***
“Well, Majam, it has been many years since I have rowed a boat. Please take the bow and direct me. We are looking for the mist and the island it conceals.”
After a less than auspicious start, the White Wizard learns to control the small vessel rather well. Majam meows and conveys to her master there is mist ahead. He holds the course and soon he and the small dinghy are encompassed in a strange, gray cloud. He slows but continues to row.
“Do you see any land, Majam?”
No, but I smell dirt and stone.
Suddenly, Mikal feels the bottom of the boat scraping land. He looks over his shoulder but all he can see is the thick haze.
His cat sniffs the air. We are here. You can carry me to shore.
“How far is it?” pleads Mikal. “All I can imagine is this infernal vapor and hear the water lapping against the boat.”
The wizard grabs his staff of light and his faithful cat and jumps from the bow. Surprisingly, the water is only ankle-deep. Unfortunately, after taking several steps, the waters still covers only his feet.
“I was expecting dry land by now. Majam, can you see anything?”
No, but the odor of stone is growing stronger.
Mikal is relieved when he finally reaches dry, solid footing.
The wizard takes a few more tentative steps. Then, astonishingly, like he has walked through a portal, a stone tower appears before him. It is bathed in dazzling sunlight. Through Majam's eyes, the wizard scans the tower before him. All the stones are different in shape and size. There are no windows that he can discern. His sight is drawn to the top of the rocky edifice. He knows what he seeks is waiting for him atop the tower.
“No. I have been warned about taking the comfortable path and must resist the temptation.”
His cat leaps to the ground and sits before an iron, reinforced door built into the structure. Mikal attempts to open it, but it only creaks and does not budge. He tries a second effort and the door opens slightly. He gathers himself, and on the third effort, the heavy, creaking barrier moves just enough for him to squeeze past.
He allows his staff to shed light on his surroundings. Before him appears a winding, well-carved set of stairs leading upward. It is as if this inanimate object is inviting him to climb. Mikal finds that that his right leg has placed itself on the first step. With some effort, the wizard pulls himself away from the alluring staircase.
“I must stay focused. Majam, we are looking for a trap door. It may be concealed. Can you find it for me?”
The cat prances out of Mikal’s limited sight. He follows her mewing, and finds her under the spiraling stairway sitting, her tail swishing back-and-forth. He lowers his staff of light and sees a trap door partially covered with straw directly beneath Majam. Attached is a thick, metal ring. The wizard twists the ring and pulls the door which reveals a downward opening. Mikal’s red hair billows as a swirling breeze escapes the gaping, black hole in the ground.
“After you, my fearless cat.”
Majam hesitates. “Well, what are you waiting for? I guess you want me to go first.” He sighs. “Very well.”
Before Mikal can lower his foot onto the first step, he senses the stairs upward beckoning him. “This is most strange… but I know what I must do and I shall.”
With a concerted effort, he steps gingerly down onto the spiraling stairwell. His cat stays close at his side. Using Majam’s superior sight, he cautiously makes his descent.
The walls are made from the same stone as the tower above. Every so often, some of the stones glisten as if they have had water seeping upon them. The White Wizard continues his spiral descent over countless stone steps. When he thought the steps would never end, they do. An impressive stone arch looms before him. He crosses the archway and enters a mammoth cavern.
Mikal is startled to hear rhythmic breathing. Just a few feet away, lying on an impressive, flat stone is a raggedy-clad man who appears to be sleeping…maybe even dreaming. He is on his back one moment and his side the next.
Mikal notices that one arm is definitely longer than the other and one leg is far more muscular than its counterpart. One side of this man’s head looks swollen while the other is of normal size. One eye socket is deeply set while the other bulges outward. The most peculiar thing is that dust and broken cobwebs cover both man and rock.
“What is this poor, misshapen man doing here?”
Majam meows and Mikal clears his throat and says, “Excuse me, sir.”
The malformed man sits up and brushes off the dust and cobwebs. He gives a long look to the White Wizard and his cat. “Oh, I am sorry. I must have dozed off for a moment. So you brought a cat, I see. No harm in that. I must ask, what is it you seek?”
Mikal bows. “To whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?’
The strange man grins widely, showing teeth missing on one side of his smile but not on the other. “No one's asked me that before. My name is Natrium. Some say that I am salt of the earth. Now that I have answered your question, what about mine?”
The White Wizard hesitates. “I am seeking enchanted armor for a challenge of combat.”
A girlish giggle escapes from the raggedy man. “Well, I assume it's not for you. So you come on someone else’s behalf. That could be good or bad, depending on the circumstances.” The bizarre creature clears his throat. “Do you have any water? I am extremely thirsty.”
Mikal offers his water skin. The eccentric one grabs it and drains it completely. “That was refreshing. Do you have more?”
Mikal shakes his head. The man continues, “You passed the first test by just getting here. Enchanted armor, you say? Listen to me. Travel this cobblestone path. It will vary quite a bit, but when you reach the fork in the road, go left.” He scratches the clean-shaven side of his chin. “You know, it's been a long time since anyone has come to travel the stone path. You will be tested in many ways. You must stay on the path until you are no longer able.”
The misshapen man spins and wobbles and sticks his tongue out at Majam. “Good luck, whoever you are.”
“So, I am safe as long as I stay on the path?” Mikal queries.
“I don’t guarantee anything.” The peculiar man twitters. “I do not know anywhere that you would be truly safe. Maybe the grave. If you step off the trail, your quest ends there.”
The wizard thanks the malformed man and starts down the road, smiling slyly. The odd man shouts, “The same rules apply to your pet.”
Mikal’s smile fades, his one advantage lost.
With Majam leading, he travels down the cobblestone. The road narrows and, not far ahead, Mikal is taken aback when he sees a huge spider obstructing the way. It appears to be wiping off its fangs with its two front legs.
“Well, my cat, what do you propose we do now?”
What do you mean?
“There is a large, vicious spider barring our way.”
Majam sits. Why don't you just step over it or go around?
“But I cannot. It covers the entire road.”
It does not. I agree it is a big spider, but even I can step over it.
The wizard was using his cat’s sight, but now he enters her mind and sees what she sees.
“You are right, my fine, furry friend. The spider is no bigger than my fist. Certainly a large spider, but not the one I saw in my mind. Let us continue.”
As they approach, the arachnid scurries off.
“Well, that wasn't so bad,” Mikal thinks aloud. The cobblestones rise slightly as the two adventurers crest a small hill. Below them they see something glisten. On both sides of the cobble road are mounds of gold and other precious stones, rubies, and sapphires all giving off a rich light of their own. The wizard knows that even with his staff these precious objects would be just out of reach. He has never had a strong desire for precious gems, but he admits he is overwhelmed by the sight. He and his friends and even his school would want for nothing with this unbelievable cache.
Then he be
holds a rare sight. The gold coins move unexpectedly and the huge head of a serpent rises above the sea of coins.
Mikal shakes his head and laughs. “Even if I could overcome this guardian, I could never carry off half the loot. I would probably hurt my back. No, Majam this is not for us. Let us continue.”
The next area they chance upon is comprised of weapons. Swords and spears of all kinds, bows and special arrows that could take down giants glint in the fire light of the surrounding braziers. Like the riches before, Mikal has never been interested in weapons. Even his untrained eye, however, can tell that these are magnificent.
“Sir Rusel will need a new sword.”
Among the splendid weaponry stands a warrior made of iron.
“Is that a statue?” Mikal asks aloud.
As if on cue, the iron eyes open.
Mikal says hastily, “Again, Majam, let us keep going forward.”
Unexpectedly, the cobblestones under his boots become larger, sharper, and hot to the touch. The path is flanked with mounds of sand. Beads of perspiration roll down the wizard‘s face.
“I am confused. What allure is this offering?”
The cat prances gingerly on the sizzling stones. She looks up and leaps into Mikal’s arms.
“Yes, you are thirsty as I am. But we have no water: I gave it away.”
Around the next corner he hears the unmistakable sound of water splashing. Then he sees a wonderful, pristine waterfall pouring over an immense rock and splashing into a pool of refreshing water.
“Now I know, Majam, what it wants us to do. Water can be more precious than all the gold and gems or weapons in the world. Hurry, let us be gone from this.”
They travel some distance before reaching the next area. Mikal can feel the approaching attraction. Torches flare to reveal a room with three sides and no roof but the cavern’s ceiling. The room is filled with fantastic, magical items of all kinds. There are wands, mystic rings, and staff's imbued with powerful spells. There are medallions for protection and others that enhance magical ability.
“Dear cat, there is no doubt that just a few of these items would make me the most powerful wizard in the land. I alone could defeat the ebony, Evil One. I could protect the land forever. I would not even need to imperil Sir Rusel.”
Majam meows and paws her master’s leg. She catches his attention and directs him to look upward. Mikal spies a sleek, tall, alabaster pillar. Upon it sits a small, red dragon no larger than a common lizard. It is eyeing the wizard.
“If that dragon is the guardian, I could take whatever I wanted, for I feel no threat from it.”
Majam enters her master’s consciousness. Please, look again, not only with my sight but with my mind as well. Mikal lifts his gaze a second time. Now the sleek, alabaster pillar is thick and wide. It branches out at the top. An enormous, red dragon lurks upon it.
“Those deadly, dark eyes and razor-sharp teeth could devour both of us, Majam, in one snap of its jaws.”
I would prefer not to be eaten just yet. We must be gone from here.
“I thank you, my friend, and I concur. Let us move along.”
When Mikal looks back over his shoulder, he believes the dragon looks disappointed and hungry.
A short time later, the cobble path narrows until it becomes only a foot wide. The wizard looks ahead, and before him sees a rickety, wooden bridge at least forty feet long. Below the bridge, darkness fills the chasm.
“I believe we can traverse this. Here, I will hold you in my arms and use my staff as a balancing pole.” The wizard starts out upon this strange structure. After but a few steps, the bridge start to vibrate. A deep voice echoes from beneath.
“Who walks upon my bridge? And what will you give me for passage?”
“I am Mikal Novastar and my pet Majam.”
“What have you to offer?”
“I have a sizable amount of silver. You may have it all.”
“I am a troll. I live under a bridge. What need have I of silver?”
Beads of sweat appear on Mikal’s brow. He unclasps his father’s cloak and shows it to the troll.
“This is an enchanted, traveling cloak. You may have it. It is dear to me, but my need is great.”
“I am a troll. I live under a bridge. What need have I of a traveling cloak?”
Mikal’s mind races.
“I offer you this onyx ring and a pendant from the School of the Three Moons. They are very valuable.”
“I am a troll. I live under a bridge. What need have I of a ring and pendant?”
Mikal grits his teeth and takes a deep breath.
“I offer you a staff of light.” He holds it out in both hands.” Surely, you cannot refuse this!”
“I am a troll. I live under a bridge. What need have I of a staff of light?”
Mikal’s voice trembles and he pleads, “I have nothing else of value. Please, you have to reconsider. I must cross your bridge and succeed in my quest. The fate of the entire land hinges on what I do. I beg you.”
The troll’s expression does not change. His eyes fix on Majam.
“A pet? Explain.”
“A pet is…a treasured animal friend that offers companionship to its owner.”
“Then you have identified the toll for passage.”
A panicked expression crosses Mikal’s face and he retreats from the bridge, clutching Majam protectively.
Mikal whispers to his cat, “Do you have any suggestions?”
Offer me.
Horrified at the thought, Mikal answers through clenched teeth, “Completely unacceptable. How could you even suggest it?”
I have explored the troll’s mind. It is highly suggestible.
“And…?”
Offer him what he desires. He has been alone for so very long. Help me give him an illusion that will comfort him and satisfy his demand.”
Majam leaps from Mikal’s arms and searches the path and finds a soft, green, moss-covered rock.
Give him this
“What?”
Can you not enchant this stone so that it mirrors me?
“Easily.”
Do so. I will place the chimera in his consciousness and he will believe, for he desires to. The easiest wish to believe is what one wishes to believe.
Majam jumps in Mikal’s arms and disappears under his cloak. The wizard turns his back on the troll and picks up the rock. He touches his staff to it and intones, “Change and animate.”
The rock becomes Majam’s double, and purrs contentedly. Mikal faces the troll and says, “As you wish.”
The troll reaches up and tenderly accepts the rock, a look of sheer joy and what might pass for a smile crosses his face. Eyes brimming with tears, he settles back and affectionately begins to stroke his purring, pet rock.
***
After satisfying the troll under the bridge, the cobble road widens to its usual width. They do not travel far before they come upon the fork in the road mentioned by the crooked man. As instructed, the two stay to the left. They come to another area in this subterranean cavern. On both sides of the path are bookshelves filled with old, arcane volumes of books. From Mikal's vantage point, he can make out some of the titles, but recognizes only a few. He can tell by their odor and appearance that they are ancient texts and ponders the wonders they could reveal.
Majam meows. She is sitting on the road and next to her is a book. The wizard hesitates then picks it up, taking care not to step off the path.
“I sense no guardian here. I wonder if opening this book will awaken it. Yes, Majam, I will not open this until we leave this place. Lead the way, my faithful friend.”
They travel for some time without encountering any more enchanted areas. Mikal begins to wonder if he took the correct path. He hears vibrations in the air. Drumbeats, not loud but definite. He somehow feels that he is near his goal. As within the weapons area, braziers flare to life, sending firelight everywhere.
“Could this be the end of my quest?”
On display are myriad suits of armor. They are made of classic leather and iron and even steel. There are others made from material the wizard does not recognize. He passes a suit that must have been made from nothing but dragon scales.
“Impressive in every way.”
An old, full gray-bearded dwarf appears from behind one of the suits of armor, holding a polishing rag in his right hand.
“Good day to you, sir, if it is day. One never knows in this infernal place. With the sound of the drums, I knew someone was approaching.”
“Uh, good day to you, sir. I, uh…”
“Spit it out, man. What is it?”
“Pardon me for asking, but, uh, you are a dwarf, are you not?”
“How very observant of you.”
“It’s just that I know a dwarf and he…”
“Really, sir, you are beginning to tax me. How may I assist you?”
Mikal bows to the wizened dwarf. Only then does he notice that he has left the cobblestone path.
“I come seeking armor for a warrior to wear in a challenge by combat.”
The ancient one chuckles. “Why, you have come to the right place. We have armor of every kind, the best in all the land, if I may say so myself.”
“Did you make all these?” questions Mikal.
“Only a few. Most were brought here for safe-keeping. I mostly clean and polish them. I enjoyed it for many years, but, I must admit, it's become rather tiresome.”
The wizard shakes his head. “There are so many and I am not sure about the size.”
The dwarf waves his hand. “Do not worry about that. All these suits of armor have enchantments on them that allow them to vary their size to accommodate the wearer.”
“Thank you for that knowledge, but I still do not know which one to choose. The warrior will have to face an opponent that projects an aura of fear. Do you have anything that can combat that?”
The full-bearded dwarf looks hard and long at the White Wizard. “I believe I have what you seek.”
He shows Mikal a suit of armor that is set apart from the others. It possesses an emerald green sheen to it.
The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2) Page 20