Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Page 9

  “We could ask?”

  “And look foolish? Never. I don’t want to be an example like Wraith.”

  Something about them seemed familiar, although she could barely see with the fading light. A flame burst into being, flickering next to one of the men. In the light, she could see more details.

  A Shade Wizard! Now it all makes sense.

  Lara carefully retreated, being extra careful to not make any noise. One twig snapping could out her completely. She was not equipped to really deal with a Shade Wizard, let alone two.

  We need to agree on a plan. At least I’ll go report this.

  Lara reached the trunk and skirted down a little faster than she had hoped. Her feet scraped against the tree and there was a loud crunch as she reached the ground. She heard movement nearby and cries of surprise.

  No time now. Move!

  Lara kept quiet, but sped through the brush, weaving between trees. She could sense fires being lit behind her but dared not look back.

  Push on, let them be distracted looking for you.

  As Lara put distance between them, she allowed herself to be a little noisier and increased her speed. It was paramount to alert everyone. She arrived suddenly and quickly stopped, allowing a moment to catch her breath. It seemed as though everyone was already alert.

  “We sensed trouble. Wizards or worse?” Alrion said.

  “Two Shade Wizards. I didn’t notice anyone else.”

  “See? I told you.”

  “Nothing is confirmed yet, but it’s a good lead. What do we want to do?” Alrion looked around at the group.

  “I say kill them, they’re an abomination and could get very dangerous. The less the better.”

  “I could cure one at least,” Alrion offered.

  “We could see that one for information too,” Lara added. Alrion looked to Alyx for an opinion.

  “Either way we need to kill one or both. I have no particular preference.”

  “Let’s advance then and try to separate them. That way we have a chance at capturing one.”

  “You’re the boss,” Branthor said with sarcasm. He hurried away without waiting for anyone else.

  “Lead the way,” Alrion muttered under his breath. He took off at a fast pace, Lara and Alyx by his side.

  “They were on the path but noticed me leaving and started torching the nearby area.”

  “That’s fine, it will make them easier to find.”

  “Not in that smoke,” Alyx said. With the sun setting, there was much less light. And the smoke from the ongoing fires was hanging over the whole area. It looked like the Shade Wizards had let the fires continue burning.

  “What are they doing?” Alrion said. He shook his head.

  “Smoking me out?” Lara shrugged. She remembered Branthor and looked ahead. “The wizard is gone.”

  “What’s he going to do?” Alrion sighed. He suddenly perked up and changed direction.

  “This way.” Alrion pointed and drew his sword.

  Why is he doing that? He’s more powerful than the sword. Lara noticed that the diamond was glowing blue, as expected.

  Lara kept pace with Alrion and saw a white-hot glow explode from the distance. She increased her speed, sprinting as fast as possible. After a brief delay, Alrion caught up to her.

  He must be using his Soul Power. The smoke was beginning to disperse, and Lara observed what looked like a wizard. She slowed and approached carefully, Alrion taking the lead.

  “It’s just me,” Branthor shouted. The smoke quickly disappeared, and the scene became clear. Before Branthor was a small crater.

  “What did you do?” Alrion shouted. He roughly shoved his sword back into its scabbard.

  “They were too dangerous, I had to react.” Branthor shrugged. Lara saw a mischievous smile cross his face.

  “That’s a forbidden spell.” Alrion was outraged.

  “For good reason. But it suited my purposes here. They have ceased to exist, and there are no remains either. It covers our tracks.”

  “Won’t it be obvious when they’ve completely vanished that a wizard was behind it?” Alrion paced over and knelt, looking at the crater. He dug fingers through the dirt.

  “At worst, they will expect me. This is not how you fight them, so they’ll be off guard.”

  “Seems like an extreme response.” Lara didn’t like how carelessly Branthor had employed such a spell. She still remembered vividly when Alrion had used it back in the desert. He had come so close to destroying them all.

  “I have a little more control than this one.” Branthor chuckled. “Magical control, I should say.”

  “What do you believe in now?” Alrion said.

  “Revenge. Didn’t I say that?” Branthor’s voice was hard and he turned from them to view the road.

  “Charming.” Lara noticed movement and turned to look. Alyx emerged from the brush on the opposite side of the path.

  “No other enemies in the area.”

  “Thanks for looking out for us,” Alrion said. He looked a bit embarrassed.

  “I have no weapon, it was the best use of my skills.”

  She still looks dangerous.

  Alrion started to fumble with his clothes and removed his sword belt.

  “Take this.” He offered the sword to Alyx. She stepped back and put her hands up.

  “No, that is your blade. You need it.”

  “It’s holding me back. You can borrow it for a while.” Alrion threw the sword onto the ground. Alyx glanced at him, then turned her gaze onto Lara. She nodded and smiled, trying to encourage the weapon master. Alyx gave a short bow and retrieved the sword. She strapped it around her waist then drew the blade. After a quick circular motion, she expertly sheathed it.

  “As you wish.” She turned to observe the path ahead.

  Alrion strode over to Branthor and roughly pulled him around so that the wizard was facing him.

  “If we’re going to work together, I can’t have you going off on your own.” Alrion glared at Branthor, and the master wizard’s eyes glinted with delight.

  “Oh, how interesting. And what then am I supposed to do?”

  “Agree a plan and stick to it. Clearly, we’ve encountered worse than two Shade Wizards and survived. We do this my way, or we don’t do it at all.”

  “Oh, is that a threat?” Branthor arched an eyebrow and observed Alrion. “Are you really that willing to let my information go?”

  “I can find a way without you, if need be. But I can’t continue if I can’t trust you to behave in a way that’s acceptable to me.” Alrion stood taller and stared intently into Branthor’s eyes.

  “Fine, you can dictate terms. I will, however, offer my expert opinion on whatever plans you come up with.” Branthor stuck out his hand. Alrion grabbed it and shook firmly. After a brief pause, he turned and addressed the group.

  “Well, that’s done. We have at least some confirmation of Branthor’s information. Let’s go investigate the town.” Alyx kept staring out into the distance but nodded. Lara stepped closer to Alrion and leaned in.

  “Well done. I’m proud of you, standing up to him.” Alrion blushed but quickly hid it. He turned to face Branthor.

  “Do you have anything to add?” Alrion started walking and didn’t wait to hear the answer. Branthor paused then followed. He still retained an amused look on his face.

  I still don’t understand him. Maybe he’s just broken now?

  They walked in silence, observing the town as it rose before them. A nearby path converged with theirs, and a constant but slow stream of people filtered along, heading for the town gates. Puffs of smoke rose up giving an idea of the size, and Lara could already see quite a few tiled roofs and a few bigger structures stretching taller than the rest. Branthor finally spoke.

  “While I suspect Rindale is based here, I don’t think it’s his home. I believe he has some lab somewhere else, where he conducts his… work.” Branthor spat audibly onto the path. The gesture drew the hor
rified looks of a few travellers.

  “This is where you think the Shade Wizards come from?” Alrion said.

  “I think they are perhaps trained here, but they are not made here. I haven’t quite figured out the connection. But there’s always a presence.”

  “We will have to be careful. Perhaps they can detect us as well as we can detect them?”

  “I doubt that. As you are aware, the Blight connection adds an element of noise. That would be quite distracting. I think we have an edge there. Well, I do. I suspect you haven’t quite honed that skill yet.” Branthor looked at Alrion, clearly to gauge his reaction. Alrion looked a little annoyed, but he quickly hid it.

  “I’ve not yet seen the need, but it’s something I can work on. How do you suggest I do that?” Alrion spoke slowly and purposefully.

  He’s really maturing. He’s not as defensive now.

  Branthor seemed surprised at the response. He didn’t reply immediately.

  “We can look at that later, it’s not critical to discuss right now. Obviously, I have agreed to defer to your judgement, but I suggest we focus on locating the base of operations for the Shade Wizards and see if we can track them to Rindale.” Alrion looked to Lara.

  “What do you think?”

  “Well,” Lara said before pausing. She thought carefully about her response. “Given the information we currently have, I think that’s the most prudent course. If Branthor can pinpoint a location, I can infiltrate and follow them.”

  “I can live with that. Just don’t get spotted next time,” Branthor said. “We can’t have them turn you into a monster too. We’ve all had a turn.” Branthor laughed and pointed at Alyx, Alrion, and himself.

  I couldn’t think of anything worse. Lara shivered and pressed forward.

  13

  Brangtur revisited

  Vincent pulled his horse up short and took in the sight. Brangtur was not nearly as impressive when viewed from the minor service entrance, but his mind filled in the blanks.

  “This is where it all started.” Celes slowed her horse and brought it alongside her husband’s. Vincent gazed at his wife and recognised the nostalgic look on her face.

  “Our great adventure together. We have Wilhelm to thank, after all.” Vincent chuckled and Celes broke into a delighted laugh.

  “We’ll have to give him an appropriate thank you present.” Celes winked.

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “I’m thinking it through. Let me work out some of the knots then I’ll talk you through it.”

  “As you wish.” Vincent nudged his horse forward, knowing that his wife wouldn’t share any details until she was ready. But he could already guess at a few options. Celes wouldn’t settle for anything less than would pull the rug out from under Wilhelm. He was far too comfortable in his position and enjoyed lording it over everyone.

  “Is there anything you need to do here?” Celes said. Vincent took in a deep breath and looked around.

  “Nothing I can think of.” Workers bustled around in the early morning, none of them paying any attention to travellers entering via the service entrance. They knew better than to ask questions. Anyone coming in and avoiding the main entry had good reason and usually the authorisation to do so. Something Vincent himself had learned many years ago.

  They rode in silence. Vincent kept an eye on any approaching guards, but none seemed interested in him or his wife. Celes seemed to be in her own world, and Vincent had to frequently remind her to make space between townsfolk that she didn’t seem to notice. Yet somehow, she seemed to be pressing ahead with purpose, as they were clearly heading towards the entertainment district. Celes suddenly stopped and looked up.

  “Good, I’m ready. Let’s get a meal and I can fill you in.”

  “Sure. Anywhere in particular?”

  “Hmm.” Celes stared into the distance, concentrating on something else.

  “The Lucky Lance.”

  “That old place?”

  “It’s a classic. Don’t you remember the significance?” Celes’s eyes flashed with humour but also something dangerous.

  “Ah yes, I could never forget that. It’s where you plied me with drink to agree to help you with your fool’s errand.” Vincent grinned.

  “Exactly. It worked last time, it’ll work again.” Celes winked and led the way. Vincent sighed and followed close behind. Within a matter of minutes, the Lucky Lance was before them. It seemed to be the busiest inn around, and the clamour of drinks and music seemed to be cheerier and more genuine than the others.

  The energy in the room was almost overpowering as Vincent pushed the doors open. Two musicians were frantically playing, one on a stringed instrument and the other on a giant flute. The patrons were loving it, some clinking their tankards together, others dancing on the tables.

  “Business is booming.” Celes tapped Vincent on the shoulder and pointed to a table.

  “Your usual?” Vincent said. Celes didn’t even respond, just waved him on. Vincent chuckled and wove his way through the crowd. He couldn’t remember the place being so busy.

  “What can I get ya?” the bartender said, leaning close to try to hear Vincent over the noise.

  “Two chicken plates and two ales.” The bartender started to walk away, but Vincent reached out and grabbed the man’s arm.

  “Sorry, but what’s going on here? I don’t remember this place being so busy.”

  “I’ve no idea, but it has to be related to that vagrant we had here. Business really picked up after that.”

  “Vagrant?”

  “Yes, he was an odd fellow and did the rounds begging for drinks. One person tried to run him out, but it ended rather poorly, so we all suffered the rag-riddled man. But one day, a young couple came in and drank the vagrant under the table. He left with them and never returned. The story spread, and I guess the rest is history.”

  “What a remarkable story.” Vincent handed the bartender the coins and struggled back through the crowd.

  “That took a while.” Celes was still observing the room and didn’t look at Vincent.

  “It’s incredibly busy. Bartender said that things took off after a young couple drank a vagrant under the table and convinced him to leave with them.”

  “Of all the places for them to find Certan. I suppose it is the Lucky Lance after all. We’ll have to tell them about how famous they became.”

  “I hope it doesn’t encourage him to drink more.” Vincent laughed.

  “Have you met that girl before? I’d wager she helped him more than you’d expect.” Celes relaxed into the chair finally.

  “You’ve settled on a plan then?”

  “Yes. It’s really quite brilliant.” Celes paused, looking over Vincent’s shoulder.

  “And now we can discuss it.” Celes accepted an ale and held it up waiting for Vincent. They clinked glasses, and each took a deep drink.

  “Hopefully this time you won’t need as much encouragement.”

  “Really? I’d hoped to top Alrion’s record.” Vincent smiled and Celes shook her head.

  “It is so nostalgic here. Ah. Well, onto the plan. Do you remember the Silver Sceptre?”

  “From Valrytir? The one owned by the Regent General?”

  “Yes. The very same one that I swapped out and smuggled all the way here.”

  “Where is it now?”

  “It’s in Wilhem’s collection. I was double-crossed by a supposed friend who was paid off by Wilhelm.”

  “You want to steal it back?”

  “Even better. I want to get caught stealing it.”

  “Again? Are we that old now that we can’t do things properly?” Vincent burst into laughter. Celes retained her smile and waited for him to finish.

  “Not only is there a bounty on that Sceptre, but the Regent General has an outstanding extradition order on whoever stole it.”

  “If you can convince them he stole it and has been hoarding it all this time…”

  “Th
en the guards have no choice but to ship him out to Valrytir, away from all his precious goods. Many of which will be under suspicion.” Celes had a wicked grin on her face and took a sip of her ale.

  “That works for me. But won’t you still be arrested for thieving? He can still out you as the Shadow Fox.”

  “That’s my problem, don’t you worry about it.” Celes flashed a smile, but it didn’t help. Vincent was still worried. He grunted and shook his head.

  “Relax. Drink your ale.” Vincent took another deep drink. He suddenly felt suspicious.

  “You haven’t mentioned me. What part do I need to play?”

  “Oh, yours is so easy. Just visit some of your old blacksmith friends so they know you’re back in town.”

  “Word will spread, you know. Is that what you want? Wilhelm has spies everywhere, and now he knows what to look for.”

  “It’s no fun if he doesn’t know it’s coming. He will be up all night wondering what I’m going to take next. Oh, this is good, you can’t imagine how much I’ve missed it.” Celes was practically glowing.

  “I’m glad to be of assistance.” Vincent finished his ale quickly.

  “I best make some appearances then?”

  “Please. I’d prefer we strike tonight, and I want Wilhelm to have time to prep the guards.”

  “As you wish.” Vincent leaned in and gave Celes a quick kiss before heading back into the crowd. He gently forced his way through until he was outside.

  The shadows were growing longer, signalling the end of the day. They had decided to leave the horses at the inn for the time being. Vincent needed to move with real pace to the Blacksmith district if he was going to plant some information in time. As he strode, Vincent thought about his old contacts, some of which he had seen on his most recent visit. One, in particular, sprung to mind. Vincent chuckled to himself.

  I bet that old codger will run straight to Wilhelm himself!

  Vincent picked up the pace so that he could arrive in time.

  The Blacksmith district was still full of life. Many craftsmen were still working away, some had pre-emptively lit lanterns to ensure consistent light over the transition to night. Vincent almost stopped a dozen times to observe what was being crafted, but each time dragged himself away.