“Yes, he met with her first thing this morning,” I replied.
“I would like for the two of you to sneak onto the castle grounds and get us more information. Do not go into the castle under any circumstance. I realize both of you are very good at concealing yourselves, but your concealment is irrelevant to Zar’Asur.” Mikel looked at me with a stern expression. “Don’t take any chances of being caught.”
I understood very well the consequences of being too close to that book and had no desire to expose Cyrus to it. “We’ll leave as soon as Cyrus is ready,” I said as I stood. Juana and Eli stood as well and followed me out.
“Be careful, Darian,” Juana said as we entered the courtyard. “I knew when I was too close to the castle; I could feel the book pulling me. I don’t think I was close enough for Zar’Asur to notice, but I can’t be positive.” She paused before stopping to look up at me. “He may very well be waiting for you. I believe you were the one he was looking for the first time.”
I looked down at her bronze face, her dark eyes full of concern and understanding. “I know the danger of getting too close.” I cleared my throat and laid my hand on her shoulder. “I know you all fear that I will be tempted by the power he is offering, but I assure you that won’t happen.”
She smiled at me and turned towards the home that she and Eli shared. They both needed rest from their journey, which was likely more emotionally exhausting than physically.
When I arrived at Magdelin’s, she and Cyrus were sitting at her small table, eating. They were both exhausted, but Magdelin managed a smile where Cyrus just grunted at me.
“How are you feeling, young man?” I asked as I sat down beside him. He scowled at me and kept eating. “Hurry up, Adalina will not wait for you to recover before she starts her training.”
Magdelin stifled a laugh.
“Really?” he asked. “I’m exhausted! It feels like I’ve been beaten, not healed.”
I laughed and pulled him to his feet, dragging him into Magdelin’s bedroom to stand in front of her mirror. “Take off your shirt.” He gave me a strange look, but did as I told him. When his shirt was free of his wild hair and he saw his reflection, he gasped.
“You will now train to build more strength and then endure this process again several more times. Each time your muscles will expand, making you even stronger.”
He was watching his muscles flex in the mirror with a huge grin on his face. “Okay, let’s go see Adalina!” he said excitedly. “I always wondered how you guys got so big. Magdelin’s gift is amazing!” He blushed when he turned to see Magdelin at the door, smiling at him.
“I’ll tell you the same thing I’ve told the rest of them. Your body’s strength determines the outcome, not anything that I do,” she said with a smile. “I just provide the catalyst for growth.”
“Whatever you say, Magdelin,” Cyrus replied. “I love the results regardless.” He hugged her and rushed out the door towards the Warriors’ Arena.
We both chuckled as we watched him go.
“When will you be leaving?” Magdelin asked, becoming serious again.
“First thing in the morning,” I replied. “He needs to tamper his enthusiasm a bit before we sneak into this castle.”
“Please be careful, Darian.” Magdelin looked at me with sadness.
“I won’t let him pull me into his darkness,” I said with frustration in my voice. I knew everyone was worried that I would be lured by his power, but I was not capable of the evil that Zar’Asur would require of me. “Everyone here has become my family, the people that I love and care about. I would not abandon that to become some evil puppet for Zar’Asur.”
“I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t doubt you, but I’ve seen the power you can wield with his book. It would be a huge temptation for any of us.”
My expression softened and I took one of her hands in mine. “I have no desire to wield the power he offers. It doesn’t bring me the happiness that I’ve found here.”
She pulled her hand from mine and looked away. I hadn’t meant to make her uncomfortable, but realized that’s exactly what had happened.
“I’m sorry, Magdelin,” I said awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to imply that…” I stuttered, uncertain how to explain myself. I didn’t have intimate feelings for her, but I didn’t want to say the wrong thing and make her feel like she wasn’t worthy of them. “I’m aware of Raphael’s feelings for you, and I didn’t intend to make things awkward between us. I meant to say that I was broken after losing my family, never really having the opportunity to grieve for them. The Council, you, Mikel, Raphael, and even Adalina have replaced the void that was left in my heart.”
She turned to look at me. “Is Raphael’s affection that obvious?”
“Possibly,” I said with a smile.
“He and I have cared for one another for a very long time,” she began as she sat down in one of the living room chairs. “It’s difficult to have a romantic relationship with someone when you’ve known each other for as long as we have. Our feelings have so much more meaning than a normal human relationship. Intimacy is nice,” she said, blushing furiously. “But his kind, gentle, and quirky behavior always makes me smile, even when everything else in life threatens my happiness.” She looked up at me. “I’m so glad Raphael found you, and that you were willing to come to us,” she said with a smile, then changed the subject. “You better go check on Cyrus. I imagine the warriors are putting him back in his place, and his young ego might need some massaging.”
We both laughed as I left her and headed towards the Warriors’ Arena.
Magdelin was right. Edwin and Cyrus were sparring as I walked up. I watched as Edwin’s calculated strikes easily overwhelmed Cyrus’s. Edwin stopped mid-fight and dodged an overhead blow.
“I think you fought better before seeing Magdelin,” he taunted. “Think about your attacks and remember your training. You’re a much better swordsman than the man standing in front of me.”
Edwin’s comments spurred Cyrus’s anger, but he took a deep breath and focused. They resumed their sparring, and Cyrus improved, which fueled his determination. After a couple hours, Edwin called for a break and smacked Cyrus’s shoulder.
“You will be a much easier student than Darian was,” he said with a laugh. “We had to start from scratch with him. At least you already know all of our weapon techniques.” Cyrus beamed at the thought of besting me.
“Thanks, Edwin!” I called out. “His ego didn’t need any help.” Edwin smiled and waved. “Come on, Cyrus, let’s get you some food,” I said as he approached me with a huge grin.
“I could feel the difference, Darian,” he said with excitement. “I know I’m not as strong as Edwin, but I could feel my increased speed, strength, and endurance.” He paused for moment, and I could tell he was replaying the match in his head. “I need to spend more time focusing. I know how to use all the weapons, I’m just not proficient at using my new strength with them.”
“Don’t get in too big a hurry. We have lots of time,” I said. “Besides, you and I have a mission in the morning.”
“You mean I finally get to leave Santuario?” he said, his excitement building at the thought.
I explained what Eli and Juana had told us, then tried to explain the power of the book. “You remember when I returned from destroying the castle?” I asked.
“Yes, we all thought you would die,” he replied, his excitement replaced by worry. “Are you sure it’s a good idea for us to go? What if it’s a trap, and the master is waiting for you?”
I looked at him with compassion, surprised that he still called Zar’Asur “the master.” We had only talked of him a few times in the last several years and not at all in the last twelve months.
“You know he no longer holds any control over you, Cyrus,” I replied as gently as I could. “But to answer your question, we’re not going into the castle. We’ll be scouting the grounds, trying to determine the size of their force and whether the
humans are there willingly. I don’t see Zar’Asur hanging out with the common soldiers, so we shouldn’t have to worry about meeting him in the small town outside the castle.”
Cyrus still looked concerned, but he trusted me, and I wouldn’t let him down.
“So, when do we leave?” Cyrus asked.
“First thing in the morning,” I replied. “Let’s get packed this evening so you can get a good night’s sleep. Which reminds me, I believe Raphael left a backpack in your room.”
Cyrus grinned widely. “You mean one of the packs that never fills up?” I nodded and smiled at his enthusiasm. “Now I know I’m officially part of the team!”
He sprinted towards the house and I let him go, second-guessing my decision to take him with me. Was he mature enough to do what we needed, or would he end up getting hurt or killed? I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to him. I shook my head. I’d already made the decision; I couldn’t go back now. I needed to make sure my plan was flawless in order to keep him safe. Cyrus was preparing food for himself when I reached the house. After he ate, we both packed while discussing our plans for the next day. I tried to emphasize the importance of going unnoticed and blending with the local people. If they realized who we were, we wouldn’t make it out alive. I think Cyrus understood.
Chapter 18
We arrived in the sparse trees outside of the castle grounds early the next morning. Eli brought us, to ensure we were in the right location, then he gave us a brief description of the layout of the town.
“Be careful, Darian,” he said and laid his hand on my shoulder. “Come back to us before tomorrow night.”
“We will,” I replied, and he disappeared.
I looked over at Cyrus and noticed his tension and anxiety.
“Are you ready to go?” I asked him.
“I think so,” he replied. “But I’m nervous. What if I’m not able to hold on to my illusion because of my nerves? We’ll have to fight, won’t we?”
“Remember your training,” I replied. “You’ve been doing this for years. It’s almost second nature for you, so just stay focused and follow me. You can do this.”
He nodded as he concealed himself. I watched as he shifted from full view into the shadowed outline that only we could see. I disappeared as well and led him towards the wall, passing by several patrols who appeared to be average men doing their jobs. We maneuvered around the circumference of the wall, looking for a break other than the gate at the front. The wall was well maintained; we wouldn’t find an easy way in. We circled back to the gate and waited just beyond the opening. I hoped we would be able to sneak by during the shift change.
Around noon, the gate opened and two more guards stepped out. They joked around with the two they were relieving for several minutes, giving Cyrus and me enough time to slip through. We followed the inside of the wall until we reached a group of buildings that appeared to be warehouses. I led Cyrus between two of the warehouses and stopped. I closed my eyes and searched the area with my mind, attempting to confirm that we were alone. There were a few people in both warehouses on either side of us, but they were focused on their work.
“Eli said the inn and market should be on the other side of these warehouses. I’d like to get us into the inn before the evening patrons. We should be able to find a place to rest in one of the corners,” I said quietly, and Cyrus nodded his understanding.
We continued moving around the back of the warehouses until we reached the market. There were only a few small buildings, but it was very crowded with people selling their wares. The people were speaking Russian, one of the languages in which I was not fluent. I was able to catch bits and pieces of the conversations, but it was obvious that Cyrus understood nothing they said.
The inn was at the end of the small street, and we continued around the back of the market until we reached it. We stood in the shadows between the inn and the blacksmith’s shop, the smoke from the forge floating into the alley and giving us even more concealment. I was debating whether to go in through the kitchens or the front door when Cyrus tapped me on the shoulder. I looked over at him and he pointed to a small balcony above us. I nodded with a smile and we both traveled to the balcony. A narrow door led into the room, which was currently unoccupied. I released my illusion when we were safely in the room, hoping we could rest for a few minutes before finding a better place to hide downstairs.
“I guess I need to learn Russian next,” Cyrus whispered and laughed quietly.
“Mine isn’t very good, but hopefully it will be enough to gather the information we need.”
“Can you feel the book?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No, which worries me. I have to assume that Zar’Asur has it with him and that he is not here,” I replied. “It will make this mission easier though.”
“How long can we stay here before being discovered?”
“We’re probably okay for a little while,” I replied, looking around the room. It was a nicely furnished room and probably reserved for special guests. It didn’t look like they had too many visitors though, as the room had a layer of dust covering the furniture.
As if someone had read my thoughts, there came the sound of footsteps outside in the hallway. I heard a loud voice giving commands to someone, but all I could understand was “hurry” and “master.” I looked at Cyrus and immediately pulled the air tightly around myself. Cyrus quickly did the same, and we moved back out onto the balcony, silently closing the small door. Just as the door closed, a young girl came into the room with a basket of cleaning supplies and a frustrated look on her face. She quickly started cleaning all the dusty surfaces and changing the bed clothes. Apparently, there would be a guest tonight. Cyrus nudged me, and I turned to see his concerned expression. I shared that apprehension, as it likely meant that Zar’Asur was bringing the guest. I would have to leave before they arrived or take a chance of being discovered. I put my hand on Cyrus’s shoulder and took us back to the sparse forest.
“Damn!” I cursed several more times. “If Zar’Asur is bringing a guest and escorts them directly to the inn, I cannot be there, which means that we will learn nothing.”
“What makes you think that it’s a guest of the…I mean Zar’Asur?” Cyrus asked, catching himself.
I noticed his correction and suppressed a smile. “Because the innkeeper called him master,” I replied. “I think I’ll know when he arrives. Hopefully they won’t stay at the inn. I can’t imagine them having any sort of meeting there. It would likely be in the castle.” I paused for a moment, rubbing my chin as I thought. “But why would he have his guest at the inn and not staying at the castle?”
“Maybe all the demons are in the castle, and his guest doesn’t know about them yet,” Cyrus suggested.
“That’s conceivable,” I said. “I didn’t see any soldiers, other than the patrols. Is it possible that the demons are the only soldiers, and the humans are just protecting the town?” I looked over at Cyrus, who had a very serious look of concentration on his face. “It’s a rhetorical question, Cyrus,” I said with a smile. “I don’t expect you to have an answer.”
“Thank God,” he said with relief. “Because I couldn’t come up with an intelligent answer, other than agreeing with you.”
I chuckled. “We’ll wait here until Zar’Asur arrives with his visitor,” I began. On second thought, I added, “Well, let’s wait on the side farthest from the inn. I want to be as far from the book as possible.”
The inn was at the far northwest corner, adjacent to the castle walls. So, we moved towards the gate, which was on the southern corner. There was a shallow slope a few meters from the small dirt path leading up to the gate. It was surrounded by low shrubs and briars that would provide adequate, if not uncomfortable, cover for us. We lay down amongst the shrubs and waited.
“Can Zar’Asur really see past your concealment?” Cyrus asked quietly. I noticed that he did not stumble over Zar’Asur’s name this time.
“Oh, that’s inconvenient.”
It wasn’t long before I felt the book’s presence and realized that I had picked the absolute worst place to hide out. They would be coming up the path towards the gate in order to get into the small town. I quickly grabbed Cyrus’s shoulder and traveled to the wall behind the castle. Cyrus looked at me with surprise when we got there.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“They were coming up the road behind us,” I replied. “I should have realized that was their only way in. That mistake could’ve cost us our lives.” I cursed myself for being so careless. “As the book moves through town, we’ll move back towards the road.”
“I could’ve thought of that as well,” Cyrus said. “You’re not the only one here who should be thinking of those things.”
I would not chastise him for something that was my responsibility. “This is not my first mission, I should’ve known better,” I said. “Make sure you learn from my mistakes.”
He nodded and I followed the sense of the book. I felt them pass through the gate and towards the center of town. Cyrus and I moved in a clockwise rotation around the outside of the wall, trying to keep maximum distance between us and them. By the time we reached our original hiding place by the path, Zar’Asur was at the inn. He didn’t stay there for more than a few minutes before going to the castle. We wouldn’t be able to go back to the balcony now that the room was occupied, so I decided to try the kitchen entrance. We traveled back to the rear of the blacksmith’s shop and watched the kitchen door. Several young boys were making deliveries, probably for the guest’s dinner. Again, I wondered why they wouldn’t be eating at the castle, unless Cyrus was right and the castle was full of demons. Would they feel insulted for not being invited to stay at the castle? Most nobility would, unless they were not nobility. I quickly realized it would be very beneficial to find out who this was.
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