The Wizard's Companion: Book Two of the Guardian Trilogy

By Adeana Terrill

Mirshalla, who just found out her real name is Miranda, couldn't believe she was wandering alone in another dangerous forest, in a shredded dress, and with no shoes. Why was it that she was always thrust into dangerous situations in the wrong clothes and without shoes?

She thought she was going meet her cousin the Grand Wizard for the first time, and spend a month as his companion, getting to know him and having him remove her cursed anklet... and hopefully her curse.

Yet here she was, being chased by the evil wizard cousin and his evil wizard cohorts as she dodged deadly monsters at every turn. All while her curse continued to change her in frightening ways.
And what did the fey prophesies of her finding the fabled land of the Fey or of her toppling a kingdom have to do with any of it?
Little does Miranda know she is soon to find out the truth about herself and her curse... and it will shock her to her very core. But worse yet, she will meet a fate that will rip her apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329378025

Book preview

The Wizard's Companion: Book Two of the Guardian Trilogy

The Wizard’s Companion

Book Two of the Guardian Trilogy

By Adeana Terrill

The Wizard’s Companion

Book Two of the Guardian Trilogy

Copyright © 2012 Adeana Terrill

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-329-37802-5

Published by Lulu.com

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced, scanned, uploaded or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious.

All resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidence.

Cover Design by Patrick and Adeana Terrill

Cover art by Deni Curtis

Dedication

For my wonderful daughter Meagan

For putting up with missed games and neglected reading times together for the last few months because her mom was too busy getting her books published.  I love you, sweetie.

Acknowledgments

Katie Rupprecht - For catching my major errors, again… so you don’t have to read them.

Patrick Terrill - For time, energy, and computer savvy… helping me get yet another book published. I love you, hubby.

Lulu.com – My marvelous publisher.

Chapter One

I woke up shortly before dawn and didn’t want to go back to sleep. I had dreamed of Tab, not a premonition dream or anything, just a dream because I missed him. It had been random and included scenes from the stupid faerie Rigadoon that I wanted desperately to forget. Would Tab be out carousing with Galanth while I was gone? Would he actually miss me?

So much had happened in such a short amount of time and Tab felt like my only real life-line, I hated having to leave him to keep him safe. I remembered all the times we used to fight and argue as kids, before the wizards came to kill Jesson. Back when Jesson had been everything to me; guardian, friend, magical teacher… family and Tab had been a rival for Jesson’s attention so we hadn’t gotten along. Now I understood why we had been so mean to each other, now I understood about the spells Jesson had put on our magical anklets to help him control us better. I understood about the cruelty Jesson could show and the curses he could bestow. Now that my new found cousin Aragoth had removed my cursed anklet I only hoped he could remove the curse itself. The curse was still active, I could still feel the changes, and my senses were still incredibly sharp.

Part of me wanted to get up as I wasn’t really tired anymore but I knew it would probably be frowned upon if I tried to wander around the castle so early.

I lay in bed thinking of Tab. I missed him. I was beginning to care as much for him as I had Jesson. Was I in love with Tab? Could our relationship ever become more than an antagonistic brother and sister or working together as friends in a life and death situation? When we had been trying to get to the city of Teresk, chased by the then perceived Evil Wizards we had bonded, at least I knew I had bonded with him. When he had… been with that female sidh during the faerie Rigadoon I had felt the jealousy in me and the anger that he, or any of us non-fey, had been manipulated into that situation. Tab had started changing, maturing, once his cursed anklet had been removed, but what would be the ultimate conclusion to our relationship once I returned to Teresk? Would he ever think of me as a… a man would, could he ever love me?

I sighed heavily and tried to forget the long journey that had driven us to become friends and allies; the flight through dark caverns, over cold mountains and into faerie infested forests that had taught us so much about each other. We had nearly been killed several times, having to save each other and rely on each other, before we were actually saved by Argen and his adventuring party. Argen, the resolute fighter and leader of his small party of adventurers that included his sister the wizard Daria, her husband the elf Lystrel, and that swarthy pirate-like rake Galanth. They had been wonderful to help us, even if they had almost left us once they found that Grand Wizards were after us. But they had helped us after all, although Daria claimed it was just to get a copy of Jesson’s spellbook.

They had been friends, even though Tab and I had only known them a short time. And even when I left with Falcone to come here it was still planned that Tab was going to stay with Argen’s group. I missed them a little, but not as much as I missed Tab. I hoped everyone would be all right while I was gone.

Well, maybe not everyone. That dratted fey Tisaron would probably still be waiting to Watch me when I got back to see if I would become a fey-kin or just be someone with fey blood that the fey ignored. That Watching thing was really annoying, but he had saved my life when Falcone and I were attacked by that wand-wielding evil wizard Morogesh. We had worked together and Tisaron had finally killed the wizard. Could I really hate Tisaron despite the fact that he had tried to trick me into having sex with him at the Rigadoon? I didn’t think so.

I could hardly wait for my month long stay with my new-found cousin to be over and the threat of the evil wizard that was trying to kill me to be over as well. I hadn’t even been here a full day yet but I already wanted to go home. I wonder if Jesson suspected that Tab and I would become friends if he was ever killed and that we might actually escape the caverns he had sent us to, to wait for him or if, as Tab suspected now, Jesson had left us there to die so my cousin could never get me back. I still didn’t understand completely why Jesson kidnapped me when I was a child and took me to raise but I was with my cousin now and Jesson was dead so I guess it really didn’t matter anyway.

I knew I should be glad for the chance to be here with my cousin. I knew I should be glad he got the cursed anklet off me and that he wanted to get to know me and care for me. But I only wanted to be with Tab. I wish Aragoth would have let him come. Still, it was safer for Tab and I guess I could last a month and give my cousin a chance to deal with this other evil wizard Zezaarian as well as for us to get to know each other better.

Although… some things were already striking me as odd.

Last night, after my anklet had been removed but before I went to bed, Aragoth, Falcone, me and the Grand Wizard Garagon the Gray and his apprentice Creese the Crimson had all left the workroom.

We traveled down a hall, very similar to Jesson’s keep, stone with four doors, two on both sides.

These are simply storage rooms and another magical research room. Aragoth had explained as we walked by.

Then we went up a set of stairs that emerged in a large study. I had immediately felt the tingle of magic, the room had at least one spell running, if not more. I wondered what the spells were? I had felt my magic start for the surface and I pushed my power back and fought my urge to Dispel the magic.

This is my personal study. Aragoth continued as we walked quickly through the room and out the door before I got a good look, so all I saw was a cherry wood desk a few shelves and a deep red rug. I don’t want to rush you too much Miranda, but I want to give you a quick tour as I’m sure you’ll want to eat soon and possibly get some sleep. You have an entire month to get to know everything in detail.

We exited the study into what appeared to be the main hallway. We began to walk down it as I suddenly thought of something.

So, do I call you Aragoth, my Lord, cousin, Duke? I’ve never actually met nobility before, especially a noble I was related to. I asked uncertainly.

Aragoth stopped and smiled at me warmly. Yes, I can see where you might be confused. In private feel free to call me Aragoth. Unfortunately, because of my position, I would prefer the formalities be kept in front of others, so you may call me Lord Aragoth or my lord at those times.

I glanced at Falcone, Aragoth’s apprentice, Grand Wizard Garagon the Gray, Duke of Calaban and his apprentice, High Wizard Creese the Crimson. Aragoth and I were definitely in front of ‘others’ now.

Alright… my lord.

Very good Miranda. Then he turned to Falcone. Falcone, please take Lord Garagon and Creese to two of our guest rooms. They will be staying with us for a while. It sounded like an ordinary request but the sudden look of surprise that crossed Falcone’s face told me this was not something that normally occurred.

Uh… certainly, at once my lord. Then Falcone turned and bowed slightly Please follow me Lord Garagon, Creese. And he indicated the stairs further down the corridor, leading upward.

Garagon had stared at Aragoth for several long moments and there was an intensity in his eyes that unnerved me. I don’t know what he was trying to tell Aragoth but it seemed very important to him. I had felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I knew, then and there, I never wanted to be around Garagon if I didn’t have to be, and certainly never alone with him.

Finally Garagon nodded to Aragoth and he and Creese followed Falcone up the stairs. I wanted Falcone to stay, but I was too relieved to have Garagon leave to complain.

Now, shall I start our tour?

Yes, please.

***

Wow. Was all I could say as my newfound cousin and guardian, Aragoth, had shown off a little of his keep to me. Keep? I mean castle, the place was easily twice, if not three times, the size of my former guardians keep.

I’m glad to see you like my home. Your new home, if you choose to stay. Aragoth said warmly.

I didn’t want to think about staying here permanently yet, so I didn’t want to answer that. Luckily, as it happened I didn’t have to answer as my stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly.

Where are my manners? You must be starving and exhausted. Come, let me take you to your room. I have already had dinner sent up for you. It is actually five hours later here than it was in Teresk so don’t be alarmed if you sleep until the sun is high in the sky tomorrow.

We walked up the stairs and passed the second floor and moved on to the third. Then we turned and he led me to a room at the far end of the corridor.

Here you are. And he opened the door. Everything within is yours to do with as you please. He released my arm and turned so he could kiss my hand. Good night, sleep well. If you have need of anything during the night just pull the cord next to your bed. Then he turned and walked off down the corridor and started back down the stairs.

I opened the door and the first thing I saw, and smelled, was food. My stomach rumbled again and I moved quickly to the table.

Hello, m’lady. I heard a feminine voice say.

I turned to see a young woman, maybe sixteen, dressed in a simple yellow frock. As I turned to look at her she curtsied and bowed her head. Her blond hair was a deep rich gold color and when she looked back up at me her eyes were a deep beautiful brown.

Uh… hello. I said and I knew I sounded slightly surprised.

My name is Penna, m’lady, I’m your lady’s maid. May I serve your dinner for you now?

Uh… sure. I hadn’t had a lady’s maid before, just Elda, who had been my nanny then became head housekeeper. She still helped me with dressing when I needed it but otherwise she supervised the maidservants and cooks.

My stomach rumbled again and I looked at the table as Penna held my chair and I sat down. It was covered with two large roast chickens, slices of roast beef with gravy, soft clamath tubers dripping with butter, a bowl of fruits including apples, oranges and kukora as well as warm bread and butter. There was water, cow’s milk, and white wine.

As soon as I sat down I felt a mild magical tingle that suddenly disappeared. A spell just ended. What was it? I thought about asking Penna but it didn’t take me long to figure out it must have been a warming or serving type spell as all the food was still hot, all the food that should be hot that is.

I ate everything. I could hardly believe it. As soon as I started eating my real hunger burst forth like a ravenous beast and I just couldn’t seem to stop. I even drank the entire bottle of wine, and I hate wine. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel any different after drinking the wine than I had before… at least I didn’t think so. How much did one have to drink to get drunk? Thankfully, more than one bottle obviously.

With my stomach full I now took an interest in my room and began looking around, followed closely by Penna. It was large, easily twice as large as my room at Jesson’s keep. Besides the small table I was dining at, which had four chairs, the room had its own sitting area with a small couch, two plush chairs and two small tables as well as a magical clock on the mantle above the fireplace. I was a bit surprised by that as Jesson had only one clock in his keep since he hadn’t wanted a lot of magical items, and that clock had been in his workroom. The ceiling, walls and floor were a deep golden stone like I had never seen before and it was covered here and there with beautiful rugs. It had a huge canopied bed that would easily have held an ogre and a beautiful desk and chair on one side and vanity with mirror and chair on the other. The entire room was decorated in gold, some of it real not just the color, and white and various shades in-between. Even the woods of the doors and furniture were a golden honey color.

I had my own large private washroom that was larger and more magical than the one Tab and I had shared at Jesson’s. It had a magical spray of water Penna called a shower and instead of a pitcher and washbasin it had a marble washbasin in the counter of the vanity. A spigot came out of the wall and slightly out over the washbasin that produced water on command as the pitcher had but it kept your hands free and the basin would empty automatically if it was going to overflow. It was amazing. I didn’t have a standing wardrobe but an entire small room or very large closet filled with clothing that looked as if it would fit me almost perfectly. And of course the washroom and the closet were in the same gold and white colors. Then there were doors that led out onto my own private balcony. Talk about luxury!

Shall I run a bath for you m’lady or turn down the bed? Penna asked shyly.

A long hot bath sounded great.

Run a bath for me please. Then you can turn down the bed and you may leave.

Yes m’lady. She said as she curtsied again and rushed off to the washroom to start my bath. This servant thing was going to get annoying real quick.

I glanced around the room and suddenly realized I was alone. I missed Tab. I missed Argen, Lystrel, Daria and Galanth. Heck, I even missed Tisaron. But I missed Tab the most. I hadn’t even been away from him for a day but I was already wishing I hadn’t needed to come visit my cousin. It was great to find out I had real family and everything, but keeping Tab safe had been the real reason I came.

I walked across the room, opened the doors, and stepped out onto my balcony.

It overlooked a large river that was deep and fast moving, and when seen by moonlight, along with my new heightened vision, the water seemed as dark a blue as my mood. My heightened senses were still with me. Losing the anklet hadn’t caused me to lose the senses. I looked out past the river to the dense forest beyond that completely filled my view except for the star filled sky. I heard footsteps and knew Penna was coming to get me.

Your bath is ready m’lady.

Thank you Penna. I continued to gaze at the river below.

That is the river Tilabrix and beyond is Taxyl Forest. Penna offered.

Thank you for that information Penna. I probably would have asked her questions if I wasn’t feeling so gloomy, but my curiosity seemed dead right now. I turned and walked inside and into the washroom, closing the door behind me. I definitely didn’t want her offering to help me bathe or anything.

I took a long bath making sure to get all the blood on my ankle washed off and used the new shower to rinse myself off, it was strange but nice. I dried off with soft fluffy towels and with a towel wrapped around me I went into my wardrobe. There I changed into pretty pink undergarments and a pink nightgown.

I found my bed turned down but was surprised to see my table cleared and cleaned. I hadn’t told Penna to do that, but maybe she knew she needed to or something.

I expected that come tomorrow the mild questioning would begin; like did all the heightened senses disappear when the anklet was removed? And I’d have to say no. Who knows where it will go from there? Maybe once cursed always cursed or cursed to be as I was when the anklet was removed or… I really didn’t want to think about it anymore.

Wherever you are Tab, good night and sleep well. I miss you. I whispered as I climbed into the huge and very comfortable bed. Tomorrow I’ll ask Aragoth how and when he’s going to kill Zezaarian. Once he’s no longer a threat I can come home… well, not home… just back to be with you. I tried to go to sleep but my mind kept drifting to Aragoth. Part of me wanted to blame Aragoth for having enemies like Jesson and Zezaarian. One wizard who would kidnap me and raise me as his own to get even with my cousin and to use as a hostage against him and the other wizard who just wanted to kill me because he knew it would hurt and upset my cousin. The other part of me wanted to forgive Aragoth, as it wasn’t his fault some people didn’t like him. He had spent a long time trying to find me and rescue me from Jesson and then again to try and bring me home before Zezaarian’s people could kill me. He seemed to care about me and seemed to want to get to know me again and make me feel at home.

He’s my guardian as well as my cousin and I want this to work. With any luck at all after I have been his companion for a month and we have established our relationship maybe he will let Tab come and live here as well. Maybe he will even continue Tabs training. This could be so great.

So why did I have these doubts?

If he wanted us to spend this quality companionship time together, why were Garagon and Creese still here? Aragoth had said they were going to stay for a while and Falcone had shown genuine surprise at that, I wonder why?

Oh well, maybe I was just still mixed up by the curse. I forced my mind away from thoughts of Aragoth and despite the new place, new people, excitement and dreams of the previous night… I had quickly fallen asleep.

Chapter Two

I got tired of lying in bed and eventually got up and spent a very long time examining my new wardrobe. Finally, I changed into new green undergarments, a pretty green dress and matching green slippers all of which fit perfectly. I looked at myself in the room’s mirror and swept my long brown hair behind my ears as I noticed how my green eyes really shown in the outfit.

It was all absolutely beautiful and wonderful and I still would have given it all up in a heartbeat to be back with Tab again.

I smelled food cooking and decided it was time to get something to eat before my stomach began embarrassing me again.

I left my room and wandered down to where Aragoth had shown me the dining room was.

I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Aragoth said in surprise as I entered the dining room for breakfast. How are you feeling this morning?

I hadn’t actually slept that long but I woke up feeling refreshed and full of energy. It might not be so bad to keep all these changes… just so long and I didn’t keep changing.

I feel fine, thank you. And you?

I feel very well, thank you. It appears you and I are the only early risers this morning. He said indicating all the empty chairs at the table. I looked around the dining hall. I hate to say it but it was also similar to Jesson’s. The only real differences were that Jesson had used mahogany and chandeliers while Aragoth used a honey-gold colored…oak maybe, and magical lighting.

I sat down next to Aragoth on his right since he was sitting at the end of the table and immediately a young serving woman appeared. She was maybe five and a half feet tall, thirtyish and yellow was the best word I had for her. She had a lightly tan complexion with short blond hair, hazel eyes, and was dressed in a golden yellow dress covered in a bright yellow apron and matching golden yellow shoes. She had a plate of eggs, toast, bacon, and sliced kukora in her right hand and a large glass of milk in her left. She smiled brightly at me as she set the food and drink before me.

Anything else I can get for you m’lady? She asked as she curtsied slightly.

No, thank you this is great.

Well, if you need anything at all m’lady, my name in Minzette. She curtsied again and went to stand near the wall. It was obvious she wouldn’t leave until we were done or asked for something else she needed to go get.

Aragoth must have noticed my earlier scrutiny of the dining room as he offered an explanation.

Jesson and I were not always enemies. We were colleagues for a long time and worked on many projects together before we grew to hate each other. He lived here with me for many years before he left to set up his own keep. It didn’t surprise me when I learned his keep was set up very similar to mine… Jesson had very little originality.

A month ago I would have leapt to Jesson’s defense, now I simply shrugged.

Is your room satisfactory?

It is more than I could have hoped for. Thank you. Especially the clothes… How did you know my size?

I had Falcone appropriate some of your old wardrobe at Jesson’s and had your new garments made using them as models. Then we burned the old garments.

He was being so nice and pleasant but his words and actions spoke of his hatred for Jesson and it made me uneasy.

Did you sleep well?

Should I tell him? Aragoth was Falcone’s Master… had he told him everything I had told him? Was there a point to me not telling him? I took a bite of my eggs before I sighed and answered him.

I slept alright… but I dreamed about Tab. I miss him very much. I looked back at my plate and took two more bites of egg and a bite of kukora before I raised my eyes to his again. He had already eaten most of his food before I arrived but seemed content to pick at it and keep me company.

Do you think in a month Tab could come and live here too? Maybe you could even help train him? He knows a lot. Daria even gave him a wizard test and said he passed, that he was a Novitiate Wizard. I watched his face as I asked and I saw him frown slightly. He seemed to think about it for several moments before he answered me.

I think we should wait and have this discussion later. I asked you to come here and be my companion for a month so we could get to know each other. If you are constantly thinking or talking about this Tabinus or making plans for when he might arrive then I don’t think you are giving our relationship enough time and consideration. I will think about it but only on the agreement that you do not mention it or him for the next month… Do you agree?

I began feeling very uncomfortable and looked to the dining room door.

Isn’t Falcone going to be joining us for breakfast? I really wanted to see Falcone suddenly and I especially didn’t want to agree not to mention Tab for a month.

Aragoth was watching me intently and now he shrugged.

If you cannot agree, then the answer is no.

I heard the finality in his voice and it turned me cold. I could be ruining a chance for me and Tab to be together again in a safe and comfortable place with a chance for Tab to possibly learn from several different wizards… all because I couldn’t deal with a month of separation anxiety.

Alright, I agree.

Then I will think about it. As for Falcone, he is away on an errand today but he will be back tomorrow. Today I would like to run some tests if you don’t mind. I want to make sure that curse has really been dealt with. Knowing Jesson the way I do, I’m not sure it would have been as simple as removing the anklet. Not that removing it was easy for you, but he probably presumed that I would remove it somewhere along the way.

I guess you can run some tests but… I can tell you right now that I’m still changed… it didn’t go away. I just don’t know if I’ll keep changing now that the anklet is off.

He nodded. That is why I want to run the tests. So we can find that out.

Will they hurt?

They are all magical in nature though we will need to get some of your hair, fingernails and blood. I will try to make it as painless as possible.

I was suddenly having a very bad feeling about this and I wanted to talk to Falcone.

Who is the ‘we’?

Lord Garagon, Creese and I.

I… uh… no offense Aragoth, uh, I mean my lord… but I think I want to talk to Falcone first. I don’t… feel right about doing these tests. I need to talk to Falcone.

Aragoth frowned and looked at me curiously.

How much time did you and Falcone spend together?

What did he tell you?

Why are you suddenly trying to be difficult? His eyes narrowed and his smiling face disappeared. The problem was, I couldn’t explain why I felt this way.

I… I don’t know.

I’ll accept that answer. The curse may be affecting you mentally as well as physically. That is why it is so important for us to run the tests. Please Miranda, allow us to do this. He had a concerned look on his face now.

No Tab, no Falcone, this didn’t feel right but what should I do?

I could put the tests off until tomorrow when Falcone gets back if you feel he can give you some moral support. I’m just afraid of what might happen before then. The choice is yours Miranda. Would you prefer to go horseback riding or swimming instead?

That sounded wonderful… but I should probably do the tests… just in case.

No, I’ll do the tests, but can we do the other things tomorrow?

He smiled then and I knew I’d pleased him.

Of course. Now finish your breakfast so we can get started.

May I ask one more thing?

You may.

When are you going to kill Zezaarian?

He froze and his face became an unreadable mask. He glanced at Minzette and she lowered her head nervously and stared at the floor.

Do not speak of such matters in front of the servants… or anyone else other than myself. We shall discuss it later. Then he stared pointedly at my food.

I ate every bite of my breakfast and was surprised that I was still hungry. I wasn’t going to say anything but my stomach grumbled and gave me away so Aragoth had Minzette, the serving girl, bring me another full plate of food and a glass of orange juice along with another glass of milk. And I hate to say it, but I ate all of it as well. This time it almost filled me up, I still could have eaten some more but I utterly refused to have three helpings! Minzette waited around to see if I might want even more.

Are you still hungry m’lady? Would you like som’more?

No Minzette, thank you. That will be all.

Aragoth rose from his seat and pulled mine back for me. Then he took my right hand in his left and led me from the room.

***

Have you noticed if your changes have gone away since we removed the anklet? Garagon asked. We had met Garagon and Creese coming to breakfast just as we left the room and they decided to wait on breakfast and assist with the tests right away.

I sighed deeply. Here come more questions. I shook my head slowly.

I’m still changed. Nothing is any different than before.

So exactly what changes have you noticed? Garagon continued. He didn’t seem surprised that I was still changed, neither did Creese.

Well, I can see in the dark, like a cat does I guess. I can see almost as if it were daylight, except for the colors. And even during the day I’ve started to notice I can see farther and more clearly. I hear a lot better and I… uh… I can smell better, with my nose I mean. I even tracked Ta… uh, tracked people before. I also seem to need less sleep than I did before. Before my first fever sleep, I mean. I haven’t noticed any changes since my second fever sleep but I know I changed again.

How do you know you changed again if you haven’t seen any proof? Creese asked.

I shrugged. I just know. It was part of the dream I had when I was asleep, just like the first time. I know I’ve changed.

What dream? Aragoth asked curiously.

I explained my two dreams to them and waited for their responses.

Interesting. Aragoth said calmly. And how far from the light did you leave this thing?

What do you mean?

Could you estimate a timeframe as to how long it might take for this thing to reach the light?

I couldn’t tell. There’s no real way to judge time and the thing keeps stopping and… uh… I just have no idea.

They were silent for several moments, just looking back and forth at each other.

We really didn’t expect the changes to just disappear, so don’t worry. We do need to start those tests now though. Are you going to be alright with the tests? Aragoth asked kindly.

Yea, I guess, as long as they don’t really hurt.

We’ll try to make sure they don’t. Aragoth said reassuringly.

They led me down to the workroom and Garagon and Creese immediately began pouring over spellbooks and mixing ingredients.

You can sit right here in this chair. Garagon said indicating a chair at the table he was starting to work at. I glanced up at Aragoth and he nodded.

I have some things to prepare myself so I will leave you in Lord Garagon’s capable hands. He said as he pushed me slightly in Garagon’s direction. Then he walked over to the furthest and largest worktable, seeming to lose interest in us.

I walked over and sat down in the indicated chair and Garagon smiled and nodded.

Very good. Now the first few spells are simple divination types, very quick and easy. If however, we need some stronger spells after that, we will need some of your hair and blood. But not to worry, we’ll do the simple spells first, and they may be enough… don’t worry. He said soothingly.

I did worry when he mentioned blood. It had hurt like heck cutting my wrist like that the last time, when I was helping Jesson do the Blood Magic spells to try and save his life. I had had to do it several times and I never wanted to do it again, especially since I didn’t have my anklet and its healing ability anymore. But, he said he might not need my blood…

He was sitting directly opposite me, with his book in front of him and a small bowl of powder. He looked me up and down very intently then his gaze stopped at my hand.

Do you have anything magical on? He asked, eyeing my magical ring that let me float down from falls like a feather.

I glanced down at my ring, remembering being with Tab when we found it and how I had used it to get Tab and me away from Zezaarian’s apprentice Morogesh by jumping off a cliff when he started shooting lightning bolts at us.

I nodded and answered. My ring is magical and… my locket.

You will need to remove them so their magic doesn’t interfere with the spells findings. What type of ring is it?

I didn’t like removing the ring, but I wanted these tests over as quickly as possible so what choice did I have?

I started to remove the ring while I answered him. It lets me fall really slowly, like a feather or such.

Ah, is that what you used to escape off the cliff? Garagon asked.

Yes. I held out the ring and Garagon took it and placed it back on the table.

And the locket? He continued.

It’s a fey locket of luck, but… do I really need to take it off? I really didn’t want to lose the most familiar thing I had with me.

Yes, you must take if off but you can set it on the table there in front of you if it will make you feel better. I have heard of these Lockets of Luck and while you may not think it would interfere with my spells, anything fey can behave quite strangely around real magic.

I reached up and took off the locket but placed it carefully just in front of me on the table.

Garagon then nodded and began double checking his spellbook and powder.

I am starting the first spell now. He explained just before he started the gestures and incantations. I felt the mild tingling of Garagon’s power and it felt wrong somehow… tainted maybe. A shiver ran along my spine and in that instant I knew I didn’t want his spell to work. He threw the powder on me from the bowl and before I knew it I felt my power flare, stronger than it ever had before. It connected with Garagon’s magic and his spell failed as my Dispel drained its power away and gave it to me. I gasped at the rush of power and a feeling, not of mild pleasure as happened with most magic, but a feeling of wrongness. It didn’t feel good at all… and for a simple spell there had been a lot of power there. What the…? I hadn’t even held up my hands, let alone said ‘Dispel’. What was going on?

What the drek? Garagon exclaimed in sudden confusion, as I brushed powder out of my hair and off my clothes.

What’s the matter my lord? Creese asked