CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Mordekai watched the group emerge from the archway. He watched as they realized where they were, and their reaction to seeing the walls of the school. They all walked with determination towards the school, knowing their quest was almost over. He sent a spell down to create a door for them to pass through, and then made his way down to the greeting area. By the time he arrived, he could feel the group entering the school. It would be a matter of moments for them to walk to where he was. He was anxious and nervous, two feelings he had not experienced in quite some time. Knowing now was not the time to second-guess what was to come he pushed the thoughts aside.
Everyone was in awe of the school. It was a massive structure which looked quite ominous from the exterior, but once they were inside, their thoughts changed. Never had any of them seen such architecture. Beautiful statues surrounded the entryway and as they moved further in, they saw the walls covered in beautiful paintings and tapestries.
“This is the greeting area,” stated Gillock. “It was designed to showcase what the school was capable of. Not only did wizards, enchanters, witches and others with abilities train and learn about magic here, but they were also allowed to express their creativity. Everything you see before you was created by a student or teacher.”
Darly was amazed. “I know we elves have amazing artists among us, but I was not aware humans were capable of creating such beauty.”
Gillock laughed, and the sound startled them all. “Some of these were made by elves, and one of the teachers here had been an elf. He inspired many artists.”
“He also annoyed many humans,” came a gruff voice from the far end of the room.
They all turned to see a short, round man standing before them. He was in a blue robe that had clearly seen better days. His blue eyes were playful and his grin infectious. Before they knew it, all were smiling. All but the goblins. They had been afraid to enter the school and now wondered what was in store for them.
“Mordekai!” exclaimed Gillock, embracing the man.
“It is good to see you again, my old friend,” remarked Mordekai, his voice showing how emotional this reunion was. “Come, you must be tired and hungry. I have had rooms prepared for you so you may clean up. We have much to discuss so if you do not mind, I would like you all to join me in the dining hall when you are ready.” He took them up a set of spiral stairs at the far end of the greeting area, and led them down a hallway to their rooms.
Everyone had been given separate quarters, except the goblins. Anticipating their unease, Mordekai had seen fit to give them a larger room which they could all share. Each room had an area off to the side containing a large tub to bathe in, as well as an area to prepare. All took no time undressing and bathing in the warm waters. It was clear the water was maintained magically, it never got cold. Koral added some oils she had found on the side of the tub, and suddenly felt at ease. No more tired, aching limbs. When she finally pulled herself out, she felt refreshed, and quite hungry.
Koral moved off into the area where she had left her pack, to discover her clothing had been washed and mended. Having not heard a sound, she was unnerved by it, but assumed it was again magic. Once dressed, she went down the hall to Eric's room and knocked on the door. When he opened it, she could tell by the look on his face, he was unnerved as well.
“This place is strange. Water which does not cool, oils that revitalize you and clean clothes appearing out of nowhere.”
Koral smiled. “It is a magical place,” she remarked. “I was heading to the dinner hall, are you going to join me.”
“Yes!” he exclaimed. “I had not realized how hungry I was.”
They moved off and as they passed the other doors their companions emerged. When they arrived at the dininghall (none of them knew how they had found it themselves) the goblins and Gillock were already seated. Mordekai and Gillock were discussing old times, with the goblin group listening. Eric was glad his friends were more at ease now.
“I hope you found everything to your liking,” said Mordekai.
“This place is quite interesting,” said Maeve.
Mordekai stared at the girl, and turned to Gillock. An unspoken word passed between them, and Mordekai turned back to Maeve. “I am glad you think so. It took many wizards a few years to perfect the spells which maintain the school.”
When Maeve looked at Mordekai, she saw the same things as she did with Gillock. They were both very honest people, but they were also hiding something. Things that made them worry. “How is it the magic is still able to sustain itself?” she asked.
“The spells were infused into the school. Every brick and beam is magic. It was designed this way so only one person was needed to maintain it. There are four of us here and we all have our areas we check daily to make sure the magic is still active. However, it is failing, but that is because our own magic is failing.”
“I hadn’t realized the Void was being affected,” commented Gillock.
“Don't worry, old friend. There is more than enough left to accomplish what you have set out to do. Now, we shall eat, and begin discussing what is going to occur.”
Three men appeared through a side door leading to the kitchen. They each had plates of food in their arms. It didn’t look like enough food to feed them all, but when the plates were placed on the table, they multiplied. The group just stared at the table. It had been many weeks since they had seen this much food, and all dove in not wanting to waste the opportunity. There was not much conversation, most of what was said was coming from Gillock and Mordekai. Talking about the world outside. It was a light conversation until Gillock told him about Koral breaking the illusion spell. Mordekai fell silent after and just ate his food, as if he was contemplating something.
When all had eaten their fill, they refilled their wine goblets and moved through a doorway into a sitting area. There was a fire burning at the far end, with seats arranged in front.
“I felt it might make you all feel more at ease if we discussed things in comfort,” said Mordekai, taking a seat in an overstuffed chair.
Again, magic was at work. The seats all appeared to be exactly suited to each individual. The goblins sat on cushions placed on the floor, which was their custom. The dwarves on hard, solid looking chairs and the elves were on ones which appeared to be made of tree branches. Solid yet delicate in appearance. Eric marvelled at all the magic around them. He could sense it everywhere, and for the first time in his life, he felt at ease. He glanced over at Koral to see the same sense of relief on her face. Here, they could be themselves. Mordekai saw their glances, and sadness came over him. He quickly composed himself, hoping no one had seen.
When all were comfortable, it was Gillock, not Mordekai, who spoke.
“This has been a long journey, but the hardest part is still to come,” he started, turning to look right at Koral and Eric. “I have not spoken of how this was going to end, and I am sorry for keeping secrets from you.” Turning his focus back to the group, he continued. “There is a portal here. It will need all of our magic to open it wide enough for us to go through.”
“A portal to where?” asked Eric.
“To the lower levels of the Magima Tower,” answered Mordekai. “It is there your quest will come to an end.”
“Why do we need to go there?” questioned Darly.
“What be down there?” asked Grund.
Gillock raised his hands. “Please, let Mordekai explain.”
Mordekai stood, and paced in front of the hearth. “I have kept some secrets from you, Gillock. I hope you will forgive me.”
Gillock, unsure as to what Mordekai was speaking about, kept quiet.
“There is a stone here, a stone specifically made to capture the magic of beings that were killed. Lakin's plan was to harness this magic and become powerful; at least it was his plan when he started the Wizard's War.” The wizard paused, taking a deep breath. “Lakin is really Kinsley, first wizard and destroyer of magic.”
 
; Everyone present had been taught the tale. It was necessary to explain why magic was forbidden, and had a strict penalty attached to its use. All were shocked to hear the news, but it appeared Mordekai had more to say, so they kept their questions to themselves for the time being.
“Down in the bowels of the Tower, Lakin has rooms filled with magical creatures. He also has many more Magima than you are aware of, training them down there until the time is right to attack Melarandra. Time is different in the lower levels.”
“What kind of magical creatures?” asked Maeve, her voice showing her question was more than curiosity.
“There are many rooms, but I’m only aware of what is kept in one. This room is special, designed to appear small until the door is open, then it becomes a vast cavern. This is necessary for the occupant of this room is a dragon. Your dragon, Gillock. Lakin holds Demosi, and he has had him all this time.”
Gillock was rocked by the news. So many emotions happened all at once. Joy that Demosi was alive, shock he hadn’t felt his dragon, anger at Lakin for having him and betrayal at Mordekai for keeping this from him.
“How long have you known?” questioned Gillock, his voice quiet yet full of emotion.
Mordekai could see the pain in his friend’s eyes. “I was not positive until a few years ago. I could not tell you, Gillock. If I had Lakin may have killed him and he is the key to returning magic.”
Mordekai then turned to Darly and Glavlin. Both of the elves had tears streaming down their faces. “You both have every right to be upset. Few people know of the bond dragons and elves share. That it was your people who took care of the eggs, singing and talking to them until they were ready to hatch. You will be witness to the last dragon, and he will need your help.”
Both of the elves just nodded, unable to speak.
Koral, Eric and the dwarves were not sure how to react. Eric had always dreamed of having his own dragon, and knowing one was still alive made his dream seem possible. Koral always loved the idea of dragons, their elegance and intelligence always impressed her. The dwarves were thinking differently. Dragons did not agree with dwarves. The goblins were worried. Once upon a time, dragons snacked on goblins.
“Why do we need a dragon?” asked Koral, realizing no one had spoken in some time and felt the silence needed to be broken.
Mordekai sat back down. “The stone was made by magical means. The only way to destroy it is with the fire breath of a dragon. When the dragon is heating it, this is when you and Eric need to create the mist which will carry the magic slowly into the world.”
There it was. What the quest was all about. How important it was the twins create the spell. The fact that all the lives of the people on Melarandra depended on that one moment. Neither one knew what to say. It was all of a sudden, far too real and over-whelming. The confidence which had brought them this far appeared to waver.
“Eric. Koral. You need to remember your training,” came Maeve's voice. Her ability showing her their doubts. “You have spent all of your life learning about this. And the entire trip here you have become stronger, and your abilities more focused. Plus, you have all of us to help you succeed. Don't doubt yourselves, this is what you were trained to do.”
Eric and Koral looked at each other, then slowly to the faces of their friends, and both knew they could do this. “It is late,” said Gillock. “We should all retire for the night. Tomorrow we will begin our planning.”
Everyone agreed and headed to his or her rooms, all save Gillock and Mordekai. It was clear the wizards had more to discuss and wanted to be alone. No one spoke except to say good night to the others, and all retired to their rooms. Even though they were confused and had many thoughts going through their minds, the magic of the school intervened. All were asleep moments after their heads hit their pillows.
“What more have you not told me, old friend?” asked Gillock when they were alone.
Mordekai sighed, wondering where to begin. “The prophecy is not as it appears. The true betrayal has not occurred yet.”
“What do you mean? Has all this been for nothing?” Gillock noticed his voice was rising, and calmed himself down.
“All this was necessary. There is more to the prophecy than what we ever understood. All the years here, I was able to read many books, and discovered a few things. It starts with what we are doing here, but will end in the lands of the west.” Mordekai paused, seeing if Gillock had any questions. When he voiced none, Mordekai continued. “Below us, in a secret and protected room, are six wizards. The elven wizards left the west lands with Glomain all those years ago. They are here because they have a part to play in the return of magic. I am not sure what it is yet, but they assured me when the time came, I would understand.”
“Lakin has Glomain as well,” stated Gillock, although he was only now sure that was the case.
“Yes, I believe the elf king is in the lower levels of the Tower as well,” responded Mordekai.
“And will Glavlin be told his father lives?”
“Tomorrow, when the plans have been made, I will tell him. We cannot leave him down there. There is no telling what Glomain has endured.”
Morning came, and all those in the group were refreshed and ready for the day. Eric's sleep was filled with dreams of heroes, and he knew this was the day it would come true. Koral's dreams were far different. It was the dream she had before and it left her feeling cold. Not wanting to dwell on it, she splashed cold water on her face, got dressed and headed down to the dining hall and moved through to the sitting area.
The goblin group was already there, in deep discussion with Gillock. She could not understand because they were speaking in their tongue, but it appeared as if they were worried. Moments after she arrived the rest of the group trickled in. Mordekai appeared, and beckoned Glavlin who followed him out of the room. Koral, not knowing what to do sat down and waited.
Glavlin followed Mordekai for a time, and then they entered a room, which appeared to be a study. “This is my private study,” said Mordekai, taking a seat off to the side. He gestured to the chair beside him and Glavlin sat, curious as to what was going to be discussed. Mordekai folded his hands in his lap, but it was many minutes before he spoke. “I have been trying to figure out how to explain myself to you, but have come to realize that any judgment you give to me will be just.”
Glavlin sat back, his curiosity turning to concern. “Speak then,” he said calmly. “For clearly, it is something which is weighing heavy on your heart.”
“In a few hours we will be in the lower levels of the Tower,” he began his voice soft. “There is the danger that Lakin will be waiting, and will do what he can to prevent Koral and Eric from succeeding. You are going to be needed to protect them, but once you are there something else will pull at you.”
Glavlin leaned forward, his curiosity piqued again. “What could be down there that will distract me?” he asked.
“Your father,” came the reply, and it stunned Glavlin.
“My father?” he said slowly as if to convince himself they were true.
“On one of the scouting trips outside of the Cyprian Forest the band was attacked. Lakin made it appear as if your father was killed in a ball of fire. What actually happened was that Lakin kidnapped him, and has held him prisoner since that day.”
Glavlin remembered the day well. He had just turned twenty and was hoping to go scout with them, but there had been rumours of dark things attempting to get into the Cyprian Forest, and his father would not allow him to come. Eight elves and the king left that morning, only three returned. Glavlin was claimed king that evening, and as is elven custom when a body is not recovered, all of Glomain's personal belongings, aside from those passed down, were burned in a ceremonial fire. It took him weeks before he could come to terms with the loss.
The small band that had left the westlands with them worried he was too young to handle the responsibility placed before him. When he had finished his mourning, he proved them wr
ong and they all swore fealty to him.
“When Koral and Eric finish their task, I will free him,” stated Glavlin, his voice full of determination.
“I assumed that’s what you would do. We just must make sure the twins finish first,” said Mordekai.
They rejoined the group, all who were sitting, drinking morning ale. They could tell something was not right with Glavlin, but no one said a word. It was something that would wait until this was done.
“Gillock has told me you have practised and perfected the mist spell which is necessary,” said Mordekai to Koral and Eric. They nodded yes it was so, and he then shifted around so all could see him. “Good. The spell to open the portal is simple, just three words, but I will need all of you to say them for it to work. Each person must say it individually. This will allow you to move through to the other side. Now, if you will follow me, we shall head to the room which contains the portal, and finish this quest.”