I can’t let them interfere. Certan and Alyx don’t even know that I may die. Should I tell them?
Alrion looked at the expressions on the faces of his friends.
I shouldn’t have even told Lara. I’ll hold off for now and see how I feel tomorrow.
“I have preparations to make, so I’ll meet you all early tomorrow morning for the ride out. I’m going to be extremely focused, so please just leave me be.”
“What about offering you good luck?” Certan said.
“Maybe do it now, instead.” Alrion cringed as Certan came in and gave him a big hug. But he felt reassured and was then surprised by Alyx then Lara coming in.
“You can try as you might, but I’ll never leave you,” Lara whispered into his ear. Alrion smiled.
“Alright, thanks, everyone. You know how to best prepare, I won’t pretend to advise you on that. But, Certan, please stay behind for a moment. I have a special assignment for you.”
Alyx and Lara said goodbye and left the room. Certan approached his face a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
This should work, but it’s a bit of a gamble.
44
End of the Investigation
Celes wandered through the district, looking for Vincent. She knew he’d be working on something, which is why she had left him alone. But with her new discovery, it was time to finally look him up.
There’s just too many blacksmiths and related trades around here. This could take a while.
Suddenly, she spotted him leaving a shop.
“Vincent,” Celes said as she ran over. He beamed a wide smile and gave her a warm hug and kiss.
“Well, aren’t you a sight! You must have had an amazing adventure.”
“I sure have.”
“I hope you weren’t in the desert too long. That’s where it sent you, right?”
“Absolutely. Lucky for me I ran into that wizard, Ashra.” She watched Vincent’s reaction. He smiled and nodded.
“He’s a good one. Has his own ideas about how to do things, but always does the best for people.”
“Best in his own opinion.” Celes laughed and Vincent joined in.
“Come on, I’ve borrowed a small residence and I was about to eat. You can tell me about the rest of your investigation.” Vincent led her through the hustle and bustle into a side alley then into a tiny little dwelling at the end. It consisted of a bedroom, and just outside it two chairs and a table. There was some bread, cheese, and fruit laid out on the table.
“Did you prepare this?” Celes said.
“No, I’ve been working. Thankfully, they organised this for me.” Vincent pulled out a chair for Celes and she sat down graciously. He joined her and offered her the food. She started picking at the fruit.
“That Ashra, let me tell you. He’s a real trickster. He told me he knew the identity of the wizard, right before pushing me through the next Wizard Gate.” Celes shook her head at the memory.
He was right to tell me that much, as infuriating as it was.
“That does not surprise me one bit. I’ve heard so many stories. So, another Wizard Gate. Where did that take you?”
“A basement of a house in Stonebridge.” Vincent looked surprised.
“That’s quite unusual but convenient.”
“Yes, Ashra thought that perhaps the wizard had taken that route for speed and to keep away from established routes, not that there were any particular things to find on the way.”
“It’s a good theory. What sort of house holds a Wizard Gate?”
“An old wizard’s home. Only there’s a farmer living there now. Polite fellow, he even gave me dinner.”
“Oh, that’s a nice surprise.” Vincent smiled.
“Oh, the surprise wasn’t nice. He locked me in the basement and went to fetch some sort of Blight assistance.” Vincent paused mid chewing and stared at her.
“Lucky for me, there was a secret tunnel that sealed behind me.” Celes grabbed a hunk of bread and started chewing. It was surprisingly tasty. Maybe she was just hungry.
“Had I known this would happen, I would have insisted we travel together. I still would have made it here, and you would have had help.”
“How were we to know? And I think in a way it was good. I had to rely on myself again. I succeeded, you know.”
“Succeeded?”
“Yes, I found out the identity of the mysterious wizard.”
“Really?” Vincent looked surprised, and a bit anxious.
“Yes. Lucky for me the secret tunnel linked up with the Wizard Store. By reading the log and conversing with a helpful wizard called Magnus, I was able to track the mysterious wizard to a local inn.”
“That’s a good lead. How’d you identify him from that?”
“It wasn’t the inn itself. But the inn did have a box of his belongings. And in those belongings was…”
“A signed confession?” Vincent offered.
“No, even better. A library receipt.”
“A library receipt?”
“Yes. And when I tracked that down, I found the original borrowing ledger. It turns out that book was a restricted loan.”
“What was the book?”
“History of the Blight.”
“Makes sense.” Vincent reached for the fruit now. “How did that solve the puzzle?”
“As it turns out, our mysterious wizard signed his real name for the book.” Vincent froze and stared at her.
“He signed his real name?”
“Yes. Can you believe it? I caught him with a twenty-year-old trail. Using a library receipt!” Celes was beaming. Finally, she could share her elation at the find. Vincent looked deep in thought.
“Hmm yes, he would have needed a real identity, not an alias, to borrow a restricted book. And you found the receipt in his belongings, identified by the alias.” He looked up at her. “I knew you were a genius. This is phenomenal!”
“It is, isn’t it.”
“I knew you’d do it. Who else could return on such a long shot?” Vincent smiled at her, and she felt warm inside.
“Alrion needs to know.” Celes watched Vincent’s face become more serious.
“I agree. I’ll tell him at the right time. Things are progressing.”
“What do you mean?”
“Darvin has issued an ultimatum—Alrion must meet him face-to-face or he will bring his army to Valrytir and beyond.”
“And what did Alrion decide?”
“He had no choice. The high general is mobilising the army at first light, with Alrion at the head.”
“I see. We will protect him.”
“I must protect him.” Vincent stared at her with intensity.
“From an entire army?”
“There’s always a way, you should know that. I must go with him and keep him safe. Until he sees it through. Only I can do it.”
“If you insist. I can still help.” Celes didn’t like where this conversation seemed to be going.
“Of course you can, you can support his other companions in their fight. I’ll be the one to follow him into the unknown and protect him while he performs the spell. That is the way it must be.” Vincent had a sad expression.
“Well, look at us, then. Working together as a family. I never expected it.” Celes smiled, hoping to break Vincent out of the mood he was in.
“You’re right. It reminds me of the Blind Tiger heist.”
“Yes, that was amazing.”
Such a clever reference, there are so many parallels with our current situation. Only…
“Wait.” Celes studied Vincent’s expression. And she thought about the story he had referenced and his last few comments. “You’re not coming back, are you?” Celes stared in horror and watched him nod his head.
“I don’t expect to, save a miracle.”
“But why! This doesn’t make any sense.” Celes started shaking her head subconsciously.
“I can’t get into the details. And maybe I’m wrong, b
ut I don’t think so.”
“There has to be another way. Surely.” Celes searched Vincent’s face for some sign of hope. He seemed resigned.
“Darling, what would you do to save our son? What would you give?” Vincent looked up at her.
“Anything.”
“As will I.” Vincent rose and fetched something from his belongings. He handed it to Celes. It was a few leather-bound books.
“I’ve catalogued everything I’ve learned in here. If I don’t make it back, there will be answers within. Just promise me you won’t read it yet.” Vincent held her hand. She stood slowly and embraced him.
“You’ve been planning this for a while, haven’t you?” she whispered.
“Yes. Just in case. I fear the worst.”
“I refuse to say goodbye.”
“What then?”
“I’ll think about it. I have until morning.” Celes hugged him tighter, a tear sliding down her cheek.
This can’t be it. We must find a way.
45
The Main Assault
Alyx had a restless sleep. It was filled with images of the Skull King, and Darvin. Right at the end, to make matters worse, she experienced what she thought were memories of the brief period that she was the Skull Queen.
Alyx awoke in a sweat, her hands shaking. She steadied them and looked up. It was almost first light. She was in a single room, a luxury for a soldier. Mary had organised it, an uncharacteristically nice move. Alyx wasn’t ready to bunk with other soldiers yet.
She quickly dressed and left the room, not fussed about eating. There would be snacks later if she wanted. To her surprise, there was a well-dressed messenger waiting outside her room. Upon seeing her he became quite animated.
“Good morning, Lady Alyx. I have been dispatched to bring you immediately to Master Balzar.” The messenger gave her a deep bow and waited for her response.
“Sure, lead the way.” Alyx started walking and had to increase her pace to keep up with the messenger. He wasn’t joking around.
This must have something to do with the sword. At least, I hope it does. There’s no more time.
Alyx had become accustomed to having Alrion’s Runesteel sword, and her lack of a weapon right now felt wrong. She was still incredibly deadly without it, but it was still something to be fixed.
The messenger led her expertly through the city, taking some side roads and shortcuts she didn’t know about. Before long they had reached Balzar’s workshop. As before, she was led into the back area and down to the large vault. Balzar was standing outside, arms crossed. He beamed her a smile as soon as he saw her.
“This is an auspicious day. Welcome again, to my humble store.” Balzar bowed.
This is hardly humble, but I’ll let him have his pomp and ceremony.
“Thank you for the invitation and being ready so early in the morning. I need to be out as soon as possible.”
“Of course, we’ve all heard. Lucky for you, Vincent worked some magic.” Balzar paused, “figuratively speaking of course. But you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise.” Balzar opened the massive door and eased it open. He disappeared inside, and Alyx followed him in. She found him standing next to a table. He was sporting a huge grin and Alyx could see why. She ran over to the table.
“Andrylir,” Alyx whispered under her breath. The sword was gleaming and looked strong. She ran her fingers along the blade feeling it. There were no hints of the previous fragments, it was completely restored.
“Go on, pick it up,” Balzar urged. Alyx carefully reached for the sword, remembering its weight. She used two hands, lifting it carefully. She almost dropped it and looked at Balzar sharply.
“Don’t look at me, it’s all Vincent’s work.” Balzar held his hands up. “I couldn’t believe it either.”
“How could it be lighter? It doesn’t make any sense?”
“Vincent did say something to me about the blade. He said it won’t be the same as it once was but, in some way, he’s made it better. Something about Soul Power?” Balzar looked confused.
“I know what he means. I wonder…” Alyx looked around the vault.
“Woah there, I know that look. If you’re after something to try it on, I’ll set you up outside, not in here.” Balzar looked concerned, his eyes tracked hers almost manically.
“Don’t worry, I was just seeing what else was here of comparable strength. A more mundane test is fine.” Alyx let Balzar lead her out and excuse himself. Within a minute, he had two assistants hauling in a large piece of stone.
“Not sure what we’re doing with this. Feel free to test your blade.” Balzar’s apprentices looked shocked at the suggestion, but they stayed and stared at Alyx.
This is a risk, knowing that I could damage the blade. But I need to know how strong it is, and how sharp.
Alyx hefted the sword and swung diagonally at the stone. It was almost effortless. The sword passed through the stone like it was water, and she felt something as it passed through. A warmth came through the blade.
“Excellent!” Balzar was clapping enthusiastically. His apprentices just stared with their mouths open. Balzar rushed over and inspected the stone.
“Incredibly clean cut, look at this, boys.” He called them over and they ran their hands over the stone.
“Do you have something I can use to strap this?” Alyx said.
“Certainly. I had a colleague whip something up. It’s not flashy, but it’ll work well.” Balzar disappeared again and returned with a leather strap system. He helped Alyx put it on, then she was able to almost clip the sword in. After a few more adjustments she could relatively easily remove the sword and return it.
“This works. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done.”
“I was merely the facilitator. Give Vincent your thanks, and mine, when you see him.”
“I will.” Alyx finished her goodbyes and rushed out of the workshop. She needed to get to the rendezvous point before Alrion left with the main force.
Alyx found Lara at the city gates. Just beyond, the forces were massing.
“Am I too late?” Alyx said.
“No, we’re just about to move.” Lara was peering into the distance.
“Where are the others?”
“Alrion is out there already, I can see him mounted. Certan, I’m not sure. Maybe his special assignment is taking longer. I haven’t seen Vincent either.”
“Vincent had a special assignment also,” Celes said, approaching them both.
“Celes!” Lara ran over and hugged her. Celes smiled.
“You’re looking well. You too, Alyx.”
“Thank you.” Alyx bowed.
“And I can see you’re equipped well. At least my husband hasn’t been slacking off.” Alyx drew Andrylir and let Lara and Celes examine it.
“This sure beats my Runesteel dagger.” Lara looked impressed.
“Phenomenal work, I’ll have to compliment Vincent.” Celes looked out into the distance. “I think they’re starting to head out?”
“You’re right. Why don’t we get started then?” Lara looked at them each in turn. Alyx and Celes both nodded.
“We should push through to catch up to Alrion.” Alyx didn’t wait for agreement, she started moving out. She could sense the others just behind her. Alyx could recognise the different sections of the army. Even though they were on the move, it was relatively easy to slip between them with their smaller group focused on moving faster. Within half an hour they had reached the front. Alrion was riding out front alone, on a horse. However, he still stayed relatively close to the main force.
I wonder what he’s thinking? He looks like he’s deep in thought. Almost meditating.
That made sense, he needed to prepare himself for the coming conflict. Although something looked different. Alyx couldn’t quite pick it. Until suddenly she realised.
“He doesn’t have his Runesteel sword.”
“Oh, you’re right. That’s odd, isn’t it?” L
ara said. She paused for a moment before continuing. “I didn’t see it back at the apartment.”
“Do you think he left it somewhere else on purpose?” Celes said.
“Perhaps. Maybe Certan is taking it somewhere for him?”
“It’s not cause for concern, his power greatly outweighs what he can do with the sword.” Alyx didn’t want to upset the others, she was just surprised. He had seemed genuinely relieved to have the sword back, despite freely giving it to her.
After a short while, Alrion stopped completely still. He didn’t say anything, just remained on the horse. Alyx could see why.
The Blight forces were visible now. They had massed into a seething horde that stretched as far as the eye could see.
“The Blight are here. They weren’t messing around, I did not expect them to march this far,” Alyx said.
“Just as well we mobilised quickly. As much as the city is designed to withstand a siege, it would be devastating to the population.”
“I’m no soldier, but do you think we can handle such a large number?” Celes looked at them both.
“Normally, I would say no, but we have Alrion up front. He can decimate their forces before we even engage.” Lara turned to Alyx. “Do you agree?”
“Yes, that’s an accurate assessment.” Alyx was about to speak more when she saw movement from the Blight. There was something rippling through them. Suddenly Darvin burst from the front lines, storming forward. He stopped when he was near Alrion.
“Thank you for heeding my call,” Darvin shouted, addressing the army at large. He focused his attention on Alrion. Lara started creeping forward, and Alyx and Celes joined her.
“It’s time we put aside this misunderstanding and allow each other to peacefully coexist,” Darvin said. Alyx looked to Lara.
“What’s he on about?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I’ve encountered him before. He’s not one for peace, but he is one for manipulation. Don’t trust a word he says.” Celes shook her head, glaring at the Blight General.
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 33
