“Never again, I won’t let you do this. Your work ends now.”
“My best work is already complete, you’re too late.” Rindale laughed. “There’s no win here. You can’t even get revenge, because I know exactly how your spells work, wizard.” Rindale’s voice was harsh.
“I’ll do what it takes to eliminate you forever,” Branthor muttered. He looked feverish.
“You cannot succeed. The instant this blade touches you, you’ll be infected once more. A tool of my bidding.” Rindale laughed. Branthor looked furious like he was going to explode. Alrion took a step forward. He shook away Lara’s hand.
“I can end this. Both of you stand down.”
“I caution you against interfering, young one. You’ll get your turn eventually.” Rindale turned slightly to stare at Alrion, then turned back to Branthor. “I see your father in you, Alrion.”
“I don’t care. Branthor, prepare yourself. I’m going to restrain Rindale.” Alrion took another step forward. Branthor looked livid.
“You. Will. Not. Take. This. From. Me.” Branthor struggled, then appeared to just give up. Rindale smiled as the dagger started to move forward. But it diverted from Branthor’s neck, plunging into the wizard’s chest. As Rindale was celebrating, a bright white light formed on Branthor’s fingertips.
“Don’t!” Alrion shouted. But it was too late. In seconds the white light became overwhelming and an explosion rocked the room. Alrion threw up a wave of force to act as a shield but was still knocked down. He quickly stood up again, unsteady on his feet. The power of the shockwave was incredible. The whole room looked turned upside down. It was even more broken and dispersed than before.
Alrion checked on Lara, and she was fine. Alyx had shielded her, and Alrion’s barrier had done the rest. Fermur was still cowering in the corner and had started whimpering.
They’re fine, but where’s Rindale?
Alrion activated his enhanced vision and searched the room. He could find no trace of the Blight General. He did locate Branthor, under some rubble in the corner of the room. But he looked in bad shape. And infected too.
Alrion strode over and knocked the rocks away with a force spell.
“Branthor!” Alrion rushed across now that Branthor was visible.
“It’s done. Not a trace of that creature exists.” Branthor’s voice was hoarse and quiet, and he coughed soon after.
“Just stay still, I’ll heal you.” Alrion started to prepare his Spark. Branthor grabbed his wrist.
“Don’t! I’m done. Please, let me go.” Branthor looked up at Alrion, pleading.
“You don’t need to be.” Alrion looked at Branthor, assessing his wounds. “You’ll turn into one of them anyway if I leave you.”
“No, I’ll die first. This is a critical wound.” Branthor tapped his chest, then closed his eyes.
“But…”
“If it’s about my promise, then I’m sorry I changed my mind.” Branthor took a deep ragged breath and continued. “I was going to tell you the location, but I won’t now. That would play into their hands.”
“But, why?”
“You’re not ready. If you were, you’d know. Maybe you’re ready now, I can’t say for sure. But there’s only one place you can find out.”
“Where?” Alrion knelt next to Branthor.
“Paperton.” Branthor managed a pained laugh.
“What do you mean?”
“There they can assess you, explain how to unlock the information. There’s more to know than just the location. You can’t undertake the journey without knowing.”
“Thank you, Branthor. There’s good in you, there’s part of you that can be saved. Let me help you!” Branthor shook his head.
“No, you mustn’t. This is momentary clarity, now that my revenge is done. The rage, the anger, and the shame. It consumed me. But this is enough. You must let me rest.” Branthor closed his eyes. His breathing slowed. He opened his eyes once more.
“Good luck, Alrion. May you overcome your fate.” Branthor smiled and closed his eyes. He took one last deep ragged breath and sagged. The life drained from him. Alrion leaned back, feeling the depth of the loss.
I should have saved him. Why? Why did I let him go?
He felt Lara’s arm around him, pulling him up. She guided him over to the rest.
“That was meant to be. He did us a great service.” Alyx bowed.
“I don’t know what to do now. I could have saved him.”
“You already did.” Lara gave him a hug. Alrion wiped away a tear.
“That could have been any of us.”
“It very nearly was. What did he tell you?” Alyx said.
“He refused to reveal the location of the source of the Blight. He said that it was a mistake to tell me, that it would lead to my undoing if I went now.”
“Really?” Lara sounded confused.
“Yes. He explained that I should return to Paperton, to the scholars. There will be experts there to guide me through what I need to know, and that I can’t complete this journey without the right knowledge.”
“He was dangerous and unhinged, but he was a master wizard. It doesn’t sound like he withheld the information in spite.” Alyx sounded thoughtful. Alrion turned around to look for Fermur. The man was gone.
“Where did he get to?” Alrion sighed.
“Don’t worry, we’ll look for him,” Lara said.
“I don’t know what to do now. I’m just exhausted.” Alrion let Lara lead him over to a place he could sit. Alrion glanced over at Branthor’s body.
“Well, I need to help him before we go anywhere.”
“Of course we will. His journey has ended, and he needs a proper farewell.” Alyx bowed again in Branthor’s direction.
“I didn’t like the guy, but he achieved a great thing today. I know it wasn’t how you wanted this to end, but this is a great win against the Blight.” Lara gave Alrion a slight smile.
“But then why does it feel like this?”
“Because everything comes with a price.” Alyx’s face was hard, her expression impossible to read. Alrion dragged himself up.
“Let’s attend to Branthor before I go collapse somewhere.” He started to walk back through the rubble, Alyx and Lara flanking him on both sides.
How many must die before this quest is through?
28
The Hidden Gate
Alyx rushed back into the room. She didn’t like being separated from them, even though she had found no other enemies in the fortress. Seeing Alrion and Lara was a relief, and she sheathed her sword and walked slower.
“You’re back. Anything to report?” Alrion said. He was standing over Branthor’s body. They had cleared the area around where he had fallen.
“There seems to be a lot of equipment around the place, it all seems like it’s quite dangerous. I couldn’t find anybody at all, let alone Fermur.”
“I think we need to be alright with the idea that he’s gone. Hopefully, with Rindale eliminated, Fermur will be left alone.”
“I hope so.” Alrion stood still and bowed his head slightly. Alyx walked over and joined them.
“I’ve figured out what to do here,” Alrion said. He turned and looked at both Lara and Alyx. “I will destroy Branthor’s body and destroy this place. It should never be used again, and it will send a signal to Darvin.”
“I suppose, especially if there doesn’t seem to be anyone left. And that would take care of the equipment that Alyx mentioned.” Lara still sounded a bit hesitant though.
“Don’t worry, we won’t be inside at that point. Have you explored the annex?” Alrion said to Alyx.
“Annex?”
“There’s another building connected to this one. I can feel it.”
“No, I haven’t noticed anything. It might be on the other side of the building?” Alyx looked to Lara who shrugged.
“I certainly didn’t notice anything else on this side either.”
“There’s so
mething else here. I almost missed it, but the more I think about it, the more I’m sure. Maybe it’s wizard related, I can’t say.”
“Well, let’s investigate before we go,” Alyx said. Alrion nodded and turned again to Branthor. He motioned for Lara and Alyx to come closer.
“Farewell, Branthor. You lived a hard life, tormented by the Blight and the loss of your wife. I forgive you for all that you did and thank you for your advice and help. I hope that you have reached a place of peace.” Alrion paused, silent. After a few moments, he spoke again. “I don’t know the appropriate way to bury a wizard, but I also know that you won’t want your body to be taken by the wrong people. And we don’t want this evil dagger to remain. Therefore, I will take steps to protect you in death.” Alrion motioned for Lara and Alyx to stand back. He remained exactly in the same spot, however, and raised one hand.
Bright light started to accumulate on Alrion’s hand, just like Branthor had done. However, Alyx also noticed a bit of a golden tinge to the light. The brightness was mesmerising, and she kept staring into it. Suddenly she realised what she was doing and came to her senses. She grabbed Lara by the arm and dragged her away. When they reached the other end of the room, white flashed everywhere, temporarily blinding Alyx. Her vision slowly returned, and she saw Alrion was still standing in the same place.
“At least he hasn’t blown himself up,” Lara muttered. She dusted herself off and started walking. Alyx joined her. As they neared Alrion they saw a deep chasm in the ground. It was impossibly smooth like it had been carved out of the ground and cleaned.
“Do I even want to know what happened here?”
“I used a modified light bomb. There’s no trace of Branthor or that cursed weapon left.”
“I see. You’re not going to make that a regular thing you do, are you?” The nervousness in Lara’s voice was obvious. Alrion turned to look at her and took on a sheepish grin.
“No, I won’t put you in danger unnecessarily. I also don’t approve of the destructive power. It’s too… final. You’re bound to destroy too much, and there’s no going back.”
“Which was the idea. As long as you can control it and use it sparingly, we will be fine.” Alyx gave Alrion a respectful nod, which he returned.
“Absolutely.” Alrion’s face returned to stony sadness. He shook his head and started walking off toward the hole in the wall that Branthor had made.
“Where’s this extra building you mentioned?” Lara said.
“We may need to go outside to find it. But keep your eyes open as we walk through. There may be a path from in here.” Alrion walked through without comment, but Alyx was stunned by the destruction on display. The room was ripped apart, and scores of Blighters were scattered all over the room.
“No wonder we can’t find anything left alive,” Lara whispered.
“I’ll never fully understand him. For all that he hated us, he never did this,” Alrion said.
“There was a part of him that still remembered how to be human. It’s just it became quieter and quieter as time went on.” Alyx could sympathise. She had been on a similar path to vengeance. It was not as satisfying as it should have been.
Better that he died, he could not handle the life afterwards.
They passed through another room of horrors until they came upon the main gate. It was mangled and bent like it was a child’s toy that had been stepped on. Lara let out a small gasp.
“This is what we are capable of, but choose not to do,” Alrion said.
“I can see why you don’t.” Lara rushed forward and didn’t look back. Outside the fortress was quiet and peaceful. There were no sounds of wildlife, and there was only grass and a path. Alrion led the way, following the path around the exterior of the fortress. Around halfway down the length of the building, he paused.
“I can feel something. It’s in this direction.” Alrion turned left and stepped onto the grass. He continued forward like he was following an invisible path.
“I don’t see anything.” Lara stopped periodically and peered into the distance. Alyx couldn’t make out anything. Just flat countryside and grass, with the occasional rock, shrub, or tree.
“Here,” Alrion said. He stuck his hand out, reaching for something. Lara bent down and picked up a tiny stone. She hurled it into the distance. It sailed through the air, and suddenly made a ‘tink’ sound and bounced off something.
“Well, I’ll be,” Lara said.
“I’m not imagining it,” Alrion said.
“I never suggested that.” Lara turned and looked at Alyx
“Clearly, there’s something there.” Alyx moved forward until she was next to Alrion. She reached out with her hand and felt around. There was something cool and smooth there, but invisible. She used her hand to feel around and get an idea of what it was.
“It’s made of stones, smooth stones.” Alyx pulled her hand back.
“I’m not really familiar with this kind of magic.” Alrion placed his hand on the invisible surface and closed his eyes. He looked to be deep in concentration. His breathing slowed, and he seemed almost asleep. Suddenly his eyes shot open, and he pulled his hand back. Where his hand had been, a transformation was taking place. The invisible was becoming visible, like a wave of light was illuminating it all. Within moments, a stone building with a metallic wooden door stood before them.
“Wow,” Lara whispered.
“I wonder if Branthor knew about this,” Alrion said. He pushed on the door and it opened slowly. Alrion created a ball of light which floated above him, then he entered the building. Lara rushed after him and Alyx turned to look behind. She could spot no enemies.
Hopefully, we didn’t trigger any traps or alarms.
Alyx drew her sword and followed them inside. The room was quite bare, with stone on the floor and all the walls. The only item of note was a carpet in the middle of the room. Lara rushed forward and inspected the carpet.
“As expected.” She quickly pulled it aside and revealed a trapdoor.
“Good. Let’s keep moving.” Alrion started forward and helped Lara haul the trapdoor open. There was a ladder inside, and no way to see what else was below.
“I’m going first.” Alyx squeezed in between the others, sheathed her sword and started climbing down before they could protest. The ball of light drifted down until it hovered above Alyx’s right shoulder.
“Be careful,” Alrion said.
“I can handle a ladder,” Alyx said drily. Given that the area was so well-hidden, she didn’t expect too much else in the way of security. Nothing the wizards had done before to their spaces was dangerous, to her knowledge. Once she reached the bottom, she sensed a source of light. She turned and took a look. It was faint, but there was a blue glow emanating from the distance.
“There’s something down here. Safe to proceed.” Alyx stepped aside and made room for the others to descend.
Maybe this is one of those Wizard Gates. It must be functioning too. I wonder if Alrion can operate it?
Lara descended first, then Alrion.
“I think that’s a Wizard Gate. Let’s investigate.” Alrion took off at pace, and Alyx rushed ahead of him. There was nothing else in the long room and no other sources of illumination. As they neared the source of the light, Alyx could see the structure properly. It was definitely some sort of gate. Two stone columns with an arch over the top, glowing blue.
“So that’s what they look like when they aren’t destroyed,” Lara said, nudging Alrion. He chuckled.
“Yes, yes I deserved that. This is really interesting though.” Alrion stepped forward and studied the gate up close. Alyx joined him, looking at the symbols.
“Maybe you need to press something?” she said. One symbol stood out for her. It looked familiar. She pressed on the stonework and the symbol suddenly glowed. Alyx stepped back quickly, looking for other activity. Nothing else changed.
“I think you did something. But the gate isn’t open yet.” Alrion peered closer
into the space and examined the remaining symbols. Lara circled around and looked at the gate from the back.
“There’s nothing back here, I think the gate acts as some sort of special doorway. When it’s working.”
“That would make sense. I encountered something similar at the Vault of Silence. Different of course, but similar in idea.” Alrion walked around the gate, observing it from different angles and finally stopped in front of it once more.
“Hmm, I wonder…” Alrion reached out, his hand glowing. The gate flashed then roared into life. Blue and white light arced around the room, then settled down. The view was obscured, but there was definitely some other location at the other end of the gate.
That’s Valrytir!
The scene was blurred but unmistakable if you were familiar with the city. It was a location on the fringes, one she had visited often as part of her training. Alyx shuddered with the realisation. This gate could take them a tremendous distance. She glanced over at Lara who seemed to be having the same realisation. She must have also recognised the location. Alrion, however, was transfixed by the sight.
“Wow, it works. I wonder where it goes?” He looked to Lara, who shrugged.
“It’s too hard to tell from this side. It could be quite dangerous,” Alyx said.
“Right, we should think carefully about this,” Lara said. Alrion turned back to the gate.
“We’ll only know by going. Hmm, there’s something strange about this.” Alrion looked puzzled. Lara and Alyx exchanged glances.
“What do we do?” Lara mouthed to Alyx.
“I’ll go,” Alyx mouthed back and pointed from herself to the gate. Lara nodded.
“Here’s an idea. Why doesn’t Alyx step through first. She can assess the other location for safety, then we can follow?” Lara said. Alrion whipped around, looking at her curiously.
“It sounds logical but, if it works, you’d have no way of coming back. Alyx?”
“It’s a good plan, and honestly it’s the only option if we’re intent on trying out this gate. If I’m separated, then I can easily continue ahead on my own and meet up with you later. Lara, of course, could do the same, but you two have shared a lot more of this journey together and should remain so.”
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 20
