Ignoring him, the Baroness continues, “My youngest Margaret Carol. She has a quick wit and always wears a smile, even when her clothes are inappropriate for dinner.”
The three children bow. The Baron looks to his family. “This is Mikal Novastar and his cat Majam from the City of Addis. He is a teacher at the School of the Three Moons. So I caution you, he will be watching.” The Baron laughs lightly.
Surprisingly for Mikal, the dinner goes by quickly. The two young ladies are excused.
Robert Craig stands. “Father, I remind you that you are scheduled to supervise the night patrol this evening. You said I could accompany you.”
The Baron looks to his wife. “Yes, I know. We will leave within the hour. Go prepare yourself.”
The Baron addresses Mikal. “I'm afraid I must depart soon but I will leave you in the more than capable hands of my wife.”
Mikal thanks his host for his hospitality. The Baron lightly kisses Elizabeth goodbye, turns, and goes to prepare the night patrol.
Mikal, his cat, and the Baroness Elizabeth Stannum sit in the meeting room.
Your cat is magnificent. I've heard that her fur changes color. It is now such a luxurious, raven black.” The Baroness starts to gently stroke Majam.
The fastidious feline shows her appreciation by producing an almost hypnotic purr. For the next twenty minutes or so, the Baroness explains how she met Madam Burnshire and how they became such good, trusting friends. Suddenly, the Baroness stops. She raises her chin and listens closely.
“I think it's time. Master Mikal, please follow me.”
The White Wizard stands with his staff in his right hand. His cat jumps and is soon cradled in his left. Silently they walk a rarely used hallway. The Baroness stops before a sizeable, finely crafted, two-door cabinet. She pulls open these doors, slides hanging clothes aside, and turns.
“Do not be alarmed. Follow me and close the doors behind you.”
She opens a false back in the cabinet and walks through the hidden opening. It reveals a stone room with a marble, spiral stairway leading down into darkness. Mikal closes the doors behind him as instructed. The room becomes pitch black.
“Master Mikal, I have walked this path in the dark before, but would you please shed some light to assist me?”
“Certainly,” Mikal responds. Instantly the stone room glows with a pleasant, soft blue light. They descend the circular steps that lead farther down than Mikal expected. They eventually enter a well-appointed room. It has various soft leather chairs, two torches affixed to the far wall, and three thick, lit candles set on a long, heavy, wooden table. The Baroness invites the White Wizard to sit, and then pours a red wine for herself and Mikal.
The Baroness explains, “The original occupants of this estate were accomplished smugglers. We had no idea. The head librarian and Madam Burnshire explained the history of the grounds, though neither knew of these complex passages and tunnels that we have uncovered.”
Mikal notices that there is only one other exit besides the way they entered. As if reading his mind, the Baroness laughs and explains, “Along with the two you see, there are other ways to enter or leave this room. More wine?”
Before he can answer, his cat freezes and stares at the far wall. Her tail is straight up and the tip of it twitches back and forth. A secret wall panel slides open and a tall, brown-haired, stately woman appears. Majam continues to stare intently. As the woman approaches the table, the black cat arches her back, bares her teeth, and hisses.
The Baroness frantically stands. “Something is terribly wrong. That is not Madam Burnshire, in spite of how she appears.”
The White Wizard holds his staff high as the would-be Madam Burnshire returns Majam’s hiss with one of her own. Her fingernails grow longer, sharper. Mikal quickly recites a spell that sends a blinding, white light that engulfs the far side of the room. The creature turns away, holding her clawed hands over her eyes. A silvery dagger whistles past the White Wizard and penetrates the cringing beast’s side just below the elbow. She screams an otherworldly cry. The enraged black cat leaps and starts to bite and slash at the creature’s face. Mikal steps on to the table and uses it as a springboard that propels him toward the howling beast and swings his glowing staff onto the creature’s back. Bones yield with sickening, crunching noises. Again, a white light fills this part of the room. The White Wizard cannot be sure, but for just a moment he thought he saw needlelike, white shards of solid light penetrate the threatening beast. The thing slumps to the ground and does not move. Majam starts to meow again. Another door made of stone noiselessly opens and out steps a second Madam Burnshire. For a moment all is silent.
“What is the problem here? That creature… why is it dressed as me?”
Unexpectedly, a large, muscular blond-haired man dressed in leather armor carrying a short sword in one hand and a silvery dagger in the other, steps past her. The headmistress introduces the warrior.
“This is Arnold, my personal bodyguard. Will you please see if that creature is dead?”
After a cursory inspection, the leather-clad warrior responds, “She is most certainly dead. She is also carrying a vial of poison like we found on the others.”
He removes the silver knife from the beast’s side and, out of habit, wipes it clean on his tunic.
Curiously, he sees needle sharp wounds in her back. One must have delivered the killing stroke.
Madam Burnshire looks up. “Please return the silver blade to the Baroness and remove the body from these grounds then burn it to ashes.”
The bodyguard bows and sets about his tasks. “I’ll be back.”
The Baroness looks to the headmistress. “I must thank you for your silvery gift, but I did not think I would ever have had a chance to use it.”
Madam Burnshire offers a slight smile. “Well, you used it very opportunistically, I can see.”
Majam meows pleasantly. The headmistress acknowledges the sound and affectionately pets the black cat. “Master Mikal, I thank you for coming and I apologize for any inconvenience.”
The White Wizard waves off the statement. She continues, “I like the white streak through your red hair. I have heard about your eyes. Tell me what they see.”
Mikal lowers his head slightly. “I can see somewhat in very bright light. But recently I have become aware that I also can detect dark and shadowy things and, as you might recall, I can see through the eyes of my cat.”
“Mikal, most people think they can see everything, but you see what others do not. Maybe we are the ones who are blind.” She turns to Elizabeth Stannum. “The Baroness here has gifted sight. She too can see what is often hidden from others.”
Mikal nods his head. “Yes, she identified your doppelganger.”
“Only after your cat was so agitated it alerted me,” the Baroness interjects.
Madam Burnshire asks her, “Have you any of that brandy available? I think we will all need some, for we have most important things talk about this night.”
***
After her third sip, the headmistress looks to the White Wizard. “You can see our problems have gotten worse. The thing that entered here is the third one that we have encountered. They are some sort of shape-shifters. They seem to be limited only by being able to assume their own gender, and can maintain the form for but a few hours. We have also killed one wererat since you left. We captured another, but it was severely wounded and did not survive. We were, however, able to glean some information from it.
“An evil entity controls them. It stays behind the scenes, but is getting more aggressive by the day. I think something very bad may happen soon. The Baroness and I believe that even well-placed nobles and people on the City Council are either bewitched or somehow strongly influenced to do nothing. Some deny that there is a problem at all, even when we present evidence.
“I firmly believe this is all connected to the prophecy from the Witches of Endorr. Somehow, the Ebony Wizard, or something closely associated with him
, is behind our current crisis. I have written letters to the heads of the School of the Three Moons requesting talented wizards to come to our aid, but to no avail. They do not refuse outright, but they have sent no one as of yet.
“As you know, our school teaches general knowledge and the art of magic is taught only in a limited fashion. I know this will make you uncomfortable, but if you would submit a letter, surely they would listen to you.”
Mikal ponders the words from the headmistress. “I did not know how dire your situation was and it surprises me that my school has not sent anyone to assist.” Unexpectedly, Majam leaps onto the table, her head held high, and paces back and forth. She stops to stares at her mage. Mikal asks, “What is it?”
In his mind’s ear someone is here and he has brought a friend. Through the same secret panel that Madam Burnshire had entered earlier, walks Marion Vetta, clad in her standard tight-fitting, black leather outfit. Uncharacteristically, she smiles and bows before the three.
“I found this young archer wandering the city streets. May I present to you Talon of the Deep Woods and his cat Tamarix.”
The half-elf walks past Marion as Mikal stands. The two friends hesitate for only a moment and then exchange a heartfelt embrace. The three women, however, are engrossed with the behavior of the two cats on the table. Majam sits staring intently at the Elven cat. The other is standing on all fours. His color is like golden leaves that appear in the fall. But what sets him apart from all other cats is a light green streak of fur that starts at the tip of his nose and spirals to the end of his tail. Its two, soft, emerald-green eyes stare fascinated by the splendid, black-furred Majam. Everyone laughs when Majam starts to absently lick her right paw as if nothing is happening around her.
Mikal enters his familiar’s mind. He appears to be acceptable. I like him.
“I am pleased that he meets your approval,” the wizard responds with a smile.
The Baroness looks to Mikal. “They seem to be getting along splendidly. On a more serious note, I am not sure how to say this, but I sense there is something not quite right with your servant.”
Mikal nods. “You are perceptive.” He addresses the group. “He is a Red Wizard.”
Madam Burnshire shows little surprise. “I told you the Baroness has the ability to see beyond the surface. What do you, Mikal, know about this man?”
The White Wizard responds, “I believe Path Bloodhue has sent him to spy on me.”
The Baroness ponders. “I believe I know that name.”
“He is one of the key players in the Red Order. He tried to recruit me and wanted to train me in their ways, not knowing that I would become a White Wizard.”
Talon interjects, “My father never liked Red Wizards very much. He said they often fall in love with power and themselves, which makes them very dangerous and unpredictable.”
Mikal nods. “I agree with your father’s assessment, but for now, I think I can keep him in check.”
Over the next half hour, the group discusses problems and possible solutions. Marion Vetta takes her leave, but unexpectedly returns within the hour with a concerned look.
“Excuse me. I think you should know there are strange happenings and sightings in the city this night. People claim to see strange lights and even ethereal apparitions, and, would you believe, giants? I've talked to a number of reputable associates that claim this to be true. The city guard is out in force. As near as I can tell, though, these ghostly giants have not done any harm. It's the people who are frightened. I heard screams.”
Madam Burnshire rises. “It is late. I think it best that we all return home and I also would like to witness some of these eerie manifestations.”
All agree, and the Baroness escorts her guests up the spiral, stone staircase. She leads them through the servants’ quarters and the exit. Madam Burnshire takes her leave with Arnold the bodyguard and the night prowler Marion Vetta.
Chapter 14
It is late at night in the girls’ dormitory at the School of the Red Salamander, and all are asleep. A young adolescent sits up and looks to the right, then to the left, but her eyes are not open. She waits for a moment and moves her legs from under the warm blanket. She appears to stand, but her feet do not touch the ground. She moves through the long hall, but makes not a sound. She gently glides past many sleeping students.
She is aware of their memories, their current desires, and their future hopes. This does not concern her. A long, white, woolen nightgown drapes loosely all the way to her ankles. Her arms hang lightly at her side, for she does not need them.
She approaches an iron and wooden door which opens for her. She floats through the portal, and enters the streets of the city. A light breeze brushes by and goose flesh starts to form on her skin, although she does not feel it.
The young girl looks up. The stars, countless, are shining brightly in the sky. Do they guide her? She senses her direction and her dark brown hair gently flows as she moves over the streets. She sees everything, but her eyes remain closed. If anyone sees her, they look away for they know not what they see.
She becomes aware of distant shouts, screams, and she knows what is causing them. The young girl continues her quest. The moon and stars move higher in the sky. She approaches the backdoor to the Yellow Toad Inn. Without a sound, the old door opens and the young lass passes through this entry. She moves down a short hallway, stops, and turns toward her final destination. As before, this locked door slowly opens and she glides through. The room is empty. She finds a chair and lowers herself onto it. Now she waits for the one man that may be able to help her and her lover.
Chapter 15
The head servant approaches Mikal and bows slightly at the waist. “Sir, I think I should inform you that your servant was twice found in the house in rooms that he should have not entered. I just thought you should know.”
Mikal nods and thanks the head servant for the unfortunate information. Sitting in a chair, separate from the rest of the help, is the Red Wizard. Next to him stands a muscular manservant, arms folded across his chest.
Mikal approaches his servant and says to his newly arrived ally, “Talon, this is my servant Aden Ferrum. Master Ferrum this is my good friend and associate Talon of the Deep Woods and his cat Tamarix.”
Aden gives the half-elf a once-over. “Your associate? He doesn't look old enough to be out this late at night, and I don't care about his cat.”
Talon looks to Mikal but does not respond. The White Wizard shakes his head. “It is very late and we should all return to the inn. Thank you, Baroness. Until tomorrow then?”
The three men and the two cats travel through the streets of Stonegrove. They neither observe strange lights nor hear unusual noises. They do notice more than a few people are being questioned by the night guards. They near the door to the Yellow Toad Inn and Aden comments, “Well, at least we don't have that one-armed dwarf to deal with this night.” He opens the door to hear a deep, grating, unpleasant sound issue from the common room.
“Oh, no. Why can we not get rid this hairy beastie?”
Sleeping on the floor is the one-armed dwarf, snoring contentedly. An old dog, engrossed by the site, the sound, and maybe the odor from the dwarf, is unaware of the two cats. A younger man approaches the group. Mikal immediately notices that he must be related to the innkeeper.
“Excuse me, Sirs; I don't know how to fully explain this. Maybe the dwarf can.”
Aden steps forward. “Spit it out, man. Why he is he sleeping on the floor and not in our room?”
“Well,” the young man explains, “that's the problem. Your room, well, it is locked. It shouldn't be, but it is. I have a key but it does not work. The dwarf wanted to break the door down, but that would not do.”
Aden is obviously perturbed. “This is ridiculous! It is late and I want to sleep.”
He impatiently struts to the door and tries the doorknob but it does not turn. It feels oddly cool to the touch. Talon rouses the dwarf and helps him
to the sealed door. The Red Wizard reveals his iron rod.
“It will only take me a moment to break in.”
The dismembered dwarf is now fully awake. “Sew, ewe ar a Blud Wiz herd. Eye thot sew. Knot az imp ress sieve az eye mite hav thot.” He looks to Mikal. “Wear dew yew fitt in two awl this? Noe Blud Wiz herd wood bee a sir vent four annie won butt ann other Red.”
The White Wizard shakes his head. “I am sorry, but this is not the time for discussion.”
Without warning, Majam walks up sits by the door as if waiting to enter, her tail slowly swinging back and forth. Mikal tentatively places his hand on the doorknob. It turns and clicks. He warily opens the door and his cat walks in.
He opens the door wider and he and Talon enter. The half-elf sees Majam sitting on the table staring at a young girl.
“Is that you, Ashling?”
The adolescent looks up to Mikal. In a not so young voice she says, “Welcome, Mikal Novastar from the City of Addis and Talon, who I see has acquired a feline friend. I have been waiting for you.” The archer bows slightly to the brown-haired girl.
Aden Ferrum enters. The girl dressed in white turns and, with her eyes still closed, gives a long look to the Red Wizard. He does not say a word, but takes a step back.
Last to enter is the one-armed dwarf. Again, with her eyes still shut, she stares at the short, hairy creature who quickly succumbs to her penetrating gaze and steps back against the far wall. The teenager gently starts to pet Majam.
“Mikal Novastar, the satyr and I helped you not long ago and now we implore your assistance. As you know, evil things have entered the city. They have found one of our secret sanctuaries. They have not been able to penetrate our wards as of yet, but recently a darker evil has arrived. I believe she is a Witchraven and I fear she has the power to shatter our defenses. If she finds our secret places and defiles them, I am afraid I will never see my love again. As you know of the legend, he's not fully human and I fear the coming evil may separate us forever. I implore you. This very night, return to where I last spoke to you. Guides will appear and will show you the way. The evil thing is quartered in a nearby dank, foul cave.”
The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2) Page 8