No, you’re quite sane, we believe. At least for the time being. You have only just begun to join us in our madness. You’ll see the truth of it soon enough. Take another drink and quench your thirst.
Rikar looked at the spring bubbling up from the deep. He swallowed, his stomach suddenly feeling like lead. What had he done? His tongue still held the sweetness of the water, but now, under his inspection, his mouth tasted acidic and bitter, like a poison.
You won’t die from drinking the water, though you will change forever, as your friend has. But we hope to dissuade you from being foolish like him. We are your allies. We can help you find your girl. She is waiting for you. Don’t let her be a victim of those men. But you must hurry. Go before they do anything. We will guide you.
“But what about the soldiers?”
It’s unnecessary to speak out loud. Use your mind.
Those fighters, they defeated me so easily before. How can I rescue her? Rikar felt a chill of alarm flood his body. Was he going insane, talking to himself? Or was this real?
We will help you. Remember what happened to your friend on Vellia. How he fought like a tempest. You lack only the knowledge of defeating them. You hold the power of the star fragment.
It was tempting, the words they spoke to him. They came slithering into his ears like smooth silk. It must be like how the demons tempted mortals, thought Rikar. But it wasn’t with power and wealth that he was being tempted. It was for Devonia’s safety and her life. He found it impossible to resist. But at what cost? Would it mean the loss of his sanity? And after he rescued Devonia, what would the Naemarians ask of him next?
He remembered back to Vellia when Nikulo had been afflicted by the Naemarians. He had gone mad with rage and power. Nothing could stop him.
What if I refuse you? I saw what happened to Nikulo…
We gave him everything. The old mage cast us out of his mind. But it is too late for you. Either now or later, you will accept our gifts. The difference will be whether you listen in time to help your girl avoid a terrible fate. The choice is yours.
Madness or saving Devonia, that was some kind of choice. Rikar had had his share of madness in the past, and even now, with the Nameless, a kind of madness ruled his world. But he knew, if he went down that path with the Naemarians, there was no coming back. Everything would change. He’d seen what the Naemarians had done in Carvina, how they wrecked everything. The only saving grace there was they lacked the power of the star fragments. Otherwise, they would have likely won.
He knew, if he called out to Aurellia or Caisa in his mind, they would come and heal him of the Naemarians. He had a choice. Though if he took that path, he would be unable to help Devonia. He’d even be unable to seek out Talis and Mara. That way would ruin Devonia. He couldn’t allow that to happen.
Every second you waste risks the girl’s life. She is desperate, constantly harassed by the soldiers. If you fly there now you can stop them, stop what they are doing, and put an end to their pitiful lives.
He realized he had no other option. Show me, Rikar said. Tell me how I can defeat them.
22. Voices in the Night
Nikulo woke with a start, his heart pounding. Someone had called his name. He looked around his room: a plain bed, a simple dresser, and a window with a view of the stars.
Last night, after talking and scheming with Talis and Mara, he’d gone to bed, too tired to come up with a plan of escape from this bleak world.
You’ve finally woken. You snore like a rumbling ox.
The voices, again? Were they what had roused him from his sleep? He’d had no dreams, no nightmares to disturb his slumber. No, it had to have be the Naemarians.
He groaned, rolling over in bed. Can you go and bother someone else? You’re worse than a nagging mother.
Your friend, Rikar. He has decided to join us.
That jolted him awake. What the hell?
He has drank from a spring, a spring here on the Origin World.
Where? Why would Rikar do something so stupid?
Nikulo heard the strange laughter of a million voices. He covered his ears with the pillow, but could do nothing to stop the hideous sound.
Now he is one of us. We have helped him rescue his girl and defeat the undefeatable soldiers. The fabric protecting this world has been torn.
Idiotic fools with their cryptic nonsense. Would they never stop?
So you’ve managed to snare the craziest of us all. Rikar will certainly be a nice collection to your mad throng. Why are you telling me this? Do you think it will motivate me to join you again? Nikulo scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. He had about as much interest in returning to the mind of madness as he had in jumping off a cliff.
No, we have no such expectation. Though we do wish to influence you.
They didn’t? How?
We will make a pact with you. This world holds the key to many worlds and holds the artifacts of infinite power. If we can win here we will help you escape and will leave your world alone. Otherwise, the chance of you returning to your home is infinitesimally small. This one who calls herself a goddess will never let you leave her service. Even if she is defeated, the priests of Yavreel will insist that you remain on this world and convert to their religion. There are no independent minds here on this world. They are thralls to the old masters.
So you want me to help you conquer the Origin World?
Yes, the voices hissed. We will claim the power and dominate all the other worlds connected to this one. If you are strong enough, we will enlist your support.
Nikulo scoffed. I’m not sure what I can do to help, not here in this war. But assuming you’re not intent on driving me insane and will help get us home, then I’ll lend whatever support I can. I’m no idiot.
Good, this is very good news, indeed.
What it is I have to do? Nikulo stared out the window, studying the starlight casting shadows over the streets. If it involves fighting or assassination, I won’t help you.
Laughter echoed in Nikulo’s mind. Without our knowledge imbuing you, I doubt you’d be capable of inflicting much damage. What we have in mind is more subtle.
Which is?
And so they told him. A frown formed on his face when he’d heard their plan. A plan that also involved Talis and Mara.
“I’m serious, why should we get involved?” Mara said, scowling at Nikulo.
The argument had gone on for too long, and he was at the end of his temper. It didn’t help that he was still sleepy, as were Talis and Mara, whom he’d woken up in the middle of the night. Even Charna, normally active at night, seemed upset by all the noise. “How many times do I have to say it? We have no better options. Do you want to wait for the priests to win? Or perhaps for Caisa to become victorious? Then what? Do you think either one is going to let us go home? We’re doomed if we do nothing.”
“So what, we help the Naemarians? Are you insane? Don’t you know what they did to Carvina? Have you forgotten what they did to you?” She twisted up her face in irritation and disgust, shaking her head. “What’s next, we have to drink from the waters and join in their madness?”
“I told you, they’ve agreed to let us go home. They promised to help us.”
“And you believe them?” Mara exhaled sharply. “What, are you still infected by their madness? Why should we listen to you?”
Talis tried to calm her down, but she just slapped her legs and stormed over to the other side of the room, fuming. He turned to look at Nikulo, his shadowed face stained with worry.
“I don’t like it. Helping them to spread their plague over this city?” Talis shook his head, eyes frightened. “I don’t know if I can be a part of that. If you want to do this, then so be it. It’s a terrible idea on so many levels. You’ll be caught—and tortured or killed—if you’re discovered. If you succeed, this place will turn into a nightmare. And like Mara, I don’t trust them. What have the Naemarians ever done to cause you to believe them so blindly?”
&
nbsp; “Do you have a better idea? I’m trying to do something here. All I’m getting from you and Mara is what a terrible idea it is. The Naemarians are relentless. They’ll eventually get their way. I don’t know why they are bothering to help ask for my support. It seems like they would have had Rikar do it, if they indeed have him under their control.”
“I doubt it. They could be lying to you about Rikar to manipulate you into going along with their plan.”
“Something doesn’t add up, you’re right.” Nikulo closed his eyes and reached out to the Naemarians. The response was swift.
Yes? What is it you wish, young master?
I am curious about the timing of your request. Why did you contact me now, and in the middle of the night? Why not ask Rikar for help instead of me?
Silence for a long moment. You see, therein lies the problem. Your friend Rikar is no longer available to help do this task. It seems his master has captured him. He’s being interrogated by the one called the Nameless. We are still negotiating on that side, trying to form an alliance. You’re not the only one we’re talking to.
“Interesting,” Nikulo said, turning his gaze to Talis. “So Rikar’s been captured by Lord Aurellia. The Nameless is negotiating with the Naemarians through Rikar.”
Mara let out a disbelieving laugh, shaking her head. “Are you kidding me? This is insane—”
Nikulo raised his hand as the Naemarians began to speak again.
If you agree to make a deal with us, then we will refuse the Nameless. And we will keep the pact until you’re successful at helping us gain dominance over this world.
And if we fail?
Sporadic chuckles from many eerie voices. Then we will deal with Rikar and the Nameless. And in that case, we would recommend securing your alliance with her and your master. We doubt she would be very forgiving. If you begin your task immediately, we will postpone our discussions with the Nameless.
Nikulo could feel the color draining from his face. Mara’s eyes formed a concerned question.
“We don’t have a choice. If we fail to help the Naemarians, then they’ll help Caisa and Aurellia defeat the rulers of the Origin World. Not an option that grants us our freedom. We have to start immediately, otherwise…”
“Otherwise we won’t like what happens.” Talis sighed, looking dejected.
We agree to your terms. Nikulo hung his head, hating the sounds of appreciation coming from the mad throng of the Naemarians.
23. Misdirection
Talis carried the two buckets filled with spring water through the streets of Navria, trying not to spill. Mara and Nikulo were following behind, hopefully with inconspicuous movements, carrying buckets of their own. Using the Surineda Map, they had charted a course of reaching various wells scattered throughout the city. Already they had visited five wells. Charna seemed delighted at enjoying the night stroll, catching several mice and one fat rat along the journey.
Exhausted, Talis paused to rest and stared at the gray dawn rising above the buildings.
“Are you sure this is enough water?” Mara set down her buckets next to him, rolling her shoulders as if working out the stiffness.
“Ten cups for each well should be enough. At least if the Naemarians are to be believed.” Nikulo grunted as he put down his own buckets.
“Why would they lie?” Mara said. “Do they want us to fail in our attempt at helping them to overthrow this world? Don’t be silly.”
“No, the scheming Naemarians would never think of sending all three of us on a wild goose chase.” Nikulo rolled his eyes. “They’ve been truthful and upstanding in every way. You asked me before if I trusted them. Of course I don’t! But after walking all over this accursed city, I’ve been thinking…”
“About what?” said Talis, wondering what he could be up to. Nikulo wasn’t known for his original thoughts.
“Don’t give me that look. I know I don’t exactly inspire confidence for my strategic outlook.” Nikulo sighed. “But this time, I think I’m on to something. What if it were all a diversion? I’ve been trying to contact the Naemarians while we’ve been trudging through the streets… and nothing. Why would they do that? Especially if they’re going with us and not the Nameless.
“So that’s when I thought that maybe we’re being played. How do we know that this water is even filled with Naemarian taint? Perhaps they’re aiming to send us out on an ineffectual quest while Rikar and the Nameless are working up some other scheme. Remember, they’re keeping us busy using the map to find wells. So I thought, all on my own, why don’t we use the map to find Rikar? Let’s see what that devious bastard is up to.”
Talis shrugged. “It’s worth a try. Better than carrying this stupid water all over the place. Besides, it’ll be light pretty soon and the streets will be filled with people. We won’t look at all suspicious carrying around these buckets.”
Once he’d locked his mind on Rikar, the map displayed his position near the heart of the city. He was close, in fact, to the Temple of Yavreel. Had they already started an assault on the temple?
“So what do we do?” Mara said, peering over Talis’ shoulder at the map. “Keep playing water delivery or go after Rikar? If Nikulo can get ahold of his insane friends, maybe they will offer us some insights.”
“Or more lies.” Nikulo tapped his head. “Besides, all is quiet on the inner front. I keep trying and they keep ignoring me. I’m about to drink the water. Maybe I need a boost of madness.”
“You need a boost alright.” Mara smirked. “A boost of my foot kicking you in the ass. If your crazy friends are asleep, then I vote we head straight for the temple. If Caisa is there battling the priests of Yavreel, then we’ll need to figure out which side to join. Whatever happens though, I’m making us all invisible.”
She gripped her daggers and they turned a ghostly shade of gray, including Charna, invisible to the world but still appearing to each other. The lynx appeared confused at the change in Talis and yowled softly. But after a few caressing strokes from him, the cat adjusted to the change.
As they looked toward the temple, citizens began leaving their houses, making their way through the streets. Several women stopped when they spied the buckets and came over, curiosity in their eyes. One bent over and sniffed the water. Talis shouted at the woman to stop her, but she ignored him. He remembered that Mara’s daggers was preventing others from hearing them.
The woman scooped up the water and took a drink. She told the other woman it was good water and it tasted sweet. The other women went over to the buckets and took a drink themselves.
Then something changed in their eyes. All the light vanished. Talis remembered how Nikulo had changed after drinking the spring water in Vellia. These women were possessed by the Naemarians. It hadn’t been a ruse. The Naemarians had indeed wanted them to poison the wells. They simply didn’t want to live up to their end of the bargain and help them. While they’d been distracted on the other side of the city, Rikar and Caisa had been planning their assault of the temple. Though Talis believed that the Naemarians would betray the Nameless the same way as they had been.
“Good gods,” Nikulo said, slapping his hands over his ears. He winced in pain. “Now they decide to speak?”
With an immense force of will he seemed to gain control. “I finally managed to shut them up. Madness is spreading all over the city. I guess the water is tainted after all. Now the priests of Yavreel are fighting a two-fronted war. How do we get out of this place before it gets too bad?”
“I suppose they won’t help us.” Mara looked doubtful.
“We just agreed to help the Naemarians in exchange for nothing. A fool’s errand.” Nikulo released a heavy exhalation. “So what do we do now? Go and help Caisa and hope she lets us return home?”
“No, that would lead us nowhere.” Talis remembered something, thinking back to what the Nameless had said about the old masters and her hatred of them. Were they really gone? Or was there a reason Caisa was so intent on going af
ter the temple? Maybe there was something more there inside, deeper, perhaps. A place they hadn’t seen. If they could only get there first, before her…
“You have an idea, don’t you?” Mara grinned at him, her eyes curious. “So tell us, already.”
Talis looked back to the Surineda Map. Rikar hadn’t reached the temple yet. They must still be fighting the priests outside. How could they get there in time? He turned his gaze to Mara.
“Do you think your daggers would still hide me if I change into dragon form?”
“There’s only one way to find out.”
There was nothing in the world like flying as a dragon, skirting clouds and strafing tall towers. It filled Talis with a wild exhilaration that made him never want to change back into human form. Each time he transformed, he found himself being pulled more and more into the mind of a dragon. He was afraid that one day he might never come back.
Life was a different thing entirely as a dragon. His senses were sharpened to a ridiculous degree. His speed and reflexes were massively improved, to the point that after he changed back to a human he felt sluggish and tired. Like coming onto dry land after weeks of being at sea.
Nikulo and Mara rode on his back clinging on for dear life. Nikulo had held Charna in his arms before the transformation, wincing in pain as the lynx’s claws came out, frightened of Talis’ change into dragon form. But Nikulo had cast a mentalist spell over the lynx, and soon the cat went to sleep.
As they flew over the city, Mara squealed as Talis dove down and banked hard to the right, barely missing a stone tower. Guards at the top were slammed back with a gale-force wind. They flinched and shielded themselves, faces filled with shock and dismay as if wondering where the invisible wind was coming from.
Talis found himself smiling, a wide, open-toothed dragon smile. He had to suppress the desire to spew a wall of flame at the towers. It was simply what dragons wanted to do.
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