Shades of Truth: Path of the Wielders 2 Read online

  Once formally introduced, Kaxen discovered the man at the head of the table dressed in the white and yellow robes of clerics of Loracia was indeed Kerad. The dinner bell sounded after the formal introductions. The first serving was a hardy soup served in a hardened bread bowl, followed by heavily spiced roast beef and potatoes served on one-half of flatbread used as a plate. Kaxen found that the light, slightly fruity wine was a treat. Aurelie, he noticed, had three glasses. The clerics of Loracia frowned upon speech at the table and preferred more formal dining, so no one spoke during the meal. Desert consisted of a somewhat pungent, spiced drink called javaro and rum cake.

  After the meal, they were required to wash their hands again, and then they were all led to a large chamber with more battle murals. Each time Kaxen tried to speak, a sharp look from Kerad immediately curtailed his urge. Rennon visibly fidgeted as the party was led from the chamber into a hallway and into Morgoran’s antechamber. Two wooden doors with carved, eerie faces with forest scenes of sprites and dryads stood ominously before them. Seancey dismissed the guards at Morgoran’s chamber and opened the elaborately carved doors. They climbed a short stairway into a massive round room that Kaxen was sure was the top of the great tower, but he did not feel as though he had climbed high into a tower. The stairway seemed much shorter than he would have imagined. Blue tapestries hung in circular patterns on the rounded walls, and the floor had a thick carpet centered in the room. A bookcase and desk were placed on one side of the room, and two divans and a throne-like chair sat opposite them. On one of the divans sat a man dressed in flowing blue robes with light blue trim. His white beard reached easily to his chest, and his hair was long but well-maintained. His facial features were sharp but gentle, and his skin appeared soft and wrinkled. His eyes were completely clear, so much so that you could see right through them and into his eye sockets. He stared out into space with a look of total detachment. Occasionally he would flinch and twitch as if he were seeing disturbing images. Four men in blue robes sat around Morgoran at small tables with a quill pen in hand.

  As soon as they entered, Morgoran abruptly stood and cried out, “Gondrial, watch out, the dragon is circling!”

  The four scribes sitting at the small tables surrounding Morgoran began writing feverishly.

  Gondrial stood back and cocked an eyebrow. “What dragon, Morgoran?”

  “What, Gondrial, you are not in the keep with Asterial?”

  “No, Morgoran, I am here with you in the Vale.”

  Morgoran looked confused for a moment, and then he looked off into empty space once more. “Kaxen, only Seandara and Bren can go safely with you to Scarovia.” His face twisted. “Jindara killed the beast but more will come. I tell you more will come.”

  Gondrial motioned for the rest of the company to sit on the divans. He leaned in as they sat and whispered, “He is speaking of the future. His eyes only see ahead in time. The Silver Drake, for interfering with it as it destroyed Toborne, cursed him. His interference was noble, so the Silver Drake spared his life but would not let him live it. Only a small fraction of his visions have ever actually come to pass. Don’t dwell too much on what he says.”

  “Morgoran, my master,” Lady Shey said, bowing and taking his hand in hers.

  “Shey.” His expression changed to fondness, and his face softened into a smile. “My lovely apprentice, time and time again you seek out Gondrial, yet all he does is hurt you.”

  Lady Shey’s face burned bright red. She cleared her throat. “Master, Gondrial is here and—”

  Without warning, Morgoran stood from the divan, slinging Lady Shey’s arm down. He moved at lightning speed and clasped his hands in a solid grip around Rennon’s face. Morgoran’s clenched teeth flashed, and he spoke in a low menacing tone. “You control your power. It does not control you. The magic you possess is not wild, it is forgotten, and you must remember it. REMEMBER IT! YOU CAN FIX IT! YOU CAN HEAL THEM ALL!”

  “Just like that!” Gondrial said. “Don’t put any stock into what he says.” Shey gave him a hard look.

  Rennon fell back onto the divan as Morgoran let him go, a look of utter terror on his face. He sat frozen, suspended in the moment, stunned. Aurelie reached to comfort her friend, but Morgoran grabbed her arm. “Do not help him, dragon sister; he will only learn if you let him be.”

  “Perhaps we should come back another time. Morgoran is more agitated than usual,” Seancey said.

  “Kaxen, I will catch you! I will not let you destroy everything we have both worked so hard for!” Morgoran sat back on the divan with Lady Shey’s help. He pointed at Seancey. “Aye, come back later, Ranger. I grow wary of your company.” His face contorted again. “The Enforcers come and will be at the gate tomorrow. Flee to Signal Hill to the north. Send the one called Trendan out to Brookhaven, but do not let him talk to his friends, for the information they give him will kill him.” He stopped and gazed at the ceiling with a strange expression of melancholy. “One among you is the enemy!” He looked at Sylvalora and his gaze turned to pleading agony. She approached him and put up her hand to cup his cheek. “You have suffered so, Morgoran; if I had a wish to fulfill, it would be that you suffer no more.” Morgoran closed his eyes and grabbed her hand. “Thank you, one thousand years have finally come to an end,” Kaxen heard him whisper to her.

  Gondrial motioned for Kaxen and his friends to leave. Sylvalora and Lady Shey remained behind with Morgoran.

  “That’s it then. Trendan rides in the morning,” Seancey stated. “What will we do about the Enforcers?”

  “We are going to do as he says?” Kaxen asked. “But you said we are to disregard what he says, right?”

  “Aye, mostly, but should his words should come to pass we will still want to be prepared,” Gondrial answered. He patted Seancey on the shoulder. “I know you can handle the Enforcers, Seancey. I will prepare the mounts after the Enforcers leave the gates. We ride as soon as they are out of sight. We have to get the tome to Asterial as quickly as possible. Shey, Sylvalora, and Enowene will stay here with Aurelie, and you and I will take Rennon and Kaxen with us. I am sure that Kerad will want to come along to keep an eye on Asrion.”

  Kaxen stopped, and Seancey and Gondrial walked ahead a few steps before they turned back to look at him. “What’s wrong, Kaxen? You appear confused.” Gondrial said.

  “What exactly is going on here? I have felt strange ever since we entered the Vale. Something is not right here. Where is Trendan? I need to speak with him. Why is he to leave for home when we are not?”

  “What you feel is the power of the place you stand in. The Vale is a place of energies you do not yet understand. The power of…” he paused, searching for a word. “Suggestion maybe? Once the Sacred Land regenerates, this place of power will feel like nothing. A sudden realization dawned on Gondrial’s face. “Kaxen, you are able to feel the power around us? You feel the essence? You can wield!”

  “That’s it. I’m going back to Brookhaven,” Rennon stated flatly. “I’m not going with you any further.”

  “What are you saying? Is this the way essence feels?” Kaxen asked.

  “We all go with Gondrial!” Asrion said. All eyes turned to Asrion, who looked at his two friends with a soft expression. “Remember when I told you to ask me later of the charge Loracia gave me?”

  “Oh, no you don’t,” Rennon said, shaking his head and pointing his finger at Asrion’s face. “You are not going to make this into some kind of holy quest.”

  “I am afraid I must go with them. I strongly suggest the two if you do as well.”

  “Why, Asrion?” Rennon asked pleadingly.

  “Because I owe my life,” Asrion replied. “Loracia restored it to me, and I will be going on Loracia’s quest. I cannot make you understand or force you to come along. But I ask as your best friend to help me. Rennon, I need you. Trust me.”

  Kaxen and Rennon sighed almost simultaneously.

  “What manner of quest?” Kaxen asked.

  Asrion smil
ed. “We will find out together.”

  “What will it be then?” Gondrial asked.

  Kaxen nodded. “We will follow for now, for our friend.” He glanced at Rennon, who nodded somberly.

  “I will go along for the sake of Asrion,” Rennon said. “But I don’t have to like it!”

  Chapter 3

  Kaxen did not sleep well. He tossed and turned all night, frustrated that he would not be returning home soon. Thunder boomed in the distance, and the sound rolled ominously on for several seconds, drawing Kaxen’s attention to the window. He threw aside the light blanket covering him and slipped out of bed. The stone floor was shockingly cold on his feet, so he tip-toed until he adjusted to the temperature change. Upon reaching the window, he pulled the yellow drawcord to open the blue curtains. Looking out, he could see Trendan mounting up. Lightning flashed and rain began to fall. Trendan pulled his leather cloak tighter around his body as he straightened himself on his horse. Seancey struck the horse on the hindquarter and it cantered. Kaxen yanked open the wooden windowpane, rattling the loose glass.

  “Trendan! Trendan, wait,” Kaxen yelled to his friend.

  Trendan turned to look back at him, and Kaxen could see the saddened expression on his face, but instead of answering, Trendan turned away and spurred his horse onward. A cold realization pervaded Kaxen’s mind. Trendan knew something he did not.

  “This is all madness,” Kaxen mumbled to himself, throwing the window shut. “I may be in the company of wielders, but I will not believe those insane ramblings of Morgoran.” Kaxen found his breeches and tunic and pulled them on. “When I see Asrion I will end all this right quick. I will drag him back to Brookhaven kicking and screaming if I have to. He never saw Loracia; it was probably just some wielder trick.” As soon as Kaxen was dressed, he walked to the rose and lavender scented washroom, combed his hair, and washed up for breakfast.

  Not long after Kaxen had dried himself, Rennon walked into the washroom, his long, unkempt hair tangled and askew from sleep. He smacked his lips and dumped a bowl of water over his head into the wash basin without saying a word to Kaxen.

  “Did you see Trendan ride out?” Kaxen asked.

  “I just got up out of bed. Did he ride off already?” He asked before he yawned.

  Kaxen nodded. “I tried to call to him from my window, but he rode off anyway.” Kaxen shook his head and put his hands flat on the washbasin. “I just don’t believe all this nonsense, Rennon, and I can’t believe Trendan believes it either.” Kaxen shook his hands. “Yet he rode off as if he does.” He paused for a moment and sighed. “They have gotten to him. He knows something I don’t.” Kaxen closed his eyes and breathed in heavily. Then he let it out speaking in an even more agitated tone. “And did you notice how Aurelie was acting last night? She was so…”

  “Cheerful!” Rennon said flatly. He continued washing his hands. “You know, last night you seemed a lot more accepting of our situation.”

  “Aye, too cheerful if you ask me. I don’t understand what’s gotten into her lately,” Kaxen said with disgust. He gave Rennon a crooked gaze. “I was not accepting of anything.”

  Rennon cocked an eyebrow. “Now I think something may be wrong with you. You are acting almost exactly opposite of the way you acted last night. You’re, I don’t know, more melodramatic this morning.”

  Kaxen’s face soured. “Sure, whatever, don’t turn this around on me.” His thoughts went back to Aurelie. “I just can’t put my finger on it.”

  “I can. She has been talking to Sylvalora.”

  “What do you mean?” Kaxen asked, eyes narrowing. “What’s she saying to her?”

  Rennon grinned. “Sylvalora has been showing her how to do something with that little statue you gave to Aurelie. You didn’t know that?”

  “No, what is she showing her?” Kaxen asked as he handed Rennon a drying cloth.

  “How should I know? You gave her the statue.” Rennon took the drying cloth and dabbed it on his face. “Where did it come from anyway?”

  Kaxen stammered. “I—I bought it in a shop in Cedar Falls.”

  “Well, what’s it for?” Rennon asked.

  “I don’t know. I just thought it was something she might like,” Kaxen said. “The old man said it was made by the elves.”

  “That’s what he told you?” Rennon asked. “He said the elves made it?”

  “Now that you mention it, no, I don’t remember what he told me it was or who exactly made it. What are you getting at?”

  “It’s something dangerous.”

  “It did feel strange; it made my hand tingle while I held it.”

  “And you gave it to Aurelie!”

  “Well, she didn’t feel anything strange about it that I recall.”

  “Great, you had better get it from her. It’s probably some kind of foul talisman. Sanmir had a stone he brought from Darovan that he used to mix in with potions to increase their potency. He used it many times, but he wouldn’t let me touch it. He said it would only serve one master and was not something to be trifled with.”

  Kaxen became worried. “You think the statue may be affecting Aurelie in some way?”

  “Could be. I would get it from her as soon as you can.”

  Kaxen nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”

  Rennon tossed the drying cloth aside. “Let’s go find Asrion. I think we should talk to him without the wielders nearby and find out what really happened to him.”

  “Aye, I was thinking the same thing. Let’s get out of here and get back to Brookhaven, the sooner the better.”

  “Now that’s the Kaxen I know,” Rennon said enthusiastically.

  Kaxen and Rennon walked briskly through the long corridors of Morgoran’s tower and found Asrion eating breakfast in the dining hall with Lady Shey, Sylvalora, and Aurelie. Kaxen sat down beside Aurelie, and Rennon sat opposite him. Servants appeared with fruits and bread for the two newcomers.

  Kaxen lightly kissed Aurelie on the check as he settled next to her.

  “I was wondering when you might be joining us, Kaxen. Did you sleep well?”

  “Not particularly,” Kaxen said. “I tossed and turned most of the night.”

  “Well, you have a lot on your mind I would imagine,” Aurelie said.

  Kaxen leaned in close to Aurelie’s ear. “I need to speak with you alone as soon as possible.” Sylvalora looked up sharply at Kaxen, and he started for a moment. “Are you all right, Sylvalora?” he asked and then immediately scolded himself for being so bold.

  “Fine as a spring day, good man Kaxen, why do you ask?”

  “You just seemed concerned for a moment.”

  “I am concerned you are not sleeping is all, Kaxen.”

  “Aye, perhaps I am a bit jumpy. I apologize.”

  “No need for apologies. Just try to get some sleep tonight. Perhaps have Rennon prepare you a sleeping powder?”

  “Aye, that’s a good idea, Sylvalora, I will.” His words felt stilted.

  “Good,” she said.

  There was a long, uncomfortable silence while they ate their breakfast.

  “Asrion, don’t you have morning prayers to attend?” Rennon asked.

  “I already attended them.”

  “Good, I was wondering if you could help me with something.”

  “With what?” Asrion asked.

  “Something,” Rennon said uncomfortably.

  Asrion stared at him for a moment. “All right. I will help you. When and where do you wish to meet?”

  “We can go right now.” Rennon pushed himself away from the table. “Are you finished?”

  Asrion nodded and pushed away from the table. “Aye, let’s go. I’m curious about what you’re up to.”

  “Come on, Aurel, let’s go with them.”

  Aurelie smiled at Kaxen’s invitation, excited to be included. “Aye, let’s go,” she said.

  “If you will excuse us, my ladies,” Kaxen said, rising from the table.

  “Of course,” La
dy Shey said.

  Kaxen grabbed Aurelie by the arm and held her hand as they moved hastily behind Rennon and Asrion out of the dining hall.

  “What is all this about?” Asrion asked suspiciously. “Why are you two acting so strange?”

  Kaxen waited until they were well down the hall before speaking. “We are leaving. These wielders have done something to you both.”

  Rennon sighed. “Oh, that was subtle, Kaxen.”

  “My father put me in charge of this trip, and as far as I’m concerned, I still am in charge, and I say we go back to Brookhaven.”

  “Don’t be a fool, Kaxen,” Asrion said, stopping in the corridor. “I told you, Loracia has given me a vision.”

  “What vision, Asrion, a trick of the wielders?”

  Anger flushed over Asrion’s face. “I would know the difference. I am surprised at you, Kaxen. I will not force you to come along, but I’m staying. You’re paranoid.” Asrion left in the opposite direction. Aurelie released Kaxen’s hand and followed Asrion.

  “Well, that went well,” Rennon said.

  “Come on, let’s find Gondrial. I have a plan,” Kaxen said.

  “What kind of plan?”

  “You’ll see. Come on,” Kaxen insisted.

  “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Rennon said, following Kaxen down the corridor.

  Rain still fell steadily as Kaxen and Rennon entered the courtyard. Kaxen spotted Gondrial at the gate beneath an outlook platform. He appeared to be looking through a battlement at the muddied road leading deeper into the Vale.

  “What are you looking for, Gondrial?” Kaxen asked as they approached.

  “Not what, but whom. I believe the Enforcers are near. I have sensed their presence since first light this morning.”

  “How?” Rennon asked confused.

  “How do you think they track other wielders if they are not wielders themselves?” Gondrial asked. “They are out there somewhere, searching.”

  Kaxen shuddered. “That is disturbing news. Why do they hunt their own kind?”