Magician's Genesis: Dark Mage Series, #6

By D. Bruce Cotton

Death, destruction, and unrelenting war…
…is all the people of Tantris have known for generations. But with the end of the Dark Mage war, a new era begins—one of safety, healing and a peace long hoped for. After centuries of struggle, the Dark Mage is dead, killed by Adam Gray in an epic battle beneath the fiery catacombs of Mount Dismay.
Or at least the world thought so.
When an assassin's arrow turns matchless joy to grieving despair, it marks but the first of many blows signaling the rebirth of an age-old nemesis. And this time, Adam will find himself overmatched and woefully unprepared.
Together with Craigen the giant, Adam embarks on a crucial quest. He must seek a means to answer the unanswerable: How to salvage a love already lost? How to redeem the lives of friends half a world away? And one transcendent question, one whose answer will determine whether thousands live or die:
How do you kill a monster who is already dead?

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. Bruce Cotton
• Release date: Jan 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201819439

D. Bruce Cotton

D. Bruce Cotton grew up in a small rural town in central Kentucky. A certified bibliophile, when he wasn’t digging through the local store’s latest delivery of comic books, you could usually find him camped out in a corner of the town library, avidly reading the literary masters: Isaac Asimov, Edgar Rice Burroughs and J.R.R. Tolkien. After graduating with a somewhat useless degree in English, he went to work for Uncle Sam, serving as a statistical clerk at a nerve gas laboratory, a public affairs specialist, and for 28 years as a writer and editor for PS Magazine, an Army comic book designed to teach Soldiers how to care for their equipment. Now retired, Bruce lives in Cold Spring, KY, with his wife, Cindy, and 6-year-old standard poodle, Gracie. He’s the author of seven books in the epic Dark Mage fantasy series: Magician's Dawn (a prequel), Magician’s Heir, Magician’s Return, Magician’s Quest, Magician's Loss, Magician's War, and Magician's Genesis. To find more about these books and future additions to the series, go to: https://dbrucecotton.com

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Chapter 1, Nuptials

Adam Gray stood in front of a full-length mirror, frowning at his reflection. The dark gray trousers and matching coat didn’t bother him so much. But the white shirt, with its fancy ruffles at the chest and wrist, made him look like a popinjay. He tried to smile, but it looked more like a weak-looking grin.

My wedding day, he murmured aloud.

The grin strengthened a little. He supposed putting up with a frilly shirt for one day wouldn’t kill him. And it seemed a small price to pay for spending the rest of his life with Alecia. Hell, for her he might even be willing to wear it tomorrow, too.

The grin broadened into a full-fledged smile. Much better, he thought.

He brushed at the sprig of hair hanging down over his forehead once more before giving it up as wasted effort. The lock always seemed to have a life of its own and, short of cutting it off, he wouldn’t tame it anytime soon.

A knock at the door startled Adam from his daydreams.

Come in, he called out, brushing at his hair once again.

When the mage turned to the opening door, a set of long legs greeted him. Clad in the same gray trousers Adam wore, the legs rose almost to the doorway’s lintel before vanishing. A second later, a head appeared as the legs’ owner bent almost double to peer inside the room. Gray-skinned and hairless, the visitor’s deep-set eyes fixed Adam with a look of gentle patience. A broad smile lightened the solidity of the wide, flat nose and square jaw.

After squeezing through the doorframe, the giant straightened once again. Adam bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing aloud. Twelve-feet tall and with thick, oaken muscles, Craigen wore a shirt and coat matching Adam’s save for the size. A T-Rex dressed in a tuxedo would look only marginally more ludicrous. Well, maybe.

Adam stared a moment before speaking. Craigen, you look...

Choose your words with care, Adam, Craigen rumbled, smile disappearing. Inserting a finger into the tight collar of his shirt, the giant gave a quick yank. He withdrew the finger when the seams gave an audible pop. Being forced to wear such attire threatens the very bonds of friendship.

Uh, Adam paused, revising his response. I was going to say ‘amazing.’

Craigen’s eyes narrowed. Clearly, he didn’t believe his friend.

What’s up? Adam asked, trying to change the subject.

The giant slapped a palm to his cheek. Forgive me, my friend. I forgot. It is time.

Adam felt a swarm of butterflies take flight in his stomach. The weeks of anticipation didn’t make him any less nervous. Licking dry lips, he muttered, Too bad Aristomus is away. It would’ve meant a lot to Alecia to have him here.

Aye, admitted the giant. "But it may be months before Aristomus, Kate, and the others return from their mission. And Alecia says she has waited too long already. Captain Henslow is perfectly capable of fulfilling the father’s responsibilities.

Now then, Adam. You have delayed long enough. Come, everyone waits for us.

Yeah, yeah. I’m coming. He followed behind as Craigen folded himself through the doorway again. "Listen, before we do this, I want to thank you again for sticking around to be my best man. It’s not a traditional part of the marriage ceremonies here, but it’s kind of important where I come from.

I know you intended to return to your family a few weeks ago and... Adam ducked his head, face flushed. Well, I just want you to know you’re the best friend I’ve ever known.

Craigen placed a dinner plate-sized hand on the mage’s shoulder and drew him to a stop. Then he dropped to one knee to bring his face closer to Adam’s.

"After you first defeated the Dark Mage, I often visited the mountain pass where you and Aristomus disappeared. Each time, I would pause there, giving thanks for the circumstances which brought us together. You not only redeemed my people, Adam, but you made it possible for my family to grow and flourish. For many years, I regretted the inability to tell you these things. I will do so no longer.

I love you, Adam, Craigen said, tears glistening in his eyes. You are like a brother to me and the best friend I have ever known.

Adam swallowed a sudden lump in his throat and seized the giant’s neck in a hug. When he let go, he wiped both eyes on a sleeve. He glanced up, surprised to see the giant with wet cheeks, too.

Darn it. Alecia will have our hides if we show up with stains on our jackets. He smiled to take the sting out of his words. Okay, then. Let’s get this show on the road.

THOUGH HE CAME FROM a very different world, Adam often felt surprised by the similarities between Earth and Tantris. Take marriage ceremonies, for instance. Both required a large, formal room with an aisle for presentation of the bride; an official to preside over the wedding; an exchange of rings; formal clothing and music—though no one invented anything like the tuxedo or organ here yet—and a reception following the service. Adam and Alecia’s popularity meant the entire city would take part, making this reception the biggest party in Seir’s history.

Yet the differences startled Adam even more. The blare of trumpets took the place of wedding bells, and few brides here wore white, instead selecting a color more pleasing to their hair and skin tones. The people of Tantris didn’t recognize the prohibition on seeing the bride before the wedding, either. And rather than casting rice at the newlyweds, those in attendance tossed flower petals.

The tradition of a best man and maid/matron of honor didn’t exist here, either. But Alecia readily adopted the concept. She asked her childhood best friend, Roxanne de Havaras, to stand with her while Craigen served as Adam’s best man.

Adam grinned to himself at the problem those selections created. Roxanne stood only two inches over five feet when wearing heels. Craigen, a true giant at twelve feet, would dwarf the poor woman. How they would link arms, Adam didn’t want to consider.

Perhaps strangest of all, Tantris didn’t have a customary wedding cake. Instead, bakers spent days creating a gigantic fruit pie measuring eight feet across. The attendees would expect the new couple to plunge their hands into the pie together before feeding each other a small bite. Alecia got a mischievous look while explaining the tradition. It told Adam most of the fruit filling might end up on his face rather than in his mouth.

All these thoughts and more bounced through Adam’s brain as he and Craigen made their way to the ceremonial chamber. As the largest room in Eddingford Castle, it held upwards of 250 guests, including another fifty in the series of individual balconies surrounding the rear of the chamber. It reminded Adam of a small opera house. Indeed, the acoustics here made a normal voice carry even to the farthest corners. At least Adam wouldn’t have to remember to speak up.

Craigen led him through an empty hallway and into a room behind the ceremonial chamber. Adam heard the murmur of hundreds of voices through the door separating him from the wedding chamber. At once, nervous sweat broke out on his forehead, and he pulled out a handkerchief to dab it away.

Ah, right on time, I see.

The voice startled Adam, causing him to jump. His face reddened in embarrassment as a short, plump woman dressed in a flowing black robe emerged from the room’s shadows. A circlet of yellow flowers—another Tantris wedding tradition—adorned the iron-gray hair pulled back in a tight bun. Though well-advanced in years, her face seamed with lines and wrinkles, Adam recognized the woman at once.

Mayor Steir, Adam smiled. It’s good to see you again. Thanks for agreeing to officiate our wedding.

Please, Master Gray, she replied with a grin of her own, call me Carlotta. And I am no longer Mayor of Lakeshore, remember. I retired from all such political nonsense years ago, though I remain an active member of the Merchant’s Guild. I am well pleased to wed you and High Mage Alecia. It is an improvement over the last time I stood before you in an official capacity.

Adam nodded. Twenty-five years ago, this woman, Aristomus and Jacob Henslow sat before him at the Mage’s Guild in Lakeshore—a triumvirate of judges deciding whether he would live or die.

And Craigen, she continued, looking up at the giant with a gleam in her eye, you look strapping as ever, I see. You must remember to come visit me before returning to Herrenbourn. I think it might be possible to increase those grain deliveries we promised.

I shall, dear lady, Craigen said, adding an informal bow of the head. My people appreciate everything Lakeshore does to aid the rebuilding of Herrenbourn.

"Nonsense. The giants are a boon to all Tantris. It is about time we found some meager means of repayment for your faith and fidelity.

But come, she continued. It is time we got this young man properly wed, I think.

Craigen opened the door and allowed Carlotta to shuffle through. Adam followed close behind. The murmur of voices died away as the three took their places at the front of the chamber. A moment later, Roxanne de Havaras emerged from a small side room. Though the same age as Alecia, she appeared much older. The light blue satin of the middle-aged woman’s gown accentuated her raven hair. Adam wondered if she dyed it. Then the sound of the crowd regained his attention. Immediate sweat beaded his forehead once more. This time, though, he would have to ignore it.

You’ve got the ring, right? he whispered to Craigen.

He heard the giant patting his coat. Aye, came the reply.

Both fell silent as a haunting melody filled the room. So strange to hear a lute rather than an organ, Adam thought. And it’s most definitely not the Bridal Chorus he’s playing.

Adam forgot the music, the crowd, his nerves, and everything else as Alecia appeared at the back of the room, one arm interlocked with that of Jacob Henslow. Attired in a shoulderless, floor-length gown of emerald silk, Alecia glowed. Beautiful reddish-brown curls lay in a halo over both shoulders and her dazzling smile emphasized the spray of freckles across her pert nose.

When his eyes locked with Alecia’s auburn ones, Adam forgot to breathe. Jacob whispered something, and the two glided down the aisle. The hundreds of tiny pearls adorning Alecia’s gown flashed in the room’s golden light like glitter.

When the couple arrived, Jacob gave a small bow to Adam before presenting him with Alecia’s arm. Adam accepted it and his fingers intertwined with hers. He felt an immediate rush as they both linked with the Power.

Hi there, beautiful, Adam whispered.

Alecia blushed but said nothing as they both turned to face Carlotta Steir.

Welcome one and all, the former mayor intoned, to this most sacred of ceremonies. Today we witness the uniting of this man and woman in a sealing of body and spirit. As it is written, ‘The two shall become one flesh.’

Carlotta gave a slight nod and Adam and Alecia dropped to a knee before her. Smiling in approval, the former mayor spread both arms wide and looked out over the gathering. Marriage is a sacred institution, and one not entered lightly. It is an enduring covenant; a promise between two people designed by the maker to endure a lifetime. To prevent any threat from without, I now ask: Are there any among this gathering who oppose their solemn pledge to one another? If so, speak now or remain forever silent.

Adam stiffened. He and Alecia went through too much to have this moment snatched from them again. Alecia felt his unease through the link. She squeezed his hand in reassurance. Adam offered a brief smile in return. The silence seemed to drag on for an eternity.

Come on, he silently demanded. That’s long enough, already!

Very well, Carlotta said at last. Placing a hand atop both their heads, she continued, May the blessings of this gathering strengthen you both. Please rise.

Before Adam moved, he felt Carlotta’s fingers tense. Surprised, he looked up to see her eyes narrowed in confusion. Only then did he hear a slight commotion coming from somewhere behind him. Without thinking, he released Alecia’s hand, pivoting as he stood to see what caused the disturbance. The link vanished, and he cursed himself for the lapse in judgment before a scream rang out.

What the hell...? he started.

Adam! Alecia wailed. Watch out!

He felt two hands shove him and lost his balance, stumbling against Craigen. The giant caught him just as a loud THWACK sounded in the enclosure, followed by a grunt of pain. More screams rang out, along with the sound of fleeing footsteps. Time seemed to slow as Adam turned back to see Alecia falling, falling...

ALECIA! he screamed, reaching for her in slow motion.

She collapsed into Carlotta Steir’s arms, a look of surprised agony spreading across her features. A black shaft extended from between her breasts, the green gown already turning dark brown where blood saturated the fabric.

NO! White fire exploded as Adam fell to both knees at Alecia’s side. He poured healing flames into her chest even as he jerked the arrow free. The wound sealed at once, vanishing as if it never existed. But Alecia’s eyelids fluttered, closing even as her facial muscles relaxed. Adam took her in both arms, pulling her away from Carlotta as the flames flickered and went out.

No, he begged. Please, God, no.

Adam didn’t notice Henslow’s bellowed order or the guards who flooded the room to surround him and Alecia with a wall of protection. Face crumpling, he held Alecia tight in his arms. Pale as milk, Alecia looked like a china doll in repose. But she didn’t sleep, did she? No, he killed her. The damned Dark Mage somehow reached beyond the grave and took the most precious thing in the world to him. It was more than he could stand. He...

Adam!

Someone shook him; tried to get his attention. Didn’t they understand? He just wanted to hold her for a little while longer, to say goodbye...

She is alive, Adam!

Those words touched him. He looked up through dull, unblinking eyes to find Henslow shouting at him. The captain held two fingers to Alecia’s neck while shaking Adam’s shoulder with the other hand.

What...? He still felt numb, unable to move, let alone comprehend. I’m in shock, he thought vaguely.

You healed the wound, but something else prevents her recovery, Jacob explained. I fear some foul poison coated the arrow!

Adam felt someone lift him and Alecia into the air. Craigen’s rumbling voice called out, but he paid no attention. Only Alecia mattered. Still alive? Impossible!

I will take them to Alecia’s rooms. Jacob, gather every mage with skill at healing and bring them at once. And fetch the city’s best apothecaries. They will have the most knowledge of poisons.

Henslow shouted a series of orders at the soldiers surrounding them. But his voice faded away as Craigen moved.

Adam craned his neck to peer into the face of his friend. A killing rage infused Craigen’s features, and the young mage remembered everything Alecia meant to the giant and his family.

She can’t die, Craigen, he moaned. Please don’t let her die.

Tears rolled down the giant’s cheeks. We will do everything within our power, Adam. I swear to you.

Adam took a ragged breath and hugged Alecia tight. Then he let the tears come.

Chapter 2, Voyage

W hat troubles you, my friend?

Polonius straightened from where he leaned against the Endeavor’s portside gunwale and looked up into the rugged gray face of Gren. It still amazed him to see how young the Krim warrior looked compared to the Gren he first befriended. Reaching up, he rubbed at one temple, feeling the first pangs of a headache. It seemed they appeared every time he contemplated their travels through time. He wouldn’t meet the future-Gren for another thirty-five years... maybe. Polonius would be eighty-five by then if he still lived.

It is not important, he lied. In truth, Polonius faced enough concerns to drown a normal man. Most involved his daughter, Erin. Though she chose not to speak of it, Erin suffered a complete mental breakdown at the conclusion of the Dark Mage war. Adam Gray and time travel lay at the heart of it—at least if one believed the gibberish spouted by the wizard. Aristomus offered a lot of conjecture and speculation, but not much in the way of proof. Polonius understood little, and the wizard’s words served only to make his headaches worse.

He hoped the distance they placed between Erin and Adam would ease those concerns—and any further breakdowns. Erin seemed fine now, though whether because she forgot about Adam again or simple stubbornness, he did not know.

One other concern about Erin trumped Polonius’ worries about her mental health. In less than twelve years, the day of his daughter’s birth would arrive. It seemed a long time from now, but a man of Polonius’ age understood just how fast the years passed. After all, it seemed only yesterday he held baby Erin in his arms.

What would happen to her when the moment came again and two Erins existed at the same time? Again, the wizard offered no straight answers. Perhaps both would survive, continuing their lives as though nothing happened. Or so the wizard believed. But there existed the possibility Erin—his Erin—would disappear from existence. At the very least, the sudden flood of memories might drive her mad. He paused to rub the other temple. Damn these headaches!

Polonius gave a deep sigh. He could do little else for Erin at present, he knew. But as for his other concerns... Ah, he believed he might do much for his wife, Adelle.

In this time, Adelle lived as a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl. The fifteen-year-old Polonius of this time still served as cabin boy for Captain Steggard aboard the Pelican. If, that is, the boy didn’t vanish at the very moment Polonius appeared in this time. Though he would gladly forget such a miserable period in his life, it paled when compared to what Adelle would face within the next two years.

If memory served, Polonius would sign aboard the trading ship, Sea Falcon, soon after leaving the Pelican. Two years into his berth, they would visit Adelle’s island home. Though it took them well beyond the normal trade routes, Captain Davis visited the island every few years to barter for unique, native-made items which sold well among the rich and influential.

Sometime between now and the Sea Falcon’s arrival in just over two years, Adelle’s island would receive far more fiendish visitors: the captain and crew of the Black Marauder.

On that fateful day, Oxymedes and his pirate crew would slaughter every man, woman, and child on the island. All except one. Away from the village in search of wild mushrooms, Adelle returned in time to witness the carnage. She saw the village chief, Felstar, curse the invaders before his death. Then watched as the first touch of morning sunlight transformed Oxymedes and his crew into hideous monsters.

For years after he and Adelle wed, she suffered near-constant nightmares and panic attacks because of the atrocities committed against her people.

Over three decades later, in the future Polonius came from, Adelle and their son, Markus, would die at the hands of these same sadistic monsters. Erin would become Oxymedes’ captive and made to suffer heinous torments in the monster’s island lair.

What would Polonius not do to prevent these future tragedies? A sudden, sharp pain threatened to split his skull and Polonius winced. Damnation! Maybe I should see the wizard about these headaches!

Gren watched all this with an odd look on his face, almost as though he saw every thought as it flashed through his friend’s mind. Polonius sighed. He would have to do a better job of keeping his thoughts to himself.

It is clear something troubles you, Captain, Gren rumbled. Perhaps a sympathetic ear would help. Others seldom seek counsel from the Krim, but I am more than willing to listen.

Aye, Polonius mumbled. Perhaps it is time I spoke of my concerns, Gren. And best I speak of them to you. Ultimately, this is your mission, and any deviation from it must be your decision.

"Deviation? Are you suggesting we not go to Denbora then?"

Not exactly. I understand your need to travel to Denbora. I merely propose we take a slight detour along the way. Polonius explained his thoughts—and concerns—about Adelle and what she would endure if they did not intervene.

Nodding, the massive dwarf rubbed his bald head with stubby fingers. Then, I understand, my friend. Perhaps we should discuss this proposition with Aristomus. He, at least, better understands how what we do now might affect the future. To my misfortune, such thoughts seem always to give me a headache.

I can certainly sympathize with you there, friend Gren.

GREN, POLONIUS, ARISTOMUS and Kate met in the captain’s quarters. Despite the ship’s tremendous size—the shipwrights built it for a crew mostly composed of Krim, after all—little room remained once everyone gathered there.

Polonius spent most of his time prior to the meeting rationalizing his request. He expected someone, most likely Aristomus, to argue against the change in plans. Racking his brain, he tried to think of probable reasons the others might use and how best to make a case against them.

So, when Aristomus agreed with his proposal, it left Polonius gaping like a landed fish.

The old mage smiled at the captain’s expression, enjoying the reaction. It is true your proposal will cost us additional time, but little more, I think. If we go now, we should arrive long before Oxymedes. Adelle will survive the slaughter, so rescuing her before it happens should make no difference so far as time is concerned.

Then why not warn Felstar while we’re at it? Kate asked. Pre-knowledge might prevent the massacre of Adelle’s people. And if he never utters the curse, Oxymedes’ transformation won’t happen. Think of the death and destruction we could prevent.

Aristomus’ expression turned stony. "Perhaps, but that we cannot do without significant danger to the future."

Polonius gave the old mage an odd look. I do not understand. If we alter the future for the better, what is the harm?

Aristomus sighed. Ah, but is it for the better? He held up a hand when the captain’s face darkened in anger. "Forgive me, Polonius. I do not mean to speak glibly about the lives of your wife and son. But think about it. While of benefit in the short term, such changes might well destroy us all.

With no curse, Oxymedes will not someday kidnap Erin. You will no longer need to travel to the Oracle of Cebredes and we, he indicated himself, Kate and Gren, "will all die on the beach below the Oracle’s cave. Even if by some miracle we survive, how do we reach Denbora without the Windraker? The quest for the Talisman of Time ends before it begins and the future we came from turns permanent. The Dark Mage will triumph."

But the Dark Mage is dead, spluttered Polonius. The events you describe can never happen.

Ah, but do we know that for a certainty? Killing the Dark Mage seemingly changed much of the future. Will another change somehow undo it? There is so much we do not understand.

The old mage’s words silenced them all for a long minute. Then...

Maybe we can’t save her people, Kate asserted, but we can keep Adelle from witnessing it all. I think it’s a worthwhile effort. Polonius has my vote.

Aye, Gren chimed in. I agree.

Then I believe the decision is made, the old mage nodded. Polonius, we must also determine what to do with your wife upon her recovery.

At the captain’s puzzled expression, Aristomus continued, Do not forget you first met Adelle on her home island. If we alter the original encounter, we must ensure you—the younger you, I mean—meets her somewhere else. Otherwise, you will not marry, and Erin and Markus can never be born.

With a grimace, Polonius rubbed his temple. Thank you so much, Aristomus, he said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. Just as my head felt better, too. Well, I think I can remember a few places to introduce Adelle to... the younger me.

Excellent, the old mage announced. Captain, perhaps you should set our new course. Gren, I leave it to you to announce our new destination to the crew.

The gathering broke up. Polonius stayed behind to search through his collection of maps. Finding the correct one, he spread it out on the map table. Ah, Papillose Island, he thought. Strange how I forgot the name of a place so important to Adelle’s past.

The largest in a series of six islands arranged in the shape of a fishhook, Papillose Island formed the tip of the hook. In fact, papillose meant barb in the islanders’ primitive language. No one lived on the other islands, though if memory served, they looked no less habitable than Adelle’s home. Not for the first time, he wondered why. Adelle told him the other islands were taboo to her people, but would say no more.

He checked the notes annotating latitude and longitude, memorized the location, and rolled up the chart. After filing it away with the other maps, he headed for the door.

A soft knock came just as he reached for the latch. Finishing the movement, he opened the door to find a startled Erin and Ilan standing outside.

Oh, father! she yelped. I did not expect you to answer so fast.

Polonius offered a grin. I was just heading out to speak with Porm. He referred to the Krim helmsman responsible for guiding the Endeavor. But it can wait a moment. He motioned for the two to enter. Please, come in.

We will not keep you long. I overheard Gren telling the crew of a change in our destination. Why are we not going to Denbora?

Polonius spent the next few minutes explaining about their detour to Papillose Island. Erin grew more excited with each word.

Mother! she beamed with pleasure. I never considered... But of course she is alive now! Oh, father, we can do much more than rescue her. By warning her, we can ensure Oxymedes never harms mother at all! We can...

Wait, daughter, he interrupted. There are limits to what we can accomplish. He explained Aristomus’ cautions about changing the future.

I do not understand, Ilan frowned. The future is a nebulous concept. You would allow your wife to die to prevent something which may never happen?

Face darkening in anger, Polonius wanted to rebuke the young man, but Erin spoke up first.

You know not what you say, Ilan. Father and I come from this ‘nebulous’ future of which you speak. She turned back to Polonius. But he is right about one thing, father. Knowing where and how mother dies, we cannot stand aside and allow Oxymedes to kill her. And do not forget Markus! His life is at stake, too!

I know, daughter! I know! Polonius raked one hand through graying hair. But it is not something we can charge in to correct without thinking, either. We are fortunate to have ample time to decide before acting. Remember, Adelle is a young girl at present, no older than twelve or thirteen. Oxymedes will not harm her or your brother for another thirty-five years.

Aye, father. I understand, Erin nodded. Then she poked Polonius in the chest with an extended finger. "But you must understand this. If I must decide between my family and the future, the future must fend for itself. I will not stand aside while that monster murders my mother again."

Erin marched out of the cabin, slamming the door behind her. It left Ilan and Polonius alone and staring at one another, mouths agape.

I think we know where she stands on the issue, Ilan remarked.

Aye, Polonius agreed. No doubt you are right, Ilan.

Chapter 3, Proposal

Craigen sat alone inside Eddingford Castle, his eyes fixed on a plain wooden door and praying for it to open soon. On the other side, Alecia lay comatose, with Adam refusing to leave her side. All day, a parade of mages and apothecaries flowed in and out of the room, each offering their version of a potential cure for the poison flowing through Alecia’s veins. None succeeded, however, and the number of visits slowed as the afternoon wore on.

The poison proved impervious to every known cure, both medical and magical. Craigen sighed. Not surprising when considering who delivered it.

The assassin never expected to survive the attempt. In a room standing at the heart of the Mage’s guild, she could not hope to. Nor did she even try. But she did kill three more mages and half a dozen guards before a lucky blow removed the head from her shoulders. Dejected, Craigen shook his head. It might well have been much worse. The assassin was a female kulkija, one of the intelligent, undead servants of the Dark Mage.

But why? And how? If the kulkija’s master is dead, who sent her here? Did she act on her own? And can we expect future attempts? For not the first time, the giant wished they might have captured the assassin rather than killing her. Squeezing some answers from the monster before she expired would allow Craigen to sleep better at night.

Nor did he doubt the kulkija’s intended victim. When Alecia shoved Adam out of the way, she took the arrow intended for him. Adam realized it, too, and the guilt he felt just added to his anguish. The young mage knew it should be him lying there dying, not Alecia.

The door opened, and another mage departed, head hanging in defeat. Another failure then. Craigen felt a warm tear trickle down his cheek. In his own way, he loved Alecia every bit as much as Adam and would do anything to save her. If only they had more time...

A sudden thought made the giant frown. He made as if to stand, but then hesitated, trying to think through the implications. Only Adam would know if such a mad idea might work, and he did not wish to cause his friend further grief...

A knock on the outer door pulled Craigen from his contemplation. Scrubbing at his eyes, he answered it and found yet another mage waiting outside. His shoulders hunched in disapproval. Though he knew the mages meant well, the thought of Adam’s hurt at another failure infuriated him.

Not until the mage pulled back his cowl did Craigen recognize him. A good friend of Adam’s, this young man also served as the resident mage for the Thieves Guild.

Tinnian! The giant grasped the mage’s arm hard enough to make the man flinch. It is good to see you. And it will help Adam to see a familiar face. Do you come...? he started.

No, Craigen. Tinnian gave a slow shake of the head. I am sorry, but I have no solutions to offer. Better minds than mine have attempted to aid High Mage Alecia without success. No, I come to offer my condolences. How is he?

Craigen motioned his guest to a seat before sitting across from him. Not well, I fear. He blames himself, thinking he should have expected the attack. How, I do not know. But in his grief, he will accept no absolution.

And Alecia?

The giant gave a slow shake of the head. She fades, Tinnian. If someone does not soon find a cure... He sighed. It is in my heart she will not last until morning.

Rubbing his face with both palms, Tinnian sighed. Aye. I feared as much. I have racked my brain for a solution...

It is good you are here, Craigen interrupted. I admit to little knowledge of magic, but an idea occurred to me just before your arrival. But I grieve for Alecia as well and can no longer distinguish between possibilities and mad notions.

Perhaps the time for mad notions has come. Please, tell me about this idea.

For the next thirty minutes, Craigen explained. Tinnian’s features ran the gamut from astonishment, confusion, contemplation, and deliberation. When the giant finished, Tinnian stroked his jaw for several moments in careful thought.

Finally... I cannot say whether your proposal will prove feasible or not. Perhaps only Adam knows the answer. But, he raised a finger to forestall the giant’s reply, I believe it is an idea with merit, Craigen. Come, I will go with you. We will speak of this with Adam together.

ADAM STROKED ALECIA’S hand as Craigen explained. He didn’t look away from her pale face once, even when Tinnian emphasized a point or offered a deeper explanation. The young mage’s eyes remained lifeless, his movements lethargic. When Craigen finished, he wondered if what he said registered with his friend at all.

When Adam spoke at last, his voice sounded hollow with disuse.

Let me get this straight, he rasped. You want me to manipulate time to save Alecia?

Before they said anything, Adam laughed. It came out sounding like a hysterical half-sob before morphing into a long sigh. When he turned toward them, Craigen winced. Adam’s slack face looked pale as chalk and he stared at them both through red-rimmed eyes, crusty from lack of sleep.

Even with my full powers, I could only freeze time for a few seconds. And I can’t even do that anymore. I gave up some of my strength to heal Alecia, remember? He referred to the terrible wound Alecia suffered when she stopped the erupting magma Adam released from the caldera beneath Herrenbourn. Though successful, the attempt pushed her too far, burning away her ability to channel the Power.

While she’s unconscious, I can’t link with her. Even if I could, it’s not enough to turn back time. No, only the Talisman can do what you propose, and it’s destroyed. Or at least so far away as to make no difference, he added in dull tones.

Tinnian nodded. Aye, we refer only to your former ability to influence time, Adam. If given access to enough power, is it possible you could do so again? To freeze time?

A spark of interest entered Adam’s eyes before flickering out. I suppose. But what good would it do? The second I released the Power, time would start again.

But, rumbled Craigen, if you narrowed the focus, kept it to only a few square feet, might you not be able to go further? To turn back the clock to before the assassination attempt?

Adam blinked, life returning to his features as he examined and rejected various possibilities. Maybe... he started. But then reality crashed in once again and he frowned. But it’s still a question of power. Even if I could link with Alecia, it wouldn’t be enough.

Ah, Tinnian replied, but it is not Alecia we propose for the link.

Adam looked confused. What? Then who? I can only link with another mage... He froze, a look of complete astonishment dawning over his features.