by Marc Johnson
My left cheek flexed and I ground my teeth. “I want your word that you’ll cure them whether I fail or succeed.”
Premier smirked. “Wise, boy. Very well. I will cure your friends even if you fail.”
“And I want your word that you’ll leave Alexandria alone. Now and forever.”
Premier’s icy stare bore into me, then he motioned to Demay and Jastillian. “You’re willing to risk your friends’ lives for her?”
“Yes,” I said without hesitation.
Premier snorted. “Of course, you would. Very well, I give you my word as a wizard thrice times that I’ll cure your friends if you attempt to bring the Great Barrier down and that I will leave Alexandria alone if you succeed.”
“But—”
“Do not push me any further, Hellsfire. This is as far as I will bend.”
I groaned, then remembered the potion. When this was over, I was going to use it on him. I couldn’t unleash him into Southern Shala without some way of keeping him in check.
“Why do you even care about the barrier falling?” I asked. “You don’t care about the land. You only care about yourself.”
Premier shrugged. “True. I don’t, but you do. Remember that. My reasons are none of your concern.”
I nodded. “You have a deal. But cross me and—”
He waved his hand and gave me a disgusted look. “Enough with the threats, boy. You’ve made it perfectly clear.” Premier clapped his hands. “Baal, show them to the empty room at the end of the hall. Take the dwarf and elf there, get them all some food and water, then dispose of these...things they wore. After that, I’m going to need you to get me some supplies.” He smiled at me. “I have a potion to brew.”
Baal bowed. “As you wish, Master.”
The ogre picked up Demay and Jastillian and slung them across his broad shoulders. Prastian and Behast looked uneasy at the ogre carrying them. They lowered their weapons, but didn’t put them away. Baal’s heavy footsteps led us out of the throne room and to the room near the staircase. Baal gently laid the pair down, then left.
Prastian rushed over to Demay and checked his brother. “Do you think Premier will keep his word?”
“He has to if he values his magic and his life.” I sighed and stared down at Demay. “I’m sorry about your brother. He and Jastillian saved my life.”
Prastian put a hand up and shook his head. “We all knew the risks we took in coming here.”
“How do you know Premier’s not lying about the book?” Behast asked, his arms crossed. “We can’t trust him, and I don’t like this business of bringing down the Great Barrier. It’s another trap. He could have done it himself if he desired.”
I cracked my knuckles. “I know, but I have to save them.”
“Are you sure you should bring down the barrier, even if it’s possible?” Prastian asked.
I looked at Demay and Jastillian, “But what about—”
“You mustn’t let their lives or our lives influence your decision. There’s a bigger picture here. If you succeed, things will irrevocably be changed. People will see it as new opportunity for both sides. Opportunity that may end up in bloodshed. We have no idea what’s waiting for us down there except that there’s far more magic there than here. And there’s still Alexandria.”
“What about Alexandria?”
He looked at me with calm eyes. “This might ease things between Alexandria and the Wastelands. There may not even be a need for Alexandria. And what’s a soldier without a war?”
I stared at my friend, letting his wise words sink into my head. Prastian was right. There were going to be so many repercussions no matter what I did. If I succeeded, the land would be forever changed. People would be allowed to finally go to where no other had gone in a thousand years. If I failed, Premier would return to Alexandria and destroy those who had beaten him.
I had no clue what to do. But I remembered how wrong the land felt. How it was dying beneath our feet and would blight all of Northern Shala given enough time.
I took a deep breath then said, “I have to do this. It’s more than saving our friends’ lives or even Alexandria. Premier wasn’t lying about the land dying. If the barrier isn’t brought down, all of Northern Shala will be turned into one giant wasteland. If you could feel what I feel, you would understand. I’m a wizard and I have a duty. If there’s a chance I can correct Renak’s mistake, I should.”
Prastian gave me a small smile. “I may not be able to feel or do the things you do, but whatever you decide, I’ll back you.”
“We both will,” Behast said.
I smiled. “Thank you, my friends.” I reached into my purse and took out the binding potion. I handed it to Prastian and said, “You’re the fastest out of all of us. I need you to use this when Premier tries something, whether I succeed or not. And he will try something.”
Prastian nodded. “I’ll keep my ears open.”
“What are we to do with Demay and Jastillian?” Behast asked. “We can’t take them with us and if we leave them here, more harm might befall them. Premier might have another one of his creatures take them hostage.”
“We could hide them,” I said. “In one of the other rooms or in another part of the tower.”
“No,” Prastian said, his voice firm. “We can’t afford to lose them in the tower. We’re not important to Premier. We’ll just have to hope it stays that way.”
“It’s your call,” I said.
Baal returned with some old blankets, stale bread, dirty water, and stiff rags. He placed the supplies down and turned to leave, but I stopped him.
“Why do you serve Premier, Baal?” I asked. Having gotten to know goblins during our journey here, I wanted to know more about the ogres Premier favored. There might also be a chance to turn him to our side. “He doesn’t treat you well.”
The large ogre paused, considering this. “My master isn’t bad,” he said in a deep voice. “He keeps me well fed and away from the fighting outside.” He shrugged his massive shoulders. “I have no choice.”
“Premier’s powerless. You have a choice now.”
“I’d be the first ogre in a long time to have one,” he said and left.
We cleaned ourselves up, trying our best to get rid of the stench, dried blood, and slime that permeated our clothes and skin. We even cleaned up Jastillian and Demay. We all needed a bath, but it would do. We ate and while little was said, there was a current of nervousness running through the room—far more than what we’d felt in coming to the Wastelands.
We left the door to the room open so we could see into the hallway. We rotated guard watch in case Premier tried something.
I was thankful when my turn at watch came. I could barely get any sleep, thinking of Premier. Premier might finally acknowledge that I was a wizard, but I would never be considered his equal. By him or by me. He had centuries of experience and controlled the Wasteland creatures. I was still finding my way. I only believed him about the Great Barrier and possibly bringing it down because of what my friends had said earlier, and from what I experienced when I touched the land. But there was something Premier wasn’t telling me. With his power and experience, if he wanted to, he could have already brought down the barrier.
Since I was in the tower, the power thrumming through me was getting harder and harder to ignore. I didn’t know if the source of it was danger or a warning. I couldn’t investigate because I still had to worry about my friends and Premier. Knowing Premier, he would lead me right to it.
I had no idea what was in store for me or how I was going to bring down the Great Barrier, but I knew I had to do it for my friends and for Krystal.
CHAPTER 9
We wanted to wake up before Premier, but he beat us to it and came early the next day. Baal had taken off his armor and didn’t have his club. He wore tattered brown rags with his wounded leg wrapped in one of them. That eased my apprehensions slightly, as I didn’t have to worry about Baal attacking us and being shielded from
my magic. But as I stared at his monstrous size, I realized he didn’t need those things. The ogre was a formidable opponent on his own.
Premier’s eyes gleamed as he stood near the doorway of our room, waiting for us to get ready. He had an eagerness about him. I couldn’t tell if it was from the fact that I could possibly bring down the Great Barrier, or more that I would be out of his way and possibly get killed.
“I hope you’re ready, Hellsfire,” Premier said, clasping his bare hands together. “It’s going to be a big day for you.”
“Where’s the potion?” I asked, trying to stifle a yawn.
“It’ll be a day or two before it’s ready.”
“My friends could die in a day or two.”
Premier sported a malicious smile. “Then you’d better not dally.”
I grimaced, but he was right.
My friends and I made sure the slumbering Jastillian and Demay were comfortable, draping blankets over the pale pair.
Prastian bent over Demay and said, “We’ll be back, little brother. Stay safe.”
We left the room and closed the door. Premier shuffled along, leading us deeper into the depths of the tower. Baal limped alongside Premier, holding the torch. My friends and I walked behind them.
Although most of the tower rooms had windows, there were none in the corridors. In the light of Baal’s torch , shadow monsters crawled on the walls, preying upon us.
As we descended lower, things worsened. In the distance, I could hear the sounds of metal chains dragged across the stone floor. My back stiffened, wondering if I was imagining things. I glanced at my friends, but they didn’t seem to hear anything wrong, even with their elven hearing.
I shook my head and we continued our descent. When we passed by one level, an overpowering stench whisked past my nose. I covered my mouth and gagged, nearly hurling the contents of my stomach on the floor.
“Hellsfire, are you all right?” Prastian asked.
I peered up at him. “You don’t smell that?”
“No, what—”
“What’s that?” Behast asked, drawing his sword.
“There’s nothing here,” Premier said.
“Don’t lie to me. I hear something.” His ears twitched and he stared toward the end of a branching hallway.
I leaned forward, looking at Prastian for confirmation. He subtly shook his head. Suddenly, his ears perked up. I was about to ask him what he heard when the sound of a whispered conversation dug itself into my mind. The sound grew louder, and I spun around, trying to pinpoint where it came from. Prastian freed his sword, and I summoned my magic.
Premier chuckled at all of us. “You don’t understand.”
“What is it, Premier?” I asked, glaring at him.
He stared at me for several seconds, then looked away. “Very well. When I first arrived at this place, the tower was alive—still is. You’ve seen its magical aura, I’m sure. Some might say this place is haunted by magic and memories of a depraved era and a foolish war. Even you elves must have felt it—the sensation that you’re constantly being watched. The deeper we journey into the tower, the stronger, it’ll become.”
Premier paused before speaking again. “Ignore what your ears, nose, and eyes show you. They can deceive you. But be warned, not everything in this place is shadows and dust.”
“What else is there?” Prastian asked.
“There are things left over from the War of the Wizards, little elf. Terrible things. Things I never would have thought of.” Premier rubbed his temples. “I remember when I first arrived here. I found a hidden and locked room, more of a prison cell. When I broke it open I found a disgusting lump of meat, or what I thought was meat, though there were no insects crawling over it, which I thought was odd. When I came closer, the pile of meat rose.
“Its body twisted as it grew, bones snapping into place until it was a hunched creature in the shape of a man. It reached out with its arms, dragging its body towards me. It was immune to any magic I cast, nor could I control it as I do the Wasteland creatures.”
“How did you defeat it?” I asked.
Premier stopped and turned to face us. The torch’s flames danced across his face. “Who said I did?”
Premier resumed leading us. “Let’s not dally anymore, and cease your incessant tongues. Or you may attract unwanted attention.”
We continued our trek in silence, traveling throughout the gloomy, haunted tower. The closer we got to the bottom, the more the powerful magic called out to me, its beating worming its way into my mind. I closed my eyes, trying to drown out the drum-like noise. I couldn’t.
I put my fingers to my forehead and performed a practice exercise. I focused on my inner fire, letting it burn bright. The fire’s crackling noise succeeded in driving back the noise, but only a little. The raging drums became a soft roar.
Were we going to that place? Was that where the nexus was? Was that the reason why the Great Barrier was still up? Nexuses weren’t supposed to be like that, but I had never heard of one powering such a potent enchantment.
With each passing floor, the pain sensation worsened. I stumbled and crashed into a brick wall, barely stopping myself from falling over. Blood dripped from my nose.
“Hellsfire, are you all right?” Prastian said.
I wiped away the blood and stood up straight. “I’m fine.” I stared at Premier. Why wasn’t he having the same problems I was? I didn’t expect the others to feel anything because they weren’t wizards, but Premier was. Was he just used to it, or could he not feel it because of his lack of magic?
“Premier, where are we going?” I asked, stopping as we got to another staircase.
“Don’t worry, we’re almost there. Just a few more floors to go.”
“No, now!”
He turned around and gave me that cold, impatient stare of his. I was getting tired of that look. His eyes widened when he stared at me. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I don’t know. Where are we going?”
“To the nexus.”
“The Nexus of the Wastelands?”
He nodded.
“Why do I feel this way?” I narrowed my eyes at him, because my vision was starting to blur.
He cocked his head. “I...don’t know. That’s never happened to me. Maybe we can sort this out when we arrive, if you think you can manage it.”
“I can if you hurry.”
Three more floors and we finally reached the bottom of the tower, deep underground. Near the staircase was a heavy stone double door that could easily fit a giant—if any of them still existed. Protection wards crawled over the doors, their glistening shine reflecting like a bubble.
“This is it,” Premier said, patting his burnt hand on the door as if it were a pet.
I peered up at the door. The beating sound in my head grew louder and I could barely stand or see straight.
Baal didn’t hesitate, moving to open the heavy door. I studied him to see what the wards did to him. He grimaced, but I couldn’t tell if it was from the wards or the weight of the door.
When Baal opened the door, an intense light blinded me, and I lifted my hand to cover my eyes. The power and warmth radiating from it was overwhelming, crushing my spirit. In a strange way, it also comforted me. The noise I had been hearing from outside the castle ceased. The light lifted it. This was it. This was what I was meant to find.
Premier smiled, amusement on his scarred face. “This is the nexus of the entire Wastelands, the reason why Renak settled down and built his stronghold here.” He motioned with his hands. “Come, let us get a closer look.”
“Wait.” I stared at the wards they couldn’t see. “What about the protection wards?”
Premier stepped inside the bright room. “They’re perfectly harmless. See?”
I looked at Baal, seeing that he didn’t join his master. I had a hard time reading his face, but he seemed hesitant, as if he were waiting for something.
“The wards are there for a r
eason,” I said.
Premier cocked his head, then smiled. “Very well. I was just seeing if you were paying attention. These wards are harmless...to you and I. This chamber was designed for only wizards to enter.”
“Why not others?”
“That’s what you are going to find out.”
I stared at Baal, remembering his hesitation about entering. “Can others enter?” It would be safer for my friends if they were out here, but I needed them to back me up when Premier made his move. And Prastian was the one with the binding potion.
“Yes, it’s possible for them to enter with a simple protection spell that I can teach you.” Premier sighed and shook his head. “When are you going to realize that you’re a wizard and you’re better than these lesser beings?”
“I wouldn’t have beaten you and your army or gotten here without these so-called lesser beings.”
Premier smirked. “You must not rely upon them. They are a weakness of yours. Elves and dwarves live longer than humans, but they will still die before you do.” He smiled. “Unless, of course, I kill you first.”
“Just show me.”
Premier taught me the incantation to counteract the wards’ barrier. I memorized the spell and performed it on Baal first. Stars of energy sprang from my fingertips and showered him, a protective, magical layer solidifying around him.
“Go,” I said to Baal.
He looked to Premier and only moved when Premier gave a nod. The ogre went into the bright room, and the wards reached out to him. The bright light grazed him, but because of my spell, it didn’t touch him. The wards curved around his body, encompassing him in a thin aura. I waited a few moments, but nothing happened.
I hurried and performed the spell on my friends. Together, we went in. The wards reacted to me, stretching from the door, twisting and weaving through the air. I lifted a hand and let them caress my finger. A soft sensation overwhelmed me, but it didn’t threaten or harm me.
In the center of the large chamber, a huge diamond-shaped beacon of light glowed and hovered.
“Amazing,” I whispered, staring at it. “So this is what I felt outside the tower.”
