by J. R. Castle
“I need to make a trip to see someone. She lives on the northern edge of the Melodies Forest. The trip will take me at least a week if not two.”
Anwynn’s mouth opened as her green eyes burned. She snatched her hands away. “You are abandoning me! After you promised—! And to meet with some other…woman?”
He quickly shook his head. “Orelia Ogletree is a witch. A very old witch. I’m not even sure if she’ll agree to speak to me. When she found out what I was, she chased me away.”
“Then why—?”
“Because Orelia is the only witch I know who can make a potion that truly controls a person’s mind. I’ve seen her make it with my own eyes, even helped, but she would never tell me what ingredients she used. Like Fajer, she was very secretive about her…magic.”
Anwynn flinched. “How could you consider associating with someone like…”
“I was desperate and hungry when I came across her. She is the Enchantress Zilvia’s sister. Orelia tries to keep a low profile. She even knows how to take a gifted one’s powers without having to resort to calling forth a pit-demon as the Brethren do.”
Anwynn’s gloved hand covered her mouth. “Still, Darnel, she is dangerous. And to be related to that…that…there are vile reasons Zilvia was banished from the land.”
“How are the Brethren any better, Anwynn?” Darnel didn’t truly care about how evil Orelia was. For the most part, the old witch simply wished to be left alone. She reminded him of a fat spider, spinning a transparent web to entrap the unsuspecting passersby and sapping them of their life forces. That was how she’d kept her powers and life for so long.
The Brethren were leeches, too. Another reason he didn’t wish to band with them. Though he appreciated their little trick of ridding the land of the powerfully gifted and absorbing their powers, he didn’t wish to become another parasite like them. He had higher aspirations and would not allow the euphoria of extracting the energy of others to tarnish his true ambition.
Anwynn gazed out the small side window of the carriage as the buildings slowly passed by. Soon the pale blue of the Leukos River glinted in the late morning sunlight.
“The Brethren are not any different,” she said with a resolute sigh. “But my choices were also limited at the time. Until I met you and saw how strong you are against them.”
Her penetrating emerald green gaze turned back to him. “We will make a powerful force that even the Brethren cannot match. I never should have lowered myself to join forces with them, except that, like you, I was desperate at the time and needed their help.”
Darnel recalled her tale of how a band of trolls destroyed her family’s remote cove in the Mire Woods. She had barely escaped with her life.
“I know, love. And I swear, I have every intention of returning for you.”
The carriage had stopped, but neither of them made an effort to get out. The driver would wait and not disturb them, so Darnel decided they were safer waiting inside the carriage where they’d not risk having to walk over the white streets.
“Then take me—” her words were cut off by the side door opening.
Darnel was about to scold the driver for disturbing them when Koloman poked his head in. “My apologies, my liege.” For some reason, the adviser had taken to speaking to them as if he were a mere servant. Fajer drank it down like fine wine. To Darnel, their host was an insect he planned to squash first chance he had.
Koloman waved a rolled piece of parchment as he climbed inside and sat beside Anwynn. She scowled and scooted over to the far end of the bench seat, folding her arms over her chest.
Darnel kept his grin tight to not give away his amusement. Anwynn’s feelings for the turncoat were the same as his. “What is your news, Koloman?”
“I fear the regent is being stubborn today. He wrote that an unexpected guest will be taking up all his time this afternoon, and he will not be able to join us at the Inn.” He unrolled the note with a heavy sigh. “I figured I would find you waiting here, so I came to let you know, and…” He paused for a long moment, his gaze traveling over Anwynn and her brightly colored dress before he shook his head and continued. “He added that he fears it’s not working out with the potential mates I’ve brought to him so far. Leon says he will choose a wife in his own way and in his own time. He still insists on holding that festival.”
“When will that happen?” Darnel asked.
“The first day of autumn, right before harvest starts.”
Darnel mentally calculated how much time he had and realized the festival was a fortnight away. He could reach Orelia’s and return by then. If he left right away.
Anwynn’s face hardened as she glared at Darnel. “It’s not my fault, I’ve done—”
“Hush,” both of them said at the same time. Koloman patted her clasped hands before she managed to move them out of his reach. “There is a rumor going around that he has been spending a lot of time with someone on the kitchen staff. Though that wouldn’t surprise me, the boy does enjoy going against the common rules of conduct. Still, I believe it’s rubbish. The waif they speak of is a new arrival and severely disfigured. He is only showing her kindness, I’m sure.”
Darnel cleared his throat and gave a slight shake of his head toward Anwynn’s continued protests. They’d already talked about the regent’s indifference. Darnel understood the man’s reluctance to take a wife, truly. The added responsibility and demands… well, the note shouldn’t be a surprise to her at all. He was sure her anger was more from her pride taking a hit with the regent’s rejection.
Darnel held up his hands to silence them both. “We’ve already discussed this. I fear the regent is too devoted in his allegiance with the Light King, despite how misguided he might be. He is still young and has not learned the hard lessons of life and reality, yet.”
Koloman nodded. “Indeed not. He’s much too ambitious for his own good. Such a cub. He has no—”
“Be that as it may,” Darnel continued, not wishing to listen to another rant. “We were, only moments ago, discussing an alternative plan. I suppose what we need to do is return to the farm and speak with Fajer about this.”
Koloman tugged at his flowing speckled beard, a worried frown on his face. “Master Fajer will be most displeased. Perhaps Anwynn should stay here in town while you go speak to him?”
Darnel gritted his teeth. Fajer was not his master anymore. “We are not concerned about Fajer. He is powerless and must abide by whatever I decide, do you understand what I’m saying?” If he couldn’t make the adviser understand, then…
But from the startled jolt the man gave as his eyes widened with Darnel’s declaration, it seemed he understood perfectly. “Yes, my lord. Should I tell the driver to take us out to the farm now?”
“Yes, I’m ready to be out of this city. And… we’ll need to hurry.”
* * * *
Fajer ordered Koloman to tell the cooks to prepare a meal for all of them. The moment the sitting room’s door closed behind him, Fajer turned to Darnel. “How do I know you’ll follow through and return? And before you say it, I have no reason to trust your word, now do I?”
Fury boiled as Darnel shot to his feet, knocking the chair back against the desk. “I’ve never given you a reason not to, have I? Even when I had a chance to allow you to end your miserable life, did I not help you see reason? We both want this province. But we are running out of time and resources, Fajer.”
“It’s a ploy,” he shouted.
Anwynn stood, anger clouding her features to the point Darnel feared she might try another attempt to kill the wizard. Moving toward her, he gently laid his hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t you get out of that gaudy dress. Let me and Fajer talk in private.”
She almost started to shake her head until he whispered, “Let me handle this.” To his surprise, she conceded. The door slammed behind her so hard, the glass canters on the serving bar clattered together.
Once they were alone, Darnel faced his partner who was
pouring himself another drink. “If you won’t trust me to do this, and you have no better ideas, then I suppose it’s time for us to give up and leave Rodon. I’m sick of this place. We cannot use Anwynn to overpower the regent. I should have known his medallion would protect him from her mind control.”
Fajer gulped the amber contents down in one long swallow, then poured another. “That useless elf. We should go ahead and use her for the—”
“No. You’ll not harm her, Fajer. I forbid it.”
A laugh escaped the wizard. “You forbid…it? Well, that settles that.” His laughter hit Darnel like a bucket of frozen lake water.
Fury surged through him and before he could stop himself, Darnel sent a blast of pain energy toward Fajer. The glass slipped from his contorted hand and smashed against the wood floor. Moments later, Fajer crumpled into a screaming heap.
This time, the wizard was powerless to fight back.
Darnel said nothing, letting the pain speak for itself. After a couple of minutes of screaming, he released Fajer.
The doors flew open as Koloman rushed in, followed by Anwynn.
“Get out,” Darnel ordered. “Get out both of you. This is between Fajer and me. Get. Out!”
They practically knocked each other over as they rushed backward and slammed the doors. Darnel heard the turn of the lock. Koloman most likely wished to contain them to one room. Less he would have to repair once they finished.
Fajer slowly pulled himself back to his feet, then stumbled over to one of the plush chairs beside the fireplace and collapsed onto it. He held his bald tattooed head in his shaking hands.
Darnel went to the opposite chair and sat.
For a long time, neither said anything.
Once Fajer’s hands seemed to grow still, he sat up but kept his gaze on the flickering flames. “Are you seriously ready to give up on our plan? That easily?”
“No.” Darnel the wrinkles from his jacket. “That’s why I’m risking my neck to take this trip. The regent will not be swayed as easily as we’d hoped. I have another idea.” He explained his plan, not giving names or the location of where Orelia stayed.
“A witch.” Fajer pulled a cloth from his pocket and wiped the sweat from his head. “I thought it was a joke at first. Once she learns what you are—”
“She already knows.”
“And you think she’ll help you?”
Darnel took his time answering. Truth was, he wasn’t sure of anything, but he had no other ideas. “Do you have a better plan, Fajer? Besides trying to stay as drunk as you possibly can so you don’t have to deal with the fact you’re no better than the common human now?”
Fajer stood, his fist clenched, as he glared down at Darnel who chuckled, “You really want to do this again?”
The sorcerer plopped back into the chair, defeat dragging at his haggard features.
“I’m leaving tonight. I’ll need coins. That will help me convince her to help me. I’ll also need two swift horses that are accustomed to long trips.”
“Two?” Fajer stood again, but slowly this time. “Why two?”
“I’m taking Anwynn with me. You can remain here and keep Koloman busy and away from town. The regent won’t miss him. He’s too busy with his new guest and planning that festival. I’ll return before then. If everything goes as I hope it does, we’ll make our move during the festival.”
Fajer folded his arms over his chest with a smug grin. “What if your Elderad friend is there?”
Darnel shuddered. So far, Riyah had been traveling around the province, fortifying the roads between towns from what he’d heard. At least they were easy to cover up. Better the Elderad be occupied with that, as far as Darnel was concerned.
“Let’s hope he’s too busy with his little project to return any time soon. Has Koloman heard any more about him?”
Fajer laughed. “Look at you tremble at the mere mention of him. Not so brave now, are you? I can see through your facade.” He returned to the bar, noticed the broken glass and spilled drink seeping into the edge of the carpet, then turned away. “Koloman is busy searching for a gifted one we can use to help restore some of my powers. You’ve been much too busy with… your own affairs. And now you’ll take her with you, along with my gold and Koloman’s finest horses. And I’m supposed to go along with this? You are either arrogant beyond reason, or you’ve lost your mind. I’ll not give you one coin unless you leave the Imigi-globe with me. At least I’ll be able to watch you stab me in the back while you’re doing it.”
“I need the globe to help me find the witch.” Darnel would never give it back to Fajer now that it was in his possession. It was Curian made and belonged to him!
“Then you’ll leave Anwynn here with me and Koloman. If you disagree with that, then you’ll be walking there. I hear the Melodies Forest is riddled with all manner of creatures. Goblins that’ll rob you of everything you own, including your eyeballs. They consider them a delicacy. Hopefully, you’ll not run into a nest of Brownies or pixies that’ll—”
“Enough. I know the dangers of that place.” Which was a reason he wanted a swift horse. The faster it could run the better. “Very well, I keep the globe and you keep Anwynn.”
She would hate him for this but would have to get over it. “You must swear an oath to not harm her while I’m gone. Or provoke her. Do we have a deal?”
“Perhaps you’re not as enamored with her as I thought. Good man. Yes, I’ll keep her safe and sound. She’s still useful to us. Though she would be invaluable to you in those woods.” He waved his hand with a chuckle. “However, you’ll travel faster if you go by yourself.”
“I want to leave right away.” The sooner the better. He’d tell her the news and be off before she had a chance to draw one of her magical weapons. There was no safety bond between the two of them. If he crossed her, she’d make him pay, and he’d not fool himself into believing otherwise.
“You’ll stay and dine with us while your horse and provisions are made ready. I’m sure Koloman has some coins stashed somewhere around here. No witch will accept the kind I have on hand. Do not let her know you’ve spent time with the Brethren or she may turn you into a pile of ash. The witches blame us for the banishment of their leader, that Enchantress Zilvia.”
“I know. You find me as many coins as you can scrape together.” If he had to stay through the evening meal, then he’d need to go speak with Anwynn and smooth things over. He hadn’t eaten anything at all that day and did need a decent meal before he left on his trip.
Darnel headed for the door, then remembered they’d been locked in and took the narrow side door that led to a hidden stairwell. He knew the coins would allow him entrance into her yard, but the potion he wanted would probably cost him more than a few gold pieces. He hoped she’d not ask for something he couldn’t bear to part with.
“Darnel,” Fajer called out, stopping him at the first step. “If you’re not back before the festival, our deal is void. I’ve found the perfect spot to open the passage between worlds and everything is ready to conduct the extracting ceremony. I’ve even been able to pick a lesser powerful pit-demon that’ll do the job nicely and not be as dangerous as the one the Brethren call forth.”
Darnel slowly turned to face the sorcerer. So, he hadn’t been spending all his time in a drunken stupor as they’d thought. “What are you saying, Fajer?”
“If you do not return as you promised, I’ll use Anwynn to restore my powers. At least then I’ll be able to return to my order. The lesson will be learned, and I’ll never take on another apprentice again. I was doing fine on my own before I happened on you.”
If only Darnel could say the same. But he couldn’t. He’d been wandering the land as a nomad for a couple of years, trying to scrape by. The towns where he could actually try to blend in and make a living were all dedicated to the Light King, and he couldn’t remain in them for long. The towns that weren’t pledged to Aloblase soon figured out what an oddity he was and chased him away
.
“I’ll be back in time.”
He’d need to hurry and ride like the wind.
Chapter Eighteen
Leon watched his Curian friend, Brock, turn the cog on the back of the glove that made the fingers move of their own volition.
“Astounding!” Leon gasped. “But…how…? I don’t understand. I mean, how will she control the fingers on her own?”
Brock smirked, causing the swirling black lines on his face to crinkle. “You don’t understand because you are a mortal human, not a Curian like myself, who does understand these mysteries. Trust me, my friend,” he patted Leon on his back. “They will work just as well as her old hands did before her accident.”
Shaking his head, all Leon could do was mutter, “Astounding,” once more. Leon had taken Brock to meet Kardia the same afternoon he’d arrived. Brock was eager to get started on his project but first needed to see what he had to work with. Leon hadn’t wanted to share his plan with her yet, wishing to surprise her. Besides, he wanted to make sure Brock would come through on his promise to create mechanical hands before he told her, just in case his idea didn’t work.
Brock had been absolutely sure Leon’s idea was a solid one. “I wouldn’t have come so quickly, my friend, if I didn’t think it would work.” Brock had given him a gentle shove, laughing. Just like when they were in training together. Both had a love for creating things and had taken several science and physics studies together. Most of the instruction came either from Logorian or Curian instructors.
Leon had been sure Brock would follow his family’s passion to become an instructor, but he loved inventing and building things more.
A knock at the cottage door brought Leon back to the present. He’d lost all track of time watching his friend work. He closed the doors of the study where Brock’s materials were spread across every flat surface. Leon would rather nobody knew about his little plan. There was enough gossip going around the Meeting Hall as it was.
