Adventurers Wanted, Book 4: Sands of Nezza (26 page)

“Rallian is at the center of a great storm—a storm that may destroy all of Nezza,” said Alex, his own words taking him by surprise. “I can only try to guide him through this storm.”

“It is said that wizards have their price,” said Annalynn, a nervous quiver in her voice. “What price would you ask to keep Rallian safe?”

“What would you offer?” Alex asked, interested in what Annalynn would offer.

“Anything,” Annalynn said without hesitation.

“Anything?”

“Anything I can give or promise,” said Annalynn, her tone firm and determined. “Anything and everything to keep him safe.”

“Then, my lady, I will swear by my staff to do all I can to bring Rallian through this trial safely,” said Alex.

“And your price?” Annalynn asked. “What will you ask for your services?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” Annalynn repeated, stunned. “Nothing at all?”

“You have offered everything, and the offer is enough,” said Alex.

“I . . . I don’t understand,” said Annalynn.

“True wizards do not sell their power,” said Alex. “I asked what you would offer only because I was curious, nothing more. I will do what I can to keep Rallian safe, not only because you have offered everything for this, but also because he is my friend.”

“Forgive me,” said Annalynn, her gaze dropping to the ground. “I have been a fool.”

“You know little of wizards and even less about magic,” said Alex in a kindly voice. “I cannot fault you for believing the stories you have heard all your life.”

“I should have known better,” Annalynn said. “After you made the cameo, I should have known the stories were not true.”

“No harm has been done,” said Alex, trying to cheer Annalynn. “Now you know more about wizards than you did before. You know that I will not sell my powers for any price, but I will give them away for friendship alone.”

“I—” Annalynn began but stopped suddenly. “Someone is coming. I should not be here.”

“Go, then,” said Alex. He had heard the footsteps as well.

“I wish to speak some more with you,” said Annalynn, reluctant to leave.

“Wait by the fountain,” said Alex. “I will follow as soon as I can.”

Annalynn hurried away as silent as a shadow, vanishing in the darkness.

Alex watched her go, and then he turned back to see Rallian walking slowly down the path toward him. He was pretending to be looking at the flowers.

“You are up late,” Alex said as Rallian approached.

“Oh, I . . . I didn’t know you were here,” said Rallian, a nervous and slightly guilty tone in his voice. “I was just thinking that . . .”

“You were hoping to meet Annalynn in the garden,” said Alex, catching Rallian’s gaze.

“No, I just—” Rallian began, and then he laughed. “Yes. I see it is pointless to try hiding anything from you. Yes, I was hoping to find her here.”

“Some things are plain for all to see,” said Alex. “She is not far. You will find her waiting by the fountain.”

“You spoke to her?” Rallian asked.

“She asked me to keep you safe,” said Alex.

“And what did she offer you for this kindness?” Rallian asked, looking both happy and troubled.

“She offered everything,” said Alex. “I accepted nothing,” he added quickly, seeing the look on Rallian’s face. “You have known me long enough to know that I do not sell my powers. I will do what I can to keep you safe because you are my friend. Annalynn’s request is only one more reason for me to do what I can for you.”

“Old stories are hard to forget,” said Rallian after a pause.

“I do not blame her, or you, for believing them,” said Alex. “She is waiting for me by the fountain, but I think she would be happier to see you.”

Rallian glanced down the pathway.

“Go and talk to her,” said Alex. “We leave in the morning, so it would be wise for you to speak your heart tonight.”

Rallian nodded his understanding. He smiled at Alex and moved quickly toward the fountain.

Alex stayed where he was for a long moment, considering what he had just set in motion. He looked up at the silver moon, took a deep breath, and walked back to the castle.

“Master Taylor,” a voice called out as Alex was heading toward his room.

“Lord Colesum,” said Alex, turning and finding Talbot’s oldest son approaching him.

“Forgive me, I have not had a chance to speak with you before now,” said Colesum.

“It is a busy time,” said Alex. “What can I do for you?”

“It is late. Perhaps I should speak with you another time,” said Colesum, looking awkward.

“Not too late,” said Alex. “I am not tired, and if I can be of assistance, it would be my pleasure to help you.”

“Yes, well,” Colesum began, looking over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. “I was hoping you might be able to advise me.”

“Walk with me,” said Alex.

It was clear the young lord did not wish to be overheard or possibly even be seen talking with him. Colesum walked along the castle corridor with Alex, but he did not speak for a few moments. Finally, he seemed to collect his thoughts and find the nerve to speak.

“I’ve spent several hours with your friends. They have many tales of distant lands.”

“They have traveled to many places,” said Alex.

“Yes, exactly,” Colesum agreed. “Places that my people have long ago forgotten about, or perhaps have never known about.”

“And you wish to see those places for yourself,” said Alex; it was not a question.

“Your friends—Virgil and the others—they seem so different from the men of Nezza.”

They walked on in silence for several minutes more before Colesum spoke again.

“All my life, I have dreamed of seeing other lands, of doing great deeds. I suppose I have always wanted to be an adventurer, like yourself and the others.”

“I’m sure Virgil and the others explained to you that adventurers do not choose themselves,” said Alex.

“Yes, they have told me,” Colesum answered. “Yet the desire burns inside of me. At times I feel that I will burst with this desire. There are times when I want to run away in search of adventure.”

“Do you wish me to cool your desire with magic?” Alex asked.

“No, not that,” Colesum answered quickly. “I just thought, with Rallian becoming king, perhaps Talbas will no longer need so many warriors. Perhaps I could leave my people for a time and find the adventure that I long for.”

“You are likely to find a great deal of adventure in the coming weeks,” said Alex.

“Yes,” agreed Colesum. “Lazar will not willingly yield Karmus to Rallian, of that I am sure. I think, however, that many of the kingdoms will join Rallian willingly, so I hope the wars will not last for long.”

They stopped walking, and Alex looked Colesum in the face. He could see Colesum’s desire, almost need, to find adventure.

“What would you ask of me?” Alex asked.

“You are a wizard,” said Colesum. “I thought you might be able to tell me if I can be an adventurer.”

“I cannot,” said Alex. “You must find an oracle to answer that question for you.”

“The lady of the red lands?” Colesum asked.

“Tempe is a great oracle,” said Alex. “The journey to her house is not as difficult as it was.”

“I would ride away tonight in search of her, but I have sworn allegiance to Rallian,” said Colesum, a slight look of pain on his face.

“You must keep your oaths,” said Alex. “Honor is important to adventurers—more important than any treasure they may find.”

“I would not break my oath,” said Colesum.

“I know that you would not,” said Alex. “With any luck at all, Rallian will soon sit on the throne in Karmus. Once Rallian is king, you should seek out the oracle and discover your destiny. That is, if you have not already found your destiny.”

“And if I am not one of the chosen?” Colesum asked.

“Then you must learn to live with who you are,” answered Alex. “Perhaps you will have enough of adventures before ever going to look for the oracle. It may take a long time to see Rallian accepted as the king of Nezza.”

“You speak wisely,” said Colesum, looking less troubled than he had been. “Thank you for speaking with me.”

“I am honored by your trust,” said Alex.

Colesum walked with Alex back to his room. They talked about the war that was coming and what Lazar might do. Alex could see that Colesum was clever and that he understood a great deal about warfare. He thought Colesum would make an excellent general for Rallian’s army but would also make an excellent adventurer. He did not share his thoughts with Colesum, afraid to push him toward or away from either path.

Colesum thanked Alex once more, and Alex watched him go. He closed the door to his room and dropped onto his bed, considering each of Talbot’s children in turn: Colesum, the oldest, who wanted to be an adventurer and to travel to distant lands; Hathnor, the second son, a friend of elves who wanted nothing more than to visit the far lands to the north and west; and Annalynn, the youngest child and only daughter of Lord Talbot. She was the most difficult to understand, and perhaps the most interesting of them all.

They were an impressive family, and Alex thought his trip to Nezza was worth the trouble, if only to meet Lord Talbot and his children.

Chapter Sixteen

The Gathering Storm

Alex woke to the sound of moving men and horses. It took a moment for him to realize what was happening, and when he did he almost jumped out of bed. Lord Talbot’s army was starting south today. He was happy to be moving again but worried just the same. Being a wizard, he could see a number of possible outcomes, but he was not an oracle or a seer so he continued to worry.

Alex sat on the edge of his bed and, for the first time since he’d come to Nezza, he took his magic sword, Moon Slayer, out of his bag. He held the sword in his hands for several minutes, remembering how its power had filled him in the past. Part of him hoped he would not need to use the sword, but another part of him really wanted to use it again. Without trying to sort out his mixed feelings, Alex attached the sword to his belt and then took another item from his bag. It was the true silver mail he had made on his last adventure. He had made it to help fight off dark magic, but it would be even more useful against warriors in battle. Pulling a shirt over the chain mail, Alex left his room and made his way to the great hall.

“A day to remember,” said Virgil as Alex joined him and his company for breakfast.

“I’m glad you all decided to stay in Nezza and help Rallian,” said Alex.

“It seemed the best thing to do,” said Virgil. “It’s not like we could go home anyway. Not with Bray trying to block the great arch and doing every little thing Lazar tells him to.”

“And our adventure can’t be completed until we settle with you,” Skeld added, slapping Alex on the back in his friendly way.

“Best not to leave kings uncrowned,” said Dain, looking stern and proud in his dwarf armor.

“And it is a show of goodwill to remain,” Tom added.

Alex knew that Skeld and Virgil thought of this as a game. They were both laughing and joking, which did not surprise Alex. He knew the beliefs of Norsland, which said that death in battle was the best death anyone could possibly hope for. Tom seemed nervous but happy. Only Dain seemed to be taking things as seriously as he was.

As they were finishing their meal, Rallian appeared with Lord Talbot. The king looked troubled, and Alex could see the cool determination in Rallian’s eyes.

“My friends,” Rallian began, “let us toast our beginning and wish for luck to follow us.”

Servants appeared as he spoke, passing out mugs to all those gathered in the great hall. There was a general wish for luck, after which they all drank and cheered loudly. Alex couldn’t help feeling happy with all the cheering going on around him, and he cheered with the rest of them as they marched out of the castle to find their horses.

“Lord Taylor,” Colesum called. “My brother, Hathnor, and I, would be honored if you would ride with us in King Rallian’s vanguard.”

“It would be both my honor and my pleasure to do so,” said Alex.

“You wear a sword today,” Colesum said, leading Alex to his horse. “I did not know that wizards bothered with such common things.”

“I could use a sword before I took my staff,” said Alex. “And my sword is not as common as you might think.”

“So we’ve heard,” said Hathnor, walking up as Alex was speaking. “The king has told us the stories, and your friend Skeld has sworn that they are all true.”

“I cannot say if they are true or not, as I did not hear the stories,” said Alex. “But I know Skeld very well.”

Colesum and Hathnor laughed at Alex’s reply as they climbed onto their horses. They looked impressive in their shining armor, but only Alex knew about the true silver mail he wore under his shirt. They talked with Alex as they rode away from the castle and through the city.

“How many men has Rallian left to hold Talbas?” Alex asked as the city grew small behind them.

“Two hundred of the oldest and youngest warriors,” said Colesum. “We have scouts out, so it is unlikely that Lazar’s army could approach without our knowing.”