“What is it?” The mage asked without looking up at them.
“You are Theodorus?” Lamont asked.
“I am. Who are you?”
“That is not important, we need to know if you can use your magic to locate our friend,” Wrotan said as he stepped forward.
“That is more like it. No offense, but your friend is far less important than he believes. And yes, I can use magic to locate your friend. The question you should answer is: Why should I use my magic to locate your friend?”
“You do not even know me. How could you possibly know whether or not I am important?” Lamont asked.
“Lamont, you are well known to many. Some of your theories are sound, but you greatly underestimate the dangers of meddling in the affairs of others. Regardless of that, I will still assist your friend if they provide me with a sound reason,” Theodorus answered.
“The dragons took control of his mind. We don’t know what sort of havoc he is wreaking as their tool,” Mariah said.
“Dragons? Why wasn’t I told that the dragons are involved?”
“We assumed that everyone knew. They attacked the dwarves and, if they haven’t already, they will attack the humans next. Some of our allies are already recruiting armies to fight off the threat,” Wrotan replied.
“If the dragons are involved, then I have little choice. Is there anything else you need at the Arcane Academy or can we start the process now?” Theodorus asked.
“We will need to be able to heal his mind when we find him. There is no telling what kind of damage the dragons have done to him.”
“One last question: Why is he so important?”
“I made a promise and I intend to keep it.”
“Are you fools? The dragons are on the loose and you seek to rescue a lone man.”
Amber wanted to speak up, but she could see that Wrotan’s stare had a far greater effect on the wizard than anything any of them could say. The mage put up his hands, as if to say that they should ignore his outburst. He extended his hand to the hunter and they shook. Lamont was already heading back toward the middle of the library as they others began to leave. The statue made sure that the others could catch up. None of them spoke as they wound back to the center of the library. Theodorus stopped at the center desk and wrote something on a piece of parchment before rejoining the group. His paper lifted off from the desk and glided through the air.
“One of our finest healers will meet us at the exit in a bit,” he said.
“How does this work?” Mariah asked.
“I’ll prepare a spell once we are outdoors. After that, I can act as a compass to get you closer to your friend.”
*
Alandra said a silent prayer as she drew her sword. She never considered herself a religious person, but fighting brought out a different side. They were outnumbered at least four to one, but their opponents weren’t as well-armed. Nicolai and Charise ordered their paladins to spread out as the bandits approached. Hadrin was the one that everyone worried most about. Though he was the Prince of the night elves, his skill with a sword was not something that would instill fear in others. They all knew he would refuse to stay out of the fight, so nobody even thought to bring it up. He stood at the center of the half-circle with Alandra at one side and Nicolai at the other. They knew it would be harder for their enemies to get to him if they placed him there. The brigands charged forward and engaged the paladins first.
Hadrin rushed forward and attacked one of the ruffians. Alandra and Nicolai followed behind him, ready to intervene if necessary. She engaged one of the leaders of the thugs. He attacked her with a high arcing chop, which she dodged. Her offhand surged forward and she dug her knife into his chest. The brigand grabbed at his chest as he collapsed to the floor. He was quickly replaced by one of his companions. She lashed out at the elven warrior, but the strike was too slow. Alandra knocked her sword out of the way and dug her dagger into her opponent’s neck. The elven warrior proceeded to neutralize three more opponents before she drew back to check on her allies. Hadrin and the paladins had managed to fight off the majority of the ruffians, causing what little was left of the force to flee.
“Everyone survive?” Nicolai asked as the group gathered.
“Yes, a few scrapes and bruises, but nothing major,” Charise replied.
“You have our thanks, we’ve been trying to find a way to stop that gang for years,” one of the villagers said as he approached the group.
“Is there no force to stop them?” Hadrin asked.
“The council army kept them from harming the nobles and the militias have always been able to keep them out of certain areas, but this is the first time I’ve seen anyone deal such a blow.”
“We are happy to assist. People deserve better than to be preyed upon by others.”
“I was hoping you would see things that way. You see, I am Malcolm, leader of the People’s Militia. We are always looking for new recruits. Would you care to join up?” The man asked.
“That isn’t really an option that is available to us. We are looking to rid the world of a menace and it requires us to travel to the four kingdoms.”
“You’re that elf everyone is talking about. Are things really as bad as you say?”
“I wouldn’t say it if they weren’t. The four kingdoms don’t stand a chance against my father and the dragons. It is highly likely that they’ll set their sights on the smaller kingdoms once they’ve conquered the four. That leaves you in a tough position,” Hadrin replied.
“That it does. I think I know the answer though. You do whatever you need to do. I’ll recruit as many of the militias as I am able. Where should we meet you?”
“Head to the four kingdoms, you’ll find us there.”
*
Wrotan watched as Theodorus held up his map and began making several marks. He let out a sigh as he rolled up the map and placed it in his pack. Josephine, the healer that Theodorus had recommended, looked to her fellow wizard for information. They spoke in whispers for several minutes before turning to the others. Mariah and Amber already looked impatient, but the hunter had been able to keep his cool. He had dealt with magicians before and knew that they liked to take their time and discuss things. It had taken some getting used to, but he had managed. He called the others over as Theodorus approached him.
“I am not certain that you want them to hear,” the sorcerer said as they approached.
“They have my assurance that Kade will be brought back safely. Whatever worry you may instill can be assuaged by me,” Wrotan said.
“Let us hope that your skill is as great as your confidence. All signs point toward the owner of this belt being in the Magic Forest. The leprechauns and fairies will not like his meddling.”
“That is the best news we’ve heard in some time.”
“Are you insane? Do you not know how dangerous the fairy folk are?” Josephine asked.
“We entered their lands on our way here. They seemed quite cordial to us,” Lamont replied.
“Perhaps it will be simpler than we imagine, but I request that we travel without Lamont,” Theodorus said.
“Lamont, Amber, and Mariah will meet up with the others. I will travel with the two of you to find Kade,” Wrotan said before the spirit monk could protest.
“Wouldn’t it be best if I went?” Amber asked.
“It will be a simple task. You have nothing to worry about."
Though the others were not entirely pleased with the decision, they didn’t argue with the hunter. The two groups said their goodbyes, telling one another that they would meet up soon. Wrotan was unsure of why the magicians were so adamantly against the fairy kingdom, but he knew it would be best if the others weren’t involved. He wasn’t sure that he would be able to protect them and save Kade if things got ugly. The hunter motioned for the two wizards to follow as he headed for the south end of the forest. They had a bit of a trek through the southern side of the forest before getting to the Magic Forest an
d he wanted to get to Kade as soon as he could.
*
“The hunter has returned,” Finian said as he approached the King.
“So soon?” Padraig asked.
“He has two magicians with him.”
“You are certain of this?”
“They bear the robes of the Arcane Academy.”
“We must not assume that Wrotan is an enemy just because he is traveling with two of them. Nevertheless, I must investigate the situation with care. Make sure that Zaira stays behind. If the hunter does decide upon treachery, the kingdom cannot afford to lose us both.”
The King let out a sigh as he headed to collect his sword and armor. His sword flowed with magical properties that allowed the wielder to fight with enhanced capabilities. The armor was specifically designed to protect him in a battle that included the use of magic. He could scarcely remember that last time he had been worried that their combined power would fall short. Wrotan was no simple hunter like he claimed. If the stories painted by his companions were true, his skill combined with that of two magicians would be difficult to overcome. He cleared his mind as he exited his quarters. With any luck, Finian would have already set forth in his task to distract Zaira.
“Father, this is far too dangerous a task for you to undertake alone,” his daughter said as he headed down the hall.
“It seems that you have outdone Finian once again. You don’t make it easy on me. The danger is exactly why you need to stay behind. If anything were to happen to me, this kingdom would need you,” Padraig said.
“You know that I have no interest in ruling, father. Why can’t you choose another?”
“I have another in mind, but there are two obstacles to his candidacy. Now is hardly the time to discuss it.”
“We will discuss it after we deal with whatever disturbance you are trying to keep me away from.”
“There is simply no winning against you, is there?”
Padraig smiled and turned for the door before she could answer. He knew her well enough to know that it would do no good to argue. Instead, he took advantage of her presence and sent the other warriors away. If the two of them together couldn’t beat back this threat, there was little chance ten guards would help. They headed out of the city and out into the forest. Wrotan and the two wizards were already nearing the edge of the kingdom borders when they intercepted them. Zaira hung back and nocked an arrow as her father stepped out from the trees. The hunter smiled when he saw the King, but his companions were expressionless.
“Stand back, Wrotan,” the male sorcerer said.
“Theodorus, let me handle this. King Padraig and I are friends,” Wrotan said.
“Josephine, be a darling and take care of the one in the trees that is planning on skewering us with arrows.”
The leprechaun King drew his sword and stepped between the three intruders and his daughter. Josephine stepped back and held up her arms, as if to motion that she wanted nothing to do with the fight. Theodorus used his magic to destroy the bow in Zaira’s hand and then shoved the King back with another spell. Padraig pushed himself back onto his feet and stepped toward the mage. His opponent used a spell to pull both of his adversaries toward him. He threw his hands up in the air and lightning began to crackle between them. As he was throwing his arms forward, a sword blade protruded out from his chest. He gasped for air as he collapsed to the floor. The lightning he had been wielding shot off into the forest, colliding with a tree. Wrotan pulled his sword from the fallen wizard and turned toward Josephine.
“Choose your words wisely,” he said.
“I am here to heal your friend, not go to war with the fairy kingdom. Theodorus’ fight is not my fight,” she said.
“That is good enough for me,” Padraig said as he sheathed his sword.
*
Hadrin put his fingers to his mouth and made the agreed upon call. The scouts returned with call and he led the others toward the camp. Bertram and Hrimgur had managed to bring together a decent size army in their absence. The elf Prince smiled as he looked over the camp. Things were coming together far better than he had initially expected. The leaders of each group were meeting together in the central command tent. One of the sentries informed Hadrin, Alandra, Nicolai, and Charise that they were all invited to attend. The Prince pulled back the tent flap and motioned for the others to enter first. He let out a sigh of relief as he entered the tent. The tent was far gaudier than he would have ever expected. Larger dwarven carvings lined the outside of the tent. They matched the smaller carvings that had been placed on the individual tables. It was a nice way to break up all the books that Cristoph had brought.
“You’ve arrived, good. We are attempting to ascertain the best way to attack our enemy. This collection of tomes is second only to that of the Arcane Academy. Our hope is to find something that will give us some sort of tactical advantage against the elves and the dragons,” the spirit monk said as the others approached.
“Bertram and I will take care of the elves, the rest of you need to find us some sort of advantage against the dragons,” Hrimgur said.
“It will not be a simply task. A single earth dragon and his drake allies nearly ended our uprising far too early,” Hadrin said.
“What news of Wrotan and the others?” Bertram asked.
“We were hoping that they would meet up with us while we were still in Reddington, but we’ve had no such luck. It is likely that they will arrive here within the next few days.”
“That should give us some time to find a weakness to exploit,” Cristoph said.
*
Wrotan watched as Josephine approached Kade. The fairies and leprechauns had been taking care of the young man for a few days, but they saw no change in his condition. They did everything within their power, but they knew that his ailment was beyond their abilities. The wizard started by placing a hand on Kade’s chest. She nodded to herself before moving the hand up to his head. Her eyes went wide as she backed away from the bed. Everyone eagerly watched as she collected herself. She turned toward the hunter with a questioning look on her face. He glanced around the room before looking back at her and nodding.
“This is far beyond me. There is only one way that I know for certain that can break whatever enchantment they had on him,” she said.
“Had? Is it not still on him?” Padraig asked.
“Yes and no. They put an enchantment on him to control him, but he found a way to fight it. Unfortunately, the process splintered his mind. The only way to fix it would be to enter his mind.”
“What are we waiting for?” Wrotan asked.
“It is far too dangerous. I would never enter another’s mind without invitation,” Josephine replied.
“I never asked you to. You need to find a way to send me.”
*
Kade found himself drifting on an island on a great ocean. There were over a dozen other islands around him, each one with its own unique feel. He already knew that thinking about moving to another island would allow him to do so, but he couldn’t figure out why that was true. Nothing seemed to make sense on the great ocean, but he had long since stopped questioning it. He felt himself pulled toward one of the islands and closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was standing on that island. There was a lone man standing there facing him. He looked familiar and foreign all at the same time. Kade rubbed his eyes, but the man did not leave.
“Who are you?” The young man asked.
“Wrotan. Don’t you remember me?” The hunter asked.
“Impossible, I’ve been alone on these islands for years. There are no boats. The islands are my prison.”
“Perhaps I came from beyond the islands.”
“Do you take me for a fool? Do you think I have not seen the edge of the world?”
“I would never think you a fool. You spoke before about a prison. That is the truth, but not how you think. We are inside of your mind. The shadow dragons tried to control you and you broke free, but the result
was a shattered mind. You and I must work together to bring it all back together.”
“Why should I trust you?” Kade asked.
“What other choice do you have?” Wrotan asked.
“I could kill you. It would be easy if this is truly my mind.”
“Am I the first person you have come across?”
“Yes, though I’ve seen glimpses of others. They always go away when I approach. The years have been lonely.”
“You’ve not been here for years. The fairies claim to have put you in a deep sleep less than a week ago. It is possible the madness claimed you before that, but I would wager you’ve been here no more than a month.”
“Truly? This is the best news I’ve heard in some time. Tell me, how are Amber and Julian?”
“You remember?” The hunter asked.
“I’ve never forgot them. Not the two of them. They were my closest friends. Are they here as well?”
“Amber wanted to be, but it is too dangerous.”
“And Julian?”
“The shadow dragons killed him.”
Kade took a step back as Wrotan delivered the news. It hit him in the very core of his being. Hatred, sadness, and guilt welled up inside of him. His hands shook as he fell down to his knees. He buried his face in his hands as he wept. Wrotan placed a hand on his shoulder and slowly the guilt and sadness began to melt away. Kade grabbed a handful of sand and threw it into the air. He pounded his fist into the sand. His hands continued to shake as he slowly stood up. The only upside was knowing that Amber was alive and well. He did everything he could to focus on that, but it was no small task. Wrotan took a step back to give him a bit of room.
“They will pay for this,” Kade said.
“That much I promise you,” Wrotan said.
“How do we get out of here?”
“There must be something left of the spell they cast on you. We need to find it and cleanse your mind of it.”
“It won’t be easy. There were two of them, one was a dragon and the other was a warrior of some kind.”
“What do you know of this warrior?” The hunter asked.
“His leader was known as Sheltek. They’ve infiltrated the four kingdoms and stand ready to fight back against the dragons, but the majority of their forces have yet to get through to our world. We face two enemies, Wrotan, not just one. Somehow they are able to change their appearance to live among us.”