She grimaced and held her numb hand.
“I have a counterproposal,” Conryu said. “I’m going to go where I wish and do what I wish. If the Alliance should find itself in trouble, I’ll lend a hand, otherwise you leave me alone. I’ve solved as many of your problems as I intend to. I’m done.”
“You think we’ll simply allow the most powerful wizard in the world to wander around doing as he likes?” Malice asked, a mixture of contempt and incredulity in her tone. “You are an asset, our asset. We will use you as we see fit and you will obey. Otherwise, there will be consequences.”
“Consequences? You want to talk about consequences?” He let a little of the Reaper’s chill seep into his voice and the temperature of the room dropped twenty degrees. “I refuse to be controlled anymore.”
Malice nodded to the wizards and they chanted in unison. Magic ran around the room and focused on the door.
“This room is sealed by the most powerful wards we could create. You’re not going anywhere unless I say you can.”
Conryu shook his head, leveled the staff, and released a burst of dark magic that reduced the door and its wards to so much dust. The five wizards groaned and collapsed from the backlash.
“I think we’re done here. Live and let live, I say. Come after me or my family and friends and you know what will happen. Whether we end as allies or enemies is your choice.” Conryu marched out of the room without a backwards glance.
“Don’t keep me in suspense.” Maria had joined him in the library during her lunch break. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. I’ve been thinking about a project of my own for the past two days and I finally settled on one. I thought it would be something for us to do together. Maybe Kelsie and Jonny would like to join us this summer.”
“Now I’m really curious.”
They went to the door and Conryu willed it to open. On the other side was an expanse of wilderness filled with evergreen-covered hills and valleys. It looked like a land that no man had ever visited.
“Where are we?” Maria asked.
“Turn around.”
She did as he asked then gasped at the sheer drop-off ten paces behind them. There was nothing but sky for as far as Conryu could see.
“Is this…?”
“The floating island. The Librarian said the door would open anywhere I wished. I figured there’d never be a better chance to explore this place. And here no one can find me. I’ll be free.”
She leaned back against him and Conryu wrapped his arms around her. He listened but heard nothing save the wind. No people, no reporters, no demands.
Here, he really was free.
Author Notes
Well dear readers, we’re reached the end of the Aegis of Merlin series. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Conryu’s adventures as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sticking with me until the end.
Until next time my friends, I bid you good reading.
James
About the Author
James E. Wisher is a writer of science fiction and Fantasy novels. He’s been writing since high school and reading everything he could get his hands on for as long as he can remember. This is his eighteenth novel.
To learn more:
www.jamesewisher.com
[email protected]
Also by James E Wisher
The Aegis of Merlin:
The Impossible Wizard
The Awakening
The Chimera Jar
The Raven’s Shadow
Escape From the Dragon Czar
Wrath of the Dragon Czar
The Four Nations Tournament
Death Incarnate
Soul Force Saga
Disciples of the Horned One Trilogy:
Darkness Rising
Raging Sea and Trembling Earth
Harvest of Souls
Other Fantasy Novels:
Death and Honor Omnibus
The Squire
Death Incarnate: Aegis of Merlin Book 7 (The Aegis of Merlin) Page 19
