The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2)

by Michael Novak

  The headmistress explains, “That has been displayed in the school’s hall just outside my office long before I arrived. I did some research. Quite some time ago, a talented dwarf entered the school. I did not learn if the weapon was taken from him or if he left it. He did graduate. Oh, it said to be enchanted, though if it is, I do not know.”

  The dwarf self-consciously accepts the gift. “Eye em on herd. But twy?”

  “Because you travel with Mikal Novastar, I wish to help you help him. With this weapon, you could bring honor to yourself and your race, Kairn.”

  The one-armed dwarf graciously bows to the head mistress.

  The Baron Stannum steps forward.

  “I would like to ask a favor, White Wizard. Could my daughter Margaret Carol join you in your travel to the Valley of Endorr? We've been in contact with the witches and they expect her. She shall visit there for a fortnight. With her is her bodyguard, Drew Foxx.

  A warrior steps forward, wearing heavy, leather armor. It is worn, but well cared for. He is armed with a six foot spear, a short sword, and a hunting knife. A jagged scar mars his forehead. The bodyguard stares icily at his would-be traveling companions.

  The Baron explains, “This man is a seasoned fighter and he will be a great asset in any untoward encounter. My daughter has traveled before, so she should not be a hindrance. I also instructed her to follow your directions, Master Mikal.”

  The White Wizard nods his head. “I am honored that you trust us with this most precious cargo.”

  Aden looks to the sky and rolls his eyes. “We best be going. We are losing light.”

  All say their goodbyes, and the group sets off for the Valley of Endorr.

  Chapter 21

  The flames still raging before them, Talon turns to Mairin. “You cannot go back to the school, for they know you are the daughter of a White Wizard.”

  “Who knows, and why should it concern me?”

  “Dark assassins from the city of Umbra seek revenge upon your father. They know the name Mikal Novastar and that he has a daughter. They could use you to extract retribution.”

  “Oh…well, where should we go?”

  The half-elf looks down the road. “I think we should find shelter for the night. Then we'll travel to the welcoming town of Ulna.”

  For some time, they travel near, but not on, the road. The open fields gradually transform into a forest. Talon leads Mairin toward a thick clump of trees. Tamarix searches the area. He returns and, by the cat’s mannerisms, the half-elf can tell he wants them to follow. Moments later, the Elven cat stops in front of three large boulders. Among them is room for small number of people.

  Talon explains, “This is a secure area. Thank you, Tamarix. We should get some rest now. My cat will take the first watch”

  Mairin opens her small rucksack. It contains two apples, a slice of cheese, and some tasty mushrooms. She shares what she has. In the darkening sky, Talon can make out a few stars, even though his view is partially obscured by tall trees.

  “I’ve told you how your father saved my life when I did not think I wanted to be saved. It was just outside the small town of our destination. I was also there when he summoned his cat Majam, a most wonderful and intelligent creature. I spent most of my life in the forest not far from here. My father was human and a talented wizard. My mother was Elven. They loved each other very much…” Talon realizes that he is rambling.

  “You miss them, I can tell,” Mairin whispers.

  Talon nods his head. “They both died before their time.” A little self-consciously he continues, “We both should get some sleep. My cat will let me know when it is my watch.”

  ***

  The warmth of the morning sun wakens Mairin. Talon is preparing a small fire between the rocks. Mairin takes out her wand and calls fire to the wood. The half-elf thanks her and places a skinned rabbit on a spit over the flame.

  “The rocks should hide the fire from prying eyes. We should eat our breakfast quickly and be on our way. Tamarix did smell some dangerous odors last night. Luckily, none got close enough for him to alert me. I am concerned, however, because there are too many strange things traveling these woods.”

  After breakfast, they break camp and head deeper into the woods, with the cat leading.

  “Talon, tell me about your special cat.”

  “My mother and I were attempting a summoning spell. At one time it was considered the most important spell in my mother's clan. We tried before with no success, but it was different this time. We started to lose ourselves in the spell. Because of this, goblins were able to approach our cabin undetected. Apparently, the summoning spell was working and Tamarix was finding his way to our cottage, but the spell was broken by the goblins’ attack. He was not sure where to go. We did not know at the time, but he had followed us: your father, me, and Majam, that is. He finally revealed himself to my grandmother. She has a strong affinity for cats. Not until I spent time with my mother's clan did Tamarix finally reveal himself to me. But once that happened, our bond has grown strong. We understand each other. His eyes change colors. I'm learning how to read them. Also he is able to understand a certain number of signs that I do with my hands, and certain words, like: search, find, hunt, and hide. Hide he can do without prompting. Even I have trouble spotting him when he does not want to be seen. We are still learning about each other.” Talon smiles and in a soft voice, “I also think it took him so long to reveal himself because he was… intimidated by Majam.”

  Mairin laughs, “I can understand that! I met her only once and I was intimidated.” She continues her delightful laugh.

  Every so often they stop, look, and listen, then continue on their way.

  “Mairin, tell me about your wand. I’ve heard about them but I don’t fully understand them.”

  Mairin produces her wand. “All the upper-class students have them. They help channel magic. I suppose I can do most of my spells without it. But one must be very careful; a spell can go awry if one is not. And they are fragile. Supposedly, upon graduation, it is tradition to perform a powerful spell that splinters the wand, showing that you have grown beyond it. Now, staffs and rods are a whole different thing.”

  “Yes, I know. You father, with what I believe was my mother’s approval, unearthed a sapling growing over my father’s grave. When he grasped it, it morphed back into a staff of light. He has wielded it with honor and skill ever since.”

  “You know, when I met my Father for that short meeting on the school field trip, I didn't even notice it. I've read about staves of light. They are incredibly unique, ancient, and very powerful.”

  Talon nods in agreement. “Your father has a growing affinity for the staff.”

  Suddenly, a large flock of birds circles above and settles in a nearby tree. Their numbers cause a rasping, irritating squawking.

  “We best keep going.”

  The bird’s cawing fades behind.

  They travel for hours. Talon points out many characteristics of the forest: the trees, the birds, animals and their tracks. Mairin is fascinated with every bit of new information.

  “I grew up in the city, but I did take long hikes in the woods, sometimes with my mother or father or just friends. I always felt very comfortable, but now I know how little I knew.”

  They stop just after noon. They have nothing to eat, but drink their fill at a crystal-clear creek.

  Talon says, “I apologize. We could get to our destination quicker by a more direct route, but I believe it is safer, taking a longer, less-traveled path.”

  Mairin looks deep into her rucksack. “Well, I still have some mushrooms. And one moon parchment. But it will be many days before I can use it.”

  “Yes, I have seen Mikal’s delight when he read your moon letter. We should see him sooner than you can use the parchment. In about an hour, we will be in a good hunting area, with a small river filled with fish.”

  They continue their trek until they reach the river. “Here, take this line a
nd hook and bait it with a worm. Tamarix loves fish. I will see what game there is to hunt. My cat will stay with you, though he will probably only sun himself on that rock until you are successful.”

  Sometime later, Talon returns with a plump pheasant. Mairin proudly holds up three small fish. Tamarix is staring longingly at them.

  “We shall have a feast then! Tamarix, search and guard.” The cat reluctantly leaves. “We shall prepare the food and cook those mushrooms.”

  Soon after the pheasant and fish are placed upon the fire, the cat returns. They both laugh and they all eat their fill. Talon stands. “I'm sorry, but we must continue traveling into the night, and find a safer place to sleep.”

  ***

  Dusk approaches and the couple decide to take a short respite.

  “Tamarix, search ahead, please.”

  While the daylight continues to fade, the two share a large rock. Minutes pass in awkward silence. Mairin notices two fireflies dancing their intricate light dance. Just as the two stand to continue their journey, they are taken aback by the sound of a soft, resonant voice.

  “Excuse me. I don't mean to startle you. I'm just looking for directions. I believe I am lost.”

  Before them stands a short man with long, greasy, black hair. It is tied tightly back. He has a short, pointed nose and slanted, beady eyes.

  “I am looking for a small town called Ulna. Have you heard of it?” The stranger studies Talon’s features. “So, you are a half-elf.”

  Abruptly, they hear a screeching yowl. Mairin turns. “Talon, your bow! It’s glowing.”

  The unsettling man's eyes turn red, his hair lengthens, and his fingernails sharpen and grow. The half-elf delivers a spinning kick to its chest, but the dark-haired creature ignores it. Mairin wields her wand and, with one command, a narrow stream of fire jets toward the stranger. Upon impact, the wand shatters and sends streams of fire in every direction. Tamarix hisses and leaps, landing on the face of the red-eyed intruder. Talon frantically feathers an arrow in his glowing blue bow and, in quick succession, delivers two glowing hits, one lodges in the beast’s neck and the other embeds itself in its crimson eye. The creature falls to the ground dead and morphs back to human form, the cat still clawing the face.

  “Mairin, are you okay? That fire went everywhere.”

  The girl answers, “I'm fine, but what is that that you have slain?”

  Talon responds, “It's a wererat. My first encounter with them was in the City of Stonegrove. One did get away, and swore vengeance on us. Now, we believe they are in league with the Ebony Wizard.”

  Mairin shakes her head. “Well, I have dark assassins after me and you have wererats hunting you. Don't we make a fine couple?” A forced smile appears on the girl’s face. Talon looks to Mairin's hand. “You’ve shattered your wand. Does that mean you graduated, or something?”

  Mairin laughs. “Or something,” she says mysteriously and hugs Talon impulsively. They laugh together.

  “I must burn the body. You keep watch, it won't take long.”

  Soon the smell of flesh and fur fill the air.

  “Let’s be on our way. Quickly now, follow me.”

  The half-elf sets a brisk pace, but the young girl stays with him, even in the dim light. They travel for some time and finally Talon slows. They find themselves standing among several thick, large trees.

  “Are you good at climbing trees?” asks the half-elf, looking up. “When I was seven, I slept in the branches of the tree right above us. I had a wonderful time. Now climb up to that section where the three strong branches split. Wait for me and I will set false tracks. I will be back soon.”

  True to his word, Talon returns and deftly climbs the tree and sits close to Mairin. “We should be safe for the night. There is plenty of room to sleep. Here is some rope if you need to secure yourself.”

  Marion nods and ties one end of the rope around her middle and the other around a strong branch.

  “I am tired.”

  “As am I,” Talon responds. “Sleep well and know you are safe. We shall enter the town of Ulna tomorrow.”

  Chapter 22

  “Oh, what is all that noise? I’m tied up!” Now fully awake, Mairin realizes she has slept in the tree. “Now I remember. Where are Talon and his cat?”

  Mairin hears that noise again and looks up. An acorn falls and hits her directly on her forehead. She sees two squirrels chittering excitedly on one of the branches above her.

  “I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel, for sleeping in your tree. I will gather our belongings and leave. Thank you.”

  The brown squirrels become quiet and stare at her, puzzled. She nimbly descends the tree. The half-elf and his cat return to find Mairin standing next to the giant trunk.

  “I see you are all ready to go.”

  Mairin nods. “Yes, I had some help from a couple of squirrels.”

  Talon looks up quizzically. “Well, we should be on our way.”

  The rest of the trip passes uneventfully and by the afternoon they approach the small hamlet of Ulna. A young man carrying a pitchfork stops Talon and Mairin. The half-elf does not recognize this farmer. Talon explains to him that he grew up just outside the village in the nearby forest, and he is here to talk to William the Blue. Begrudgingly, the young farmer lets them pass. He gives the red-haired Mairin a long stare. Soon, Talon recognizes some of the town folk who nod to him while others gaze at Mairin. Finally, Talon spies William the Blue sporting a longbow made from yew on his back.

  “Sir, it is good to see you. This is my friend Mairin, Mikal's daughter. How do you fare?”

  William shakes Talon's hand and nods toward Mairin. “Hold on, please, let's take this conversation inside.”

  The leader of the village shows them the way and enters the main building.

  “Please, be seated, and I will bring you some food.”

  William the Blue looks to Talon and then to the young girl. “It does not go well. There are too many strangers hereabouts. Some enter our village and ask way too many questions. They offer us coin. They think they can buy our information. They asked about the whereabouts of a half-elf and about a wizard with red hair. And now, just this morning, I had a dangerous looking man ask about a young girl with red hair.” He looks to Mairin. “We tell them nothing, but how do they know to ask these questions?”

  Talon does not respond. William continues, “There are also reports of peculiar creatures passing through our woods.”

  “I have no answers to your questions. I was to escort Mikal's daughter to a farm just outside the City of Addis, but we found it ablaze. She cannot return.”

  William the Blue looks hard at the half-elf. “She would not be safe here and neither would you. I do not know what you are involved in, but I will supply you with anything that I have. You can stay the night if you wish but, for everyone's sake, it is imperative that you leave first thing in the morning.”

  Talon accepts the advice. “How is Jocomund?”

  William the Blue smiles. “Fine, though I have not seen him recently. I expect him back tonight, though. He will be happy to see you.”

  “And I, him,” Talon responds.

  A heavy-set woman serves dinner and everyone eats heartily. They find beds and start to relax, but still no Jocomund. The town sleeps well this night.

  ***

  The simple hamlet awakens at dawn. There is always much to do. Talon and Mairin rise and wash themselves with cool, clean, spring water. Both of them fill their traveling packs with food and supplies. Talon turns to Mairin. “I would have liked to have seen Jocomund before we left. Maybe we should visit the hairy hermit.”

  Mairin responds, “He sounds interesting.”

  Talon nods his head. “He has many names, the Mad Plunket, for one. He’s a healer and lives in a cave with many different animals and creatures. It's not far and he has aided us before. I believe sometimes the future speaks to him. I know that sounds strange.”

  Mairin looks Talon in the eye
s. “No, that does not sound strange to me. My mother had the Sight, and she would sometimes tell me the future spoke to her. I would like to meet this hermit.”

  “So be it. I will show you the way.”

  They bid their farewells to the people they see, but most are already working in the fields. They enter the thick woods. Tamarix often runs ahead and scouts. It is a bright sunny day, but Mairin cannot help but feel a sense of foreboding. Even Talon stops often and looks in different direction as if he believes they are being watched. Abruptly, Talon stops again and turns toward Mairin. He looks up in the trees.

  “I have neither seen nor heard any animals for some time. This is peculiar, but the cave is not far. Be alert.”

  They continue cautiously. Talon points to Tamarix. He is sitting with his chin close to the ground, staring straight ahead.

  Marion asks, “Do I hear someone weeping?”

  The half-elf runs ahead. He spies Jocomund lying face down, crying. Talon bends his knees and gently turns the small human over. Distressingly, he notices a number of bleeding wounds cover the diminutive body.

  “What has happened here?”

  Jocomund, still weeping, gasps, “I tried to stop him. But he was so big, and he was so fast. But he didn't get away though. The animals, they attacked him, the insects stung him, squirrels and badgers bit him and would not let him go. He ran, but the birds pecked at him. But then I heard it. I bet it was a big one. A huge, black bear finally got him and I heard him scream.” The small human smiles weakly.

  Mairin approaches. “Oh no, there is so much blood!”

  Talon picks up the small human and carries him into the recluse’s cave. Normally, the hermit's home is a hive of activity, but now everything is subdued. The half-elf passes one room and then another. There are many critters staring at them but none make a sound. They enter the last room. Animals are all about, but, again no sound is heard. Lying on the floor is the hermit with a black-bladed knife protruding from his chest.