Alzallie: Wizards of Wes Tyree

By Larence Lee

Wizard master Zarlaam travels every summer seeking out new apprentices. He discovers a beautiful orphan of about fifteen, with more magical inner-strength than he has ever encountered. She confides her darkest secret to his trust.

Bershome is sent by his grandfather, Lord Paxtare to investigate the death of a yearling calf. Strange claw marks on the calf's neck and footprints around the kill indicate a strange creature killed and ate part of the animal.

Lady Robin, approaching the age of ten and potential apprentice is attacked by a mountain lion. Zarlaam is summoned to help her. Bershome takes a foolish action that causes him injury.

Lord Paxtare sends Bershome with soldiers to stop a border conflict between to rival barons over the question of a young man violating a young woman from another village.

Bershome goes to help a village destryoyed by fire of the Gods from heaven and discovers Wes Tyree is being invaded.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larence Lee
• Release date: Jan 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781954359017

Larence Lee

Larence Lee hated books until as a teen Then he discovered young adult mysteries series and became an avid reader. His love of reading grew to include adventure, science fiction, mystery, and fantasy. While in the military, he spent hisfree time reading and nurturing his imagination.  It was his English 101 instructor that told him he needed to write. The seed was planted. Other responsibilities kept him busy and writing was a last priority, until he got a computer. Larence wrote for his own entertainment and pleasure for two decades before beginning the journey to publication.

Book preview

THE WIZARDS of WES TYREE

BOOK TWO

ALZALLIE

CHAPTER ONE

MASTER ZARLAAM STEPPED down from his coach before the Crock and Kettle Inn. He stretched and leaned back to get the kinks out of his body as he looked at the early autumn sky. He raked back his long graying hair before donning his large floppy hat. Heroct, the road is rather rough today, he claimed. This looks like a fine place to spend the rest of the day and evening. I'll arrange our lodgings. He stroked his grey streaked beard down to regain control over its wind-blown wildness before he entered the tavern part of the inn. As he found an empty table, a serving girl approached him.

Zarlaam nodded his head. Good day, your Lordship. How may we serve you today? She proceeded to spread a cloth over the table.

And to you. I’ve need of lodgings for the evening and care for my horses and coach. My men and I are hungry, as well. He said as he took a seat.

We have a stew that people travel miles to enjoy, sir. How many men are with your Lordship?

Two.

You, sir, look like a man that prefers ale over mead, sir.

Excellent conclusion. Bring ales for my companions also. Moments later, Zarlaam relished the cool beverage and looked about the dining hall as he waited. A few minutes later, his men arrived.

Ah, you are so good to us, Master Zarlaam, Garsel said and took a hearty draw on his ale.

Your lunch, me Lord. The maiden placed a tray on the table. She put a steaming bowl and spoon in front of each man and a plate on the table with a loaf of bread. Garsel pulled out his knife and cut large chunks of the bread free. He took one and slid the plate over to Zarlaam.

The master took a chunk of bread and slid the plate over to Heroct. But he paused with his hand on the plate. He smiled and whispered, Heroct, feel the plate.

Heroct laid his fingers on it and, after a moment, smiled at the master. As an afterthought, Zarlaam placed his hand on the side of his bowl. The bowl is not the same. How about yours?

No, Master, Heroct said as he rubbed his bowl."

Garsel looked back and forth between the two. Have I missed something, sir?

No, Garsel. Heroct and I have discovered a very special plate.

Garsel looked at it and shrugged at his failure to understand their discovery as they gave attention to their meal.

The barmaid returned with a large pitcher in each hand. Would his Lordship care for more ale?

I'm quite fine. However, these two are parched as a desert wind.

She poured ale into each of their flagons. We have a single room ready for the three of you, sir.

Excellent. Miss, I find the design of the plate interesting. Could you perchance tell me where you got your dinnerware?

Certainly, sir. They are made right here in our town.

I believe I'll go see what he has before I settle in.

She gave him directions to the shop.

After the meal, Zarlaam placed coins in front of Garsel. Garsel, Heroct and I are going for a walk. Pay for our meal, room, and care of the horses. We will return in a bit.

Ready when you are, Master. Heroct gulped down the last of his ale.

They left and strolled the short distance to the pottery shop.

Good day, your lordship. How may I serve you? A balding, short, skinny man addressed them.

I took notice of your wares at the inn.

Yes, sir. I call those my economy set. We make lots of them and sell locally and abroad to inns. They are quite durable and not as expensive to replace. The bowls are a lot better than trenchers. They don't leak on the table.

You are starting a new fashion in dining. What would the poor do without their share from the tables of the nobles?

They can still be given their crust of bread. The cook could pour the extra soup into it for flavor.

I can see that reasoning. May I look at more of your wares?

This way, me Lord. I carry only three styles. Our finer chinaware is purchased by many nobles in the kingdom. I can also make special decoration colors for a minor fee if me lord wishes. The man led them over to a wall of shelves where dishes were on display. We can also put your family crest in them. He pointed to a couple of samples.

Zarlaam placed a hand on several different dishes as the proprietor explained the name of each style. He bent down and took an economy style plate from a lower shelf and felt it. He detected magic in it also. Heroct, what do you think of this dish, he said as he handed the plate over. From the corner of his eye, he saw the proprietor's shoulders sag as if he were losing out on a profitable sale.

Excellent, Master. I think it would be good for daily use, and the apprentices would be less likely to break or chip them. We could use finer dishware for visitors and such.

Tell me, sir, how many of these plates and bowls of this design have you? he asked as he examined a couple more of them.

I have fifty of each ready for shipment. There are more in our kiln now.

These plates are well crafted and consistent in their making. Usually, I find dishes vary in thickness between pieces and some within a single piece itself.

I find the best craftsmen for the job. All these plates are made by the same person. And the bowls are made by another. Their experience and skill are with only one dish. They have templates to control the thickness. That gives me better quality.

Zarlaam picked up another plate for a finer style. This plate is not made by the same person.

Excellent observation, your Lordship. My maker of that economy-style plate has only worked here about a year. Once she has proven her skill, I can put her on the finer styles.

She is ready. Zarlaam said.

I'll consider testing her someday.

I would like to meet this craftsman.

She is just a silly uneducated peasant girl, sir.

Zarlaam gave him a narrow-eyed look. I shall meet this craftsman. You will take me to her.

The man leaned back with his eyes wide, and they danced in their sockets, jerking left, right, and back for a moment. I... I suppose so. Right this way. The man turned and led the way through the store into the shop. Several potters worked at spinning tables making different dishes and bowls. They walked through the shop and stopped at a table where a young lady worked on a plate. The girl was about fourteen or fifteen and wore shabby clothing, had disheveled light brown hair, and mud blotches on her face. Her beauty astounded Zarlaam in spite of her appearance.

Girl, this gentleman wants a word with you.

She leaned back as she moved her hands away from the plate. She stood and curtsied. Your Lordship. She lowered her head after a glance at him and kept it down.

I wish to shake the hand of the craftsman of such fine consistent quality of the plates I'm about to purchase. I didn't expect it to be such a lovely lass as such yourself. He held out his hand to her.

She glanced at her hand covered with wet clay and wiped it across her apron in an attempt to clean it. My apology, sir. My hands are filthy.

Nonsense, He chuckled. that is the fine clay for making pottery. It helps make the skin soft also. What is your name, child?

I’m Brooke, me Lord.

He took her hand in his. As they touched, he made a slight jerk at the magic he felt emitting through their grasp. Only he and Brooke noticed it.

Are you alright, your Lordship? she asked, raising her head to look at him.

He stared a moment into her deep green eyes. Uh, yes. I'm fine. What time do you get off work do for the day?

At sunset, sir.

I wish for you to dine with us this evening and discuss a few things. My man here, Heroct, will come to escort you.

She can't, your Lordship. She has to clean up after we close, the proprietor said.

Zarlaam stared at him a moment as his lip curled up on one side before he spoke. I see no harm in one evening. I will be greatly disappointed if she is late. You will see to it that she comes in a timely manner and clean the shop yourself.

The man’s eyes jerked about again. I’ll make an exception today, sir. I'll see that she is ready when your man arrives.

Do that. I'll return in the morning to make my purchase.

Zarlaam bowed his head at Brooke. Until dinner, Miss Brooke. He turned and left. Heroct followed him as they strolled through the village. Zarlaam was in deep thought and stepping without looking about. Heroct remained silent beside him. Zarlaam unconsciously strolled down the road leading out of town.

Master, we are headed out of town, Heroct finally spoke.

He jerked up his head and looked about. Yes? Oh. Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts. Zarlaam pivoted and headed the right way.

That is why Captain Afreck told us to always accompany you, sir.

Brooke is a troubled child. Her magic is very strong. She knows she is fey and is afraid of it as well.

Which fey, Master?

I couldn’t tell. I’m certain she knows. We shall see when we dine with her privately this evening.

I advise against it, Master. We know not what she is capable of.

There is no evil in her heart; only sorrow, troubles, and fear. Thus, the reason we will dine in our private room. You and Garsel will be there as well. For all’s safety.

CHAPTER TWO

MASTER ZARLAAM AND Garsel sat waiting in their room with the door open. The common bedroom was full, which cause them to use a smaller room. The men had hauled a table and chairs upstairs. They had to set the beds on end against the wall in order to make room. The serving girl came in carrying a large tray with their dishes and one of boiled vegetables drenched in butter and trenchers. The cook followed carrying another of roasted beef.

I hope this will be sufficient, your Lordship.

Yes, this is plenty. Oh, Zarlaam placed his hand on his chest and swayed in his chair, It smells so divine. I may not be able to restrain myself until my guest arrives.

The cook and girl laughed at the compliment.

Perhaps, a couple of pitchers of ale and one of fruit juice, Zarlaam said.

Right away, me Lord. The girl curtsied.

Garsel’s self-restraint slipped, and he reached for a morsel laying on the edge of the tray. Zarlaam cleared his throat, and Garsel snatched his hand back as if burned. The serving girl returned with their drinks and left as Heroct and Brooke arrived.

Good evening, Miss Brooke, Zarlaam greeted her as they stood.

Good evening, me Lord. She curtsied.

Heroct closed the door and leaned Zarlaam’s staff against it.

Come, have a seat and let us dine.

Brooke turned sideways and looked at the closed door before she sat at the table opposite Zarlaam. He watched as she held her hand against her waist, and he suspected she had a knife hidden in her clothing.

Miss Brooke, if you are uncomfortable, we can leave the door open. Zarlaam offered.

Well...

I brought you here to offer you a better life than making pottery and would prefer our conversation be conducted in private.

He saw a flash of a smile, but then she pressed her lips together and narrowed her eyes to stare at him. What are you offering?

He waved his hand over the table to get her attention to the food. Shall we dine as we discuss your future? She lowered herself to the seat. Garsel took a knife and cut away a large chunk of roast, and put it on her plate.

You see. Miss Brooke, Zarlaam pointed his index finger at a mug, and it rose from the table to float to her. I am a wizard.

She grasped it and smiled at him.

We have ale and fruit juice.

Fruit juice, please, sir.

Juice it is, he agreed, grasping the pitcher and filling her mug. When I held your hand, I detected a very strong presence of natural magical ability in you, stronger than I have ever felt in any person before. I also sensed for some reason, this magic causes you great grief and fear. But you may rest assured your secret is safe with us.

My life depends on it, me Lord.

Zarlaam smiled at her willingness to talk about it. You will never be safer than with us. Heroct has put a spell of silence on the door with my staff so that we cannot be heard. Toss your spoon against it if you have doubts.

Your floating mug was proof enough, sir. She paused to sip some fruit juice.

"I would like you to come to our home and study magic. I currently have about twenty-five apprentices. Heroct here was one.

So, what I say will not go beyond this room?" Brooke paused a moment and looked at each man.

Rest assured.

I am not a normal person. My mother explained it to me when I was younger.

What species of fey are you?

Fey? I don’t know what that is. My mother said we were Alzallie.

You poor child. Zarlaam sighed and slanted his head to one side slightly. How old are you?

I’ll be fifteen next spring.

Zarlaam took a deep breath in relief.

My mother was taken over by her demon shortly after she turned fifteen.

I see why you are so worried. Did something bad happen to her then? Usually, it occurs around three of four years later.

She lowered her head. She was attacked by three men. She said her demon took over and slaughtered them. She fled from the village. She tried to stay away from people. She was afraid they would kill her, like a mob of villagers finally did. I fled to this village to hide when she was killed a year ago.

Fear for one’s life can bring out the demon early. Are you aware Alzallie can learn to control their demon? The stronger the person’s will is, the easier it will be. Perhaps we can teach you.

Her eyes widened at his words. How?

You are afraid of your demon. That gives it strength over you. If you learn to control your fear, you will be stronger. It will be your best weapon against the demon. Also, we will work on your magical abilities.

Then I’ll go with you.

Excellent, let’s eat before our food gets cold.

Between bites, Brooke riddled them with questions about their home. After they finished, Brooke stood to leave.

Thank you for the best meal I have had in over a year and a pleasant evening. She smiled brightly, I’ll pack what few things I have to take with me and be ready to leave in the morning, Master Zarlaam.

I wouldn’t let on that you are leaving your employer.

Considering I live in his unused chicken coop, he will see me returning for the night.

If I may ask without offending you, has he made you offers?

He has. Her face twitched with a slight snarl. Several, he also pays me less than half what he pays the boys and men, and my plates are better quality. I believe he is trying to keep me impoverished to make me feel desperate and that only he can rescue me from it.

I would agree. He will be suspicious tonight.

He may refuse me my wages due. He only pays me once a month. He has threatened to throw me out in fits of drunken rage before when I have refused his advances.

I’ll see that he will be very happy to settle your wages in full entitlement tomorrow. If he gives you troubles tonight, come here, and I will put you up in a room, or if necessary, I’ll forfeit my own bed for you.

I couldn’t ask you to do that, your Lordship. She shook her head.

Your welfare now falls under my responsibility, Miss Brooke. I would consider it appropriate for you to abide by my decisions as they come. I promise you a better, safer life, and I promise, you may leave our home any time of your choosing.

She glanced down and back up. Her cheeks were a touch rosier. Yes, me Lord.

He winked at her. Excellent, we will meet you in the morning at the shop then.

Thank you for rescuing me from myself, sir. She rose and extended her hand to him.

All the men stood, and Zarlaam grasped her hand with a gentle squeeze. We will try. He smiled. Heroct will escort you home and linger in the shadows to render any aid you may need for an hour or so as you see fit.

Two hours later, Heroct returned with a big grin on his face.

Zarlaam leaned back in the chair and looked at him. Any troubles?

Not really. I waited for him at the gate of the chicken pen. I tapped him on the noggin with my wand and told him he was afraid of the dark because bats could crap on him. Then it would eat through his clothes and rot his skin away to the bone. He ran like a frightened kid back to his house.

They laughed.

The next morning, Zarlaam purchased his plates and bowls. Then he had a word with the merchant. You will pay Miss Brooke all her wages due in full. You will also give her a hundred crowns for wages you cheated her out of and be happy about it. You will also wish her well in her new travels. The man’s eyes danced back and forth in their sockets, and he nodded.

She was teary-eyed when she joined him in the coach. Thank you, sir. I feared he would call the constable to have me arrested for theft to keep me from leaving.

I would not have let that happen, child. How about we spend the boring time traveling by starting your learning with my rules of magic?

She perked up and smiled. Please, let’s do.

CHAPTER THREE

A WEEK LATER, MASTER Zarlaam sat beside his brother, Lord Karel Paxtare at the head table for breakfast and worked to catch up on his mail that arrived in his absence. He leaned over, whispered to his brother, and passed him the letter.

The man read it and smiled. Will you be leaving to fetch him?

If I may use Bershome, my Lord? This trip would be faster astride a horse than by coach.

The man nodded. He could take some of his older friends as well. I’ll send Captain Afreck and a few troops along too.

Bershome arrived in the dining hall. He looked at the head table on his way to his favorite seat among the apprentices. Zarlaam gave him a beckoning wave.

The young man stood pushing six feet in height, brushed back his shoulder-length brown hair, and changed his route to the head table. Morning, Grandfather. Master Zarlaam, what may I do for you, sir?

How would you and some of the older lads like to take a trip for a couple of weeks? I need you to fetch an apprentice. Captain Afreck and a couple of soldiers will go with you.

Excellent news, master. He looked at his grandfather and received a nod of his approval. I’ll check with the guys, sir, and get the details later. He went to the apprentice table. "Trejann, Jartus, I need to see you after breakfast. He moved down the table and joined Martello. The young man was a year younger and wore his dark hair to his shoulders as well.

Martello, how would you feel about a road trip for a couple of weeks, with you, me, Trejann, and Jartus?

Fine, count me in. By the way, where are we going?

Don’t know. He shrugged.

How are we getting there?

Most likely by horseback.

Martello scrunched his eyebrows. How long is the road?

It is only from here to the end and back.

That isn’t what I’m worried about. It is the trip home that can be the longest.

Ah, but that is the short half of the road, my friend for by then you know the distance. Bershome raised a hand, palm up.

Why are we making this trip? Martello stuffed a sausage in his mouth and chewed.

To fetch a new apprentice.

I can be packed and saddled up in ten minutes.

"That is