The Paladin frantically dismounts and inspects Snow’s wounds. They are not life-threatening but his horse has lost much blood. He tears a strip of cloth from his garment and places it directly on the bleeding gash. He holds it there for many minutes. The abrasion on the leg appears to be a bruise rather than a cut.
He speaks calmingly to his horse. “I am so sorry about this. I should have been more careful. It does look like the bleeding has slowed greatly. Here I shall lead the way. We must find Mikal Novastar and he will heal you.”
Chapter 41
Talon observes, “There are many travelers on the road to Stonegrove this day.” He looks ahead. “There it is, the Phalanges River. We must cross it to enter the city.”
They wait in line on the long, stone bridge that leads to one of the twin main gates of the city. Their progress slows to a crawl. Talon looks over the crowd. “They are searching and questioning everyone.”
Sebastian scans the scene around them. He sees merchants of all kind, simple travelers, and peasants that make up this patchwork caravan.
The half-elf tells Mairin, “There is a legend of the building of this city and of two star-crossed lovers.”
Mairin responds, “I do remember reading something about that. Tell me, do you think the stories are true?”
Talon looks into her eyes. “I know them to be true.”
The girl holds the half-elf’s gaze. They are interrupted by a commotion behind them. Mairin comments, “It looks like those two hooded men moved up in the line before their time. That's not right.”
Sebastian Wolfram looks hard at the two hooded men. “No, it is not right. Stay close.”
Time passes as they inch their way toward the shadow of the looming gate. Unfortunately, they find themselves behind a large wagon overloaded with exotic items. A number of guards take their time and thoroughly inspect the contents. The wagon is eventually allowed to pass and lumbers through the grand, stone arch.
“When we gain entry to Stonegrove, what is to be our destination?” Sebastian asks.
Talon shrugs his shoulders. “My best guest would be the Yellow Toad Inn.”
Mairin interrupts, “Do you smell that? There must be a seller of cheese on the other side of the gate. The aroma is pleasantly pungent.”
Talon agrees and scoops up his cat. A husky and obviously bored sentry approaches them. “State your name and business.” Uncharacteristically, Sebastian steps back and says nothing.
“I am Talon of the Deep Woods. This is Sebastian Wolfram, a traveler, and my friend Mairin.”
“State your business. Where are you going?”
The half-elf decides to use the same strategy that Mikal used on their first visit here. “We are to see Madam Burnshire, the headmistress of the School of the Red Salamander.”
The guard looks hard at Talon. “I know who she is, but I don't know what she would be doing with the likes of you. Here, the three of you stand over by the wall and wait. You there, watch them.”
Mairin takes Talons hand into hers. Talon has never felt anything like this before.
A young guard approaches and assumes a pugnacious stance before them. Two small wagons are next to pass. Mairin observes, “That is odd. I did not see those two hooded men go by.”
She turns, but Sebastian is gone. An old wagon appears and abruptly careens into a number of gatekeepers. Talon drops his cat as one of the cloaked men brandishes a curved knife and coldly slays one of the guards. The other assailant catches the young girl’s eye and charges. Sebastian returns, knocks down the charging attacker, wields a knife of his own, and dispatches him expertly.
The other hooded figure now has a deadly blade in each hand. He and Sebastian square off and take the measure of each other as Talon and Mairin try to run. They hear Sebastian saying something about how his opponents are incompetent, greedy fools. Guards, merchants, and beasts of burden are crowded under the shadow of the stone arch.
Enigmatically, a blinding flash of light explodes, temporarily blinding everyone. Sebastian Wolfram is the first to regain his vision and finds himself standing over a second dead assailant. He looks about and can neither see nor can he find any trace of Talon, Mairin, or the cat.
He can only smell the pungent odor of cheese.
Chapter 42
Shortly after the three imperial women leave Mikal's room, Aden Ferrum, Kairn, and Ebon Usher enter. The Red Wizard shakes his head. “Tell me, Mikal, what power do you possess over women that three would come to your room in a rundown inn? This is not how it is done in the City of Umbra, or any other proper city. And I suppose it's a waste of time to ask you why they were here?”
The White Wizard smiles. “They came of their own volition. And if you must know, we exchanged information.”
The Stone Mage waits a moment to see if the two are finished. “Well, let me share this. Sir Rusel was very pleased with our gifts and said he would meet us in the Valley of Endorr. There were things for him to do and he said for us not to worry.”
Mikal shakes his head. “I was hoping we would go there together. But legend has it, the Paladins of old often meditate before major battles. We must trust him, but I am uncomfortable with it. Now Kairn, I believe I know the answers to these questions but I want to make sure. As a blacksmith have you worked with swords?”
The dwarf steps forward and looks drolly at Mikal. “Eye yamma fine ear blak smith with won narm than annie hue minn with to. It's innar blood. Ike kan forge annie sord bet ter, har der, shar purr.” He then spits on the floor.
The White Wizard laughs. “That's good enough for me. Aden, I ask your pardon, but again I must leave nothing to chance. Is your flame hot enough to melt steel?”
Aden holds up his iron staff. “You know the answer to that.”
Mikal nods. “There are a few things for us left to do now, but I would like to get some rest and have a good meal. We should leave before dawn for the Valley of Endorr.”
***
The rest of the day passes uneventfully, but Aden Ferrum does leave twice for short periods of time and offers no explanation. The group shares an evening meal, but Mikal does not eat much, though the dwarf makes up for what he does not. Darkness fills their loft. The Stone Mage and the dwarf seem content sleeping on the floor. Aden has one of the beds and Mikal and his cat share the other.
The White Wizard has a restless night, waking often to stare out the second-floor window. With his cat by his side, he senses strange things are afoot, but he knows not what. A half hour before dawn, a knock is heard at the door and the innkeeper and his wife bring in breakfast, which includes fresh cream for Majam. They finish their morning meal in silence. After gathering their belongings, they meet the couple on the first floor and Mikal thanks both of them.
The innkeeper winks. “There are people waiting for you outside.”
Just before the morning light cracks the horizon, the group walks out the back of the Yellow Toad Inn. They find four saddled horses waiting for them. Surprisingly, the Baron’s elder daughter, Mary Rae Stannum, along with three attendants, is there to present them.
“Good morning. A gift from our stables. To make your travels faster and easier.” Aden scrutinizes one of the fine-looking stallions. He examines the bridle and saddle. “Yes, he will do. You do owe me a horse, do you not, Master?”
Standing in the morning shadows is Marion Vetta and in a quiet voice asks, “Mikal, may I have a word with you?”
The White Wizard steps from the group and is engulfed in the morning shadows. “I have strange news for you. We believe your room was watched all night by a shadowy character we detected. But every time we tried to apprehend this sly rogue he slipped away. Also, this night we have received many odd reports. Rats were seen scurrying from the city by the score. Some undesirables tried to slip away undetected. Others, how shall I say this, we believe dangerous suspects, have not been seen recently. I just thought you should know.”
He nods, still holding his cat in his arms. “
I thank you, and I will think about what you have told me.”
“I wish you good luck, Mikal Novastar from the great City of Addis. If you leave by the eastern gate, there will be no questions asked.”
Aden and Mikal easily mount their horses. Ebon hesitates but is soon upon his mount as well. Kairn needs assistance from one of the young baroness’ attendants. Majam rests on the saddle just in front of her master. The horses canter to the eastern gate and pass through the great stone arch unhindered. They cross the River Phalanges and ride hard for the next two hours. Mikal holds up his right arm and yells to lessen the pace.
Aden pulls abreast of the White Wizard. “We have made good time so far. Maybe we should walk our horses for a while.”
Mikal agrees and the four dismount. They eat bits of food and drink water on the way. At a small creek they let the horses have their fill. They mount up, helping the dwarf first. They regain their quick pace and by the afternoon they come to the top of the cliff wall and look down on the Valley of Endorr. They make their descent without incident.
Mikal surveys his surroundings. “I think we have earned a slight respite. Let us rest the horses and have a bite to eat.”
Majam bounds from the saddle and starts to search the area. The group, by happenstance, is at the exact spot where Mairin, Sebastian, Talon, and his cat had camped just days prior.
Majam knows.
The magnificent cat enters her master’s mind. They have been here recently.
“Who?”
Talon, your daughter, and a scent I do not recognize.
“How long ago?”
That is difficult to tell…within the last two days.
“In which direction were they traveling?”
Up the valley cliff south.
“This is good news, but also confusing.”
The White Wizard shares the information with his companions. “Ebon Usher, I would ask you to return to the City of Stonegrove and see if you can find any information about my daughter and Talon. Look here,” Mikal points, “upon your return travel west across the valley floor. I am sure we will notice your arrival.”
The Stone Mage accepts the request, mounts his horse, and takes the trail up the cliff.
Mikal ponders his current situation. “Majam, I believe we should wait here for a bit. The reason why, I know not.”
His cat starts to clean one of her paws. Aden asks, “What are we waiting for? I say we continue.”
Mikal, still scanning the valley floor, insists, “I wish to wait here. We shall leave when I choose.”
Aden shakes his head. “You know, you remain a mystery to me still.”
He walks over to his horse and starts to brush him. Kairn idly pokes at a cactus with his knife. The White Wizard closes his eyes, his cat beside him. “Someone unknown will soon find us.” He pauses. “Something is amiss with Sir Rusel, although we shall see him soon enough. Majam, why do I see some things clearly but the condition of my daughter and Talon and the approaching confrontation is closed to my sight?”
Mikal gasps involuntarily and his eyes open wide. “Oh my, before sundown this valley will be teeming with creatures great and small, benevolent and malevolent.”
The White Wizard's trance is broken by a yelp. Mikal looks about. Aden shakes his head and sneers, “Our handy dwarf has poked himself with a cactus needle.”
Chapter 43
Sometime later, the three mount their steeds. Mikal takes point, with his cat sitting in the saddle just in front of him. They canter in silence across the valley floor. Aden can sense that the White Wizard is deeply musing upon the present and the near future. The Red Wizard again notices many different flocks of birds flying hither and thither, and wonders.
They advance toward a tall pile of rocks and turn left toward the Witches of Endorr's cave. Aden asks, “Do you think they will be expecting us?”
Mikal responds, “They will be waiting.”
A guard appears among the rocks and waves them forward, saying, “Sister Aurum is waiting for you above. I’ll take the horses.”
The three dismount and Mikal hands the reins to the sentry.
“Expect one or two more riders.”
The man nods. “I'll be on the lookout.”
Sister Aurum greets them at the opening to the cavern. “Welcome. Follow me.” She stops and takes Mikal’s sleeve and addresses Aden and Kairn. “I must speak to Mikal privately. You two may continue, and you will find food and drink waiting for you.”
With impatient steps, she leads the White Wizard to a small but well-kempt room.
“Here, have some tea. We both must relax and gather what peace we can. Events that have been set in motion are coming to fruition, but for good or ill I do not know. I am becoming frustrated.”
Mikal nods. “I know what you feel. Much of our futures will be determined in the next few hours.”
“Mikal, let me tell you about a dream I had this morning. I saw a multitude of people atop a high hill. Suddenly, they all roll down one side of the hill into tall, green grass, laughing delightfully. But there is a second half to the dream. I saw the same hill with a multitude of people who fell to the other side, but I could not see their outcome. I raced to the top and peered over. To my horror, they had crashed upon steep and sharp, rocky cliffs. Only a few survived.”
The White Wizard hesitates. “I pray for green grass and laughter.”
They share a smile and are interrupted by a knock on the door. A servant enters and announces, “A horse and two riders have arrived.”
“Escort them to me at once.”
The two riders are immediately brought to the room. Leading the way is Ebon Usher followed by a white-haired man with a pointy nose.
Ebon explains, “Just after I arrived at the main road, this gentleman flagged me down and told me a strange story that I think you should hear.”
The white-haired man steps forward, eyes wide, and takes full measure of the Wizard. “My name is Sebastian Wolfram. Do I have the honor of addressing Mikal Novastar?”
The White Wizard looks to Sister Aurum but says nothing. The stranger continues, “I have been traveling with a half-elf named Talon and a teenaged girl named Mairin.”
Mikal blurts out, “Where are they now?”
“That is difficult to say. We tried to enter the City of Stonegrove yesterday afternoon. There was a backup on the bridge. Then there was a commotion. Criminals most foul tried to accost your daughter. As I fought them, there was a blinding light…and the two youths vanished.”
Mikal stiffens and demands, “What do you mean, they vanished?”
Sebastian thoughtfully rubs his chin and smoothes back his white hair. “I mean just that. I consider myself a superior tracker, but there was absolutely no trace of them. I searched and lingered in the area for some time. The last thing that was said to me by Talon was ‘the Yellow Toad Inn.’ I found its location and waited nearby, hoping that either one would show, but neither did. Mikal Novastar, I was not the only one watching that night. I saw you and your companions leave in the early morning. I followed the best I could, but you did travel fast.”
The White Wizard asks, “How long were you with them?”
Sebastian explains how they met, how they were captured on the plains of Endorr, and how they escaped. Mikal thanks Sebastian and asks Ebon Usher to escort the white-haired man to be introduced to rest of the group.
After they depart, Sister Aurum asks, “Do you believe him?”
Mikal thinks for a moment. “Yes, I believe I do… but there is something about him of which I am suspicious. Now, let me ask you a question, Sister. Does your sight reveal anything about my daughter and my friend Talon?”
The witch closes her eyes and meditates for a moment. “They are both alive and currently not in immediate danger. More than that, I cannot say.”
“Well, that will have to suffice.” The White Wizard shakes his head. “There are too many things to think about and to worry about. Let us join our
companions.”
***
They meet in a cavernous room. Ebon Usher stares fascinated at the cave wall. He moves his stone hand up and down the rock face. Speaking to no one in general, he mutters, “I do not know why more people do not live in a place like this. These rocks have witnessed much over the long years.”
Most of the occupants are eating or drinking or carrying on conversations. A guard enters and reports. “Young Monica and Catherine are escorting a warrior here, leading a large, white horse.”
Sister Aurum points. “You three, bring buckets of water and brushes. Mikal, would you would be so kind as to come with me? The rest of you please remain here.”
The young witch sets a hurried pace as they leave the cave and walk the short path. There they find Sir Rusel kneeling, inspecting his charger’s wounds. Monica and Catherine bring fresh hay.
The White Wizard addresses the knight. “I was hoping you would have been here earlier.”
The Paladin stands, ignoring the statement. “Will you please help her?”
Sister Aurum gently inspects the horse’s ear, chest, and the bruise on her shin. “Do not worry, Sir Rusel, these wounds are easily treated.”
Mikal asks, “How did this happen?”
The Paladin lowers his gaze and takes a deep breath. “I found the dim Knight and met him in combat.”
“What!” exclaims Mikal.
“I was seeking any edge I could find for our upcoming duel. I saw and experienced his fighting style and I believe I can counter it.”
The White Wizard shakes his head. “That was a foolish and dangerous thing to do. What caused these wounds on your steed?”
“It was that foul, dark mount he rides. He bit and kicked Snow. We broke off the attack and crossed a swiftly flowing river. The Shadowy Knight’s horse would not follow. You should have seen Snow, Mikal, even with her injuries, she carried me across. She was magnificent.”
The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2) Page 24
