by M. L. Forman
“Alex, are you all right?”
“A bit winded, but no harm done.”
“Sindar said you were checking on something, and he seemed worried,” Val explained. “I told him I’d come find you. You don’t look so good.”
“The emotions of the day,” said Alex.
“Yes, of course. I’ve heard that wizards often feel the emotions of others, and with so many people in the square and emotions so high . . .”
“I haven’t learned enough to control it all yet,” said Alex, not bothering to correct Val’s assumption. “I’ll be fine now. We should return to the party.”
Val nodded and walked with Alex back to the main square. The dancing appeared to have ended, and the wedding feast was about to begin. Alex wondered how long he’d been gone. He couldn’t seem to remember.
The feast was grand and long, and Alex’s strength slowly returned. He was glad that Sindar didn’t ask any questions when he sat down beside him. It had been a far more interesting day than Alex had thought it would be, and there were far too many things for him to think about. Besides, he already had enough questions of his own.
As the sun began to set, the wedding guests formed a line to present their gifts to the new couples. Alex suddenly worried about what Skeld and Tayo would think of his gifts. Tayo had been badly injured when they had fought Slathbog, and he hoped his gifts would not bring back bad memories for his friends now.
To Alex’s relief, Skeld and Tayo were pleased with the brooches and impressed by his design. Both Lilly and Indigo beamed at Alex as they pinned their new brooches on. They each took a turn to kiss him on the cheek in thanks. Alex was glad that he had been able to make his friends—and their new brides—happy on their wedding day.
That night before Alex went to bed, he wrote another letter to Whalen to let him know what was going on, but the more he wrote about his encounter with the cloaked figure, the more worried he became. Alex thought about everything the cloaked figure had said, including the promise that Whalen would try to explain who or what the Watchers were, but Alex felt certain that no explanation in a letter would be enough.
Alex felt even more unsettled about the fact that the cloaked figure had been able to brush away his magic with no real effort. The warning about evil being close was easy enough to understand, but not at all comforting. Alex didn’t know where the evil was coming from, and even worse, he still didn’t know how to control his emotions.
Whalen will know, Alex thought as he drifted off to sleep. Whalen will have the answers I need.
* * *
Alex woke early the next morning to a familiar dinging noise. Sitting up, he saw a geeb standing on the edge of his bed. He paid and thanked the geeb, then swiftly opened the letter from Whalen.
Dear Alex,
I must apologize. I should have prepared you better and pushed you harder to learn more than you have. I also should have taught you to control your emotions before now. I am truly sorry. I hope that you can forgive an old fool for trying to teach you as he would any other apprentice. But you are not a normal apprentice, Alex, and I must remember that.
You will, of course, have dozens of questions about the Watchers. Sadly, they are more myth than fact, and it is unclear how many of them there are. What little I can tell you is that they are known to appear from time to time to give warnings and advice, so you should pay attention to what was said.
I can also tell you that the Watchers are known to work for good, and to help where they can. They are incredibly powerful, but seldom use their magic directly. The fact that a Watcher actually let you see him—let alone spoke to you—is very impressive. Sadly, you will have to do as he said and wait for the answers to your questions, as only the Watchers can really answer them for you.
Regarding the Tower of the Moon. There are many stories and legends about the Tower, and once Bregnest told me that you would be going that way, I’ve been asking questions. You are correct that the Tower is the center of magical power for Norsland. But it has been more than two thousand years since a wizard has lived there. I’m sorry I do not have more information, but I’m still looking, and I have sent several letters to friends. As soon as I learn anything that might be helpful to you, I will send it along.
Now, as for your training, I’ve included some exercises to help you control your emotions. I want you to do them every night before you go to sleep and every morning when you wake up. They may seem boring or a bit odd, but they will help you more than you might think.
I’ve also included a list of books for your future reading, including instructions for transfiguration, which I believe you are ready to attempt. Start with small things at first—leaves, small rocks, things like that. If you have difficulty with the magic, let me know and I’ll do what I can to help.
Keep me informed on how your adventure is going. Keep your eyes open and study hard. I will hope for your success.
Yours in fellowship, Whalen
P.S. You might ask Sindar about how to control your emotions. He knows a great many things, and he might be able to help you even more than I can.
Alex considered Whalen’s letter for several minutes. It seemed that Whalen didn’t have all the answers he wanted, but he did have some good advice. Worrying about the Watcher wouldn’t do any good, but learning self-control would. Alex thought Sindar might be able to help him control his emotions, but he would have to wait until later to ask—the list of things he was supposed to start reading was surprisingly long.
Alex promised himself that he would do Whalen’s exercises every night and morning, even though they seemed strange to say the least. Most of what Whalen wanted him to do was concentrate and breathe slowly, but there were other things as well. Count backward from a thousand while controlling the speed of his breathing. Recite the alphabet backward as fast as he could in one breath. Even balancing objects on top of each other with his magic while reciting the alphabet backward and breathing slowly were part of the list. It didn’t make any sense to Alex, but he knew he would have to try.
* * *
Alex and his companions joined the Goodseed family for breakfast as usual the next morning, but there was a strange tension around the table. Michael seemed painfully excited, but nobody mentioned his birthday at all. At first Alex thought that Michael’s parents didn’t want to say anything in front of their guests, but then he saw Bregnest and Argus exchange knowing looks and he couldn’t help but smile at Michael’s impending surprise.
“Well, it should be an interesting day,” Argus said enthusiastically. “More feasts and parties with the wedding couples.”
“Perhaps you can tell us of the lands east and north of here,” said Bregnest. “It won’t be long before we are on our way once more.”
“Oh, yes, I can tell you a great deal about the lands you will cross,” said Argus. “But, you know, I seem to be forgetting something—something important.”
“That’s odd, I have the same feeling,” said Bregnest thoughtfully.
“Oh, stop it, both of you,” Mrs. Goodseed snapped, clearly unhappy with their teasing of Michael. “You both know very well that it’s Michael’s birthday, so you might as well say so.”
Alex and the rest of his companions laughed at Mrs. Goodseed’s outburst, and Michael laughed loudest of all.
It seemed that the entire company had bought birthday presents for Michael, despite Andy telling them not to. Val gave Michael a magical flute that played songs by itself. Sindar gave him a large book of stories that included many beautiful illustrations. Bregnest produced a fine new bow and a quiver of arrows, and he was quick to help when Michael couldn’t quite manage to string the bow by himself.
While everyone was wishing Michael a happy birthday, Andy slipped away from the table and out of the house. Mrs. Goodseed seemed to know what Andy was up to because she soon made a point of asking where Andy had gone.
“I believe he stepped outside,” said Halfdan, winking at Alex.
�
�Outside?” Mrs. Goodseed questioned, though she didn’t look at all surprised. “What in the world is he doing outside?”
“Perhaps we should go and see,” Halfdan suggested.
They all filed out of the front door and saw Andy standing in the courtyard with a beautiful black horse.
“I hope he’s the one you wanted,” Andy said as Michael ran toward him.
“Oh, he is,” exclaimed Michael, hugging Andy. “He’s perfect.”
“A fine-looking horse,” Halfdan commented. “And Alex and I have something that belongs to him.”
“What’s that?” Andy questioned, though it was obvious he knew what Halfdan was talking about.
“We decided a horse was little good without a saddle,” said Alex, smiling at Andy.
When Halfdan produced the saddle from his magic bag, Michael looked as if he were about to burst with joy. He looked around at all the adventurers and at his family, not sure what to do or say. It seemed as if he’d been given more than he’d ever dared to hope for.
“Well, come on then,” said Andy. “You’d best go for a ride.”
Michael didn’t need to be asked twice, and he was soon saddling his new horse with Andy’s help. Alex and his friends watched for a short time, and then went back to the house to finish their meal.
“You have all been extremely kind to my son,” said Argus to the company as he took his seat in the dining room once more. “I am very much in your debt.”
“It is a little thing compared to the kindness you and your family have shown us,” said Bregnest. “It is not easy having so many adventurers around the house.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all,” said Mrs. Goodseed. “You are all welcome, any time.”
After breakfast, Alex pulled Bregnest aside for a quiet chat. He told him about the golden brooch he’d received from Elwig and how he had thought about giving it to Mrs. Goodseed. He felt that it should come from the company, as a thank-you gift to Mrs. Goodseed for taking such good care of them. Bregnest thought it was an excellent idea, and insisted that Alex present the brooch on behalf of them all.
“We will compensate you for the cost,” said Bregnest.
“Oh, there’s no need for that,” said Alex. “It was part of a trade I made with Elwig. I have no idea what it would cost by itself.”
“Still, we should make some compensation,” Bregnest insisted.
Alex waved his hand. “It’s a small thing between friends, and the cost is little enough.”
Bregnest didn’t reply, but simply nodded his acceptance.
Alex knew that Bregnest wasn’t pleased with his answer, but also knew he would not argue the point.
That afternoon there was another feast, and Alex was asked to join the wedding table, as he had been the ring bearer. He sat between Lilly and Indigo, answering their questions about his last adventure with Skeld and Tayo.
Alex answered all the questions that were asked, careful to always point out Skeld and Tayo’s parts in the adventure. Skeld and Tayo beamed at him, and would occasionally interrupt to point out something he had done as well. Alex was grateful that no one asked about Tayo’s wounds or how he had magically called Tayo back from near death. He didn’t think either of those subjects would go over too well at a wedding feast.
“You have done well,” said Bregnest, walking beside Alex as they returned to the Goodseed house. “You have shown great kindness to your friends and increased their honor. In doing this, your honor grows as well.”
“It seems a small thing,” said Alex. “Though little things are often the most important of all.”
“I see that Whalen has taught you a great deal in a short time,” said Bregnest in a thoughtful tone. “You have changed much since our last journey together.”
“Yes, I believe I have,” Alex admitted. “But I’m still the same person, and I still know who my friends are.”
Bregnest chuckled softly at Alex’s reply and said no more.
Alex knew he had changed during the six months he’d been at home. He had learned more than he had ever thought possible in so short a time. He also understood a great deal more about almost everything having to do with adventures. And now he was learning more and more about magic, and what he might one day become.
Their remaining days in Oslansk passed quickly, full of both work and fun. Each day there were more preparations to be made for their journey and long discussions about what might be ahead of them. Each night there was another feast, another party, and more questions for Alex to answer.
In the little time that Alex had to himself, he began reading the books Whalen had assigned to him. He was relieved to find that simple transfigurations were not too difficult for him to do. On his first attempt, he managed to change a small rock into a white mouse. The magic didn’t take a lot of energy, but it did require him to focus his thoughts and picture the mouse clearly in his head. He hastily changed the mouse back into a rock, however; he didn’t want it to escape into the house and scare Andy’s mother.
He also practiced Whalen’s breathing exercises. Yes, they were a bit silly, as Whalen had said they would be, but already Alex could see how they could help him gain control of his emotions. They made him think about his emotions more than he normally would have, and that alone was a great benefit.
On the night of the final wedding feast, Skeld, Tayo, and their wives said good-bye to the company. They thanked them all for coming and wished them a safe and profitable journey. They all thanked Alex once again for being their ring bearer and made him promise to visit again as soon as he could.
Chapter Six
The Second Bag
The next morning the company gathered for breakfast with the Goodseed family for the last time. There was a touch of sadness in all of their faces. They would miss the fun and feasting they’d had in Oslansk, but they knew that their quest was ahead of them.
As the company gathered in the courtyard with their horses, Bregnest nodded to Alex. He grinned and retrieved the golden brooch from his pocket, stepping forward before speaking.
“Mistress Goodseed,” said Alex, in the most official voice he could manage. “May I present you this gift on behalf of our company, as a token of our thanks for your great kindness.”
Andy’s mother blushed as Alex bowed and presented her with the golden brooch. Argus Goodseed smiled at the company but said nothing, and Alex wondered if Bregnest had mentioned the gift to him.
After several seconds of silence, Mrs. Goodseed found her voice. “I thank you all for your kind gift,” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “If ever any of you are near our home, you will be most welcome.”
The company bowed to the Goodseeds and then mounted their horses. Andy looked stunned and surprised by Alex’s gift, but he didn’t ask any questions in front of his parents. Alex wondered if Bregnest had told everyone except Andy about the gift; he could see that Andy was a little upset.
“May luck be with you,” Argus called as the company rode out of the gate and away from the house.
Once they were moving through the city, Andy demanded to know why he had not been told about the gift to his mother.
“The gift was Alex’s idea,” Bregnest said.
“It seemed like the right thing to do,” said Alex sheepishly. “After all, your family has been very kind to us.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Andy asked again.
“We thought you might spill the beans,” said Halfdan, winking at Alex.
Andy frowned, but when the others started laughing, he joined in as well.
When they reached the city gates, Bregnest headed east, following one of many well-used roads. Argus Goodseed had told them it would take about twelve days to reach the town of Ollvi, if the weather stayed fair. From Ollvi there was a good road leading north and east to the Mountains of the Moon, where they hoped to find the lost Horn of Moran.
Not only would the trip to Ollvi allow the snow to melt off the northern roads, but Alex had a
lost bag to return, and the bag’s heir supposedly lived in Ollvi.
As they rode, Alex wondered what kind of trouble might be waiting for them on the road. He remembered his first adventure when the company had met both bandits and a troll. He hoped that they would meet neither as they traveled here in Norsland, but he knew there would probably be trouble of some kind as they moved into wilder lands.
Clouds started to fill the sky as they went along that first day. By the time they had set up their camp and finished eating, a cold rain had started to fall. They put blankets on their horses, and then quietly went to bed.