Wizards' Exile

by Colin R Parsons

  Rhidian was alone in the shadow of the balloon. He sat shivering, even though it was a warm summer’s evening – the shock of everything was too much. He started to drift off into slumber, but the ship soon woke him with a start. The great engine rumbled and chugged plumes of smoke from the exhaust manifold. This was really happening, Rhidian could not quite believe it. There was a sudden shudder and a jerk, and the ship gently left the dock and began its journey.

  Rhidian eased against the uncomfortable bars again and watched as Valusha, the only city he’d ever loved, got smaller. He’d never seen the city from this angle before and it was really beautiful. Tall steeples pushed out from the darkness as if waving him off. Soon, all that was left of the sky city were the diminishing lights, and eventually darkness. He felt his stomach sink.

  Rhidian was still in shock, but there would be no point protesting any more; the decision was already made. What on earth was he going to do? Oh my God, he thought, Mia would be heartbroken. She wouldn’t know anything about this until morning. Rhidian always worked late and she never really knew what time he would get in. What would he do without her and what would she do without him? Then a stab of sadness filled his stomach, like a dagger made of ice. Would he ever see her again?

  He’d heard of Skytraz Prison many times and all the bad tales that leaked out from there. Lots of people had been sent there and never returned. A chill shot through his whole body. Would he now be one of those statistics?

  The gentle sway of the ship as it glided through the air made him sleepy again; the toll of everything weighed heavily. The throb-throb-throb of the purring engine had a hypnotic effect. He’d not slept much in the last couple of days either, and felt the most relaxed for a while. The smooth vibration that rattled throughout the vessel was pure joy. He loved the sound and feel of working machinery.

  Rhidian drifted off into a deep sleep, it was as if all his troubles were just a memory. He breathed shallow breaths.

  He was soon awakened with a violent clang and blinding light!

  ‘Get up,’ the gruff voice of a prison guard grinded his ears.

  It was daylight when Rhidian finally opened his eyes. Where was he? He couldn’t work anything out for a second or two. Then it all came back. The two police officers and Morbid’s contented face as he betrayed him. And the realisation that he was on his way to a prison sentence. And of course, there was his poor wife, Mia. It hadn’t been a dream – this was as real as it got. Rhidian was about to enter the worst place in the world. What if he tried to appeal to the guard?

  ‘Please, there’s been some kind of mistake. I shouldn’t be here. I’m not a wizard,’ Rhidian tried to explain.

  ‘Yeah-yeah, that’s what they all say,’ the guard chuckled and then growled, ‘now get up before I drag you up.’ He didn’t look like a person to cross and Rhidian did as he was asked.

  ‘Okay-okay,’ Rhidian relented. He had to accept his fate for now. For some reason, Jenta-Lor and Morbid were working together on this, and Rhidian had to go along with it. But he wasn’t going to let a prison trap him forever. Before he’d even left the cargo ship and entered god-knows-what, he swore he would escape. But no one had ever escaped from Skytraz Prison, or so he’d heard. Rhidian Fines, the engineer, was determined that he would be the first one to do it.

  Chapter 2

  Skytraz Prison

  Skytraz Prison was originally a rock that had broken away from a larger body in the universe. It appeared in the sky and ships were sent to investigate. The rock was huge in size (a fragment the size of a planet) and lay suspended in mid-air by some unknown force. Obsidian staked a claim and populated it. He realised that hardened criminals had to be put somewhere far away from the innocent. So, he organised a prison to be built on the rock and the criminal element were sent there. There was no escape from Skytraz, and no one had ever tried.

  Valusha itself, also another suspended mass but fully populated, was much larger than Skytraz. In fact, it was a huge city where the new ruler, Jenta-Lor, was in charge and the people were made to work hard and to pay heavy taxes. Jenta-Lor lived the lifestyle of a king.

  *****

  Rhidian stepped off the cargo vessel and onto the jetty. Everything became real in a matter of moments. The handcuffs jangled on his wrists, reminding him of his sorry predicament. This added extra tension, making the pit of his stomach twist like a wrung-out rag. He swallowed hard and took deep breaths. He felt his whole life had been crushed overnight. He took a few moments to gather his thoughts, until he was unceremoniously jarred from them with a sharp pain.

  ‘This way – move!’ the guard insisted with a grunt, and struck Rhidian in the small of his back with the butt of his rifle. Rhidian winced as he lurched forward. He moved reluctantly, but obediently, like a scolded dog. He’d never been ordered to do anything he didn’t want to do before, but things had changed considerably in his life.

  Rhidian walked along the long, wooden platform, which was set on the very perimeter of Skytraz Prison. The platform seemed to float on a cushion of air, but was actually fixed underneath with huge steel struts that held it all in place.

  Everything was open, which was unusual for a place where you would expect some kind of confinement for the prisoners, he thought. In fact there were no large fences or high walls to imprison anyone. There was, however, a metre-high perimeter boundary fence. It wasn’t so much a deterrent as a marker. This must have been put there to let the prisoners know what danger lay ahead. Because beyond it, there was about five metres of rock surface… and beyond that… nothing but thin air! Literally, there was nowhere to escape. It was a long way to the sea below, and that would mean certain death as a result.

  As Rhidian shuffled along, he gazed out into the blue expanse – it was an amazing view, easily as lovely as the views from Valusha. There were two swallows flitting through the sky, playing games with each other. Rhidian never felt so jealous of freedom in all his life. He wished he could take flight and leave this awful place right now.

  Was there any escape from a prison this high up? He pondered on that idea. Unless… he could get on board a supply ship. He stared over his shoulder at the vessel that had dropped him off as he turned to enter the first building. It was so near, but of no use at this time. There was also another docked next to it, but he didn’t get a chance to take a longer look at it as the guard pushed him again. The engineer stared ahead and craned his neck to take in the whole scale of the prison.

  It was impressive to say the least and depressing at the same time. He stood a moment, taking in the expanse of his new dwelling and was soon brought back to reality.

  ‘Stop dawdling and move,’ the prison guard grunted. He was impatient and rude and gave Rhidian another tap with the rifle, which hurt but he didn’t show it, and just gritted his teeth. Rhidian was guided towards the entrance. ‘Tough guy, huh?’ he heard the guard mumble – followed by a little chuckle.

  Rhidian was then led to the Processing Centre where all prisoners went to get booked in. He was told to stand on a crisscross, which was painted in yellow on the floor. Another officer behind a counter confronted him. Rhidian had nothing with him to hand over, only the clothes he wore. They hadn’t given him a chance to change or pick anything up that he might need. He again thought of Mia at this time and this made him feel more dejected. Rhidian couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever felt this alone. He could feel a well of tears building, but swallowed back hard and reasserted his composure. The last thing he wanted was to show he was afraid and vulnerable, and that wouldn’t do in here.

  The supplies officer handed him a bundle of clothes with a pair of shiny boots nestled on top and ordered him to change. An officer with a bunch of keys unlocked the bracelet and removed it.

  ‘Don’t be thinking of escaping now, there’s nowhere to go,’ the prison guard said with a grin, as he whispered the last part with relish. Rhidian rubbed his wrists – the steel rings had already left indentations. The orange boiler
suit was very unattractive and also too big, but he didn’t dare complain.

  The officer enjoyed giving him a look of contempt. Rhidian again said nothing – he was too scared to react. He quickly stripped and put on the prison-issue clothes. He then placed his own clothes in a waiting tray. He looked forlornly at them as they were put on a trolley.

  ‘You won’t be needing those again – you’re our special guest now,’ the supplies officer said and added a smirk. The man with the keys slipped the cuffs back on – the weight of the metal tugged at his wrists.

  ‘Right, through here – Prisoner 8317,’ a different officer beckoned, his brown, unforgiving eyes fixed on Rhidian. All the guards he’d come into contact with so far held no friendly expression of any kind. Rhidian was only a number now, and not even a name. What was he doing here? He didn’t deserve this. He didn’t belong here, everything seemed so wrong.

  ‘Move, weed,’ the officer said in a low snarl, and again poked Rhidian in the back. Another guard had joined them as he walked along the open floor. These guards were trying to provoke him, but he wasn’t going to get into trouble this soon. I will find a way of escape, he thought defiantly, and that made him feel better for a second or two.

  The guards took him through a number of security doors – Rhidian tried to remember the sequence. Each entrance clicked open and clicked shut behind him – the tinny sound pierced his ears and numbed his senses. He could hear his own footsteps slopping along on the polished floor. The air smelled of a mixture of disinfectant and floor polish. He was marched to yet another counter, where the second supplies officer in charge was giving out bathroom necessities. They made Rhidian stand behind a yellow line this time.

  ‘Just there,’ the guard said – he had a softer tone than the others. He looked much older too, and Rhidian thought he was probably ready for retirement. Rhidian felt a large hand roughly grip his shoulder and pull him. He realised he was too close to the partition and was yanked back to the yellow line. He almost fell over but managed to keep his balance – this shoving around had already got tedious, but what could he do?

  This particular officer at the counter gave him a warm smile. Rhidian didn’t expect that. He felt as though he was standing in front of the head teacher back at school. He didn’t smile back and kept his expression blank. The store man probably understood, especially dealing with inmates on a daily basis.

  ‘These are your personal possessions. Do not lose them,’ he said, emphasizing the first two words. ‘You won’t get another set,’ said the store man. He placed a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb and a bar of soap on top of brown bedding and a towel, which were neatly folded on the counter.

  ‘You’re all set, 8317. Enjoy your stay,’ the old man said with a wink, which made the engineer a bit more relaxed. But that soon changed.

  The prison guard who’d brought him in, and the second guard with the keys, continued further into Skytraz, nudging the prisoner to move again. They were greeted with yet more guards with jingly-jangly keys, to open and close yet more doors. How many doors were there in this place? Rhidian had already lost count. This was getting monotonous, but he had to get used to it. He could feel his will to live slowly fading away with every step.

  Eventually, he was escorted into the main prison area, where the light was partially swallowed by the geometry of the place. He could hear the caged prisoners jeering and chanting in the background. This, he felt, was the most scary part of the whole thing. It brought the complete prison experience to the front of his mind.

  ‘Come on, this way,’ the guard seemed to squeak. ‘We haven’t got all day.’ He led him down to a lower level. It was even darker down here than the place he’d just been. It was also a lot quieter too. This really scared him. Where were they taking him now?

  Rhidian’s feet squeaked on the freshly polished floor – the sound ripped through the establishment like a rapier cutting into tin. He could feel his body tremble and the stiff collar of the prison suit stuck in his neck, irritating his skin.

  The guard stopped and released him to another guard. This one held a clipboard. His face was just as stern and lifeless as the rest. Were they as miserable as the prisoners?

  He said simply, ‘8317,’ and pointed to a darkened set of cells along a corridor. Rhidian found it hard not to be called by his name. ‘This will be your home for a short while,’ the officer said. Rhidian again said nothing and followed the leader.

  This level was different to the others above. It only had two compartments down here. To his right there was a long wall and the cells were located at the end on the left.

  The guard stopped, opened the steel door and looked inside, shaking his head. He then took off Rhidian’s handcuffs. Rhidian looked at the darkened room in which he’d be confined and a sinking feeling filled his guts.

  ‘This is where you’ll stay for now. It’s only temporary. Have fun with your little friend,’ the guard sniggered as he pushed him inside.

  Rhidian was confused. ‘Little friend,’ he mumbled, but didn’t know what the prison guard had meant. ‘Oh, rats,’ he assumed and shuddered as he looked on the ground for evidence. He swallowed hard and clenched his eyes shut when he heard the cell door lock behind him!

  Chapter 3

  The Stranger

  Rhidian stood still, holding his bedding and bathroom utensils and stared at the small toilet and hand basin. There was only really one piece of furniture besides the beds and that was a tiny cupboard above the basin. He presumed that’s where he had to place his bathroom kit. The look of the cell surprised him too, because he was expecting the basin and toilet to be stained and filthy, but they weren’t. In fact, they were actually really clean and stain free. The whole cell was neat and tidy too.

  He was still pondering on the “little friend” comment that the guard had said and assumed he meant a mouse, or a rat! Rhidian shivered again.

  ‘Oh well, let’s make the most of it,’ he mumbled. ‘At least I have a cell to myself.’

  ‘Who are you?’ a voice whispered, cutting through the stillness of the room. Rhidian froze and tightly gripped his bedding. He thought he was alone but there was definitely someone else in here. He was shocked – why couldn’t he see anyone? He was stood in the middle of the room. He quickly checked the top bunk. He looked at the surface of the bed and grinned. If there were anyone in there, he had to be small and flat to fit under the blanket – it was definitely empty.

  Rhidian leaned back and gave a quick check underneath. Nothing there, he felt stupid. Perhaps he was imagining it? After all, the shock of being arrested and shuffled off to prison – he rolled his head from side-to-side, weighing everything up. No wonder he was confused.

  Deciding it was his imagination, Rhidian placed his kit on the top bunk bed. He relaxed and sighed.

  ‘I said, who are you?’

  Rhidian stiffened. It was the voice again, but where was it coming from? Maybe there was someone in the next cell. He couldn’t call out – he didn’t want the guards coming back – so he resisted.

  He looked around. The room itself was made up of three solid walls and a framework of bars at the front. Rhidian was totally confused now, but thought he’d better be polite and answer. He shook his head in the disbelief at what he was doing.

  ‘I-I’m Rhidian,’ he stuttered. ‘Who are you?’ Rhidian was speaking directly to the wall.

  ‘Why are you talking to the wall, Rhidian?’ the voice mocked, and then a head popped up from under the bottom bunk. Rhidian looked down, his eyes wide. The man pulled himself out and Rhidian had to shuffle to one side. Then the old man stood up and the engineer could look him directly in the eye.

  ‘Wh-o are you?’ Rhidian asked nervously, hoping he wasn’t a murderer or someone with a troubled mind, or both!

  ‘There’s no need to be afraid of me, young man,’ he said, and gave a broad and cheery smile.

  ‘I’m n-not afraid,’ Rhidian retorted with as much strength in his voice as he could mu
ster.

  ‘Tell that to your face then,’ the old man replied with a wicked glint in his eye. He was about five feet two, with wiry white hair and a trim, well-groomed dark brown beard, which was a total contrast. He looked to be in his sixties, but it was difficult to tell. He was wearing the prison-issue orange boiler suit: the same as Rhidian had been handed earlier. What would this guy have normally worn on the outside? Rhidian was thinking maybe a suit or, at the very least, trousers and a dress shirt. He seemed well presented and kept himself in shape – he didn’t look overweight.

  ‘Really, there’s no need to worry, my boy,’ the stranger carried on. Rhidian was still reeling from the sight of someone popping from under the bed. ‘My name is Rebus.’ He stuck out his hand in welcome. Rhidian reached out and tentatively shook hands.

  ‘I-I’m sorry I don’t know which bed is yours – mean as you were here first,’ Rhidian stammered. ‘I’m Rhidian,’ he repeated.

  ‘I know, you’ve already told me. I’m on the top, take the bottom,’ Rebus insisted, gesturing with a sweep of his hand. Rhidian then realised he’d put his belongings on Rebus’ bed and removed them instantly. He then placed his bedding in the centre of the mattress on the bottom bunk.

  ‘Can I put my stuff in there?’ Rhidian asked politely, pointing to the small cabinet above the washbasin.

  ‘Go ahead,’ Rebus obliged. It was as spotless on the inside as out. There was a space next to the old gent’s toothbrush and toothpaste. He put his stuff next to them. He thought that if he’d looked in there earlier, he would have realised someone else was in the cell, but there again he wasn’t expecting someone under the bed.

  ‘What are you in for, Rhidian?’ Rebus questioned directly. ‘Not murder I hope?’ the old man quipped with a penetrating stare.