Wizard's Blood [Part Two]

by Bob Blink

  As they started across the bridge, Jolan watched the members of the group. All of the mages had shield-pairs in place, even the spy-mages and Ronoron who were dressed as soldiers. Only Asari was without some kind of protection. Since the shields offered protection without giving off a detectable signature, it had seemed the best way to proceed. The spy-mages were on full alert, enjoying the chance to finally see first hand something of the inside of Ale’ald. Only Ronoron might be more actively scouting the area. He was watching everything, totally alert. His first time on a real mission was obviously a source of enjoyment and pride to the man.

  As they approached the other side of the river, it became clear that more people were up and working in this part of the village. Along this side of the river were a number of docks, most with a boat or two tied up. Some were being loaded, and a few were dispatching cargo. On the docks, crates of cargo were swiftly carried away and into warehouses, or moved from their temporary resting place onto one of the boats.

  They passed a couple of locals, and one man dressed in a uniform. No one paid them much attention, although the man in the uniform seemed a bit surprised to see wizards and military walking together so congenially. They turned north as they exited the bridge and started up the wide road toward the Academy. Hopefully anyone that saw them would assume they were staying there, and had been out for a stroll. Clearly, this side of the river was the industrial area, whereas the side with their portal was where people lived.

  Within a half mile the town thinned, and soon they were back into the open. A few structures were seen off to the right, most likely more factories of some kind. As they walked they looked for places that they could hide, and routes that would conceal them from watching eyes. Tomorrow they might have to make their escape under pursuit. Jolan hoped not, but one had to plan for the worst possibility. The trees along the river offered the most concealment, but frankly, much of the path was quite barren of anything but grasses, leaving little in the way of places to hide. It would have been nice to be able to simply cut across the river from the portal, but a boat would be quite obvious to anyone watching since nothing else was moving out on the water this time of night. Besides, where would they get a boat, and how would they navigate against the current, which appeared swift in places?

  Another hour of walking took them as close as desired to the castle. Jolan could see the factories Shyar had told Tishe about. His skin prickled. Shyar was there, inside the building he faced. So was his enemy. He longed to rush in even now. If only they’d told Shyar to escape tonight, she’d be waiting and they could end this today instead of having to wait another full day.

  Jolan shook his head. They were doing this the right way. Now that they’d walked the path, they knew better what to expect. Tomorrow everyone would be prepared. Tomorrow he’d be back together with Shyar.

  Chapter 154

  Ronoron stepped out of the portal into the stand of tall trees along the river in the middle of the afternoon. He was alone. Once he was certain the coast was clear, he turned back to the portal and executed a protected spell to shut it down. That made the second major transgression in the last several hours. He knew that his former life was now past, and he was taking steps that would be hard to explain to those who considered him friend. After he accomplished his task however, he hoped they would see his actions for the brave and bold act they were.

  Ronoron was tired of being left out. He was fed up with being considered the poor weak level three with only the ability to perform special functions more suited to supporting research. Dragons, if it hadn’t been for what he could do, Jolan and the rest would never have gotten started on the trail that led them to Ygooro and eventually back to Earth.

  For a long time he’d felt an integral part of the group, but in the last year he felt a bit cast off. He’d been able to help with the portals a bit, but even there he’d been given the less important assignment of checking out locations in safe Seret. No one seemed to care that it had been his family in Kimlelm that had been killed when the Ale’ald forces had moved into his old homeland. He knew this for certain. Before they’d started keeping a close watch on the portals he’d slipped into Kimlelm alone one day and found out the truth. Cheurt needed to pay for the loss of his family, however poorly they might have treated Ronoron in the past.

  So, now he’d take action on his own while the opportunity presented itself. He’d managed to convince Jolan to bring him along on this adventure, even though it was very clear that Jolan didn’t think his presence was needed. Ronoron had been very attentive to everything they had seen the previous day, and was certain he could blend in easily enough to make his way to the castle during the day. Blending in was a specialty of his, having learned the need to not stand out overly much when mixing with the more advanced mages at the College. Weak as he normally was, now he had power, and he knew the spells of concealment which would aid him when needed. From what Tishe had told them about what she had gleaned from the mental pictures Shyar had sent about getting in and out of the castle, he didn’t think he’d have too much trouble there either. In worst case, he’d kill the guards and just have to move quickly.

  He’d of course tried to get Jolan to consider going after Cheurt while they were here in Ale’ald. The impact on the war would be profound. Jolan, however, was too focused on getting Shyar away safely. He’d said they could mount another attempt on Cheurt afterwards, with Shyar probably a significant part of any plan using what she knew of the inside and her level seven capabilities. Ronoron didn’t agree. It would be hard to come back. Once Cheurt realized that Ale’ald’s defenses had somehow been thwarted, he’d make sure that so much extra security was in place they’d never be able to make an attempt.

  At the moment he was almost equivalent to a level seven. With Shyar free, that made two level sevens against Cheurt’s one. Had Luzoke and a few others been here, the man would be so outnumbered he wouldn’t have a chance. Jolan was correct in that Cheurt was on his home ground and many war wizards would be close at hand, which could present a problem, but Ronoron was convinced if they moved quickly it would all be over and they’d be gone before anyone was able to react. Well, it didn’t matter now.

  Ronoron realized that back in Cobalo his actions would soon be discovered. The afternoon planning meeting would start in another hour or so, and they’d realize something was up when he didn’t show for the meeting. As eager as he’d been to be part of the mission, his absence would be a dead give away. He wondered if they would start after him immediately or whether they would stick to the original plan. They would have to have some doubts, which would slow them down. Of course, once they checked with Morin and learned the portal here had been activated for a short time they’d be certain.

  Jolan would already be upset and trying to figure out what had happened to his amulet. Getting that had been the key to all of Ronoron’s plans. He wasn’t proud of himself, but he’d longed for the device since the day Jolan had allowed him to try it out and see what effect it had on him. Ronoron had been stunned at the power he’d suddenly commanded. For the short time he’d been allowed to use the device he’d not only been the equal of the other mages at the college, but in some ways he’d been superior. Jolan had been extremely surprised at the incredible effect the device had had on Ronoron as well. For most of the mages tested, the device had a far lesser impact. Meekly handing the device back to Jolan after the testing was complete had been one of the hardest things Ronoron had ever done. If Jolan hadn’t already told him the device was one-of-a-kind due to an element that couldn’t be duplicated by them, he would have begged his friend to build him one.

  Jolan was seldom without the device, wearing it around his neck at all times. Ronoron had learned that Jolan even slept with the thing. Over weeks of watching, not even knowing at the time that he’d really planned to steal the device, he’d learned that Jolan seemed to only take it off when he bathed. In the dorms, Jolan had felt confident in the security and he would le
ave the device in his desk when he washed. No one took another’s property in the dorms. It just didn’t happen. Except today it had. Knowing Jolan’s routine, he’d slipped into his room and taken the amulet. He now wore it around his own neck, partially hidden by the clothes he wore. It was easy enough to grasp if he had the need.

  Ronoron stepped out of the trees and made his way down the river as the group had done the previous evening. Today he wasn’t dressed as a military man or a mage. He was simply a local worker, not anyone for people to care much about. He paid special attention to how the common people they’d seen the previous day had dressed, and it took very little effort to modify his own appearance to fit in.

  The scenery Ronoron was walking through was far more spectacular in the daytime. The river was a clear blue, with the surrounding area a garden of multi-colored wildflowers. The towering peaks that formed the backdrop were spectacular in their incredible heights, snow covered at the peaks even this late into the summer. Ronoron could see the security provided by the mountains and why this had been a desirable location to build the Academy.

  As he entered the small village, he stopped at a street vendor and bought a meat pie. Not only did the image of a man eating as he walked add to his cover, he needed something to settle his stomach. He’d passed up the midday meal wanting to take no chance of missing the only opportunity to steal the amulet amplifier. If he were honest with himself, he was more than a bit scared. There was no turning back now, however.

  He maintained a steady, but not remarkable pace. He didn’t want to seem to be hurried, nor did he want to stand out as seeming lost. As he crossed the river, he took a moment like several others to stand and look at the flowing water, and waited until the two wizards he’d seen approaching from the other direction had made their way past. Now, on the east side of the river, he turned north again, and started walking.

  Coaches and carriages seemed to be available to take him the direction he wanted to go, but he passed them up. While not filled, enough people were on board that he’d most likely be addressed by someone, and he wasn’t certain how far his simulated accent would carry him. He’d been a little concerned that walking while everyone else was riding might make him stand out, and skulking along the river would be sure to bring attention his way. Fortunately, others seemed to be walking his way, and provided sufficient cover. While most of those he walked behind eventually turned off, others came from somewhere off to the side and started walking the same direction as he was. As he approached the edge of the town, the numbers headed back the other direction became the majority, but even after he left the village behind, there continued to be the occasional walker. Fortunately it seemed completely normal for someone to travel this road as he was.

  As he approached the castle an hour later, his heart began to beat faster and his palms to sweat. He couldn’t take time to stop and reconsider. He knew he was now committed and had to move with purpose. Once he passed through the shadows up ahead, he would activate his concealment and rely on luck and speed. Even though the spell was meant to provide cover when the caster remained stationary, if one moved slowly most commoners would not pick one up. Ronoron was glad that Jolan had learned the advanced spell from his ancestor. The older spell was not nearly as effective. A slight disturbance or blurring would be all most people would see. If he moved too fast, the blur became more obvious, and someone could get curious. Of course, a wizard might pick up on it, but he’d have to take that chance. He had the shield-pair in place, and would use his level seven pulse-ball to take out anyone who might challenge him.

  All went relatively smoothly at first. He made his way by the first set of guards and into the castle itself. There weren’t even any wards to deal with. Jolan had been right about that as well. Resting in a quiet corner and letting his heart rate settle, Ronoron planned his next move. All he had to do was make his way up the large stairway and down the hall to the area where Shyar had indicated she was being kept. He took a breath, and started to move.

  His luck ran out partway up the stairway. The wizard coming the other way detected the blur of movement and knew exactly what it represented. The man lashed out with an energy-blast, but it couldn’t penetrate the stronger shields that Ronoron could now build. In turn, Ronoron fired a series of pulse-balls that were strong enough to take down the wizard.

  Now, however, his secrecy was penetrated. The energy draw would most likely have been detected. He had to hurry. Quickly he made his way toward the door ahead, and pulling it open stepped inside. A short distance away stood a lean and tall wizard with a fierce glare. Ronoron felt his legs go weak. Cheurt!

  Immediately he launched his strongest attack, a series of pulse balls. He wished he had the strong energy beams like Luzoke, but these should be strong enough. He realized as he released the energy that Cheurt was only mildly surprised by his presence. Clearly the wizard had detected the altercation in the hallway, but he had expected to see Jolan, and not Ronoron.

  Cheurt’s shield pushed aside the pulse-balls as if they were nothing. He had shields that greatly exceeded his nominal level, which meant something like these were not an issue. He was about to destroy the interloper, who not being Jolan was of passing interest, when he suddenly changed his mind. This mage might know something of Jolan’s plans. He released a little known spell he held in reserve. The paralyze spell worked passing through the supposed protection that Ronoron had counted on. He couldn’t move, and Cheurt quickly stripped the shields away, wondering briefly why there seemed to be a pair of them. It was something he could investigate when he dipped into this one’s mind.

  Cheurt walked over and grabbed the man’s shirt and pulled him close. As he grabbed him, he realized the man was holding something in his left hand. Cheurt took a moment to look and realized it was some kind of amulet. Curious, he stripped it from the man and held it in his own hand, noticing how the man’s power seemed to fade as he did so. At the same time, Cheurt couldn’t believe the sudden flow of power that fed into him. Dragons, but this was some kind of magic enhancing device. He felt he could rip the very castle to shreds.

  This one had much to tell him, and Cheurt looked into the man’s eyes and proceeded to rip his way into the mage’s mind, caring little that he would not survive the experience.

  * * * *

  Today was the day! Shyar was suddenly a bundle of anxiety. After relatively calmly facing many months of captivity, knowing that an attempt would be made for her to escape later today had her on edge. She wanted to pace, but couldn’t afford to bring attention to herself by doing something out of the ordinary. It was time to go though. Cheurt had taken to coming in and staring at her at odd times. That was not good.

  Tishe had let her know that the attempt would be today, most likely after dark. Her signal to slip out and away would be the sense that Jolan was close. They had communicated how her sense worked, so Jolan would drop his shields so she could sense his presence, then raise them again for protection. She would escape her cell and walk across the road toward the river and wait for them to arrive.

  Not wanting any extra distractions today, she had worked her magic on the telegraph system, and while the operator sat dutifully waiting for traffic, nothing would be coming in. If Cheurt elected to send something out, the problem would be discovered, but she hoped to avoid any news coming in that could shake up the already volatile situation around here.

  Late in the afternoon, her nerves ever more on edge as the time slowly moved toward the hour of her escape, she suddenly detected Jolan as being very close. This was earlier than she’d been led to believe, and she couldn’t help but worry that something had gone wrong. She couldn’t take any immediate action since Cheurt was still near at hand, but Tishe had led her to believe it would take Jolan almost two hours to get to her location once he signaled his presence.

  Fifteen minutes later another disturbing event. She suddenly detected a sharp draw of the power. It felt almost like a weapons draw, and it was just ou
tside. She couldn’t sense where Jolan was, but he shouldn’t be here yet. So what was going on?

  Minutes later there was another sharp draw of power, and the sounds of something going on in the rooms of the suite. The area was surprisingly devoid of people this afternoon, and Shyar quietly wrapped an air shield around the telegraph operator, making him fall asleep. Then she slipped quickly out of her cell and made her way to where she could see what was going on. It was a risk, but something unusual was happening and she couldn’t help but wonder if it had to do with Jolan’s premature arrival in Ale’ald.

  When Shyar looked into the room, she was shocked at what she saw. Cheurt had hold of another man and was looking intently into the eyes of the helpless man he held. Shyar knew what he was doing. She’d seen that look with the bulging eyes once before since she’d been here. Cheurt was attempting to strip the mind of the man he held. Shyar also knew the man would not survive. He might live a few hours after the process was complete, but he’d die an empty mindless hulk. Then she had another shock. The man was Ronoron!

  The implications were not lost on her. Ronoron must be with Jolan. That made sense, but why was he here in advance of Jolan and why inside the castle? Jolan had said they would link up outside and try to avoid Cheurt. She also realized how much information Ronoron must have that could hurt Jolan and the kingdoms fighting against Ale’ald.

  She really had no choice. Knowing she was giving herself away, she fired a blue-white beam of intense energy that struck Ronoron in the head, destroying his upper half almost instantly. Then she fired a second energy-beam at Cheurt. He was the same level as she was, and she knew was particularly adept at this particular spell. Surprisingly, the beam she fired at Cheurt didn’t seem to even cause his shield to turn pink. It was as if he were a couple of levels higher than she was. She tried again with no effect. No more time, it was necessary for her to flee. Cheurt would come out of the shock induced by having the brain he’d been examining destroyed while he was probing around in it. When he did, he’d realize she was the cause and come after her in a minute. She didn’t understand why she hadn’t been able to crack his shield when he wasn’t even focused on her, but she feared he might be equally strong with his own weapons spells and she might not be able to resist. This was something she hadn’t considered before. She could only hope that she’d been quick enough to limit the amount of information that Cheurt had been able to acquire through his probing.