Rise of the Citadel (The Search for the Brights Book 2)

by Aaron Thomas

  “I will try and keep that in mind. Now tell me, what is it you can do for me in making arrows? He said you had a skill that I could use.”

  “Sergeant, I am skilled in growing plants. I have no talent for the more violent nature of magic, but I am able to produce good results with plants.”

  “How in the flamin’ hell is that supposed to help me?” Bowie blurted out.

  “You may talk to your friends like that, young man, but not to me. You will watch your tongue near me!”

  “I’ll talk which ever way I like,” Bowie said. Before the last word could leave his mouth, he tripped over a root and fell on his face. Ria clicked her tongue as the root sank back into the ground.

  “You should watch where you walk, also.” She said calmly. “Oh Sergeant, you seem to have fallen in some manure. If you didn't wear your fancy jacket out, you wouldn't get it dirty. You really should save those for courting. Don’t worry though, a little wine should get out the stain. You should have your serving man take a look at it.”

  Bowie was sure the root sank back into the ground, and realized she had done it on purpose. He didn’t give her a comment in return.

  She continued to follow him, brushing loose dirt from his sleeves, “As I was saying. I am particularly talented in growing plants. I can grow branches in shapes, or straight. I can help make tool handles, as I can grow them as thick or as thin as needed. I think the King intended to have me grow arrow shafts.”

  Bowie finally realized what she was talking about. If he wasn’t in such a bad mood, he probably could have put it together himself. “I apologize. I think your talent will come in handy. I’ll introduce you to my men, they call us the Black Hats,” he said, tipping his.

  “Sergeant, I also possess a wagon and two horses that you can load full of people if you still do not have enough room. I will tell you to pick the best mannered, for reasons you have already learned.”

  Bowie nodded his head in response.“Thank you, Wizard Smith.”

  “Oh you are very welcome. Please, call me Ria,” she said, smiling.

  He led her through the throng, walking more carefully this time. When he arrived, his men were busy erecting tents and getting blankets unloaded from packs. A couple of fires were being built and stew leftover from others in camp was being hung over fires. John Curtain came away from where he was building his and Bowie’s tent.

  “Sergeant, some fletchers have reported to me and are waiting near the back for orders.” Bowie held up a hand to stop him from talking.

  “John, this is Ria Smith, Earth Wizard. She has been assigned to us in our new task. Assemble the men and get to the front of the line. Ria has a cart we need to put the fletchers in. I will go now, and give tasks to those that arrive at the front. Make sure you do not leave the rear until every last one of our fletchers and Black Hats are on their way forward.”

  “Sergeant, the men are exhausted, and we just got into camp. How are we going to lead this army in the front?” John nearly shouted.

  Some of the veterans that were near stopped, shocked at the notion of the new recruits taking the front. Bowie took note, perhaps this would be a task to help gain his men some respect.

  “Corporal Curtain, the King said to move the Black Hats to the front. They have a skill that no other has in this army, and the King intends to use it. Now go and get them moving. That’s an order.”

  Ria turned to Bowie, “Your men just arrived into the camp. It looks as though they are unpacking their things.”

  “They are packing them now, but yes, they were unpacking them when I left to see the King. We marched through the night at the back of this formation and just now arrived.”

  “I don’t have much skill in it, but perhaps I could help your troops refresh a bit until they get a proper night's sleep. How will I know which men are yours?”

  Bowie tapped the top of his hat, “No others would dare wear one of these. Will you be able to find your way to the front, Ria?”

  “Ha, follow the long line of sluggish soldiers? I think I can manage.” She pointed behind Bowie,” this one seems to belong to you.”

  Bowie turned to see a short girl with red hair falling past her shoulders, stomping in his direction. He took a step out of the way but she still stopped in front of him, placing her hands on her hips.

  “You must be the guy called ‘Master Crescent.’ I’ve heard of the pretty outfits you wear,” the red hair girl said. Ria clicked her tongue. “My name is Auburn and I'm one of the fletchers assigned to your archers.”

  Ria looked at Bowie, then back at the girl. “Auburn, is it? Perhaps you should call Master Crescent by his proper rank and ask permission to speak. While you're at it, you should button your shirt up. It’s a bit too revealing.”

  Bowie was confused by the whole situation. This girl was already giving him an attitude and he didn’t even know who she was. Ria was saying she was indecent, but her shirt barely showed her collarbone; it was far from what he would consider indecent. He found himself thinking about what he would consider indecent and then noticed the two were now arguing. Bowie couldn’t understand what either woman was saying, as their voices had become intertwined. He made the decision at that moment to do what he could to keep the two separated as much as possible.

  “Ladies, ladies, LADIES!” he cleared his throat after shouting. Both women stood stock still, staring at him. Some of the armored veterans were laughing. “Ria, why don’t you go ahead and see to the men and get your things collected. I’m sure some would love to help you with whatever is necessary.”

  She bowed her head slightly, and started to walk away.

  Auburn opened her mouth again, this time directed to Bowie. “Don’t think that you will get me to obey your commands like that one. I was forced into this army so don’t be expecting too much from me. I will not be sewing for you, cooking for you, or be sitting on your lap. I will do only what I must to make it until this battle is over, then I will go home to my father to help him live out the rest of his days.” Bowie stood with mouth open unsure what to say so she spoke instead, ”WELL?”

  Bowie closed his mouth, “Sounds reasonable. I have some carts gathering to take the fletchers up front where I can gather supplies on the road. If you don't have a horse and you don’t want to walk, I would make sure you hurry along and get your things on one.”

  The girl stalked off the way she had come, and Bowie wondered if fighting a war would be easier than managing the two women. He took off his hat and started looking for an open cask of ale. He figured he would need a drink before the day was over, and now was as good a time as any.

  Chapter 2 - The Elders Fog

  He heard his stomach growl for the first time today, but Kilen rode on, despite his internal complaints. The magic imbued into his rings and sword gave him the strength to keep going. The horse and Kilen had no need for water, no need for energy, and no need to sleep. His magic also gave him energy, and he in turn gave it to his horse, which he had named Jasper. Kilen had driven himself hard the last three days.

  Today would be the first time he got down off Jasper and had a proper meal. Kilen looked forward to how good proper meal would feel in his stomach. He had been eating the strips of dried meat Leroy had provided for him. The herbs and spices had stamina and nutritional qualities above the normally eaten foods of his land. The combination of magic and this exceptional food made traveling quick. He had traversed from the middle of the Earth Realm to its northeast mountainous border.

  “I think it is time to stop for a while, the Elder Wizards cannot be much farther,” Kilen said to the empty forest.

  Max, one of the men in his head, replied without delay, “I agree. You should rest for a day and regain some of your normal strength. Let us stop at the opening in the forest just ahead.” Jace, yet another in his head, offered his agreement as Jasper trotted up to an opening in the dense forest floor.

  Kilen carefully dismounted and stretched his legs and checked for sores. Quick
ly, he loaded Jaspers feed bag and provided his only other living companion a meal. He checked his own bag and once again, reassured himself there was nothing but a canvas sack of dried meat and bags of Leroy’s special tea. If he wanted a meal, he would have to hunt for it.

  Kilen walked around close to the clearing, gathering rocks and dry sticks he could use to make a fire. He noticed that the closer he came to the mountains, the colder it became. The looming fog setting on the area didn’t help his feeling of being cold. It was so dense that Kilen was reminded of the first day he met Twilix. He thought of her often, but this time he remembered he had taught himself how to cast a thick fog just like the one now preventing him from seeing the mountains.

  He made a stone ring and set the sticks in the middle for the beginnings of a fire. With the leftovers, he made a pile away from the camp under a bush with dry ground. If the fog moved too much closer, everything in his area would become damp with moisture, making it harder to start a fire.

  Max spoke again, “I do not know why you refuse to light a fire with that fire magic you possess. I could teach you, or perhaps my brother could, when he returns.”

  “I was actually waiting till he returns. No offense, but he’s a fire wizard. He should be better at teaching it than you,” Kilen replied.

  Kilen pulled his cloak from his bag, it was the fanciest cloak he had ever possessed. It was made from finely spun wool and dyed the deepest shade of green, embroidered with a magnificent oak tree and embellishments on the edges. Jace reeled at the sight of it, which made Kilen laugh. Kilen placed it on his shoulders and donned the hood despite Jace’s rebuke.

  Kilen thought to end the lecture before Jace started, “I know, I look like a King’s fool. I’m cold and you are the only ones here. Please Jace, don’t tell anyone.”

  Max laughed inside his head at the fact that no one but Kilen could talk to anyone directly.

  A white owl glided out of the trees and landed on the wood that would soon be a fire. It spoke with a human voice that Kilen recognized as Joahna; a fire wizard he had slain and captured the fallen spirit of.

  “Good, you found the location. We should be safe here for a couple days,” Joahna said.

  “A couple days! What do you mean a ‘couple days?” Kilen asked.

  “We are getting close to where Alexander said the Elder Wizards are supposed to be,” Joahna reformed himself into the figure of a liquid man and acted as if he was warming himself by the non-existent fire. “We will need to figure out a way inside once we get there. For now, why don’t you start a fire?”

  “Well, I found the Elder Wizards camp, only I'm not sure how to get you into it.” Joahna said as he reformed himself into the figure of a liquid man and acted as if he was warming his hands next to the non-existent fire. “While I try to figure a way to get you inside, you should probably start a fire.”

  “I don’t know how,” Kilen said, frustrated.

  “Well here, let me show you. It is a little more difficult to teach weapon bearers, especially ones that already have imbuements like water to counteract the effects of the fire magic’s anger. See the stack of wood? Focus on it, let your eyes see nothing but the wood you want to burn. Now, while looking at the wood, feel the cold seeping into your body. Lose the cloak.”

  “While your at it throw that cloak in there”, Jace said still irritated by it’s flashy color.

  Kilen reluctantly took the cloak off and placed it a few feet away.

  “Feel the cold, and feel the need for fire, the need for warmth. When you are cold enough and you want the fire bad enough, those sticks will light.”

  “So just stare at them and be cold. Should I take off more of these clothes so I am colder?”

  “No, I will help make you colder,” Joahna answered.

  Kilen watched as frost began to cover every surface around him. The temperature dropped so significantly, bumps formed on his arms and he began to shake. The frost crept up Kilen’s boots and pants as Kilen stood. He started to panic.

  “Focus on the sticks,” Joahna repeated, still rubbing his hands near the invisible flames.

  Kilen focused hard, he blocked everything out except the cold and the sticks. Slowly, the cold and frost started to creep up his shirt, soaking through to his skin. He noticed he could see his breath prominently now. He longed for the hot days, battling the sword with Gortus on the practice fields.

  Joahna’s figure stood and threw out a hand which detached from his arm. The hand turned into a ball of water mid flight to Kilens face. Kilen, covered in ice cold water, looked down at his shirt and watched as water turned to ice, sending numbing pain with it. Kilen glanced at the sticks and a spark popped at the top stick.

  Kilen sprang to the small spark and yearned for a flame, the flame came slowly. Then it raged four feet tall. Kilen welcomed the warmth and Joahna let go of the cold around his body. The ice and frost melted quickly as Kilen threw more wood on the fire. He began to warm his hands, letting the warmth surround him.

  Joahna melted himself into a seated position on an ice stump next to the fire. Kilen looked into the glass-like man watching the flames flickering reflection. The dead glass eyes of the liquid man stared back at him from across the fire. The flames shapes danced on the surfaces of his entire body.

  “Now that we are alone, there are some things we need to discuss,” Joahna whispered.

  Kilen pulled his fancy weapon bearer cloak around him and looked into the fire, avoiding the eyes of the elemental. “We better get to discussing them if we are to complete our mission before the battle starts.”

  Joahna nodded, “For starters, if you are to make good on our agreement of getting us our bodies back we must first learn how to do so. The best way I can see to do that is by seeking the knowledge of the Elder Wizards. Of course, we have other tasks that have to be performed before we can seek the knowledge they possess. The arrangement of having the Elders fight beside King Atmos in war must be done before we can proceed in our knowledge seeking.”

  Kilen scoffed, “That is the problem, isn’t it? I’m afraid that I will be killed just trying to complete that task.”

  “Yes, yes, if you don’t get them to join in battle, the king will kill you. However, if they do agree to join him, my brother and I will become traitors to our own land for helping you. Not to mention that the Elders may just kill you for asking. We must find a way to convince them to come to battle even if they are only to be a negotiator of terms to stop this war,” Joahna put his hand on his chin and scratched away at the water-like stubble.

  “Well, I can’t convince them until we get to them,” Kilen retorted.

  “They are in there,” He said as he pointed to the dense wall of fog.

  “Why didn’t we just go in and sleep there for the night?” Kilen asked.

  “Because, you idiot, these are not the most welcoming of wizards. They like their privacy and their secrecy. If you go inside that fog, you do not know what dangers await you. I wanted to wait until we had a full night’s rest and were ready for whatever is inside that fog. I went inside a few times today and found that I could not control magic inside. I was only able to control my body, and I did that with extreme difficulty.”

  “Okay, so we need to figure out how to get to the wizards to plead for their help.” Kilen pulled out his book and started writing.

  “We don’t have time for you to scribble in your book. We have to discuss what to say when you get inside. I won’t be able to talk to you because I will be in elemental form. You must know what to say and what to ask in order to complete the task assigned.”

  Jace echoed in the back of Kilens mind with so much confidence, the feeling crept into Kilen, “I know what to say.”

  Kilen voiced Jace’s words, “Jace will know what to say.”

  Joahna paused a moment, “Let us get Jace out here to discuss this in person.”

  Kilen stared back at the elemental in confusion.

  “I would like to see if you can
summon an earth elemental at the same time I hold this water elemental form. If you can, you would prove to be a very powerful adversary, not only on the battlefield, but also against the Elder Wizards. It might help them see you as a weapon bearer instead of just a boy.”

  “WHAT? Wait! People already look at me strange when I walk with my summoned elemental and now you want me to summon two?” Kilen retorted. “I suppose you want me walk and fight beside them also. If I do this, people will start to get suspicious of my power. They will want to kill me just as King Atmos does; for being too powerful.”

  “They won't be able to with two elementals guarding you all day and night”, Max retorted. Joahna echoed his voice in the real world even though they could not hear each other.

  “Everyone will look at me differently; they will be expecting much greater things if I continue to summon multiple elementals. I am still not sure I want to live a life of battle and dangerous situations,” Kilen said, now pleading.

  “Kilen,”-Joahna said calmly-“You already defy all logic by summoning one elemental and walking beside him so early. The skill is very rare, even amongst the Elder Wizards. You will always be expected to do great things. However, I misrepresented my intentions with you summoning us both. No one has to know that you can summon two at once. They just have to know that you are very skilled. We can always form ourselves as a mist, a fog, a rock, or a single grain of sand. Yet we will posses the ability to protect you by using magic. We would be invisible to anyone, but our presence would be very powerful. Imagine two wizards that can be anywhere to spy on people, or protect someone who was helpless. Wizards that don’t get tired, hungry, or be tempted by money, or drink. I can think of limitless uses for this, and it does partly fulfil your end of the bargain. We would both regain an elemental body, at least until we find a way to return to a flesh one.”

  Kilen sat quiet for a moment while he thought about everything Joahna said. “You have thought about this a lot.”