The Gray Tower Trilogy: Books 1-3

by Alesha Escobar

  Brande stood in front of me and spoke. “There are four Elites among you, one Apprentice, and the rest mere Practitioners. Even with your weapons, you’ll lose.”

  Brande wasn’t boasting or exaggerating. He fought Black Wolves and warlocks for a living, and he could even hold his own against Philosophers, who could usually predict with mathematical accuracy their opponents’ fighting moves.

  Blake sneered. “Are you sure about that?”

  “Who’s in charge here?” I stepped forward and resisted the urge to glare at Brande. I knew he wanted to protect me, but I wasn’t exactly a damsel in distress.

  “We’re in charge,” a familiar Cajun accent said from behind.

  Brande, Dani, and I turned around and saw two figures emerge from the area with the most trees. On the right stood Master Allan Skye, whose voice we just heard. He approached us slowly, using a cane to walk, though it wasn’t his usual one. The gray hair at his temples stood in contrast to the rest of his dark hair, and he still had a fresh face, just the way I remembered it. Next to him stood Dr. Jian Lan, the Master Physician. Not only was Lan a trained medical doctor, he was also the most skilled wizard at body magic. He could drain curses and poisons from the body, heal injuries or induce them, and even stop a person’s heart from beating.

  Brande tensed when he saw the two Master Wizards. Out of deference to them, he bowed, but only slightly. “Masters...I apologize for what happened at the Tower, but you must know by now that I’m with Isabella, and I’m committed to her cause.”

  Master Lan gave a curt nod in acknowledgement of his declaration. He could’ve killed Brande at the Tower for helping me escape my prison cell, but he didn’t. “I don’t agree with what you’re doing, Brande, but I believe we have other matters that require our immediate attention.”

  Skye gazed at me and smiled. He extended his hand toward me. “Unlike Master Lan, I am happy to see you,” he said.

  I approached and placed my hand in his. He could be a very useful ally. “Master Skye...I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

  He pressed my hand to his lips and then whispered in my ear. “You look stunning.”

  I smiled. “Thank you.”

  Skye’s gaze fell on Brande when he heard him noisily clear his throat. “Mr. Drahomir, you don’t mind if Isabella escorts an injured old man around, do you?”

  Brande glared at him, but I made a quick signal with my right hand for him to remain calm. Master Skye may have had an injured leg, but he was far from helpless.

  Dani turned to the other wizards and spoke. “We came here tonight to warn you. The police captain is planning to capture you in a raid--whether tonight or tomorrow evening, I don’t know. This area isn’t safe any more.”

  The wizards began whispering again, the buzz of fear in their tones. Master Lan sighed. “We were hoping we could gather more wizards in this area before moving on. We don’t want to leave anyone behind, especially after hearing that Jakab had been kidnapping and selling them.”

  Brande nodded. “We’ve been doing the same. But in two days, even we will be gone.”

  “And where are you going?” Blake finally put away his pistol, but he could’ve very well had a spell prepared in his mind.

  Dani gestured toward Brande and me. “They’re on their way to Switzerland, along with another Elite and two Practitioners. I can make copies of their map so you can cross the border unmolested, and move on to Zagreb, then Trent, and finally into neutral territory.

  Blake had a torn look on his face. He clearly didn’t trust us, but he probably knew that they couldn’t stay in Bem Jozef Square any longer than they had. “How do we know this isn’t some kind of trap?”

  Skye addressed him in a cool, yet authoritative tone. “It isn’t a trap, and at least on this matter, we will trust them. Are we clear on that?”

  Blake gave a stiff bow. “Of course, Master.”

  Dani gestured to Brande, and he pulled out the map Dani had spoken of earlier. The other wizards gathered around them, their conversation growing louder and a little more excited. It looked like they were eager to leave Hungary as well.

  Master Lan turned to me. “Why are you helping us? You owe us nothing.”

  I met his gaze. “You’ve always taught the wizards studying under you to never make a killing strike unless absolutely necessary, and I’ve seen you in battle when you could’ve easily killed, but didn’t. I think it’s because you value life, and you believe in giving others a chance. Part of me feels the same way. I promise you I’ll do everything within my power to help bring down Octavian. He needs to pay for what he’s done to the Gray Tower.”

  Master Lan acknowledged my comment with a solemn nod. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me just yet. We have a long way to go.”

  “I, for one, have always held you in the highest esteem,” Skye’s Cajun accent was enhanced by his warm smile.

  I arched an eyebrow. “Was that before or after you paralyzed me because I wouldn’t answer one of your questions? Or when you forced me to dance with you at the elevation ceremony?”

  He withered a little under Master Lan’s disapproving gaze. “Let’s...not get caught up in minutia. What matters is that we’re all back together again.”

  A few loud pops went off and shattered our atmosphere of excitement. We heard shouts and screams from some of the immigrants. One of the fires was put out, and we heard more shouts. The group of wizards surrounding Dani and Brande broke away and rushed forward with their weapons. A few more unmistakable gunshots rang out, and Blake and two other wizards were hit with iron-tipped bullets. Their flesh turned black, and the corrosion began spreading. Brande and Dani rushed toward them, but a bullet went through Dani’s shoulder. Master Lan ran toward them. Master Skye yanked me backward just in time to save me from getting hit in the head by a bullet. Flashlights surrounded the Square, some of them clicking signals, and we heard dogs barking and snarling.

  Blake sent a whirlwind mixed with fire toward the north where some of the shots came from. He stumbled to the ground and vomited blood. Instead of retreating, our attackers grew bold, and a flurry of shots came our way, taking down two more wizards. Some of the younger wizards began panicking, and confusion gripped them as they tried to get out of the line of fire. I made a move to go toward Brande, hoping that Dani wouldn’t succumb to the bullet wound, but Master Skye pulled me away from the fray by my arm.

  “No!” I shouted. “Dani’s hurt. I have to go to him and Brande.”

  He kept a firm grip on my arm as we rushed past the trees. “Master Lan’s got them! You just get your pretty little head out of there before it gets hit with one of those iron-tipped bullets.”

  I nearly stumbled as I tried to keep up with him. He could run pretty well when he wanted to. We crashed through tree branches, ran up a small knoll, and halted only when we made it to the large archway that led to the main street. We both panted, nearly out of breath, yet straining to hear anything from our friends--magic, a cry for help...something.

  Suddenly I felt sick to my stomach, and we both turned toward the archway. Our two friendly Gestapo warlocks, Klaus and Dierk, stood under the arch, facing us. I had forgotten that the police captain had asked them to come along for the raid. Klaus and Dierk paused at the gate, daring us to come forward. At the same time, they looked a bit hesitant when they sensed the breadth of Master Skye’s magical ability.

  Klaus pulled away his half-mask to reveal his blackened jaw. The muscle was torn and the wound still carried pus. A swollen knot stood on his head where Brande had sent him crashing into a parked car earlier. He stared directly at me with his puffy black eye. “So we meet again--I never did get your name. I believe you’re the one who gave me this.” He pointed at his injury.

  I turned toward Master Skye and saw him grit his teeth. He stood to his full height. His hazel eyes became swallowed in blackness, and I could feel raw power emanating from him. With a smirk, I crossed my arms and said, “You’re going to
get a lot worse than an injured jaw, buddy. You should probably run now.”

  They took a step back when Master Skye let out an inhuman roar. The veins in his neck and face became more pronounced, and they showed up almost black against his pale skin. I felt a hum of energy emanate from him, and the warlocks must’ve felt it too, because they erected shields around themselves. However, Skye’s magical energy didn’t surge and spread, and he didn’t transform. With a strained gasp, the Master Wizard fell to his knees.

  Dierk snorted, obviously unimpressed, and moved forward. When I heard a low buzz in my ears, I knew that Dierk was laying the groundwork for mind control against us. I felt Dierk push into my thoughts, and when I shut him out, he only returned in full force, causing a flash of pain to run through my head. It felt like a wound, and I was bare and exposed. I didn’t have a mental defense or an adequate mind seal to protect against Dierk’s swift and powerful invasion. The flash of pain ran through my head again, and I doubled over, glancing at Master Skye.

  What was wrong with him? We needed the Black Dragon--now.

  “Oh...this is good...this is too good,” Dierk said to Klaus.

  “What is it?”

  “Klaus...she’s the Drifter.

  48

  “What?” Klaus’s eyes widened.

  “You heard me. She’s the Drifter.”

  A smile played around Klaus’s lips. “Take her.”

  Though I was still doubled over in pain, I gathered my will and called forth Zaman’s Fire. I sent a blanket of flames crashing down on them from mid-air. Dierk was caught in it and roasted like a marshmallow at a campfire, but Klaus managed to roll out of the way. He rose to his feet and sent a storm of wind whirling toward us that would’ve knocked us off our feet, but Master Skye erected a protective shield that took the brunt of it. When the whirlwind died down, Skye struggled to his feet and blinded Klaus with a single gesture.

  The warlock sent streaks of fire toward us and clawed at his eyes, screaming in pain. I deflected his fire with my more powerful consuming one, and then Master Skye made a quick cutting motion through the air with his hand. Klaus froze in place; his gurgled shrieks had finally grown silent. He stood motionless, and before I could figure out what had just happened, Klaus’s head separated from his body and tumbled to the ground.

  Trembling, I finally managed to stand upright and quench my Fire. I helped Skye to his feet when he sagged to the ground. His eyes had returned to their normal color, but his skin was still pale, and dark circles surrounded his eyes. I scanned the ground for his cane, but it was nowhere in sight. When we heard more gunfire in the distance, I placed my arm around him and briskly walked with him through the archway.

  “What happened, Master Skye?” When I last saw him transformed, he was a frightful, glistening Black Dragon that snatched the Cruenti Master, Octavian, and dragged him away.

  “I think my last big fight really did me in.” He took in a deep breath. “Sorry to disappoint you, sweetheart.”

  “Hey...you decapitated Klaus. In my book, that’s excellent.”

  I didn’t want to think about what would’ve happened if Dierk had managed to lay hold of me and control my mind, or if they were able to report back to Octavian that they’d located the Drifter. Octavian must’ve sent them to steal the Mehmed VI page. Otherwise, I doubted he would’ve sent two Gestapo warlocks to Budapest. Capturing me would’ve been icing on the cake. The last time I saw the Cruenti Master was when he infiltrated the Gray Tower disguised as a non-wizard--and he ended up wreaking destruction. Octavian had almost managed to drink my blood and steal my powers. As a Cruenti warlock, he fed off other wizards, and I was number one on his list.

  I became concerned again when Master Skye let out a shudder and broke into a sweat. He managed a weak smile. “I’m glad to hear that you approve of me. You weren’t too bad yourself.”

  We made it onto the main street and passed a few apartment buildings. When I saw a cab on the other side of the road, about to pass us by, I flagged the driver down and pulled Skye into the back seat. Skye let out a long sigh and closed his eyes, as if meditating. I flashed the driver a tentative smile when I recognized him as the short man who had dropped me off at the pub earlier.

  “You should’ve just asked me to come back for you,” the driver said, tilting his head to see above the steering wheel. “How did your night at The Coven go?”

  “Terribly,” I said.

  He shook his head. “I told you...it’s that occult.”

  I rolled my eyes and shut the door behind me. “Take me home, please.”

  “Is that your sweetheart?”

  “No.”

  He shrugged, as if saying he weren’t going to judge. “It will cost extra.”

  “Fine. Just get us out of here.”

  Mehara was at our apartment when I arrived with Skye. He shuddered again and passed out. She helped me get him into bed. We stripped off some of his clothing and gave him a quick sponge bath with lukewarm water (which I was sure he would’ve loved to have been awake for). I dried my hands and began brewing a soothing tea mixed with a bit of magical infusion. It would at least relieve any pain and anxiety.

  “Cliff and Sadik are downstairs with Brande.” Mehara went through the doorway that led to our tiny kitchen and brought back a steaming cup of tea.

  “Thank you. Where did you find the boys?”

  She held a delicate hand against the side of her head and winced a little. I wondered how much of her mental magic she had to use to track them down. “They were in a church, being shielded by an old man. A wizard.”

  “From the Gray Tower?”

  “No. He’s not one of ours.” She took a sip of the tea and rubbed her temple. “Are you going downstairs to see Brande and the boys?”

  “Yes...” I placed a cool, damp towel across Skye’s forehead. He was still asleep.

  She gestured toward him. “I’ll give Master Skye some of your tea when he wakes.”

  I left our one-room apartment and headed down the hall and stairwell. I gave a firm knock on Brande’s door, and Sadik answered. His expression lit up when he saw me, and I smiled too. When I stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind me, I pulled Sadik into a tight hug.

  He quivered a little and almost pulled back. It took him a few seconds to realize what I was doing, and he finally returned the embrace. It made me sad. I glanced at the puckered scars running down the side of his neck. They were inflicted years ago and by his own family. It certainly belied the notion that everyone welcomed wizards into their homes, and it explained why Sadik was eager to leave and join the Gray Tower.

  “You and Cliff scared the hell out of me today,” I said in a whisper, wondering if this was one of the few hugs he ever got. “Sadik...what happened?”

  I expected him to connect with my mind and timidly tell me how they had escaped the warlock, Dierk. To my surprise, he opened his mouth and spoke. “I shielded us from the warlock. He was trying to invade our minds again.”

  “Did he just give up looking for you and Cliff?”

  He shook his head. “We had help.” He nodded in the direction of the living room.

  Cliff approached, wearing a grin. I was glad to see that he no longer used the deflection spell that made him appear and sound like Agent Klaus. He was back to his normal self--a tall, brown-skinned kid from Brooklyn with thick, dark curls. He and Sadik were Practitioners at the Tower, neither of them old enough to grab a drink at a bar, but they had experienced more than some people would their entire lives.

  “We saved your librarian.” Cliff smiled.

  I grabbed hold of him as well. “Thank you. You both did good.”

  Cliff let out a low breath. “We’re glad you made it back. Is it true that Master Skye and Master Lan are alive?”

  “Yes.”

  Both Cliff’s and Sadik’s eyes brightened. The glimmer of hope I saw in their gazes made me feel even more responsible for them. They were depending on me to help lead t
hem through this. I prayed that I would never fail them.

  They ushered me into the living room, and I saw Izsak and another man on the small couch in the corner holding drinks. Brande was off to the side and handled his jacket, looking ready to throw it on and head out. He paused and sighed with relief when he saw me. He threw his jacket aside and rushed toward me. I crashed against him as he wrapped his arms around me, and I wanted to bury myself in the strength and warmth of his embrace. I felt his corded muscles as he gave me a squeeze, and I listened to his heartbeat when I leaned against his chest.

  “Are you all right?” he asked in his deep voice.

  I nodded. “I escaped with Master Skye. Klaus and Dierk are dead.”

  “Good.”

  “What about Dani and the others?”

  “Master Lan got to Dani in time. I helped him load Dani into his car and Lan drove him home. I tried to find you.” he gave me a tight squeeze.

  “I had to drag Skye into a cab. He’s not well. I’ve got Mehara looking after him upstairs.”

  He nodded. “The other wizards plan to head out tomorrow, with Lan, and make their way to the Gray Tower’s embassy in Switzerland. Will Master Skye be well enough to go with them?”

  I shrugged. “I’ll ask him about it when he comes around. I think we’re all ready to leave this place.”

  He gestured toward the man sitting next to Izsak. “This is Gregory. He sheltered Izsak and the boys today, in a church, when they needed to hide from the warlock.”

  Gregory gave me a quick nod of acknowledgement. He looked around my father’s age, and had shaggy, dark gray hair with white sprinkled throughout. His face was clean-shaven and lined with age. He wore a black jacket over a dark gray shirt and pants. Though he had a quiet and calm demeanor, I sensed a heavy brokenness about him--and a faint trace of magic. If Gregory wanted to cloak himself, he was doing a lousy job of it. He had enough strength to shield the boys from Dierk’s mental tracking, and to block out much of Mehara’s outreach as well, so why was his magical aura so off-balance?