressive heat.
The first crop of tomatoes, growing unbelievably fast, was ready for picking and he and Kronk spent part of a day harvesting them while Aeris watched without offering to help.
Simon got a little payback when he made the air elemental take a bag of tomatoes to Clara in Nottinghill. Kronk thankfully waited until the grumbling Aeris disappeared before laughing out loud.
The following day, Simon spent most of his time lurking indoors. He had stupidly picked the tomatoes the previous day while wearing only his shorts and had gotten a pair of seriously sunburned shoulders for his trouble. Every move was painful and Aeris actually left the tower rather than face the wizard's foul mood.
Simon was sitting hunched over painfully at his desk in the study, reading the spell-book that had been given to him by the old gods, when the air elemental popped into view above his notes. He had been gone all day.
“And where have you been hiding?” Simon growled, not really interested. His skin felt tight and seemed red-hot. Every movement was followed by a stab of pain.
“Still in a lovely mood, I see,” Aeris said. He was holding a small canvas bag and the wizard looked at it with some curiosity.
“Since I don't want to deal with you when you're this grumpy, I went to visit Clara. In exchange for those tomatoes yesterday, she offered you this.”
He extended the bag to Simon, who took it slowly, gasping as he stretched his arm forward.
“What is it?” he asked as he peered into the bag.
“A plant. The cleric calls it aloe. She claims that it will help to relieve the pain of your sunburn and help to heal it.”
Simon gaped at him and then smiled widely.
“That's wonderful! Aloe is exactly what I need.”
For a moment, Simon was almost tempted to hug the elemental, until he remembered that he could barely touch Aeris because of his gaseous nature and that the little guy probably wouldn't appreciate it anyway.
“Thank you,” he said instead, putting as much appreciation into his voice as he could.
Aeris looked a little taken aback.
“Um, you're welcome, my dear wizard,” he said gruffly. “Your thanks should go to the cleric. I simply wanted a way to improve your foul mood.”
“Yeah, I am a bit cranky when I'm sore, that's true.”
He stood up, slowly, and took the bag with him.
“Let's go downstairs. I have to cut open the leaves and squeeze out the sap. Then I can rub it on my shoulders.”
After applying the relieving sap from the aloe leaves, Simon was able to relax somewhat. He and Aeris got into a deep discussion about the nature of elementals and their place in the universe. It was one of the most enthralling conversations he had ever had with the, sometimes truculent, little guy.
By the time Kronk had come in from planting the new crop of tomatoes, Simon was pain-free enough to make some dinner. The three spent a congenial evening around the fire and, for the first time in a long time, the wizard felt almost at peace as he went off to bed.
Simon spoke to Clara the next morning, thanked her profusely for the aloe and learned that Ironhand had left at the break of day. One of the dwarven digging machines had appeared outside the gates of Nottinghill and he had bid them farewell and left to journey to his people's capital city.
“How the heck did they even know he was with you?” Simon asked the cleric, who just shook her head with a smile.
“As Shandon said, his people have their ways. All I know is that a band of armored dwarves showed up and shouted at us until we lowered the drawbridge and allowed them to enter. Then they had a quick conversation with Ironhand in that unintelligible language of theirs and they all left together. Oh and he wanted me to thank you yet again for your aid. He said to keep that token that he gave you close. He didn't say why.”
Simon rubbed his chest.
“No need. I put it on the same string around my neck as the dragon crystal I wear. Funny that he wants me to keep it nearby though.”
“Dwarves are known for their brevity. They rarely say more than they need to and he didn't explain. Now, please take my advice and stay out of the sun for a few days. Use the aloe as much as you need to and, if you run out, send Aeris down for more. We have plenty to spare and it's a fair trade for those lovely tomatoes you sent us.”
“Thanks, I will.” He smiled at the mirror ruefully. “Back in my old body, I could tan almost black and never feel it. I keep forgetting that the new me is so delicate.”
Clara giggled. It made her sound very young.
“Well, let the sting on the sunburn remind you. Thanks for calling. I have some of my people waiting for me; a meeting about crop distribution,” she added with an eye-roll.
“You're welcome,” Simon told her as he chuckled at her expression. “Talk to you soon.”
He canceled the spell and put down the mirror. He was just getting up to make a second cup of tea when the front door burst open and Aeris flew in, followed closely by Kronk, who tripped on the way into the room, got up and hurriedly tip-tapped over to the table.
“Hey guys,” the wizard said as he watched them. The pair got up on the table and waited side by side. The little earthen was holding what looked like a folded sheet of paper.
“Morning, master,” Kronk said quickly.
“Good morning, my dear wizard,” Aeris said with a nod. “We found something.”
Simon sat down, forgetting about the tea, and nodded at the paper.
“What is it?”
Kronk handed the sheet to him and the wizard examined it closely.
It was made of parchment, similar to a note that the elves had left him before, and sealed with a drop of wax.
“This was attached to the front gate. We only just found it, master.”
“It must be from Ethmira,” he said to them as he snapped the seal in half. “I'm guessing no one saw her?”
“None of us,” Aeris said with some disgust. “I know that they can come and go like the wind, and I respect that, but it's unnerving how they can elude elementals and your wards at the same time.”
Simon smiled and unfolded the note.
“Don't sweat it,” he told them absently as he scanned the parchment. “It's just a natural talent, I suppose.”
He read the script on the paper and his smile changed to a frown of confusion.
Kronk looked from Simon to the parchment and back again.
“What does it say, master? Is there a problem?”
The wizard put down the note, rested his elbows on the table and his chin on his hands.
“Problem? No, I don't think so. But the last time Ethmira left a note, she was a little more...personal than she is in this one.”
“Was she?” Aeris looked at the parchment and Simon motioned for him to read it.
Both of the elementals hunched down over the note and the wizard looked past them toward the window as Aeris read out loud.
“Sir Wizard: It has come to our attention that the herb witch known as Heather has information regarding green dragons. As these
types of dragons are jungle-dwellers, we assume that her talent with plants has somehow allowed her to gain some knowledge in this
area. Irregardless, if you wish to learn more, we would suggest visiting the witch and discussing this subject with her. Sincerely, your
friends, the elves.”
He looked at Simon.
“I see what you mean. Sounds a bit, um, impersonal, doesn't it?”
Picking up the note
again, Simon nodded and read through it again.
“Exactly. They don't even mention my name, or Ethmira's. It reminds me of form letters I'd receive back in the old days. Weird.”
“Not really, master,” Kronk said. “The letter is probably not from the lady elf. As she has told you, her elders watch world events closely from their realm. This is probably their doing. Sir wizard is a title of respect from the days of magic. They would probably consider it rude to use your name. After all, Ethmira is your friend. They are not.”
Simon had a mental picture of a group of stodgy old elves sitting around a scrying pool and muttering about the goings-on in the world. He almost laughed.
“That may actually be the case,” he told the elementals. “But whatever. If Heather has information about the primal green dragon, I definitely have to talk to her.”
Aeris looked dubious.
“How do they even know that you are interested in hunting down the leader of the greens? The wards around the tower block all spells, including the elves', I assume.”
Simon folded the parchment, left it on the desk and went to stare out of the window.
“Master must have mentioned it to the lady cleric,” Kronk said to Aeris. “They are not blocked from scrying there until we install wards on the main hall.”
The wizard folded his arms and leaned against the windowsill, watching as the wind rippled the long grass in the field in front of the gates. The world felt so alive and hopeful now that summer was approaching and he could almost picture himself vanquishing even another primal dragon.
“Kronk's probably right,” he said over his shoulder. “I haven't hidden my plans from Clara, but until I put those wards around the hall, and remind me to do that soon, I had better start watching what I say outside of the tower.”
“So what are you going to do? See the herb witch?” Aeris asked as he floated to the window to join Simon.
With a glance at the sky, Simon nodded once.
“I may as well. It's only a short ride away and Chief could use some exercise. I don't want him getting fat on me.”
“He will never get fat, master,” Kronk stated indignantly. “I alter his diet and let him run to make sure of that.”
Simon looked at the little guy and chuckled.
“I was kidding, my friend. But he does like to get out once in a while, so this is as good a time as any.”
He turned and went into his bedroom to change into a more formal outfit. He'd been wearing shorts around to let his sunburned shoulders heal, but somehow Simon doubted that Heather would appreciate staring at his knobby knees and counting his ribs.
Aeris and Kronk followed him and, as the wizard opened his wardrobe and tried to decide what to wear, they moved to stand on the bed.
“So we are leaving right away?” Aeris asked.
Simon took out the blue robe that Clara had given him. It was the nicest he had and looked proper enough for a visit to a witch. He hoped.
As he got dressed, he looked at the elementals.
“Not we. Me. There's no reason for the three of us to go. You two should stay and keep watch on the place. It will only take me about a half-hour to get to Heather's place. Maybe an hour to talk to her, if she even wants to talk, and then a half-hour back. Not exactly a long or dangerous trip.”
Kronk was shaking his head.
“I don't like it, master. Yes, the note may have come from the elvish elders, as I said, but what if it didn't? It's dangerous outside of these walls.”
Simon smoothed the front of his robe and cinched his belt around his waist, settling his dagger comfortably at his side.
“Kronk, I'm a fully capable wizard now, am I not? Good. Then I should be able to take care of myself when I go to visit a neighbor.” He looked at Aeris. “You've done a sweep in the forest around the tower lately?”
“Yesterday. There were no signs of any hostile creatures or suspicious activity.”
“There you go. It's a bright and beautiful day, the neighborhood is clear of danger and I'm not going far. Now, stop worrying, Kronk. It'll give you wrinkles.”
At Kronk's perplexed expression, Simon laughed and slipped on his shoes.
“I'll meet you downstairs in a minute,” he told Aeris. “I just want a quick word with our worried little friend here,” and he nodded at Kronk as he spoke.
Aeris sighed dramatically and swept out of the room.
“Yes, master? What is it?”
“Just one thing, my friend. A little insurance policy, let's call it, to ease your suspicious mind.”
The wizard's ride through the forest to Heather's home was uneventful. The day was amazingly clear and invigorating and Chief was bouncing at each step, obviously happy to be out and moving again.
There was no real path to the witch's house. Simon hadn't spoken to her personally in over a year. Normally Aeris dropped by every other month during growing season to trade produce for any herbs or spices she wanted to spare. It was an effective arrangement, especially since Heather had made it clear that she was not the social type and had no need for company.
When he finally reached his destination, Simon gaped at the wall of spiked foliage that blocked his view of the witch's house. He'd forgotten that Heather had encouraged these plants to grow as a way to protect herself, and her privacy, from intruders. Aeris had told him about it but he had never seen it before.
The winding, intertwined bushes looked like grotesquely large rose bushes, without the flowers. The spines and sharp edges that grew from every branch appeared keen enough to rip the flesh from anyone foolish enough to attempt to force their way through.
So how the heck do I even reach Heather's house, Simon wondered as he slowly dismounted and looked up at the barrier. It was at least a dozen feet high and he couldn't even guess how thick it was.
He reached up absently and stroked Chief's neck as he tried to decide what to do. The stallion looked around calmly and then jerked his head up and backed away several feet,
Right in front of him, Simon watched with astonishment as the vines began to untangle and pull back, as if some large invisible hand was untying knots of rope, The plants snapped and rustled, seemingly reluctant to release their hold on each other.
But at last, a narrow path was revealed, just wide enough for the wizard to squeeze through.
“Well, I guess you have to stay here, big guy,” he said regretfully to Chief.
The horse snorted and shook his horns angrily. Clearly he didn't want to leave the wizard's side.
“Sorry, but there's no way you'll be able to get through there without losing some skin, or worse.”
He patted the stallion once more and turned away to face the open barrier. He took a deep breath, settled Bene-Dunn-Gal on his back so that it hung vertically, hoping it wouldn't get caught in the tangle of plants, and walked forward carefully.
The barrier towered over him as he slowly walked down the path, and the plants seemed to go on forever. It became as dark as evening in the shadows of the barricade and Simon shivered with trepidation.
If Heather decided to eliminate a pesky intruder, all she would have to do was to command her thorned guardians to slam shut and he would be pierced in a hundred places and left to rot in the heart of the barrier. It was a chilling thought.
But at last he saw a sliver of daylight and Simon moved forward eagerly, but not too quickly, still mindful of the sharp spikes just barely out of reach.
He emerged to stand in a clearing. Perhaps fifty feet ahead, in the middle of the round barrier that circled the clearing, was a small house.
Simon thought that Heather's cottage looked very much like it did the last time he'd seen it. Built of dark wood and covered with ivy, it looked homey and comfortable. A wisp of smoke rose from its chimney into the still, warm air.
The clearing was cultivated and row upon row of herbs had been planted in ordered lines, twining up sticks to reach toward the sun. The air smelled fresh and rich with green spicy
scents that the wizard found invigorating. He smiled in spite of himself, the frightening ordeal of crossing the barrier already forgotten.
A rustling sound from behind him made him spin around and Simon watched as the path through the thorny barricade disappeared.
Well, I'm not going anywhere now, he thought. The idea was a little unsettling and his good mood became tempered with caution.
There was no movement from the cottage as Simon approached, except for the spiraling ribbon of smoke from the chimney. When he got to within ten feet of the front door, he stopped.
“Heather? Are you there?“ he called out. “It's me, Simon, your neighbor.”
His only answer was silence and Simon stared at the closed door, puzzled.
She obviously knows that I'm here, he thought as he listened closely for any sound of a reply. What's she waiting for?
The wizard spun in a slow circle, looking for any sign of the witch.
Maybe she's out here working with her herbs?
But there was no movement. In fact, the air was unnaturally still. Even the songs of the birds from the forest was muted.
Probably just the thick barrier, adsorbing the wind and noise, Simon thought uneasily.
Nevertheless, he slipped Bene-Dunn-Gal off of his back and planted it butt-end on the ground. Some part of him was screaming a warning, but it too was distant and hazy.
Simon felt weak, light-headed. The green smell was overwhelming his senses and he stared stupidly at the quiet cottage, trying to figure out what was wrong.
As he began to collapse, he had time for one last thought.
You fool, you've been tricked.
And the world went dark.
Chapter 24
Consciousness was slow to return. Simon swam out of a vast pit of darkness, his mind feeling like it was trapped in honey.
He was aware of sounds first. Mutters and squeaks, a rumble that made his head pound, a hissing that spoke of snakes and slime.
He started to feel his extremities. Pins and needles made his hands and feet itch and, when he finally could lift his heavy head and open his eyes, his lids felt sticky and almost glued shut.
The Dragons Revenge (Tales from the New Earth #2) Page 32