Mikal strokes his soft beard. “I hear and understand, Aden, but I still do not want him to die. It is foolish of me, I know but…”
The Baron interrupts, “I side with Master Ferrum.”
Sister Aurum looks the White Wizard in the eye. “I wish there was something I could do but it is beyond me.”
“Release him to travel and meet his Brothers-in-Arms,” says Baron Stannum.
Soon after, Sir Rusel, the fallen Paladin, dies.
Chapter 48
It is mid-morning when the Witches of Endorr start to solemnly file out of their cavern. They are followed by twenty knights in highly polished armor. The last two carry the prepared and cleansed body of Sir Rusel on a pallet supported by their shoulders. Next walks Mikal Novastar and Sister Aurum, closely followed by Aden Ferrum and Kairn. The end of this column consists of coven’s servants and guards. No one chooses to stay behind.
The Paladin’s body is reverently laid on a newly-constructed litter pulled by the magnificent mare Snow. The Knights mount their steeds. The Baron leads the solemn procession.
Sister Aurum whispers to Mikal, “You fell fast asleep soon after the passing of the Paladin. I gave instructions to the Baron to lead us to the far side of the Valley. There is a small, fast-flowing river which I believe will satisfy your needs.”
The wizard nods. “Yes, before I woke this morning I saw this place in my dreams. It will do nicely.”
They move in a straight column for some time. Mikal becomes aware of small flocks of colorful birds that fly and swoop and then alight on the pallet, as if paying respect to the Paladin. Some distance off to the right, a huge, black bear shadows the somber march. Other small animals appear and watch intently as the funeral moves across the valley floor.
Noon passes and they do not stop. Again, Sister Aurum turns and speaks softly to the wizard. “Mikal, if you have not noticed, Ebon Usher is lost. We could not find his body anywhere.”
Mikal shakes his head slightly. “If the Stone Mage does not want to be found, no one will find him. I am confident he is still alive.”
“Another bit of odd news. That white-haired man Sebastian is also missing, though there were two separate sightings of him after the battle. Both reports had him alive but covered with cuts and bruises. Again, no trace of a body has been found.”
The wizard strokes his beard. “That is indeed curious. Let me ponder this news.”
For another hour they travel. Different birds come and go, visiting the fallen warrior or even spending time perched on the back of the white horse.
Everyone is dumbfounded when the Baron breaks into song. A young knight with a full, resonant voice joins in the somber, warrior song. Mikal has never heard it before, but it seems very ancient and fitting for the occasion.
The Baron signals and the procession halts. He then directs four knights to find wood and construct a funeral pyre. Soon all is prepared.
With great care, the body of Sir Rusel is lifted and laid to his resting place.
A large, black hawk swoops to the ground and morphs into a beautiful, young girl with impossibly long, black hair. Mikal and she acknowledge each other. All the Sisters of Endorr form a circle and raise their hands high to bless the body of the fallen Paladin. They begin singing a hymn that is not a dirge, but a song of thanks, then lower their hands and heads and pause a moment to say their private goodbyes. They then depart.
Sister Aurum and Mikal step forward. The young witch speaks. “No man could be more valiant than Sir Rusel. He gave up his life so that we might have a better one. Henceforth, in our coven, his name will live forever and will be spoken with great reverence.”
The White Wizard waits for a moment. “When my need was greatest, Sir Rusel was there. This warrior always wanted to help and protect others. When he was asked to defend the land and face a fearful foe, he did not hesitate. He was honored to be chosen. He won his final battle because he would not allow himself to be defeated. The stakes were too high. I am honored to have met this man. Goodbye, my friend, I miss you sorely.”
Mikal lowers his gaze. He is eventually escorted back to the others by Sister Aurum. The twenty armored knights march in unison and form a ring around the Paladin’s pyre. Aden Ferrum steps forth and holds his iron staff high. An intense flame erupts from its tip and instantly ignites the dry wood. Even the Knights are forced to take steps back. An inferno of fire surrounds the fallen Paladin. For a moment, it seems like the dancing flame refuses to touch the dead warrior.
The White Wizard's eyes start to swirl and he sees two, seemingly endless columns of phantom warriors regaled in splendid, ancient armor. The flame erupts and now engulfs the fallen Paladin’s body. Mikal cannot believe what he sees. Ghostlike, Sir Rusel sits up, unscathed by the burning conflagration. He steps down from the burning wood. Another ghostlike apparition approaches. He presents to Sir Rusel an immaculate, shining sword and shield. The phantom warriors fall to one knee and bow their heads. Sir Rusel accepts the sword and shield and walks among his fallen brethren.
Without thought, the White Wizard taps his staff of light on the ground. It reveals for all that wish to see Sir Rusel escorted away by his brothers-in-arms.
Chapter 49
For some time no one says anything. Eventually, food and drink are brought forth. Most recount and discuss the last twelve hours. The Baron spends time with his daughter. It is mid-afternoon when he approaches the wizard and the witch.
“Master Mikal Novastar, I should return to the city presently, if you think it is safe.”
The White Wizard nods. “I sense no evil left in this valley.”
“Then would you care to join us?”
“Thank you, Baron, but I must leave tomorrow morning for there is a promise I must fulfill. I am eager to return, though. I am overly concerned about my daughter and my friend Talon. I wonder if you would make inquiries about them.”
The Baron bows. “It will be done as soon as I return. Do not worry, we will find them.”
Sister Aurum takes the Baron’s hand. “We all thank you. Your knights have been most gallant.”
“And you are most kind. Please watch over my daughter.”
“I shall. Worry not. Your daughter will return in a few months. I have seen it.”
The Baron nods and mounts his horse. “Oh, I almost forgot. The young knight with the strong voice has an uncle who is a much respected bard in the City of Stonegrove. We shall relate to him what has transpired here. I daresay the ‘Ballad of Sir Rusel Ironwood’ will be celebrated across the land.”
The Baron prods his horse and leads his twenty knights across the valley floor.
The young witch turns to Mikal. “I have been wondering what your plan is for Snow?”
“I promised Sir Rusel that no matter the outcome, I would see her safely returned to her land. I believe I can accomplish this. We shall prepare the portal then wait for sundown.”
The wizard turns to the witch. “Tell me, do you plan to remain at your cavern?”
“I believe so, at least for the present.”
“I hope you can reestablish your coven.”
“We will. The Valley's curse has been broken and has started its re-growth. Our numbers will increase with it. I have seen it.” A frown crosses her face. “Master Mikal, I still find it curious and frustrating that I can see so little of your future or your daughter’s. She and Talon are hidden from me. I know you will face the Ebony Wizard, but know that you cannot defeat him alone. Beyond that, I see nothing.”
Aden Ferrum interrupts the two. “Excuse me, should we not start to prepare the way of Snow’s return?”
Mikal measures the sun in the sky. “I believe you are correct. Let us begin.”
They gather large rocks and place them into the river near the bank. Then they gather firewood which they place upon the stones. The witches, their guards, and servants watch with interest.
The White Wizard leads the white horse within a few strides of the stones and f
irewood. He bends down, grabs wet earth, and paints two black marks on the mare‘s chest.
“Now, Aden.”
The Red Wizard ignites the firewood. Mikal, standing next to the white horse, recites the words that Sir Rusel had imparted to him.
“It is time,” and he slaps the horse’s flank. She responds with a neigh, but does not approach the water and fire.
“Again,” directs Aden.
With greater force, Mikal cuffs the large horse’s behind, and yells, “Go, home awaits you.”
But the horse will not move. The Red Wizard looks to the sun. “Our time grows short.”
Majam meows loudly. Snow lowers her head and turns to the right. The White Wizard's eyes start to swirl. To his amazement, he spies the ghost of Sir Rusel adorned with exceptional armor. A new sword is at his side. He silently strides forward and gently kisses the magnificent mare. She lowers herself to the ground. The reinstated Paladin mounts his white steed. She rises and holds her head high. Sir Rusel nods goodbye to the wizard and his cat. With two strides and a leap, they are gone.
Mikal hears a question from one of the servants. “I wonder where she went.”
The White Wizard whispers, “The horse and rider have gone home.”
“Rider?”
Majam, who is lying on a sun-warmed boulder licking her front right paw, is instantly on her feet, poised as if to pounce. She glares at the man. His eyes turn blank, his jaw slack.
You saw what I had my Master see.
Satisfied, she resumes licking her front right paw.
One of the guards wades into the river. “I heard no splash.”
Aden laughs. “Because there was none. We sent the horse home.”
After the excitement dies down, all decide to spend the night camped under the stars by the river. A pleasant, uneventful evening ensues.
On the morn, they return to the witches’ dwelling. After gathering some supplies Kairn, Aden, and Mikal mount their horses that they received in the City of Stonegrove.
“Well, this is goodbye for now, Mikal,” says Sister Aurum. “I pray that you are soon reunited with your daughter and Talon. I wish you a safe journey. Do you have everything?”
Mikal searches the many concealed pockets of his traveling robe. His fingers brush the contour of the ancient text he found in the tunnels under the silver lake. He frowns and begins to frantically check his others pockets.
“What is it?” asks Sister Aurum.
The White Wizard looks at the young head-witch. “This does not bode well. My black blade is missing. I cannot have lost it. Someone has stolen it! But who and for what purpose is another mystery I must solve; and soon.”
“I have every confidence that you will,” says the young head-witch.
“Bass turds,” says the one-armed dwarf.
ADDENDUM
In the first draft of our book, the following dialogue took place in the early pages between Mikal and his mentor Wizard Whitestone. We edited it out because it occurred to us that if it remained some readers might think that they needed to read our first novel The Way of the Wandering Wizard in order to enjoy this one, and that is not the case. Here it is in its entirety.
“Mikal, tell me, did you ever imagine all the things that happened after you walked by my farm those many weeks ago? You made new friends: Talon the half-elf, poor Brian Quickhands, Fox and Hawk. You had run-ins with the Macrophage and were later befriended by them. From what I understand, you may have even influenced the way they view the world. Impressive.
“And the Stone Mage you encountered, Ebon Usher. I believe I might have gone to school with him. It was so very long ago. If I remember correctly, it was he and three others who were always asking different questions in class: what if… could you… is it ethical? They exasperated many of the professors at the School of the Three Moons, I can assure you.
“Then, just before they were to be graduated, they all just slipped away into the night. Rumors circulated for weeks, but no one knew where they had gone. You have said that Ebon lost track of the others. I wonder what became of them. He is slowly turning into stone and has accepted his fate? Truly remarkable.
“Meeting the Dragon Em-Le must have been fascinating. You even performed a quest in her name. How I envy you. She sounds like an extremely intriguing creature, very intelligent. And you are correct that she experiences the world differently than we. I would love someday to meet her.
“But I'm most envious of Evalon the Earth Princess. I've heard stories about her for some time and I believe she is a harbinger of hope, a powerful force for good. I have a strong conviction that you will meet her again. In fact, I believe she will play a significant role in your future.
“And who could forget Jocomund, and Sir Grey, and Penelope, and… listen to me babble. I have become a foolish old man.”
“Never. Not if you live another hundred years.”
They continue in silence.
Mikal eventually says, “I am concerned about what has become of Brian Quickhands.”
“Do you fear for his life?”
“Not necessarily. I do worry about his livelihood, however. A thief without fingers is a poor thief indeed.”
“But why would Bass Molar wish to lessen Brian Guinness’ profitable talents? In any event, I do have informants in the city of Umbra and hope to be hearing from them soon. With any luck, what they have to report will ease your mind.”
Mikal is far from convinced.
Table of Contents
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
ADDENDUM
The Warrior and the Wandering Wizard (The Way of the Wandering Wizard Series Book 2) Page 27
