by Alexia Purdy
“Touché my untrained wizard, now how about getting me out of this ice trap of yours?”
Hank’s face went from victory to worry in a split second.
“Come on, Hank,” Dulci coaxed, “You’ve made your point, now reverse the spell.”
Hank turned toward Dulci apologetically.
“Tamaki taught me the Ice Kata years ago Dulci…but he never really got into how to reverse it…”
“Are you kidding me here?” Benton yelled across the meadow.
“We have to do something, Hank,” Dulci pleaded, “We can’t just leave him there like that!”
“Well…” Hank gulped down his embarrassment, “The ice should melt…eventually…He is a fire elemental, right?”
Benton glowered at him, the heat of his power already melting the ice. Still, it was going to take him full power to get himself out of that mess. Hank beamed at the thought.
Chapter 29
The first week of training went by in a flash.
Waking up in his own bed every morning, Hank was never sure how he had gotten there. Surprisingly, however, he always awoke feeing somewhat rested.
This had initially been a big worry for him…putting in two long days in a row and not falling over in exhaustion.
Rising from his bed on Saturday, he moaned as his muscles rebelled. Even though he wasn’t outright exhausted, that didn’t mean the long days weren’t taking their toll.
His muscles ached in places he never felt before. His mind was also being worked as the long-ago teachings of Tamaki began to be pulled from the recesses of his mind and brought forth to be coupled with his newer magical teachings.
Hank smiled at the thought of his teacher. An unexpected benefit of his training was that he got to spend so much time with Dulci.
A warm glow filled his being as he thought about the oracle…her melodious voice…her long golden hair… She was certainly the highlight of all the craziness surrounding him lately. He looked forward to seeing her every day.
His dreamlike musings were interrupted suddenly by something dragging across his leg. Opening his eyes, he saw that Luci was at his feet, her Frisbee lying on the floor beside her.
Sitting back on the edge of the bed, Hank spent a few minutes lavishing some extra attention on the canine.
“I’m sorry girl,” Hank grinned as he scratched her behind the ear. “We’ve been a little busy lately haven’t we? I’m afraid I haven’t been giving you enough attention.”
Luci lifted off of her front paws and landed them on his leg, laying her head on them as her eyes sought out Hank’s.
It wasn’t like they weren’t spending any time together as Luci still went everywhere with him. But their roles definitely changed when they were in Faerie.
While Hank practiced his magic, Luci often spent her time talking to Dulci, informing her of the ways of the human world.
Now that he could hear and understand Luci’s thoughts when they were in Faerie, he was amazed at the depth of knowledge that she exhibited. In point of fact, the unleashing of her previous inability to communicate had manifested itself into a very chatty animal.
It was as if she were releasing a pent-up desire that had finally been freed.
Looking into her eyes at that moment, he lamented the fact that they could not communicate as easily in the human world. Although they had always experienced an innate understanding of one another, it would be handy if they could go to the next level in this world too.
“Let’s go throw that Frisbee girl,” Hank said with a smile as he rose off of the bed.
Lucy quickly jumped down to the floor and snatched up the Frisbee, her tail wagging excitedly.
Grinning, he pulled on a tee shirt and shorts, looking forward to loosening up his stiff muscles. Although he was off of work this first Saturday, he knew that another day of work awaited him later on in Faerie.
The thought of a couple of hours of just playing with Luci was very appealing…but so was getting back here and taking a nap!
***
Clang!
The sound resonated through the forest as Hank parried the thrust of Benton’s flaming sword.
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!
Both men suddenly took a step back as exhaustion overcame them. Resting his hands on his knees, Hank glanced up at Benton.
“You ready to give up yet,” Hank panted with a grin.
“Never!” Benton replied between hard breaths, flipping the sword aptly between hands. “I’m just getting (pant) warmed up!” His face was reddened and a film of sweat soaked the fringes of his hair sticking to his neck and forehead. His appearance told otherwise.
Although Hank had surrounded his staff with the aura, he had been surprised how much energy was expended in using magic. Much like swinging a sword or his staff took a physical effort, so too did conjuring up magic.
From his observations of Dulci and others that were full-blooded magical beings, he didn’t think that they suffered from the same handicap…at least not to the same extent. But for part humans like he and Benton, Hank now realized that it could be a real concern…especially in a future protracted battle!
“But I’d be happy to take a break,” Benton added then, “If you need one.”
Hank smiled and stood upright. “A little water wouldn’t hurt.”
Dulci and Luci had retreated back to the cottage earlier, but she had left a skin of water under a nearby oak. Making their way to the shade, they both slid down the tree and landed next to each other on the ground.
Offering the water to Benton first, Hank waited for the elemental to quench his thirst.
“Right on,” Benton snuffed the flames slithering along the surface of his sword before shoving it into its sheath strapped to his back. He nimbly cracked his neck and stretched before grabbing the skin of water, downing several mouthfuls and dumping a good amount on his head.
He gave it a shake and grinned, handing the half empty skin back to Hank after a few moments, Benton watched as Hank drank down the cool liquid.
“Your powers are growing,” Benton observed suddenly, taking back the water for a second helping. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he handed the skin back to Hank before continuing; “Now I won’t have to worry as much about you falling into a useless heap at the beginning of the battle.”
Hank grinned, “Your touching concern warms the cockles of my heart.”
“Whatever dude. It doesn’t really matter to me if you live or die. It’s all the same to me.” Benton replied with a small smile while leaning his head back against the tree and closing his eyes.
Hank shook his head before doing the same, enjoying the cool breeze from the surrounding forest.
“I’ve been thinking about something,” he started, broaching a subject that had been heavy on his mind.
“Well wonders never cease,” Benton replied glibly while rolling his head toward Hank, his eyes now narrowly open. “Then by all means, speak your piece, newbie wizard.”
Not at all certain how the conversation would go, Hank leaned forward seriously.
“It’s about your day job…removing the Unseelie from across the barrier.
Benton nodded slightly before closing his eyes once again and rolling his head back to the front.
“Dulci mentioned that you might bring that up,” he replied then, bringing his knees up and crossing his arms on them. “The human world will be a better place when it’s void of Unseelie scum, and rid of Sluagh.”
“I don’t disagree,” Hank replied seriously. “But my day job is all about catching killers…a category which, unfortunately you now fall into.”
Benton shrugged. “It is what it is, Hank. I’m not sure that there’s much that either one of us can do about it.”
Hank was shocked that Benton had used his real name, a reality that had never occurred before. It made him look at the young man more intently. In fact, it hadn’t occurred to him that the young fire elemental looked somewhat exhausted all the ti
me. Maybe this war in Faerie had worn him down more than the young lad would care to admit. He was still a kid. A kid whose job was to mow down dark and terrible beings. Not exactly a life of bliss and harmony. It might explain most of his narcissistic manners and extreme contempt for Hank’s interference.
“Does anyone here have the power to move people?” Hank questioned nervously, “Like from one side of the barrier to the other?”
Benton’s eyes opened as he looked at Hank suspiciously. “What are you getting at wizard?”
Hank shrugged before he continued. “All I’m saying is…if the found Unseelie were moved to here before they knew what was happening…if you then had to dispose of them then it would be none of my concern at all.”
Benton stared at Hank for several seconds, his face a mask to his emotions.
Finally he nodded imperceptively. “We could maybe make that work using Camulus, he’s a pixie-elven type faery who can teleport anyone anywhere. But he’s under service of my sister’s court by loan of a Prince named Lotinar…I’ll have to talk to Shade about it. Why?”
“I propose that, if it could work, it would help me out in my ‘day job’ a lot. It may even make your job a little easier. What do you say?”
Benton studied him, his dark eyes pensively thinking about his question.
“Okay. I’ll help you. But first, I’m going to whoop your ass.” Benton chuckled as he hopped to his feet. “We’re just getting started training and you, newbie wizard man, have a long way to go.”
Overjoyed at the possibility of making his work in the human realm easier, Hank jumped up and retrieved his staff, ready to go.
“That’s only if you’re not too stoved up from the workout I’m about to put you through,” Hank grinned, twirling his staff above his head and settling into a fighting stance. “I doubt you’ll be able to get close enough take me out, kid. Don’t be so eager to get your ass handed to you.”
Benton returned his grin, jumping up with sword extended with bright yellow and orange flames already bursting alive along the blade. He flipped it in the air, catching it without difficulty before cracking a challenging smile.
“You and what army, dude?”
Chapter 30
Hank was ecstatic!
True to his word, Benton had talked to the queen, Shade, about Hank’s proposal, and she thought it worthy of a try.
In essence, Benton would find an Unseelie and propose a quiet return to Faerie. If the proposal was rejected, Benton would immediate call in Camulus with a summoning orb who then could grab the assailant and transport them back to Faerie to be dealt with inside its boundaries. They would find themselves trapped in a magical containment area where they would be confronted by others like Nautilus or Soap. Except for the evil Slaugh, who were too dangerous to leave alive and should be immediately disposed of, the rest of the Unseelie were actually given yet another chance to peacefully reenter and remain in Faerie. As long as Benton cleaned up the damn evidence of slaying Sluagh each time, it would make Hank’s life a whole lot easier.
So far, Benton was excited to not have to kill every single Unseelie walking about the human realm. From what Hank was hearing, most accepted this second chance!
Now he could concentrate on the normal murders in the city without worrying about compromising his sense of right and wrong. Benton and his comrades were free to complete their mission, and Hank’s job would be a lot less complicated.
Not only were his normal days going well, his second days that Dulci conjured also progressed rapidly. It had now been a month since he started his training, and he felt as if he was finally mastering some of the intricacies of being a wizard.
While he was feeling good about his training, the underlying ripple of evil was getting stronger in Faerie. A creeping darkness hovered over the land and each day, his magical senses focused more and more on it. Even he could feel it now.
Finishing off his hot dog, Hank watched as Luci corralled a family of squirrels into a tree in the park.
You’ll never get them now you know.
He radiated the thought out to Luci, who turned her head before replying.
Yeah…I know. But it’s so much fun!
Hank smiled, pleased that he and Luci had finally bridged the gap in communicating on this side of the barrier.
So much had happened in the last month.
His only regret was the ongoing lack of communication with his brother, Howie. He had yet to see him or even speak to him without Dulci’s help.
Although Dulci assured him that Howie was indeed close to him always, Hank still felt the unending need to see him…to talk to him. The emptiness this lack of connection made him uncertain he would be able to take on Pironin.
Assured that Howie’s training and powers were mirroring his own, Hank had to take on faith that Howie would be there when he was needed…able to combine their powers as one.
“He wants me to tell you that he is ready.”
Surprised, Hank jumped to his feet at the voice. Turning quickly, he was taken aback to see Dulci sitting there, the smile on her face tight with worry and her eyes filled with a deep sadness.
“Dulci!” Hank uttered as he sat down next to her again. “What’s wrong…you never show up in this world.”
Dulci was silent for a few moments, her sparkling eyes shifting to her wringing hands.
“Queen Shade has called for her army to gather at the Summer Court…she expects an attack from Pironin any day. She’s well aware of the danger to come.”
Hank tried to swallow back the lump that had formed in his throat. Although exceedingly nervous about the coming fray, he was nevertheless more worried about Dulci’s unusual reaction to the news.
“It is what we have been training for Dulci,” he soothed as he clasped one her hands in his, still surprised at the sensation he felt every time he touched her, “Why the worried look?”
Dulci sighed, “Although I am unable to see into the future per se, I can nevertheless feel…certain things. I can feel the loss of much blood…and the maiming of many of those that survive. They will be forced to live with that pain for the rest of their days…”
Hank pulled Dulci into a hug, his heart skipping a beat in spite of the enormity of his concern. Her sweet scent, like a blooming garden, was comforting.
“That is the way with all wars Dulci…people die…people are wounded. Hopefully, it is the other side that feels the brunt of those. From what I can tell from your own words, our side is extremely powerful…and we are the good guys!”
Dulci pulled back with a small smile. “I do think we will come out on top in the end, Hank…I’m just not looking forward to the whole thing.”
By this time Luci had found them on the bench and placed her head on Dulci’s lap. Dulci’s smile widened as she pet the dogs head.
Hank watched as they silently talked to each other, unable to hear either side of the conversation. It was another power altogether to hear other people’s mental conversations when they didn’t want you to, and it was as yet another thing he needed to work on.
Looking back at him, Dulci’s blue eyes twinkled as she spoke. “I wanted to let you know that I was able to make a deal for Tamaki’s Battle armor!”
He was taken aback by the news.
“I thought he sold that to a museum!” he exclaimed.
Dulci nodded. “He did, but they never got around to displaying it. I had Ariel approach them with a trade, which they readily accepted.”
Hank grinned, “What did you trade? Where is it?”
Dulci held up her hand, giggling at Hank’s enthusiasm. “The armor is safely in my cottage, and as to what I traded?”
“Let’s just say that…it was something they never thought they would ever be able to obtain…and they were very pleased.
He eyed Dulci while he took in her cryptic clue. Shrugging finally, he clasped his staff and stood up from the bench.
“I need to go gather a few things…and arrange fo
r a leave of absence at work.”
Dulci nodded. “I’m sorry about that, Hank. I would tell you that I could bring you back without them ever knowing you were gone, but my powers are limited to a single day as far as that goes.”
Standing up and facing Hank, “You however may have the power to manipulate several days at once…eventually.”
He smiled, “Cool!”
Nodding, Dulci looked down at Luci.
“If you don’t mind, Hank, I will take Luci with me and we will meet you at the cottage when you are done.”
“Sounds good,” Hank grinned, “I’ll be there as soon as I can!”
Waving, he then turned and headed back to the office as Luci and Dulci watched him go.
Are you sure about what you felt in your vision? Luci questioned Dulci when Hank was gone.
Dulci nodded, Unfortunately…quite sure.
Both were silent for a time…thinking over the revelation.
But it’s not necessarily him…correct? Luci continued, glancing up at Dulci worriedly.
Dulci returned Luci’s worried stare.
No Luci…it’s not necessarily him. All I felt…was the death of a powerful wizard…
Chapter 31
One fleeting week later, Hank strode out of the Summer Palace in front of an army. Time passed faster than normal in Faerie, even with a time changing oracle, but it flew by in the company of a host of new friends.
It was a bright and cool day…a perfect day for a battle in Faerie. The air was electric with energy as wild magic swirled overhead while the warriors readied themselves.
Today, life would change forever.
Hank walked in front of an army made up of regiments of both Seelie and Unseelie warriors. Since Pironin and his Kolograt clan had only their own interests at heart, many of the Unseelie of Faerie did not side with him. Queen Shade had done an amazing job of corralling those factions of Unseelie that were against Pironin to the Seelie side for the war…Allies…at least for the time being.
Queen Shade could charm anyone…even the enemy. Hank wished he’d had more time to speak with her. Being part human, it would be awesome to ask her so many things about life in Faerie. For now, however, there was a war to fight.
