Which, of course, was time Finn didn’t have.
Thinking back on it, there had only been a handful of times – much like the moment of panic or conflict that Bilel had described – where Finn had developed something new. In those moments, it had felt more like an act of intuition than a comprehensive and systematic discovery. But how the hell did you summon inspiration on demand?
The obvious answer was that he couldn’t.
And so Finn had also reached a point where he had simply thrown up his hands in frustration – too busy with the Emir’s competition to focus on his spellcasting problems. Although, it seemed Bilel had had a bit more freedom.
His eyes skimmed back to the book in his hands. Finn took in the flowing, careful script once more, excitement stirring at the corners of his mind. Bilel’s approach made sense. If he intended to figure out how to create spells, he needed to start by better understanding how he was casting spells in the first place. But had he been successful in his quest? Had he managed to create more spells? Discovered something about the nature and source of magic that had finally unlocked the formula?
Could this book hold the answers Finn had been looking for?
His fingers gently flipped the page, sheltering the tome from the harsh wind and whipping sand as his eyes began to trace the graceful, flowing writing. He supposed there was only one way to find out.
Chapter 9 - Recharged
Bilel’s Journal - Entry 2
If our goal is to investigate the nature of magic, we should begin with what we already know. Unfortunately, the answer is “precious little.”
Based on what I could find in the guild library, much of the accumulated knowledge regarding spellcasting and mana has developed over centuries – not as a result of concerted study, but as a product solely of trial and error. Those few spells were then passed down from mage to mage, largely by word of mouth.
To make matters worse, those that took the time to write down their observations did little to explain their process or assist future generations. Instead, the guild library is filled with more folklore than observable facts. There are hundreds of tomes and scrolls that allege time and time again that the gods are intrinsically tied to the generation and use of mana, providing what I assume to be allegorical accounts in vivid detail.
Except we know much of this to be false. A mage can cast spells without any divine intervention, as I and many others have proven for much of our lives.
***
As the sun began to drop toward the horizon, a whistle suddenly pierced the air. Finn glanced up from Bilel’s journal to see that Altair was gesturing at a rocky outcropping less than half a mile away – a flat table of stone that rose into dozens of worn pillars of rock that had been blasted smooth by wind and sand. Many more of the rocky outcroppings were embedded in the nearby sand, creating a line of islands that jutted from the dunes.
At the guard captain’s direction, the caravan shifted course for the rocks, gliding across the sand toward one of the islands.
Only a couple minutes later, the beetles slid to a stop beside a flat shelf of stone that speared out into the desert. Finn’s mount hovered in place for only a moment before settling back upon the sand and then shuffling awkwardly onto the worn sandstone. As soon as his beetle’s feet touched rock, Finn hopped off his beetle, resisting the urge to drop to his knees and kiss the ground. Focusing on Bilel’s journal had helped distract himself from the nausea.
But only barely.
“You’re still looking pretty green,” Julia commented from beside Finn. Kyyle wasn’t far away, attempting to retrieve his bags as his mount slowly waddled away. “Don’t like beetle travel?”
“I’d have much preferred to walk,” Finn grumbled.
“Actually, I’m not sure you would,” Kyyle retorted, coming up behind them. “See?” The young earth mage pointed at the beetles, who were all moving quickly up onto the rock outcropping as though trying to escape the desert sand. They forced their queen ahead of them, the smaller beetles only scurrying onto the rock once they were certain she was safe.
Is there a reason they’re avoiding the sand?
Kyyle answered the question painted on Finn’s face. “I was talking to some of the guards. They said the sandworms hunt based on vibration. That’s what makes the beetles so valuable as mounts. They don’t actually touch the surface, and the cushion of air mana simulates a gust of wind blowing across the surface of the desert.”
The earth mage shook his head. “The indigenous life here is fascinating.”
Finn turned his attention back to the way they had come. Indeed, the beetles had left little or no trail, what faint indentations their paddled feet created were soon blown away. Putting aside the threat of sandworms, that would also make it difficult for others to follow them. Perhaps he had underestimated the overgrown bugs.
“Fine, but I’d still risk the sandworms,” Finn grumbled under his breath, earning him a grin from the earth mage and an exasperated snort from his daughter.
“Alright, champions to me!” Altair’s voice carried over the chatter of the caravan and the click of chitin on stone.
“Looks like we’re being summoned,” Julia said, motioning in Altair’s direction with her chin.
Finn nodded, and the group headed toward Altair. As Kalisha and her group approached, the merchant spared him a wink and a smile – a reaction that wasn’t mirrored by Vanessa, who eyed them disdainfully. For their part, the group of stone-faced warriors didn’t even acknowledge the other champions, standing at attention and their eyes locked on Altair’s face.
The guard captain glanced at each of the three groups, noting their tense posture and the way they were side eyeing one another. “Alright, now that we’re outside the walls of Lahab, it’s time to set some rules and expectations for this trip.”
“Because who doesn’t love rules on a road trip,” Julia muttered under her breath, forcing Kyyle to bite back a laugh as Altair’s eyes drifted toward them.
“The Emir has tasked me with getting you lot to the Abyss and back safely and without any infighting. To that end, he has authorized any action that I feel is necessary to maintain your safety – up to and including imprisonment and death.”
“That doesn’t exactly seem safe,” Julia observed in a dry tone.
Altair gazed at her evenly, unperturbed by her snark. “Let me be perfectly clear. Inside Lahab, the Emir’s word is law. Out here, I am judge, jury, and executioner. If you have a problem with that arrangement, then there’s the exit,” Altair said, pointing behind him at the sands. “I doubt anyone will miss more Khamsin trash.”
“Some of us aren’t afraid of the desert,” Julia bit back, her eyes flashing and her hand drifting to a blade at her waist. Altair made no move to rise to her challenge, but Finn noticed the other guards tense and shift their weight – gripping their own weapons tightly.
Finn rested a hand on Julia’s arm. “Let it go.”
She grumbled under her breath and glared at him, but slowly backed down.
What the hell was that? Finn wondered. And what is a Khamsin? He resolved to ask Julia later – assuming they managed to find a moment without prying ears.
“Good,” Altair continued, unruffled by the exchange. “I see we all understand each other. We’ll camp here for the evening and then set out at sunrise tomorrow. If there are any disturbances, the offenders will be punished swiftly. Am I understood?”
There were reluctant nods all around.
With that parting statement, Altair turned and set off into the interior of their rocky island, weaving a path between the smooth pillars of stone that speared into the air. Meanwhile, a group of guards herded the beetles toward an adjacent outcropping, the smaller mounts nestling up against their queen’s massive body.
“Real charmer, that guy,” Kyyle groused.
Finn eyed the merchant group. Vanessa met his eyes briefly, her irises pulsing with a soft sapphire light. “Although, he might have a point,�
�� Finn said softly. “Even the Emir warned us to tread carefully. These other two groups would benefit from knocking us off early – or even eliminating a single member of each champion’s group.”
Julia scowled at Altair’s back. “I say we need to keep an eye on the guards too. You don’t know where their true loyalties lie.”
“Uh, so this is all great. I guess we’re making camp with a bunch of enemies,” Kyyle grumbled good-naturedly. “We can sing Kumbaya while stabbing each other in the face.”
Finn spared a grin in his direction. “Technically, you’re more likely to get stabbed in the back. Still excited about coming?”
“I’m having a few second thoughts,” the young man retorted, matching Finn’s smile.
With that, the group headed off after the others, winding their way between the pillars of stone. Finn was surprised by how large this outcropping was, the sandstone ground down to an almost mirror-like shine that reflected the waning sunlight. Although, his brow furrowed as he noticed markings marring the pillars as they passed.
He hesitated in front of one column, his fingers tracing a symbol he didn’t recognize. As best he could tell, it wasn’t Veridian – at least, it wasn’t any symbol he could recall. The design almost looked like hieroglyphics, a far cry from the smooth lines and angles of the magical language he had spent the last few weeks learning. He had to resist the urge to summon Daniel and compare the design against the AI’s more complete database.
“I take it this isn’t the first time someone has visited this place,” he said aloud, half speaking to himself.
“It’s not,” Julia answered tersely, and both Finn and Kyyle glanced at her in surprise.
When she saw their expressions, she continued. “These islands are used as campsites for most groups traveling to and from Lahab – as well as some of the desert’s local inhabitants.”
“Are you saying people live out here?” Kyyle asked, sounding incredulous. Finn could certainly understand his skepticism. They had just ridden through miles of barren sand.
Julia shrugged. “As I understand it, yes.”
“How do you know that?” Finn asked, watching her face in hopes of gleaning some unspoken information. She had seemed more reserved once they had left the walls of Lahab – her gaze more intense and her mouth often pinched in a thin line.
“Since the Merchant Guild controls most trade in the city, it’s rather difficult to fence stolen goods,” she explained. “Most black-market dealers resell the stolen wares outside the city. Given how much they are willing to pay, my guess is that the communities living outside of Lahab are quite large.”
“Hmm. Altair called you Khamsin. What does that mean?” Finn asked, lowering his voice and eyeing the nearby guards. It seemed they were out of earshot at least.
Julia’s eyes darted to the symbols and then back to Finn. “It means ‘desert wind.’ It’s what the residents of Lahab call those that live in the desert. I can only guess that Captain Awesome assumed I was one of them,” she offered with a shrug. “Maybe it’s my breezy and carefree personality.”
The explanation made sense, although Finn sensed that there was more to that story than she let on. However, he let it go as the group continued forward, and more royal guards came into view. The pillars of rock soon gave way to an open courtyard in the center of the island. The blackened and cold campfires – encircled by rough rock rings – bolstered Julia’s explanation. Clearly, they weren’t the first group to camp here.
The guards made swift work of the campsite, setting up loose cloth tents and stoking the fires back to life. As Finn glanced around the courtyard, he saw Kalisha – the merchant making eye contact and waving them over.
“Oh look, your new girlfriend is calling us over,” Julia said in a dry voice.
Finn glanced at her sharply. “Really? You’re going to keep that up?”
A shit-eating grin spread across her face. “As long as it keeps getting a rise out of you.” Julia walked away before he could respond, approaching Kalisha as Finn muttered to himself.
For his part, Kyyle held his tongue, his brow furrowed in thought as he watched Julia’s back. He didn’t seem entirely convinced by her explanation either, or her thinly veiled attempt to pivot the conversation away from herself. He just shook his head as he followed after Finn and Julia.
“Hey there, you all want to join us?” the merchant offered as they neared.
“Sure,” Finn replied.
“This is Sadik,” Kalisha said, pointing to an older man that sat quietly on a nearby rock beside a truly massive pack, the bag at least twice his size and weight. He gave Finn and his group a nod but held his tongue. “And I believe you’ve already met Vanessa.”
The ice mage met Finn’s eyes, and he detected a cold anger there. “We’ve met,” she answered curtly. “Finn here barely beat me out for guild champion. He was forced to snatch my token and run – too scared to face me in a fair fight,” she said with a smirk.
“That was the victory condition,” Finn replied evenly, unperturbed by her glare. He’d met more than a few people throughout his life that disliked him – usually those that were envious of his position or experience.
Vanessa snorted. “We should keep an eye on him. It seems that is all he’s good for… underhanded tactics.”
“That’s rich coming from you,” Julia quipped, taking a seat around the fire.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Finn’s daughter rubbed at her chin thoughtfully. “Well, it looks like you are bought and paid for – a merchant’s lapdog. And speaking of a ‘fair’ fight, I can’t help but wonder where you got that shiny wand during the duel? The same wand that’s mysteriously missing now…” she observed with a pointed look at Vanessa’s waist. “So, I guess your loyalty is up for sale to the highest bidder, huh?”
The ice mage ground her teeth together, her eyes flashing as she reached for the mundane wand at her waist. “I earned my place, and I’d be happy to show you how,” she nearly growled.
“How about we take a breath?” Kalisha suggested, placing her hand on Vanessa’s where it gripped her wand. “We’re drawing some unwanted attention,” she added, motioning toward the guards that encircled them, more than a few glancing in their direction.
“That’s right. Heel, girl,” Julia said with a mocking grin. Vanessa’s eyes flashed again, and Kalisha’s hand tightened.
“Maybe you should take a walk and cool off,” the merchant suggested, although it was clear that she wasn’t making a suggestion. Vanessa abruptly rose and stalked off, small particles of ice slowly encircling her, and the guards making a wide berth.
“Don’t mind her, I assume she’ll get over the grudge eventually,” Kalisha offered. “I didn’t realize she was quite so… upset.”
“I somehow doubt that,” Finn replied with a knowing look. “I suspect you selected her just because of our history, what better way to understand my abilities. Or Kyyle’s,” he offered, gesturing at the earth mage.
Kalisha’s grin widened. “Perhaps. Don’t sell the girl short though. Her particular skill set synergizes quite well with our own.”
The pair shared a look, clearly understanding the subtext of their conversation. The Emir had been right; Kalisha was a clever one.
“Well, our group won’t act against you until we reach the Abyss. This includes antagonizing members of your team,” Finn added, looking pointedly at Julia. She just gave him a shit-eating grin and a shrug. He could sympathize with her reaction, but they stood little to gain by pissing off Vanessa. She’d get what was coming to her eventually.
“Understood,” Kalisha replied. “And we’ll reciprocate the gesture… until we arrive at the Abyss.”
Finn felt a brisk wind tug at his robes, bringing with it a colder current of air as full darkness began to descend on the desert – although the chill might not have been caused entirely by the weather. He turned his attention to the nearby campfire, the circle of rocks cold and d
ark. He could fix that and perhaps garner some goodwill.
Finn summoned raw fire mana. The warm energy crackled through his veins and pushed away the cold. A globe of flame soon erupted in the air, drifting slowly toward the circle as Finn’s fingers twitched. The fires grew and expanded to fill the stones, burning there despite the lack of fuel. With his current mana regen, he could maintain the single flame almost indefinitely.
“Well, that’s one perk of inviting you over that I hadn’t considered,” Kalisha said with a laugh.
“What can we say, Finn is full of useful tricks,” Julia commented as they settled around the campfire.
“I’m beginning to see that.”
Kalisha turned her attention to Kyyle and Julia, asking them questions about themselves. Finn soon tuned out the conversation. He was poor-to-terrible at small talk anyway, particularly when it included this sort of posturing and implied threats. Instead, he turned his attention to the nearby guards. They seemed on edge, sparing the occasional glance in their direction, as though still expecting a fight to break out between the mages and merchants. It seemed that they weren’t comfortable with the groups fraternizing.
For their part, the Fighter Guild group was far less social. They had claimed a fire pit a few dozen yards away, creating space between themselves and the rest of the caravan. They didn’t speak much, even to each other, communicating with only a few whispered words and swift hand gestures.
As Finn looked on, Malik pulled the pair of curved blades from his back. Finn expected him to sharpen and oil the weapons, but what he did instead caused Finn to stare in shock. Malik held a single blade in his lap, pressing one hand against the blade and the other against the hilt. He bowed his head and tendrils of multicolored energy wound around his hands and drifted into the blade, causing the metal to glow with a soft light.
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