“There are two ways to cross over the river, master, besides using a boat, which we don't have, or the bridge, which I think should be a last resort.”
“Yeah, I agree. So what are the two ways?”
Kronk watched Simon closely as he spoke, as if expecting to be cut off in mid-thought. But Simon simply heard him out.
“Two different types of elementals could help in this situation, master. A water elemental could freeze a path across the river long enough for a small group to pass over it. An air elemental, of sufficient power, could lift the group and fly them across the river.”
He shrugged.
“Those are your choices, master,” he said simply.
Simon continued to stare at Kronk until the little guy started to squirm uncomfortably.
“You wanted ideas, master. I'm sorry if mine weren't helpful.”
Simon caught himself and grinned at his little friend.
“Don't be silly. Your ideas are always helpful. But I don't know if I'm powerful enough to summon elementals that strong. Hang on, let me talk to Aeris.”
“Yes, I heard. What's that thick-skulled earthen come up with now?” Aeris sounded irritated, but Simon knew it was because he was worried.
“Be nice, Aeris.” he admonished him and then passed on Kronk's ideas.
“Well, well. Interesting. He's quite right, Simon. Both suggestions could work. But the question is, as you've already said, are you powerful enough to both summon and command beings that strong. An air elemental strong enough to carry four Changlings across the river, which is quite wide, is a formidable being. We call them djinn. They are prideful, devious and very powerful. As for a water elemental, I don't know. I have had little to do with such creatures. But again, the river is over a half mile wide here. To freeze a path across it would take a lot of strength. And don't forget that there are creatures living in the river who might attack while the Changlings are crossing over. Ice breaks quite easily if the attacker is large and strong, which some of these water dwellers are now.”
“Yeah, good point.”
Simon sat back in his chair and considered his options.
“Aeris, how long can you stay where you are? Are the Changlings safe for the moment?”
“For the moment, yes. But last night, we were tracked by some sort of beast. Fortunately it didn't attack. Perhaps it wasn't hungry enough. There is plenty of game in the forest for predators at this time of year. So I would suggest that you make a decision quickly. If we have to attempt crossing using the bridge, I want to start them walking in that direction soon.”
“What sort of creature?” Simon asked, worried for the defenseless former slaves.
“I didn't get a good look at it, because I didn't want to leave the young ones. But it was big. Very big. It looked a bit like a bear but much, much bigger than the bears that used to inhabit this world. I'd guess that the animals are Changing as well, at least some of them.”
Simon thought of the horses and nodded to himself.
“Okay. Look, I'm going to contact Clara and get her ideas. I don't know what a cleric can do in this situation, because I don't actually know what they can do anyway. But if the Changlings are interested in moving to her village, I'm sure she'd like to be involved in this.”
“Ah, good idea.” Aeris sounded surprised and Simon rolled his eyes.
“Thanks,” he said dryly. “Stay put. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.”
Simon had already learned that canceling a spell was as simple as repeating the word of command, so he did that and then quickly memorized the Magic Mouth spell again.
Clara got over the surprise of this new form of communication very quickly and was excited about the news that some Changlings had survived the destruction of the true human village. But she was also terribly worried about their predicament.
“Unfortunately I have no ideas that would help you, my friend,” Clara said. “But there is something I can do. I'm leaving immediately with some of my men for your tower. We'll head to the river from there and, if Aeris decides to travel to the bridge, we'll make our way along the shore and meet them there.”
“That's very generous, Clara. Thank you.” Simon replied. “I don't know what powers clerics have, but can you heal others?”
“Yes. That is my main function, actually.” She sounded amused. “No wound unless it is immediately mortal is beyond my skills. If any of the youngsters are injured, I can help them, I assure you.”
“Excellent. I've decided that the best idea is to summon an air elemental. Hopefully it isn't beyond my skills. If it fails, I'll let you know and I guess that everyone will have to head for the bridge.”
“Very well, Simon. We'll be leaving shortly. Good luck.”
“Thanks, Clara. See you soon.”
Simon canceled the spell and then stared at Kronk.
“So, what do you think?” he asked the little guy.
“I think that you are taking a risk, master. But if you are certain of your choice, I suggest that you ask Aeris to return before you attempt the spell. He will be able to explain the situation to one of his people and, perhaps, convince it to serve you.”
Simon got up and walked to the window. He was amazed that it was still morning. The day had been busy and was going to get busier before it was all over. At least his headache was gone.
“That's good thinking, Kronk. I have to tell him what Clara and I are doing anyway.”
He stretched with a groan, ran his fingers through his hair, rubbed his eyes and walked over to the desk to pick up the spell. He returned to the window, leaned against the frame and cast Magic Mouth again. This third cast was almost effortless.
He filled in Aeris on the situation and asked him to return to the tower immediately.
“That's fine, Simon. But I don't want to leave these young ones alone for too long. They are quite defenseless.”
Aeris paused and then Simon heard him speaking to someone else.
“Yes you are. No, I'm not saying you're a coward. Look, can we discuss this later? I'm a bit busy at the moment.”
Simon covered his mouth to stop Aeris from hearing his laughter.
“Simon? Okay, they understand. The fastest way for me to return is for you to call me, like you did before.”
“Oh right. I'd almost forgotten that. That's handy. Okay, just tell me when you're ready.”
There was a moment of silence.
“Ready, Simon,” the air elemental told him.
“Hang on for a second.”
Simon canceled the Magic Mouth spell, winked at Kronk and looked at the tabletop.
“Aeris, I need you,” he said loudly.
There was a pause and then with a little pop Aeris appeared on the table.
“Welcome back,” Simon told him. Kronk nodded at him and Aeris returned it.
“Thank you. Are you prepared to attempt the summoning? I hate to rush you but I want to start the journey toward the bridge in daylight if this doesn't work.”
“Yeah, thanks for that vote of confidence,” Simon said, more amused than irritated by Aeris' comment. He could tell that the air elemental was really concerned for the safety of the Changlings.
“I didn't mean...” Aeris began to say hurriedly.
“I know you didn't. I'm just kidding.”
He wrote out what he hoped was the right summoning spell and added the major symbol for air from Daniel's note. Well, it feels right, Simon thought as he committed the spell to memory. But we'll see.
“Let's go outside for this. If we do get one of your larger brethren to join us, I'd rather it appeared outdoors.”
The two elementals agreed and the three of them headed downstairs.
Once he was out in the middle of the field beyond the gate, Simon silently gestured for his two companions to give him some room, his mind now firmly focused on the spell. He looked up at the teal blue sky above him and took a deep breath. He spared a thought for how dangerous this probably was, shrugged to himself
and began to chant.
“Invectis!” he finished firmly.
A silence descended over the clearing. The wind sputtered and grew still. The bird song faded away with a final, quavering peep and Simon stood there alone, staring around in apprehension. He wiped his sweaty palms on his robe but he couldn't stop his knees from shaking.
The air became sticky and moist, and he suddenly found it hard to breath. A distant rumble of thunder, a muted sound, made Simon wince. And still he waited.
“Did I do it right, Aeris?” he called to the elemental.
“Yes Simon, I believe so.”
“Then what's happening?”
“I think that whoever you have summoned is deciding if you are worthy of answering.”
Simon stared at the hovering figure.
“Really? They can do that?”
“Oh yes. The more powerful the elemental, the more choice they have when it comes to answering a summons.” He looked at Kronk. “Little ones like us have no choice but to comply. But the great ones? They are at another level entirely.”
“Great” Simon muttered. He was feeling weak from all the casting he'd done and he knew that if this didn't work, he wouldn't be able to try it again until he got some rest. And the Changlings didn't have time to wait.
He stared around the field again. To hell with it, he thought.
“Hey! You!” he shouted. “Whoever you are. If you're going to answer my summons, then please get on with it! We're in a bit of a hurry here.”
Kronk and Aeris gaped at him. The little rocky figure frantically gestured at him to calm down. Simon ignored him and looked around again.
“Arrogance,” an airy sigh echoed past Simon. “A new wizard should have more respect. Typical.”
A flash of lightning and a crack of thunder drove Simon stumbling backwards and he barely managed to keep his feet as a blast of cold air swept past him and chilled his sweaty body.
And then, standing before him about ten feet away, was an indistinct figure that was taller than he was. Simon couldn't quite focus on the elemental, but he could feel it staring at him and, for an instant, there was a flash of red from where he thought the being's eyes would be.
“Not arrogance,” he said quickly. “Never that. We're in a desperate situation here and we need your help. I'm sorry if I was impolite, but lives are hanging in the balance. That's why I summoned you.”
“Lives? Hmm.”
The figure condensed a bit and Simon could make out some details.
The elemental looked a lot like Aeris, if he was man-sized. But he, and Simon thought that it was definitely a male, was heavily muscled and the handsome face looked calm and reflective. A foggy hand reached up and stroked his chin slowly.
“I have elected to answer your call, wizard, because I was bored. And intrigued. And my lord is interested in you.”
Simon's eyes widened.
“He is?”
“Indeed. Having one of his subjects swear to obey you on pain of death caught his attention. It shows a degree of loyalty rarely seen in one of the little ones.”
The elemental looked past Simon to where Aeris was hovering beside Kronk. The little guy bowed low and the large elemental nodded once. Then he looked back at the wizard.
“Tell me why you have need of me and know that you have but one task that I will complete for you. Then I shall return to my own realm.” He narrowed his eyes. “Is this acceptable?”
Simon swallowed convulsively and nodded quickly.
“Absolutely. Like I've told my friends here, I'm not looking for servants or slaves and any elemental I summon is free to leave at any time.”
“Really?” The elemental tilted his head slightly as he watched Simon. “You are intriguing, aren't you? Very well. Tell me what you want.”
Simon explained their situation and, as he spoke, he thought that the elemental looked amused. When he'd finished, the large figure actually chuckled.
“Only that? Carry these four young ones across a river? Well, well. I was expecting something more...challenging. Fine then. I shall do your bidding in this. But you are being a little short-sighted, wizard.”
“My name is Simon.”
“Is it? Well then, my name is Aethos. As I was saying, you are short-sighted. Why not ask me to transport these people directly to this tower? It will be tiring to be sure, but not beyond my abilities.”
“You would do that?” Simon asked in surprise.
“Because I'm intrigued by you, yes I would. If you request it, that is. I have said I will do your bidding once. Is that what you wish?”
“Yes, absolutely!” Simon said quickly, afraid the elemental would change his mind.
“Good. Aeris! You will take me to these...Changlings you called them? Good. You will take me there and we will bring them back here.” He looked at Simon.
“We will not speak again. But if you need my services in the future, you may summon me once more.”
Simon began stumbling over his thanks but Aethos cut him off.
“Be warned. Do not summon me for a trivial task. Only do so if you have dire need.” He smiled slightly. “I prefer a challenge.”
“Thank you, Aethos. I assure you that I would never summon any elemental unless it was absolutely necessary.”
“An excellent attitude. I approve.”
Aethos gestured for Aeris to join him.
“Lead me,” he said imperiously and the two of them disappeared as one.
Simon just stood in the field and blinked several times.
“Wow,” he said at last. “That was amazing.”
“I suppose,” Kronk said with obvious disinterest. He hurried over and looked up at Simon. “Are you well, master? Summoning a major elemental like that one can be tiring.”
“Now that you mention it, I am a bit weak at the knees.”
Simon began to walk back toward the tower with Kronk at his side. His legs felt like water and his stomach was queasy.
“But tired or not, I'll have to contact Clara again and tell her that Aethos is bringing the Changlings here. I'm sure she'll be pleased that she and her people won't have to hike all the way to the river to help them, let alone down to the bridge.”
“Good thinking, master. And then you will rest. I am sure it will take some time for that air elemental to return with the young ones and that will give you some time to recover your strength.”
“I'm not fragile, Kronk,” Simon told the little guy irritably. “Something to eat and some tea and I'll be fine.”
Kronk didn't answer but he sighed dramatically and Simon had to turn away to avoid laughing. He was touched as always that his little friend cared so much about him but it was a bit smothering at times.
The next several hours were busy. Clara was thrilled that the Changlings would be brought to the tower and promised to bring extra food with her. She was leaving immediately.
Clara's comment reminded Simon that the small group of refugees would probably be exhausted and hungry, so he began making sandwiches using the smoked meat that the cleric had brought him. He also filled several jugs with water and found enough chairs from around the tower so that the newcomers could sit at the table when they arrived.
When he had finished his preparations, Simon finally gave in to Kronk's insistence that he rest and sat on the front steps in the sun with the little guy beside him.
“I wonder how long it will take for Aethos to carry the four Changlings all the way from the other side of the river?” he idly asked the little guy.
Kronk seemed to ponder the question.
“Well, master, it is a long way. The elemental is strong, that I know, but he will have to use his power to embrace the four and then lift them carefully over the water and then all the way to the tower. I would guess that we won't see them for several hours.”
“Hmm,” Simon said vaguely. He was leaning back against the door frame, his legs stretched out. The sun was very warm and he closed his eyes for a minute, feel
ing pleased at how well the day had gone so far.
“Master, they're here!”
Simon woke up with a snort and looked around bewildered.
“Who's here? Where?” he asked in confusion.
He looked down at Kronk, who was pointing through the gate at the clearing beyond.
Simon rubbed his eyes and peered blearily out at the field as he rose slowly to his feet.
A group of figures, led by the easily recognizable Clara, had emerged from the trees and were walking toward the tower. At the same time a disturbance between the tower and the group was causing the tall grass to ripple and whirl like the beginning of a tornado.
Simon tried to pull himself together and hurried forward to meet Clara and her companions who were giving the now violently whipping grasses a wide berth.
“Clara! You made good time,” Simon said as he trotted toward her.
She reached out and grabbed his hand with a wide smile.
“Of course. We wanted to be here in case any of the Changlings needed help.” She looked toward the rippling grasses. “I take it that we arrived just in time?”
“I assume so,” Simon answered as he too watched events unfolding. The windy area was becoming hazy as if fog was settling over the field and he couldn't see what was happening in the middle of it.
“I've never seen anyone transported by air elemental before,” he told Clara as they both watched the fog. “I just hope that they haven't been harmed by the trip. I'd guess that they've suffered enough.”
“Agreed,” she said.
Simon looked at the group that had arrived with the cleric.
Richard and Michael had accompanied Clara again and both nodded at him when he greeted them. There was another person with them, a woman, older with dark hair wearing leather clothing and carrying a bow. She gave him a wink and a smile when he noticed her.
“This is Susan,” Clara said absently as she continued to watch the fog. It was slowly starting to settle but they could see nothing yet.
“She's one of our best hunters. She calls herself a ranger, whatever that means.”
“Pleased to meet you, wizard,” Susan said warmly, her smile widening.
“Likewise, ranger,” Simon replied with a grin.
All three of Clara's people were wearing backpacks that they took off as they waited for whatever was going to happen next.
The Dragons Return Page 20
