Zollin took hold of the soldier’s collar and began slowly dragging him back to where the others had Mansel stretched out on the ground.
“How is he?” Zollin asked as he let go of the soldier near the others.
“Broken ribs, I think,” Quinn said.
Mansel’s face was wet with sweat and tears, pain distorting his features with each breath. But he was doing his best to not give in to the pain.
“Can you do anything to broken ribs?” Zollin asked his father.
Quinn shook his head. “Let’s just hope he’s not bleeding inside.” The look in the elder man’s eyes told Zollin that Mansel could possibly die.
“Zollin, can’t you do something?” Brianna pleaded.
“I’m afraid to. I don’t really know what I’m doing.”
“But he’s in so much pain,” she said, her voice full of sympathy.
“But I can’t help him,” Zollin said.
“No, but I can,” came a voice from behind them.
Chapter 10
Zollin spun around, his face frozen in shock. Without thinking, he raised his staff across his body for protection, but the spell he was expecting didn’t come. Branock, who had seen the entire attack, was simply standing a short distance from the group gathered around Mansel. The air was thick with tension and nobody spoke at first, but finally Zollin found his tongue.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“To help, of course,” Branock said, smiling. “Your friend is hurt. I can help him. May I approach?”
“Don’t trust him,” Quinn whispered.
“Perhaps he really can help,” Brianna said, pleading with Zollin.
“Why are you following me?” Zollin asked. “Why did your soldiers attack us?”
“I’m afraid they were supposed to be protecting me,” Branock said, trying his best to sound like a friendly old man. “Not that I needed it, but things being what they are in the world, I suppose it makes sense to travel with protection. Of course, these mercenaries,” he said the last word with contempt, “only cared about money. They abandoned me and sought to capture you. You see, your talent is a rare thing, and I’ve come to help you develop it.”
Branock intentionally played on Zollin’s desire to know about the magic he possessed. He remembered how he had felt when he had discovered his own powers and how his Master had used a similar argument to lure him into joining the Torr.
Zollin’s mind whirled. When the Wizards and soldiers had arrived at Tranaugh Shire, he had assumed that it was a bad thing, but now he wasn’t so sure. Perhaps all they wanted was to help him, and their aggression was merely a response to his own.
“So you’re saying you didn’t order the attack?” Quinn said, the distrust in his voice clear to everyone.
“No, I would never do that,” Branock lied. “Like I said, I only want to help.”
“That’s not what you said at Tranaugh Shire,” Quinn said loudly, his distrust obvious.
“No, that’s not true. I was forced by my companions to take an aggressive posture, but I assure you I meant no harm. You see, I’m not much of a Wizard,” Branock lied again. “I’m really more of a teacher than anything else. I’m afraid Wytlethane and Cassis are threatened by your son. That’s why I suggested that we split up. I’m only glad that I found you before they did. They would like nothing more than a reason to kill you, Zollin.” As he said this, he slowly moved toward the group. His voice was soft and reassuring. “But I want to help you. I know it’s hard to believe. I’m sure so much has happened so quickly, but I assure you, I only want to help you. And I can protect you from the others, protect your friends too. I’ll prove myself. I’ll heal your friend and then you’ll see that I’m being honest. May I?”
He had drawn close now. He was merely feet away from Zollin, who had yet to move. Branock smiled as innocently as possible, his robes and beard making him seem powerful yet benign. He reached out a hand, the palm up, the way one might approach a skittish horse, as if to say, look, I’m not going to hurt you.
There was another tense moment, and then Zollin reached behind him with his free arm and moved slowly backward, lightly pushing Brianna and Quinn away from Mansel but careful to keep himself between them and the Wizard.
Branock smiled, then moved quickly to Mansel’s side. The boy was still moaning in pain. Branock raised Mansel’s shirt, revealing a wicked looking bruise. Branock held his hand close to the boy’s skin but did not touch the wound. Zollin felt magic begin to flow. At first he was startled. He could sense the magic in Branock, but he had never been so close to another Wizard. The magic inside of Zollin churned, as did the power in the willow belt and his staff. He could feel it surging like a river at high tide, as if his own power wanted to join that of the other Wizard.
“What’s he doing?” Quinn whispered, his voice harsh in Zollin’s ear.
“He’s helping.”
“How do you know?”
“I’m not sure, but the magic doesn’t feel evil, it feels good, like sunlight.”
“I still don’t trust him,” Quinn said, his voice a little louder, as if he was daring the Wizard to hear him and take offense.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” Brianna said, joining the whispered conversation.
“We can at least hear him out,” Zollin said. “I’m fairly certain he means no harm.”
“Well, I’m not going to stand around and watch him do whatever it is he’s trying to do,” Quinn said. “I’m going to gather the horses. But don’t let your guard down, Zollin.”
“I won’t.”
Quinn walked away, mumbling to himself. Brianna took hold of Zollin’s arm just above the elbow. She was close behind him, and although he was watching the Wizard minister to Mansel, he couldn’t help but feel a flash of heat from the girl. It was intoxicating to be near her, just knowing she was close, feeling her hands around his arm. It made him happy, and he hated himself for that. He choked down the feelings, refusing to revel in them the way he wanted to. He was miserable at that moment, attracted to Brianna, jealous of her fussing over Mansel, sick at what he thought Todrek would say if he knew that Zollin felt that way.
It took several minutes, but eventually Mansel stopped moaning and lay still. Zollin and Brianna watched as the bruising slowly faded and Mansel’s skin became clear. The boy didn’t move though, merely lay still, breathing deeply.
“He’s resting,” Branock said. And Zollin realized that he was looking at his father's apprentice, not the Wizard anymore. “He’ll be fine when he wakes. He’s just tired, as you are I’m sure. I know I am. You all travel fast.”
“Why have you been following us?” Zollin asked again.
“Like I said, I want to help you.”
“But you said the other Wizards want to hurt me.”
“No, I said they are threatened by you. I’m afraid this is all rather complicated. You’ll soon find out just how complicated the world is. Most people are afraid of Wizards, of people who can do what they can’t.”
Branock had been kneeling beside Mansel, and now he stood up. He was taller than Zollin, his eyes a cold grey color, like winter clouds. There was something inviting about the elder Wizard, something that excited Zollin. He had known there were other Wizards in the world, he had just never thought about what it would be like to meet one. But there was also something else about the Wizard that made Zollin a bit uncomfortable. It was like fire – he was drawn to the warmth of Branock’s knowledge and demeanor, but he knew he couldn’t get too close or he risked being burned.
“But,” Branock continued, “we have a special gift. We have the ability to shape the world around us, rather than being shaped by it. Some Wizards horde that gift, others flaunt it, but some, those with good hearts, can use it to help those they love.” He smiled at Zollin. “At the Torr we use our combined talents to help the Five Kingdoms. By staying in one place we can support each other and protect ourselves from being exploited. I’ve been a Wizard for a l
ong time now, Zollin, and I’ve seen many talented people fall without the right tutelage. I want to help you reach your potential.”
“And the others you mentioned,” Zollin asked. “What do they want with me?”
“They only want you to join us, but they are frightened of you. Your spell at the village,” he said wistfully, rubbing his chest, “that was so powerful, it nearly caught us off guard. You can understand that they would feel a little resentment. After all, you attacked us first, remember.”
“That’s because you rode in with a heavily armed guard,” Quinn said as he approached the group with their horses and the ones the soldiers had ridden in on, “demanding that Zollin go with you, as if he were an outlaw being brought to justice.”
“I said I was sorry-” Branock began, but Quinn cut him off.
“That may be, but we aren’t going to let Zollin ride off with you to Osla.”
“We can all go,” said Branock.
“No,” Quinn said firmly, “we are heading north, alone. If you are trustworthy as you say, you’ll honor our decision and ride away.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” said Branock. “Please, I know this all sounds strange, but it really is for the best. Zollin needs to be at the Torr. He needs to learn to use his power. If he doesn’t, he’ll be a hunted man all his life. Kings will send soldiers to find him and bring him into their service. Wars will be fought over him. He’ll be forced to use his power to kill, and many, many people will suffer. Believe me, keeping the power of a Wizard like your son at the Torr is the very best thing for everyone.”
“According to you,” Quinn said, as he swung up into the saddle of one of the mercenaries’ horses.
Zollin was torn. He desperately wanted to go with Branock and learn to use his magic, but he sensed that something wasn’t as friendly as the Wizard was trying to make it seem. He turned to Brianna and told her to wake Mansel.
“If what you are saying is true, and the Torr is the best place for me,” Zollin said, trying to hide the fear that was creeping through him. “Then by the time the summer winds blow, I will come to the Torr.”
“You shouldn’t travel alone,” Branock said.
“He won’t be alone,” Mansel said. He was awake now and standing, although he looked shaky on his feet.
Branock smirked. His patience had run out. It was unfortunate that he hadn’t been able to persuade the boy rationally, but he had other means at his disposal. He focused his magic as he prepared to speak, then pushed slightly at the minds of the group.
“Zollin should come with me,” he said. “It’s the very best thing.”
Confusion clouded Zollin’s mind. He couldn’t think straight. He sensed the magic being used but didn’t know how to stop it. Quinn and Mansel suddenly felt as though they couldn’t think for themselves. Quinn tried to resist but an explosion of pain was the only result.
Brianna laughed, “Are you crazy or something?”
“It is for the best,” Branock said, pushing a little harder at her mind.
“No, it isn’t,” she said. She stepped up to Zollin and laid her hand on his forearm. “Don’t listen to him, Zollin.”
The moment Brianna touched Zollin, his mind cleared. Without thinking, the magic in him rebelled, shoving the suggestion that Branock was making back toward the Wizard. Branock snarled as Quinn and Mansel shook their heads to clear the cobwebs.
“Get to the horses!” Zollin said raising his staff.
Branock attacked quickly, aiming his blast at Quinn, but Zollin was ready. He pushed his father from the horse with his own power and cushioned the fall. Branock’s attack was a pillar of fire, erupting from the elder Wizard’s hand and shooting toward where Quinn had sat on the horse. The fire raced through the air over the horse’s head and sent the beast galloping away in panic. The other horses were stomping around as a tree that had taken the brunt of the attack burst into flames.
Branock turned his next attack at Zollin, who ducked to the ground and swung his staff at the Wizard’s legs. Branock was in middle of lowering his flaming attack toward Zollin when his legs were swept out from under him, causing his aim to fly wildly into the sky.
The horses were bolting away now, running away from the battle. Zollin shouted at the others to run for the horses. Then he sent a blast of crackling energy at the elder Wizard, who was just getting back to his feet. Branock blocked the blast, although the force of it caused him to step back a few steps.
“Do you really think you can best me?” he screamed.
“Rise!” Zollin cried, hoping to throw the Wizard into the air as he had done the mercenaries.
Branock merely laughed. Zollin shouted his command again, this time concentrating with all his strength. He pointed his staff at Branock, who in turned raised his hand, palm out, toward Zollin. There was what appeared to be a ripple in the air as two invisible blasts collided. Throughout the clearing, rocks, twigs and leaves rose up into the air. Many burst into flames, casting an eerie glow in the fading sunlight.
Zollin was tired, although he had forgotten just how tired he was up until that moment. He felt like he was hanging from a cliff, holding on for dear life. His arms and legs were shaking and he could feel the heat from his power, added with that of the willow belt and staff, racing through him. His heart was pounding and his breathing was coming in gasps.
Mansel had caught up with one of the horses and was now racing toward the elder Wizard, his sword held high over his head. He roared out his battle cry as he rode. But Branock merely raised his other hand and sent the young apprentice flying backward from his horse. In that moment, though, Zollin felt the resistance lessen and he pushed forward, gaining some momentum in the fight.
“Give up now, Zollin,” Branock shouted, “or I’ll kill them all.”
“Never!” Zollin screamed.
Quinn had recovered three of the horses.
“Son, this way,” the Master Carpenter shouted.
Zollin knew he couldn’t break off his attack now without being caught in Branock’s attack. From the corner of his eye, Zollin saw Mansel, holding his chest but making his way toward Quinn. He was worried about Brianna, but he couldn’t risk taking his eyes off Branock for fear that his concentration would falter. But suddenly she appeared, riding Lilly, and charging straight at Branock.
“No!” Zollin screamed. He saw Branock’s face light up with wicked pleasure as he raised his hand toward the girl. Flames erupted from the Wizard’s palm and shot toward her like an arrow from a bow. There was no time for Brianna to dodge, and Zollin was helpless to save her. His heart leapt into his throat, but as the flames reached her something odd happened. The gout of flame suddenly rebounded, just as it should have been ruining Brianna’s delicate skin. The flames shot back from the girl and blasted the Wizard. Suddenly the resistance to Zollin’s spell was gone and he sent the Wizard, now ablaze, flying backward through the trees. Lilly had slid to a stop as the flames shot toward her, and she was now moving quickly toward Quinn and the others.
“Time to go!” Quinn shouted at Zollin.
The young Wizard felt as though he were in a dream, and he could hardly force his legs to move. Quinn and Mansel were waiting as he stumbled toward them. He wasn’t sure if he could pull himself into the saddle, but Mansel reached out and took hold of Zollin’s cloak to help haul him up. Then they were off, moving quickly through the shadowy forest, pushing their horses hard. Only Lilly seemed tired, while the other mounts taken from the defeated mercenaries seemed fresh.
They rode swiftly through the night, their only thought to gain as much distance between themselves and the Wizards behind them as possible.
Chapter 11
They rode for as long as they could see. It was a clear night and the moon shone through the branches of the barren winter trees. At some point, the forest grew thicker, the hardwood trees turning to pine and cedar with needles that poked and roused the dozing Zollin. He didn’t know if the others were as exhausted
as he was, but he was too tired to care. All he wanted to do was sleep, to get off the smelly horse and lie down. His body was aching and his head was spinning. He was hungry, too, his stomach acid churning. But he ignored all that, focusing only on holding onto the saddle and staying close to his companions.
As the moon began its descent, the hills rose sharply. They were no longer among the rolling hills they had been traveling through the last two days. And as the night wore on, clouds began drifting in. The air was turning colder and a strong wind was blowing in their faces from the north.
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