Adventurers Wanted, Book 4: Sands of Nezza (25 page)

“Your offer is most kind, and I accept your service,” said Rallian. “I have heard that adventurers are great warriors, and though there are but four of you, I am glad you are with us.”

Virgil and the others in the company all bowed to Rallian.

“And now,” Rallian said, looking at Alex, “what will you do, my friend? Twice already you have saved me. I dare not ask anything more of you.”

“I will ride south with you,” said Alex. “I have sworn by my staff to see you on the throne of Nezza, and I will not break that oath.”

“You favor me greatly,” said Rallian. “So, in two days’ time we will all ride south, and may fortune smile on us all.”

There was a loud cheer as Rallian finished speaking. Alex was happy both to know that Virgil and the others would remain in Nezza and that Rallian had been accepted by the lords of the north. Alex knew there were many other kingdoms to deal with, other kingdoms that might not be as happy as Talbot’s to find a true king, but he held on to his hope that Rallian would become king of Nezza without a long and painful war.

Alex left the cheering lords and adventurers, wanting to spend time in the garden alone. The garden was a happy place where he could think in peace. He had a lot on his mind, particularly King Rallian’s order to gather the army. As he wandered the garden, he talked with Stonebill about his thoughts.

“If you like, I can fly south,” Stonebill offered. “I can spy out the land and see where Lazar’s forces are and what they are up to.”

“That would be useful,” said Alex. “But before you go, I should put a spell of protection on you.”

“Protection?” Stonebill asked. “Why would I need protection? Men going to battle do not have time to shoot at passing birds.”

“I would feel better knowing you were protected both by magic and by the unseeing eyes of men,” said Alex.

Stonebill submitted to Alex’s request, fluttering down to a nearby stone bench so Alex could work his magic. Alex’s spell took only a moment, but it would protect Stonebill from arrows and stones as well as from any evil magic Magnus might use against him.

“I will return as soon as I can,” Stonebill promised.

“Take care, my friend,” said Alex as the raven took flight. “Remember that spells can only do so much.”

Stonebill dipped his wings in acknowledgment and then sped from the garden on his errand.

Alex watched as he flew out of sight. When he turned around, Tom was waiting for him a little farther down the path.

“Forgive my intrusion,” said Tom.

“There is nothing to forgive,” said Alex, walking forward to meet Tom. “I see that your desire to test yourself has grown.”

“We will soon be riding south to battle,” said Tom. “I thought it would be wise to test myself now, before we go.”

“Tonight,” said Alex after a long pause to consider things. “Meet me here at midnight, and I will lead you to the wall.”

“You will lead me?” Tom asked.

“For your first journey, yes, I must lead you,” said Alex, looking up at the sky. “After your first journey, you may never wish to return. Many healers will not go where you are asking me to take you.”

“I do not ask lightly,” said Tom, sounding troubled.

“And I do not agree lightly.”

Tom bowed, then left the garden. Alex was concerned about Tom’s desire to visit the wall. Tom had no idea how strong the pull of the shadowlands was or how hard the test would be.

Chapter Fifteen

A Journey and a Promise

Midnight came too soon for Alex. He wanted to put Tom off until another time, but he knew that Tom was determined to return to the wall between life and death. If Alex did not lead him there, he might find his own way to the shadowlands and that could be fatal. Alex remembered his own journeys to the wall, and he hoped Tom was ready for what he was about to face.

“I am ready,” said Tom, his face set and his voice solemn.

Alex nodded and then looked at the sky for a moment. He focused his mind on the journey he was about to take and on the garden around him. He wanted to be anchored to life and the beauty of life before making this journey.

“Take my hand.”

Tom reached out and took Alex’s hand, shaking slightly with excitement and fear.

Alex looked at his friend and then softly spoke the magic words that would take them both to the shadowlands. For a few seconds Alex looked into the darkness, and then he looked at Tom, waiting to see what Tom would do.

“It’s not . . . It is not like I thought it would be,” Tom said. He looked stunned and pale.

“I know,” said Alex.

“The call is strong,” Tom went on, his voice troubled but steady. It was as if he had not heard Alex at all. “I see now why most healers do not wish to come here.”

“It is a dangerous place for the living,” said Alex. He continued to watch every move that Tom made.

“The lands beyond the wall are strangely beautiful,” said Tom, his voice becoming dreamy. “It would be nice to go and look at them.”

“If you go, you cannot return,” Alex warned.

“I know,” said Tom, his voice returning to normal. “It is difficult to remain focused.”

“It is easier if you are looking for someone, trying to call them back,” said Alex, letting his eyes return to the shadowlands.

“Yes,” said Tom. “If I were looking for someone I would have a reason to be here. Now . . . now it is pointless.”

“Not pointless,” answered Alex, looking back at Tom. “You had to know what to expect. It is important that you remember how strong the call of the shadowlands can be and how hard it is to focus on your task while you are here.”

“I understand,” said Tom, calling Alex’s attention away from the wall.

Tom turned to look at Alex for the first time, and his face went slack and his eyes grew wide.

Alex understood Tom’s reaction. Even though he had never seen himself in this place between life and death, he had seen his friend Calysto and her true power.

“You see my powers more clearly here than ever before,” said Alex. “Are you ready to return to the land of the living?”

Tom simply nodded.

Taking Tom’s hand, Alex turned and walked away from the shadows toward the light that had been behind them. After a moment of darkness, a cool breeze blew across his face. He opened his eyes and looked once again at the night sky of Nezza.

Tom was kneeling in front of him, shaken and unable to look him in the face. Alex waited for Tom to gain control of himself, but it was several minutes before Tom began to move.

“You are much more than I imagined,” Tom said, his voice trembling.

“Yes,” said Alex. “I am more than a healer, and what you saw was more than you expected. I am sorry, I should have warned you.”

“Do not be sorry,” said Tom. “I am honored that you would let me see you there.”

“It was necessary for me to accompany you on your first journey,” said Alex. “Now tell me, what did you see?”

“I saw a low stone wall at the bottom of a hill,” Tom answered slowly. “I saw the lands of shadow beyond the wall.”

“Anything else?” Alex asked.

“No, nothing else,” said Tom in a tired voice. “Was there something else I should have seen?”

He’s lying,
Alex’s O’Gash whispered.
As much to himself as to you.

Alex considered what his O’Gash said, and then answered. “No, there was nothing else you should have seen. Now you must decide if you will make the journey again. No one will blame you if you choose not to go, as it is a dangerous journey. If you choose to go again, to take the second test, then you will go alone.”

“I do not know if I can,” said Tom, looking at the ground.

“You don’t need to decide right now,” said Alex. “In fact, it would be better if you waited for several days at least before making a decision. If you wish to take the second test, I will wait and watch as you do so. You may choose to wait for some time before testing yourself again, and then you may be the student of another. If you decide not to return, I can help you forget the path so that you won’t be tempted to go to the wall alone.”

“I understand,” said Tom, standing up slowly. “I have much to think about and little time for thinking.”

“You have all the time in the world, Tom. Your second test can be put off until you are sure you want to take it, until you are sure that you are ready,” said Alex.

“I will ponder on this,” said Tom, his solemn tone returning.

“We will speak again soon,” said Alex, leaving Tom in the garden and returning to his own room.

Alex didn’t go to sleep right away. He lay awake on his bed, wondering not only why Tom had lied about seeing something more in the shadow lands, but more importantly, why Tom would lie to himself about what he had seen.

The next morning at breakfast, Tom still looked shaken from his visit to the shadowlands. Alex watched him closely and tried to read his thoughts. He had little time to worry about Tom, however, as preparations for their move south were well underway.

“Master Taylor,” Rallian called as they were finishing their meal. He waved for Alex to join him. “You carry no sword, and I would not have you go to battle with only your staff. If I can provide a weapon for you, I would be—”

“I have a sword,” said Alex, cutting off Rallian’s offer. “I have had no need for it yet in Nezza, but I will wear it if that will please you.”

“I hope you won’t need it,” said Rallian. “But it would be best to be prepared for anything.”

“And your lords would be happier with a wizard who is a warrior and not a schemer like Magnus,” said Alex with a slight smile.

“It might make them more trusting,” Rallian admitted. “Though if any of them speak against you, they will answer to me for it.”

“You are most kind,” said Alex. “I will wear my sword. As you’ve heard from the stories Skeld has told, I do know how to use one.”

“And a great addition your sword will be to our army,” said Rallian. “Is it really a magic sword, or was that just something Skeld made up?”

“It is a magic sword,” Alex answered. “It was made long ago by the elves, and it has powers of its own.”

“Can any man who uses the sword call on those powers?” Rallian asked.

“The sword chooses its own master,” Alex explained. “It has chosen me. It would be dangerous for anyone else to try to use the sword as long as I am its master.”

“Amazing,” said Rallian. “I’ve heard stories of magic swords, but like most of our stories, I thought there was little truth in them.”

“Perhaps, when your throne is secure and there is peace in Nezza once more, new stories will come to your land,” said Alex. “If magic and adventurers are accepted in Nezza, then you and your people will learn a great deal.”

“Nothing would please me more,” said Rallian. “I hope that our time of learning is not far off.”

Alex left Rallian and spent most of the day wandering in the castle garden alone, thinking. When he left the garden for meals or to speak with Rallian and his lords, he noticed that Annalynn was never far away. She seemed to be watching Rallian and trying hard not to be seen doing it.

Alex also noticed that Rallian would often glance toward Annalynn, though he also tried to make it appear that he did not. Neither of them seemed to be aware of the fact that Alex, at least, noticed their glances.

The day passed quickly, and everything was in motion. The part of Talbot’s army that was in Talbas was making preparations to leave, and groups of soldiers and men from nearby towns and villages kept turning up all day. Alex was impressed by the number of eager and willing men who answered Talbot’s call. He remembered Tempe’s comment about the spell he had released when freeing the desert river, and he hoped that at least some of that magic was being turned to good here in Talbas.

Alex skipped the evening feast, preferring the quiet solitude of the garden. Tomorrow he would ride south with Rallian, hoping to find Lazar’s army, though he was afraid of what would happen when they did. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t hear Annalynn’s approach, and he jumped when she spoke to him.

“Can you keep him from harm? Prince Rallian, I mean.” She was wearing the cameo Alex had made for her, and her face was full of sorrow.