“And there’s Lara,” Alrion said, pointing. She was a bit further ahead, sitting on her horse and watching them. Alrion continued, on foot, deciding not to mount until he reached Lara. There was probably a reason she had stopped there.
“What did you think?”
“Very impressive. How’s the amulet going?” Alrion said.
“It seems to have quietened down. How odd,” Alyx said.
“They can explain it to us when we get there. Let’s get a move on,” Lara said.
“Sure.” Alrion carefully jumped up onto the horse once more, and sidled up to Lara.
“Since we’re on the path, I’ll take the lead from now on. If we’re lucky we’ll lose them completely. Otherwise we should at least buy ourselves a head start.”
“We could use some luck, there’s been a terrible lack of it,” Alrion said.
“Just make your own,” Alyx said. Lara laughed and took off at a faster pace. Alrion didn’t try to match it, but did try and increase his speed.
The winds were harsher in terms of both speed and chill. Alrion could see his breath, and soon there was evidence of snow. Not a lot, but enough to show that they would encounter it soon.
“What an inhospitable place. Who would live here?” Alyx said.
“It’s just my luck you know? The last place I had to travel to was in the middle of the desert.”
“Sounds like the people you need don’t want to be found.”
“Couldn’t agree more. But I found the monks, and I’ll find the Mystics.”
“You will. I must say I am impressed, Alrion. You do yourself a disservice sometimes. How many can say they have done as much as you in such a short time and with no experience of the world at large?” Alyx said. Alrion was surprised. He hadn’t expected a compliment from her. It was even more valuable, since she always seemed so driven and practical.
“Thank you. It doesn’t hurt to be reminded of that sometimes. It helps me forget about the failures along the way.”
“Failures are just lessons with harsher consequences.”
“Interesting words,” Alrion said. It sounded like something Certan would have said. He wondered what the monk would think of Alyx. Surely, they had a lot in common.
Lara had stopped ahead, so Alrion increased his speed a little to catch up.
“How’s it going back there?” she said.
“Nothing much to report. How about you?”
“Weather is deteriorating. We should have a short food break and then push on. But stay closer together this time.”
“Sure, sounds like a plan.” Alrion dismounted and started rummaging through the saddlebag.
“Let me down, I need to stretch my legs,” Alyx said. Alrion readied himself to help her down, but Alyx slid off the opposite side of the horse. She landed hard on the ground with a thud. Alrion and Lara ran over to investigate.
“What happened?” Alrion said. He helped Alyx back into a seated position on the path. She looked dazed.
“I was foolish. I thought I could get down unassisted, but I just made things worse.”
“Any injuries?” Lara said.
“I think I landed on the burnt leg,” Alyx said. She reached down with her hand and grimaced with pain.
“Do we have anything for pain?” Alrion said to Lara. She paused to consider before replying.
“I have something. But that’s only a secondary effect. The main thing it does is dull whoever drinks it from many things. It’s too potent though, there’s no way she could stay on a horse if she had it.”
“That’s no good. Let’s at least eat and figure out what to do.” Alrion fetched some more dried meat and fruit, and some water. They all sat on the cold ground next to Alyx.
“Sure beats sitting on a horse, although it’s definitely colder,” Alrion said. He received a small chuckle from Lara and the smallest hint of amusement from Alyx.
“Good to see you acting like your old self,” Lara said.
“I think I’ve crossed over to the other side. Things are actually so dire, I can’t help but act like this.”
“It still helps. Mindset is very important,” Alyx said.
“The monks believe that too. Do you think you can sit on the horse?” Alrion said.
“Probably, although it may be uncomfortable.”
“Good. We can keep on moving then.”
“I can wait here though. Vincent can take me and you can go ahead,” Alyx said. Alrion was about to speak but Lara piped up first.
“Absolutely not. We all made a decision, so the matter is closed. You can’t even suggest it yourself. If I have to strap you to my back and ride like that you’ll still be coming,” Lara said. Alrion was surprised by the intensity in her eyes. He felt reassured by that.
“Glad I didn’t have to say that. I just want to add that we sure aren’t turning our back so close to our goal.”
“Very well. I know what you said before. I just felt I had to offer it just in case. I cannot become a burden. Well, I believe I am, but you won’t accept it as that. I will endure,” Alyx said.
“Good, glad to see that you’ve accepted you can’t change our minds. Now, with that in mind let’s get going again.” Alrion rose quickly, the activity waking his legs up again. It was definitely not a good idea to stop for too long in the cold. Especially if snow was ahead. Lara helped him get both himself and Alyx back on the horse and secured. Once they were satisfied that Alyx would not fall off, they set off once more.
The cold increased, and they came across the first snowfalls. At first, it was just a light dusting that didn’t persist on the ground. But as they pushed on further it became heavier, and the ground itself became more blanketed. Alrion started to shiver through his layers, and wished he could use a fire spell. That would fix everything. But he accepted that he could not and pushed on.
The path started to become covered in snow, and the horses slowed down considerably. They were also slowly but surely ascending.
“This is so slow,” Alrion said.
“At least we’re not on foot.” Lara grinned at him.
“You’re right. I should be careful what I complain about.”
“At least you can walk. If we were on foot, you’d be carrying me too,” Alyx said.
“You’ve both made your point.” Alrion looked around, trying to see if there were any significant landmarks. A thick blanket of white was starting to cover everything and it was hard to see into the distance.
“At least we’re masked by the conditions,” he said.
“Don’t be so sure about that,” Lara said, looking around. She looked spooked by something. “Tracker!”
Alrion wheeled the horse around quickly, looking for the danger. He couldn’t see the Tracker, but didn’t wait for confirmation. He quickly jumped down and drew his sword. Once he was confident he had a few more seconds to prepare, he handed the crossbow to Alyx. She accepted it quickly without words.
“Here!” Lara shouted. Alrion heard the clang of steel and ran over to help. He saw Lara defending herself from a barrage of strikes. The Tracker was wielding a short sword and pushing her backwards. Lara stumbled back a few steps and readied herself for another assault. But the Tracker used the opportunity to run. It was heading straight for Alrion.
Here we go.
He tensed himself, preparing for the fight. As the Tracker approached Alrion stepped forward and launched into a sword formation. The Tracker quickly parried two strikes and kept moving.
Alyx!
The Tracker was trying to finish the job. He turned quickly and chased the Tracker. It was almost upon Alyx. She fired the crossbow, but it only caught the Tracker in the shoulder. It slowed for a few moments before getting back into the assault. Alrion pushed forward with more urgency, using the Tracker’s delay to close the gap. He swung out with his sword trying to knock it down, or at least cause it to slow down.
The Tracker didn’t turn to face the attack, and didn’t properly account for the strike. Alrion’
s sword sliced into the Tracker’s leg and it toppled over. Before it could stand again Alyx had another crossbow bolt fired. It caught the Tracker in the chest.
“Not this time,” Alrion said. He didn’t hesitate and drove his sword through the Tracker’s chest. It shuddered once then went still.
“I think that’s it,” Alyx said. Lara was with them within seconds.
“Is it over?” Lara said. She slowed and stood next to Alrion.
“Yes. It is done,” Alrion said. He looked over the Tracker in more detail. In the daylight it looked more like a normal man. There were only subtle details betraying its transformation. Some black marks around the eyes, some strange tattoos on its arms, and the jet-black clothing.
“Why did you kill it this time?” Lara said.
“I couldn’t let it get away again. It wouldn’t stop otherwise.”
“I didn’t expect you to do that,” Lara said. Alrion looked over at Alyx.
“Likewise. That was a surprise.”
“Do you disagree with my decision?” Alrion said. He felt uncomfortable now. Had he gone too far?
“No. It was a sensible one. Just not one I thought you would make,” Alyx said. Alrion looked back at Lara. He thought he saw a look of sadness quickly pass over her face. But she replaced it so quickly he wasn’t sure.
“I’ll check it for anything that might help us. Then we should get moving once more.”
“Sure,” Alrion said. He walked away a few paces, kicking the snow with his feet. He had a strange conflict within. He felt sickened that he’d had to essentially finish off a wounded and defenceless enemy. But the last time he had shown restraint the same creature had escaped and kept hounding them.
I don’t know what to do. Do I feel bad because I didn’t even hesitate? he thought. What weighed on him the most was the concern that maybe it was the infection within changing his thinking as well as his body. A thought so terrifying that he pushed it away immediately.
“I think you’ll want to see this,” Lara said. Alrion walked back quickly. She held a book in her hand. He snatched it quickly to confirm what it was. He opened the notebook and saw that it was exactly what he had guessed. It was the magical notebook that he had been carrying with him since the academy.
“They stole this,” he said. Leafing through the messages. He didn’t think any of the messages would give away too much. They were all so vague and related to his goals. But he noticed a new message.
The Mystics are not the solution. They are only the next step.
“There’s a new message. Take a look,” Alrion said. Lara read the message and handed it back.
“Well, they know about the Mystics now.”
“They must. Also, I’m a bit worried. Does this mean they are not the solution to my infection? I don’t think I, or for that matter Alyx, have enough time if that’s not the case.”
“I hope not. We can’t read too much into it. What do you think, Alyx?”
“You cannot spend time speculating. It is good we have the notebook back, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Then accept that as a good thing and let’s keep moving. Do not waste the opportunity that this Tracker has given us.”
“Can’t argue with that. Let’s go Alrion,” Lara said.
“On my way,” Alrion said. He mounted up and tried not to think of the Tracker lying on the snowy path. He took the lead, pushing forward as fast as he could. The message in the notebook had given him even more reason to be quick. He had to prepare himself for the fact that maybe the Mystics could not cure him. It was not an easy thought. But he tried to accept it as he pushed ahead.
“Looks like we won’t have to wait long for an answer,” Alrion shouted. He slowed and pulled up. Ahead he saw what looked like a settlement. The buildings were hard to make out in the conditions, but it was definitely a place. Their destination.
“Is that it?” Lara said.
“It has to be. We should hurry before we get snowed in.”
“Lead the way.”
“Happy to. Alyx, we’ll be there soon. And one way or another they’ll be able to help,” Alrion said. Alyx didn’t respond, which made Alrion even more worried.
You have to help us, he thought and spurred the horse on again.
22
FAST FOLLOWER
Weariness threatened to topple Celes over. She had pushed as hard as possible. But she had been on her feet the entire time. There were no horses in Rolyntide, although she did manage to confirm with the residents that Alrion had passed through there.
The trek since then had been hard and long. Her feet were screaming out, and her shins were riddled with sharp pains. But as she rounded the bend she saw the gates in the distance.
That has to be Highroad.
The gates were closed but that didn’t bother her. There was always a way inside. But first you had to get there. Now she finally was.
The final approach was agonising. It was like her body had decided that since she was close to rest, it would let out all the complaining it had been keeping inside. She persevered and leaned against the giant wooden doors.
At least the weather keeps you cool.
After taking a minute, she banged on the door twice. The metal grate on the door slid open and a male voice spoke.
“State your business.”
“I’m following some friends of mine that came here. I am hoping to meet them.”
“What are their names?”
“Alrion and Vincent.”
“They’re not residents here.” The grate started to close.
“I know. I know. They’re travellers. Truth be told they’re my son and my husband. I must find them!” Celes was desperate. She didn’t have the energy to find another way into this town.
“What’s your name?”
“Celes.” She decided to be honest and not use a fake name.
“Fine. The Healer mentioned you.” The metal grate closed swiftly and the great doors began to open. Celes saw a surly guard standing within.
“Come with me,” he said.
“Thank you.” Celes followed close, despite her aches and pains. Another guard began closing the gates. It looked like a small town.
Reminds me of home. But a bit more suspicious, she thought. The guard stopped abruptly outside a house.
“In here. Healer is called Beatrix and is expecting you.”
“Thank you. I am in your debt,” Celes said. The guard’s face softened a bit.
“Well, it’s fine. Just don’t cause any trouble.” He walked off quickly and Celes knocked on the door.
A woman opened the door slowly and cautiously.
“Who is it?” she said.
“Beatrix, isn’t it? My name is Celes. I hear you are expecting me?”
“Yes, I am. Please come in.” Beatrix opened the door the rest of the way and smiled. Celes rushed inside and Beatrix closed the door behind them.
“I take it you’ve come a long way. I can see the resemblance, by the way.”
“Thank you. Yes, it’s been a long slog. It would have been a lot easier back in the day. But here we are. You must be aware I’m following my family.”
“Yes, I am. Vincent left a message with me to expect you.”
“Great. Because the information I have only led me this far. I have no idea where they are heading and for what purpose. But first, is Alrion infected?”
“Yes, he is,” Beatrix said. Celes cursed inwardly. She knew it had to be true, but hearing it confirmed was something else.
“How bad is it?”
“Well, he’s infected. But he seemed well enough. For some reason it seems to be progressing slowly. There’s a good chance for him, if what he believes is true.”
“And that is?”
“A group called the Mystics can help cure him. They are based further north. He is pushing to reach them. Not just for his own sake, but for one of the women travelling with him.”
“Lara?”
“No, not her. She’s fine. Alyx.”
“I don’t know her,” Celes said. There was obviously a lot she had missed.
“They filled me in on a lot of the story. Come in the next room and sit. I’ll make some tea and we can talk over everything.”
“That’s a lovely idea, but I don’t know if I have time.” Celes felt exhausted, but knowing that she had a link to where Alrion had gone, was like she was being pulled north immediately. Beatrix looked Celes up and down.
“You’re in no condition to travel immediately, and you need to know what you’re walking into.”
“How far ahead are they?”
“A few days. And they have horses. Resting a little won’t make any difference.”
“Fine, I guess I can stay a little while,” Celes said. Beatrix smiled quickly and led her into the next room.
I can sit for a short while. It might be nice, Celes thought.
“That brings us to now,” Beatrix said. Celes had been quiet, choosing not to interrupt too much. She just absorbed the story.
“I was attacked by two Trackers on my way here, I know how dangerous they can be.”
“Why were they after you? Because you were following them?”
“No, it was the man with me. He was one of the original Trackers and was helping me. They noticed and went after him. I was just someone with him. He fought them off, but he received a mortal injury.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. There’s been so much life lost.”
“There really has. I feel like everything is changing under us. Maybe I’ve been living in peace and quiet for too long. But Shade Wizards and Trackers? It was never like this.”
“Things are definitely changing very rapidly. I think the Blight is coming to a head. It’s no coincidence that as your son succeeds in his quest, that the enemy starts to reveal its true colours.”
“How was Alrion? How was he really?” Celes needed to know. Beatrix paused and thought before she answered.
“He’s had trouble dealing with the infection. Especially the loss of his magic. But he seems to be coping. But I fear it’s the kind of coping that can’t be maintained forever. If he keeps going like this he may snap.” Beatrix looked like she was ready to say more, but she stopped.
Spark of Truth (The Hidden Wizard Book 3) Page 17
