I know what it’s like to have that weight on your shoulders. Has he carried it all this time?
Alrion stepped back.
“I can’t believe you lied to me again. Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”
“No, nothing important. I left some papers with your mother, that will explain more than we can discuss here.”
“Does she know? Weren’t the two of you investigating the mysterious wizard?”
“We were. We parted ways so that your mother could continue the investigation. She found me out, as I had hoped.”
“But why not just tell her?”
“It is easier to come to the understanding yourself, rather than being told.” Vincent paused, thinking before he continued. “Also, there is a great danger in this information becoming widely known. I was genuinely interested to see if there was any evidence that she could find to tie me to that identity.”
“And was there?”
“Yes. But now it is safe with us.” Vincent looked past Alrion, to the darkness beyond. “You’ve seen it?”
“By it, do you mean the wall or the human-like figure?”
“The human one. Whatever you do, don’t hold its hand.” Alrion looked over at the creature, and back at his father.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s the wrong connection to make. You’ll be compromised too quickly, and unable to complete the spell.”
“What do you suggest I do instead?”
“Something else. Together with me. As my father intended.” Vincent smiled again, this time it was warm.
“Together? You keep saying that. There was no mention of two wizards in what I read.”
“The information from the Pool of Knowledge is quite selective. As you know, it tells you what you need to know, not what you want to know. It’s like a wizard in that respect.” Vincent chuckled. “It was always designed for two. One as a conduit for the Light, one as a conduit for the Darkness. Guess which one dies.”
“Knowing as much as you do, having lived this for your whole life. Are you willing to just resign to that fate? Why must death be a part of this spell?” Alrion challenged his father, daring him to keep up that line of thinking. Vincent looked thoughtful.
“Well, my son, I suppose we should keep an open mind. When my father designed this, he was imagining one wizard with Soul Power, not two. Perhaps there is a way.” Vincent gave Alrion a slight shrug.
“I’ll take that, it’s something I can work with. I’ve done enough impossible things already, that this can just be another one.”
“Very well, I won’t argue the point. You’ve certainly grown into a resourceful man and a wonderful wizard. As I always knew you could be.”
“Yet you kept trying to get me to be a blacksmith?”
“It’s a good life, you should try it. And remember, there’s a lot of overlap between what I taught you like the keys to blacksmithing and being a wizard.” Vincent looked distracted.
“Is something wrong?” Alrion looked around himself, trying to see what was happening.
“We can’t delay any longer. We need to do what we came to do.” Vincent held out a hand to gesture Alrion forward, and they walked side by side towards the darkness. The creature tilted its head, regarding them.
“Two wizards from Granthion, how odd. I did not expect this.”
“It’s not going to go down as you expect.” Alrion clenched his right fist then relaxed it.
“Whatever you think you are planning, you cannot avoid the inevitable. Your family’s history of sacrifice will be continued.” The creature spoke solemnly, but its eyes seemed to tell a different story. They appeared to be mirthful, almost laughing. Alrion stepped forward, but Vincent held him back.
“Don’t take the bait. The Blight is masterful at manipulation. We can engage on our own terms. Observe.” Vincent stepped forward and the Blight creature extended its hand again. Vincent stepped around it, and the creature couldn’t follow. Before Alrion could say anything, Vincent had thrust his hand into the darkness beyond.
51
Soul of Light
Vincent felt himself immersed in the other world, that of the Blight. It was overwhelming. But he didn’t let himself be taken in completely.
“Alrion, quickly now. Follow my lead and hold my hand.” Vincent couldn’t see clearly back into the space he had been, but he sensed the movement. A shining light weaved around the space then grasped Vincent’s hand. He instantly recognised his son.
“Well done, let’s navigate this together.” Vincent pulled Alrion with him, and the two were thrust into a dark void. After a few moments of disorientation, Vincent found himself in a different space altogether. Alrion thankfully was by his side. As they surveyed the strange stark horizon, they noticed a pool of darker substance to one end.
“Did you read about this?” Alrion said. He looked out in wonder over the strange place they were in. Vincent shook his head.
“No, I think this is new territory. Nobody has been here before. Let’s investigate the black mass over there.” Vincent led the way, his son staying close.
We can do this. Maybe he’s right about finding a better way.
As they neared the black mass, Vincent had a good idea of what it was. He stopped before and turned to Alrion.
“I think this is quite clear.”
“Yes. That’s the essence of the Blight. It’s that substance they use to turn people really quickly.” Alrion looked disgusted. Vincent looked out over the expanse. He couldn’t see where it ended.
“There’s nothing else here.”
“Not quite,” a voice said behind them. Vincent whirled around quickly. A black figure was standing there, watching them. It had to be the same one that had confronted them outside.
“It was clever of you to infiltrate our space. But you still won’t succeed.” The figure moved in a bit closer.
“We may need to take our chances.” Vincent looked at Alrion. He was staring intently at something in the distance.
“Agreed.” Alrion dove into the blackness, surprising Vincent. He didn’t hesitate and joined his son. They were engulfed in the thick black liquid, which was like tar. It was very hard to move through and seemed to pulse with a regular beat of energy. It felt alive. Vincent wanted to say something, but he couldn’t. He dragged Alrion back up to the surface and they managed to get their heads above the inky substance.
“This is not good. But I see an opportunity further ahead.” Alrion didn’t wait for confirmation, he surged forward.
He’s got good instincts. Let’s see where this takes us.
Vincent followed along, turning occasionally to see if the figure was following them. It was. Soon enough though, Vincent saw what Alrion was hinting at. There was a platform in the middle of the Blight. It was simple stone and had a tiny altar upon it, also made of stone. Atop the altar sat a strange orb.
“That’s the ticket.” Alrion powered ahead and reached the platform first. He bent over the orb but didn’t do anything. Vincent sped up and reached the platform as well. The black figure was still advancing, hovering over the black substance.
“Look in here. What do you see?” Alrion said, peering within. Vincent looked and gasped. It looked like people. Images of faces flashed by fast.
“This must be the link to all those who are infected. What do you think?”
“This is it, this is how we can help them all.”
“I doubt you have enough Soul Power for all that. You’re going to need help.” Vincent looked around. He knew there had to be something else. There was a tugging on his mind, reminding him of an extra element that they would need. He walked around the platform staring out, then he saw it. A glimmer of white amongst the sea of black. He instantly knew what it was.
“Alrion, I know what we must do. Look out there and tell me what you see.” Vincent directed Alrion’s gaze. After a few moments, he almost jumped.
“There’s something down there. Soul Pow
er?”
“Precisely. It’s all coming together now. You need to reach it and drag it back here. We can use that to cure all those people.”
“It’s pretty deep, I’ll be drowned in that stuff. Unless.” Alrion concentrated and focused on the deep sea of Blight. Vincent watched with curiosity. Nothing was happening.
“This isn’t right. Try using your Spark on the Blight there.” Alrion kept staring at the spot he had been focused on. Vincent gathered his Spark and tried using a wave of force to part the Blight, making a path. The flows were absorbed by the black mass. He tried again and looked closer. It was more like the Blight was drawing in the spell. Vincent tried flames, and it was the same result.
“Still trying those old tricks?” The figure of Blight was close now, but it didn’t move onto the platform.
“We get it, old spells don’t work in your place.” Alrion didn’t bother turning to look at the creature. It burst into horrific laughter. The sound was like loud gongs being banged right near their ears.
“You don’t get it at all. Why do you think we made Shade Wizards, but not Shade Mystics?” The figure regarded them with curiosity. Alrion looked thoughtful.
“It was easier for you, no Soul Power.”
“Close, but you’re so far away from the truth. Why do you think your first experience of your Spark was triggered by feelings of frustration and anger?” Alrion turned and looked at the creature, shocked. Vincent was starting to put it together.
“We don’t just target wizards for no good reason. Your grandfather wasn’t involved for no good reason. Everything needs an equal and opposite force. Soul Power fuels the Mystics, the Blight Source powers your Spark.” The figure leaned its head back and cackled, delighting in the revelation.
“That’s why our spells are ineffective. That’s why I needed to use Spark as a method for transmitting Soul Power.” Alrion was nodding along.
“Don’t be fooled by this creature. It speaks the truth, but it omits what it wants. There is a greater truth here.” Vincent approached Alrion and put his hand on his son’s shoulder.
“The source and origin of your gift do not reflect on you, nor what you can do with it. Take away the utility of that knowledge. Your Spark cannot be a weapon against them here, at the source. We must use the other tools that we have.” Vincent gave Alrion a reassuring smile. He nodded one more time.
“Soul Power it is. Let’s go get some more.” Alrion concentrated for a moment, and Vincent did the same. Soul Power, when channelled correctly, should keep the Blight at bay, for a time. Alrion climbed down, the Blight parting just enough to avoid touching him. Vincent followed then grabbed his son’s hand.
“Let’s be quick about it. Support each other and we can make the trip.”
“We just need to make it there, no need to conserve for the way back.” Alrion set off, slowly drifting through the space. The Blight parted for Alrion’s path and stayed back. Vincent tried reducing the amount of Soul Power he was emitting, and it worked.
Good, we may need some extra down the road.
It was slow going, and hard to gain glimpses of where they were headed. But they kept going and reoriented themselves when required. Finally, they reached something.
Before them was a stone circle, floating amidst all the Blight. It was glowing with Soul Power.
“Doesn’t look like much, does it?” Alrion examined it. Vincent could see the Blight starting to encroach. He forced some Soul Power into Alrion, causing the Blight to shrink back. Alrion touched the circle.
“There’s Soul Power in here, but I don’t know how to open it.” Alrion felt all over the circle, looking for something. Vincent could see the Blight massing behind them. It was in motion, trying to find an opening.
“Try using Soul Power to open it.” Vincent turned back to watch the Blight. It seemed to be forming into a denser material.
It’s trying to compensate for our barrier and will likely overwhelm us soon.
Vincent looked over at Alrion. He seemed to be making progress.
“It’s working, but it’s taking a lot of Soul Power. I think it’s a kind of lock.”
“Keep going, I’ll pass you as much as you need.” Vincent found it easier now, to flood Alrion with the Soul Power.
“Almost there.” Alrion was completely focused on the Soul Power. He didn’t notice the danger looming around them. The Blight started its move. Part of Vincent’s barrier failed. He could feel it beginning to wrap around his leg.
“Alrion, we’re almost out of time.” Vincent pushed out the last of his Soul Power then drew more from his life force. A dangerous, and potentially deadly move.
I just need to hold out a minute longer.
He could feel the strain on his body, on his life. He would burn out soon. Suddenly, a flash of light emanated from Alrion.
“I did it. This is incredible, Dad. It’s the source of the Soul Power. They’re connected!”
“Draw it out, we’re out of time.” Vincent felt the Blight consuming more and more of him. He turned to look at his son. Alrion was glowing brighter. The Blight was shrinking back. Alrion turned and looked at Vincent, noticing for the first time what was happening.
“Not on my watch.” Alrion held out a hand and blasted all the Blight from the area. He then placed his hand on his father’s back, returning Soul Power. Vincent could feel his body recovering from the Blight. But he still felt weak from burning his own life force.
“It’s my turn to protect you,” Alrion said. Glowing like a being of light, with an incredible aura, Alrion led the way. As he progressed, the Blight shrank away. Vincent looked behind them. There was a thick visible cord of Soul Power linking Alrion back to the source. The other source.
Vincent looked upon his son in awe.
He’s come into his own. To have that much Soul Power flowing through him requires tremendous strength of Will and control, it’s incredible.
The return trip to the stone platform was faster. Vincent didn’t even feel the passage of time. It was like a strange dream experience. Alrion reached the platform first and pulled Vincent up onto it. The figure of Blight looked upon them in horror.
“What have you done?”
“I’ve brought light to the darkness.” Alrion disregarded the creature after he spoke. But it continued.
“How dare you? This is my domain. I built this. You have no right to come in here and do this!” The Blight creature was furious. It looked like it was trying to bully Alrion into doing something. But he ignored it.
“So be it. You’ve underestimated the Blight once again.” The Blight figure closed its eyes and concentrated. Vincent sensed movement and looked over at where they had come from. The gigantic black mass of Blight sludge was on the move. But it wasn’t targeting them.
The avatar of the Blight was absorbing it all. It looked to be growing darker and stronger. As it strengthened it became less and less affected by the light that Alrion was producing. Finally, it let out a satisfied sigh.
“Your power is not stronger than mine. You have the entirety of your source at your disposal. As do I.” The figure finally stepped onto the platform. It was oozing the black sludge, and its eyes were like black pits of eternity.
“I’m not afraid of you. But you’re afraid of me.” Alrion stared at the creature defiantly.
“You’re not strong enough to hurt me.”
“Maybe not. But together we’re strong enough to do this.” Alrion held out his hand and Vincent grabbed it. Together they put their hands on the strange orb on the pedestal. Vincent could feel all the Souls of those who were trapped by the Blight.
“Now!” Alrion started drawing the Soul Power through the source and funnelling it into the orb. Vincent could feel the torrent, it was frightening how fast and powerful it was. He couldn’t match it, but he could help. He reached out with his Soul Power and touched Alrion’s chest. Their Souls bonded, and their collective glow more than doubled.
“This is a
s it should be.” Alrion smiled.
“Yes, my son.” Vincent smiled back. As the orb was overflowing with Soul Power, they could start to sense the effect it was having on people. They had used the Blight’s system of control and connection against it, hijacking the link and using it to cure people.
The Blight avatar wailed and shrieked. It seemed to lessen in darkness, strength, and stature.
“You feed off them, don’t you? How much of this is borrowed power?” Alrion said, surprise on his face.
“A mere drop in the ocean.” The creature sneered at Alrion and tried to press forward. Vincent stepped in front of the orb.
“Don’t even think about it.” Vincent watched the creature pause, and he held his ground. Between staring off with the creature of Blight and being a party to the Soul Power curing, Vincent had no sense of how long everything was taking. But after a time, Alrion sighed and looked at him.
“Dad, there’s only one soul left.” Alrion looked to the avatar of the Blight.
“That thing? It has a Soul?”
“Of course I do. I’m more like you than you realise.”
“I think it has a fragment of Granthion’s soul. And built upon that.”
“Really?” Vincent walked back to the orb and placed his hand on it. He could sense the last soul, and what Alrion had said.
It’s true. Unbelievable.
“You’ve stopped because you can’t do this through the orb, can you?” Vincent looked at his son. Alrion nodded. He pointed behind them.
“See?” Vincent turned to look at what Alrion had been pointing out. It was a similar stone circle, but it was filled with endless darkness.
“You’ve sealed the Blight from all those people back into the source?”
“Yes. But that thing can’t go back for some reason.” Alrion pointed at the creature.
“I understand now. It’s why my father wanted to be a part of this.” Vincent walked forward to the Blight avatar. It was giving him a curious look.
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 37
