The Sword and the Flame: The Forging

  “How can one person make so much noise?” Janessa muttered to herself as she looked around for something she could use. Settling on her weapon, Janessa grabbed the pillow Viola was using to cover her ears, ripped it from her friend’s grasp, and threw it at Galin.

  “Hey!” Viola sat up in time to see her pillow land on Galin‘s face.

  The sudden impact on his face, though light, was enough to drive a loud boisterous cry from the Dwarf who leapt to his feet to face the culprit that snuck up on him. “Who did that?” With a red face and wide eyes, Galin's surprise faded after he remembered where he was and upon seeing the irritated faces of the women his face flushed. “Sorry lass, guess the beast run off.”

  Galin‘s cry startled Gilliam to the point he nearly had a heart attack, he was willing to bet the rest of the inn was in the same condition. Despite the suddenness of it, the cleric was quick to respond to an apparent threat as he stood near the Dwarf, his mace at the ready. Realizing it’d been a false alarm. He lowered the mace, shaking his head, he expected Berek to be sitting in his corner chuckling at the sight of them. The thought of it threatened to make Gilliam laugh but he fought against the urge, choosing to smile instead.

  He turned, resting his eyes on where his nephew was supposed to be. What he saw, or rather didn’t see, wiped his mind of its jovial thoughts. “Anyone know where Berek is?” Berek was a grown man and capable of taking care of himself, but it was a family member’s duty to be worried when one went missing.

  The rest of the companions turned to look at him in astonishment; none of them noticed their friend missing. “Probably went for a walk or to use the privy.” Galin mused, ashamed for not noticing his friend’s absence sooner.

  “Surely, we would’ve heard something.” Janessa glanced around the room as if the fighter would materialize out of the shadows.

  Normally we would’ve, was the shared thought among them. Even Galin blamed himself before the others had a chance to, though to their credit none did. Each was sure they would’ve, or should’ve, heard something even with the Dwarf’s hammering snores.

  “He moves like an elf, isn’t that what you said earlier Galin?” Gilliam glanced at the Dwarf. Both of their faces were etched with concern.

  Galin lifted his eyes to Gilliam’s. He knew what the human was trying to do. “Aye, that I did lad.”

  The cleric smiled, resting a hand on the Dwarf’s shoulder. “Then none of us would’ve heard him in any case.” While Gilliam could see his comment cheered the Dwarf, he couldn’t help but worry. “The morning is still young, he may yet return to make us all look foolish.”

  Galin’s eyes smiled at Gilliam even if his face did not. “If he does lad, I may have to kill him for it.”

  Viola rolled her eyes and exchanged a look with Janessa that stated: MEN!

  Janessa chuckled as she jumped out of bed to begin the daily search for her shoes. “We may as well see to breakfast, no sense in killing one another on an empty stomach.”

  The mood in the room changed from somber to weak cheerfulness as the companions got dressed and, in Gilliam and Galin’s case, tried to wipe away the encrusted Ogre’s blood. “Haven’t had so much filth on me since the Tribal Wars when I was a young lad. Damn stuff would cause nightmares for a weaker Dwarf.” Galin never felt so happy to wash up in his life. Even the stench began to fade.

  Gilliam had problems of his own to deal with at the moment. While his traveling cloak protected him from a majority of the blood, it became stiff as a board in the corner where he set it after unloading their treasure. The chill of the night air wasn’t his biggest concern as any traveling cloak would suffice, it was due to the fact his cloak had become a part of him. Ten years old and barely frayed, it’d been with him during a vast majority of his adventures and he came to view it as a good luck charm. While other clerics wore medallions or prayed for security, he had his cloak. Looking at it now, he felt foolish thinking of it as a part of him. One battle and he was upset at having to replace his cloak.

  Viola watched the others go about their business of starting the day off with her own somber thoughts. She wanted to be happy and felt she should be while being ready for any adventure the day would bring but something wouldn’t let it happen. It felt as though some dark shadow had descended over her, trying to warn her about something. As hard as she tried, Viola couldn’t shake off the dark feeling.

  Determined not to allow something as childish as a feeling control her, Viola pulled her gray robes on and was ready to leave the room before her companions. As usual, Janessa was right next to her in a heartbeat, to her surprise both men were picking up their weapons and slinging them over their shoulders. Viola gave them both an approving glance, though she wasn’t sure as to why. It occurred to the young mage that they looked as though they were heading into a battle rather than breakfast. Viola paused by the door, her hand on the handle, something about the scene struck her.

  Janessa looked at her, she sensed something different but she didn’t have any idea what it was. Viola shook her head. “Something’s not right.” Though her voice was low it carried through the room like a shrill whistle.

  Everyone in the room paused at the sound of her voice. Despite the joyful moment before, each of them had their own thoughts. Gilliam didn’t say anything, he turned his head towards the window, letting his gaze search for an as yet unseen Berek. Galin stroked his beard, “Aye lass, even in jest a foul stench is in the air.”

  Viola paused in thought, Janessa’s mind was racing. Before she could think through their options she spoke. “If you need help count us in.” A sharp poke in her ribs and hiss from behind caused the Halfling to turn around to glare at Viola. Even through her annoyance, Janessa could see something was different about her friend. A quick glance confirmed the others hadn’t noticed the sudden change in Viola, but when she turned back the mage’s face was its usual calmness. “It’s the least we can do.” Janessa emphasized the “we” and gave Viola a glance, it was something they had to do.

  Gilliam turned back from the window, his face full of concern with any casual thought turning into a gruesome one. He was sure where they’d find Berek, he was just as certain at the chances he and Galin had of pulling off the idea they were sharing. A cleric and Dwarf, weren’t a very imposing pairing. Yes, it would be better, easier as a matter of fact, if they had help from their friends. But they were only children, treasure was one thing, this was another entity.

  To Gilliam’s relief, Galin felt the same way. “We appreciate the offer lass,” he did notice the change that came over Viola’s face and his fear of magic users began to surface, “but this is different than a walk through a tunnel.”

  Gilliam spoke when Janessa was about to protest. “We appreciate you’re willing to help us, but this isn’t your fight.”

  “So tell me Sir Dwarf, was that your fight last night?” Viola’s own voice startled her. She’d been fighting to break through the thick haze that invaded her mind and finally succeeded.

  Galin eyed her for a moment; one needn’t be a magic user to see a battle of some sort being waged within the young woman. After a moment’s pause, he turned to Gilliam with a shrug. “She has a point, lad.”

  What ever happened to Dwarves being stubborn? Gilliam wondered, trying to think of a way out of their mess. “Galin is over a hundred years old. He and I have led full lives.” His voice lowered as he continued, “Yours have only just begun.” Gilliam noticed a fire in Janessa’s eyes, she would keep arguing to go but Viola? He wasn‘t sure what he saw in her eyes, he was certain she lacked the passion of her friend on that topic. But, he reminded himself, she already dealt with her fear and that made her stronger. They all had. Perhaps the strain had been too much for her. That thought caused him to sympathize with her, his own resolve had faltered more than once over the last few days.

  As Gilliam expected, Janessa was about to say something, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Viola hadn’t even noticed her arm moved un
til she felt the soft fabric of Janessa’s tunic. “Our lives may have just begun, but we are more than capable. You… both of you can attest to that.” She lowered her eyes in shame; even Janessa’s warm smile didn’t make her feel better. When Viola continued the Halfling’s smile faded, breaking her heart. “But I am of little use to you at this time.”

  It took a moment for the reasoning to come to Janessa. Viola hadn’t studied her spell book! That was why she seemed so different! In all of the excitement with the treasure and Berek’s departure, Viola didn’t have a chance to refresh the spells in her memory. It surprised Janessa that she hadn’t noticed that fact before then, scolding herself for her carelessness.

  Janessa patted Viola’s hand holding her shoulder. “When you’re ready meet us at…” She paused, turning to their companions. “Where are we going?”

  Galin‘s beard bristled, Halflings were never ones to take a polite brush off. “We’re going to Renard’s camp! You’re staying here!”

  Janessa turned to Viola smiling, “Meet us at Renard’s camp when you’re ready.”

  Galin swore at himself, how could she be such a dunderhead? “Now look--”

  “We’d be happy to have you with us when you’re ready.” Gilliam shot Galin a look saying he knew what he was doing. The Dwarf remained silent, he’d gotten into this because of a friend and now he was helpless due to that same friendship. For a moment he wondered if his cousins, the Mountain Dwarves, had the right idea after all.

  While his Dwarven friend fumed, Gilliam continued. He knew it’d take Viola a couple hours to memorize the needed spells, by that time they’d either be returning with Berek or not at all. He sensed there was something more on Viola’s mind. “I suggest you two come together, that way we’ll have an unexpected surprise for Renard.”

  Janessa wrinkled her nose, “I suppose, but you’ll need me to help you sneak into the camp. No offense but neither of you would make good thieves.”

  Though he didn’t smile, Gilliam did look at Galin with a raised eyebrow which the Dwarf understood. In answer Galin shook his head, “Never been a Dwarf nimble enough for such a trade.” He didn’t mention how Dwarves viewed thieves, those of his kind that tried their hand at it rarely got the chance to try it a second time. “She does have a point lad, and we’d best hurry.”

  Gilliam nodded his agreement then turned to Janessa, “Very well, you can come. But,” he added when she let out a squeak of joy, “stay out of any fighting that may occur. We’ll have our hands full and will have no time to watch for you.”

  The Halfling’s face twisted as if she bit into something sour at hearing the instructions. She wanted to scream “I can take care of myself!” but somehow found the inner strength to remain quiet. She’d show them, when they’d need help she’d be there to rescue them.

  Confident he made his point, Gilliam turned his attention to Viola. When dealing with the mage his tone softened, “Join us when you’re ready. We’ll be waiting.” With everything settled as close to his liking as possible, he stepped through the door when Viola opened it and was followed by Galin and Janessa.

  Janessa stopped partway out the door and looked at her friend. The sincerity in Janessa’s face caused Viola’s heart to ache. “Don’t be too long, I don’t know if…” She trailed off, unable to say more.

  Viola smiled at her friend, “It’ll be alright. It won’t take me long and then we can enjoy our fortune.” Janessa smiled up at her then followed the others. Viola remained holding the open door, alone with her thoughts. She felt ashamed for lying to her best friend, the one person she’d always been able to rely on being at her side. She told herself she hadn’t lied, she allowed Janessa to come to her own conclusions. After all, she did have to study her spell book, but not to refresh any of the spells she used the previous night. It was a common belief that a mage’s spells were gone from their memory at the end of each day. That is only a half truth as the spells one commits to memory stay with them until they’re cast and burned from their mind. But now that she was alone, the question bothering her was why did she lie? A shiver overtook her as she closed the door, was she afraid of the answer?

  Viola rubbed her arms to try to warm them after the shiver sent chills through her. “You did well child.”

  The sound of Mern’s voice should have startled her, but for some unexplained reason it didn’t. Viola turned to the source and spoke when her eyes settled on Mern. “I don’t understand.” It wasn’t meant as a question but it could’ve been one. She felt strange, like she didn’t belong there, in that town, that room, or that body. The oppressive feeling responsible for her hesitation a few minutes earlier never left, it intensified. It wasn’t painful or terrifying, but it was strong enough to make her uncomfortable. Viola felt like she was in a closed room on the muggiest day of the year.

  Mern sat in the lone chair in the room; his hair was uncombed but still made him appear relaxed, as if he was asleep. Only the ferocity pouring from his eyes gave away the fire burning inside of him. “You will, child. You’ve been chosen.”

  Mern’s words bore into her. “Chosen? What could I possibly be chosen for?”

  Mern smiled, “All in due time, child. First things first, you agreed for me to be your master. Is that not correct?” Viola nodded. “Good, in doing so you agreed to learn as I see fit.” Mern paused a moment to give her time to understand what he was saying. When he was satisfied enough time passed he continued. “Your friends are a distraction--”

  “But Janessa…” Viola began to protest but fell silent after one look from the old mage.

  “She is the worst of the lot.” Mern steepled his fingers, resting them against his lips. He remained silent for several long moments until Viola feared he fell asleep. That notion was disproved by his eyes. They moved about in their sockets, focusing on objects in the room but they were seeing so much more. “It is settled then.” He stood and made his way for the door. The speed with which he moved surprised her and she backed away from the door and out of his way. “I suggest you gather what items you can carry.”

  “What do you mean? I’m not going anywhere.” Viola tried to sound defiant and strong but her voice was shaky at best.

  Mern stopped as he was about to open the door and turned to face her. His eyes were no longer intense, but were soft and loving. “I know you’re confused, child, but you must trust me. If you act fast enough you may still save your friends.”

  His remarks struck Viola as hard as any physical blow. “I thought they were going into danger.” Her voice was low as she let her mind wonder over the possibilities. She looked up, her eyes wide with hope. “With your help--”

  “We will do nothing!” Mern turned on her with such savagery that she struggled to avoid tripping over her own robes. As quick as that, Mern was back to his usual friendly self. “My dear, you must realize the gravity of the situation. If we leave to help your friends now you will sacrifice them in the future.”

  Viola watched Mern for a moment, unsure of what to say or do. If he was telling her the truth, and she was sure he was, then Janessa and the others would be safe for now. She didn’t like the possible repercussions of either decision. No matter her choice, Viola was allowing them to face peril while she studied and grew in power. Though she fought it, it was a decision that was made the previous day. Glancing around at the room; her eyes paused where Janessa kept her things. Her decision final, she nodded. “I’m ready; I just need a moment to write them a note.”

  Mern was about to say something but stopped himself. He watched from the doorway as Viola sat at the table and penned her goodbye. He was surprised it only took her a couple of minutes to write it, he thought such a thing would’ve taken much longer, considering how emotional his apprentice was. He watched her sprinkle sand over the paper to dry the ink before coming over to stand next to him. Her eyes were rimmed red from tears, but with a determined glow emanating from them. When she nodded he smiled at her, speaking a long, complicated spell
. The words of magic wrapped around them in a tight embrace.

  To Viola it felt as though she would be crushed but the searing pain never came and in an instant the walls around them twisted and swirled together until they were a whirlpool of color. So this is what the traveling spell is supposed to be like, she thought to herself as they disappeared from her and Janessa’s room. The room they had been standing in remained intact as if nothing had happened, with Viola’s books and scrolls missing, with a single note in their place.

  Chapter 22

  “See, old man Winston wasn’t too angry. He only charged you each for half a room.” Janessa couldn’t help smiling at her two companions as they made their way through the empty streets of Hope. Both Galin and Gilliam found it curious how a city with a company the size of Renard’s next to it wasn’t yet awake. Janessa did her best to explain it, in the end it came down to two choices, either the people of Hope were lazy or they were tired of spending their hard earned money. Janessa believed it a little of both, Gilliam and Galin exchanged glances at her revelation. If a town “forgot” about a treasure underneath their feet then the choice seemed clear.

  As they walked, Janessa was quick to point out certain local landmarks and their significance. While she seemed jovial, Galin could see she was worried. They each were for different reasons and they each dealt with it in their own way. Gilliam was focused on the task at hand; he acknowledged Janessa and the Halfling let it go at that. Janessa continued to talk about the city of Hope to keep hers, and their, spirits up. She wasn’t as concerned for Berek as she was for Viola, but neither of her companions would’ve guessed it. Galin was more worried about what could, or would, happen if they tried to pawn off any of the discovered treasure. He was concerned about Berek, but a lot of good it’d do him if they got arrested if someone recognized the items. Though that threat was minimal, he couldn’t shake the feeling of apprehension that kept creeping into his thoughts.