The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2)

by Michael Novak

  The group looks to Mikal in puzzlement. “We best be going. I am feeling a little lightheaded.”

  Suddenly, all feel a slight vibration emanating from the ground. They hear many riders approaching and the Baron reins to a stop. Next to him is his son, Robert Craig, proudly brandishing a bloody sword.

  “I told you to wipe that blade off and put it away,” the Baron commands. “We have succeeded and have slain many this night. Only a few escaped. I am now at your service, Wizard. How may I assist?”

  Talon responds, “Sir, Mikal has been cursed by an evil creature. May we have the use of one of your horses so we can immediately take him to the Temple for treatment?”

  The Baron nods. “I have three horses. Take them with my blessing and appreciation. My son will escort you directly to the Temple.”

  The wizards mount two of the horses. The dwarf and Talon, with Tamarix in his lap, ride the third. Majam rests cozily in Mikal’s cloak and they make good time. They pass the city gates and the young Baron leads them to the House of Healing.

  All dismount. After walking up a long flight of granite stairs, they enter through one of the large, open doors. It is very early in the morning. The young Baron spies a lone acolyte and addresses him. “Brother, I am Robert Craig, son of Baron Stannum. I wish you to awaken the head Temple priest. This man has been poisoned.”

  The young priest looks to Mikal. “What was this poison?”

  Aden steps forward. “This man is Mikal Novastar from the City of Addis. He's been cursed by a dying Witchraven. Do you even know what that means? Now bring your master here immediately!”

  The befuddled young priest stutters, “But it's so early in the morning and he needs his sleep. I’m afraid he’ll take me to task if I disturb him.”

  Mikal shakes his head. “Please do not make a fuss over me. I just need a good night’s sleep. I'll return in the morning.”

  Aden insists, “We are not leaving.”

  Talon asks the young priest his name. “Milroy, is it? Now, Brother Milroy, Mikal and I were here just over a month ago when the festival took place.”

  The acolyte eyes widen. “I think I do recognize you. You are the young archer who excelled in the competition, and your errant arrow wounded that boy.”

  Talon nods. “We met with Patrick who served us his special blend of tea. I know it's very early, but I firmly believe he would want to participate in this healing attempt.”

  The young acolyte slowly nods. “I will see what I can do.”

  He transverses the large hall and opens the door with no handle and is gone. Surprisingly, just a few moments later, he returns, followed by the head priest Patrick who cradles a large black cat in his arms.

  “I think this cat has lost her mage,” he says with a chuckle. “Now, what is this all about?”

  Mikal stands. “I apologize for my wayward cat. I was not aware she even left. But cats are like that.”

  “No need for that, my friend Mikal.”

  Patrick suddenly stops and stares at the White Wizard “Something is not right with you. Please, come with this way. Milroy, see to our guests’ needs. I must rouse my associates. This could become quite involved and complex. Now, Mikal, tell me everything.”

  ***

  It is mid-afternoon when Talon hears a knock on the door to his room. Two temple priests enter, one carrying a tray of food and the other a pitcher of water. Talon and his cat are the first to respond. Soon, all but Mikal and Majam are partaking in a late lunch.

  Without fanfare, the head priest Patrick arrives, followed by Madam Burnshire, the Baron Stannum, and his wife. The healer asks, “Did you all sleep well?”

  Talon stands. “How is Mikal?”

  The healing cleric pauses. “He is doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances.”

  Aden asks offhandedly, “Get to it, man. Were you able to remove the curse or not?”

  Again Patrick seems reluctant to respond. “No, but I believe we have lessened its effects…at the very least repressed them. We would have liked to have kept him here another day or so, but he will have none of it. I ask all of you to keep a watchful eye on him and anything out of the ordinary should be reported to me at once.”

  “I hope I am not interrupting anything important,” Mikal says, holding his cat in his arms.

  The small assembly stands and Madam Burnshire proclaims, “I say again, I and the city of Stonegrove are in your debt. You are quickly becoming legends. I have already seen the difference in the city Council this very morning. Some of the members who have been acting…odd, seem to be back to their old, bickering ways.”

  She bows, as do Patrick, the Baron, and his wife.

  Mikal’s cheeks redden. “There is no need for that. I did what I believed I had to. If someone asks for assistance, should we not at least try to help?”

  Aden smirks, “So, Priest, you could not remove the curse. Whom do you recommend we try next?”

  Before Mikal can chastise his servant, Patrick responds, “That is a valid question and I have an answer. The person or creature that delivered the curse would be the most proficient in removing it. But seeing that the evil thing has been slain, that would be impossible. But, she was a witch, so perhaps the Witches of Endorr may be of some help.” Aden nods and accepts the healer’s answer. Talon interjects eagerly, “We should go there at once.”

  The Baroness intervenes. “May I recommend waiting until tomorrow? The Duke’s youngest daughter’s birthday is today and there will be merrymaking this evening. Even though the city may not yet know what you have done, Mikal Novastar, the Duke has been made aware of your ordeal and heroics.” Aden rolls his eyes. “He wants to formally thank you and your group. Will you meet me at my estate just after six this evening?”

  Mikal nods. “It will be our honor to see you tonight.”

  The group departs for the Yellow Toad Inn. They notice the streets are crowded for the festivities of the night. Upon their arrival, the innkeeper approaches Mikal. “I am sorry about your room, the door being locked and all. I have no idea how that young girl got in.”

  Mikal waves off the innkeeper. “There is no fault in you or your establishment. Think nothing of it. We are fortunate to be here.”

  After spending a short time settling in their room, they leave for the Baron’s estate. The streets are now in full festival mood. “This reminds me of our last visit,” Talon reminisces.

  Aden chimes in, “Yes, I'm still waiting to hear what actually happened the last time you two were here.”

  No one responds.

  The group enters a large, open square. “Melchior! Melchior Brightstar!”

  Mikal turns with his cat in his arms. He sees a middle-aged woman flanked by two young children rapidly approaching. “It's me, Lady Beecher. Don't you remember?”

  The White Wizard nods and speaks loudly over the revelry, “Yes, of course I do. I see you made it. How do you fare?”

  “Surprisingly well. Some of us have even found work. I don't believe we ever really thanked you for what you did.”

  The two children give Mikal a heartfelt embrace and start to pet Majam. Lady Beecher grabs Mikal’s hand and places a soft kiss upon it. In a loud voice she cries, “We all thank you. You are kind man. Tell me, have you heard anything about your daughter? How does she fare?”

  Mikal shakes his head. “I have not heard anything, but you are kind to ask.”

  “Well, she is a lucky girl to have you for a father.”

  Aden steps forward. “We best be moving. We do not want to be late.”

  Moments later, the Red Wizard says nonchalantly, “I did not know you had a daughter. And what might her name be?”

  The White Wizard abruptly stops and realizes he may have made a careless mistake.

  Then he quickly moves on. The dwarf simply says, “Eye dint no hee hadda dotter.”

  Talon moves next to Mikal and matches his hurried pace.

  Without any further delays, they arrive at t
he Baron's estate on time. Before they can knock, the door opens and the group is escorted into the foyer. The Baroness is waiting, and gestures to four chairs. “I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty to help you prepare for the gala. Please be seated.”

  As soon as the four sit, barbers step up and start to trim and brush their guests’ hair and beards. Others help the group wash their hands and face with rose water. “Not only will you look better, you will smell better,” comments the Baroness.

  “A futile attempt on one of use, I’ll wager.”

  Her two daughters looking upon the scene start to giggle. The older one explains, “You do not know how often she has done this to us.”

  After a short time, the help is dismissed. With little fanfare, a servant enters and announces, “I proudly present Madam Burnshire.”

  The headmistress walks in, escorted by a young, broad-shouldered, uniformed soldier. She looks to the group. “Do not be fooled by Arnold’s appearance. He is actually a very capable protector. Really.”

  Aden lightly coughs.

  The group starts its short walk to the Duke’s large, festive tent. They are escorted by half a dozen soldiers-in-arms. The Baroness explains, “My husband and my son will meet us at the pavilion.”

  Privately, Madam Burnshire and the Baroness detect that something is not quite right with Mikal. Is it the curse or something more sinister, they wonder. He is unusually quiet and is often with his cat looking over his shoulder. It is apparent he wants to be somewhere else. Surprising everyone, the Duke approaches Mikal and the group. He shakes the White Wizard's hand and quietly explains, “It seems I am in your debt for the second time, if I'm to believe what everyone has told me. I thank you all. If there is anything I can do, you need only ask.”

  Mikal shakes his head. “We appreciate the offer but, again, we only did what we thought was right and to protect ourselves from harm. But I would ask you for my leave, for something is weighing heavily on my mind and I need a quiet place to ponder what I should do.”

  The Duke stares for a moment and thoughtfully strokes his well-groomed beard. “I understand. It is often difficult to find a secluded place. Again, if I may be of assistance, please let me know. You have my leave. I will send some of my men to escort you into the city.”

  Mikal thanks the Duke for his offer and adds, “I do not believe that will be necessary. My associates have often demonstrated their abilities.”

  As the four leave the grounds, an official looking man approaches the Mage and presents him with a rather large, leather purse filled with silver coins.

  “A small gesture from the Duke.” The man bows and returns to the festival. Aden snatches the bag and starts to count the coins. “There's plenty for all here.”

  Again the group sets out at a leisurely pace back to the Yellow Toad Inn.

  ***

  Mikal cannot be sure, but he feels like he is being watched. He voices his concern so the travelers, upon arriving at their destination, decide to enter through the rear door.

  Talon smiles. “I’m not surprised to see you here, Marian Vetta.”

  With her arms folded, leaning against the back wall of the inn, the dark, leather- clad female offers only a slight smile. “I need to talk to you and Mikal privately.”

  Aden looks to the White Wizard and Talon, hesitates, and then turns toward the dwarf. “Well, dwarf, you can buy me some ale and I will show you how to drink like a man.”

  The one-armed dwarf growls softly as they enter the tavern.

  Mikal, Talon, and the pretty and talented young thief are seated at a table in Mikal's room. The wizard starts to stroke his cat and says, “I fear to ask, but what news do you bring us?”

  The city rogue slightly shakes her head. “I know this was just happenstance, but soon everyone who wants to know will know you have a daughter.”

  Mikal responds, “A malicious thing happened to these people. We were in the middle of the woods and they needed to trust me. Revealing to the woman that I had a daughter at that time, I thought was a good idea. But now, I fear, I have put my daughter’s life in jeopardy. I must go at once to her.”

  Marion Vetta shakes her head. “Do you think that is such a good idea? After all, speed is of the essence and you are, uh…velocity challenged. Besides, I hear you must see the Witches of Endorr to become completely rid of the curse.”

  Uncharacteristically, Mikal slams the top of the table with his open palm. “Does everyone in this city know my business?”

  The female rogue shakes her head. “No, only the ones who want to know. And for many reasons, there seems to be quite a few of them. Mikal, in the last month there have been many strange people entering our city. Various factions, all seeking different information. Tensions are high. I fear blood will soon be shed.”

  Talon stands. “I shall go to your daughter. I can borrow the Red Wizard’s horse and I will not rest until I find her.”

  The White Wizard nods his head. “I thank you, my friend. You have only just arrived and now I send you away. I will draw you a map of the city. I shall write you a letter that should take you directly to the headmaster Aaron Cuprum. I shall include Madam Burnshire’s request for assistance.”

  Marion looks to Talon. “I will notify the guards at the gate so you should pass freely. I must be going, too. I wish you luck and speed.”

  Without a sound, she stands and leaves the room. After Mikal draws the map and writes the letters, he gives Talon further information. “I think it would be best if you take my daughter to a small farm just west of the city. There lives a man name Amadeus Whitestone and he should be able to protect her. Notice I marked it on the map.”

  A short time later, Aden and the dwarf appear, both wearing silly smiles on their faces. Mikal tells the two that Talon will soon leave to rescue his daughter. Aden stares at Mikal with a dubious look. “I can make better time than the half-elf. I'm an excellent rider and it is my mount.”

  The mage shakes his head. “No, Talon will go.”

  Aden presses his point. “Why not me?”

  The White Wizard pauses and stands tall. “Because I do not know if I can trust you.”

  The Red Wizard’s face darkens but then he smiles. “You are wise, Mikal Novastar. It is rare to find such honesty.” Then to Talon, “You best be going, elf. She is a fine horse, but I do not know if she is fond of cats.”

  Talon smiles. “Thank you, wizard. Come, Tamarix.”

  Mikal steps forward and gives his friend a heartfelt embrace. Just before Talon steps out the door, Mikal, in a strange, offhanded way, says, “Oh, Talon, my daughter likes mushrooms.”

  Everyone hesitates for a moment. The archer is gone.

  Chapter 18

  With his cat comfortably tucked in his backpack, Talon winds through the city streets. As the night rogue promised, he passes the city's gates unmolested. The horse’s hooves produce a loud, wooden cadence as the half-elf crosses the Phalanges River Bridge. He turns on one of the main roads and his pace remains steady, considering the darkness of the night. He rides on until about an hour before dawn. Then Talon walks his horse, giving his mount some rest for the journey ahead.

  Along the way, the cat explores the different sites, sounds, and odors of the night. When the first rays of light filter through the sky, Talon, with his cat, mount up once again and set a brisk pace. At midmorning they approach a clean, swiftly flowing stream. The horse, the cat, and the half-elf drink their fill. For a short time Talon leads his horse then, with a deft move, he is back in the saddle again, and the ride continues.

  Talon is bemused at the large number of birds he sees flying in formation.

  For the rest of the morning and for most of the afternoon Talon repeats the procedure with long rides and short rests. He does not slow his pace until the sun sets and the night inhibits his progress. The rider begins to recognize his surroundings and finds that he is approaching his first destination. Deep into the night, he enters the small town of Ulna, the tow
n of his youth. Most of the inhabitants are asleep. Talon identifies himself to the town’s lone guard. The man welcomes him. In a quiet voice Talon asks for some feed and water for his horse. It is granted. Soon the horse is feeding on oats and drinking.

  “Is that you, Talon?” asks an old, one-eyed man.

  A low-flying, dusky-feathered shape swoops over the two.

  “Is that you, Eli?” asks a surprised Talon. “What are you doing up so late?”

  “I don't sleeps so well. Besides, I thought I heard someone ridin’ up. I still can hear well enough, ya know.”

  “What news do you have, old friend?”

  “Well, too many people are passin’ through this town. I don't like it none. And too many strange rumors of undesirables passin’ by the back paths. No, I predicts troubles ahead. People should stay where they belong, not travel so much. Don't stick their noses in other people's business, no ‘fense to you and that redhead gent you travel with.”

  Talon smiles. “No offense taken, old friend. I wish I did not have to travel so far and so fast, but I must be going. Please tell William the Blue and all the town that I was here and I wish them well.”

  Old Eli, with his one good eye, watches the night rider swiftly fade into the forest. While he rides, Talon shares his food with his cat. He travels though woods and rides near streams, trying to take the most direct path to the city.

  In a clearing, he looks up and hears a high-pitched cawing emanating from a soaring, red silhouette in the sky. Talon does not dwell upon it.

  Talon experiences his second dawn. The morning sky glows red like a certain Wizard’s fire. He travels through the morning, walking and riding, taking no rest for himself. He believes he is nearing his destination. He slows at an apple orchard just off the road and leads his horse to one of the trees. He chooses three apples, feeds two his horse, and shares the other with his cat. He passes by farms and later sees a tanner whose pelts emit difficult odors.

  Tamarix shows his discomfort and sinks deeper into the half-elf’s rucksack. Within the hour, Talon spies the outer walls of the great City of Addis. Surprisingly, he is not questioned at the gate. He dismounts and follows Mikal’s map and directions. He eventually locates the School of the Three Moons.