A Balance Broken (Dragonsoul Saga)

by Hartke, J. T.

  “How far away do you live?”

  Tanya’s face brightened. “Not far! Just down at the bottom of the hill.” She grasped Maddi’s unwilling fingers. “Please come!”

  Her reluctance weighing down her steps, Maddi followed the girl. Behind Prince’s Hall, the Avenue of Willows trailed down to the bottom of Jalanine Hill. With each intersection, the buildings grew more ramshackle, stone and brick becoming far scarcer materials. Mud splattered the streets and the clothing of the people living there. The few open shops hawked goods for survival, or more likely, the goods of debauchery. The further they descended, the more the scent of wine, vomit, and rare opiates rose to Maddi’s nose.

  “You live down here?”

  Tanya pulled her along, her path direct and purposeful. “Yep. In a flop over here on Green Street.”

  Maddi cast her eyes about, rubbing the hilt of the dagger hanging just above the cuff of her sleeve. Most of the passersby remained focused on their own drudgery. A few drunks passed a bottle behind a dilapidated stoop. A single, wiry fellow watched her from across the street. A good hard stare from her, and the man disappeared into an alley.

  “This way!” Tanya pulled her toward a three-story building tucked between a locked warehouse and a makeshift tavern. Dingy paint peeled in strips from the walls and doorframe. The hinges creaked when the girl pushed it open. A fog of human stench washed over Maddi, hot and musty as it belched forth from the darkness.

  Wrinkling her nose, Tanya gave Maddi a telling nod. “You’ll get used to it. Come on.”

  The stench within clung to the inside of Maddi’s nose. It coated her mouth when she tried breathing through it. She swatted at fat, green flies that buzzed about her head. Movement from behind a worn desk caught her attention.

  “You’ll have to pay for your new friend, Tanya. No free visitors.”

  Maddi squinted against the darkness. Her eyes adjusted when the light pouring in through the door spread to the room’s corners. A thin, greasy man brushed blackened fingers over the few long strands of hair still clinging to his scalp. Bucked teeth and a needle grin turned from Tanya to look at her.

  “Well, now aren’t you a fine lass to be wandering about down here?” His grin shifted to an angry scowl, and his simpering voice became a snarl. “What are you up to, Tanya?”

  “I’m tryin’ to save my mom!” Tanya crossed her arms and stuck out her lower lip. “You leave me alone, Briscoe. My friend is an important doctor, and she won’t let you touch me.”

  Maddi shifted her stance into a more dangerous posture. “She’s right about that.” The dagger rested a hair’s breadth from her fingers. “I’m here as a representative of the Doctor’s College, and I will see to this girl’s mother.”

  The man took a step back, his brows raised. “I would not harm the girl. I am the landlord’s representative, and I must know who enters the building…for safety’s sake.” His fingers fidgeted and he sniffed. “There is a visitor fee...”

  Maddi set her jaw and scowled at the man.

  He held his hands up in surrender. “…but I will waive it for a doctor.”

  Staring at the man until he skittered back behind his desk, Maddi followed the girl up the rickety staircase to the second floor.

  Tanya pointed to a weak spot in the floor. “Watch the hole!”

  Six rooms lined the hall, two of which had no doors. Maddi cast quick glances into them as she passed, following Tanya. Stained mattresses and worn chairs lay scattered about in both rooms. Bare wall slats showed through the plaster. Distant memories of painted flowers clung to it behind layers of filth and grime.

  Twisting the knob on the last door, Tanya waved for Maddi to follow. “You get your door when you pay the rent.”

  Inside, a small window with cracked, dirty glass let in enough light for Maddi to see a woman curled up on a narrow bed.

  This room is cleaner than anything else in this building, but old and dilapidated can only be tidied so much.

  A moan escaped from the woman.

  “I brought the doctor, Momma!” Tanya drug Maddi toward her mother, whose ashen face gleamed with a sheen of sweat. “She’s the one who cured me!” Her nervous eyes looked up at Maddi, on the verge of tears. “Please…will you help her?”

  Kneeling down beside the bed, Maddi placed her hands upon the woman’s shoulder and arm. Ice-cold flesh met her fingers, when she had expected the heat of fever.

  Not good… She looked at Tanya. “I will try. Bring me clean water and towels.”

  The little girl nodded. She grabbed a few folded rags from a small trunk in the corner, and then dashed away with a cracked pitcher in her hand.

  Closing her eyes, Maddi delved into her Talent. She conjured up a mind’s-eye view of the life forces swirling about her. Dozens surrounded Maddi in the building, surprising her with their crowded numbers. Some flickered with sickness. Tanya, however, stood out bright and strong when she returned, free from any taint of disease.

  Her mother appeared far different.

  Oily blackness oozed over the surface of the woman’s life force, sinking into it, dimming the light of its glow. Steadying herself with a deep breath, Maddi dived in, careful to use the techniques the Lord Doctor had taught to keep her own life force safe and separate.

  She drew the oiliness toward her, wrapping it in pockets of psahn. She pulled it out with her Talent, wiping black tar onto the towels Tanya provided. A dozen times she went into the woman, drawing some of the poisonous disease out with each attempt. Her shoulders and back ached as though she had been fighting all day. Sweat beaded on her forehead, running down to nestle within her dark eyebrows. Her breaths became hurried.

  Yet still the blackness held sway over the woman’s life force. Every time Maddi thought one part was clear, the disease would spring back elsewhere. All the while, the brilliance of the woman’s psahn faded, until at last Maddi broke away from her Talent, gasping for breath. She wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of a blackened hand.

  “I must rest,” she panted, thankfully gulping down a cup of water offered by Tanya. “Now give some to your mother while I collect my strength.”

  Tanya refilled the cup from the pitcher and held it to her mother’s lips, cradling the woman’s head with her other hand. Her mother did not drink. When Maddi scooted closer to help, the woman popped open her eyes, pale green like her daughter’s.

  “Tanya! Is that you?” Her voice weakened swiftly. “I…I want you to be…to be a good girl.” A weak cough brought a small spray of crimson that spattered across her threadbare coverlet. Those feverish green eyes stared at Maddi. “Care for her…”

  The rattle of her last breath left those eyes gazing at Maddi, who fought down heat rising in her chest. Pulling herself together with a sniff, she reached over and closed the woman’s eyelids. Tanya collapsed against the still form with silent tears. The little girl stroked her mother’s hands while she folded them together.

  She’s seen death before. Maddi rubbed Tanya’s back in sympathy. She’s a tough little thing. Who does that remind me of? Maddi stood and put hands on her hips. “Come with me, Tanya. You cannot stay here.”

  The girl clasped onto her mother’s gray arm even more tightly. “But what about Momma?”

  Maddi knelt down, her eyes searching Tanya’s. “I will make certain she is taken care of. I promise.” She looked out into the hall. “And everyone else here.” She turned back to the girl, who nibbled on her lower lip. “Do you have anything you need to bring with you?”

  Tanya rubbed her pants pocket in search of something precious. Her eyes brightened before she shook her head in the negative.

  “Fine, you can stay with me for now. Come on.” Taking Tanya by the hand, Maddi led her down the stairs. The coughs and moans of other residents rang through the closed doors.

  When she reached the ground floor, Madd
i stormed up to the proprietor. “You run a cesspit, sir! Plague has taken hold in your establishment.” She slammed her fist onto the desk, jostling the mess upon it. Briscoe jerked his head. “I will be back with more healers – and with the city watch.” Maddi jammed a finger at the greasy man, wishing it were one of her knives. “You will treat the dead in this building – and I know there are more – with respect.”

  Briscoe squinted at her, folding his hands and clearing his throat. He leaned forward upon his desk, eyes bouncing back and forth between Tanya and Maddi’s finger. “I can make use of the girl here. She can…clean things – uh – help me clean things up.” His lips thinned. “You can leave her with me. She’s a terrible burden.”

  Grabbing the edge of the desk, Maddi heaved it over, flipping it onto its side and scattering papers and a half-eaten sandwich across the room. Briscoe toppled back onto his chair, crashing to the ground and sprawling against the back wall.

  “You will not keep her!” Anger overtook Maddi, and she pulled one of her knives. She charged forward, slamming his shoulder against the floor and bringing the dagger within an inch of his cheekbone. “I want you to understand clearly with whom you are dealing. I will take the girl, and I will return to clean out the plague.”

  Maddi leaped back, slipping the dagger away. She watched the apple in his throat bounce and noticed a dark patch spreading at his groin. She took Tanya by the hand. “Come now, Tanya. Let’s leave this place. It suddenly reeks in here.”

  Evening slipped into the air while they walked back. Halfway to the college Tanya stumbled, her steps slow with exhaustion. Without a word, Maddi scooped her up in her arms and cradled Tanya’s head upon her shoulder. The little girl clung tight, her face nuzzling into Maddi’s neck. Ignoring the child’s weight, Maddi carried her all the way back to her room.

  Ami waited within, her nose buried deep within a book. “Is that the girl from class a few weeks ago?”

  Maddi nodded, fighting back tears. “Her mother has died of the same disease that threatened her. Their whole tenement is in danger of the same.” She reached out to Ami. “I need your help. We must get her clean – I have to get clean.” Maddi cast her head about, searching for something she could not find. “I suppose I need a towel…I…”

  Closing her book, Ami reached out to grab Maddi’s hand. “Of course I will help you. We can hide her here for a long time – if she can stay quiet.”

  A few hours later, Maddi lay cuddled up under her blanket, a freshly scrubbed Tanya rolled up beside her. She reached her arm around the little girl, who hugged it tight.

  What have I gotten myself into?

  Any smart sailor will tell you to avoid the Isle of Wizards when you can. A wise one will tell you to never, ever go there.

  — Captain Sully’s Maritime Guide

  Tallen Westar shifted his weight to maintain balance as the boat turned to dock along the stone pier. The thrum beneath his feet changed frequency, and water burbled out from under the hull. The rainbow ship nudged the pier resembling a single cut boulder drawn up from the water.

  “Looks like a special welcome for you, lad.” Dorias Ravenhawke squinted at a group of people gathered on the dock. “I hope some of it rubs off on me.”

  Tomas Harte stepped closer to the gangway. “I will take the initial brunt of the attack.”

  Dorias chuckled. “As usual.”

  Two stevedores tied the gangway in place, and the paladin led Tallen and the wizard onto the pier. Tallen stared at the group of robed figures moving forward, each as different in face and stature as the next. Three human females stood there, one with the caramel skin of a Handoner and two others who appeared very Gannonite to Tallen’s eye. A dwarf, his beard trimmed short, scowled at the new arrivals and fingered a twisted oak staff. Two elves stood near the rear of the group, one male and short, with ash-colored hair and cobalt blue eyes, the other female with golden hair and violet eyes. In front of all of them stood a third elf, her hands lifted in greeting.

  Tallen almost stumbled on the gangplank when he focused on the leader, her face calm and beautiful beyond any woman he had ever seen, framed by long, white hair, radiant in the sunlight. A samite robe matched her glowing tresses. Her smooth facial features complimented a gaze that carried a weight of centuries. When those violet eyes fixed on Tallen, they laid him bare to her, as if every sin, every skill, every thought in his mind were hers to claim.

  Tomas bowed once his boots touched the pier. “Lady Varana. It is my honor to be in your presence. I have returned to the Isle to visit the great Cathedral of my order.”

  Varana dipped her head. “Welcome, Paladin Tomas. It is always our honor to host those of your order.” Rich, melodious tones carried her words to Tallen’s ear. She turned her gaze upon Tallen once again when he stepped onto the dock. “You must be Tallen Westar, the new find of Magus Joslyn Britt. Joslyn has sent me several interesting students. However, he has never sent one accompanied by such high praise.”

  Bowing his head, Tallen shifted his rucksack to the other shoulder. “Thank you, My Lady. I am honored to be here.”

  Varana’s eyes narrowed when Dorias’ boots tapped the stone. “And you, Ravenhawke. What brings you to the Isle? You may have chosen exile from the Circle, but that does not mean it is your choice to end it.”

  The wizard bowed his head. “I am here only because of a great need, Varana, I assure you.” He looked up, his hawk-like gaze settling on her. “Something dark stirs in the Dreamrealm – something I cannot name. I hope to search the libraries upon the Isle for clues as to what it is or what its purpose may be.” He dipped his head toward Tallen. “The fact that the first Dreamer in decades has been found at the same time cannot be mere chance.”

  Tomas nodded his head. “I agree. The Balance shifts as the Balance will.”

  Varana folded her hands behind her back. She looked first at the elf woman in her entourage, who shook her head. Varana then sought one of the Gannonite women. The blond mage shrugged, pulling her sky blue robes about her body.

  “You understand my reluctance to allow you upon the Isle,” Varana said, turning back to Dorias. “It was you who led twelve of your fellows to rebel against the Circle’s guidance. Each of their stories ended badly – save for yours.” A flash of fire leaped into her eyes. “You betrayed not only me, but the trust every one of them placed in you.”

  Dorias focused on the stone pier, his voice a controlled monotone. “You know that I did not intend that they choose the paths they did. You were there when I slew Malcolm with my own power.” Merl warbled from his perch on the dock rail. Dorias’ voice dropped even further. “As for my betrayal of you, that happened long before I left the Circle. And we both know it was not a true betrayal by that time.” The wizard cleared his throat. “And Kaela paid enough for both our debts, even if my aid against Malcolm was not enough.”

  “The Ravenhawke speaks the truth.” The caramel-skinned woman’s dark eyes shifted between Dorias and Varana. “He has aided us – and several other lands – with honor since he left.” She fixed her gaze on Varana. “He is the only Dreamer left.”

  Smoothing the front of her dress, Varana looked at her companion. She stared at the Hadoner while the woman’s face remained set in stone. Varana turned back to Dorias. “I will allow you your search, Ravenhawke. However, you may not stay at the Academy. You will find lodgings in one of the abandoned towers on the Isle. Yours no longer stands.” Raising a finger, Varana tightened her lips. “Take care with those who rest upon the Isle. Have respect for the Circle of Wizards which you so carelessly abandoned.”

  Dorias bowed to his waist. “I have nothing but respect for those retired to this island.”

  “See that it is so.” Varana narrowed her gaze. “And see that you share any information you find with me. If this dark power is so daunting as to bring the great Ravehawke back to my island begging for help, then p
erhaps I should be aware of it as well.”

  Straightening from his bow, Dorias covered his heart with one hand. “I promise, Varana – on the friendship we once shared.” Merl fluttered to his shoulder, rubbing his beak behind the wizard’s ear.

  Varana did not respond, though Tallen noticed a hint of pink rising at the tips of her ears. The sorceress turned to him. “And you, young man, shall begin the most intense training of your life. I sense the power of all Aspects within you.” A strange grin curled on her lips. “Perhaps even enough to rival mine.”

  Her gaze shifted back to Dorias, who stroked Merl’s wing. “He does have a distinct connection to Psoul, and Yasmine is correct, you are the only known Dreamer.” Varana paused, her thoughts making no impression on her calm face. “You must take a hand in his training from time to time – so long as you remain upon the Isle.”

  Dipping his head again, Dorias spread his hands in submission. “As you wish.”

  The elegant elf woman laughed aloud – a crystalline sound that trickled over the docks. It drew Tallen toward her. “I have no doubt this is your wish as well, Ravenhawke. You could never pass up a chance with a promising student.” She wagged a finger at him, still smiling. “But you must wait your turn.” With that said, she spun away, the retinue joining her without hesitation. “Come, Tallen. We will take you to the dormitory. I will teach your first lesson myself. Then many other wizards will spend some time with you.”

  Dorias patted his shoulder, and Merl croaked a farewell. “I will visit soon enough.”

  The paladin saluted, fist over heart. “As will I.” He tapped a gauntleted finger to the side of his head. “And fear not. This island is small enough I can sense an enemy anywhere upon it.”

  Tallen smiled and waved thanks before jogging after the knot of mages.

  “Now fold the metal with your Earth Aspect. Your goal is to line up the particles of iron perfectly with the coke evenly distributed.”