by Jamie Davis
Hal's mind raced as he considered all the things Kay and Theran said. He wanted to rail against the unfairness of it all, but he knew there was no use to doing that. He wasn't strong enough to take on the Emperor yet. There was so much to learn, and Hal still didn't have anything approaching a plan to get into the palace, rescue his family, and get out again safely.
“I'm going to get some rest,” Hal said getting up from the table. “Maybe if I get some sleep and heal my wounds more I'll reason all this through. I know I'm not strong enough yet, but I'm getting closer. That means I need a plan. It's time to work on one. We'll start when I wake up.”
Kay handed him his staff.
“That's a good idea, Hal. We can figure out a way to get into the Imperial city at least. That will get us more than halfway to our target. I'll start thinking about some ideas on how to do that as well. Have a good nap.”
Hal returned to his cabin and settled into his bunk. He closed his eyes but found it difficult falling asleep at first. His mind kept returning to the images of Mona and the Emperor, acting like longtime friends. Then the exhaustion from his injuries overcame him. Hal rolled over and drifted off into fitful sleep.
––––––––––––––––
It only took a day for Hal to recover enough of his magical strength to heal his wounds. The emotional toll of seeing his wife again still pulled his attention away from his studies.
Hal knew his distraction frustrated Theran, but the fire mage never brought it up. Instead, when training over the next week at sea, he redirected Hal's attention to the lesson at hand until Hal managed to accomplish the magical task set before him.
In this way, Hal continued to advance with his skills at fire magic. On the third day after leaving the island, he cast his first fireball sending the missile launching out to see where it exploded in a burst of steam over the ocean swells. This was followed shortly by the wall of fire spell he had seen Theran use as they escaped the port.
The ship's crew applauded every time he tested another spell as if it were a fireworks display. Hal began trying different variables when casting to try and alter the magic for different effects.
At first, Theran chastised him for straying from the traditional way of learning magic. But as Hal displayed his ability to improvise with magic, Theran changed his mind and began asking his student how he accomplished the different outcomes.
The first time Hal taught Theran a new spell, a notification appeared in Hal's mind announcing the completion of what must've been a hidden quest.
Quest completed — the student becomes the teacher.
New spell learned: lava flow
10,000 experience awarded
Through the new spell, Hal discovered that if he mixed a little bit of his earth magic into a fire spell, he created lava.
Theran was surprised by this combination of magic schools.
“You've progressed two stages beyond what I know. Those two spells seem to have melded fire magic with earth magic to create a hybrid spell I didn't know existed. I have to say; I am impressed.”
“Does that mean you no longer have anything you can teach me?”
Theran laughed. “I’m sure there are a few things here and there I can add to what you've learned. We'll keep working at it until we get Tandon. Once there, we can contact Tildi and see if she is ready to take you on for tutoring in wind magic. I think you'll be ready by the time we arrive.”
Hal grinned. His thoughts charged ahead to the tentative plans he'd started forming on how he was going to assault the Emperor’s stronghold. Kay had given him a few ideas based on her knowledge growing up in the palace.
A minor storm blew the Sea Sprite slightly off its planned course and added three extra days to their trip. Hal used the time to soak up every last bit of knowledge he could get from his lessons with Theran. He wanted to have every opportunity, every scrap of knowledge possible because he knew the outcome of his rescue plan might hinge on some obscure tidbit he'd picked up along the way.
Several weeks after they left Morton Creek, they sailed into the harbor at Tandon. Hal noticed right away something had changed. He couldn't put his finger on what it was until Kay pointed out the warships docked in the harbor and the many soldiers clustered around the docs.
“Do you recognize the colors, Kay? Are they friend or foe?”
She shaded her eyes from the noonday sun and peered at the ships as they headed to their berth.
“I recognize several of the flags flying from the masts. They are all from the free cities up and down the coast. I think the Duke has begun to amass an army to bolster the fight against the Emperor.”
“That's good news,” Theran surmised. “It must mean the war is going in our favor. Perhaps we won't need some elaborate plan to get to the palace after all if the troops have pushed far enough toward the Crystal City.”
“Maybe,” Kay added. “It could also mean things are going poorly and they need reinforcements at the front.”
Hal refused to let her suggestion change his overall good mood. He forced a smile on his face. It was time to put some of those leadership skills he’d learned when serving as a general for the army outside Hyroth. Hal put on a positive outlook for the others to see while he puzzled out the final solution to the plan he'd been working in his head.
Hal smiled at the others. “No need to worry about things we don't know. We'll be dining with the Duke soon enough and he can answer all our questions. Let's gather our things and prepare to go ashore.”
Toby tugged at Hal's shirt sleeve.
“Will I be able to dine with the Duke, too?”
“Of course. You're with us. After all the help you've given, what kind of friend would I be if I left you behind to wander around the strange city where you knew no one? Go get your things and meet us on deck.”
25
The Duke welcomed them back with open arms. He had rooms prepared for them and Hal enjoyed a relaxing bath while servants laid out fresh clothes for him. Much of what he had been wearing since the island was charred and burned in many places. He was tired of smelling like a barbecue.
The Duke and Duchess held a private dinner for the four of them later in the evening. Hal looked forward to news from the army engaged with Imperial forces east of Hyroth. After a traditional toast to good health, the Duke took a moment to fill them in.
“Honestly, Hal, the information I'm getting back from the current campaign tells me the results are mixed. We've been winning most of the battles, but the casualties from the fire sand weapons are taking a heavy toll. That is why we've brought in more reinforcements to sent to the front. That's the good news.”
“Good lord, what's the bad news?” Hal asked.
“The bad news is, Hal, this is it. These are the last available levies from the free cities in this part of the Empire. From here on out we have to make do with the troops we already have.”
“Wait,” Kay said. “If they've been winning as many battles as you say, surely they have pushed much farther into the Emperor’s territory. He can't have many reserves to put on the field either.”
The Duke nodded.
“That's true. But if you remember the things I'm sure your father taught you about war and logistics, the army with the shorter supply line doesn't need as many men to hold the territory. The harder we press the Emperor's army, the easier it is for them to resist.”
“Have you heard from Otto and the others recently?” Hal asked.
“The last dispatch I have was dated over a month ago,” the Duke said. “It detailed for victory in a major battle just fifty miles west of the Crystal City.”
“That's great news. In fact, it's the first really good news I've heard in a long time. If we can rejoin the army, I'll only be fifty miles from Mona and Cari.”
The Duke shook his head.
“You didn't let me finish. The rest of the dispatch goes on to say they've reached the outer edges of the emperor’s magical wards. Otto thin
ks they will be unable to penetrate them on their own. He's sending scouts ahead to try to find a way through but so far all have been run off, killed, or captured. I was hoping you, and our guest Theran might be able to offer a solution to penetrate the barrier magically.”
Hal looked at Theran. The fire mage shrugged.
“I'm not sure there's anything I can do. The thing that makes those wards so hard to penetrate is that they are created by a team of mages using all four schools of magic. Were I to team up with the other three remaining free mages, we might be able to break through, but the Emperor and his wizards hold all the cards. They could just as easily seal it up right behind us trapping everyone inside where they could finish us off in small groups.”
Hal frowned and shook his head.
“I’m not giving up. There must be a way to break through. Maybe after I complete my training with Tildi, I'll be able to figure something out. After all, I'm supposed to be the solution to all of this, right? That means I'm the one you have to break through the shield and lead the army against the Emperor.”
The Duke reached into his robes and pulled out an envelope.
“That reminds me. Tildi sent this message just a few days ago. She said you'd be arriving soon and to make sure to give it to you once you have recovered from your journey. I guess she knew you ran into trouble on the way here.”
“Some,” Hal said taking the envelope. He broke the seal and opened it.
Hal,
By now, you should have completed training in ice, earth, and fire magic. I suspect you are anxious to complete the final task that lays before you. Before then, you must learn how to control winds magic.
Travel to the village of Garth located in the mountains northeast of Hyroth. I will contact you there after you get a room at the inn. Don't worry; it's a small town. There's only one inn.
I'll know when you check in and send you word where to go next.
Tildi
“Well, it looks like we are heading east. Duke Korran, are there any units ready to move out and head to the front?”
“I’ll have to check, Hal, but I believe there is a unit of dragoons headed out within the next few days. It might be as long as the week but that is probably the best I can do.”
“Any way you can hurry them up? I think it’s important, even beyond my personal needs, to get to Tildi as fast as possible. Everything you told us about the progress of the war leads me to believe our armies are about to stall in their progress forward.”
Duke Korran nodded.
“I can send for their commander and find out if there is anything I can do to speed up their preparations for departure. I'll do what I can.”
“I know that. I'm just anxious to get on the road.”
“Understandable,” the Duchess said. “One of these days I'm hoping we can convince you to stay with us more than a few hours.”
“I'd like that very much, believe me. Perhaps when this is all finished, and I have my family with me, we can stay here for a while and enjoy our time in Tandon for a change.”
Kay held out her hand for the letter.
“Where is she is sending us now?”
“It's a place called Garth. It doesn't sound like it's very big, probably just a farming village. I'm sure her tower is located in a very remote place considering how long she's evaded the mage hunters.”
“Oh, it's remote alright,” Theran agreed. “I have the pass to be able to teleport in and it still takes longer than it should because of all of her defenses. She is a paranoid old thing.”
Hal laughed.
“And you're not? I seem to remember finding you hiding out in a fisherman’s shack, or was that someone else?”
“No, it was me. But, I've been chased half-way around this continent by the mage hunters while Tildi has been able to stay out of their way entirely. My excuse is I've earned the right to become paranoid. What's her excuse?”
Hal held up his hands in surrender.
“I'm not one to judge, Theran. I'm just glad we found you before they did.”
“Me, too.”
Theran paused, looking a little uncomfortable for a second.
“Uh, you don't need me to come along with you to Garth, do you?”
“Not if you don't want to come,” Kay said.
Hal nodded in agreement.
“She's right. You've been on the run long enough and you should be safe here in the palace with the Duke and Duchess. Stay here and gather your strength. I'm going to need your services before long.”
Theran's whole demeanor changed. He relaxed his shoulders and a smile crept onto his face. Hal was happy to see his teacher realize he was in a safe place for the first time in a long while.
The duchess leaned over and refilled Hal's wine.
“I don't suppose we can convince you to stay at least one night with us?”
Hal smiled and held up his wine glass before taking a sip.
“Until your husband figures out when that unit of dragoons is heading east, I suppose you're stuck with me.”
“Well, if you're going to put it that way…” the Duchess feigned indignation which made everyone at the table laugh.
“Honestly, I'm looking forward to having a comfortable place to stay. I know once I get back on the road it will be long days on horseback and sleeping under the stars.”
“Ah, the adventurer’s life,” the Duchess said. “It must be so exciting.”
Theran shook his head.
“Not when you're almost sacrificed to a lava demon. Then, the excitement of being an adventurer wears off rather quickly.”
Duke Korran leaned forward.
“That sounds like there's a story to tell.”
“There is,” Kay said. “Perhaps, though, we can wait until dessert?”
The Duchess rang a small silver bell sitting on the table next to her. It was the signal to bring the following course of the meal.
“We can wait. But I expect you to remember to tell the story when dessert arrives.”
“I won't forget,” Kay said. “It's a perfect example of one of Hal's epic plans not going the way he expected.”
“Hey,” Hal protested. “I have great plans. We all survived, didn’t we?”
That response got a giggle out of Toby. The boy had been sitting eating his dinner in silence and Hal had almost forgotten he was there.
“That reminds me. I was hoping I could ask your grace to take in young Toby here as a ward. His assistance was instrumental in helping us find Theran and escape Morton Creek.”
The Duke smiled at the boy and nodded.
“Of course we can. We can raise him here as part of the household. After all, our only children are my wife's daughters from her previous marriage. They’re fine young ladies but it would be nice to have a young lad around to spend some time with.”
“Perfect,” Hal said. He was about to say more when Toby interrupted him.
“I was hoping I might be able to accompany you on the rest of your quest, Hal.”
“I’m afraid it's too dangerous, Toby. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you. Stay here with the Duke and Duchess. They will make sure you go to school and learn all the things a young man should learn to get ahead in the world.”
“But I don't want to go to school. There's nothing I can learn there that I couldn't learn out adventuring with you, Hal.”
“I'm sorry, Toby. My mind is made up. You're staying here. Don't worry; I'll be back soon.”
The boy sat back in his chair and crossed arms, staring at his plate. He didn't object any further. That surprised Hal. He would have expected the young lad to put up more of a fight.
The dessert was brought in by two servants carrying silver trays. One held small casseroles filled with an apple tart while the other held port wine along with other after dinner drinks.
True to her word, Kay began telling the detail of their ill-fated journey to the island and the volcano.
Hal set back and
let her tell the tale, adding only an occasional detail. It was good to spend time with such excellent company, but it didn't take the place of the hole left by his missing family. He was more than ready to be on the road again.
26
It turned out the Duke was able to shave a few days off the planned departure date for the troop of dragoons. Three days after Hal arrived in Tandon, the cavalry unit formed up in the square outside the palace waiting for Hal and Kay to come out and join them.
Hal met the captain in charge of the troop two days before. He was the son of a baronet from a region to the northwest of Tandon and he was more than a little full of himself. The young officer seemed to think he knew everything there was to know about campaigning and war. Hal knew he'd find out how wrong he was all too soon.
Hal slid his staff into loops on the saddle added for that purpose and mounted his horse. Kay had already mounted hers and sat waiting for him. Together they rode through the palace gates to join the troop of thirty cavalry troopers, both men and women, formed up for the trip east.
“Good morning Captain Whitlock,” Hal called as they approached the cavalry officer. “It looks to be a fine day.”
“Every day's a fine day to be off to war, don't you think your highness?” The captain asked Kay.
Hal winced. He knew Kay didn't like having attention drawn to her royal status. He waited to see if she snapped at the Captain and set him straight.
To his surprise, she smiled and said nothing. Hal shot her a quizzical glance. That might be the first time he'd ever seen her hold back on correcting someone.
The captain signaled the bugler and the young man with the horn played a peppy bugle call. The troop began to move forward at a walk, the captain riding down the double column reviewing his soldiers as they passed.
As soon as the young officer moved away, Hal leaned over to Kay.
“Why didn't you say something when he called you your highness? I expected you to tear his head off.”
