by Eden Redd
Damon kept eye contact, “I know she is important to you as she is still important to me. I want you to witness all the hard work you helped me achieve. Gwen would distract you and frankly I will need your full attention. I still care for her but don’t take my caring as a sign of weakness. She can be killed just like any other person who stands in my way.”
“And if I don’t go?” Trystan crossed his arms and leaned back.
Damon smiled, “You have that choice but you will miss what I have in store for the entire world. Once the ritual is cast, any restrictions I place on you will be null and void. You can tell anyone you wish of what you witnessed as I think you should.”
Trystan looked away, his mind mulling over everything he just heard. The mage knew deep down what was going to happen but he didn’t feel good about it.
“You don’t have to give me an answer. The choice is in your hands but I know you will do the right thing. It is in your nature. You have two weeks to reach the location in the Broken Islands,” Damon picked up his teacup and finished his last drop of tea.
Trystan felt a nervous anger take over. He continued to stare at the renegade mage as he put down his tea cup.
Trystan leaned forward and spoke very carefully, “I will stop you. I will stop this foolish attempt at power. You were mistaken to invite me and I will make sure you pay for it.”
Damon returned the gaze with understanding eyes, “I know, young mage. I welcome the challenge. I believe we both can learn from the experience. Come by yourself or with your friends. I hope to see you on the night of the full moon. All will be revealed.”
The dreamscape darkened. The bright sky turned black. Leaves fell off the trees, disintegrating the instant they touched the ground. The wine glasses and tea cups cracked. Damon gave one last long look before he turned to dust and spilled down over the chair and onto the dying grass. Trystan stood up just as his chair decayed into rotting wood. The young mage looked to the black sky. With a thought, he willed himself awake.
Eyes blinking open, Trystan sat up. Looking over, Gwen slept peacefully at his side. The mage pulled the blanket off of himself, stood up and walked to the window. Peering past the edge of the curtain, the cobbled street below was silent and empty.
Gwen sleepily reached over and found the bed empty. Eyes half opened, she slowly sat up and looked to Trystan standing by the partly open window, a summer breeze flowing in.
“Trystan?” Gwen said as she blinked sleep from her eyes.
“We have to talk,” Trystan said without turning around, his eyes looking to every shadow on the street, trying to pierce their darkness.
Five
Gwen pulled a bottle of wine from a small rack. Trystan sat at the kitchen table as the Ink Witch pulled two wine glasses from a cabinet. The young mage brooded as Gwen stepped over and placed the bottle and glasses on the wooden table. It was the middle of the night and the city slept on as the witch opened the bottle and poured red wine into each glass.
“This will help calm the nerves,” Gwen said with a small smile.
Trystan took hold of a glass as did Gwen. There was no toast as they both took a deep sip and placed their glasses on the table. Gwen smoothed down her silk robe as Trystan sat in his boxers. The mood was gloomy as the mage tried to work out what he was going to say.
Trystan looked to Gwen and started talking. The witch sat patiently as Trystan told her of the dream, Damon Wick and everything they talked about. The mage did notice that he could speak of the Broken Islands but could not say exactly where the meeting spot would be. He tried numerous times to tell Gwen where Damon wanted him to go but he would close his mouth and stare. The mage had to change what he wanted to say and he could speak again.
“I tried a few times to tell you the location Damon wants to meet but I can’t get the words out,” Trystan finished.
Gwen nodded and took another sip of wine, “He has gone deep into your mind. I’m afraid there is nothing we can do until the ritual and time frame come to pass.”
“He threatened to hurt you if you tried to come with me,” Trystan’s hands clenched.
Gwen reached over and took Trystan’s hand into hers, “Sad to say, I believe he would go through with it.”
“Gwen, I’m not sure what to do? Damon wants me to witness this event he has planned. I feel I should bring this to the Headmaster and Headmistress but I’m not sure what they will do. If they follow or intervene in any way, you and others may get hurt.”
“What does your heart say?”
Trystan held her hand a little tighter, “I need to go. I need to try and stop him.”
“Trystan, you have a noble heart but he is experienced and has years of magical training. Do you think you can stop him?”
Trystan’s head tilted forward, shadows covering his eyes, “No. But I can’t sit back and let him go through with this dark plot.”
Gwen looked to the mage and her heart beat warmly for him, “I can’t tell you what to do but I can suggest that you go into this fully prepared. Take some time to plan. Talk to others who can help with some advice. Be ready for the unexpected.”
Gwen took another sip before putting the wine glass down and continued, “The Broken Islands is a dangerous place. I travelled there years ago to speak with the sirens and mermaids. All manner of monsters lurk in the waters and islands. Even if you know the way, you will still need a guide to avoid the creatures there.”
“The library has many maps of the territory. I will research it today and see if I can come up with a solid plan,” Trystan picked up his glass and took a sip. The red liquid sent a warming flow to his cheeks.
Gwen’s eyes lowered and she stared at the table, “I don’t want you to go. I want you to stay but I know how your heart works.”
Trystan could see the war of emotions in Gwen’s eyes. The mage was on his feet and took hold of the witch’s hands. Bringing her to her feet, the mage leaned in and kissed her passionately. Gwen held him close, not wanting to break their embrace. After all they had been through, terrible thoughts of losing each other stormed through their minds and hearts.
Trystan broke their kiss and stared into Gwen’s deep blue eyes, “I wish I could just stay here with you. I don’t know if I’m really up for this quest. I have so many doubts.”
Gwen held him close and whispered in his ear, “I know you do. I may not be able to join you but I will do everything I can to help you. Finish your wine and come to bed. I still have you for the rest of the night and I want us to spend every moment in each other’s arms.”
Gwen broke away, turned and her hands went to the thin fabric tying her robe closed. She untied it and shrugged the silk robe from her shoulders. The witch’s back was to Trystan and he could not take his eyes off her womanly body. Gwen turned her head and gave a playful smirk before stepping from the kitchen and toward the bedroom.
Trystan drank down the rest of the wine in his glass and placed it on the table. He chased after the beautiful witch. When he reached the bedroom, Gwen was on her side and beckoning him to bed. The mage slipped into bed, lustful wanting in his eyes. The mage and witch made love until the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon.
***
Trystan sat at a heavy wooden table in a deserted section of the Stukarr Library. Maps lay out before him with a small stack of thick books to his right. The mage was supposed to be working but instead found a nice quiet spot and began his research. Trystan pulled out his spell book and filled a few pages with notes.
Midafternoon sun spilled in from large cathedral sized windows. The light warmed the mage’s back as he worked feverishly on cramming every bit of knowledge in his sleep deprived brain. Time was of the essence and he could feel every moment tick by. Going over the map, he could see train rails going to the most east southern town, Lantern Beach. It was a two-day train ride to the town. From there he would have to book passage on a ship to take him the rest of the way. The mage sat back and wondered how he was going to do i
t. He didn’t have much coin and most of it would go to the train ride there.
“So, this is where you’re hiding,” Came a voice from behind.
Trystan’s stood up straight, nearly flipping the chair under him. Turning around with eyes the size of saucers, he stared at his boss Jenny Warg as she stood with her eyes closed and arms crossed.
“Jenny! I…..uh…..was making sure these maps were in order,” Trystan stammered.
Jenny continued to stand, arms crossed under her overly large chest, a finger tapping at her arm, “I know it’s slow because of the summer but that doesn’t mean you can just go off and hide. We have to be accountable for every book and work still needs to be done.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll put everything away and get back to work,” Trystan said as he turned to the table, fingers taking hold of the top map.
Jenny walked over and looked down at several maps laid out, “Broken Islands? Planning a trip?”
Trystan oddly picked up a few books while Jenny pushed aside a long lock of blonde hair from her cheek. The librarian leaned over the maps and traced her fingers over the symbol of a town.
“I’ve been to Lantern Beach. It’s a great resort town. This is their busy season,” Jenny said matter of fact.
Trystan took what she was saying and ran with it, “Yea, I was thinking of getting away for a few weeks. I was going to come to you before I left today to ask for some time off.”
Jenny stood up and looked over to the nervous mage, “I suppose I should let you take your vacation time. When are you leaving?”
“The day after tomorrow,” Trystan said hesitantly.
Jenny closed her eyes and turned from the mage, “This is short notice. I’m not sure I can accommodate it. I have to think of the schedule.”
Trystan floundered, “Jenny, I really need this time off. Can you see it in your heart to let me go for two weeks?”
Jenny stuck out her chin, “You have done a lot for this library and the city. It would be cruel of me to make you stay. Are you going there with anyone?”
Trystan felt his shoulders drop, “No.”
Jenny opened one eye, “What about your girlfriends, the witch or the red head?”
Trystan tried to keep Jenny in the dark about his love life and wasn’t sure how she knew about them. Quickly thinking back, he remembered that Nia or Gwen would sometimes call him at work. The mage wondered if his boss was listening in on his conversations.
“Don’t try to deny anything. I know about them. They are both beautiful women. I don’t understand why you would go on vacation without either one or both?” The corner of Jenny’s mouth curved into a smirk.
Trystan tried to think fast, “Well….uh…..I have been stressed out lately. You know, from all the excitement. I lost one of my familiars and …..well….I think I need some time to unwind.”
Jenny turned with stars in her eyes, “You poor dear! I heard about what happened. I’m sorry I’m being so insensitive. You must be so stressed and need some time to rest.”
The stars in Jenny’s eyes faded and filled with a sly devious gleam, “I will let you take your time off on the condition that I join you. I have some time saved up myself and I could use a vacation.”
Trystan stared dumbfounded, “Jenny I don’t think…..”
Jenny kept talking as if he didn’t say anything, “I spent a lot of time island hopping. I can show you some real beautiful spots. I know the owner of the Lantern Hotel. I’m sure he could give us a discount.”
Trystan eyed the busty blonde, “You know the Broken Islands?”
Jenny nodded, “Oh yes. Years ago, I back packed all across Lurth. It was my wandering phase. I know many people in many towns and cities. Lantern Beach was a fun place filled with icy drinks and hot sun. My skin is very pale from working here all the time. I could stand to darken up.”
Trystan was tempted to agree to her terms but knew deep down he couldn’t put her in any danger. He had to do this himself.
Jenny looked to the mage as he stood silently, “You don’t have to worry about your girlfriends. I can be discreet,” The librarian winked.
Trystan still regretted the time he was with Jenny that one night. Against his will, he was forced into seducing her so he could snap a picture from a page in the Libro Nocte. Try as he might to simply be co-workers, the librarian took every opportunity to flirt with him. Trystan was gracious and politely turned away her advances but Jenny didn’t like taking no for an answer.
The mage shook his head. Before he could say anything, Jenny was quick to respond.
“Trystan, it is very simple. You will get your vacation time if I go with you. If not, then you will be spending the summer working in the lower book vaults cataloging every book down there. It can get chilly down there so you should bring a sweater.”
Trystan felt his face sag. The mage would have to figure out a way to leave before she could meet up with him. He would have to apologize later and hopefully still have a job when he returned. If he returned.
“Alright Jenny. We can go together,” Trystan said, defeated.
Jenny bounced and clapped her hands, “Yay! I will make some phone calls and pack my suitcase. Don’t think of trying to ditch me or you’re as good as fired. We are going to have so much fun!”
Trystan stood with a few books in his hands and a gloomy cloud over his head. The blonde librarian looked to him and then to the books and maps strewn about.
“It’s pretty dead here today. You can go back to your research. Keep your phone on so we can discuss and plan out the details. I’m so excited. You won’t regret it.” Jenny said and smacked Trystan on the butt. She turned on her heel and walked away.
“I already do,” Trystan sighed under his breath.
***
Trystan left work but not before Jenny talked his ear off concerning their trip together at the last second. She had already secured a room with a big bed. When Trystan said they should have two rooms, the librarian laughed it off. Jenny said that they were booked solid and only had one room left. Trystan didn’t entirely believe her but he would have to figure it out later.
Walking toward the college, Trystan took in the warm evening air. The sun was just setting, a faint yellow glow reaching out across the heavens. The moment of peace was quickly replaced with knowing eyes. The mage looked to some of the damage the college had suffered during the slime attack. The grassy landscape before the actual college was ripped up with green grass and brown mud scattered everywhere. Giant footprints left their impressions. The stone paths lay shattered and disheveled. The main college buildings had some cracks but already the mage noticed that some of them were sealed up. The college didn’t look as haggard as it did a few days earlier. Trystan heard they were focusing repairs on the buildings before they start reshaping the landscape. Trystan wanted to see the beautiful college restored to its beautiful state by the time he was back for his second year.
A twinge of worry struck the mage’s heart. Leaving the college to try and stop Damon Wick could end his very life. Trystan turned down a cracked path as he took one last look at the damaged college. He might not see it again and that caused the gloom around the mage that much darker.
Pushing gloomy thoughts away, the mage continued to the college faculty housing. It was here Trystan noticed a lot of damage. At the end of the wide path was the destroyed Headmaster’s home. Judging from the damage, a whole new house would have to be built. Some of the other homes were destroyed as the slimes made their way toward the main part of the city. Trystan felt a cold chill spike down his spine as he felt he was walking through a warzone.
The mage stopped in front of a modest two-story home. A few moments later he was at the door and ringing the doorbell. Looking down, the mage smiled at the “All are Welcome!” door mat. The mage waited patiently and after a minute, he was going to ring the doorbell again when he heard footsteps.
The door opened and Professor Hart looked to the mage with a beaming smil
e, “Trystan! So good to see you. Come in.”
Trystan instantly felt relaxed and followed Professor Hart into his home. The professor was wearing a white robe, tied around the middle. The house was dark except for a light spilling down the stairs from the second floor. Professor Hart went about lighting lamps to his comfortable home. Trystan walked in but remained standing, feeling like he came at a bad time.
“Please have a seat. What can I do for you this fine evening?” Professor Hart asked as he took a seat in a comfortable chair.”
“Is it a bad time? I could come back tomorrow.” Trystan said while still standing awkwardly.
“Nonsense. You came to see me for a reason. How can I help you?”
Trystan nodded his head and took a seat on the couch, “I am taking a trip and I could use some advice.”
“A trip you say. After everything you have gone through, a vacation is exactly what you need. I would be more than happy to help with any advice I can give.”
Trystan felt a tightness in his chest, “I will also need you to not ask too many questions.”
Professor Hart’s demeanor became a little more serious but positive energy continued to float from him, “Sounds like you have a problem. I will respect what you’re asking and try to not ask too many questions.”
Trystan let out a huff before speaking again, “If a mage had to fight another mage, what would be the best tactic to use against them?”
Professor Hart’s smile faded. The elder mage stood up and walked over to large globe of Lurth next to a desk. The professor flipped open the top to reveal glass bottles filled with different shades of liquids. He pulled out a bottle and two glasses. Closing the globe, he brought over the glasses and bottle and set them on the coffee table. Professor Hart poured into each glass and took one. Trystan reached down and took the other.
“I assume you are speaking purely theoretical. If not, then I would have to report our conversation to the Headmaster and Headmistress.” The professor held the glass before his lips.
