“If what you say is true, what do you think the curse could be?”
A sly, slight smile grows on the face of Sebastian Wolfram. “I imagine it would be a subtle curse. Something you would not even be aware of at first. I have heard of curses that cause headaches that never stop. Or, perhaps, a man goes blind, slowly. Or all of his hair would fall out, and possibly other body parts. Who knows? But the fact is you took a cursed blade from one of the Witches of Endorr. And now your leader sits with it in his belt. No, I would not want to be him.”
“Girl,” directs the guard. “Remove this curse now!”
Mairin shakes her head. “I did not place the curse upon you. The dark blade did. I can do nothing.”
“Liar,” the guard says unconvincingly and wrinkles his forehead. “I'm going to see if there is any wine left.”
The greasy-haired one is soon out of sight and the three are left alone. Talon studies their surroundings. The sun will set soon.
Talon says, “There is something not quite right about this place.”
Mairin shakes her head. “I agree. You have a propensity for understatement. All those rat bones all over the place. They have been picked clean. I dread the coming night.” Sebastian struggles against his ropes. “Well, these rapscallions are none too bright but they tie ropes well.”
“Oh, I don't know about that.” Talon brings his hands in front of him and removes the remnant of rope from around his wrist. Before Sebastian and Mairin can react, Tamarix appears from behind his master. The girl kneels and starts to pet the animal.
Sebastian cautions the two, “Talon, pretend you are still tied to the stake. Let them drink all their wine and let us see what the night brings. Perhaps we can use this to our advantage.”
The two reluctantly agree. Talon says softly, “Thank you, Tamarix. But hide now.”
Within moments they lose sight of the cat.
***
Just after the last rays of the sun fall below the horizon, Talon asks, “Did anyone notice that? It was subtle, but it felt like a...wave of foreboding swept across the encampment.’
“Yes, I sensed it, too,” responds Mairin.
Sebastian looks around uneasily. “There was something, all right, but I do not know what.”
The revelers can be heard still. The captives recognize the unmistakable crunch of rat bones again and a slow moving, unsteady guard enters. He looks at his charges and sits. He has obviously had far too much to drink.
The first moon of the night starts to rise in the darkening sky, shedding its pale light across the plains of Endorr.
All under the canopy sense that something is terribly amiss. The ground begins vibrating under their feet. To their astonishment, they see that wherever rodents’ bones had been ground into the soil, they sprout like seeds in the earth and swollen, sharp thorny bushes start to spring up at an accelerated pace.
All stare fascinated at this otherworldly spectacle. The brambles grow and twist and branch to a height of over four feet. Their impossible growth slows but does not stop entirely. Dark flowers and wicked, barbed-tipped thorns blossom. The cry of wolves echoes throughout the camp.
Those under the canopy become aware of an irritating buzzing. The short, stocky, smelly bandit staggers toward them, flies following. “What did you do, witch?” He steps closer. “How did you do this? You know, I never had a witch before.” He grabs the girl by her hair, pulling her head back. He places his open, slobbering mouth over hers and tears at her clothes.
Talon’s blood roars in his ears. An enraged, mad look comes over his face and a feral growl escapes his lips. He leaps up and delivers a devastating kick to the smelly man's belly. A whoosh of air is expelled by the falling, stinking assailant. Before he can rise and defend himself, Talon picks up a rock and slams it into the side of the man’s head again and again, knocking him bloody and senseless.
Marin, wide-eyed, stares in disbelief.
The other bandit draws a short sword and rushes the half-elf. Sebastian throws out his legs and trips the hapless guard. Talon uses the same rock, with the same results. While Mairin unties Mr. Wolfram, she asks, “What shall we do with them?” staring in dismay at the sprawled bodies.
Without hesitation, Talon snarls, “Let them be food for the rats…or the wolves.”
Sebastian quips, “I doubt if the wolves would come near the malodorous one.”
Talon says, “More for the rats.”
“In any event, the die has been cast. Let us make good our escape while there is time.”
“Not without my bow.”
“I do not know if it is worth the risk, my young half-elf.”
Talon insists, “It is worth it to me. Take Mairin to safety. I must recover my belongings.”
The girl shakes her head and clasps his arm. “I'm coming with you, Talon.”
Sebastian sighs in frustration. “If that’s the case, we should all stay together.” He surveys the terrain. “Maybe these thorn things will provide us some cover.”
The sounds of revelry have been replaced by the sounds of terror and panic. Frantic shouts echo throughout the camp. “Rats! They are everywhere!”
More brambles start to grow faster now and chaos engulfs the camp. The trio moves with caution, using the growing thorn bushes as cover.
Sebastian whispers, “Girl, here is your ring back.” He then places his medallion on his neck. “This is for good luck. And, Talon, take your cat-eye pendant.”
They come upon the marauders who are using torches and swords to repel the mass of ravenous rats.
A defender yells hysterically, “Look! One of the witch’s guards comes to wreak vengeance upon us.”
From out of one of the caves staggers an unearthly sight. A tattered-garbed man with gaping gaps of skin missing from his frame lumbers toward them. He wields a chipped axe. The terrifying figure is shot squarely in the chest with an arrow, but shows no effects. Some of the bandits flee in panic. A brigand trips and falls backwards against one of the thorn bushes. He is impaled by a hundred barbed-tipped thorns. Feeble, jerking movements twitch from the broken body.
The bramble bush starts to grow again and glistening, dark blossoms bloom.
Talon whispers, “I see our weapons. They are just behind Plumbum, who is commanding his underlings. You two stay here.”
With stealth that only an elf can execute, he makes his way undetected toward the captured weapons. Talon hesitates, and takes in everything before him. Fat rats scurry everywhere and dark-feathered birds squawk and circle above. The strange bramble bushes continue to grow uncontrolled. The unearthly human still swings his axe. Brigands shout and fight.
Talon slips unseen toward his goal, but is soon stopped in his tracks. A charred, colossal skeleton enters the chaos. It ignores everything around it and lurches directly to the now-empty wine keg. The burnt-out, giant’s skeleton shows its irritation by mightily heaving the wooden keg at Brent Plumbum. It bashes him squarely in his face, knocking him back against one of the twisting thorn bushes.
Brent cannot move, and his body starts to shrivel. The unnatural brambles grow to twice their size and an inordinate amount of shimmering, black roses blossom and barbed-tipped thorns sprout wildly. Talon leaps over rats, dashes forward, and gathers the stolen belongings.
The men are defending themselves furiously, and neither notice nor care about the half-elf.
Talon returns to his friends. “This is our best chance. Run!”
Mairin frantically shouts above the din, “Where?”
Sebastian responds, “Away from here!”
Chapter 32
Before Mikal can act, Master Foxhill steps between Aden and Sir Rusel. “Now listen here. This is my library and my home and I will not tolerate violence of any type within these walls. Unless I am mistaken, I thought we were all on the same side.”
Mikal stands next to the head librarian. “Aden, put down that staff. This has been a long and trying night. We need to get some sleep, not quarre
l amongst ourselves.”
Derrick expounds, “The library will be open in a few hours. I have a concealed back area that can serve as bed chambers.”
They agree and are soon lying down to rest. The dwarf has been left snoring on one of the couches in front.
Mikal thanks the librarian for his hospitality. “I am in your debt but I must ask yet another favor of you.”
Derrick smiles. “With the adventure you have given me this night, I am the one who owes. Anything at all. Just ask.”
“My group and I are short on time. If you can rouse us just before noon, we will be on our way.”
Derrick nods. “I wish I could accompany you, but I cannot,” he sighs wistfully. “Just before noon then. I will have food and fresh water waiting for you. Get whatever rest you can.”
***
Sir Rusel gently wakens Mikal.
The White Wizard questions the warrior, “Did you get any sleep?”
The knight shakes his head. “I have had enough sleep to last me many lifetimes.”
“Where's the dwarf?” Aden asks.
As if on cue, Kairn stumbles into the room, drunk on sleep. The young boy follows and says, “Master Foxhill told me not to wake Kairn. He was a curiosity to our patrons. Some seemed to be fascinated by him but I think others were irritated by his loud snoring. Well, he's mostly awake and my guess is that he's hungry.”
Without saying a word, the dwarf noisily begins stuffing his face with the food that had been laid out on the table before him.
Derrick enters. “I see everyone's awake. If I may be so bold, Master Mikal, what are your plans for the day?”
“You know we must travel to the lake east of here.”
The librarian smiles. “Yes, I thought so. I have a map.” He unfolds a parchment and spreads it out on the table near the dwarf’s food. “The lake Hydrargyrum means liquid silver. It is said that when the moons are full, its reflection looks like silver. If you take this path,” he points, “you will find it fairly direct, but off the main road. You may take the map with you if you so desire.”
Mikal thanks the master librarian. “We bid you farewell. We must be going. Your service has been invaluable.” He bows.
Derek waves off any thanks. “All I ask is that sometime in the future please return to relate your story to me. And give my best to Talon. I hope he is safe.”
“As do I.”
***
Mikal cradles Majam in his arms as he leads the group through the city streets. As they approach the final gate, Mikal spies Marion Vetta on a balcony. She gives the wizard a slight nod, which he returns.
They exit the City of Stonegrove and turn east. Mikal explains to Sir Rusel the quest on which he has sent Talon. “I am concerned. I thought he would be back by now.”
Sir Rusel responds, “Talon is a fine warrior and I have faith he will succeed in his assignment and we shall see him soon.”
Mikal nods. “I hope you are right, my friend.” He is vague when asked about Brian Quickhands. “Not everyone needs to hear about his fate, if you know what I mean.” He glances at Aden.
Now it is Sir Rusel's turn to nod.
The day is bright and welcoming and the group makes excellent time. They stop to rest, and the ancient Knight asks if he might see the librarian’s map. After studying the well detailed chart, Sir Rusel points to a narrow river.
“This is where I must go. It's not far off our path and it looks like it flows into the lake.”
“Then that is where we shall go,” responds the White Wizard.
Before sundown, they make camp next to the river. Sir Rusel studies the flow of water. “This should do just fine. The water is not deep. Please, we must gather some large rocks and lay them in the river and over them place firewood.” Everyone looks puzzled. “I will explain after we prepare the way.”
They roll boulders they find just off the shore into the river. As directed, the large rocks rest just above the surface of the water. Then they pile wood gathered from the nearby forest upon the rocks.
Sir Rusel inspects their work. “Yes, I think this will be just fine. Now I must wait for the sun to set so I can take my leave.”
Aden asks with a raised eyebrow, “Why did you have us build this? And where do you think you’re going?”
The ancient knight looks to Mikal. “After I was a Paladin for year and a day, I traveled to a…different place to capture and train my warhorse. She was magnificent. Bold on the battlefield. I lost her on one of the last encounters of the Wizard Wars.”
“So, are you creating doorway to this different place?” questions Mikal.
“Yes, I am. I shall travel and enter an unpopulated land. There is some humanoid life, like fairies and such.”
Aden chimes in, “There must be dwarves then, I take it.”
The Paladin ignores the statement. “The grass is greener and softer and the water somehow tastes better. Always cool and refreshing. Trees large and strong. But the animals are something different. Smarter, faster than any animals here. But the horses are the most impressive. They love the water and are excellent swimmers. Their manes and tails are always thick and full. You can tell by looking in their eyes that they understand their importance in nature and how they fit in. It is as if nature rejoices and all revel in it. Humans are only allowed to visit. They are not allowed to remain. Majam would feel at home there.”
“Sir Paladin, our time is short,” the White Wizard reminds him gently.
Rusel, with a faraway look in his eyes, continues. “That's another thing about this place. Time is different. When I was first here, I thought weeks had gone by, but when I returned, just a few days had passed here.” He refocuses on Mikal. “When I return, I shall look for you near the lake. If I cannot find you, I shall ride toward Stonegrove then onward to the valley.” He looks at the fading sun. “Oh, I see my time draws near. I ask all of you to keep secret what you are about to see.” He looks at Aden. “Even with the knowledge you possess you could not pass. One must be a consecrated Paladin to travel to this land. Light the firewood now.”
Aden complies, and soon tall flames engulf the wood just above the waterline. The Paladin explains, “You see, Mikal, all four elements must come together at just the right time. Then the door will be opened.”
Aden asks, “What are you going to do?”
“Watch.” The ancient one stands tall and breathes deeply. He murmurs inaudible, arcane words. Then he runs and leaps through the flame. This is followed by a loud splash. Moments later, a dripping, chagrinned Sir Rusel walks ashore.
The Red Wizard snips, “Back so soon?”
“Are you all right?” asks Mikal.
A red-faced Sir Rusel lowers his head. “I forgot one of the elements. I must be getting old.”
He bends down and picks up some earth in both hands. “Goodbye again, my friends. I will see you soon.”
He mumbles the words again, inhales deeply, and leaps into the flame a second time. No splash is heard.
Aden wades into the river. “I cannot see him. Do you think what he told us is true?”
The White Wizard laughs.
“Apparently. Now we rest, for we leave at first light.”
Chapter 33
They break camp at dawn. Later in the morning, they come upon a small fishing village on the lake. Majam is excited by the many odors in the air. Mikal inquires about renting a small boat.
“What do you want it for? You don't look like no fisherman to me,” suspiciously asks an older man sitting on a rickety dock.
“I would like to take it to the small island in the middle of the lake.”
The weathered man spits and laughs. “The only island in the middle of the lake is made of mist. You can get to it but you can't step on it.”
“Nevertheless, I still would like to rent one of your small boats.”
“You got coin, Red?”
“How much is required?” responds Mikal.
“Ten silver deposit and
I give you five back when you return the boat.”
Aden steps forward. “Too much. Six silver now and you return three.”
The lake sailor chuckles, “Eight now, four on the return.”
“Acceptable, you old fart.”
Aden tentatively shakes the man's hand who says, “I'll have her trim in a few minutes.”
The three step off the dock onto the shore. Mikal says, “You two will have to stay here. Only Majam and I can go.”
The dwarf protests, “Aye shud go with yew if few are go wing un derg round.”
“Thank you, my friend, but I believe just my cat and I should go.”
Majam meows and stares above the three. The Red Wizard points. “Look, an owl circles above. I believe it’s looking to land.”
Mikal holds out his arm and, to the amazement of all, the night bird lands lightly on Mikal’s forearm. There is a colorful ribbon in the bird's beak. The owl releases it and the colorful cloth starts to gently fall.
The dwarf snatches it from the air. “Ooh, itt iz sew be yew tea full. Itt chain jez cull er in the son lite.”
“It doesn’t take much to amuse you, does it, dwarf?”
Aden looks closely at the bird’s left leg. “What do we have here?” He answers his own question, “It is a message.” He carefully removes it and unrolls the narrow parchment. He reads aloud, “Dear Mikal. I pray you receive this in time. Remember to stay on the path. Tell the last Guardian whom you encounter that Sir Rusel Ironwood fights in my name. Then show him my colors. I dispatched a mutual friend days ago. I hope he finds you soon.
Evalon.”
As soon as the message is read, the owl takes flight. It swoops over the water and snatches a fish and is soon out of sight. Aden quips, “The dwarf must have scared it. It seemed to be in quite the rush.”
“As am I,” laughs Mikal.
He lowers himself and his cat into a small rowboat. He asks the old man at the dock, “In which direction will I find the mist?”
“Oh, just row straight out. You'll probably see it sooner than later.” He spits into the water and chuckles, “Good luck…it looks like you'll need it. Take good care of my boat.”
The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2) Page 19