The mage thought about it and believed the match between Kobu and Asag could be the reason. Before, the ranger and the exile were the mortal members of the company, excluding Tyler, whom they believed to be between a human and a deity.
The fight last night proved Kobu to be more than a simple mortal – one capable of defeating a daemon as powerful as Asag. No wonder the ranger’s feeling down, considered the mage. Tyler knew he had to do something quickly. Astrid was liable to frighten the man to death the way she had been leading the conversation.
The company had adopted their usual skirmish formation, but now had Asag with Tyndur. Hrun was way ahead of the group. It had been agreed the mage would keep track of the elemental to determine the direction to take.
It was an arrangement that satisfied Tyler. It kept the companions together, well under the shield he projected. More importantly, it forced the mage to do the scrying frequently. Looking for potential magical threats was a protective measure he usually forgot. Habrok now covered the left flank. But as he moved toward the ranger, he passed by Asag, and another problem reared its head.
“Asag, your aura. It’s still too strong when somebody gets close to you. Can’t you do something about it?” asked Tyler as he walked beside the daemon.
“Strongly suppressed it is, young mage, yet my natural strength and beauty shine forth,” replied Asag, clearly mimicking Hrun.
Damn. It’s too early in the day for another duel, thought the mage, as he satisfied himself with an imaginary punch to Asag’s jaw.
“Stop that. Don’t make fun of Hrun. Yet another headache, I don’t need,” reproached Tyler, who caught himself adopting the same speech pattern.
“See?” chuckled the daemon. “It’s contagious. I like it. It makes me sound wise.”
“Just stop doing it. Hrun might take offense, and I don’t want another duel in the middle of our journey. It’s a dangerous distraction and could compromise everybody’s safety. Do try to hide your aura more. It’s a clear give-away as soon as a mage or a deity gets within two feet,” said Tyler. Getting irritated was useless and it was too early in the day.
“Me? Duel Hrun? If his energy is the same as that of my captor, then forget it. Even for a friendly match,” answered Asag.
That surprised Tyler, and immediately he was reminded of last night’s discussion, interrupted by the unsolicited arrival of their guests. And no, he was not going to start calling them divine. He looked at the daemon.
“Different?” he asked.
“You could say that. It’s similar to what’s around us, but with a powerful undercurrent to it. Like the energy that powers the geas that binds me to you. It looks like a pitiful excuse for a magical cord, but tamper with it and it will hurt you badly. Which reminds me, you do have some of that strange energy. I just draw on the regular kind I find within you. Though, I have to admit your body transforms it into a much stronger version. The two others I leave alone,” whispered the daemon conspiratorially.
Two others? thought the mage. One would be the energy Asag just mentioned, and the other would be… Elder power. He could sense that?
“You know of the other one?” asked Tyler, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice. His mind was again flustered by the implications of what Asag said. The daemon had held a disturbing pattern of surprises in store for him since the Dokkalfr Mountains.
“I have encountered, or rather sensed, its kind before. Bad news energy. Worse than Hrun’s. Usually found in ancient and bizarre ruins. I avoid it. Nearly got kicked back to the Void the first time I tried examining it. But you won’t hear me asking why you have that aura within you. It’s your business,” replied Asag in a low voice.
Suddenly, Tyler couldn’t find anything to say.
“Though its presence does benefit me. Your foes will find it insanely difficult to kill you, unless they get lucky, of course, and as a result, I get to be around a little more,” continued Asag smugly, who then glanced at the mage. “You do know how to use it, don’t you?”
The mage was tempted to lie and say yes. But it went against his character, not to mention the bond between them would show falsehood. Yet Tyler couldn’t admit he didn’t have a full grasp of the abilities granted by Elder energy. He did the next best thing – he intentionally fumbled his way.
“Yes, sort of,” he answered.
“What do you mean sort of?” came the inevitable demand for clarification. The daemon might be simpleminded at times, but Asag wasn’t stupid.
“Still learning the ropes,” Tyler answered honestly. “You don’t think mastery of such a mighty, arcane power could come overnight, don’t you? Even ordinary mages take a lot of time to become adepts in their fields.”
“Ah, you’re right. But master it quickly, First Mage – I guess that’s what they call you. I would hate to think my existence relies on an inexperienced and inadequately prepared practitioner,” said Asag.
That’s what exactly is what it is, thought Tyler.
“I have to talk with Habrok, Asag. Don’t forget what I said about your magical aura,” said the mage as he took his leave. “Enjoy the quiet. With this company, such periods are few and far between.”
The young mage quickly moved toward Habrok who was some distance away. He doubted if he’d find another appropriate time to talk to the ranger, especially when they had Hrun doing the scouting.
The mage had barely taken five steps when he again felt that peculiar warm sensation that meant something or someone of magic or magical origin was coming. It came directly from their front. Everybody apparently sensed it too as weapons were readied.
Then suddenly, the Greek goddess of victory appeared several feet above them, wings fully extended. Tyler was surprised by Nike’s sudden return, but her empty hands reassured him no attack was forthcoming. The deity still looked furious as she stared at the daemon.
“Welcome back, my lovely!” Asag said immediately upon seeing who it was.
Oh, my God. What was that description of Asag’s way with women? Abominable? Right now, I am thinking beastly, thought Tyler.
“Don’t my lovely me, you beast!” yelled the outraged Nike.
Guessed it, came the mental affirmation of what the mage thought.
“I come with a final warning, Asag. If ever you lose your leash, never, ever, come back to Hellas again! The women of the pantheon will hunt you down like the animal you are!” came Nike’s words before she suddenly vanished.
Asag shook his head and laughed heartily. A stone flew through the air and struck the back of his helm with considerable force. The mage looked and found it was Astrid, who had a disgusted expression.
“What was that for?” cried out Asag as his hand tried to determine the extent of damage to the helmet.
“Nike was right. You have abominable manners with women,” coldly replied the Valkyrie. “The way I see it, all female deities you encounter hate you.”
“They just don’t want to accept the fact they find me irresistible,” explained the rascal. “And I definitely take exception to that all female deities remark. I don’t approach every female I see, just to let you know. I also have my preferences. Not even powerful beings of the opposite sex appeal to me just because they’re women. Especially those that merely want you for your power and etheric flesh, and I meant that literally. Fled from a few in the past.”
“Stop it, you two. The goddess merely gave a warning. And Asag is his usual self. I’d be wary if he suddenly changed his personality. Our party should know him that much by now. He’s part of the company, for better or for worse. But our experience has shown – yes, even through that misunderstanding with Kobu – he also fights for and with us. Let’s all move forward, shall we?” said the mage, his lengthy discourse driven by the need not to create another fracture between the daemon and any of the companions.
Thankfully, Asag’s issue with the exile had been resolved, the matter ending with new-found respect on both sides. Tyler didn’t want another simi
lar problem – he already had to watch for any change in Tyndur’s demeanor toward the daemon, given the former’s distrust.
***
Unfortunately, Nike’s appearance and the group’s entry into the thickly forested land on the edges of Fossegrim made Tyler forget he wanted to talk to Habrok. The stone elemental might have scouted their path for magical enemies waiting in ambush, but there were also natural predators around.
Without Eira, there was no telling how bears, large cats, and other animals would act. There also existed the possibility of dokkalfr or jotunn stragglers. Nothing the party couldn’t handle, but a surprise attack could still injure or if it involved poisonous snakes, kill.
Even Tyler wasn’t sure about how the shield would react to native fauna. He doubted if the barrier would disturb a sleeping bear or mountain lion. It was a magical loophole that could lead to the party finding itself with a roused, angry fanged beast or beasts within its perimeter. The same analogy applied to snakes and other native dangers, one reason why Habrok joined Tyndur in the lead, leaving the daemon to take over the open flank. As a result, Tyler had to postpone whatever he wanted to discuss with the ranger.
Finally, they reached the foot of a large hill, one side of which was a vertical slab of basalt. Hrun was there, waiting for then. Mercifully, the trek was made without further incident, except when Tyler had to shush the humming daemon. Despite the presence of Hrun, Astrid and Habrok still broke out from the group to do their own quick examination of the surroundings. Evidently, they had the same concern about Hrun’s ability to detect threats. The misgiving centered around the possibility that for the stone elemental, a non-magical, natural predator might not be deemed a threat.
“Hello, Hrun,” said Tyler as those companions without scouting duties sat down and rested.
“Hail and well-meet, my friend. You made good time. Camp here and rest. Now is an inopportune time to travel. Long is the way, and across western Skaney do we go. Such a journey, even with my ability, time will take; for use we must make of mountains and hills, and not as an arrow must we journey,” replied the elemental. The mage nodded.
It had been a tiring walk across uneven and forested terrain. Only Habrok’s skills made it possible for them to arrive by mid-afternoon. Hrun’s comment also made sense. The elemental’s power was focused on stone, so the journey to their destination had to go through places where an acceptable amount of rock existed. The mage didn’t doubt their magical route would be a meandering one.
“Are you suggesting tomorrow morning for the next stage?” asked the mage.
“Indeed, my friend. To leave now is to arrive at night, tired and hungry, in an unfamiliar place,” answered Hrun.
“Tyndur, you heard?” the mage called out.
“I heard. Time to unpack. With the help of these two ladies sitting near me, of course,” Tyndur shouted back.
***
Preparations for the night’s rest went swiftly, with Habrok again providing dinner. The party wisely avoided touching its provisions unless absolutely necessary. The stone elemental also gave a welcome surprise in the form of a stream of clean, fresh water flowing directly from the basalt face of the hill. The mage smiled when he saw Astrid refilling their water flasks; it was easy enough for Hrun to divert part of an underground river through the rock. No doubt he’d close it when the party had departed.
“Hey, Habrok,” said the mage as the ranger started putting things away after dinner. “I heard what Astrid was telling you. Don’t mind those tall tales. We’ve been through a lot together since the beginning, and yet here you are – despite drakes, that twisted dark being in the Aztecha capital, and other shit which would make ordinary warriors curl up and cry. We’ll get through this, and whatever storm of crap comes our way.”
The ranger nodded and smiled. Tyler didn’t know if what he said would help restore some of the lost confidence of Habrok, but he felt he had to say out loud his trust in the man. The warrior had been with him since Maljen, through the loss of Jorund, and Tyler’s trust in the ranger was absolute. He wanted Habrok to know that simple fact.
Dinner over, Tyler walked to Hrun who remained in a location some distance from the campfire. The mage sat beside his friend, gazing on the companions. Hrun kept quiet even as the mage waited for him to comment. It was peculiar behavior for Hrun, the young mage mused, as usually the elemental was ebullient and lost no chance to practice his skaldic skills.
“Thoughts, Hrun?” Tyler finally asked. He was going to say a penny for your thoughts, but luckily caught himself. The word penny would be particularly hard to explain and – God forbid – include a lengthy exposition on the First World’s financial system.
“Your journey, my friend. Fraught with risk, bedeviled by yon daemon’s past, and foes mighty and formidable await you. Yet here I am, helpless as I witness your trials, hands bound by powers greater than mine,” said the elemental sadly.
“Don’t worry about it, my rock of a friend. We’ll manage and get back Eira,” replied Tyler confidently. Somehow.
Yet his reply didn’t get any other comment from Hrun, so Tyler changed tack and inquired after the children. That query brought a faint smile on Hrun’s face. He again reassured Tyler that Fossegrim Forest was now the safest place on Adar. The stone elemental’s aettir from faraway lands were now in the region, together with ellri of other elements. The Ancients continued to keep a watchful eye on the north, waiting for Rumpr’s killers to come forth, and a vast host could be assembled on short notice. And no, Hrun still doubted if Tyler’s present foes knew about what was waiting for them once they came out of Tartarus – if they did emerge in the north.
That’s gonna be a show I want to watch, thought the mage, who then hurriedly placed conditions on what he just wished. On the sidelines, not on the frontlines.
“Your affinity seemed similar to Asag’s, if you don’t mind me saying so,” commented Tyler, trying to draw out more information. He had considered Hrun’s previous comment about not providing any knowledge about their present endeavor. Still, the entity might be open to discussing other matters.
“Appearances easily deceive, my friend. I am born of the Power which created the stone of this world. Your burden of a daemon is of a different mold. Of two other energies is he fashioned, but of primeval rock, he definitely is not,” answered Hrun.
The answer perplexed the mage, and despite more attempts, he couldn’t get any clarification from Hrun. Even the stone elemental admitted he had said more than he was permitted to say. With that statement, Tyler desisted. It wasn’t worth putting his friend in more trouble. He stood up and watched as his companions got ready for bed, except for the daemon again, who apparently had no need for sleep.
“I guess it’s time for bed, Hrun. Here’s to hoping nothing disturbs us tonight. Tomorrow’s another long day and the springing of whatever trap awaits us. Any words of advice for the long, dusty road ahead?” smiled Tyler.
“I again apologize deeply for my absence in your venture, young mage, yet thankful for the trust reposed in me over your children,” replied Hrun, unhappiness again clouding his features. “As for advice, I am not permitted to say such things. Yet it is often said help is of many kinds. It may come with intentions ill and dark, or it may come with graces for both giver and receiver. It is for one to decide which to accept, yet most welcome is a hand extended from the heart.”
Chapter Ten:
Arrival
Just before the sun broke through the grayness of the ending false dawn, the party gathered in front of the basalt cliff. Hrun was running a discourse on what to expect while traveling. It would be a long journey, even when considered from the magical point of view.
It would entail at least four hours of walking inside the tunnel, or hallway, depending on how one described it. There was no need for torches, and they could only take one quick break inside it. The party wouldn’t see the surface until they arrived at their destination. At that point, Hrun emphasized di
sorientation might set in as they would be arriving there late in the afternoon.
Time, the stone elemental emphasized, ran differently as they wove their way toward their destination. He suggested making camp when they arrived and investigated the lay of the land. There was a small promontory a mile or so from their exit which would be an ideal place to camp – an excellent vantage point, not too thickly covered with trees and vegetation, and easily defensible. Sheer cliffs protected it from three sides. The elemental suggested they immediately make for it while daylight allowed.
“Why?” asked Tyndur. “Predators and such? Monsters?”
Hrun looked at the einherjar.
“A reason there is for such a name bestowed upon a strange place; not lightly do the knowledgeable call it a place of exiles. Humans and other beings vomited from lands far and wide, studying and playing with powers they barely understand.”
“Mad tinkerers and crazy mages then. Boy, did I have enough of them and their experiments once upon a time,” commented Tyndur with distaste.
“Those ill-fated souls and more, Lost of Asgard,” said the elemental.
Did he just call the einherjar the Lost of Asgard? Damn that gag order on Hrun. It appeared a lot had happened. Things I don’t know anything about, thought the mage.
“Are we going or not?” came Asag’s impatient voice from the rear. He had been designated by Tyndur as their rearguard.
Hrun didn’t reply but instead placed his hand on the rock. A large hallway, with an open door and a curved ceiling, appeared. It was significantly bigger than the one Tyler used in Scarburg. Hrun was making sure the space within could accommodate the party and their baggage, though the extra space enormously helped in warding off claustrophobia.
One by one, they entered. Tyndur first, then Habrok, followed by Astrid. The mage and his perennial shadow followed next, and then Asag. Tyler noticed the elemental stayed behind.
The Accidental Archmage: Book Seven (Dragons and Demons) Page 12
