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

by Michael Novak

  Mairin interrupts, “The birds are done, let us eat.”

  ***

  Talon and his cat lead the group through high brush and lightly wooded areas. “I believe this is the most direct route to the main road.”

  Less than two hours later, Tamarix stops and sounds a warning. The half-elf and his cat stop abruptly. “We are very close to the main road and I hear some sort of ruckus ahead.”

  “Lower your voice,” Sebastian directs. “I hear it also.”

  The small group advances cautiously through a clump of thin trees. They spy a wagon being driven by two merchants. It is being held up by three bandits. Mairin pleads, “We must do something.”

  Sebastian turns toward the girl. “This does not concern us and it will be over soon. We are safe here.”

  “It’s not right. Help them, please,” Mairin protests.

  Master Wolfram shakes his head. “Young elf, arm your bow. You are my backup, although I doubt if I shall need it. Remain here.”

  Sebastian Wolfram strides onto the road. With his hands held slightly out and apart, he walks purposely toward the confrontation. One of the crooks notices his approach. Sebastian brushes his back his white hair and holds his pointy chin up in the air. He does not slow until he catches the leader’s eye.

  The leather-clad robber turns his sword to the white-haired man. “Who are you and what do you want?”

  Sebastian slows but continues his approach. “I am here to assist. My name is not important.”

  The bandit is confused. “We don't need any help and we’re not going to share our loot with anyone.”

  Sebastian snickers. “You misunderstand my intent. I was looking at you but I was addressing them.” He point to the merchants.

  “Wha…?”

  Sebastian is upon the bandits’ leader and, in a seemingly impossible maneuver, draws his knife and pivots around to the thief’s back. He holds his deadly blade to the criminal’s exposed neck.

  “Drop the sword.” It clangs immediately to the rocky ground.

  The white-haired man slyly smiles. “You other two, let me explain myself. I have a Elven archer positioned in those trees. He has one of you as his target. Which one it is, is beyond me. If you believe me, I recommend highly that you leave now and avoid the arrow. If you do not, I guarantee at least one of you will die.”

  Seconds later, the clamor of metal falls to the hard earth, and the two would-be bandits are out of sight. Sebastian lowers his knife and slashes the back of his captive’s hand, severing tendons.

  “You will never be able to grip a sword or knife again. Now hurry and join your friends, you embarrassing little man.”

  Talon and Mairin step out onto the main road and join Sebastian. The two merchants are confused by the whole situation. A heavyset, balding one stutters, “Th-thank you, sir. May I ask who are you?”

  Sebastian bows slightly. “I, sir? I am your rescuer and deliverer and these are my two associates, a half-elf archer and a teenage girl. We are bound for the City of Stonegrove.”

  The older merchant nods quizzically at the acknowledgments. “I would offer you coin, sir, but we have very little. It is all tied up in what we carry. Our casks are filled with fine wine and our crates carry tasty, vine-ripened dates. I can offer you some of these.”

  The white-haired man hesitates. “In all likelihood, I just saved your lives.” He looks to Talon and Mairin. “But if you tell me you have no coin, I must believe you. I will gladly accept some wine and dates.”

  The merchants produce two bottles of wine and a small container of fruit. “I thank you again, and coincidently, our destination is the same. But as you can see, there is little room in our wagon. Find us in the City of Stonegrove and we will see that you are properly rewarded.”

  They rattle their reins and the mules start to pull their heavy load. They are soon out of sight.

  Mairin inquires, “You didn't give them our names. Why?”

  Sebastian turns. “Oh, I thought we are keeping secrets. I did not see the need. You do know those two had much coin with them and there was room on their wagon. If we meet them in the city, I would wager that they would not even acknowledge us. I've seen their kind often. They are avaricious and they also feared us. At the very least, the wine seems acceptable. Let us share some dates.”

  Chapter 36

  Mikal kneels and closely inspects the newly acquired suit of armor. The late afternoon sun reflects off its well-forged, glistening metal. He looks for his cat and finds her curled up inside the metal helm of the enchanted mail.

  “Well, you look cozy in there, but we must be off. It is odd, though, that when we first arrived on this obscure island, I was convinced that what I sought lay at the top of this tower. And now I am here with the object of my search. Could it all have been an illusion and the suit of armor was here all along? Oh well, something to ponder. Let us descend these stairs. I hope that enchanted metal is not too weighty.”

  It is a slow and difficult descent which includes many rests, the clanging of armor against the walls, and steps that echo throughout the tower.

  “Pray tell me that this is the last step, Majam.”

  With some effort, Mikal struggles from the tower. He rests the armor on the stony ground. “I must pause for a moment, and then I shall drag it to the boat. I wish you could help me, Majam.”

  The cat does not respond for she is staring transfixed at a strangely familiar sight.

  “Oh, I don't think that feline can help you, as magnificent as she is, but maybe I can be of service.”

  The White Wizard turns and his jaw drops. Before him stands an impressive man wearing a flowing, gray cloak. He sports long, gray hair held back tightly with a strip of leather. He has an angular face with deep lifelines etched into it. His eyes are also gray. Mikal recognizes the soft smile and the rough, granite arm. Here, with his arms akimbo, stands Ebon Usher, the Stone Mage.

  He touches the tower’s surface with a massive hand. “Good stonework. The rocks enjoy being part of this structure. It's been here for some time.”

  Mikal finds his voice and manages, “How did you get here?”

  Ebon smiles. “Did you not receive the note? The Lady sent me. She thought you may need some assistance. So here I am. You sure made a lot of noise descending those stairs. If nothing else, may I help you with your new, fashionable clothes?”

  “You heard me? And you did not think to offer assistance?”

  The Stone Mage shrugs his shoulders and smiles broadly. “Oh, I considered it but thought some physical labor would be good for you.”

  Mikal shakes his head. “Ever since I left the School of the Three Moons, even breathing seems to me like physical labor.”

  The wizards laugh.

  “I see your cat is doing very well. The Lady Evalon insisted that I ask about her. She enjoyed your cat very much when you last visited her.”

  Ebon Usher effortlessly picks up the enchanted armor. They walk to the boat with Majam fidgeting in Mikal's arms.

  “She does not seem to care much for water.”

  The Stone Mage chuckles, “Few cats do,” and carefully places the green-hued armor in the small craft.

  Mikal inquires, “Where is your vessel?”

  Ebon points west. “Not far from here. I made mine. It’s actually a raft, but it served me well.”

  Mikal asks sheepishly, “Will you row us back?”

  Master Usher nods. “I shall try, but may I remind you,” he reveals his stone arm, “that my left arm is far stronger than my right.”

  The White Wizard is still fascinated with this man. His left arm, all the way to the shoulder, is made of rock. Mikal remembers that his friend will eventually turn completely to stone, and not only does he accept this, but welcomes it. To be an avatar of stone is his greatest desire.

  They disembark and set a zigzag course through the swirling, purple haze. It is quite some time before Ebon rows a direct course. As they emerge from the curtain of mist, Mi
kal directs his cat to the bow. He enters her mind.

  “Are you able to direct us back, Majam?”

  The impressive feline holds her pink nose up in the air, a bit insulted, and looks to the right. The White Wizard directs the Stone Mage in the direction indicated.

  “Oh, Mikal Novastar, I almost forgot. The Lady told me that she received important information concerning that thief you travel with… Blunderhands or whatever, that he no longer is in servitude to that character, Bass Molar. I do not know the circumstances of his dismissal or his current location, but she assured me that she will pass on any information to you as she receives it.”

  Mikal smiles. “That is excellent news. I hope he fares well. With any luck, I will see him and Talon soon.”

  By sundown they return to the small fishing village. A young boy throws them a rope and secures the other end to a wooden post. The weathered, old man sits on the dock. “Well, I see you made it and you brought a passenger and cargo back with you. I should charge more for that.” He spits and laughs lightly.

  The cat is the first off the boat. She bounds onto the dock and scampers to dry land, where she sits and waits. Mikal settles with the owner of the small boat and he and Ebon follow the wooden pier to the shore. Not far inland, they spot a small fire and, warming himself by it, stands the Red Wizard. He rises when he sees Mikal arrive.

  The White Wizard says, “Aden, may I present to you Ebon Usher. As incredible as it may seem, he is what is known as a Stone Mage. Ebon, I present to you Aden Ferrum, a Red Wizard from the City of Umbra.”

  They exchange simple bows.

  The Red Wizard looks to Mikal. “How is it that you attract such odd and exotic people and creatures?”

  Mikal laughs. “You should include yourself in that category.”

  Aden ignores the barb. “So, I see that you were successful in your quest and you did find some peculiar armor. There is a green color to it. Is it covered with moss or slime of some sort?”

  Ebon shakes his head and answers, “No, I believe it has to do with the enchantment upon it.”

  The White Wizard concurs and asks, “Tell me, where is Kairn?”

  “I do not know for sure, but I believe he's gone native. He's been helping them…” he points in the direction of the small fishing village. “Assisting with their nets, helping the blacksmith, and eating an extraordinary amount of fish.”

  Mikal smiles. “I hope Sir Rusel has been successful. We will stay the night and leave early in the morning.”

  A short time later, the dwarf appears, carrying an armload of fish. “Wheel ete gould two knight.”

  “Kairn, meet Ebon Usher, a Stone Mage. Ebon, this Kairn Lanthanide Kavon.” The dwarf drops the fish and stares agape at Ebon’s left, stone arm. He steps forward and touches the appendage.

  “Eye lie kit.”

  Mikal interjects, “We should prepare our meal.”

  ***

  The village awakens before dawn. The fishermen set out in their fishing vessels with the hope of filling their cargo holds.

  The adventurers rise and what little fish is left over from last night is quickly eaten. The dwarf and Ebon Usher start to break camp.

  Unexpectedly, two elders approach Mikal, one with a severe limp.

  The older of the two asks, “May we have a word with you?”

  Aden quips, “Can I hold you to that? A word.

  Mikal ignores the Red Wizard. “Yes, certainly. I hope we have done nothing objectionable.”

  “No, no, not at all. Let me introduce myself: I am Jonah and this is my cousin Ahab. He suffered a severe fishing accident some time ago.”

  “I am sorry to hear that,” Mikal responds.

  “It's of no matter now. I would like to inquire about your dwarf.”

  The White Wizard shakes his head. “Excuse me…my what?”

  “You see, we are shorthanded and our would-be blacksmith skills are... limited. Your dwarf seems to enjoy fish. We would like to buy him.”

  “What? I am no slaver.”

  “Forgive us, we would like to buy your servant then.”

  “He is not my servant. He is a free man. Look at him: what do you see?”

  The two turn toward Kairn and hesitate “We see a dwarf, not exactly a man. Besides, he's even missing an arm.”

  The White Wizard lowers his voice and speaks very slowly, “We shall be leaving now.” He considers. “I may ask him if he chooses to stay but it will be his decision, not mine.”

  The elders bow. “Thank you for considering our proposal. You understand, we do have coin.”

  “Leave,” Mikal growls.

  Aden asks, “What was that all about?”

  “They thought we owned Kairn and they wanted to buy him.”

  The Red Wizard laughs, “They must have very low standards in this part of the land.”

  Mikal is not amused.

  He directs everyone to pack up and declares, “I wish to leave as soon as possible. Majam, show us the way to Stonegrove.”

  The cat knows that her master is fuming, and she sets a quick pace.

  Chapter 37

  Aden steps next to Ebon Usher. “That is an interesting left arm you have there.” The Stone mage nods. Aden continues, “Tell me, just what kind of magic does a Stone Mage possess? No, let me guess. You speak to rocks.”

  Ebon looks to Aden who says, “Oh my, I believe you can. What do they say back? Are they hard to get to know?”

  Aden laughs. Ebon Usher abruptly stops and places his left hand heavily on the Red Wizard's shoulder. “All of these stones and rocks and pebbles and gravel have been here longer than any man. Their knowledge is beyond anything that can enter into your hard head.” He starts ever so slightly to squeeze Aden’s left shoulder. “And remember: rock is stronger than bone.”

  The Stone Mage releases the bruised shoulder and quickly catches up with Mikal and Majam. Everyone can hear Kairn snickering.

  ***

  Mikal, speaking to no one in particular, muses, “I believe we are nearing the City of Stonegrove.”

  Majam stops and, with her tail held high, looks to the east. Mikal enters her mind. He was successful.

  The Wizard sees a lone rider mounted upon an impressive, white charger, gliding over a green meadow. Sir Rusel Ironwood’s mount skids to a halt. “Hail, Mikal Novastar from the great City of Addis and his companions! I see you have been successful also.”

  He leaps from his newly-acquired steed and bows. “Let me show you this fine animal.” The White Wizard watches the great creature’s head lower toward his cat. For some moments the two animals look fixedly at one another. Mikal effortlessly slips into the mind of his cat. She is a fine horse with a courageous heart but is fearful of what is to come. She wants to return home as soon as possible. The Paladin has chosen wisely. As an afterthought I like her.

  The contact is broken and the horse holds her head high once again. All take turns greeting the magnificent mare.

  Mikal, still scratching behind the horse’s ear, says, “Sir Rusel, this is the man who is in charge of your enchanted armor. He is Ebon Usher, a Stone Mage. Ebon, this is Sir Rusel Ironwood, our champion. He is to face the Ebony Knight.”

  The two strong men bow and clasp hands. “Well met,” they say in unison.

  The White Wizard smiles. “Let us continue to the city.”

  Aden points ahead. “I see the walls of Stonegrove.”

  Sir Rusel abruptly stops and faces Mikal. “I cannot take my horse into the city. It would not be right, for she knows only of the wilds. I shall make camp by the river.” He points in the distance. “There is a small group of trees that will offer us shelter. Also, I would like to make a request. Could someone bring a brush so I could give my mare a proper rubdown? She deserves so much more, and if I am to ride into battle, I must have a saddle. Are any of you experienced riders?”

  The Red Wizard steps forward. “I could ride before I could walk, and I appreciate your impressive steed.”

>   “Thank you, Aden. I believe a light saddle would suffice. I do not want her to be burdened with heavy, leather, combat gear.”

  “I concur. I will procure for you a proper brush and a fine saddle.”

  “One more thing,” Sir Rusel asks, “if you can find a ripe, red apple or two, I think she would enjoy that.”

  “I shall be at your camp within two hours, if my… master allows.”

  Mikal smiles and nods his head.

  The White Wizard, the Red Wizard, Ebon Usher, and the one-armed dwarf watch Sir Rusel ride away. As they cross a bridge to enter the city, their pace slows considerably. There are more guards at the gate than usual and they are asking questions and inspecting goods. Despite a few questioning looks, Mikal and his companions pass unimpeded through the gate and into the city.

  Aden asks, “Where are we going now?”

  Mikal, holding his cat in his arms, replies, “I believe the most advantageous place would be the Yellow Toad Inn.”

  Aden nods. “And by the time we get there, I wonder how many of your friends and enemies will know our location.”

  The White Wizard does not laugh.

  They wind their way through the city streets. Mikal tries to orient himself to his surroundings. The people who pass by take little notice. Through his cat’s eyes, he extends his sight.

  “Is it my imagination, or is that person staring at me or at someone in our group?”

  He notices an extremely tall female wearing a sheer veil that obscures what appears to be smooth, bronze skin. Her exotic eyes follow their group.

  Abruptly, a young rider rears to a stop. “Hail, Mikal!”

  Majam raises her head and Mikal recognizes the Baron’s son, Robert Craig.

  “Hail, good Sir,” Mikal responds.

  The Baron’s son dismounts expertly. “I must thank you for that wondrous night, hunting and slaying foul creatures. Could anyone ask for more?”

  Mikal smiles but does not respond.

  “I do not see Talon.”

  “He is not with us currently, but I hope he will return soon. You know Aden and Kairn, and this is Ebon Usher.”