The Young Magician tlt-1

by Michael Foster

  From this position, he could see much of the cavern that surrounded him. Water cascaded in from several gaps high in the wall, lit by multitudes of tiny glowing worms that seemed to hang from the ceiling on milky, silken threads, shining with a pale green light. The water ran to the edges of the great cavern, where it drained though unseen cavities. Ledges and rocky outcrops jutted from the high walls, like the balconies of an underground city. Samuel continued staring upwards, gawking at the enormous stone cavern like someone seeing stars for the first time ever, until darkness crept around his vision once more, and he passed out.

  After some time, Samuel awoke and the first thing he realised was that he could not move. His muscles had knotted up so tightly as to paralyse him. With great strength of will he forced himself up into a sitting position. He felt weak to the core and was tempted to lie down again, but he knew that he would only become weaker by lingering here. He needed to be dry and warm and have some food in his stomach. Only then would he be safe. Only then could he rest. His belly felt knotted and it stung as if he had swallowed glass or nails. Escape was foremost on his mind, but in his current condition he had little chance of going anywhere. Sitting on the stone, he felt entombed within the earth. Hours passed as his mind struggled in and out of consciousness. Finally, his mind began to assemble itself into some semblance of sanity. I am alive! he remembered thinking. He wanted to shout it out in all directions, but something made him fearful of speaking aloud. He was afraid that no sound would come from his throat if he tried and perhaps he was dead after all. He slapped his cheeks and pinched his fingernails in attempt to shake the stupor from himself and, slowly, it seemed to work.

  He struggled to his feet and examined his surroundings. From his ledge, he could walk around the perimeter of the cavern, where a series of outcrops rose along the wall. He was sure he would not survive another voyage in the water and so he sought other means of escaping. He began clambering up the rocky ledges, with each movement a struggle, and passed many dark openings leading away into the earth. He dreaded having to leave the stone-lit sanctuary and entering the unknown darkness, but then felt something that almost made him cry out with joy-a slight movement of air on his face.

  It was just a tiny motion, but Samuel was sure that, just for a moment, the air had stirred and moved towards him. He scraped his boot amongst the stones at his feet to mark the narrow passage and continued exploring the chamber. He waited momentarily before each of the other passages, but none gave him any hint of wind or breeze. Eventually, Samuel made his way back to the marked passage. He began into that black opening and was quickly swallowed by the darkness.

  He felt his way along the walls, step by step, slowly through the dark, with nothing but the hollow echoes from the cavern behind him and the scraping of his sodden boots upon the gravelly floor. He would have taken them off, but the ground was jagged in places and would lacerate his feet in moments. He continued on, ignorant of the time passing, tripping over stones and fumbling over rocks, until the sounds of water behind had long ceased and he felt entombed in his solitude, deep beneath the earth. All he could hear were his own breaths and grunts of exertion. Even his footsteps came echoing back from the dark as if to haunt him. Each one was a painful accusation, a testimony of his breaking of the silence-silence that until now had ruled this unexplored realm beneath the earth absolutely and without exception. Almost certainly, he feared some terrible retribution, but he pushed himself on without pause. His lips moved silently and incessantly in prayer, in the hope that whatever titanic gods were observing him from their lairs in the darkness would be compassionate and would let him continue, if only he did not stop.

  The breeze did not return, but Samuel could not turn back. He could not abandon his one hope of escape. Soon, even the fear of things watching him disappeared. Often he stopped and waited, straining to sense some movement of air, licking his finger with his dry tongue, but he could feel nothing. He continued on, following the twisting and turning passage until his hand, pressed against the wall to guide him, was worn and sore.

  It was then the tunnel ended in an abrupt wall. He fumbled his hands all over it, but it was solid rock. Almost in tears and about to set back the way he had come, Samuel felt something cold against his ankles. Ducking low, he could feel a soft breeze coming through a fissure in the rocks. He sucked a finger and then stuck his arm in as far as it would go, feeling the coolness of moving air on the end of his digit. There was nothing left to do but drop onto his stomach and pull himself into the gap. He groaned and grunted beneath the rocks and was terrified for a moment when he became wedged in tight, but a bit of sideways wriggling meant he found a gap and he continued wriggling his way in. The dust filled his sightless eyes and he coughed in the darkness, making echoes that raced in all directions. A crack of light became visible far above through a long, narrow crevice and he turned his head as much as he could to stare at the distant light with one eye. It was impossible to squeeze himself into that tiny crack above and so he lay there for long moments, savouring the delightful presence of sunlight filtering down from somewhere far, far above. He dragged himself on, feeling hope at the mere presence of sunlight, determined to set himself free from the earth’s deathly embrace.

  The lone magician dragged himself along the rough stones with renewed vigour. He felt sure that his body would be covered in cuts and bruises, but all that would not matter if he could just get out under the open sky.

  Finally, the feeling of confinement vanished and Samuel could feel open space all around as he pulled himself from the crack in the stone. He climbed to his feet and stumbled into the wall, finding his bearings. He laughed aloud as he peered far ahead, for there was something up ahead he could almost see. As he neared the place, he grew more assured and hurried himself along; limping and staggering towards the growing light. He could clearly see the walls around him now and as the tunnel grew into a great yawning cavern, Samuel could see the bright whiteness of day up ahead. He hobbled and pushed himself to go on, until, jubilant, he came to the cavern’s end and careered over onto his stomach to lie in the warm embrace of the sun as it flooded down upon him. At first, he could see nothing and was forced to keep his eyes squeezed tightly shut. Slowly, he became accustomed to the daylight and the shapes and colours of the outside world slowly became apparent.

  He lay splayed out in the cave’s mouth, halfway up a short slope and facing another hillside, which also was pocked with numerous similar cave openings. He smiled under the touch of the sun and laughed aloud at being free of the weight of the earth. Never again would he venture into such smothering depths.

  He staggered down the slope and made the narrow valley floor. It seemed like afternoon and he supposed he had been trapped beneath the earth all day. He peered up the valley. He guessed that he had come a fair way downhill and that the keep must be located somewhere atop one of these hills. He began hiking on unsteady legs, hoping his sense of direction would somehow serve him true.

  A trail of smoke, snaking up into the sky, made Samuel hurry, and it was not long until he clambered up a steep rise and could see the ruined keep. Smoke was slowly curling up from its centre. It had taken some hours to navigate the steep slopes of the escarpment, and now the thought of impending darkness hurried Samuel on. As he neared the keep and began to round its broken walls towards the gate, a shout came up and one of Captain Orrell’s men, Valiant, came running to his side.

  ‘Where on earth did you come from, Magician?’ the man asked in disbelief.

  Samuel smiled and went to answer, but only managed to choke on his words. Valiant had Samuel’s arm slung over his shoulder and began dragging him into the keep. Surrounded by the other magicians, a large fire was burning at the courtyard’s edge. Rocks and rubble lay against the three remaining walls and the buildings behind all lay shattered and broken. Across the centre of the keep, a long depression marked the ground where the earth had fallen in. Samuel thanked his luck he had time to escape, or he wou
ld be buried now, far below.

  ‘Samuel!’ Master Glim and Lomar cried together and they all hurried over to him.

  They fussed and bothered over him, asking him all sorts of questions and wondering how he was still alive, and all Samuel could do was cough and laugh; he had strength for little else. They helped him nearer the fire and prepared some bedding. Samuel remembered almost diving down upon it and his head just making contact with the bundle of clothes that would serve as his pillow. After that, sleep had him and he knew no more.

  When Samuel awoke, he found himself in Captain Orrell’s camp. The sun was fairly high and he felt like some life had crept back into him. The others had obviously set some spells around him and he felt all the better for them and a decent sleep. He could see everyone’s backs around the campfire. He roused himself and went over to the others, who were speaking loudly, deep in conversation.

  ‘What are we talking about?’ Samuel asked with a raspy voice, sitting amongst them. ‘And what is there to eat?’

  ‘It’s good to see you back with the living,’ Lomar said. ‘We are just discussing what on earth to do next.’

  Master Glim leaned over and carefully scooped a bowl of steaming hot stew from the pot that was now boiling away over the fire. He handed it, with a spoon, to Samuel who began to throw the food down without even the slightest of hesitation. ‘You gave us a terrible fright, Samuel,’ the teacher said. ‘Even poor Lomar was beside himself with fear that you were lost. Goodness, I’ve never seen him so upset.’

  At that, the tall and dark magician looked uncomfortable. ‘It’s only natural to show concern,’ he explained.

  ‘Now you’re awake, you can tell us how on earth you managed to escape?’ Eric asked from opposite the fire. ‘We all thought you were dead for sure.’

  Samuel shrugged his shoulders and swallowed some of his meal. ‘I fell down the well,’ he managed to say through a mouthful of stew.

  ‘We know that much,’ Lomar said, ‘and we began digging for you as carefully as we could. Of course, we were all horrified when the tunnel collapsed. How did you find your way free?’

  ‘I could hear you lot doing your best to bring the roof down on me, so I did my best to be out of there,’ Samuel explained. ‘I managed to find my way through the caves eventually, but I honestly thought I would never set my eyes upon the sun again.’

  ‘Ah,’ Captain Orrell said. ‘I’d heard there were many caves in this area. Lucky for you, I’d say.’

  ‘What of the creature?’ Samuel asked. ‘I assume the plan was a success. It is dead, isn’t it?’

  Master Glim nodded. ‘When we pried back the stones, it was crushed dead, sure enough.’

  ‘You used enough weight then?’ Samuel questioned, burning his lips as he attempted to shovel down as much food as he could.

  ‘Half of the keep,’ Master Glim replied. ‘We burned the creature all day and night. Its carcass was quite stubborn and it had a foul stench like nothing else. We made sure to keep a good distance.’

  Samuel nodded. ‘Aye. I could not believe the thing was so strong. I wonder how those magicians ever managed to summon it.’

  ‘We have been discussing the same,’ Master Glim said. ‘I have never heard of such a creature.’

  ‘The magicians had been tampering with unknown forces,’ Lomar told them. ‘We found a few notes on their studies: black magic and foul arts. It seems they believed they could control anything which they summoned, but they were caught unprepared by what actually arrived. If what Sebastian said was true, they meant to ready the thing for us.’

  ‘Which leads us to Garret and his men,’ Captain Orrell said. ‘I’m starting to believe that they weren’t even told to meet us here. This whole mission stinks of foul play. It seems we were being sent into an ambush. We’re pulling back to Hammenton today and then it won’t take me long to find out and, when I do, there will be hell to pay. Someone will pay the cost for every one of my lost men.’

  Master Glim spoke up. ‘I’ve been thinking about what Sebastian told us. He was certainly mad, but that doesn’t mean he could not have been telling us the truth. I suspect that Ash and Dividian may still be in Cintar, and that they are in league with High Lord Rimus and perhaps others still. We were obviously manipulated into coming here and Rimus seemed quite keen about the whole idea.’

  ‘We cannot know that for sure, Samuel,’ Lomar rebutted, ‘but it’s true that High Lord Rimus has been behaving strangely since the Emperor’s death.’

  ‘But why would he want us dead now?’ Goodfellow asked. ‘I know we have not seen eye to eye in the past, but surely he is not one to bear such a piffling grudge against us? I thought the Grand Master had smoothed everything over.’

  ‘I don’t know if piffling is the correct word,’ Eric suggested. ‘We were branded the Empire’s greatest threat just a short time ago. I would think it more surprising if Rimus had forgiven us.’

  ‘Wait a moment,’ Captain Orrell said. ‘Are you are telling me there are even more plots within the Order? Is the Emperor’s death not enough?’

  ‘Perhaps the same plot,’ Master Glim replied. ‘It’s no secret that some people have been using the Emperor’s war plan as a vessel for their own designs. Rimus may have been aiming to be Archmage all along.’

  ‘And now we are all out of the way, it is a perfect time for him to take the Staff of Elders,’ Lomar said.

  ‘But he is already going to be Archmage,’ Eric said, ‘so there is no need for him to take it by force.’

  ‘Unless he plans to take the throne as well,’ Samuel added and everyone looked to him incredulously. ‘It’s possible,’ he stated resolutely. ‘The Argum Stone is still sitting in the High Tower. Added to the power of the Elder Staff, it would give any wielder incredible power-easily enough to defeat a whole city full of guards. Now would be a perfect time for someone to seize control.’

  ‘No magician could lead the Empire,’ Orrell corrected. ‘The people would not accept anyone not of royal lineage. Even having a woman temporarily in power has caused terrible civil unrest. If any magician tried to take the throne, he would soon find himself missing a head.’

  ‘I don’t think you are quite hearing what we are saying, Captain,’ Master Glim spoke out. ‘If a magician as powerful as Samuel is suggesting takes the throne, no one-no army-could do anything about it.’

  ‘I don’t know that any of this sounds feasible,’ Orrell said, sounding decidedly sceptical. ‘You’re trying to tell me that one magician could be powerful enough to overthrow the Empire alone?’

  ‘Before now, Captain,’ Master Glim questioned, ‘did you think that a creature could be summoned from some despicable hell and almost destroy your entire squad?’ Orrell’s sceptical look vanished. ‘Do you see what we are saying?’

  ‘Then I suggest we do something about it,’ the captain stated.

  ‘Exactly,’ Master Glim responded. ‘We’re heading back at once.’

  ‘But Grand Master Anthem is there,’ Goodfellow said. ‘He will keep an eye on everyone.’

  ‘That’s what worries me,’ Glim replied. ‘Rimus was quite insistent in getting the Grand Master to come with us, but the stubborn old goat refused. If he is in Rimus’ way, then that spells trouble for him. We should get back immediately.’

  ‘I’ll join you,’ Orrell said. ‘If what you say is true, then the Empire is in danger.’

  ‘Very well, Captain,’ Master Glim said. ‘If all this does prove to be true, then I’m sure that our return has been allowed for and we’ll need all the help we can get. We need to return to Cintar as quickly as we possibly can. There’s a slim chance, but the fate of the civilised world could depend on it. Rimus said we have until the month is over, but given that everything else he said has proved false, I would bet my front teeth he’ll try to get his hands on the Staff of Elders as soon as he can.’

  ‘I’ll ready my men-what’s left of them,’ Orrell said and stood, barking orders to Valiant.

 
; ‘How are you feeling, Samuel?’ Lomar then asked. ‘Do you feel ready to travel?’

  Samuel groaned. ‘I have to be, but I won’t enjoy it. We need to get back-quickly.’

  ‘None of you is the best of riders,’ Captain Orrell explained, ‘but if we ride straight through, and change horses wherever we can, we can make it back to the city in about two days. It won’t be easy. We won’t be able to sleep-we’ll barely have time to rest. You’ll be wrecks when you get there. If we had the luxury, it would be better to stretch the ride over three days.’

  ‘We’ll aim for two, Captain,’ Master Glim informed him.

  ‘We must go as quickly as possible. Don’t worry. We will persevere,’ Orrell stated.

  ‘Let’s go,’ Samuel suggested firmly and he stood, ready. ‘I can barely wait to get back to Cintar and see Rimus’ expression when he sees we’ve survived-and then finally, finally get my hands on Ash.’

  ‘I reckon you’ll get your chance, Magician,’ Captain Orrell said. ‘And I hope you enjoy it.’

  They had been hurtling along the roadway for a full day when the magicians had to admit they could not go on. They had exchanged their tired mounts for fresh ones every time they came to an Imperial garrison or met soldiers patrolling the road, but the long hours of constant motion had taken their toll on the magicians. Samuel had been sad to see Jess left behind, but he had no other choice. The animal was spent and no amount of magic was going to keep her on her legs much longer, so they had left her behind in Dunbarton in exchange for a fresh ride.

  They had afforded themselves six hours’ sleep in a busy country inn, but Samuel’s head had no sooner touched the pillow than the others were already rousing him. His body ached with each movement, but somehow he managed to stay on his horse hour after painful hour. The others were also feeling the strain, and they all said little, except for the brief moments when they were dropping from one horse to climb upon another.