“Stay back. It’s not safe yet.” Terse, he didn’t want anyone to mistake his words as anything other than an order.
Farrell stepped through the Door and emerged back in Haven. The air felt fresher and crisper than in Northhelm. Keeping his focus, he sent a seeker spell into the complex. Having alerted Erstad and Wesfazial that refugees would be coming, it came as no surprise when soldiers and staff ran into the room within a minute. Before he finished explaining what they could expect, dozens more arrived, with the promise of others still to come. Satisfied Haven understood the situation, he moved back to Northhelm to organize the exodus.
Though the number of people had swelled to fill half the vast hall during his absence, the chaos had turned into a semblance of order. Soldiers lined the room, directing people to various places. Families stacked their property neatly against the walls as they assumed their places in line. Despite how orderly things appeared, the evacuation would still need days to complete, assuming the shield held.
“My people are ready to receive you.” He pointed to those closest to the portal. “Enter the Door as quickly as you can. The people of Haven will assist you when you arrive.”
He went through with the first group to ensure he spoke the truth. Having practiced this many times before, he needn’t have worried. Everything went as he expected. Better. Dozens of clerics from the temples of Lenore and Honorus had arrived to assist. A senior brother and sister stepped forward.
“Greetings, Lord Farrell,” a priestess of Lenore said. “My brothers and sisters stand ready to receive the Favored of Honorus and Lenore.”
“My thanks, Sister. I admit, I was a bit concerned.”
She graced him with the barest of smirks. “One less worry, my lord.”
Mumbling his thanks, he scanned the room for his mentors. Failing to find them, he stepped through a corner of his Door, hoping to find Miceral. Instead he found Glendora standing by the Door, alternately examining the energy lines and directing others to pass through.
“Your Door is interesting. Heminaltose, my old teacher, taught his best students to create Doors in this fashion.” She turned from the magical construct to smile fondly at him. “You do him proud. I never mastered his technique.”
“I try to honor his memory in all I do. He was . . . ” His eyes started to tear, forcing him to blink. “He was as honorable a man as I will ever know.”
Glendora placed her thin hand on his cheek. “He would be proud of you, Farrell.”
He nodded, swallowing hard.
“Have you eaten today?”
“Not since breakfast.” His stomach, as if it heard the implied prospect of food, rumbled loudly.
A kindly smile crossed the older woman’s face. “When one serves the will of the Holy Mother, it is not uncommon for our plans to change. Come, let us find you some food. The exodus will take a few days, and we can’t have you fainting from hunger when we need you most.”
Unsure if she meant to chide him for fainting earlier, Farrell didn’t answer. Glendora seemed content to walk in silence, so he held his tongue.
The kitchen was really a military-style dining hall. Northhelm might be evacuating, but soldiers needed to remain until the end. And soldiers needed to eat.
When the pair walked in, the entire room stood at attention.
“They honor you, Grand Master Farrell.” She nodded to people as they passed. “Tales of your deeds have spread rapidly. Grohl made it known you honored his family by agreeing to be his bond brother. Klissmor told all you ride Nerti at her request. Miceral’s guard told of how you rode through an entire army to rescue them. And among the wizards there is talk of how you saved everyone when our shield was not adequate. The whole of Northhelm honors you for one reason or another.”
Red from the unexpected attention, he thanked them as Glendora led him to the food-service area. Helping herself to barely enough to feed a crow, she heaped great amounts of food onto his plate. “I already ate, but you need food. I know what effect high wizardry has on a person. You’ll need all this and more to maintain your shield and the Door at the same time.”
Accepting her wisdom, he did his best not to drop anything she put on his plate. When he could manage no more, she led him to a partially occupied table with two adjoining seats. She asked one young warrior who appeared to be finished to fetch some water. Before Farrell could protest his ability to get his own drink, the eager soldier dashed off to get a tankard of cool water. Farrell had begun to eat just as the lad returned and had to choke out his thanks with a mouthful of food.
“So what really happened out there?” asked a young Muchari soldier. “Did you really blast thousands of Chamdon with your staff?”
“Actually, he created a half dozen unicorns out of energy and had them trample the Chamdon to death.” Miceral’s voice from behind surprised him.
Glendora stood up. “This is where I take my leave and check on the progress of the other wizards. I leave you in the capable and willing hands of Miceral.” She winked at him. “It was a pleasure to meet you, last student of Heminaltose.” She bowed slightly and left.
If her intent had been to embarrass him, she’d done a masterful job. His face felt hot. He ducked his head and shoveled down a few forkfuls of food.
Miceral took the place next to him, launching into an account of what had happened. At points Miceral looked to him to further explain things to the rapt audience.
By the time Miceral got to the destruction of their shield, Farrell felt the effects of too much food and too much wizardry. After the third stifled yawn, Miceral told the crowd Farrell needed to get some rest.
“I have to return to my duties, but Ostert will show you to your room.” Miceral put his hand on the shoulder of the young warrior who’d asked the first question. “I’ve arranged to have a guard outside your door in case you need anything or something happens that requires your attention. Also, if your link with Nerti is anything like the one I share with Klissmor, you ought to be able to call her at any time.”
“Nerti?”
“Yes?” Nerti’s voice responded instantly.
“Sorry.” He felt foolish for bothering her. “Miceral told me we were linked. I was just testing it.”
If the communications were really a “voice,” then he “heard” the amusement in her tone. “For good or ill, we are joined until the Goddess tells me otherwise. Hopefully that pleases you. She chose well for me, and I have thanked Her already for pairing me with one so worthy.”
“You are gracious, Nerti, but how could I be anything but honored?”
The tiny hint of her in his mind disappeared. “It works. We’re linked.”
Perhaps his eyes gave him away, or maybe Miceral didn’t want to part, but before he let Ostert lead him away, Miceral drew him aside.
“I wish I could take you myself, but I cannot neglect my
responsibilities. I’ll come find you in the morning.”
“I understand duty all too well.” Farrell tentatively reached out his hand. When Miceral grabbed it, they both smiled. He wanted to kiss him good-bye, but in front of so many people, he didn’t know how Miceral would react. They stood staring at each other for a few seconds before Miceral stepped back.
“I better go. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Miceral let go of his hand, walking backward. After a couple of steps, he turned on his heel and marched out. When Miceral disappeared around the corner, Farrell noticed everyone looking in his direction. Before he became too embarrassed, Ostert moved to his side.
“Come, I’ll take you to your room.” Ostert’s smile seemed genuine. “You look tired.”
“Thank you. I am.”
Ostert peppered him with questions as they walked to his room. What wouldn’t he give for a moment of quiet? Wearily he gave only the briefest answers.
“We’re almost there, Master Wizard,” Ostert said after they’d walked for several minutes. Then, for the first time since they lef
t the mess area, Ostert grew quiet.
“Was there something else you wanted to ask?”
“Well, yes.” Pausing, the warrior looked at him, then turned away. “You do realize Miceral likes you?”
After blurting out the words, Ostert turned back to him. Farrell stared at his guide, unsure why he’d asked the question. How did he answer it, anyway?
“It’s no secret that Miceral prefers men to women.” Now the youth turned red. “I wasn’t sure you knew. It isn’t a problem that he does, or you if you like him back. Miceral’s my friend. I just wanted to be sure you knew.”
Farrell let the silence linger a bit longer than he had planned, and before he could reply, they reached his room.
“This is it,” Ostert said, his voice barely more than a whisper.
“Thank you, Ostert. I appreciate you walking me here. And to answer your question—yes, I know about his interest. He told me. And yes, I’m interested in him as well, but I appreciate your telling me. It proves you are a true friend.”
He held out his hand, and Ostert clasped his forearm, visibly relieved.
“I’ll stand watch until the assigned guard comes. If you need anything, Master Farrell, just let me know.”
“That’s very generous of you, Ostert, but I’m sure you have many other things to do before you leave. I can manage until the guard comes. Oh, a question if I may, since you asked so many of me.” He couldn’t entirely hide a smirk.
“Of course.”
“How old are you?”
By the look on his face, Ostert neither expected nor welcomed the question. Standing straight up, he answered, “I will be fifty-three this spring.”
Farrell smiled. “Just as I thought, you are near twice my age. That means you must call me Farrell. No more Master Wizard or Master Farrell. If you are my senior, I can’t have you addressing me like that. Besides, it’s unseemly for friends to use titles when addressing each other, don’t you think?”
“Aye, Farrell.” The name came out slightly sputtered. “Sleep well. I’ll check on who is assigned to you and let them know you’re here.” Almost at a run, the Muchari left before Farrell could respond.
He entered the room, calling up a ball of blue light to help the small candle already burning on a small table. With a wave of his hand, he extinguished the flame, adding a second globe to replace it. His gaze skimmed over the washbasin, soap, and some towels on a table near the door and zoomed in on the bed. By the Six, he was tired.
Reaching over his shoulder, he freed his staff, placed it near the bed, and began undress. Only after he removed his boots did he realize he hadn’t packed spare clothes.
For a moment he considered asking Ostert to find him something to wear but remembered the open Door. Closing his eyes, he “saw” his silk sleeping clothes, a couple of tunics, and an extra pair of pants in his wardrobe in Haven. He intoned the spell, and his clothes sat neatly folded on his bed when he opened his eyes. Problem solved, he undressed, washed up, and crawled under the covers.
His head barely hit the pillow before he fell asleep. The effort of the day finally overwhelmed his desire to remain awake.
“Farrell.” He sat up with a start. Had he imagined someone calling him? How long had he been asleep? Shaking himself alert, he scanned his room for the speaker.
“Farrell.” Awake, he recognized Nerti’s voice.
“Nerti! Is something wrong?” Instinctively, he scanned the shield and the Door but found nothing amiss.
“Nothing is wrong. Miceral wanted to know if you were awake, and if you needed anything.”
Relieved, he smiled as his head sank into his pillow. “Please don’t take offense, but isn’t passing a message from Miceral to me a bit unworthy of you? Why didn’t he come ask me himself?”
“I said as much to him, but I will forgive him. This is his first time being enamored with someone. As for why he did not come himself, he feared waking you if you were asleep.”
“And yet he has no problem letting you wake me.” The sound of his laughter broke the silence.
“Now that you are awake, do you require anything?”
Other than Miceral appearing at his door, he couldn’t think of anything. “No, I’m fine. Tell him thank you for his concern.”
“That is most certainly not the answer he was hoping for.”
“Do I detect you’re trying to give me advice on how to handle this?”
“Yes. At my age, I am well-suited to dispense advice to lovestruck children, which you both surely are.” The amusement in her tone made him feel foolish.
“Um, tell him that an escort to breakfast would be nice. Is that better?”
“Prince of Yar-del, do you tease him purposely?”
“No, I just don’t need anything right now.” Nothing he could or would tell her. “Why don’t you just tell me what to say, and I’ll follow your sage counsel?”
“I shall tell him you are tired and need only some rest, but that you would be pleased if he could fetch you for breakfast.” She left his mind, leaving him confused. Slowly, he fell back asleep before his head exploded from trying to figure out what to do or say.
Chapter Six
A LOUD, persistent knock intruded on Farrell’s sleep. Head sunk comfortably in his pillow, he had no desire to get up. “Go away, Lisle, it’s too early.”
Another knock, this one louder, and the door swung open.
“Time to get up, sleepy wizard.” The voice jolted him awake and he sent the sheets flying off the small bed. Oh, Miceral. He blushed, letting go of the spell balled in his hand.
“Sorry I startled you, but the morning meal will be over soon, and I don’t want to miss a chance to walk in with you on my arm.”
Farrell dropped back onto his pillow and pulled the ends up over his ears. “How can it be morning already? I just went to sleep.”
He tossed the pillow aside and went to the washbasin. A few words and a wave of his hand emptied the water from last night. Pouring the remainder of the pitcher into the bowl, Farrell dunked his head in the water.
“Whoa, but that’s cold,” he said, water dripping down his back. Using both hands, he pushed wet hair off his face.
Miceral jumped back, laughing, and handed him a towel. “That’s one way to wake up, I suppose.”
Still wet, he noted Miceral showed no signs of leaving. Rather than seem prudish, he shucked his wet sleep shirt and pants and toweled off as best he could before dressing. Looking in the small mirror beside the door, he ran his hand through his damp hair and pulled it back in a desperate attempt to appear presentable.
“Are you really sure you want to be seen with me? I look wretched.”
Miceral held the door open and smiled. “Only a little.”
The mess area buzzed with activity, but the pair managed to find a quiet spot in the corner. While Farrell ate, Miceral explained that the old and the very young had already arrived in Haven. Many of the nonessential animals had also gone or were going as they spoke. The remainder of the civilians, their possessions, and livestock should pass through by sunset, leaving only the warriors to go last.
Shoving the last bit of bread in his mouth, Farrell noticed Miceral staring at him. “What?”
His companion pointedly looked at the empty dishes on the table. “Do you realize you ate twice what I did and more? Where does it go? You’re nothing but skin and muscle.”
Trying to ward off another furious blush, he stacked his plates. “Were you staring when I changed?
A deep, rumbling laugh filled their corner of the hall. “Of course. Why else didn’t I step outside?”
The offhand way he said it coupled with the broad grin had
Farrell smiling in return. “Lecherous old man.”
Miceral bowed. “Guilty.”
“Magic, especially high magic, is draining.” Standing, Farrell carried his plates back to the cleaning area. “I can eat that and more and still not gain weight.”
“Okay, back up a l
ittle. High magic?”
As they made for the exit, Farrell tentatively reached for Miceral’s hand. The smile his attempt earned him mirrored his own.
“I’ll explain later. Right now I need to send a message to my mentors.” He couldn’t put it off any longer.
“Something wrong?” Despite his obvious concern, Miceral didn’t release his hand.
“No, nothing like that. They run Haven when I’m gone. I need to see that all is running smoothly.”
Miceral motioned to a guard, who nodded and fell in behind them. “Prepare a message, and I’ll see it will be passed into the right hands.”
He wrote out the note and handed it to Miceral. “I suppose you need to get back to the evacuation,” Farrell said, trying not to sound disappointed.
A strand of blond hair flopped onto Miceral’s cheek as he nodded. “Yes, I probably should.”
“Will I see you before lunch?” Too desperate? By the Six, he acted like a lovestruck child.
Miceral leaned forward and snatched a quick kiss. “If it’s possible. If not, I’ll make certain to meet you for dinner.”
Alone again, Farrell squeezed his way into the Great Hall, apologizing for his intrusion. Someone started to say something about waiting his turn, but the comment died on his lips when the two made eye contact.
Halfway into the room, Ostert approached, a purpose to his step. “Horgon requested I act as your escort,” he said. “Well, I volunteered when I learned he was going to assign someone to you.”
“Your timing could not have been better, friend.” He clapped Ostert on the shoulder. “I need to go outside to inspect the strength of the shield. Could you please show me to the front gate?”
Ostert smiled. “Easily done, friend.” He motioned with his right hand and turned without waiting to see if Farrell followed.
The pair had to swim against the current of people trying to depart, but once clear of the area around the Great Hall, they had little trouble.
“Ostert, I’m going to need to hide myself from Meglar’s forces,” he said. “I want to take a closer look at the staff and find out what his army is doing. You don’t need to accompany me, but if you wish to come with me, you’ll need to stand as close to me as you can so my spell will hide you as well.”
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