“Let…me go! Get off…of me!” Runt gasped, as Tartum tightened his grip. He could tell the man was panicked beyond reason, but the fact he had tried to dump the blame on him to make good his own escape sealed his fate. Tartum had loathed few men as much as he loathed Runt. Opening himself fully to the magic, Tartum was reinvigorated as it flowed inside him. The clarity it offered his rage filled mind, allowed him to think of one last use for Runt before he disposed of him. Pulling his kinfe from its sheath, Tartum cut both of Runt’s legs deep, effectively hamstringing the man. Runt’s screams of pain were more than enough to catch the dragon’s attention. Throwing Runt away from the tree, Tartum resheathed his knife and ran as fast as he could from the wails of pain. The rush of pleasure he took from finally ridding himself of such a vile and pathetic person lent much needed strength to his flagging muscles.
Tartum hadn’t gone far when he heard Runt’s cries of pain change to terror just before a sickening, wet crunch echoed through the trees. Somehow, Tartum knew the dragon had picked Runt up in it’s jaws and was now chewing on him before swallowing his meal. Tartum couldn’t help but feel sorry for the dragon, by the smell of the man he couldn’t imagine he had tasted very good.
Tartum ran in a zig zag pattern, hoping that if the dragon pursued him he would be harder to track then if he ran in a stright line. He heard nothing following him but dared not stop. He continued his flight until the forest unexpectedly opened up into a clearing. Falling to his knees, Tartum lay in the grass breathing heavily, giving his legs some much needed rest.
The sounds of wings beating in the air had him rolling back into the cover of the trees without hesistation. Looking into the darkening sky, Tartum could see that the dragon had not given up its pursuit. The dragon was circling over him and clearly knew he was in the area, Tartum didn’t think he had spotted him yet, so he crouched down low behind the tree and waited for the dragon to leave. He hoped it would tire of its pursuit and head back to its home, leaving him in one piece.
As Tartum watched, the dragon inexplicably turned its head directly towards him. He couldn’t beleive that the dragon had been able to pick him out from so far away and kept still, hoping it was something else it had spotted and not him. The dragon began to decend, keeping its gaze focus on Tartum’s location. Tartum knew that the beast had somehow seen him and prepared himself for a final confrontation. If it was going to kill him, he wanted to be sure to give him a few scars to remember him by. Just as he was about to leap up from his hiding spot, a lightning bolt came from somewhere out of his field of view and slammed into the underbelly of the beast. It wasn’t until it hit, that Tartum noticed the scales covering it’s belly there were very thin and almost fragile in comparision to the rest of its body. The lightning bolt hit the dragon hard enough to knock it a few yards off course, and the beast bellowed its outrage spewing fire into the sky. Another lightning bolt came from the same diretion and caught the beast in the throat, sending it spinning end over end in the air. As it righted itself it shot off in the direction of the attacks like a comet. Tartum didn’t waste a second. Jumping to his feet, he ran southeast as fast as he could, not even bothering to try and cover his tracks. He ran until his lungs were pockets of fire and his legs felt like they were made out of lava and pain. Still, he pressed on, using the strength of his magic to fuel him when his own reserves ran out. It wasn’t until the guiding voice in the back of his head ordered him to stop that he finally slowed his pace. He went from a sprint, to a run, to a jog, to a walk, to a crawl before finally collapsing to the ground and passing out.
He awoke to something licking his face; the sun was in his eyes and at first Tartum thought the whole thing had been a dream. Smiling, he reached up to push Buddy away from him, what his his hand touched felt much bigger than Buddy; with a start, Tartum attempted to jump to his feet. The muscles in his legs and back were rocks and refused work properly. Looking up, Tartum saw that Runt’s horse had somehow found him and that it had been the one responsible for the licking. Bewildered, but grateful, Tartum smiled at his good fortune. He thought about his escape from the dragon and how it had only been possible with the aid of some unknown caster that had gotten the dragon’s attention at the last second. Deep down, he believed it was Isidor. He had seen him cast the lightning bolt spell once before when they were fleeing his old village of Zerous. He wondered if it had been Isidor that had saved him from death once again, or if some other guardian was to thank. Looking around, he hoped to see his savior standing nearby ready to offer an explanation as to why he had helped him, or even better to see Isidor standing by his side once again. He had to admit, it would be good to see the old man again. Sadly, as he looked around the surrounding area, there was no one to be seen. Whoever had helped him either didnt survive the dragon’s fury or couldn’t find him in the night…or possibly didn’t want to.
Slowly, he stretched his muscles until they would allow him to stand up. Shakily, he got to his feet and after a few failed attempts, was able to mount the loyal horse. Turning the beast towards Yucoke, Tartum patted him on the neck.
“Take me home, my friend. There is still much for me to do.” he said as he slumped onto the horses neck, allowing him to guide them towards home.
CHAPTER 42
After three days of riding, Tartum’s muscles stopped aching long enough for him to move around with only moderate discomfort. He felt stiff with every step, but the horse needed a break and he wanted to get down and stretch his legs. He hoped the movement would help limber him up faster, never in his life had he felt so sore before, but then again, never in his life had he run so hard for so long either. He had no idea where he was, none of the surrounding forest looked familiar but the fact concerned him little. He knew that as long as he kept going to the southwest, eventually he would make it back to familiar grounds, or with a little luck, directly into the gates of Yucoke.
Once he felt whole again, he spent much of his return trip riding on his horse while he studied his spell book. Much to his surprise he was able to unlock another page and for the first time in a long time felt raw excitement over a new spell. This particular spell was a fast casting offensive blast of magical energy that was fired from the casters palm. It required a fish eye which had to be stuck to his hand, infused with magic, and then he was to speak a few simple words of power. The spell would then fire out from his palm striking the first object it came into contact with. There was no targeting mentioned on the page so Tartum believed this was a self defense type of offensive spell, to be used when time was not on his side. Although he wasn’t able to cast the spell currently he got goosebumps when he thought about casting it as soon as he returned to Yucoke. All it required was a single fish eye which, as far as he knew, most fish came with two. Once he got back he would purchase a fish, try out his new spell with one of the eyes and the other would be used for his ring. Tartum became almost giddy with pleasure as his thoughts drifted back to his ring. Now that he had finally aquired all of the ingredients he needed to make it he shivered with anticipation.
The next couple months passed by uneventfully. During the day, he would walk with the horse or ride upon it. At night he would tie him off and scavenge whatever food he could find for the both of them. Usually the horse ate better than he did, grasses and wild blossoms were plentiful, game and edible flora were not. Still, he made do and wasted almost nothing from what little he was able to find along the way. Sometimes he would erect his magical barriers but with his glass shard supply running dangerously low, he did so sparingly. Eventually the forest became alive with game, and the surrounding landmarks became familiar. It wasn’t long after that, he found the road that would lead him to Yucoke, and he followed it to his home.
Riding his horse through the gates of Yucoke this time felt like returning as a conquering hero. It wasn’t that people were cheering his name or waiting on pins and needles for him to return. Truth be known, the few people that did notice him barely bothered to wave as he passed.
It was the fact that he had completed his journey that made him sit straighter in his saddle and puff his chest out a little prouder. When he thought about all he had accomplished in just under a year’s time, he couldn’t help but be in awe of himself. He had gone to the dwarven mountains, made fast friends with powerful members of their society, as well as got his ring crafted, he had found a lost race of half trolls and tricked one into making himself vunerable just long enough for him to harvest the blood they so desperately tried to keep hidden from him, then, at the expense of one of the worst human beings he had ever met, he walked into a dragon’s lair and emerged completely unharmed. Never had he heard a tale quiet like his; he began debating on whether or not to write about his adventures after he was done creating the ring. After all of his adventuring, he was looking forward to staying home and relaxing. Writing might be just the thing he needed in order to keep his mind busy and stave off the wanderlust that sometimes took him.
As he arrived back at home, he saw smoke coming from the chimney. He smiled, for he knew that meant Vaund was still there, and hopefully he had amassed a plethora of spell components for him to use in the crafting of his ring. Entering his home, he was greeting by a delighted cry from Buddy. As his pet threw himself at him, he couldn’t help but laugh at his companion’s enthusiasm at his return. Giving Buddy a good rub down, Tartum stood up and headed for his study with Buddy taking his rightful place at his side. When Tartum reached the archway his heart sank and his joyous mood was crushed.
Lieing in bed as pale as a ghost was Vaund; Tartum didn’t think he was breathing. Slowly, Tartum made his way towards his friend as his mind raced to make sense of the situation before him. Questions raced through his mind as he made his way closer to the bed to get a better look. Was he dead? Had he been gone too long? Was it his body giving out, or did the fool heal someone again and prematurely end his life? Who would he get to fuel his ring with their soul now? Who was left that would agree to such a thing? Where would he go to find someone as perfect as Vaund?
As he reached him, Tartum still couldn’t tell if he was breathing or not. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Tartum placed his head on Vaund’s chest to listen for a heart beat.
“BY THE GODS, TARTUM, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!” Vaund exclaimed as he jumped up. The unexpected movement and screaming from his friend startled Tartum to his core. Flailing backwards, he landed hard and cried out as much in pain as in shock.
“Damn it, Vaund!” Tartum said as he leapt to his feet and began rubbing his backside, “I thought you were dead!”
Vaund glared at him, “No, fool! I was sleeping! This body requires more rest than I would have thought possible! The simple act of taking a piss exhausts me!” Vaund said in revulsion,, “I tell you Tartum, there are few hells worse than growing old!”
Tartum couldn’t help himself, the rush of relief that hit him as the fact that Vaund wasn’t dead hit him and he burst into laughter. After a moment, Vaund joined him and they shared in the moment. Vaund was the first to get control of himself.
“So, did you get the dragon spit?” he asked.
Smiling, Tartum removed the large jar filled with the viscious substance and removed the cloth protecting it. Vaund wrinkled his face in disgust, “Well, that’s repugnant.”he said shaking his head. Tartum saw the curiosity and wonder that Tartum thought belonged on a younger face rather than his ancient one spread across his face. “I want to hear everything!” he said excitedly. Without hesitation, Tartum told him about his journey in explicit detail, he was passed even considering lying to him at this point.
It didn’t take him long to finish his tale, and now Vaund closed his eyes as a slight smile appeared on his face. Tartum watched as his friend lived the adventure in his mind. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, his life had been one sad disappointment after another, with only short moments of joy peppered in for relief. He hoped having his soul bound to his ring wouldn’t end up just being one more tragedy in a life already rife with them. Shaking the thought from his head, Tartum waited for Vaund to come back to the present. His wait wasn’t long.
“So,” Vaund said with a smile. “Would you like to see what I’ve been up to in the months you’ve been away?” He was practically bouncing on the bed in his excitement.
Smiling, Tartum nodded. As Vaund got up from his bed, Tartum noticed that it took him longer than it had before he’d left to find the dragon. The guiding voice in the back of his head told him his friend didn’t have long, no matter how full of life he seemed to be. Tartum felt guilty about it, but he couldn’t help but feel the urge to craft his ring before Vaund’s body gave out.
Vaund walked across the room and threw open a large chest twice the size of the chest Tartum used to keep the other components for the ring in. Inside, Tartum was very impressed with the assortment of magical components Vaund had been able to procure. There were fruits and vegatables of every size, shape and color. Tartum recognized some but many of them were so alien to him, he had trouble believing they were native to these lands. There were piles of seeds from almost every plant he could imagine, animal pieces held inside jars that varied in size and shape as much as the parts of the creatures they held inside were. He saw numerous gemstones, rocks, and minerals, as well as a large assortment of liquids contained in small vials that were every color of the rainbow. There was the bare minimum of each component represented in the chest, and Tartum was increadibly grateful for Vaund’s efforts.
“Vaund! This is incredible! How were you able to gather all of this?” he asked astonished.
Vaund looked very pleased with himself, “You’re not the only one that knows how to get things from people. Most of the plants and seeds came from the surrounding forest. If you know where to look, you can find almost anything you need less than a mile from any town. The animals I trapped and preserved in jars until your spell is ready to cast. There are too many here to name but suffice it to say you shouldn’t run into a spell that requires a spell component from a common critter that this ring won’t be inbued with. As for the stones and vials of liquids, well…that required a visit to an old friend of ours back in Saroth.” he explained.
Tartum was mad that Vaund had risked himself by returning to the city. “Vaund, that was foolish.” Tartum admonished, “What if the Bishop’s men had recognized you? They’d have killed you and left you in the gutter for the rats, and that would only be if you were lucky!”
Vaund rolled his eyes at his concern. “Tartum, they’re looking for a middle aged man. I’m ancient! Even if I had walked into the Bishop’s bedroom and screamed my name at the top of my lungs, he never would have believed me.” he said with a chuckle. “Anyway, we needed these components, and Shu-Shu was only too pleased to set us up with a fine assortment. For a modest price of course. She’s crazy, but she’s not that crazy!” he said sarcastically.
Tartum just looked at Vaund in wonder. “How is she?” he asked.
Vaund seemed confused that he would ask. “She’s fine. Well…fine for her anyway. She would like you to visit her again. She says she almost won some game of her’s. She hopes to see you again before she does, otherwise she said she’d have to wait in the “next place” for you to come visit her.” Tartum could tell that Vaund was confused by this. “What game is she talking about?” he asked.
Tartum laughed, “It’s a game where she channels magic in an incredibly dangerous way in order to make a colorful design. If she ever does it correctly, the magic will explode and more than likely kill her and everyone unfortunate enough to be within fifty feet of her business.”
Vaund swallowed hard, “Maybe she’s crazier than I thought.” he said. Tartum saw that the confidence he had a moment ago was gone and now firm doubt had taken its place.
“Ok then, you have everything you need, and I’m not getting any younger.” Vaund said, quickly changing the subject, “When do we create the ring?”
Taking a look around Tartum’s demeanor turned serious, “Vaund, you
don’t have to do this. I can find someone else. It won’t upset me if you change your mind. There’s no shame in it.” He hated himself for trying to talk him out of this decision, but he knew if he didn’t he would hate himself later. The guiding voice in his head growled at him in irritation.
Vaund was glaring at him, “I’ve done everything I can in this life and with this body. I’m ready to be immortal, Tartum. I’m ready to share in your adventures. I will be ready to leave the moment you are.” he said determined.
Sighing, Tartum nodded, “Well then help me pack these things onto the wagon, we will head into a clearing just outside of town this afternoon. By this time tomorrow you will have your immortality, and I will have my ring. I can’t thank you enough for this, my young friend.” Tartum said with sadness in his voice.
Vaund looked at him smiling, “When you successfully bind me to the ring it will be I that will be thanking you.”
Without another word they began to pack.
…
By the time they had finished packing, the sun was low on the horizon and they were both exhausted. They decided to rest for the night and set out first thing in the morning. Neither man was happy with the choice, but as magic users, they knew for Tartum to attempt to cast such a powerful enchantment without being fully rested was a recipe for disaster. Tartum had hoped to spend the night talking with Vaund, seeing as this would be his last chance to do so. As he entered his study carring two mugs full of his favorite juice, Tartum was disappointed to see Vaund curled up on his bed, snoring loudly. Their preparations, it seemed, took quite the toll on his friend’s frail body, and now he slept with the soundness born of a long day’s hard work. Smiling sadly, Tartum dumped the juice into the basin inside his kitchen and watched as the liquid drained into the street. With a sigh, he climbed the stairs that led to his own bedroom and climbed under the covers.
The Jade Mage: The Becoming: Volume 2 Page 46
