Seeds of Virtue, Dark Descent, Book I

CHAPTER 7

  It had been just under an hour after his confrontation with Brask and the other Knights, but to Druzeel it felt like four. He had been left alone, to go where he needed to gather more gear for the long journey to the city of Pelartis. Though he had already packed for an adventure, he knew that the almost two-week long trip was much longer than he had prepared for, so he returned to The Fount to stock up on provisions. Graeak was not at home during his short visit, which was disheartening because he planned on telling him about what happened. He almost took out the ring Graeak had given him but ultimately decided on letting the situation rest. His mentor had enough worrying him as of late. The other apprentices were too busy with their studies to notice him as he walked to his rooms, so Druzeel had been left alone with only his thoughts–troubled thoughts–to keep him company.

  Can I really do this? he kept asking himself as he stuffed more dried meat and cheese into his sack. How can I travel with these people when they treat me with such disrespect? When they berate and assault me at every turn? How can I hope to spread goodwill and decency when I am surrounded by the immoral and indecent?

  It was clear to him by now that no one in the Knights of the Chipped Blade, including Dex, shared his view of the world and his sense of morals. They saw only cynicism, corruption, and vileness. To them, everyone had something to hide, something to gain, or some reason to lie. People were not people, but things, items to be used as a means to an end. He thought Dex was different, perhaps a small part of him was, but Druzeel had trouble seeing that spark of goodness, that ray of hope and honor. Maybe he was too much a part of the group. Perhaps Brask’s influence had too much of a stronghold on the man. Druzeel hoped that during this journey, he could spread his own influence over the men, could try to make them see the world through his eyes, that not everyone is a liar, a cheat, or a thief.

  To Druzeel, who had lived most of his life in a tower of magic, people were mostly good-natured and honest, trying their best to live a good life and be decent to one another. Yes, there was evil in the world, but it lived in only the darkest of places and the hearts of most men, women, and child beat with kindness and mercy. Not even the horrific death of his parents could sway him from this view and the teachings of Graeak helped solidify those beliefs. The world was a good place and it was Druzeel’s job to keep it that way, to spread morality and benevolence everywhere he went. Of course, most of the Knights would probably not like what he hoped to teach, so he decided he would concentrate on Dex first. To do that he had to get to know the man and find out what made the mercenary what he was today.

  After he had finished packing, Druzeel left the tower and made his way to the Crying Lady, with more than enough time to do more thinking. His mind kept drifting to his own abilities and if he really was ready for such an adventure, a quest that had him tracking a dangerous assassin.

  “Trust in yourself,” his mentor had told him. “You have the knowledge and talent necessary to combat any situation.”

  Druzeel repeated the words a dozen times and each time he felt his confidence growing. By the time he reached the Lady, he felt as though he could take on an army of assassins. He had trained for years, mastered difficult spells, many at an unbelievably young age, and though he did not like them, was traveling with a group of hardened mercenaries. The fact that his mentor’s advice was just a few turns of a ring away also helped to bolster his resolve. He would do just fine on this quest.

  “We will find the thief,” he said to himself, “capture him and bring his to justice. This I swear.”

  When he reached the tavern, he went inside but found no traces of the others, so he went back outside, to sit and wait for them to arrive. Brask never said exactly where to meet at the Lady and he wasn’t about to give the man an excuse, any excuse, to leave him behind. About ten minutes later, he spotted Dex coming toward him, atop a brown horse. Another horse, a bit smaller but no less muscled, followed behind with an empty saddle.

  “Are you ready?” Dex asked as he came closer. His voice was calm, carrying no sense of annoyance as it had an hour earlier. Druzeel found the change odd but comforting. Perhaps time had helped to ease the man’s irritation with Druzeel, as it usual does with any elevated emotion. “Make sure you have everything because there will be no turning back as soon as we are on the road.”

  “I’m ready,” Druzeel said, his voice filled with certainty. His determined look seemed to satisfy his new traveling companion.

  “Then up you go,” he said, bringing the horse behind him forward. It walked up to Druzeel and stopped, waiting for its new rider.

  It was an average sized mare, with chestnut hair and a handful of large white spots scattered over its body. The beast kicked its back hoof as if telling Druzeel to hurry up and get on. Luckily, Graeak had made it a point to train all his students the basics of riding so Druzeel knew exactly what to do. He strapped his staff on the saddlebags and hoisted himself up into the saddle. The horse accepted him without so much as a snort and slowly turned to face Dex.

  “Good,” Dex said. “We never asked but I assumed Graeak would have taught you something of riding.”

  “Where are the others?” Druzeel asked as they directed the horses towards the front of the city. Their two mounts soon feel in step next to each other as they made their way down the street.

  “They will meet us on the outskirts of the city,” Dex replied. “Ristil and Vistalas are most likely already there. They like to run their horses in the open for a little while before a long journey. Some elven thing that Ristil says readies them for the road, makes them more comfortable in the open or something.” Druzeel vaguely remembered reading about some elven custom about elves and their horses, something about getting the beasts more in harmony with the world and outside environment.

  “Jannda will meet us at the gates,” Dex continued, “and Thorstar and Brask will meet us just outside the city.”

  Druzeel nodded his head but remained quiet. He wanted to talk to Dex, to start learning more about the man but wanted to wait until they were out on the open road. There were too many distractions in the city and when they met up with the others, he doubted he would be able to get a word in before Brask or Ristil had something demeaning to say.

  So they rode in silence, meeting Jannda at the front of the city. To Druzeel’s surprise, she was not riding a horse as he expected, but a small pony, with light gray hair and auburn spots. Even though her mount was small, she still looked rather diminutive on the beast. Can such a small animal keep up with full-grown horse? Druzeel asked himself, not believing that her small mount would be able to keep up with the others. He also could not believe that Brask would let her fall behind, but then again, it was Brask he was thinking of. Dex didn’t look worried so he dismissed the question from his mind.

  As she starting riding beside them, Druzeel noticed a handful of musical instruments strapped to her saddlebags, too large to be completely packed away. There was a flute, a lyre, and a mandolin. The end of yet another instrument was showing from under one bag’s flap but Druzeel could not identify what it was. He knew that Jannda could have even more tucked away but he only saw those few. She must be talented indeed, he thought, seeing the types of instruments she was bringing. Perhaps he would hear a song tonight.

  They rode in silence, making their way to the front of the city. Jannda glanced at Druzeel a few times, expecting him to say something, but he remained quiet and subdued, surprising her. As their newest traveling companion, she had figured he would have questions for the only two members of the Knights that actually put up with him. She actually appreciated his closemouthed behavior for it allowed all three of them to enjoy the sights and smells of Atlurul, something they would not experience again for quite some time. Less than twenty minutes later, they were outside of the city and just as Dex said, Brask and Thorstar were waiting for them, sitting on horses of their own.

  Thorstar’s mount was a massive brown beast with strong legs and a broa
d back. Compared to Druzeel’s own, Thorstar’s horse was a giant, with hooves as large as a man’s chest and eyes as large as a fist. Its size made sense for not just any mount would be able to hold the large fighter. He needed a harden animal with sturdy posture and a solid skeletal frame. Still, under the giant man’s bulk, the mighty horse appeared strained but it seemed used to its rider’s physique.

  Next to the mute warrior sat Brask, who rode a black horse, with a mane that looked to be made of pure darkness. There was no shine to it, just utter blackness, as if it was drinking the light that fell from the sky. Knowing the party’s leader as he did, Druzeel thought the fearsome looking horse a perfect fit. It seemed to share its owner’s malcontent with everything around it. Druzeel got the feeling that if he got too close, the beast would try to bite him, or his own mount, so he decided to stay as far away from that thing as possible, not that he had any desire to get closer to Brask.

  As they came upon the two men, Druzeel made eye contact with Brask. The man’s eyes just narrowed in disgust as he saw that Druzeel had indeed showed up for the journey. The young wizard expected a shrewd comment or some other lewd remark as he settled to a stop before the Knights’ leader, but Brask said nothing. He just turned his mount and started moving further away from the city. Thorstar, Dex, and Jannda followed. With a deep sigh, Druzeel urged his mount into a trot.

  A short time later, the quintet met up with the last members of the group, about half a mile away from Atlurul’s walls. Both Ristil and Vistalas’s horses already looked ridden but seemed ready and willing for the long trip.

  “So he showed,” Ristil commented as Brask rode up. Though his voice was flat, Druzeel managed to make out the disappointment in his voice.

  “Let’s get moving,” Brask said, urging his mount on.

  “Pelartis, here we come,” Jannda replied.

  For the next ten minutes, Brask led the group in a light trot, which eventually led to a faster canter. Whether this was to get the blood flowing in the horses or just getting to pace at which the Knights usually traveled, Druzeel did not know. His only thought was that it was going to take much longer to reach Pelartis than he had originally thought at this pace. But then he caught Brask looking at him out of the corner of his eye and a smirk suddenly painted the man’s face.

  Uh-oh, Druzeel thought to himself.

  Brask suddenly let out a yell and his horse jolted forward. Ristil and Vistalas followed, letting out shouts of their own. Jannda kicked her heels in and her pony, to Druzeel’s astonishment, took off like an arrow from a bow. Whether by magic or special breeding, the small animal ran just as fast, if not faster than the horses around it. Thorstar, as usual, was silent and spurred his giant mount onward, after his companions. All their faces seemed to light up with the thrill of the ride.

  “Come on,” Dex said, shooting Druzeel a smile. “Don’t want to be left behind.” Then he was off, riding hard after the others.

  Druzeel was unsure whether or not this was the way the group always traveled or if this was yet another test of Brask’s. He could be testing me, Druzeel thought, to see if I can keep up the pace. Or he could be trying to be a horse’s hind end once more, hoping a hard ride will bring me pain or send me turning for home. Well, the young wizard thought, smiling to himself, the man is going to be disappointed once again.

  As Dex sped away, Druzeel quickly cast a series of spells. The deowmers would help him endure the hard ride and enable him to have better control of his horse. They would also, probably most importantly, keep him in the saddle. As hard as they were riding, it would not be easy for a novice to stay seated. Luckily, Druzeel had his magic to aid him.

  He spurred his horse onward. Unfortunately, though the magic kept him in place and allowed him to ride like the others, the ride quickly sent aches and pains down his legs and into his waist. It seemed that no amount of magic could help ease the discomfort of a hard saddle, especially on a man that had hardly ridden. He also found himself falling further and further behind. Apparently, the horse he was given was not as athletic as the others, but with a quick spell, he was soon closing in on the group. Within a few moments, he had actually caught up to Dex and Jannda. The man only offered an exciting smile. The halfling wore a look of surprise but was soon laughing, a slight shake to her head.

  For just a moment, Druzeel thought about pushing his horse harder, moving by the others and reaching Brask, but he soon thought better of it. Best not to antagonize him, he thought to himself. This journey is going to be hard enough and if he could achieve just a minuscule amount of relief, then it would be worth the extra effort.

  They galloped nonstop for a few miles and only started to slow down when the edge of the Fairgrove Forest came into view. Druzeel also happened to notice that Brask had ordered them to slow when he looked back and saw Druzeel had indeed been keeping pace with relative ease. His look of annoyance quickly disappeared though when they all realized that no matter how well any horse was trained, running them at full speed for too long can be unhealthy, so they slowed to a trot. They would have had to slow anyway for the path they followed led through the forest and galloping through the thick woods was not a smart idea.

  The trail through Fairgrove was small but easily followed. Though it was scarcely used, somehow the path managed to stay clear of excess growth. Tall, thriving tress grew just along the edge, along with colorful bushes, aromatic flowers, and other forms of life that provided the woods with a comfortable atmosphere. Birds chipped, squirrels frolicked, and an occasional deer scampered through the brush, just out of sight. Other animals made their way through the thicker parts of the wood but they stayed well away from the odd creatures following along the trail.

  Since the forest was so close to Atlurul, once every season, contingents of Lances, as well as mercenaries looking for a few pieces of gold for a pelt or horn, were sent into the forest to make sure the surrounding area was safe from dangerous creatures. Fairgrove was usually free of such beasts but an occasional goblin or orc had been known to wander into the area. Druzeel felt certain they would be safe moving through the woods and even if they did encounter anything, they were skilled warriors and could deal with any threat.

  His mind was clear and his nerves were calm, regardless of the company he was in. He breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the openness around him. He had only been in the forest a handful of times, when he accompanied his mentor on trips to escort caravans home or when Graeak decided to have his lessons outside, in a more leafy environment, as he like to put it. Being cooped up in the tower for so long, he often forgot how beautiful nature could be.

  Druzeel traveled near the back of the group, wanting to be as far away from Brask as possible. He figured that the more time he spent away from the mercenary, the better. Perhaps time away from the man would give Brask the reprieve he needed to calm himself and accept that Druzeel was indeed part of the group and would be with them until their mission was complete. He wasn’t sure about Brask, but almost an hour into the journey his strategy seemed to be working on the others for they were soon laughing and acting as if they were sitting in a tavern sharing drinks. Not a single eye turned in his direction. He was not sure if he should be thankful or disturbed by that observation. Either they were ignoring him or had forgotten about him completely. Luckily, Jannda and Dex remembered he was with them. She would look back and him every now and then. Now, whether she was just checking to make sure he was still there or if she was actually looking to Dex behind him, he wasn’t sure, but either way it felt good to be seen.

  In most areas, the trail was narrow, allowing only for a single rider at a time, but there were wider patches where they were able to walk two abreast. During those stretches, Druzeel kept thinking of slowing, to allow Dex to catch up so he could speak with the man, but he kept on pace. If he wanted to get along, if he wanted Dex to actually be talkative and open, he knew he had to let the man act on his own. Turns out, he did not have to wait long.

 
“You have been here before?” Dex said, riding up next to Druzeel. He motioned to the forest around them. Druzeel knew it was good that Dex had actually asked a question about him. It showed the Knight wanted to know more.

  “A few times,” Druzeel said. “Sometimes Graeak would take us into the forest to study local plant life, the animals, or just to get us away from the confines of the tower. He said that too much time indoors, especially surrounded by thick stone walls, could drive a man crazy.”

  “Wise man,” Dex commented with a smile.

  “Taught me everything he knows,” Druzeel replied with a genuine look of contentment on his face. The mention of his teacher sent a feeling of sadness through him. He was just now realizing how much he missed the old man. He had been away from him in the past, sometimes for days, but this felt different. Knowing that he was leaving the area and may not be back for many months only amplified the way he felt about the aged archmage. Luckily, he had the ring and could speak with Graeak anytime he wanted, but it would not be the same as if he was standing in front of him.

  “So how did you come to be under Graeak’s tutelage?” Dex asked.

  At first, Druzeel thought the man was joking. Why would any of these men want to know more about him? They surely had not expressed any interest of learning anything more than what Brask had told them, but he had heard the sincerity on Dex’s voice. He reminded himself that Dex was, perhaps for the time being, his only true ally within the group. Isn’t this what he wanted anyway? To gain a better relationship with Dex? Here was the opportunity.

  For the next few moments, Druzeel explained to Dex how he came to be under Graeak’s care. He spoke of the death of his parents, two people he really didn’t remember, and about how Graeak felt an obligation to his friend to take Druzeel under his wing.

  “I remember hearing something about that,” Dex said when Druzeel mentioned Hellric Sazzor, the wizard that had gone mad and started attacking the city almost two decades ago. “I was not in the city at that time. Hells, I was barely just a young man when that happened but I’ve heard people speak of Hellric the Mad and how Graeak had to cast him down to save Atlurul.”

  “Yes,” Druzeel nodded. “Though my mentor was widely known before that unfortunately event, he became even more famous after Hellric’s sad demise. He hardly speaks of what happened. I don’t even know how my parents died but based on some of the stories I have heard, I don’t think I really want to know.”

  “Probably for the best,” Dex replied.

  “So after all the chaos cleared,” Druzeel continued, “Graeak took me in and started to train me as a wizard. Apparently, both my parents were aspiring wizards and I showed talent at a very young age. I have lived in the tower ever since.”

  “I can see why he speaks so highly of you,” Dex said. “He probably sees you as his son.”

  “More like his grandson,” Druzeel said jokingly. He had made the same joke with the other apprentices for he had sometimes been referred to as Graeak’s son during his earlier years in the tower.

  “True, but the man practically raised you and certain unbreakable bonds and relationships come with that type of commitment. Unfortunately, I can also see why the junior Battlebeard was not such a fan of yours. He probably resented you for being handed, if you will, such a position under such a profound and respected wizard.”

  “I didn’t ask to be taught by Graeak,” Druzeel pointed out calmly. He knew Dex wasn’t trying to degrade his teachings or reasons why Graeak was so fond of him. He was just pointing out facts.

  “I know,” Dex said, seeing that Druzeel took his comment the way he intended. “You were fortunate to survive what happened to Hellric and that fortune opened up a wonderful opportunity, even though it was born from tragedy. To Browen, your position was nothing but luck and he probably had no idea why you were training with Graeak, nor would he care. He only saw someone that had been handed something without having to work for it, even though, just between you and me, that boy hardly had to work for anything in his life.”

  Druzeel could not help but smile at that comment. Browen had been a bully and a snob, someone who thought that he should be given whatever he wanted instead of having to work for it. Dex spoke as if he had firsthand experience with the younger brother of Brask.

  “You speak as if you knew Browen,” Druzeel said, wanting to know if he had actually met him.

  “I met the lad a few times,” Dex said with a nasty look on his face. “Like you, I didn’t like him and found it best to avoid him all together.”

  “Yet here you are with Brask,” Druzeel stated. If Dex didn’t think too fondly of Browen, how could he put up with Brask? The two were brothers after all.

  “The two share similar qualities, true,” Dex said. “Shrewd, outspoken, rude, and sometimes brutal, yes, but Brask is a worker. That man worked for everything he has and is never afraid to get his hands dirty. That I can respect. Browen, on the other hand, just sat by and waited for the spoils. He never wanted to get dirty. I have a hard time admiring any man that lets others do their work for them.”

  Druzeel looked from Dex to Brask. The man certainly didn’t seem to be afraid of anything and he certainly could be brutal. His treatment of Druzeel and of the stonemason was a testament to that. But if he was such a hard worker, if he was so willing to do anything for what he wanted, then why would he treat me as he had? Druzeel thought. Why would he continue to defend his brother as he does? The answer to the latter question was easy. Browen was family and you defended family with everything you had, regardless of their faults. Perhaps since Browen felt Druzeel was responsible for his expulsion, Brask did as well. Perhaps the older brother felt an obligation to treat his sibling’s foe as he had. After all, regardless of being Graeak’s favorite student, Druzeel worked for everything he had. He did not just wait for it to be handed to him. Druzeel thought he even worked harder than many of the others, given that he had been somewhat handed the placement with Graeak. In some odd way, he and Brask were similar, but Druzeel didn’t think that would mater to the crude man. His opinions of the young wizard had been formed a long time ago.

  “Take heart,” Dex said, drawing Druzeel’s eyes back to him. “If, when the time comes, you show Brask and the others what you can do, which I know you will, they’ll come around.”

  “Why do you defend me?” Druzeel asked before he realized he what he was saying. “Why, when the others do not?” Dex looked at him with a kind smile.

  “You are young and have many things to learn, but berating and bulling you at every turn is not the way to do it. I truly believe if you want someone to learn, you offer encouragement and give guidance when it is needed. Yelling, screaming, and threatening to beat someone to a bloody pulp only makes them more nervous and anxious. They are more likely to screw up trying to do something they don’t know how to do instead of asking how to do it because they are afraid to be yelled at again.”

  “You speak as one who has experience,” Druzeel said, hoping not to bring up painful memories. The man spoke as if he knew what it was like to be treated as something less than human.

  “My father,” Dex began in a clam voice, “was a bully, as were my brothers. They yelled and screamed, beating and criticizing all those around them, including me. They hoped to mold me into something just as cruel as they were with physical and emotional torment rather than using encouraging words and gentle instruction. Granted, I think a few knocks on the head and harsh words can be helpful for anyone, but there is a line that must never be crossed, and they stepped over it constantly.”

  “I didn’t mean to bring up harsh memories,” Druzeel said, truly sorry for making the man live through a painful past again. Though he himself spoke about the death of his parents, it still pained him to know that he never got to know them, that he never had the chance to know where he came from.

  “It’s all right,” Dex said, his voice strong. “For me, it is important to remember the past, to remember what I went
through so I can help others avoid the pain that I was lucky enough to escape.”

  “And how did you escape?”

  “Like most children I suppose,” he said. “I ran away, was taken in by a loving family, and raised in a caring environment. My adoptive father was a mercenary and I soon found myself following in his footsteps.”

  Druzeel found himself listening intently to Dex’s story. The man had been through some painful experiences in his life, much like Druzeel had, and come out ahead. He was the stronger for it and appeared to be a more caring man because of it. The only thing he found perplexing was that even though Dex was obviously against bulling and had stepped in to defend Druzeel against Brask, he still allowed it to happen. Druzeel knew the man couldn’t stop it completely for he was in Brask’s employ, but one would think he would fight a little harder to put it to an end. Perhaps Brask had not stepped over the line. Maybe those few knocks on the head and harsh words Dex mentioned earlier was what he thought Druzeel needed to learn what not to do. If that was the case, what did Brask have to do to go over the line?

  “So how did you end up with the Knights?” Druzeel asked, pushing the concern from his mind. He would just have to continue to stay on Brask’s good side. He did not want to anger the man or make Dex do something that would jeopardize his position in the group.

  “Jannda introduced me to Brask and the others,” Dex said. A smile came to his face as he thought about what had brought him to the Knights. “I, and a handful of other mercenaries, was hired on to guard a caravan of bards, who were traveling through the countryside. Jannda had been among the group. She was using her free time from the Knights, time we all take every now and then, to have some fun doing what she enjoyed. Just a few days into the journey, we were attacked by a large group of goblinkin, just outside of Atlurul actually. She was so impressed with my tactics and fighting skills that she asked me to join. I had some reservations at first, but the coin was good and I was in desperate need. If you can believe, I also enjoyed the company. I’ve been with them ever since.”

  “And you have no more reservations?” Druzeel asked, coming to a major concern of his. Though he had witnessed only one brutal action by the Knights, the way they treated Gret, he was sure there had been many others over their career. He didn’t know if he could stand by idle if something similar were to happen in the future and he didn’t wish to cause any more anger or resentment in the group.

  “I know where you are going with this,” Dex said, without judgment, “and I will admit that we have done some things in the past that I am not especially proud of, but in the end, we were right. In the end, we saved lives.”

  “So do the ends justify the means?” Druzeel asked skeptically. Did they all believe that results were the only things that mattered? That any people hurt during the process were inconsequential?

  “Not always,” Dex answered truthfully, “and in those cases, I speak my mind. Believe me when I say that Brask and I have had our confrontations when I think he has gone too far, but with Gret, I know he was right. You saw that the man was hiding something.”

  “But we destroyed his shop,” Druzeel said. “We crippled him, maybe for life. I can never say that what Brask did was right.”

  “What if I told you that the assassin we are tracking was not the first malicious character that Gret dealt with?” Dex asked. “What if I said that a few of the maps he sold led directly to the death of a dozen children? What would you say then?”

  “When...” Druzeel stammered, caught off guard by the questions. “When did he do this?”

  “Answer the question,” Dex said calmly. “What should happen to Gret if what he did led directly to the deaths of these children?”

  “When he was found guilty,” Druzeel said, “then he should be jailed or put to death, as determined by the magistrate.” He truly believed that a man, a human being, should be punished only if there is absolutely no doubt that they committed a crime. To do anything else would be an injustice.

  “And what if I told you he escaped his punishments because of the people he knew and the gold he was able to pass around?” Dex said without pausing.

  “Are you suggesting that the magistrate is–”

  “I’m not suggesting anything,” Dex said, interrupting him. “I’m merely presenting you with a scenario.”

  “So this never happened?” Druzeel asked with concern. If Gret really was responsible for the deaths that Dex was speaking of, he should have been imprisoned or executed if found guilty of those crimes. Druzeel could not believe that a few coins and influential connections could get anyone off from killing innocent children. That was not the way the city that he grew up in operated.

  Dex just sighed and shook his head. He looked at Druzeel with sympathetic eyes. His face showed compassion and understanding, but it also held a deep concern that Druzeel did not truly know of the world he lived in. He had been shut away in the tower for too long, been protected from the horrors of life and had not been exposed to the real world enough to know any better. Dex hated to think that he could be destroying that innocence, but if the young wizard was going to be traveling with them, if he was going to be fighting and chasing after a dangerous assassin, he had to prepare the man for what lay ahead. Perhaps he could ease Druzeel into it, so as to not completely shatter the young man’s beliefs.

  “You are a good man,” Dex said, “and Graeak is a good teacher, but I feel he has done you a slight disservice by hiding the real world from you, though I know why he did it. Your life was, as was his, filled with tragedy the day you met and I think he didn’t want to add any more drama to an already dramatic situation, but he should have prepared you a little better.”

  Druzeel just looked at Dex in confusion. What was the man talking about? Graeak had prepared him for the world and taught him exactly what he needed to know. He knew evil and malice rested in the hearts of men, but the majority of people were good and wanted only the best for their family, their friends, and those around them. He wanted to express these thoughts to Dex but could tell the man had more to say, so he remained silent and listened.

  “Look,” Dex said softly, seeing the frustration and confusion on Druzeel’s face, “I’m not trying to insult you, Graeak, or your beliefs, but the world is not as simple as good and evil, right and wrong. There are areas in the middle, situations that you will be confronted with that will test you like never before. Sometimes you will make the right decision, but sometimes you may choose wrong and people may get hurt. It is what you learn and how you use what you have learned that determines what type of person you shall be. Brask, Ristil, myself, and the others have been doing this for quite some time and make choices based on what we have learned. Sometimes we are wrong, sometimes right, but we always try to learn from our mistakes to make a better decision in the future.”

  Druzeel looked down at his saddle. What Dex was saying made sense, but he couldn’t think of a situation that was neither right nor wrong. Graeak had always taught him that it was either one or the other. Perhaps he had not yet come to a situation such as one that Dex described. Could Graeak really have sheltered him too much? Why couldn’t these life decisions be as magic was? A spell either worked or it didn’t. Magic either came to you or it didn’t. Life, it appeared, was much more complicated. It appeared that this trip just became more complicated.

  “I didn’t mean to confuse you,” Dex said, taking Druzeel by the shoulder. “I just want you to think about what lay ahead of us. You may be faced with some tough decisions and I’m just trying to give you some advice.”

  “I know,” Druzeel said, though he was not sure he did. Was Dex giving him real advice or trying to make him come to the decision that he would?

  “Hey,” the man said, leaning back in his saddle, a smile forming on his face, “if all goes as planned, we’ll find the thief, capture him, and be back in Atlurul with no problems as all, with no tough choices to make and with no more stonemasons whose hands we have to stab.?
??

  “Yes,” Druzeel said, getting the joke, “but how often do things go according to plan?”

  “See,” Dex said, drawing Druzeel’s eyes. “You’re talking like one of us already. A good Knight knows that nothing ever goes to plan.”

  “A pleasant thought,” Druzeel said, feeling a smirk on his face. Dex only offered another smile as the two followed the trail in front of them. Druzeel still had many questions in his mind, and a dozen more since their conversation, but he managed to push those away for the time being. If things were going to get rough, he planned to enjoy the calm while it lasted.

  They rode for another hour or so, making their way through the winding woods. Fairgrove was a large forest that extended hundreds of miles to the east. They still had at least half a week’s journey to the other side, and then it would be nothing but open plains until Pelartis.

  It was only midday, with Solaris high in the sky, though only a few rays of sunlight managed to sneak through the thick canopy above. To Druzeel, it felt like they had been on the road for an entire day though in reality it had been less than three hours. Regardless of his magic, his legs ached and his back groaned. He really wasn’t built for the road. He could not imagine at least a dozen more days of this but he knew as time went by, he would become more accustomed to riding and sleeping on the hard ground. I really need to master teleportation, he thought to himself. Why didn’t Graeak just use his magic to send them to–

  Druzeel suddenly sat up straight and his eyes widened. He never told his mentor that he was leaving. With everything going on, the confrontation with Brask and the questions swirling around in his mind, he had forgotten to say goodbye. He needed to contact Graeak and let him know that they were on their way, but he didn’t want to do it while the others were nearby and he definitely did not want Brask to think he was sending back progress reports. Luckily, as they rounded the next bend, Brask stopped their procession.

  “Rest for the horses,” the man said while dismounting. “Water and a quick bite for everyone, then we’re back on the road. Ten minutes.”

  “Better take any rest he offers,” Dex said to Druzeel as he walked by. He led his horse near Jannda and dismounted. Then he went about stretching and getting something to eat, as did the others.

  Druzeel, after making sure the others were occupied, maneuvered his mount backwards, which was not an easy feet for someone without experience, and squeezed through a bundle of trees. He led his horse a few dozen yards away, just out of earshot, and dismounted. He stretched for about a minute, working out the soreness in his limbs and back. The horse appeared to do the same. It seemed that they both were unaccustomed to a hard ride first thing in the morning.

  After making sure the horse would stay put, Druzeel withdrew the ring that Graeak had given him and placed it on his finger. He gave it three quick turns and peered into the blue gem.

  At first, Druzeel feared that he had done something wrong. For many moments, nothing happened, but eventually Graeak’s kind face came into view. Though small and having a blue tint, Druzeel could see him clearly. The old man held a smile as he looked upon his student.

  “Yes, my young apprentice?” Graeak said in a tired voice. “We’re not having trouble already, are we?”

  For just a moment, Druzeel considered telling his teacher about what happened at the stonemason’s shop, but at the last second, he decided against it. The situation was over and bringing it up would only add worry to an already worried man. Even through the ring, Druzeel could see his mentor was tired and worried, no doubt concerned over his prized student and distressed over the events of the last few days. He had enough to worry about so there was no need to trouble him over something that could not be changed.

  “No,” Druzeel finally said, after a moment’s pause. “I just never told you that we left or even where we are heading. I just wanted to let you know that–”

  “You are heading to Pelartis,” Graeak finished for him. It came as no surprise to Druzeel that Graeak already knew that they had left and where they were headed. He found himself smiling before his teacher finished his sentence.

  “Yes,” Druzeel said. “As usual, it is hard to keep anything from you.”

  “Fear not,” the wise wizard replied, “I’m sure before this trip is over, you’ll surprise me. Are you learning the ways of the world yet? Have the Knights been showing you what it means to be an adventurer?”

  “Y...Yes,” Druzeel managed to spit out, trying his best to hide the truth from his face. “Sort of. On both accounts.”

  “Excellent,” Graeak said and took a deep breath.

  Druzeel caught a look on his face just then, one of grave concern. He had only seen that look a few times and it sent a surge of fear through him. Could his teacher be hiding something from him?

  “Is everything all right?” he asked, his mouth ahead of his mind once again.

  “Yes,” Graeak answered quickly, perhaps a bit too fast. “Just an old man’s foolish worries. My mind is still locked on your quest, and you, but know that I am also still searching for our illusive thief, so you are not alone on this quest.”

  “Any luck?”

  “Unfortunately, no,” Graeak answered. Druzeel surmised that the worried look was from his exhaustive searching and the frustration of coming up empty. “Trust me, my young apprentice,” Graeak continued, “the moment I find anything, you shall be the first to know.”

  “Thank you for trusting me,” Druzeel said, feeling pride at his teacher’s words. “I won’t fail you.”

  “I know,” Graeak answered, “I know. If you need to speak, for any reason,” he said, with emphasis on the word reason, letting Druzeel know that he knew that something was bothering his student, “just use the ring.”

  “I will,” Druzeel said without pause, perhaps a little too swiftly.

  With that, the gem slowly faded and Graeak disappeared, leaving Druzeel alone in the forest, with only his thoughts and horse for company.