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

by Michael Novak

  No one responds for some time.

  They continue traveling when Osme confuses them by saying, “I heard the call, you know.”

  Talon queries, “I am sorry, but to what call are you referring?”

  “Weeks ago, all of our ilk, and many others, heard summonses. First by a Dark Herald and then an Ebony One. Certain scavenger birds, and vermin of all types, were eager to respond. I've seen so many wererats these lasts couple of weeks. I never did like them. Like most humans, they are not to be trusted and they smell awful.” He pauses. “Not you, of course, Mairin.”

  Talon ignores the insult. “We've had our own troubles with them. They seem to have a strong interest in both Mikal Novastar and me.”

  “Yes,” responds Osme. “I can still smell their stink on you, though faint. The name Novastar. I have heard it before, at night. It is whispered on the wind. They hunt him. Warn him to be careful and to choose his friends with caution.”

  “I hardly think a White Wizard needs my advice.”

  “Do it anyway.”

  “What about wolves?” asks Talon, changing the subject..

  The man ponders the question. “I believe the ones in packs will resist the call. It's the lone wolf that may answer the summons. I am different. I'd like to think stronger willed. I see nature as it should be, and strive to keep it as it is.”

  Mairin asks, “What do you know of dark assassins?”

  “Well, they are not very tasty, I can tell you. But this is not my first encounter with them. Most people don't know that there are dark assassins outside the ranks of the Black Robes. Oh sure, they have a large number that they keep for themselves but some of the best are trained outside of their supervision. In fact, would you believe that I was recruited to be a dark assassin long ago? I was young and full of myself. I started their training and I was good but I thought I was superior. I begged for an assignment to showcase my talents. They gave me one. It was supposed to be a simple kill. Now that I think about it, I wonder if they knew I was going to fail. Well anyway, I found my target but underestimated the situation and charged without thinking. The older man easily disarmed me and knocked me unconscious. When I awoke, I was bound hand and foot.

  “I was his prisoner for days. I thought he was going to kill me. But we talked and he learned about me. He told me what he was, a sorcerer, and explained that he had placed a curse on me because of the attempt on his life. He told me that if I ever attempted violence I would undergo an excruciating alteration into a bear-like creature.

  “And here I am.

  “The land has become more dangerous. Generally, the dark assassins are found in the city of Umbra and its surroundings. For them to venture this far is an ill-omen. Talon, please listen. I believe the danger is worse than you imagine. If the Ebony One wakes and rises he will upset the balance of nature completely. Legend has it these evil ones have the power to take the dead and use them for their own purposes. Do you understand? The order of nature is that creatures die and give back to the land for the living. As I will and as the hermit is doing as we speak. This is the way it should be. But if this Ebony Wizard comes into power, he will deny the land its due.

  “Nature itself will not allow this to happen for very long. It will rise up and destroy this corruption. It will not be selective, though. It will be devastating to all. Do you understand? If you or Mikal Novastar or anyone else can stop this, you must do everything in your power.”

  Talon nods his head. “I thank you for this information and I will pass it on to the White Wizard. He will know what to do. He is very wise and he is my close friend.”

  Osme places his hand on Talon’s shoulder. “Thank you for listening. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken. Now it is getting late, so let's build a fire and find what we have to eat.”

  ***

  Talon returns with two ducks from a nearby pond. Mairin shares some apples and dry grapes. Osme wolfs down the meal, and then curls up close to the fire.

  Talon asks, “Don't you think you're a little too close to the flame?”

  The man/bear laughs. “Remember, I normally have a fur coat to keep me warm. The hair on my body is a poor substitute. I feel just right about here.” He paws his beard with a thoughtful look on his face. “Oh, I remember something. I’m supposed to say… goodnight.” Pause. “So, goodnight.”

  “Uh…goodnight.”

  Soon the man-bear is snoring outrageously. Mairin looks to Talon. “Will he attract unwanted visitors tonight?”

  Talon smiles. “With that sound, no. I believe it will repel any unwanted visitors, if anything.”

  Talon and Mairin continue to talk for some time, but they eventually succumb to sleep. In the morning, they discover that Osme is gone, torn clothes left behind.

  Talon rises. “Well, I wish him luck wherever he may go. We should be off to the city of Stonegrove.”

  Chapter 27

  Sister Aurum stands next to the mage’s bed. Again she asks Mikal, “How are you feeling?”

  The White Wizard sits up with difficulty, his cat Majam at his feet keeping vigil.

  “I feel out of sorts and have a dreadful headache. I have perplexing images in my mind as well, but I believe you were successful.”

  The young headmistress nods. “It was a curse most foul. You have been asleep for hours. Now tell me, do you remember the dream we shared a while ago?”

  “Yes, I do… it was very vivid.”

  Sister Aurum looks deeply into Mikal’s eyes. “It was a dream, but it is also reality.”

  Mikal nods. “Ah, as I suspected.

  “I am sorry for bringing you into my dream, but I had little choice. I told you I fear facing him alone.”

  The White Mage brushes the statement away with a wave of his arm. “No, no, you did the right thing. We did gather information and now events are set in motion.”

  Sister asks, “Who is Sir Rusel Ironwood?”

  “He is a Knight Paladin from long ago.”

  “Will he fight for us?” asks the young headmistress.

  “I believe he will, but can he win is in question. We must help prepare him for this deadly duel. I shall leave for the City of Stonegrove as soon as possible. There I will summon him.”

  Sister Aurum looks confused. “Summon him? I hope you know what you're doing.“

  Mikal gives a forced laugh. “I thank you for your trust. I will need it.”

  “Could you eat something?”

  “Yes, I am hungry. I will eat and be on my way, for time is of the essence.”

  “Food and water will be provided presently and I will bring something for your head.” She hesitates. “Now, Mikal, I received a... a vision or communication, I do not know which. It revealed to me that on your way back to the City of Stonegrove you should alter your path. Let me show you on this map.” She unrolls a parchment and lays it on a table. “Right here, not far off the main road, is a forest. Wait there, for something or someone has information for you. I am sorry I cannot be more specific.”

  Again Mikal laughs. “My life's path has been unclear to me since I left the great City of Addis. I will stop and wait there, Sister, as you wish.”

  ***

  Just before dawn, the group: Kairn the dwarf, Aden Ferrum the Red Wizard, Mikal and his cat Majam gather at the cave’s entrance.

  Margaret Carol's bodyguard Drew Foxx steps forward toward Mikal. “Sir, the young baroness chooses to stay. Tell the baron I have elected to remain here to protect her.”

  He steps closer and lowers his voice. “I think sister Kali-um has taken a fancy to me.” He winks and steps back.

  The White Wizard, in a knowing voice, says, “Well, Master Foxx, do your duty.”

  They bid each other goodbye and wish each other good fortune. The three, with the cat, set out in predawn light.

  They travel across the valley floor, giving the burned out encampment a wide berth. Mikal again explains that he is in a hurry and they must make good time. Before noon they f
ind the path out of the valley. They take only a short respite, and resume their travel. They eat a light lunch while they trek. When they find the main artery to the city, Mikal directs them off the road to a nearby wooden area.

  Aden is confused. “I thought we were in a hurry. We could've gone a few more hours. Pardon me, though, if you are still weary from your encounter.”

  “I am fatigued. You are correct, we could have gone further but I have to visit these woods.”

  “And why is that?” questions Aden.

  The White Wizard leads the others into the woods, finds a large rock, and sits. “I am to wait. I recommend you do the same.” He surveys the terrain. “We shall camp and have dinner and leave before dawn.”

  The dwarf gathers firewood and soon he is cooking dinner for all.

  “Ike kook gould.”

  Aden presses the issue. “We are waiting for…?”

  Mikal smiles. “I am waiting, but for what I shall not know until it occurs.”

  Not long after the sun sets, fireflies surround the camp. Majam starts to pace, her tail held high.

  I hear them… they are close by. They wait for us. I will show you the way.

  The White Mage stands with his staff of light. “You two wait here. I shall not be long.”

  He follows his now black cat deeper into the woods. He hears a familiar sound which reminds him of when he visited Evalon, the Earth Princess. The White Wizard sees and then bows before three nephrons.

  “You honor me with your presence.”

  The fairylike creatures, no bigger than dragonflies, gleefully laugh. One approaches and flutters before Mikal's nose. Her wings flicker so fast that they are only a blur.

  Her oversized eyes are baby blue. Her hair has different shades of many colors. Mikal knows that if Evalon sent her, she must be very special.

  In a high-pitched buzzing voice the nephron introduces herself. “My name is Hazel. My Queen has sent me and my friends.” She offers Mikal a splinter of wood. “This is memory wood. Place it on your walking staff, please.”

  Mikal receives the splinter and does what she bids. The small piece of wood starts to softly glow. He hears the voice of Evalon, the Earth Princess, whom he met not long ago.

  I am sorry for this inconvenience, Mikal, but our enemies’ power is growing at an alarming rate. They have eyes and ears everywhere, I caution you. I believe they can even perceive our dreams. I must communicate with you more fully.

  The splinter’s glow fades and with it, her voice. Hazel flutters to one of her companions and retrieves a second piece of memory wood and presents it to Mikal. As before, he places it on the staff. It glows and continues the message.

  If it is possible, please enter the top floor of the Tower of the Dragonfly in the City of Stonegrove one night hence. I will send a special messenger.

  The glow dims and the missive ends.

  Hazel is surprised to find her third companion flitting playfully around Majam the cat. She catches the attention of the little sprite who blushes deeply and hands over the third piece of wood.

  Please, White Wizard, if you would exchange some of your red hair with these nephrons, I will be able to locate you in the future. Your name is not safe, so please use caution.

  The final splinter of memory wood ceases to glow. Mikal ponders the message. He plucks a few strands of his red hair and offers them to Hazel. She quickly snatches them and then places some of her hair in the White Mage’s hand. He puts them in his pocket. Then a strange sight; the third sprite plucks some of Majam’s fur and tries to replace it with some of her hair. The cat is nonplussed but takes it in stride and looks toward her master.

  “I thank you all and may your way home be without incident.”

  The nephrons bow and are gone in an instant. “Majam, show me the way back, if you would.”

  Before they reach the camp, they spy Aden sitting on a rock waiting for them. Mikal asks the Red Wizard, “Well, did you find anything interesting?”

  “Whatever are you talking about?”

  ***

  Later that day, not far from the main road, Talon and Mairin walk toward Stonegrove.

  “It sounds like you admire this Brian Quickhands character, Talon.”

  “Not at first, but he does have his talents, and when he sacrificed a year and a day of his life to help us escape from the City of Umbra, I could not help but admire him. I admit I did not trust him when we first met.”

  “I just can't believe my father is involved in all this. It’s remarkable that all of what you’ve told me took place in such a short period of time.”

  Talon’s cat Tamarix perks up and stares intently ahead. Talon points. “We must be near the main road. People are gathered ahead. There are mounted guards. By their colors, I can tell they’re from the City of Stonegrove.”

  Talon and Mairin approach the group. They see two wagons pulled by tired mules. The half-elf can hear one of the guards giving directions to the little caravan. “Yes, if you turn here you'll be heading toward the Valley of Endorr. If you continue to go straight, you should reach Stonegrove by this afternoon.”

  Mairin notices a fair-skinned, tall man with long, white hair standing near the lead wagon. One of the guards rides his horse closer to Talon. “Are you the archer who placed in the festival not long ago?”

  Talon blushes. “Yes, I’m the one.”

  The mounted guard smiles. “I won ten gold pieces because of you. Thank you very much. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  Mairin steps forward. “Yes, can you tell me if a blind wizard carrying a staff and traveling with his cat came this way?”

  The soldier leans back in the saddle. “Why, yes, yes I can. He left here just a few days ago. I recall that he was traveling with another man and a one-armed dwarf. They were going to the Valley of Endorr, if I remember correctly.”

  Surprising Mairin and Talon, they find that the tall man with white hair is standing near them. On closer inspection, his nose comes to a point and he looks far younger than his white hair would indicate. His most distinctive feature is his deep-set, dark eyes.

  With a slight bow, he says, “Excuse me, if I may be so bold. Did I hear you are going to the Valley of Endorr? How fortunate.”

  Talon responds, “I did not say where were we are going.”

  “Oh, forgive me. It is just that I'm looking for someone to accompany me to see the Witches of Endorr. I have business with them, and knowing the roads are not safe, three is better than two. You have to agree to that.” He hesitates. “But where are my manners? Let me introduce myself. My name is Sebastian Wolfram, at your service.”

  The man driving the first wagon asks, “Mr. Wolfram, are you going to continue traveling with us or no?”

  Sebastian turns and bows. “No, sir. I hope to travel with this couple for now, if they’ll have me. I thank you for your company though, and safe travel to all.”

  The tall, white-haired man looks back to Talon and Mairin. “Well, should we be on our way?”

  The half-elf holds his hand up. “Mr. Wolfram, will you please give us a moment?”

  “Most certainly.” Sebastian steps a few paces away and inspects a nearby butterfly fluttering about.

  “I don't trust him,” Talon whispers to Mairin.

  “I don't know if I do either, but what can we do?”

  “If we deny his company, he will probably follow us and that is a worst case scenario. If we agree to his offer, we should tell him nothing except our names. And, Mairin, never mention your last name.”

  She nods and they step forward. “Well, Sebastian, we accept your offer. Can I ask you what your business is at the Valley of Endorr?”

  Sebastian hesitates. “I have a client who has paid me good money to purchase some special brews that the witches conjure up. He's an older, wealthy merchant and he would prefer that his name be kept secret, if you know what I mean.”

  Talon and Mairin both nod, but neither is sure what he means. The tall white-
haired man steps back. “I know you don't trust me, but I hope to earn your confidence. I usually do succeed at this.”

  Sebastian pulls open his traveling cloak. “See? I carry a short sword, a hunting knife, and a throwing knife. These are the only weapons I have, and I pray that I do not have need of them.”

  The half-elf accepts Sebastian's words. “Let me introduce us. I am Talon and I am escorting this young lady Mairin. This is my cat Tamarix.”

  The cat holds his nose high and he looks as if he is trying to judge the scent of this new human. His tail is held straight and sways back and forth. The cat keeps his distance from this white-haired man.

  “Mr. Wolfram, I beg one favor. Do not ask us what our business is in the Valley of Endorr, for it is ours alone.”

  Sebastian Wolfram bows. “I accept. I know the wisdom of keeping secrets from strangers. Let us be on our way, for the light of day will not last forever.”

  He winks at Mairin.

  Chapter 28

  Majam takes point and the group sets off for the City of Stonegrove. Their travel is uneventful. They happen upon only a few travelers and they see no city guards. Late in the day, Mikal abruptly stops and pulls out a long narrow piece of cloth from his traveling cloak. “Funny. I have held onto this for some time now.”

  He surprises the group by blindfolding himself. Aden asks, “What’s this all about?”

  “It is a simple disguise. I now look like I am totally blind. I caution you, we are going to have to go slowly. Before, I could make out images, like rocks and trees and even people, though I could not identify them. But now everything is blind to me. My cat will assist me, but I will have to accustom myself to this.”

  The Red Wizard scoffs, “This disguise may work on non-clever people. But, come to think of it, most people in this land are not very clever, are they? Oh, Kairn, in case you’re confused by his disguise, this remains Mikal Novastar. But I caution you, Mikal, the most dangerous ones will see right through this ruse.”