“Don’t worry, I’ve got a horse.” Lara smiled.
“Have you got rope? I doubt I can hold on.”
“Usually do. We’ll organise something.” Lara busied herself then helped Alrion up into the saddle. He swayed immediately, but she seemed ready for it and, before he knew it, he was tied to something.
“Rest if you can, it’s a bit of a ride.” Lara nudged the horse off and Alrion closed his eyes immediately, losing track of anything else.
Alrion awoke with a start and sat up immediately. He was in a clean bed, in a room he didn’t recognise. Lara looked up sleepily.
“You’re awake!” She smiled and rose from the chair she was slumped in and walked over. She peered into his eyes and examined his face.
“You look better. More alive. How do you feel?”
“Like everything in me has been squeezed out and nothing is left.”
“We’ll have to do something about that.” Lara looked out at the door, deep in thought. She looked back to Alrion. “Can you handle a few guests?”
“Sure.” Alrion wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t say no. He was pretty sure his mum was waiting outside. Lara walked over to the door and opened it, saying something to someone.
True to form, Celes entered the room first. Certan and Alyx were close behind.
“My son, I’m so relieved you’re alright. Celes rushed to his side and almost crushed him in a hug. Her eyes were full of tears.
“I’m sorry but…”
“I know, there’s no need to go into it now.”
“Alright.” Alrion had a panicked thought and looked over at the group. “It worked, didn’t it?” They all nodded. Certan stepped forward.
“It was a sight to see, Alrion. I’m not sure if you caught sight of the Blight army, but it was huge. Despite intense fighting and having some successes, they were still ridiculously strong. I didn’t think we could turn the tide. But when it started happening, wow. It was incredible!”
“What did it look like?”
“It looked like rays of golden light raining from the heavens. One for each creature. They were enveloped in the light and fell to the ground. The darkness was driven from them and dispersed into nothing.” Alyx spoke with such wonder like she still couldn’t believe it.
“It’s true, Alrion. It’s a day that nobody will ever forget.” Celes gave his hand a squeeze and she stepped back to join the others.
“I’m glad. Please, can I have some water? Then I will tell you the tale of what I encountered.” Alrion was eager to tell the tale, and to be free of telling it.
Alrion spoke at length of his experience but took care to leave out any parts that referenced his father. Only at the end did he mention how Vincent had shielded him from the Blight while he completed the spell, and how that had enabled him to be successful. He noticed many sad looks at that part, and he exchanged a knowing glance with his mother.
She will need more details when we can talk privately.
“What of that mysterious wizard? Was he a problem?” Lara said. Alrion sighed. He had forgotten about that thread, especially since both he and his mother knew the truth of that.
“He did make an appearance and was helpful. I can’t say more about it right now.”
“I see. It’s not a problem anymore?”
“No.” Lara looked relieved, and the others seemed content with that. Once Alrion had finished the tale, the rest of the talk came quickly.
“I’m so sorry I left you there. Even though you asked me to. Only when I reached the others did I realise that Darvin had left other horrors for you to encounter. I should have been there.” Lara looked pained. Alrion held his hand out and enclosed hers.
“It was as it should have been. You already helped me immensely with Darvin.”
“He was a tricky one, that’s for sure.”
“I have a question for you all: what became of those who were cured? Are they lost?” Alrion was a little apprehensive at what the answer might be. He knew there was a chance they had all died, and all he had done was reduce their suffering.
“Many seem to have survived. The copied Blight Generals, however, were a different story.” Lara looked to the others. Alrion spotted many awkward expressions.
“I don’t know much about that.”
“I know the most, I questioned the other Rindale,” Celes explained. “He was unable to replicate the Blight transformation in a simple way, so those copies were made using multiple people. I’m afraid they had no chance to return, and there’s also no chance for the original person to return from that creation.”
“I see.” Alrion thought over what his mother had just said. “What you’re saying is that any generals of the Blight that died are gone forever.”
“That’s right. It’s a small price to pay, isn’t it?”
“On the scale of what we did, yes.” Alrion resumed his thinking. He almost forgot they were all there.
“You’re all probably wondering what’s next?” Alrion looked and saw nods from his friends. “I have an idea, I just want to fully form it first. Could you all return tomorrow?”
“That’s fine,” Celes said, speaking for the rest. They took this as a cue to leave, but Alrion held on to Lara.
“Can you stay for a moment?”
“Of course.” She waved to the rest then pulled up a chair next to Alrion.
“What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m going to ask everyone tomorrow, but I need to know now about you. What are you going to do now? You’re home at last.” Alrion watched Lara’s face and saw a pained expression on it.
“My father is going to try to keep me here. Something about lineage.” Lara shook her head.
“Is that what you want?”
“No. You’ve seen what he’s like? They can find someone else. I’m sure there are other members of the royal family that can be substituted.”
“As long as you’re sure. I’d like you to come with me.”
“Where to?” Lara looked extremely curious. He had her full attention.
“I’m not quite sure yet. Wherever the wind blows us?”
“Sounds good to me. I’ve travelled the world by myself, without a purpose. There’s a reason I latched on to you and your quest.” Lara laughed. “But now I’m not sure what to do next. I’d like to find out, with you.” Lara suddenly reached into her pocket and pulled out a soft pouch. “This seems like a good time to return your ring.” She handed it to Alrion. He opened the pouch and took out the ring, examining it. He chuckled to himself.
“My father said this would keep me safe. I know why, now.” Alrion noticed Lara’s face go pale.
“What is it?” he said nervously.
“There’s something I never told you. About that mysterious wizard?”
“I’m listening.”
“He met me several times. In fact, he was the one that suggested that I stick with you, and work with you directly.” Lara looked down. Alrion was shocked. He didn’t expect it. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
“Well, that’s a surprise, but it’s all coming together now. A wizard with the appropriate knowledge can track that ring.” Alrion was amused at Lara’s surprise. “Now I understand why the mysterious wizard was delayed reaching me. He was tracking the ring, and you.”
“Oh, really. Was that a problem?”
“No, not at all.” Alrion handed the ring back. “Will you take the ring? I can promise that it will keep you safe.” He smiled.
“Not that you’ll get a chance to use it, I’m not going to leave your side ever again.” Lara winked at him. Alrion let out a small chuckle.
“And don’t worry about working with that mysterious wizard. There’s something you’ll need to know if we’re going everywhere together.” Alrion leaned in and whispered into Lara’s ear. Her eyes widened, and she gasped.
“No way! I can’t believe it!”
“It’s true. I find it hard to say out loud, but
yes it was my father. But he asked for secrecy. That is not the legacy he wishes to leave. Can I trust you on that?”
“Absolutely, I’m a vault. You didn’t even need to ask.”
“I know, I just wanted to be clear, for his sake.” Alrion sank back into the bed.
“I think I’m going to drift off again. Let’s talk a bit later.”
“I look forward to it.” Lara gave him a quick kiss and left the room, closing the door behind her. Alrion drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning his companions were all gathered once more. Alrion was better recovered, fully dressed and sitting on his bed. He awkwardly stood when they were all gathered, to address them properly.
“First, I need to thank you all again. We really did achieve the impossible, and we’ve set the world on the right course.” Alrion smiled and took in all the smiles in the room. “I know you all have plans, I just have one more request for you all.” Alrion paused before continuing. “I want you all to accompany me to the Wizard Academy. There’s a special announcement I’d like you all to be part of.”
“It would be an honour,” Certan said.
“For me as well,” Alyx added.
“I already told you I’m following you to the ends of the world.” Lara winked at him.
“I never saw the place before, I would enjoy the opportunity to come,” Celes said.
“Great, I’m glad that it’s settled. I’ll see if there are any ways to speed up our journey.” Alrion thought about consulting Magnus for more details concerning local Wizard Gates.
This feels right. I’m excited at what might happen next.
55
A New Era
Lara was excited by the Wizard Academy. She had seen it from a distance but hadn’t dared sneak in when she was following Alrion. The main building looked like a miniature castle, with an impressive tower rising behind it. A small welcoming party waited out the front. She recognised Falric. He waved them over.
“Great to see you all. Congratulations.” Falric embraced Alrion and wept tears of joy. Lara couldn’t help smiling.
“I’m just glad we could lure you back here, even if only for a limited time.” Alrion stepped back and gave Falric a broad smile.
“I owe you this much. And I must admit I’m intrigued by what you are planning.”
“You’ll find out the same time as everyone else. I’m assuming since you stepped down, I can do what I want.”
“Well, you are Granthion’s heir, you’ve earned your place. The wizards are all assembled.”
“Let’s not keep them waiting then.” Alrion and Falric took off. Lara sped up to stay close. The trip here had been an interesting one. Fast, yet slow at the same time. Travel between places was very fast, as Alrion extensively used Wizard Gates. Yet he often stopped at odd places and talked to different people. It was all very secretive, he didn’t involve them in any of it. Whenever Lara probed too much, he told her ‘don’t ruin my surprise’. Lara had even compared notes with the others, and nobody had much to add. Not even Celes.
But it was good to be here, and once Lara walked out into the courtyard the sight took her breath away. The outside of the courtyard was lined with wizards in white robes. The tower stood tall behind. Alrion walked out with confidence. Lara slowed and stopped, wondering what her part in all this was. Alrion seemed to notice the slackened pace of his companions, as he stopped and looked back.
“Come on you lot, you can’t hide in the back.” Alrion grinned and started off again. Lara exchanged glances with Celes and shrugged.
I suppose we just follow along.
Once they reached the centre of the courtyard, Alrion stopped. He pointed to a spot nearby.
“Please stand there, if you don’t mind.” He watched them all take their position, then he conferred quietly with Falric.
“It is time,” Falric announced. He used his normal voice but must have enhanced it with magic. It reverberated around the space effortlessly. The wizards quietened down, and soon silence reigned over the Wizard Academy.
“We come together today at the request of Alrion. As you should remember, we recently welcomed Alrion into our number. He was charged with a special task, one that seemed incomprehensible. The quest to cleanse the Blight.” Falric paused and let that last sentence sit upon the audience.
“Against all odds, he succeeded. His only request was a special audience with you all, and to play his part in the future of the Academy. Please all give Alrion a hero’s welcome.” Falric started clapping and the wizards joined in. Most of them were restrained, but a few were quite enthusiastic. Once the clapping died down, Alrion stepped forward.
“Thank you, Falric. The last time we were all here, Falric stepped down as your leader. He adopted a new role, to guide me through the trials and my own training on this incredible journey. Falric’s task then took on a new dimension, assisting with research into the Pool of Knowledge, so that we could most effectively glean its secrets and apply its knowledge to the problem of the Blight.” Alrion looked out at the wizards, watching their reaction. After a few moments, he started again.
“Falric’s reign quite rightly came to an end, as he was ready to move on to his next challenges. His successor, Branthor, was also a pivotal part of my quest. Unfortunately, he was lost to us, losing his life in trade for that of the General of the Blight, Rindale.” Alrion paused and let the commotion swell up then die down again. He started pacing around the area.
“This leaves us with a void of leadership. I have learned an incredible amount in a short time and have much to share with you all. But I’m not the right person to lead the Academy. But I did find the right person.” Alrion held out a hand like he was presenting someone. But there was nobody there. Suddenly there was a bang, and the silhouette of a man appeared out of nowhere, obscured by smoke. Slowly the smoke cleared. Lara stared, her heart thumping faster and faster.
Who is it? It’s Ashra!
A strange silence settled over the crowd. Alrion walked over and embraced Ashra, ending with a handshake. He stepped back and addressed the crowd again.
“Many of you won’t recognise this wizard, but you have all heard of him. Your new leader is none other than the legendary desert wizard, Ashra.” As Alrion finished his proclamation, a series of fireworks exploded in the sky above. Ashra bowed with a flourish. He cleared his throat and offered a few words.
“Meeting and helping Alrion on his quest activated a part of me that I thought was lost. I had been a hermit for so long, an outcast of my own doing. I didn’t think that I’d miss the world of men, or the simple act of sharing another’s hopes and dreams. But I was wrong. It is with great pride and honour that I take up this post. I vow to personally help each and every one of you take the steps you need to become wizards of great strength and character.” Ashra turned to Falric. “Thank you for this opportunity, I will do my best to continue your legacy.” Ashra then bowed. Falric returned the bow.
“Now I believe Alrion has an announcement.” Falric stepped back and beckoned Alrion to step forward. He did a little nervously. But then something changed, he adjusted his posture and projected confidence.
That’s the way. Whatever this is, just own it.
“To say I’ve just been on an incredible journey, would be an understatement. And by myself, I would have failed. Several times over. But I had this group of people to help.” Alrion used his arm in a sweeping gesture to represent his group of companions.
“You’ve already met Falric and Ashra. They were my mentors and guides in my development as a wizard.” Alrion acknowledged them both then turned back to face his companions.
“Before I address my companions, I must speak of one that cannot be here.” Alrion took a deep breath.
Be strong. You can do this.
“I speak of course about my father, Vincent. He was a master blacksmith and a former soldier. He supported me every step of my quest, created legendary weapons to support myself and my compan
ions, and followed me into the abyss itself. He sacrificed himself so that I may live, and for that, he has my eternal thanks.” Alrion kept his eyes closed and looked deep in thought. He slowly opened them and looked over at his companions again.
“First, I must speak of Lara. Treasure Hunter, Scout, and an expert climber.” Alrion looked at her and chuckled. Lara blushed as she remembered her exploits climbing over that gigantic wall.
“Lara was the first companion to join my quest, and the most important. She came at a time when I needed help the most and was there through every major trial. She was the person I didn’t know I needed.” Alrion gave her a smile and she flashed him one back.
“Next, we encountered Certan, the monk. He was facing demons of his own devising, which is why we were fortunate enough to find him. But Certan proved himself to be a loyal and key member of our team. He led us to the sacred temple in the middle of the desert and helped fight off hordes of Blight forces. He mastered himself, bested the Vault of Silence, and became a master monk in his own right. And he still came to my aid.” Alrion bowed to Certan. “You taught me a lot about Will and mindset, lessons I will never forget.” Alrion turned next to Alyx.
“Alyx is likely the best fighter in the whole world. Not only is she a weapon master, but she single-handedly took down the Skull King. Alyx intervened when we were going to be overrun by a massive Blight attack and risked herself for no good reason. She suffered dearly for her assistance to us but rose above it and continued to help us when good sense would have been to run away. Thank you for showing me how to fight and being a rock-solid ally when we needed you the most.” Alrion bowed to Alyx. Finally, he turned to Celes.
“Last, but not least, we have Celes. She happens to be my mother, but her contribution was much more than that. In another life, Celes was a master thief and treasure hunter in her own right, and she not only tracked us all down and helped expose Blight conspiracies, but she also revived a twenty-year-old trail to unmask the Hidden Wizard.” Alrion paused and watched the crowd. Confused murmurs ran through the group. Lara was alarmed.
Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 39
