"Yes, father, that means that someone has been here recently."
"How long ago?"
"They know we're here," whispered Princess Ukina.
Lorit held his hand out to her. "Quiet, they may hear us. My shields are still weak."
"I would say less than an hour," the boy ventured.
"Good, and what else can we discover from these tracks?"
"I make out three different sets of hoof prints. It's hard to read since the hoof prints are almost all identical. There were two people here, too."
"What does that tell you about the horses?" the knight asked. He stood and stretched as he talked.
"The horses were all shod by the same person," the boy said confidently.
"Very good. What can you tell about the people from these tracks?" Sir Adane knelt down and put his arm around the boy, looking into his eyes as he spoke.
"There was a man and a woman," the boy said.
"How do you know that?"
"By the depth and size of their footprints. These are a woman's." He pointed to one print. "These are a man's," he said pointing to another.
"And the distance between prints?" Sir Adane asked pointing to the grass.
"It shows that they were walking. Leisurely, not running, not in a hurry."
"What does that tell us about them?"
"They either don't know we're following them or they aren't afraid of us," the boy said.
"And what does that tell you?"
"A man and a woman with horses are here, and they're hiding in the tree," he said triumphantly, pointing at the live oak.
"So why do the tracks suddenly disappear like that?" Sir Adane pointed out where the tracks vanished behind Lorit's shields.
The boy wrinkled his brow and looked closely at the prints once more. He rubbed his chin and finally said tentatively, "Magic?"
"And that settles it, doesn't it? The Princess and the missing Wizard must be hiding in that tree right over there." Sir Adane stood up and tousled the boy's hair. "You figured it out all by yourself.
"Princess, you can come out now," he called. "No use hiding in there. And bring the Wizard with you."
The Princess looked at Lorit. "What now?"
"You heard him; there's no use in hiding, is there?"
As the Princess emerged from their hiding place, Sir Adane and his son bowed deeply.
"Princess," Sir Adane said. "I'm so happy I have found you."
"I'm not going back."
"Go back? I was not sent to take you back. I was sent to escort you. The King sent me to find you and accompany you on your quest to find the Prince."
"You were not sent to bring me back?"
"Your father was angry when he learned you had left, but he agrees that you and the Wizard are the best equipped to find his son. He sent me to aide you."
Relynn
Lorit saw Relynn appear across the plain early one evening after several days of hard riding. It first showed as a series of slender points sticking up out of the grass and brush ahead, slowly growing into a jumble of gray towers, lit by the setting sun.
As they approached the city the ground suddenly opened into a deep crevice, stretching across their path as far as the eye could see. It looked as if the land had been violently torn open, creating a deep chasm that surrounded the city.
The road tuned into a treacherous path that wound back and forth across the chasm, full of switchbacks. It was treacherous to cross even on horseback. As they wound their way, Lorit looked down into the chasm. It appeared almost bottomless, but far off he could hear the sound of water running. A small stream splashed over the edge, the water falling into the chasm far below.
He found a copper in his pocket and tossed it into the abyss. He heard it clanging and ringing as it ricocheted off the rock on its way down, fading as it went. He did not hear it hit the bottom.
Inside the confines of the chasm, the land was tilled and planted with alternating fields of corn, wheat, and vegetables. Farms occupied every square span of the land between the chasm's edge and the walls that surrounded the city. It was rumored that Relynn produced everything it needed inside the protection of the chasm, and was unassailable.
As they passed by, peasants occasionally stopped their labor to watch and wave. Lorit noticed the strange construction of the cottages and barns. Each building, no matter the function or size, had rickety, slender spires sticking out of its roof. Most of them were fabricated of the same thatch and rough cut wood as the buildings themselves, though a rare few were made of mud glaze over brick. Each one had a small ring running around the outside of the spire, near the top.
Lorit wondered aloud what they were hoping to accomplish with the spires. Princess Ukina simply stated that it was a poor imitation of the grand city ahead.
The walls that surrounded Relynn were tall and imposing even with the security of the chasm; the citizens took no chances. In front of the gate was another moat. This one paled in comparison to the grand chasm that surrounded the city, but was impressive nonetheless. Crossing the moat was a stout drawbridge that could be pulled up against the portcullis in times of need.
The King's banner got them past the gate guards and into the city proper with minimal delays. As they entered the city, Lorit could see for himself the proliferation of spires on every building in sight. The real grandeur was the spire of Keep Relynn. It stood against the sky, straight and true, lifting almost to the clouds themselves. Lorit could barely make out the figures walking on the encircling balcony far overhead.
The streets were so crowded, they had to dismount. They walked their horses through the thronging masses as they wound their way through the busy streets.
"Have we come on a festival day?" Lorit asked.
"I don't think so," the Princess answered. "Why?"
"The crowds. Why are all these people here?"
The Princess laughed. "They live here. Relynn is one of the most crowded cities in the realm."
"But why would all these people want to live here?" Lorit thought it was overcrowded. He would hate to live every day amidst the noise and bustle of these folk.
"They feel safe. They're well fed and comfortable," the Princess explained. "The great chasm, the rich fields, the sturdy walls, everything about Relynn makes it a safe and prosperous city.
"And another thing you will appreciate - there is no Temple here. They don't hold with the Priests and have never let them take hold."
"A city without magic?"
"Not without magic - without Priests. They have plenty of magic."
"I don't understand."
"You will. Come on, the keep is just ahead."
They wound through the crowds, slowly making their way to the keep. Lorit pondered the Princess' comment. Would the Priests truly have taken Chihon and the Prince here if there were no Temple? He feared he might be following a false trail, chasing after a ghost while Chihon and Prince Ghall were taken further away.
He almost stumbled over a farmer leading swine through the crowded street as they pressed their way through the mass of peasants and animals that crowded into the square. There was finally some relief when they reached the keep itself, as commerce was not allowed in the main square.
Sir Adane approached the guards at the keep doors. As he made his way up the steps, the first guard straightened up and tapped the other with his spear. Lorit thought that he tried to look menacing but was not very convincing.
"The Princess Ukina to see Lord Draril," Sir Adane said.
"Sir." The Guard snapped to attention. "Please allow me to send a runner to announce you."
"Never mind. We can see ourselves in."
"Please, Sir. The Lord will be displeased with me if I allow you entrance before he is prepared to receive her Grace."
"Send a runner, then," Sir Adane said. "A fast one. He pushed past the guard and motioned Lorit and the Princess to follow.
With little advance warning, Lord Draril was flustered at being obliged to
receive a royal guest. He looked as if he had been dressed quickly in a haphazard manner. His regal robes were wrinkled, he was unshaven, and looked slightly hung over. Despite his rushed preparations, Lorit thought he was an impressive figure. Lord Draril was a fighter, tall and strong, with the scars of battle showing on his face.
He met them in the banquet hall as servants quickly prepared for the royal visit. Maids and servants rushed about, setting a table and decorating it with flowers and all the finery that the regal guest deserved.
"Forgive my unpreparedness, Princess," Lord Draril said, bowing low.
"No, it is I who should ask your forgiveness. I should have sent a messenger ahead to advise you of our visit and allow you sufficient time to prepare, but alas, our need is great, and we have had to make haste."
Lord Draril stood up and extended his hand to the Princess. "What is your urgent need?" He guided her to a chair at the large table and sat her down. He pulled his own chair to face her.
"My brother, Prince Ghall, has been kidnapped. We heard word that he was taken by the Priests and that they were headed this way."
"When did this happen?"
"He was taken from the Castle in Veldwaite within the last moon. We have ridden hard to make it here as quickly as possible. They could not have arrived here much ahead of us, probably within the last two days."
"Relynn is a large and populous city." Lord Draril leaned back in his chair as the servants brought them each a chalice of wine. "I'm afraid we don't keep track of everyone who comes and goes. Particularly if they don't want to be noticed."
Lorit watched as they loaded the table with rich foods and drink. He was unaccustomed to such fare and had learned his lesson in Veldwaite. He located a pitcher of water and poured himself a chalice, drinking thirstily from it while he listened.
"Please, there must be something you can do?" Princess Ukina asked. "Is there anyone we could talk to? Perhaps the gate guards or an inn keeper?"
Lord Draril just laughed. "There are many inns in Relynn. The guards take turns at the gate as part of their rounds. There are dozens of guards who stand duty there each day. I'm sorry, Princess, but there is almost no way to know if or when they entered the city."
"Lorit is a Wizard. He can use magic to read people. I saw him do it in Veldwaite."
Lorit sat up, ready to offer a protest, when Lord Draril interrupted her.
"I do have a most powerful witch who helps with such things," he said scratching his stubbly chin. "Perhaps magic is the answer." He looked over at Lorit questioningly. "Are you comfortable consulting a witch?"
"I've never met a witch before," Lorit said.
"That's not surprising," Lord Draril said. "Wizards and witches don't often get along."
"If she can help me find Chihon and the Prince, then I'm willing to try. Can you take us to her?"
"I will make the arrangements. She sees people on her time, and it won't be today," Lord Draril said. "For now, let's enjoy our meal."
It took two days to arrange the divination. Lord Draril was a gracious host, and after he'd had adequate time to prepare, he was a good humored entertainer, too. He explained to Lorit that witches needed time to prepare for any spell and that it took just the right combination of the position of the moon and stars. It also took time to gather the materials used in the spell.
Lorit did not understand why, and was impatient to get on with his quest. He wished again that he could contact Zhimosom, but in his absence, Rotiaqua was proving to be a good adviser. He lay back and relaxed, extending his sense out to her. The mist swirled around him and the vision of the Sorceress sitting in Zhimosom's chair started to form. Lorit could see her influence on the old Wizard's study, as the books seemed more orderly than usual.
She looked up as Lorit's image materialized.
"Lorit. How are you doing? Any progress in locating Chihon?"
"Not yet. We've just arrived in Relynn; that is the last place we heard she was headed. It is a large city and very crowded. They could be anywhere. I still can't find her. Her magic is weak and distant, but at least I know she's still alive. It's as if there is a thick wall around her."
"You've experienced the web," Rotiaqua reminded him. "You know how to break it. Is this spell like that one?"
"I remember the web. Maybe if I were closer or had more power I could break it, but I can't get through it from here. We're trying to track her down right now. Lord Draril says he knows a witch who can help."
"A witch?" Rotiaqua abruptly shut the book she'd been reading. She placed her hand on the cover and looked sternly at Lorit.
"Stay away from her," she said. "Witches are nothing but trouble, especially for a Wizard." She reached across the table and picked up the skull that served as a candle holder. She slid it in front of her, absently picking at the wax that dripped down from the candle.
"This is from the last witch Zhimosom encountered," Rotiaqua said. "He killed her and kept her skull as a decoration. Just a little reminder."
"I don't see what harm can come of it."
"Stay away from her," Rotiaqua insisted. "Even if she does know where Chihon is, she will lead you into trouble. Mark my words."
"I need to find Chihon. Maybe the witch can help. Lord Draril seems to think so, and I am willing to take a chance."
"Lorit, I know you want to find Chihon more than anything else, but be wary. Witches are trouble. They draw their power from the spirit world, it is evil magic."
"Have you discovered anything about Zhimosom?" Lorit hoped that she knew more than the last time they'd spoken. "I still can't contact him, either."
"Zhimosom still lives, but he is weakening. I can feel it."
"Do you know where he is?"
"No. I'm searching, but remember, my powers are diminished because of his imprisonment. It's part of the pairing."
"Why aren't my powers diminished because of Chihon?"
"Her powers are not diminished. They are just hidden from you. She must be well and strong, or else you would feel it, too."
"That's good, isn't it?" Lorit worried about Chihon more than Zhimosom. He had come to depend not only on her power to aid his own, but he missed her advice, and he had to admit to himself, he missed her company, too.
"It's a good sign." Rotiaqua raised her hand and pointed one aged finger at Lorit. "Stay away from that witch."
"Thank you for your counsel," Lorit said, releasing the connection. He didn't want to argue with her about the witch. If the witch offered any hope of locating Chihon, he was going to see her.
After the Sorceress faded from view, Lorit fell into a troubled sleep. His dreams were filled with terror. He dreamed he had found Chihon, only every time he reached for her she would shimmer and fade into the image of Princess Ukina, laughing maniacally.
Witchery
When the witch was ready, Lorit and the Princess were escorted by one of Lord Draril's servants to the less reputable side of the city. The witch lived in a rundown house adjacent to a graveyard. The old house had the obligatory spire but it was crooked and weathered. Lorit worried that it would topple under the slightest breeze and crush them as they made their way inside.
The witch's abode was no less run down inside. The walls were hung with threadbare tapestries depicting mythical creatures and monsters that Lorit recognized from his childhood lessons. There was a smell in the air that reminded him of rotting corpses mixed in with burnt hair and berries.
In the center of the room was a sturdy marble table with a large depression in the center. It stood on stout wooden legs, which were the only things in the room that appeared untouched by decay and degradation.
An old woman carrying a large silver bowl entered the room. She placed it in the middle of the table and sat heavily in one of the chairs. "So you have come to Kelnit to seek your love."
"No," Lorit said. "I am looking for Chihon. She's my partner in magic, not my lover."
"Not just partner." The witch pointed a crooked finger at
him. "Your love." Lorit felt uncomfortable. The witch had seen something in him that he was not sure he was ready to admit to himself.
She turned to the Princess. "And you ... are looking for your brother."
"Yes, I am." The Princess walked the perimeter of the room, arms folded, looking at each of the hangings with great interest.
"Sit down, both of you," Kelnit said.
Lorit and the Princess took their seats across from each other. The witch leaned over the large glimmering silver bowl. "This will tell us everything we seek if we but ask properly." She sat up and looked at Lorit. "Do you have a personal item from the one you seek?"
Lorit searched his pack for the comb the girl had secreted away when Chihon left. He handed it to the witch. "This is her comb. It was left behind when she was abducted."
"And you?" she asked turning to the Princess.
The Princess rummaged in her own pack until she came up with a small dagger. "This is his."
"Good." The witch called out to her apprentice to bring the water. A young girl came out, carrying a silver pitcher. She was about fourteen summers in age, dressed in a dirty but well maintained dress. She tipped the pitcher and poured water into the silver bowl. It stank of slime and decay, as if it had been scooped from a stagnant pond in the graveyard.
The water swirled around the bowl as she poured. Kelnit took the dagger and stirred the water violently, almost splashing it out of the bowl. She sat back and let the water settle down. The debris and contamination slowly sank to the bottom of the bowl.
The witch leaned over it and cackled. Lorit could see a rough pattern form in the sediment as it settled out of the water. It appeared vaguely like the map he carried in his pack.
"I see a tall mountain peak, protected by a steep cliff and a solid wall of rock cut from the mountain itself. Banners fly from the walls, their golden trim awash in the sunlight that reflects off the snow. The mountain rises out of the Ice Father to challenge the spires of Relynn."
The air above the water shimmered and took on the shape she described. High up in the mountains a city sat nestled against the sheer granite cliffs. Its walls were made of the same stone that formed the mountain, blending in almost as if the city itself had been formed right along with the craggy peaks.
Wizard's Education (Book 2) Page 8
