I need to look for dusty boxes, probably up the back.
Celes had a good look and determined that there was a cluster of older boxes in the far-right corner. She carefully picked her way through, making sure she didn’t disturb any shaky towers of boxes. It didn’t take long to look over the boxes. It definitely wasn’t the ones on top.
Here we go.
Celes systematically moved boxes around carefully to examine the ones on the bottom of the stacks, or near the bottom if they were particularly high. It all came down to the last box in the corner.
Please, please be this one.
“Aydan, I’ve got you,” Celes whispered as she read the label. She set the box aside, pushing down the sudden urge to rifle through it.
The box has been here this long, I can wait a few moments before opening it. She focused on setting the room back to what it was, then carefully opened the lid. It was mostly empty. She found a few gems of different types, and some slips of paper. They looked to be receipts, but it wasn’t clear what was purchased. One, however, stood out. It was a receipt from the Valrytir Restricted Library. It was confirmation of a restricted loan book titled The History of The Blight.
This looks interesting. If it’s a restricted library, there’s probably some records there too. I can feel it, this is a good lead.
Celes emptied the contents of the box into her satchel and returned to the bar.
“Hey, any luck?” Christie said.
“Yes, thank you. I couldn’t believe it, but there you go. Just a few papers and some gems, but so interesting.”
“Wow, that’s quite lucky. Glad to be of help. What’ll I get you?”
“Two shots of your best spirit, and some more information.” Celes sat down at the bar. She watched Christie select a bottle and start pouring out shots.
“What else were you after?”
“The Valrytir Restricted Library. Is it nearby?”
“Oh, yes that’s at the end of the main street.” Christie picked up both glasses and set them down before Celes.
“Is it restricted access?” Celes retrieved some coins from her pocket, holding them in her closed hand.
“I don’t believe so, just more security.” Christie was eyeing off Celes’s hand. Celes dipped her hand in again and grabbed a few extra coins. She pressed them into Christie’s hand.
“Thanks again for your help.” Celes threw the shot down, letting the burning sensation pass through her. She stood quickly.
“The other one is for you. Take care.” Celes waved and walked off.
“Thanks, and good luck,” Christie said. Celes quickly left the inn and started down the street.
Much more hospitable than they let on.
Celes could feel the case closing in. She was practically running down the street. It wasn’t hard to find the library, it was a large stone building with an impressive dome on top. She rushed up the stairs and into the massive foyer.
The stillness of the room was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside. People moved slowly and with purpose, and even the staff were quiet with whatever they were doing. Celes located a reception desk and walked over.
“Hello, I’d like your help with something.”
“Good day. How can we assist you?” The librarian looked somewhat disinterested and moved her brown wavy hair off her face. Celes judged the woman was only in her early twenties.
“A friend of mine borrowed a book from here years ago. He wants to read it again, and I’d like to borrow it as well.”
“What’s the book?”
“The History of the Blight.” Celes handed over the borrowing receipt.
“It’s available. You can find it in the stacks.” The librarian handed the slip back.
“Good. But, before I get it, I just need to double check. I need to make sure it’s the same exact one.”
“We only have one with that exact title, although there are similar books.” The librarian seemed annoyed.
“If I could just look at the list of people who borrowed it, then I can make sure.”
“I’m not sure I should do that.”
“It’s nothing, I’ll just glance at the list. I’ll see my friend’s name and I’ll be confident when I take it back that it’ll be exactly the one that he wants. I’d only be looking at the names from a long time ago, nobody cares about the fact that they borrowed a book twenty years ago.” Celes smiled and watched the librarian’s reaction. She seemed to be coming around, despite being uncomfortable.
“You can look at the list while I’m here.” The librarian turned and walked over to another section, rifling through different books. She returned within a few minutes with an old-looking book.
“This is the borrowing ledger. Let me see the slip again.” The librarian checked the slip and carefully looked through the ledger.
“I’ve identified the appropriate entry, as expected. Take a look.” The librarian spun the ledger around and guided Celes on where to look. Celes could feel her heart pounding. She read the name and suppressed a gasp. It wasn’t Aydan. It was a real name.
“Thank you so much, you’ve been incredibly helpful. That’s the exact confirmation I needed. You were so professional as well, I respect your devotion to the library.”
“Why, thank you. I hope your friend enjoys the book as much as he did the last time.” The librarian smiled and Celes thanked her again while she left. She made a show of walking over to where the library books were kept, but once the librarian was distracted, she left the building.
I actually did it! I’ve got you now.
Celes couldn’t believe that she had solved it. Everything was coming together at last.
41
The Way to Valrytir
The Wizard Gate shimmered in front of them, revealing a hot dusty scene.
“Here we go.” Alrion grabbed Lara’s hand and stepped through the gate. The strange sensation that was starting to become familiar washed over them, light and heat and blankness.
The heat was all he expected.
“This is definitely the desert,” Lara said. “I hope you have an idea of where this next gate is?”
“I do, but I also have a theory.” Alrion started walking through the old temple surrounding them. It was largely destroyed, random pillars slowly eroding away, providing little to no shelter.
“What’s the theory?” Lara said as they walked. Soon the temple was behind them, and a barely noticeable path stretched out ahead.
“It needs a bit more time to test. Hopefully, I’m not wrong, or this is going to be a really unpleasant journey.”
“I agree with you on that point.” Lara stopped and pulled out a small flask of water. She offered it to Alrion first then had a sip. They walked on without conversation, the dry heat and oppressive sun was too much. Alrion was content with just walking forward. He knew there were ways to reduce the effect of the heat, but he was happy just moving forward. Not grappling with the environment and just moving through it.
Eventually, he noticed what looked like an oasis.
“Ah-hah!” Alrion said, pointing.
“There’s something familiar about that,” Lara mused. As they walked closer, Alrion noticed a figure standing there.
“Ashra?” Alrion said.
“The very same. Welcome back, Alrion.” Ashra smiled and waved them over.
“I knew you had to be located close to the Wizard Gate here,” Alrion said.
“Lucky for you, even luckier for your mother.”
“You saw her?”
“Yes, I helped her on her way. A most interesting hunt, looking for a wizard by following an old trail.”
“Was she well?”
“Yes, perfectly well, although she would have struggled in the desert had I not found her. She wasn’t properly equipped for it.”
“Where did you take her? Another gate?”
“Of course. Come inside and we can talk more.” Ashra led them into the house and down into the coole
st space. He served water and Alrion drained a few cups.
“How is everything going? Are you ready to complete your quest?”
“Did she tell you Falric was alive?”
“Yes, that was a good surprise. Although I admit I half-expected something like that. It seemed odd that he fell so quickly and easily.”
“I’m doing pretty well, I just need to complete my travel to Valrytir.” Alrion poured himself another cup of water.
“He’s lying of course. We had to track back to the Pool of Knowledge because Alrion couldn’t pull the location of the Blight from his accumulated knowledge.”
“Hang on,” Alrion started but Lara cut him off again.
“And when he finally found that out, he also found out that completing the spell will kill him.” Lara stared at Alrion defiantly.
“Why?” he said, not even bothering to hide his annoyance.
“Ashra can help you. He’s probably the wisest wizard you’ve met yet, and he trained you so much in the little time you were here. He’s more practical than Falric.”
“Practical? Because he lives in the desert?”
“Please, be still. Calm yourselves.” Ashra got their attention then focused on Lara. “Thank you for being so blunt. I suspected something serious was up, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.” He then turned to Alrion. “You should thank her for saying what you could not. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help.”
“I’ll be honest, I’m not sure what you can do to help.”
“You’ve got it all figured out then?” Ashra smiled and gave Alrion a funny look.
“No, but I can figure it out then.”
“That worked well for you before didn’t it, when we duelled?” Ashra started with his gaze on Alrion, but then shifted it to Lara. She shivered noticeably.
“Lara doesn’t have fond memories of that.”
“Well, he did obliterate the area. Lucky you saved us.”
“What’s that got to do with this?”
“You weren’t prepared and acted on instinct. And you lost control. Had I not intervened, it would have been tragic. Are you going to leave the fate of the world to chance?”
“No. I’ve come a long way. I’ve passed all the trials, I’ve cured myself and others of the Blight. And I’ve learned the details of the final spell and where to perform it.”
“And you’re confident then? No doubt whatsoever?”
“Of course not.”
“Then you’re not ready! Nobody is taking away from your considerable achievements. I can see the depths of your knowledge, perseverance, and willpower. But as you have no doubt noticed, having those abilities is not all that is required.”
Ashra is making too much sense. In a way, it’s a relief, but it doesn’t make me any less annoyed. Why am I so affected by what he’s saying?
“You’re right, as much as it pains me to hear it. I’m not confident. I don’t know how I’m going to avoid death. That doubt, you’ve just increased it.”
“Good.”
“What?” Lara said.
“He’s in the right place. Mentally, and physically.” Ashra gave them a mysterious smile.
“What are you planning?”
“One more lesson. Are you game?”
“Yes.” Alrion nodded.
“Good. Let’s go at once. Afterwards, I’ll take you to the next gate.” Ashra stood and immediately headed off. They followed him out of the house and back into the desert. Alrion suspected they were heading back to the same place where they had duelled before.
“Before we reach Valrytir, there’s something you should know.” Lara looked quite apprehensive.
“What is it?” Alrion stopped suddenly, looking at her with concern.
What has she been hiding?
“Um…” Lara stumbled over her words, “well, you’re going to need military support. There’s no way you’ll be able to walk up to the source of the Blight without an army behind you.”
“I hadn’t really considered that. Can I count on them?”
“Not for sure. They’re quite adept at fighting the Blight and are geared up and have the numbers to do so. But they’ll be quite reluctant.”
“Hmm, I suppose that’s something I can think about. Do you have any special insights?” Alrion watched Lara’s reaction. She still looked uncomfortable about something. And this revelation about the military didn’t seem quite like it was what she meant to discuss.
“Not really. Not anymore, I’ve been away for a while.”
“Right. Well, do let me know if you remember something.” Alrion noticed Lara’s face relax a bit when the conversation wound down.
I’ll have to ask her about it later when I get an opportunity. Something about Valrytir is troubling her, maybe it’s in her past.
Alrion hurried to catch up to Ashra. Soon enough they emerged into the arena. Despite the shifting sands, Alrion could still tell what he had done here. He felt a shiver go down his spine.
“Lara, please go wait up where you did before. You can observe and report back after the duel.”
“Sure. Good luck.” Lara gave Alrion a quick peck and jogged off to find safety. Alrion watched until he could see her reach the right area. Then he gave his attention back to Ashra.
“What’s this going to involve?” Alrion said.
“Where’s the fun in that? Just know that I’m going to test you. I want to see how far you’ve come.” Ashra looked mischievous. Suddenly, he dropped the expression and became quite focused. Alrion started to notice darkness covering the area.
Another illusion.
Within a minute, the entire area was dark, with minimal light shining through. A swirl of dark sand surrounded Ashra. When the sand subsided, Alrion couldn’t really see anything. But he did notice movement. He activated his enhanced vision, and then he could see.
Ashra wasn’t there anymore. Instead, it was a dark humanoid shape. Alrion expected to see the tell-tale signs of Ashra’s Spark, but it was hidden or invisible. The shape didn’t look or move like a Shade, it felt like something else. Alrion prepared a fireball and shot it over. Black tendrils shot out from the shape and grabbed the fireball, squeezing it into nothing.
Now that’s strange. What is he playing at?
Alrion decided to up the ante. He built up his Spark then unleashed waves of fire, followed by a seismic fissure, splitting the earth on a path to intercept. The black figure spawned more and more black tendrils. Simultaneously they swept away the fire and stopped the earth spell. Before Alrion could start another, the black shape suddenly multiplied. There were now four of them, and they all started to advance on Alrion.
He spun quickly, throwing waves of force at each one. Bit by bit he increased the Spark imbued into each one. But even these new figures had the same ability to knock away Alrion’s spells. He reached for his sword and remembered he didn’t have it. He had loaned it to Alyx.
I can’t underestimate these.
But he already had. Something grabbed him from behind. Alrion turned his head to look back and saw one of the shapes behind him. It had grabbed him and was now spawning more tendrils to wrap around him.
There were five. How did I get cornered so easily?
Alrion struggled and struggled. But the hold on him became tighter and tighter. He noticed the other shapes advancing. They would be on him soon. He lashed out with waves of force, but they just cancelled out when they reached the black shapes. He forced fire into his arms, hoping to shake the figure off him. But the fire just dissipated as soon as it touched a black tendril.
Alrion started to panic. He was being smothered, and soon he would be completely enveloped. He thought about using the light bomb again but remembered how poorly he had done before, employing it in desperation. Images of Branthor using it flashed through his mind, but he didn’t have the patience and presence to carefully control it, and his arms were not free to try to target it precisely.
What do I do? I can’
t be helpless.
The shapes were almost on him now. He saw one of them oozing a black substance.
Not again. Never again!
Alrion felt the Spark swelling in him. He was panicking. He felt the composition of the spell. It was a light bomb. He felt powerless to stop it. But he needed to. He needed to soften it somehow, to hold it in.
And then he felt his Soul Power. He knew that could help. Purely by instinct, he started to let it out, he let it infuse and mix with the Spark that was becoming a light bomb. He imagined a sphere surrounding him. It would suck all the dark shapes in like a magnet, and it would also contain the light bomb. His Soul would act as a container, keeping the force within a tight radius. He completed the visualisation and had a microsecond of peace and calm before he let it loose.
As he planned, the black shapes were drawn closer in. He was smothered completely. But it was by his choice. They were prevented from moving, and the altered light bomb exploded. Its effects were restricted to that small sphere he had set out, so the excess power and light shot up straight into the air like a beacon.
The darkness was dispelled instantly in a flash of white. Alrion looked around. The ground was cleared near him, but the rest of the arena was untouched. He saw Ashra standing off in the distance. He started approaching immediately.
“How did you find that?” Ashra said.
“Intense. How did you do that?”
“Trade secret, sorry.” Ashra chuckled softly. “You really surprised me there. What’s with you and light bombs?”
“I don’t know. I guess deep down I know that they can wipe anything away.”
“That they can.” Ashra stopped in front of Alrion and put his hands on the young wizard’s shoulders. He stared into Alrion’s eyes. “Well now, do you feel any different?”
“Yes.” Alrion searched his feelings. “I feel less burdened, a little more resilient.”
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 30
