“I think it is time we try.”
James glanced to Miko and sighed. “It has been a while; we might have a few seconds before the shimmering appears.”
Now well past sundown, they continued making their way through the Waste. In the dark it was hard to tell if they were keeping to a more or less southerly direction. James was sure there was a way to tell by using the stars. Back home he’d have used the North Star, his dad had showed him how on a camping trip before the accident. But on this world? He gazed up at the blanket of lights he had grown familiar with over the last six years. If there was a North Star up there, he had no idea where it would be or what it would look like.
Earlier, Miko had suggested that James cast one of his searching spells to locate a suitable patch of vines in which they could spend the night. James had been leery of making the attempt, he hadn’t wanted the shimmering field to reappear and wreak havoc as it had previously. But now that more time had passed, it might be feasible. Besides, he couldn’t help but think that with Miko having to maintain the healing power of Morcyth to ward off the radiation, they blazed like a beacon. May as well ring the dinner bell for all nocturnal predators. Come and get it!
“If you see anything, let me know.”
Miko nodded and turned his attention upward.
James gathered magic while visualizing a withered center ringed by a large patch of vines. Along with the visualization, he added the impetus to find one close. Then upon the palm of his hand he formed a luminescent orb.
“Find it.”
With that, he released the magic and the orb shot from his palm. Immediately he felt the tingling sensation.
“How close is it?”
Miko searched the sky until spotting the leading edge of the shimmering field. “Mile away I think.”
James held onto the magic as the orb hovered in the air a moment before it headed out into the night. He let it travel for a few seconds only, just long enough to know in which direction to go. Even in that short a time, he felt the effects of the shimmering field, seeking to undo the magic and rent it asunder. When he let the magic go, the orb faded and the tingling sensation subsided.
Miko cast him a questioning glance.
“Not sure how far it is,” he replied.
“At least we now know which way to go.”
James nodded. “Indeed.”
They set off along the path taken by the orb. He hoped the patch of vines would not be too far away. While they walked, James pondered the enigma of the shimmering field. What was it? Who was behind it? And most importantly, why did it affect his magic and not Miko’s? He had a deep foreboding that knowing the answers to those questions may very well prove vital in the coming days.
An hour and over a dozen dead stalkers later, they still walked the desert in search of the vines. They paused once more so he could send out another seeking orb. As before, the shimmering appeared some distance away and quickly made its way toward them. James maintained the spell just long enough to know they continued in the correct direction. This time he could also tell the vine patch was not too far away. Then just before the spell subsided, the orb’s light illuminated a stalker herd heading their way.
“Did you see that?” Miko asked.
“Yeah,” James replied. “Looked like a lot.”
His pockets contained a good supply of stones scavenged from along their route. He grabbed a handful in his left hand and readied one in his right. “The vine patch isn’t too far away,” he said. “But they stand in our way.”
Miko drew his sword. “Then let us dispatch them.”
“First we need to see them.”
Magic flowed and starbursts began exploding in mid-air above where they had seen the stalkers. He used as little magic as possible and kept each very short. One would explode revealing the approaching creatures. Two stones would sail through the air on their deadly missions. As soon as the second stone was thrown, the night would again be dark and he’d cast the spell for another starburst.
His arms tingled in greater intensity as each starburst came and went. Maintaining the integrity of the spells grew difficult after the third, but he kept on.
The herd was large and moved their way fast. Five starbursts flared and died leaving ten stalkers dead before the first reached the area illuminated by Morcyth’s glow. After that, stones dropped them with deadly precision and speed. As before, the tingling was curiously absent when he just threw stones.
One after another the stalkers appeared only to be felled by James’ deadly projectiles. Once several stalkers appeared out of the darkness simultaneously; stones flew but he could not down them in time.
Miko’s sword danced as they approached and the few who breached James’ defense fell to hacks, slashes and thrusts. The battle was soon over as the last stalker fell to Miko’s blade.
“I would think that by tomorrow night,” Miko began, “we will be near the fringe of the Waste and these creatures will no longer be a problem.”
James nodded. “And be out of the radiation, too.”
“As much as using the power of Morcyth comforts me, maintaining it for such an extended period does grow tiresome.”
“I bet.” As they left the dead stalkers behind, he added, “The vines aren’t too far away. You can drop it once we are safely inside.” Less than ten minutes later, the outer fringe of vines appeared from out of the darkness.
It was a large patch. The outer ring of healthy vines was at least sixty feet across and the withered, middle section stretched farther than Morcyth’s glow could illuminate. Once they were within the safe area, Miko released the power and the world grew dark.
“Shall I take the first watch?”
James glanced to Miko’s faint silhouette in the starlight. “No. I will.”
“Thank you,” came the wearied response.
“Just get some rest. We got a long day tomorrow.”
As James laid back with head on his pack, his thoughts drifted to his beloved Meliana and son Kenny. It wouldn’t be soon enough when they would again be together. In short order, Miko’s soft snores wafted upon the gentle evening breeze.
The road wound through rugged hills. Storm clouds on the horizon promised misery to any foolish enough not to seek shelter. And at his side walked a young girl.
Who she was remained a mystery. Though they had traveled a great distance together, he still didn’t even know her name. He had long since tried to ferret information from her, her responses being little more than a nod or shake of the head. Could she speak? He hadn’t a clue as she had not uttered a single word.
His steps were quick as a sense of urgency propelled him forward. They had to reach their destination before the storm came full upon them. He eyed the gathering clouds, their darkness broken by flashes of lightning and quickened his step yet again.
The hills through which the road ran came to an end at an open, grass-covered plain. There the road split. Veering to the right, the main road continued smooth and straight and just at the horizon rose a city’s skyline.
To the left wound a trail that was little more than ruts and potholes. Rocks and debris littered the trail making any attempt to travel upon it difficult at best. At the end sat a broken-down stone hovel. Little more than one wall remained intact and if there had been a roof it had long since rotted away.
Miko turned to the road leading to the city. “If we take this, we can reach it before the storm hits.”
The girl merely looked at him, not giving any indication of her thoughts.
“Let us go.” Taking her by the hand he led her toward the town.
The rumble of thunder rolled over the plains as they rushed for the city. Winds whipped them with ever greater intensity. He held onto her hand all the tighter; bent low so as not to be blown over, they fought their way forward.
The first drops of rain fell and they were still a ways from the gate. Lightning came in ever greater flashes. Not only ripping through the clouds, but str
iking the ground; each seeming closer than the one before.
Guards at the gate waved them forward. “Come,” they said, “you will be safe within our walls.”
Miko hurried and as the heavens let loose with a torrential downpour, they passed through and entered the city.
The warmth of a summer’s sun prompted him to look up. Miko gazed on a sky so blue it nearly hurt to look at it. Wisps of fluffy white clouds drifted by on a lazy breeze. Turning about, he saw the sheets of rain and flashes of lightning on the other side of the gate. Out there, the cloud cover thickened and the world darkened. Yet inside the city, sunshine.
They were in a market plaza just inside the gate. Those people nearby seemed completely oblivious to the storm raging just outside their walls. The guard that had so frantically hailed them and ushered them inside now stood calm and relaxed by the door to the gatehouse.
About to question the guard, he caught an appetizing aroma that caused his empty stomach to growl. One side of the plaza was filled with tables overflowing with food. Meats, cheeses, breads and fruits and vegetables of every kind beckoned. His stomach growled again. Forgetting the storm, he crossed over to the food.
He took a roll and slathered it with honey-berry preserves. Never had he eaten anything so wonderful. Stuffing it into his mouth, he reached for a second. “This is good,” he said as he turned to hand the roll to the girl. “Here….” But she was not there.
A quick scan of the plaza failed to reveal her.
“Where are you?” he shouted.
Moving into the crowd, he crossed from one side of the plaza to the other. Grabbing hold of a young man by the arm he asked, “There was a girl with me. Have you seen her?” He held up his hand, “She’s about so high…”
“It’s okay,” the man assured him with a smile. “I’m sure she just wandered off.”
“You do not understand,” Miko insisted, “she is my responsibility.”
“It’s safe here.”
Frantic, he left the man and raced through the plaza. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of her entering a doorway leading into a two-story home. “Wait!”
Knocking a gentleman aside, he shot for the doorway. As he neared, a woman emerged.
“Good day to you,” she greeted with a friendly smile.
“Where did she go?”
“Who?” she asked.
“The girl that just entered.”
“No one has come to visit me for some time,” the woman replied. “I’m afraid you are mistaken.
“But I just saw her!”
About to thrust her aside and enter, he felt a tug upon his shirt. Glancing back, he saw the girl.
“Where were you?”
She remained quiet, merely looking up at him as she had done since they had met. No words, no effort to communicate.
Wrapping her in a hug, he said, “I was so worried.”
“This is a very safe place,” the woman said. She laid a reassuring hand upon his shoulder. “No evil will enter here.”
Worry and fear melted away.
“Why don’t you take part in our celebration,” she said. “There is plenty of food and drink.”
“Yes,” he said, “we shall do that.”
Peace settled over him like a warm blanket on a cold day. Taking the girl’s hand, they went to see what delicacies may be available. To his delight, an entire table lay covered in the largest variety of tarts he had ever seen.
“Oh my,” he breathed. Taking one with a red berry filling, he bit into it and savored the flavor as it burst in his mouth. “Mmmmm, that is so good.”
Reaching for another, he glanced about the plaza. James would like this place, he thought. The cobblestones were clean and free of garbage. People were clean as if freshly bathed and the background fetid odor endemic to cities, such as Bearn had boasted, was pleasantly absent.
Something nagged at the back of his mind. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was, but something was off about this place. Taking the girl by the hand, he said, “Come.”
They perused a few stalls as they made for the main thoroughfare leading from the plaza. Those they passed smiled and often as not offered a friendly greeting.
Then it hit him. Where were the yells? The arguments? In all the years spent growing up on the streets of Bearn, never had such a length of time as they spent in this place gone by without hearing a voice raised in contention.
Also, he had yet to see a beggar. Not one.
Nothing was amiss. It was as if the world’s troubles had never established a foothold. His uneasiness grew.
Still the sun shone overhead, the sky remained a brilliant blue yet his sense of uneasiness would not go away. He turned about and headed back to the plaza. Once there, hurried through the crowd and made his way to the gate.
Even before he drew close, could see the storm still raged outside. The rain pelted the ground with wind-whipped fury. Flashes of lightning came one after another though not a single crash of thunder could be heard. Entire bushes that had been uprooted rolled or sailed through the air by fearful gusts. The guard remained at his post, relaxed and unbothered by the unbridled chaos raging just a few feet away.
He nodded as they drew close.
“What is this…,” Miko began but stopped when there came a loud cracking noise.
A fissure appeared in the wall next to the gate. It widened rapidly.
Miko froze. Pointing, he hollered to the guard, “The wall!”
“Yes,” the guard replied. “A mighty wall it is, too.”
As the fissure widened, the roar of the storm raging on the other side at last could be heard.
“No, you fool!” Miko shouted.
A whole section of the wall beside the gate fell away and wind-whipped rain pelted Miko and the girl. The guard remained oblivious, merely continued leaning against the guardhouse without an apparent care.
Backing away, Miko dragged the girl with him. More fissures appeared in the wall. With a thunderous crack, the guardhouse shattered. It and the guard were sucked into the raging maelstrom.
Wind swept through the opening. Miko nearly lost his footing by the terrible blast. Maintaining his grip on the girl’s hand, he spun about and together they raced into the plaza.
“Flee!” he shouted.
Other than a glance or two in his direction, the townsfolk continued going about their business.
“The storm is coming!”
Above, blue sky still held sway. In the sky where the gate and guardhouse had succumbed to the storm, clouds now held a blood-red hue.
“Come on,” Miko said as he raced through the plaza.
A massive section of wall bordering the plaza gave way and was sucked into the maelstrom. Five people stood nearby; the wind pulled three away, the remaining two continued in their conversation, oblivious to what was happening. Then they, too, were gone.
“We must find someplace to shelter.”
As more walls gave way, Miko raced from the plaza and headed toward the center of town. “Take shelter!” he shouted to those they passed. Other than a curious glance, they paid him little heed.
Catastrophic gales slammed into the outlying buildings. Smashed, broken they were sucked into the oncoming storm. People continued about their business as the storm pressed deeper into town. Those walking along the outermost streets noticed not at all the winds tearing apart their city. Even when they were snatched up and sucked into the maelstrom, they cried not at all. Merely continued acting as if nothing were amiss.
The area of clear blue sky above lay besieged by the storm; as buildings were consumed, the beautiful expanse diminished. Dark clouds pushed forward and the storm only increased its destruction.
Rounding a corner, Miko came to an abrupt halt. The thoroughfare was packed with cheering, happy people. A parade of sorts marched along with a hundred pipers and drummers filling the air with a merry tune. The people cheered.
Miko stood with mouth agape. A glance ba
ck the way he had come showed little more than a block of buildings remained and the storm claimed more with every passing second. Yet these people seemed completely unaware of their impending doom.
He wanted to scream at them, but there was no time. He had to find shelter…but where? One way looked about as good as another. The throng of people was less dense to the left, he headed that way.
Threading his way through the crowd, he kept a tight grip on the little girl’s hand. The people cheered the coming parade. He worked his way through the crowd and finally broke free. Behind him, the music faltered then vanished. The storm had broken through to the gathered crowd. People were snatched off their feet. Pipers played as they were carried away; drummers continued their merry beat even as they vanished into the dark tumultuousness that was the storm.
Miko ran. He raced down one street then another until finally, rising above the buildings, the far side of the wall ringing the city came into view. His pace faltered as his hopes sank. Then a group of soldiers passed by heading toward the distant wall. Thinking this may prove their salvation, he hurriedly followed.
Citizens cheered as the soldiers passed.
They made their way inexorably toward the far wall. Passing down the main thoroughfare, they reached a junction where the crowd was especially congested. Miko had to practically shove townsfolk bodily out of the way in order to continue. As the people sang a merry tune and cheered their soldiers, the soldiers turned onto the left-hand street.
“Stay with me!” he hollered to the little girl. Her hand rested securely in his as he pushed his way through. Then, finally, they reached the end of the crowd.
A vast plaza opened up, reaching all the way to the far wall. Ranks of soldiers, ten deep, stood in smart formation facing a dilapidated structure that stood out from the outer wall. There was but one doorway, barely wide enough to allow a single man to pass. Rising three stories, it held windows only on the uppermost floor; dark shadows could be seen moving within.
Miko had an unobstructed view of the building as a gap ran amidst the ranks of soldiers straight to the doorway.
Tides of Faith: Travail of The Dark Mage Book Two Page 46
