ã€ŠThe Gathererã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Thayne Nycknell stormed the charms classroom, his mind racing. His jumbling thoughts fuel for his indignation. He would make him sorry for making him look like a fool. It was just one more reason his classmates didn¡¯t need to ridicule him. Reaching the door he steeled himself and reached for the door handle. He hesitated a moment when the door opened on its own, giving the man he sought time to say,

    ¡°Come in, Thayne.¡±

    Frowning he stepped forward quickly, suppressing a shiver. It wasn¡¯t late yet, but the cliffs hid the sun from this wing of the castle by two o¡¯clock and an hour later the halls were already chilly. Feeling a little confused but mostly suspicious. He narrowed his eyes trying to locate the professor in the dim light. None of the lamps were lit, the only light came from the fire under the large cauldron at the front of the room.

    ¡°Hurry up and tell me what¡¯s on your mind, it¡¯s like a little thundercloud.¡±

    Thayne¡¯s frown deepened as he finally saw movement behind the cauldron. ¡°My mind is not little and besides you can¡¯t even read minds.¡±

    He strode into the room and slammed the door. Professor Globulus raised a ball of light in his hand and it scattered to light the lamps as he turned from the cauldron and regarded Thayne severely.

    ¡°Now was that entirely necessary? You almost upset my work.¡± He gestured to the bubbling cauldron in front of him.

    ¡°Is the total darkness necessary? What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°No, it just helps me concentrate. You wanted to discuss something?¡±

    Professor Arthur Globulus crossed his arms, waiting. He was the most mild-tempered teacher at Psyhne, the school of magic. He had gone to school with Thayne¡¯s grandfather, they were both aquamancers, and as members of Florean House had become and remained very close. They shared many things, including a love of rich foods. Globulus¡¯s long hair was steel grey, and hidden under his tall pointed hat was his shining bald pate. Seeing Thayne¡¯s gaze on his hat, he lifted a self-conscious hand to make sure it was sitting properly and Thayne marvelled as he always did at the sight of the blue tinge and slightly wrinkled texture of the skin as if it had been too long submerged in water. It was a sign of the professor¡¯s age and magic that his left and dominant hand showed the signs of its use. Globulus¡¯ brown eyes seemed to laugh at him and Thayne narrowed his own in response.

    ¡°You told him,¡± Thayne growled his hands clenching into fists.

    The professor did not notice his attention was once again on the cauldron. ¡°Indeed I did,¡± he replied distractedly without looking up, stroking his long beard as he examined the bubbling contents.

    ¡°Why? You know it just gave him more ammunition.¡± Thayne threw himself dejectedly onto a nearby chair. ¡°Not that he needs anymore,¡± He muttered turning to look up at the professor hopefully.

    ¡°Why? Because I don¡¯t need the bother of fixing whatever he decided to do to you in his temper. You never think things through do you Thayne. Has Patrick ever expelled a student?¡± Globulus turned, his hands on his hips and entirely unsympathetic.

    Opening his mouth to answer, Thayne¡¯s mind went blank. While Globulus waited, the hint of a smile on his lips Thayne thought hard. Professor Patrick ¡®Old Cob¡¯ Cobronus, was the complete opposite to Globulus. His fuse was not short it was non-existent. The only similarity between them was their weight, but while Globulus was built like a ball of lard, Old Cob put Thayne in mind of a bull in weight and appearance. With nothing else coming to mind and the professor¡¯s grin growing more and more irritating, he replied carefully, ¡°There was Peter?¡±

    ¡°Peter Yientz? Being thrown out of a window doesn¡¯t count, Thayne.¡± Globulus cut him off and stared hard at him, making Thayne feel uncomfortable.

    ¡°At least it got him out of this hell-hole,¡± Thayne muttered darkly and frowned, even he knew that was a lame excuse.

    ¡°Yes, and into the infirmary for three months.¡±

    Thayne knew that Globulus was right but he didn¡¯t want to admit it. He was desperate, he hated Psyhne. He should be in his fourth year by now. No one had ever repeated their first year at Psyhne, ever, until Thayne. For four years he had been a first year, stuck in Varian House. He could do magic but it didn¡¯t always work, and never the same way. He didn¡¯t even know which path he was on, whether he was a Higher or Lower magician. No, not Lower, not anymore. After centuries of being considered lower, the summons and words path was supposed to be considered superior to the ability to draw and shape raw magic. By order of the Supreme Mage (a lower magician). The fact that he know ruled Engola and none dared stand up to him kind of made Thayne think that maybe he had a point. But centuries of belief took longer than a decade or so to change. He might have even been able to overlook the atrocious treatment of Untalented if the Talented that voiced doubts or questions didn¡¯t also disappear. But what did his opposition matter? He was a student who didn¡¯t even know how he accessed magic. Everyone knows what path they take; the path is the conduit to your magic. Whether you can draw and shape raw magic; or whether you use spells, incantations and charms. He did not know what was wrong with him. Even being Ghee would be better, then his lack of Talent could not be denied.

    Thayne turned his back on the professor and wiped his eyes, trying to stop the tears of frustration. Without knowing his path, it was impossible for him to know the nature of his magic. He sometimes thought that he was an aquamancer like his grandfather, sometimes he felt like a geomancer, but those times were rare since it needed emotional and physical calm and strength. He even felt like a pyromancer at times, particularly when he was angry. But none of them really felt right, it was like there was a wall inside him holding back the magic that he just couldn¡¯t break through. He was the butt of every joke, every prank, even the teachers used him for sport. His parents were so desperate that he not embarrass them that they wouldn¡¯t let him come home. Expulsion was his only option, he had been the first to repeat his first year, and so he was determined to be the first to be expelled as well.

    ¡°Cob-face said you wanted something,¡± Thayne stated rudely, crossing his arms.

    ¡°Cob-face, Thayne? That¡¯s a new one.¡± Globulus wiped his hands on the front of his already filthy robes and put out the fire under the cauldron. He turned and regarded Thayne a moment then nodded. ¡°Yes, I need you to do something for me.¡±

    Beckoning him to follow, he left the classroom, leaving Thayne to follow reluctantly behind. All the stone corridors looked the same. Once the walls had been decorated with tapestries and enchanted objects of all kinds of varieties, even some slightly dangerous ones but they had all been stripped from the walls and taken away by the Supreme Mage. All that remained were the rugs and floor runners. Sometimes they were the only thing to use as a guide to where you wanted to go.

    They walked a short distance and Thayne guessed he was being taken to Globulus¡¯s office. He was proven right as they reached the end of the corridor and turned left.

    ¡°You betrayed me. What makes you think I¡¯ll do what you ask?¡± Thayne asked not ready to let go of his anger.

    ¡°Believe me, Thayne. You¡¯ll like this errand.¡±

    Ignoring Thayne¡¯s bitter muttering, the professor continued to lead the way to his study. He did like the boy, he had promised his grandfather he would look after him but Thayne had a knack for getting on people¡¯s nerves.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Bloody errand,¡± Thayne muttered loudly. ¡°What am I, a... bloody... errand boy? Oh here Thayne take this to the charms classroom, now don¡¯t you feel useful? Oh yes why thank you, you have brought meaning back to my life...¡±

    Globulus stopped at the door, pulled a large ring of keys out of his robes and fumbled around looking for the right one. Already not in the best of moods Thayne started to tap his foot impatiently, his eyes darting around nervously. He didn¡¯t like to stay still for too long, you never knew who might be sneaking around to test out some new spell on a helpless victim and none were more pathetic than he. Finally the professor found the right key and unlocked the door.

    Watching the professor lock the door behind them, Thayne frowned when the professor pulled out his wand and began to place silencing charms. His curiosity roused, he wondered what could be so important that the professor feared being overheard. And why would he be telling him something so important. Shifting from foot to foot, Thayne started to feel apprehensive. Maybe Globulus was angry with him and didn¡¯t want anyone to hear? Thayne¡¯s eyes strayed to the door. Globulus was standing in front of it ignoring him, his attention on his spell casting. The room was small, a cheap pine desk and an uncomfortable-looking matching chair stood in front of a tiny window. There were small curiosities, both antique and cheap fakes, arranged haphazardly on the desk with scrolls scattered in between. The desk was pushed against one wall and there seemed barely enough room between the desk and the bookshelf for Thayne to squeeze past to the chair, let alone the professor¡¯s large frame. A twin to the desk chair stood in front of the desk for visitors. So with no way to escape Thayne resigned himself to his fate and sank into the visitor¡¯s chair, finding it as uncomfortable as it looked.

    ¡°What do you know of the time before?¡± Globulus asked abruptly behind Thayne, making him jump. The professor didn¡¯t notice Thayne¡¯s nerves as he squeezed past to his desk, the bookshelf seeming to lean back to let him through, and placed an old volume on the desk in front of him.

    ¡°You mean when there was a royal family and the Talented were suppressed?¡± Thayne asked as he leaned forward to get a look at the book that the professor seemed to have pulled out of thin air.

    Globulus frowned slightly and shook his head as he pulled the book out of Thayne¡¯s reach. Thayne leant back again his interest in the book lost as he watched Globulus pace the small space behind his desk as he replied, ¡°Yes and no. True the royal family were ¡°pure¡± and had no Talent, but things were better then. Not perfect of course there was definite tension between the Talented and Untalented but it just simmered below the surface it wasn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    ¡°Where is this going exactly?¡± Thayne interrupted with a yawn. He missed the professor¡¯s sigh as he leaned back and stretched.

    ¡°Did you know that in that time, William Hyweln was Arch Mage?¡± Globulus nodded to himself as he continued, ¡°Yes he was the headmaster of Psyhne. His only equal, perhaps really superior, being the headmaster of the university.¡±

    Thayne sat forward with a frown. ¡°What?¡±

    Globulus sat and stared straight into Thayne¡¯s eyes. ¡°Lower magicians finished their time at Psyhne and were apprenticed to a sorcerer level magician, sometimes a mage but that was rare¡­¡± a glance at Thayne told Globulus he was losing him so he quickly moved on. ¡°Mystax was exclusive to Higher magicians¡­ Perhaps I should have explained first that there was once a mentoring program at Psyhne. Professors were assigned to guide particularly gifted students. One Lower pyromancer was matched with the history professor, a Higher geomancer¡­ are you listening?¡±

    Thayne raised his head from its rest on his hands. ¡°What? Yes. The good students were given more opportunities and attention than those that needed it¡­¡±

    Globulus shook his head and leant forward with his elbows on the desk. ¡°That is not what¡ª look, the history professor was a higher magician, magi at that time, the student was a young William Hyweln and¡ª¡±

    Thayne was one again interested. ¡°The Supreme Mage?!¡±

    Globulus acknowledged the interruption and went on without pausing, ¡°Yes. And he idolised his mentor, wanting to be as great as him, to surpass him. Kailim was a strange, very reserved man. You got the feeling he knew more¡­ that he had secrets. He kept to himself.¡±

    Globulus paused for a moment and watched Thayne with exasperation as his attention wavered around the office. ¡°Do you know who the Supreme Mage hates more than anyone?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Gatherers¡­ You know, I think you should be the history professor rather than the charms¡­¡±

    ¡°When Hyweln took power, Kailim was High Druid of Msytax,¡± Globulus said loudly speaking over Thayne. ¡°No one knows the details, but Kailim opposed him. He lost, obviously, but he did escape and he disappeared. The Supreme Mage would like very much to get his hands on Kailim and with this book,¡± he said holding up the book he had kept from Thayne earlier, ¡°he could do it.¡±

    Globulus leaned even further forward and looked up at Thayne severely. ¡°I need you to return this book to Kailim,¡± he said his brows furrowing. ¡°It is vitally important that no one learns of your purpose or what you carry.¡±

    It was Thayne¡¯s turn to frown as questions buzzed through his mind. ¡°Me? Why? How?¡± even as he asked his hands reached for the book. The professor slammed a hand down on it and met his eye. ¡°I mean no one.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Thayne replied, now insufferably curious and a bit frightened. He carefully took the book. It seemed heavier than it looked. The cover was old and frayed. The leather binding was cracked and almost split in a couple of places. There was no title, just a strange symbol; a circle that didn¡¯t quite meet at the top, the right curve turning into a tail that ran through the middle. ¡°Where am I going? Down the hall?¡± Thayne half joked.

    ¡°This is not a joke, Thayne. I will give you directions to someone who should be able to take you to Kailim. He gave me this book to keep safe. I don¡¯t know why Kailim decided to trust me with it; we hardly knew each other. Higher magicians didn¡¯t fraternise with Lower, of course now it is the other way around...¡±

    ¡°Are you finished rambling or should I just leave you to it?¡± Thayne asked impatiently gesturing towards the door. Despite his misgivings Thayne¡¯s felt almost optimistic, this was a new feeling to him. He would be leaving Psyhne. He¡¯d finally escape.

    Globulus glared. ¡°Go pack some clothes and come collect the book,¡± he said coldly. He sighed and added a lot more gently, ¡°Take great care, Thayne. Kailim has many enemies.¡±

    Thayne nodded soberly a couple of times then blurt out, ¡°Well of course he does! He stood up to that¡ª¡±

    ¡°Thayne! Do not. It is dangerous to voice or even think ill of the Supreme Mage. The world has become a very dark place. And this is a very great secret I have given you.¡±

    With a frown Thayne pursed his lips and nodded. The book didn¡¯t look all that special but looks weren¡¯t everything especially where magic was concerned. But what was so secret about it? Books could be rare but they were never secrets. He suddenly had the feeling there was a joke there somewhere that he was not getting. ¡°Are¡­ are you just trying to get me out of here?¡± he asked as he studied the grain of the desktop. To his surprise he found the thought wasn¡¯t all that pleasant.

    The professor¡¯s chair scraped back and moments later, Thayne felt the warmth of his hand on his shoulder. ¡°No Thayne. Never that. This is truly dangerous. I do not want to send you but Professor Tolhan¡ª¡±

    ¡°The astrology professor?¡± Thayne asked incredulously raising his head to look into Globulus¡¯s eyes.

    He nodded, taking the book out of Thayne¡¯s hands and placing it back on the desk. ¡°Yes, the astrology professor. He had a True Dream. He did not know what or to whom but from the details it was clear to me. All he knew is that it must be returned, and it must be you that takes it.¡±

    ¡°But he hates me!¡± Thayne burst out standing and striding the three paces to the door.

    ¡°He knows better than anyone that True Dreams are not to be taken lightly,¡± the professor replied softly.

    Thayne turned back to him, his hands raised helplessly. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Thayne.¡± Professor Globulus said with a weak smile. His gaze on his feet, Thayne missed the concern and doubt that passed briefly across the professor¡¯s face. ¡°You must leave as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right.¡± Thayne was confused. He should be excited to leave Psyhne and the hell he went through everyday but the professor¡¯s mood really worried him. ¡°I¡¯d better go pack,¡± he said gesturing to the door.

    Professor Globulus¡¯s gaze shifted to the floor for a second, then he gave Thayne a decisive nod and muttered the short incantation to unlock the door, not bothering with the silencing charms for the moment.

    Walking to his dormitory, despite his earlier misgivings, the excitement Thayne had expected to feel began to surface. He was finally getting out of there. Leaving the embarrassment and ridicule behind. Besides Globulus had not said anything about having to return, at least, not yet. Maybe he could get a job and live as the Untalented do? The thought made him sigh. He wasn¡¯t particularly fond of the idea but he was sure he¡¯d never be a wizard and what else was there?

    He reached the dormitory and entered. It was empty. The other students were in class and he doubted he was missed. His footsteps echoed as he walked the rows to his bed, there was no other sound and it felt eerie. He managed to shake off the feeling as he reached the foot of his bed, though he glanced around a few times before opening his trunk. After a bit of rifling he located a bag and started filling it. Packing enough clothes for a few days then, after a pause, packing a few more changes of clothing just in case. He moved to pack his bedding as well and his eyes fell on a large lump under the covers, near the middle of his bed. He tugged at the blanket experimentally and the lump moved towards him. With a resigned nod he turned his back on the bed, picked up his bag and left, heading back to Globulus¡¯s office.

 Chapter 2

    Huntress was not her real second name. She hardly remembered her family; all that remained was her anger. She had been just eleven years old but that hadn¡¯t mattered to them, all that had mattered was what she was¡­ and their reputation. Ryshel Huntress, the Gatherer. A name and title to strike fear into the superstitious and stupid which, so far, was everyone she had met.

    She bent slightly to duck a low branch and smiled. This was one of those rare occasions when her lack of height was an advantage. It wasn¡¯t a large forest; the trees were close but had short limbs so the canopy was sparse, light flooded through large gaps above. It was early but the sun was already up and hot at this time of year. Enough to heat the air but not enough to completely evaporate the moisture. The silence and humidity was oppressive.

    Ryshel had been sleeping when the feeling of death had woken her. It had started an hour ago and already she was close. The feeling wasn¡¯t unpleasant; it was like a light not quite seen in the distance, drawing her like a moth. But like light, if there was too much death it could be painful. It was the reason no Gatherer had been able to get near Haven for years. The spilled life there was like a blazing furnace, burning so hot that even to go near it could be fatal. A constant burn that more victims were added to everyday and not always just people. The wizards added almost double normal people do.

    Ryshel paused as the trees thinned; underbrush had been cleared from the area and ahead was the edge of a clearing. It held one of many unnamed and deliberately unmapped hamlets that dotted the countryside. Brushing her blazing red hair out of her face she peered around with a frown. The wildlife had fled from whatever had caused the large loss of life, but that there was still no trace of life nearby worried her. The animals had not just run and hidden, they had fled the area.

    She did not feel the heat much, which was why on such a warm day she wore black riding breeches and boots, a brown shirt tucked in and hugging close to her skin under her forest green travelling cloak. Despite the heat she nervously pulled the cloak closer, as much for comfort as for camouflage, regretting leaving her pack at her campsite. She wasn¡¯t worried about it being stolen, it was well-hidden, but she could have used the light sticks as a distraction if she was right about what had happened here. As she started forward again her mind was already on what she would find.

    She reached a gentle rise and her steps slowed. It was just over this hillock, she could sense it. Her eyes darted around, looking for any sign of movement. She could sense released life, the strength of it suggested violence, but life still encased in a body was completely hidden from her. She could not know if who or whatever had killed the people over the rise was still nearby. The tree line ended just over the top of the rise. She stood close to a tree, completely immobile and barely breathing, as she surveyed the scene before her.

    The lush grass of the clearing was trampled and churned to mulch. The remains of the small village smoked. Some huts were collapsed, pushed over by some strong force, the thatch of the roof scattered over the ground. It was chaos, a battlefield and as Ryshel watched, a building gave up the last of its strength and fell. Her fears were confirmed. Trolls.

    Only they could have caused such destruction. She clenched her fists in anger. They never used to be so bold, but that was long ago, when there had been a king on Haven¡¯s throne, when she had been but a child unable to fully appreciate the good life she had had. A life that had ended four years after the rise of the self-proclaimed Supreme Mage.

    She looked down, fighting the rage thoughts of the past always brought, down over the rise and saw them. The reason she was there. The men of the village had taken a stand near where Ryshel stood, the dirt on which they lay becoming a mud that would dry into hard clay, soaked as it was with their blood. This isn¡¯t right.

    She backed up a few paces, back into the trees for their scant protection and waited. Trolls are carnivores. They wouldn¡¯t leave freshly killed prey like this. Nothing moved. Still she waited, Trolls killed for food, they had a preference for humans and there were no signs of feasting or that they had taken any of the bodies. It filled her with relief but also dread. It wasn¡¯t right. Trolls didn¡¯t work this way, the men should have managed to bring down at least one. Trolls don¡¯t plan or work together well, with small intellgence and great agressiveness by nature but there was no evidence of a fight, despite the weapons lying around, some still grasped in limp fingers. It was a slaughter. It was unnatural, unless... they were following orders.

    She lowered her eyes in thought. It was a trap but she couldn¡¯t just leave, not with all that energy lying around. Finally, Ryshel stepped out of the trees and slowly and cautiously walked to the middle of the clearing. Her heart hammered in her chest as she slipped from house to house trying to keep out of sight, not sure if they could see her, she didn¡¯t know where the trolls waited.

    The doors of the houses still standing were splintered and broken, she did not investigate; she knew what she would find inside.

    She soon reached the small square in the hamlet centre. Working quickly now, she stopped and stretched out her arms in front of her, a scythe appeared in her hands. She spun it to point the blade down, holding the handle horizontal to the ground. She twirled it once in her hand before swinging it up and slamming the staff end down in front of her.

    It began instantly, the power flowing across the ground, up the staff, some she drew into herself keeping it ready, but most up into the blade. She stood that way for five minutes, until she was sure she had gathered all the spilled life. She held the handle in one hand letting it swing back to horizontal, turning it so the blade pointed upwards. She raised her arm and let the scythe go, spinning it as she did so.

    It rose higher spinning faster and faster, becoming a white light before exploding with a brilliant flash. The power she kept inside her she would disperse more directly.

    Movement caught her eye and she turned. The trolls had seen the flash, as was inevitable, and were running towards her. Gathering the energy inside her, she judged her moment and released the power. She didn¡¯t wait to see the results but ran for a side street, planning on using her wits to get away. She slammed chest first into a house just short of cover and gasped.

    The pain of impact was nothing compared to the pain in her back. Dangerously close to her spine near her left shoulder, her questing hand jarred the arrow shaft, causing an extra wave of pain. She stumbled on, a glance to the right confirmed that there was a second group of trolls. One was lowering it¡¯s bow. It¡¯s face was twisted into a grin, making the battle scars from past tribal wars more prominent.

    It left her in no doubt that they weren¡¯t acting on their own. There was no way she could avoid them now which left her only one option if she was to survive. In her panic she stumbled again and fell. Her back blazed with a fiery pain and her mind screamed at her to get up.

    The trolls weren¡¯t in a hurry to catch up, the smell of her blood would lead them straight to her but she wasn¡¯t going to lie there waiting for them. Gritting her teeth against the pain, after some effort, Rsyhel stumbled to her feet. The arrow needed to be pulled, there was a very real possibility it was soaked in saliva.

    But she could not pull it out, not without risking causing herself severe damage. The Trolls had yet to surround her but she had little time. She let out a shrill whistle, knowing she could never outrun a Troll, even if she hadn¡¯t had an arrow sticking out of her back, but she had a chance if Atalya was near.

    All too long seconds passed before Atalya suddenly appeared, a shadow stretching out from the wall of the house opposite, spreading on the ground and rising like a grey mist. A couple of younger trolls, less patient in their hunger had reached the street and stopped, blinking in confusion at the horse shaped cloud that solidified in front of their eyes. It would not last, their bloodlust would override their stupidity all too soon. Atalya, now looking like a normal, if very large, grey stallion, knelt, knowing she wouldn¡¯t be able to swing herself into the saddle.

    She heaved herself onto his back and he was away almost before she had gotten a grip. All she could manage was to hold on as he weaved through the buildings, fighting the black haze of pain that threatened to engulf her. Praying against all probability that she would not be knocked off by a low hanging branch once they reached the trees. She noticed the strange numbness spreading from the arrow wound, and cursed. She had hoped vainly that the Troll had forgotten to suck on it, tainting it with it¡¯s poisonous saliva. She took off her rope belt, wincing at the flood of pain the movement caused. She frowned at the rope, hoped it was strong enough, and lashed herself to the saddle. In her hurried movements the pain was too much, but she managed to tie the last knot before slipping into unconsciousness.

    <hr>

    Thayne knocked on Globulus¡¯ door and lifted his pack higher, his nerves strung tight. It still didn¡¯t quite feel real. Was he really leaving Psyhne? And he still didn¡¯t know where he was going, or really what he¡¯d do when he got there. He had decided that he couldn¡¯t come back, there was nothing for him here, but he had no idea where that left him. The door opened and Professor Globulus gave him a slight smile. Rather than letting Thayne in, he stepped out and closed the door behind him. He took Thayne¡¯s pack and buried the book deep inside. Without saying a word he passed the pack back and stepped off, striding quickly up the corridor. Leaving Thayne to hurry to catch up.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    They weren¡¯t heading outside. Thayne wondered where the professor was taking him once he realised they were going in the wrong direction. Rather than heading for the courtyard, they were walking in the opposite direction, to the heart of the castle. They reached the staircase and Thayne slowed as the professor started up the stairs. They were already on the second floor. The professor noticed his hesitation and beckoned him on impatiently. Anxious, Thayne hurried up to him and struggled to keep close enough to ask in a soft voice,

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± He winced as the professor shushed him, and followed his lead as he looked around.

    The professor sucked in a breath before replying, ¡°Just hurry¨C and keep your mouth shut. If you¡¯re¨C seen out of¨C class¨C we¡¯ll both be in trouble.¡±

    The professor led Thayne to the Eastern side of the third floor and to the main office that overlooked the valley and river. The office was large, with tall windows along the east wall, on either side of the Arch Mage¡¯s office. There were three rooms in the main office. As well as the main floor that was cluttered with display cases full of awards and trophies. The staff room was located in to the right; it was just a small room with no real windows. The windows it did have were magical and so from the outside showed varying and entirely inaccurate scenes of comfort and luxury. Inside, the windows showed outdoor scenes that changed depending on the mood of the castle. The door to the Arch Mage¡¯s office was closed and locked tight. Officially, the position was vacant; the Supreme Mage had closed Mystax and had turned it over to his Inquisitors, and trusted no one enough to allow them the position of head of the only magic school. The administration fell to the Bursar who approached this responsibility the same way he approached the school¡¯s finances. Cautiously and with great suspicion. He was a sour-faced and stingy man, who occupied the third room in the office. The room Globulus now approached. There was no risk of meeting the Bursar, as he avoided contact with all and only used his office at night when it was unlikely he would be bothered by anyone. Not that there were any who would willingly bother him unless it was absolutely necessary. He even made Old Cob nervous. His nocturnal habits had earned him the cringe-worthy nickname ¡®The Count¡¯ among the students.

    Professor Globulus pulled out his ring of keys and slipped one into the lock on the door. Thayne was shocked when the lock clicked and the door swung open. Where could the professor have gotten a key? The Bursar trusted no one.

    Thayne took in the austere and impersonal room. The desk was meticulously neat and tidy, an inkwell and a quill in its holder stood together on the left side. Some books on numbers and accounting, well preserved despite the signs of heavy use, stood between some plain bookends. Two bookshelves held books and only books. The walls were cold and bare, but in the middle of the desk was one small picture frame. Curious Thayne picked it up and saw a plain but happy woman, her hands on the shoulders of a bored looking young girl. Setting it back down Thayne felt confused as he turned back to the professor who now stood in front of a large safe against the Western wall.

    ¡°How do you have keys?¡± he asked finally.

    ¡°We all have our own. The Bursar can always check who has been in his office by what key was used. We also have our own combinations which open our own compartment,¡± the professor explained answering Thayne¡¯s next question without having to be asked as he entered a combination into the safe. He opened the door to reveal a number of ordinary looking objects; two sacks, one significantly smaller than the other, and some old and rare looking books.

    Thayne reached out to touch a black kettle and the professor grabbed his hand and thrust it away.

    ¡°Not if you want to keep all your fingers,¡± he said pulling out the smaller sack and glancing inside. He nodded and thrust it at Thayne.

    Thayne started to open it to look inside but before he could see anything the professor was snatching it back. The safe was once again locked and Thayne was once again hurrying after the professor as he left the office and took off down the corridor.

    ¡°Ah...¡± Thayne started to say, glancing back towards the stairs but gave up and sped up, wondering at the fat old professor¡¯s energy.

    Thayne followed Globulus closely and as he was beginning to wonder at the time, the bell chimed and there was a rumbling sound of movement as classes started to move towards the doors. His heart hammered in his chest, and he expected Professor Globulus to hurry even more; but instead, he slowed his pace to a casual stroll and took Thayne¡¯s pack from him as students began to fill the hall. None took the least bit of interest in them as they moved on to their next classes, but Thayne¡¯s nerves were still frayed. He moved to walk beside the professor as some of the older students recognised him, and paused with calculating looks, unpleasant intentions clear on their faces. He relaxed a little when none dared to act on their thoughts and he and the professor continued on without incident. The professor had not noticed Thayne¡¯s discomfort as he ambled along seemingly without a care in the world. The crowd of students was thinning as they reached the service corridor, the professor ushered Thayne through the door and handed him his pack and the small sack, which clinked, identifying its contents as coins. He was holding the door open but Thayne was concealed from sight when a voice called,

    ¡°A-Arthur?¡±

    It was the Magic and society professor, Blaine Lowstan. He was the oldest teacher at Psyhne. He was once tall but now he was so bent with age he had to turn his head to look most people in the eye.

    ¡°Did I see that Nycknell boy?¡± he asked as he reached Professor Globulus.

    Globulus pulled the door to, so that it was only open a crack. ¡°He should be in class, shouldn¡¯t he?¡± he asked avoiding the question. It is extremely difficult for anyone to lie to a wizard.

    ¡°Ah. Shame about him. I¡¯ve never seen such a profound lack of Talent in a wizard. Still, at least he¡¯s not Ghee, though he might as well be. You know my uncle¡ª¡±

    ¡°Blaine don¡¯t you have a class?¡± Globulus asked gently with an involuntary glance at the door.

    Lowstan didn¡¯t notice. ¡°Hmm? Oh yes! I better potter along.¡±

    ¡°Was there anything in particular you wanted?¡±

    ¡°What? Oh yes, I wondered if I could have a word. This new experiment of yours, are you using any juniper? My stock¡¯s run right out and I was wondering if I could borrow some of yours. You see I¡¯m trying to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Perhaps I should come see you later, after your class?¡± Globulus said, cutting Lowstan off with a gentle reminder.

    ¡°Oh yes! Right, of course. Er...¡± Lowstan glanced each way with a slightly confused look. He started to pass Globulus before pausing and then turning and walking back the other way.

    Once the main corridor was empty, Professor Globulus opened the door and led an upset Thayne to the stairs that led down to the next floor. Before they were halfway down the stairs the professor stopped and said a strange word that Thayne had never heard before. He missed what it was because he was still brooding over Professor Lowstan¡¯s words, but the sound of it caught his attention and he looked up to see part of the wall swing inward to reveal a small dark passage.

    Its position was impossible without magic as a factor because the ceiling of the passage should have risen up into the corridor they had just left. Thayne¡¯s head throbbed when he imagined where his head was in relation to the floor he should have been passing through at neck height. He immediately locked his gaze and concentrated on the back of the professor¡¯s head. It wasn¡¯t smart to dwell on such thoughts. The passage was narrow, and Professor Globulus¡¯s shoulders brushed the walls on either side. Thayne was startled when the professor was suddenly a foot shorter and stumbled into his back when he missed the first stair the professor had just stepped down.

    ¡°Careful!¡± Professor Globulus exclaimed.

    Thayne gave a short, and involuntary, bitter laugh. ¡°Thanks for the warning.¡±

    With a sigh the professor continued on.

    ¡°Professor,¡± Thayne said looking down at the sack in his arms, ¡°what is the money for?¡±

    ¡°For you. For your journey.¡± He heard the protest coming and cut it off as he continued, ¡°It is your money. Sent by your grandfather for you. Put it in your pack.¡±

    The professor continued on as Thayne obeyed and hurried to catch up. He seemed suddenly deaf as Thayne tried to ask why his grandfather would send money for him and Thayne soon gave up, exasperated.

    There were several branches of two or three paths. Sometimes there were even up to five different directions to take, but the professor did not hesitate. After the third branch the tunnel widened considerably. The path they were taking was winding and confusing and always leading them down until Thayne was sure they were far below even the lowest dungeon level of the castle, and had no idea what direction they were going. The professor knew the secret passages that riddled the old castle suspiciously well, finally leading Thayne down a passage that developed into a rock tunnel. The journey had seemed to take hours, Thayne was unsure how many, and unsure how the deceptively large professor had managed it without breaking a sweat. The tunnel walls had gradually grown a disturbingly green and slimy glaze that glowed in the darkness, the floor became soft and losing his footing at one stage, Thayne discovered sand. Gradually the green glow diminished and they stumbled onwards in utter darkness. Thayne walked slower and slower, a deep fear rising. He could feel the walls closing in; the immense weight of rock overhead seemed to press down on him. He stretched his arms out to either side to judge how close the walls had come and realised he could see his hands. As he took a few more steps he could see more detail and the walls, Thayne saw with relief, hadn¡¯t moved. The tunnel opened onto a small beach completely enclosed by cliffs. Professor Globulus visibly relaxed when he saw Thayne emerge.

    ¡°I expect you to keep practising your magic while you¡¯re gone. It will be harder away from the Talfry under the school but it might be good for you. Just do the exercises we have studied in class. I don¡¯t know what your other teachers will expect you to do¡ª¡±

    ¡°Your giving me homework?¡± Thayne asked incredulously. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯ll ever get anywhere? I¡¯m useless, I might as well be Ghee.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re not. I¡¯ve never heard of anyone having problems like you¡­ I don¡¯t know what it means¡­ just promise me you¡¯ll practice.¡±

    ¡°Sure, of course, why not?¡± Thayne tried a little harder to look sincere when he saw the disappointment on Globulus¡¯ face.

    After giving him directions he had to memorise and telling him a boat was on its way to pick him up, the professor left him, vanishing back up the tunnel to return to the warm castle, while Thayne stood there and shivered. He was a bit disgruntled at that, that he had not been allowed a good night¡¯s sleep in his warm dormitory. Then he felt conflicted as he remembered the strange lump in his bed. He shivered and pulled his cloak tighter around himself. It was late afternoon but already the evening mist was rising, obscuring his view of the sea. He could see nothing but sand, sea and rocks in a ten-foot radius.

 Chapter 3

    ¡®You must travel to Kent,¡¯ the professor had told him. ¡®It will be a long journey. Once you get to Stronghold, follow the road to Borivan. Then take the northern road to Lorne. From there you go to Austen and follow the road east and then south to Kent. Do not leave the road if you can help it. A boat will be here to pick you up soon. Good luck.¡¯

    Thayne stood on the sand, feeling lost. He didn¡¯t know how long he had to wait and unless he sat on the sand there was nowhere to sit, so he just stood, looking about himself for something to do, though the scenery was uninspiring. Just rocks and sand. Suddenly he noticed a shape in the darkness and he squinted, hoping it was the boat Professor Globulus had said would come for him. Horrible visions of a schooner carrying the Supreme Mage¡¯s oak emblem and an inquisitor doing a surprise examination, danced mockingly in his mind. He was relieved and disappointed as it was revealed to be a small fishing boat. He was going to be wet as well as cold before the crossing to the mainland was over.

    The boat stopped clear of the shore and when Thayne didn¡¯t move, the occupant beckoned to him energetically. He removed his boots and socks, tied the laces around his neck and stuffed his socks in his boots, before reluctantly wading out to the boat, holding his robes out of the water. He was grateful for once for his long, thin legs, that the water only reached his knees. Still, his leggings were soaked through. He heaved the pack off his shoulder but it was too awkward to swing it up into the boat and as it cleared the side he lost his grip on his robe. He groaned as the hem hit the water and sank. After a couple of jumping starts he managed to get up enough momentum and heave himself face first into the bottom of the boat. A course brown material that smelt of fish was thrown over him and as he pushed himself up and lifted it, he realised it was a cloak. It was large, long enough to conceal his school robes, but way too bulky for his frame. It would look ridiculous.

    ¡°Put it on,¡± the fisherman said shortly, as he started them away from the island and towards the mainland.

    ¡°But it¡¯s way too big! And it smells!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t go around like that, can you?¡± was the gruff reply. ¡°A young wiz¡¯d travlin lone this time a¡¯year? You¡¯d b¡¯sent strai¡¯ back. Questions be askt. Trouble.¡± He glared at Thayne as if daring him to speak again.

    It was obvious he wanted as little to do with Thayne as possible, so after Thayne had shrugged on the cloak the rest of the trip was spent in silence.

    Thayne¡¯s expectations of the trip proved accurate. He jumped out of the boat into the surf, his hair matted, his face frozen and his legs chilled from his wet robe. But the cloak had kept most of him dry, and he was grateful for that. After passing Thayne his belongings, the sombre fisherman expertly turned the boat around and started back out to deep water with never a word said. Professor Globulus had told him he would be put down a kilometre west of Penn. He had to reach the town before nightfall, so he had twenty minutes. Plenty of time. Penn was a small fishing and trade town located on a peninsula. They had been larger and had traded with Psyhne once, but that was before. Selling magic to the Untalented was forbidden now. On the day that law had been put into effect, Penn¡¯s economy had halved and eventually, so had its population. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Thayne would have to go into Penn and hire a horse. It shouldn¡¯t be a problem with all the money Globulus had given him, so he should have no problems getting to Kailim. Perhaps he could become a sailor once he had delivered the book, leave everything behind and live as the Untalented did. Kent was a coastal city after all. That thought lacked appeal, but if he could never be a wizard what else could he do?

    As he left the beach, he pulled at the cloak tugging it back onto his shoulders. It had slipped down to his elbows as he had been preoccupied getting ashore. It started slipping as again as soon as he had it up so he slung his pack onto his shoulder hoping the weight would be enough to hold it in place. His feet were caked with sand so once he had cleared the top of the dune, with a few curses as the short spiny scrub poked him, and made it to the rocky path, he wiped them as best as he could and replaced his footwear. He was glad he didn¡¯t have too far to travel as the grainy feel of his socks rubbed against his feet. His feet safely in his boots he started his walk to Penn, jumping and rubbing his limbs every few steps to warm them up and keep the blood flowing. It was more trail than road, rocky, narrow and uneven. He came across a wheel with broken spokes and wondered why anyone would risk a wagon on such a rough road. It was a fleeting thought abandoned as he went through what he would need for the journey.

    ¡°A horse, provisions?¡± He thought for a moment, but nothing else came to him. ¡°Okay what provisions? Travel rations shouldn¡¯t be too hard to figure out. Cooking equipment. Oh, and a weapon of some sort. Blankets, pillow, I wonder if I can get a mattress?¡± he squirmed at the thought of having to sleep on the hard ground, ¡°hmm...¡±

    His musings was interrupted by a whinny and he looked up to see a horse galloping towards him.

    The horse skidded to a halt and pranced nervously over to him, offering its already occupied back. It was a huge, magnificent creature and its dark coat shimmered strangely. Thayne looked up at the rider and immediately felt unsure. The horse was disconcerting enough but the rider¡¯s pale and waxen face and the sweat running down her nose frightened him. What had happened to her? The hood of her cloak had fallen back and she leaned dangerously towards him, he didn¡¯t understand how she was still in the saddle. As he looked up at her, she slipped further and he stepped back in his surprise as her head almost touched his own. It was obvious she needed help but what could he do? He needed to find Kailim; he had no idea where to find a healer.

    He took a few steps away and in the direction of Penn but he stopped even before he heard the horse¡¯s distressed whinny. He didn¡¯t know how or why the girl was in such a condition, for all he knew she was a rebel with militia after her or worse, inquisitors, but despite the danger he couldn¡¯t leave her. Not when she so obviously needed help. His mind made up, and feeling like he was being suckered somehow, he pushed her upright and pulled her foot out of the stirrup. She started to slide again as he put in his own foot and mounted behind her, painfully landing on the back of the saddle. He attempted to move the girl forward in order to get more comfortable and discovered the rope holding her in place.

    She twitched violently as Thayne leaned forward to find the ties and his chest was poked by something. He leant back and looked down to see the shaft of an arrow.

    ¡°Ow, sorry.¡± He winced at the thought of the pain he must have caused. He wasn¡¯t going to be able to ride with her unless he could move her, and he couldn¡¯t untie her from where he sat, he couldn¡¯t reach the knots while trying to avoid putting pressure on the arrow. He was about to dismount when he was overcome with giddiness and he felt a strange sensation of falling forward as he lost consciousness.

 Chapter 4

    Thayne started awake and all he could see was what had awoken him, the horse¡¯s nose. It had snorted in his face and as he slowly sat up, he tried to ignore where the moisture on his face had come from as he wiped it dry. The sun had set and the moon was on its way across the sky. He realised he had been lying face first in the dirt. It was a rich brown, ploughed dirt. He was in a garden bed. His head swam when he moved his head too fast and he had to put his hand on the ground to stabilise himself. He stared without comprehension as a man strode through the gate and into the door of the house. His eyes focused a bit more and he saw the picket fence encircling the yard. There were trees just beyond it, a forest. He was sitting in the garden of a yard, near a forest. What seemed like a moment ago he had been on the trail to Penn, a small village on a rocky peninsula.

    ¡°Where am I?¡±

    ¡°Oakwood,¡± came the unexpected reply. A grey-haired woman was standing in the doorway of the cottage.

    ¡°What! But I can¡¯t be, I¡ª where¡¯s Penn?¡± he asked, his mind tumbling over too many thoughts to fully focus on one.

    She frowned and said, ¡°Penn? It¡¯s about a week South-East. What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± She nodded towards the impatient horse.

    ¡°But Oakwood! We can¡¯t be at Oakwood! That¡¯s near Quia Forest and the Mermanke Ranges. Right between the elves and¨C¡­ troll country.¡±

    ¡°So it is,¡± she replied staring at him blankly, before shouting suddenly, ¡°John! Get out here and help me.¡±

    A large man suddenly appeared behind the woman, Thayne shrank back instinctively but they both ignored him and moved to the horse.

    ¡°She¡¯s tied on,¡± the woman said noticing the ropes but John was already cutting them with a dagger from his belt.

    They slid her off the horse. ¡°There¡¯s an arrow here,¡± John said gruffly.

    ¡°Bring her into the light,¡± the woman replied and they carried her towards the open doorway.

    The woman nodded. ¡°Get her to a bed, it¡¯s a troll arrow.¡±

    ¡®It¡¯s as if I don¡¯t exist,¡¯ Thayne thought following them inside.

    ¡°Close the door,¡± John barked over his shoulder as he and the woman went through a door to the left.

    Thayne did as he was told and stood in the small front room at a loss for what to do. He gazed around the simple room. It was bare except for the six chairs lined up against two walls. He sat, his eyes continuously wandering for lack of anything better to do, and they were drawn to the small window opposite him. It made him remember the horse.

    He went to the door and peered out into the darkness but could see nothing. He went out further and looked around but there was no trace of the horse at all. He didn¡¯t call out because he didn¡¯t know the horse¡¯s name and felt too embarrassed to call, ¡°Here horsey, horsey!¡±

    He returned to the house to find the large man, John, waiting for him on the porch.

    ¡°The horse is gone,¡± Thayne said, pointing back to the yard.

    John nodded and gave a thoughtful grunt in response. ¡°I¡¯ll show you where you can stay.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t stay, I have to get¡­ to Kent. I was supposed to be in Penn tonight!¡± Thayne watched for a reaction. He had had at most a ten-minute walk to Penn and now, what could only be half an hour later; he was a six-day journey northwest of his original location.

    John just nodded in reply, as if Thayne had confirmed something and walked back to the room where the woman worked. Thayne followed, closing the front door behind him.

    The woman was bent over the girl who was laid out on one of three cots. The arrow was in two pieces, lying on a stool serving as a makeshift table. Next to it lay a sharp knife, some needles and thread, and a bowl of pink-stained liquid with a strong smell of alcohol. There was a real table against one wall covered in various bottles and jars with different plants, stones, and wriggly bits of animals and one bowl with remnants of some salve or paste stuck to the bottom. The woman straightened as they entered and Thayne saw that she wasn¡¯t as old as he had supposed, perhaps forty. Her expression was tired but triumphant. Thayne¡¯s gaze shifted to the patient and he saw her clearly for the first time. Her red hair shone in the light from the candle. Her face was still clammy but seemed peaceful. He had supposed they were around the same age when he had discovered her, but he could tell now she was a number of years older than him; it was her height that had thrown him. His eyes wondered lower and veered off in embarrassment as he realised a sheet was all that covered her chest. The bandage on her shoulder and chest hid all possibly erotic bare skin, but it was still more than his fifteen-year-old eyes were used to.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°You were right, Glenda,¡± said John crossing his arms as he glanced at the unconscious patient.

    Glenda nodded and turned to Thayne. ¡°I¡¯ve done all I can. The rest is up to her. You can stay til morning, but then you must take her and go.¡±

    ¡°What? I can¡¯t! I have things to do; I have to¡­ do something. She needs care. I don¡¯t know how¨C this isn¡¯t my responsibility¨C¡±

    Glenda frowned and with hands on hips replied, ¡°Oh it¡¯s mine is it? You¡¯d just dump her on a stranger?¡±

    ¡°No, I mean¨C can she be moved in her condition? Doesn¡¯t she need rest, or¡­ something?¡± Thayne threw his hands up in frustration. Maybe he should have left her on the road. He had his mission; he didn¡¯t have time to cart around an invalid.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you something. I am the best with troll poison. I have had the most experience and most success of anyone I know, in treating those infected,¡± she said matter-of-factly. The woman on the bed made a sound, and Glenda checked on her, examining her eyes and her bandages before continuing where she left off. ¡°And I have already done more than most would. Letting her stay even one night in my house is pushing it but I can¡¯t send even the likes of her out at night in times like these. I¡¯ll risk one night but that is it. You will take her with you or I won¡¯t be held responsible for what happens.¡±

    Thayne felt helplessly trapped and confused. Why was this his problem? What could he do? He wasn¡¯t a healer and he was hopeless at magic. He sighed. This was just another reminder of how useless he was, a reminder he didn¡¯t need. ¡°I can¡¯t deal with this. And what do you mean by ¡®the likes of her¡¯ anyway?¡±

    Both John and Glenda looked at him in incomprehension for a moment. With a wry smile Glenda asked, ¡°You mean you don¡¯t know what she is? You have no idea what you¡¯ve gotten yourself mixed up in?¡±

    ¡°What? What is she?¡± Thayne looked from one to the other but they just shook their heads.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry. It¡¯s a bit late for that,¡± Glenda said, patting Thayne¡¯s shoulder as she walked past him. She turned and beckoned him to follow. As she opened the door to the next room and showed him in she added, ¡°Whatever happens will happen, boy. Just go with it.¡±

    ¡°But¨C¡± he started to say, but she was gone, shutting the door behind her.

    Thayne looked around the room, but took nothing in as he realised with a jolt he didn¡¯t have his pack. He bolted from the room glancing in on his new companion on his way past. He went to the front room but the bag wasn¡¯t there. He felt his eyes misting up as he looked around, as if his pack was somehow hiding behind a chair leg but it was hopeless. He went out onto the porch, knowing he could never ever go back to Psyhne now, even if he had wanted to. He leant against a support pole and head butted it a couple of times. How could he have lost it? He hadn¡¯t taken it off his shoulder when he¡¯d mounted the horse. It must have fallen off on the way here, while he was unconscious. It had been so important to Professor Globulus and he had let him down.

    Tears ran down his cheeks as he lifted his eyes towards the horizon, towards the direction he thought Penn was in and stopped on a large rock in the garden bed.

    He stared hard at it for a moment. It was lying near where he had woken. He left the porch and strode towards it, his stride almost a run as he reached it and picked it up, hugging his pack close to his chest in profound relief. Globulus was the only person with any confidence in him, he couldn¡¯t have borne it if he had failed him.

    Realising he was holding his pack like a long-lost lover, he loosened his embrace and glanced around, before casually slinging it over his shoulder and strolling back into the cottage and to his room.

    John was there. He had brought in a rickety table and two chairs from the front room. The original furniture consisted of three cots lined up against three walls. All the rooms of the cottage he had seen were bare of decoration.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Glenda?¡± Thayne asked, noting the two plates with bread, meat and cheese, and two mugs of an as yet unidentified liquid.

    ¡°Preparing for your departure. Have a seat,¡± John said sitting down himself.

    Thayne sat and eyed the plate in front of him as John watched him. He hadn¡¯t realised just how hungry he was until this moment but despite how much he wanted to, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to tear into the food without some kind of invitation.

    ¡°You can eat if you like.¡±

    Before John had finished speaking, Thayne had seized a slice of bread and piled the meat and cheese onto it.

    John, a bit more sedate, neatly placed one slice of meat onto his bread, put it down and picked up a folded piece of paper that Thayne hadn¡¯t noticed on the table.

    He spread it out and Thayne saw it was a map.

    John pointed out their current location and Thayne couldn¡¯t help marvelling at the distance they¡¯d come, he sighed, and in the wrong direction.

    ¡°It will probably be a quicker journey from here than from Penn.¡± He ignored Thayne¡¯s incredulous look. ¡°You¡¯ll need to take the North road from Oakwood and hire some kind of boat at Magyar. Mermanke River flows all the way to the coast,¡± John said, tracing it with his finger. ¡°All the way to Kent.¡±

    Later, as Thayne got ready for bed, making sure the door was locked and shutters closed before removing his cloak and school robes, he thought about what John had said while eating with him. He was right; it made sense. It would be much faster and safer to travel by boat than land, but Thayne was nervous. It would mean passing the Juene-Haven port on the way. The capital city of Engola and residence of the Supreme Mage.

 Chapter 5

    Michael made his way through the old town house. It was a huge building, more a mansion than a house, and had been in the Hyweln family for generations.  A visiting inquisitor had once told him some of the objects displayed in the main halls and study were from Psyhne and dangerous. As the thought flitted through his mind he brushed his hand along one of the tapestries as he walked. He wasn¡¯t sure what reaction the man had wanted but he had been disappointed. Michael had taken the deliveries and placed them all himself. Sometimes he tried to find some trigger, to activate these supposedly dangerous objects but so far he had been unsuccessful. Despite the position of trust he had with Lord Hyweln, the others could barely hide their contempt, some didn¡¯t try. Well, not until he had reported his worst tormentor as a traitor. His fate had brought all the rest back into line. It was because he wasn¡¯t one of them. He was an Untalented Trickster. Born with a slight amount of Talent because he was born near a well of magic, or Talfry as they were called by Talented.

    Michael frowned worriedly as he realised he had taken a wrong turning. He was procrastinating, he didn¡¯t really want to carry this message. He backtracked and took the first left turning and approached the door at the end. Standing in the corridor just ahead was one of the last people he wanted to see. Poltzer was an older wizard of an indeterminate age. He had just turned up one day. He refused to give any oath of loyality, came and went as he pleased, and only ever followed orders if he was asked nicely and was in the mood for it. He made Michael uncomfortable. William had tried to subjugate him once. All Michael knew was that William respected him now and acquiesced to his requests. That¡¯s what made him nervous.

    Poltzer spotted him as he approached. He didn¡¯t move, he just watched him with a wary, considering look. Like he was looking at a stranger¡¯s pet dog. Michael edged past putting as much distance as he could between them while trying to not seem to. As he reached the door he looked back and his stomach lurched. Poltzer had disappeared. He wasn¡¯t sure what was worse, being with the man or not knowing where he was. Reluctantly he knocked and cringed back, expecting some sort of lash back but he only heard a barked, ¡°Come in.¡±

    His nerves frayed, he quickly opened the door and stepped inside before he could hesitate, moving to the opposite side of the brightly lit room to his alcove where he stood like a servant waiting to serve his master, which was what he was, really. He eyed the disrupted order of the huge desk and his heart was in his throat. It must have been bad news. And he had more to add.

    The great man was pacing the room and Michael couldn¡¯t help but follow him with his gaze, taking care to be unobvious. William Hyweln was not remarkable in appearance, average height, good-looking if you were into large noses, but he had a presence; and deep in his light brown, almost golden eyes, there was a fire. A fire that had become tainted and burned a little too brightly, but still had a passion that Michael admired, for he had none.

    ¡°Our spy,¡± William Hyweln said suddenly, causing Michael to jump to attention, ¡°has reported that the book is on its way back to Kailim. We know who has it, and we know his route. Our spy is already on the road waiting to intercept him.¡± You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Michael ducked instinctively as William¡¯s face suddenly twisted with rage and he picked up and flung a small crystal ball at him, which shattered against the wall, showering Michael with shards.

    ¡°He¡¯d hidden it at Psyhne, Taylor! At the blasted magic school, right under my nose. I bet that old fool is laughing at me right now. Damn it!¡± he punctuated his speech by slamming his fists on his desk, making several items jump and one tea cup fell to the hardwood floor where it cracked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have it soon then. So nothing to worry about,¡± Michael said brushing at his coat, exclaiming when his finger snagged a shard of crystal and started bleeding.

    ¡°Taylor, you pathetic simpleton,¡± William said in a suddenly calm voice, which filled Michael with more dread than his anger ever could. ¡°I want you to go to the trolls and get their report.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Lord,¡± Michael replied his heart sinking, but he bowed and hurriedly moved to leave the room. Then remembering the purpose of his visit in the first place, he turned back.

    ¡°My Lord?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± William snapped. He was sitting behind his desk, his mind already elsewhere.

    ¡°There¡¯s a delegation from Miejawala. A priestess of Yeshita. She er¡­ requests an audience with you. To discuss the ¡®piracy plague¡¯ as she called it.¡±

    William answered with a blank stare. When Michael didn¡¯t move he said, ¡°The trolls, Taylor.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Lord.¡±

    Ten years, and it was still the same. It was better than the alternative. Though Michael was not sure how long it would last.  As he was Untalented, albeit one of those with rare meagre abilities because he was born in a place where magic tended to be highly concentrated. It had never been explained to him how, and he didn¡¯t really care to know. All he could do were cheap tricks. That¡¯s how William had found him. Michael had been playing at being a travelling magician at the time, as most like him tend to do at some point, and William had noticed him pilfering the contents of an old lady¡¯s bag while she was watching whatever trick he was using as a distraction. William had found it amusing. Usually, Talented don¡¯t mix with Untalented, but William saw some merit in Michael. He was impressed enough to give him a choice. Work for him, or be one of his experiments.

    And so here he was, treating with trolls for the most powerful man in the country, and, if he met his ambitions, the world. Michael knew why he was sending him to the trolls. He wanted him to suffer. William had become more and more vindictive as his paranoia grew. As the years passed, with no sign of success, he got more irritable and anxious. Personally, Michael didn¡¯t really understand what it was William feared, perhaps because he had no imagination. But despite this lucky good fortune, he dreaded visiting the trolls. They described in graphic detail just what they¡¯d do to him when they no longer needed William, but the most horrible they had already done. And they constantly reminded him with obvious innuendos about chicken soup.

    His mind involuntarily went back to his first meeting with the trolls. They had said, as part of some ritualistic element of the agreement, he had to eat with them.

    They gave him soup and he¡¯d remarked on the wonderful flavour, saying it was the best chicken soup he¡¯d had. Then the chieftain had chuckled and growled, ¡°A fat chicken it was to. He didn¡¯t stop screaming to his god all the time we was boilin him.¡±

    Just thinking of it made him nauseous, and the horror of it his mind refused to comprehend.

    His eyes glazed over slightly as his mind started to wonder back into that haunted territory. He shook his head and, to get his mind off it, started chanting in his mind the first word to come to him, which was, unfortunately, ¡®chickens¡¯.

 Chapter 6

    The next thing he was aware of, which drove chickens completely from his mind, was a pair of brown eyes staring at him from out of a dark face. He hastily and awkwardly bowed.

    ¡°Your ladyship, sir,¡± he bumbled stumbling over his words and his feet at the same time as he tried to step aside.

    ¡°You may call me Priestess, slave,¡± the woman stated coldly, her white robes contrasted magnificently with her complexion. But to Michael, unused to foreigners, her appearance seemed bizarre and was disconcerting.

    ¡°If you will excuse me, Priestess,¡± Michael said bowing again, but the woman moved to bar his way.

    ¡°Your master will see me.¡±

    ¡°Well no, he is very busy¨C¡±

    She swept past him and Michael found himself caught in her wake or, more literally, between her massive bodyguards.

    ¡°I am not asking.¡± Was all she said as they reached William¡¯s study and she pushed the doors open.

    William looked up from his desk and did not at all attempt to hide his irritation. He spotted Michael and his displeasure seemed to settle on Michael¡¯s shoulders. He hunched under the weight and sidled behind one of the guards.

    ¡°I am not prepared to see you right now, lady,¡± William said sweetly with an insincere smile.

    The Priestess bristled. ¡°I am not afraid of you, sir, I will be heard. You pirates are becoming bold. The High Priestess of Yeshita has given me message for you.¡±

    William¡¯s face could only be described as wooden as he replied, ¡°My pirates? Woman, I have no idea what you mean. The Pirates are ruled by Pan, not I. You may give me the message and go.¡± He held out his hand to receive the message, smiling slightly at the Priestess¡¯s rage.

    ¡°It well known that Peter of Pan accepts hefty¡­ gifts from you, sir, that his ships never bother your own.¡± The Priestess narrowed her eyes and her bodyguards crossed their arms over their massive chests.

    ¡°The message?¡± William repeated, unimpressed.

    The priestess almost grated her teeth. ¡°She say, ¡®you release our citizen and return them unharmed or we be forced to take action.¡¯¡±

    William raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that all?¡±

    ¡°It. Is. Enough,¡± the priestess answered forcefully. She glared even harder when it failed to produce the desired effect.

    William smiled in amusement and leaned forward. ¡°How long will we be blessed with your company?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°We leave in morning,¡± the priestess said shortly. She signalled to her guards and stormed out of the room.

    Once she was gone, William turned to Michael, who found himself all alone in the middle of the room, and he felt like a rabbit in the sights of a hunter.

    But William just said, ¡°Get a message to Pan. Make sure her ship gets lost.¡±

    As Michael left, William called after him, ¡°Don¡¯t forget the trolls.¡±

    ¡°Of course not, my Lord,¡± Michael replied, his heart sinking. He closed the door behind him and muttered quietly, ¡°Who could forget the trolls?¡±

    <hr>

    Arthur Globulus had hoped it would take a little longer for Thayne''s absence to be noticed. He should have at least had until morning, it made him suspicious and not just a little worried about Thayne''s safety.

    He was sitting in his office, lost in thought when his door crashed open and the angry face of Nigel Nycknell loomed unpleasantly in his vision.

    "My friend . . . "

    "Don''t ''friend'' me Arthur, where is Thayne?" Nigel thundered.

    "Yes where is our son?"

    Arthur grimaced in an involuntary smile. He hadn''t seen Dick Nycknell until the man had shouldered past his father into the tiny office. He caught a glimpse of a worried woman''s face behind him and his discomfort rose considerably. The whole family was here.

    "I couldn''t tell you. Please . . . "

    Nigel pushed forward again, his face red. "You don''t know? You promised to look after him! I trusted you!" he started to pace the room; impressive, given the small space was entirely occupied. "Every year you kept him back, every year you insisted he stay. Whenever I brought up bringing him home, you always¡ª¡±

    ¡°Headaches!¡± Arthur burst out, making Nigel pause. ¡°Just last afternoon he told me they are getting worse, coming more often.¡±

    Nigel frowned, struggling with his confusion to stay angry. Then he latched onto Arthur¡¯s mistake. ¡°I thought no one had seen him since morning.¡±

    Arthur closed his eyes. ¡°He came to me upset. I think his headaches bother him more than he lets on."

    Nigel narrowed his eyes but then he relaxed and sighed, placing his hands on the desk so he could look Arthur in the eye.

    "Stop trying to distract me, Arthur. What''s going on?"

    Arthur gaped, looking from Nigel to Thayne''s parents. "I, it was¡ªplease trust me."

    Nigel rolled his eyes and barked over his shoulder, "Wait outside."

    "Father¡ª"

    "Now."

    Dick and his wife left, but not without some angry looks at Arthur.

    "What''s this about?" Nigel asked as he sat in the visitor''s chair and leaned back.

    Arthur bit his lip. He had to tell Nigel something. The man wasn''t going anywhere until he was satisfied.

    Arthur sat in his chair, straightened his hat and leaned forward. "Nigel, you must believe I don''t like this anymore than you but a true dream¡ª"

    It was Nigel''s turn to lean forward. "You sent him off after someone''s night fancy?"

    "True dream, Nigel. They are hardly fancies."

    "Poppycock is what they are," Nigel retorted. He leaned back and placed his hands behind his head. "Visions," he scoffed. "Their interpretation are dubious at best."

    "This one was perfectly clear¡ª"

    Nigel scowled and slammed his fist on the table, making Arthur jump. "They are never clear Arthur! How could you do this? Thayne can hardly function and you just send him out there alone? Do you know how hard his difficulties make him to track? We mightn''t be able to find him . . . before¡ª" Nigel coughed to cover the slight break in his voice. "If anything happens to him, I''m holding you responsible. Personally."

    He stood and walked to the door, then turned and said coldly. "Good day, Professor Globulus."

    Arthur stood and moved to follow him. "Nigel¡ª"

    "Globulus," Nigel cut him off went through the door and closed it firmly.

    Arthur collapsed in his chair, his stomach roiling and wondered if Nigel was right and if he should have sent Thayne at all.

 Chapter 7

    Thayne¡¯s eyes shot open and he realised he had been woken yet again by his bed creaking as he moved in his sleep. Light was starting to peek through his open window and he drew his blanket up in protest. But the thin blanket was no protection, so without some serious, and noisy, movement, he wasn¡¯t going to be getting back to sleep.

    His eyelids heavy, Thayne sat up after a couple of tries and got out of bed. He looked down at his school robes, still lying where he¡¯d left them the night before, in a pile next to the old fisherman¡¯s cloak, both now smelling strongly of fish. He picked up his pack, intending to find a change of clothing, and hesitated. His clothes all marked him as a wizard and he wasn¡¯t supposed to draw attention to himself. He had nothing to wear and he doubted John would have anything he could wear. He set the pack on the end of the bed and started rummaging through it in the hopes that something would be less conspicuous. As he dug deeper his hand brushed the spine of the book. With a glance around the room, Thayne went to the door and discovered there was no way to lock it. Returning to the bed he hesitated. Should he? His curiosity got the better of him and he started pulling everything from his bag until he gently pulled the book out, his eyes darting around the room.

    He sat for a moment stroking the brown leather cover. What would happen when he opened it? Should he open it? What if he unleashed something horrible? But what could be so important about this plain-looking old book? Curiosity won again as he lifted the front cover a fraction, ready to slam it shut. The yellowing first page crackled. But nothing happened. He lifted the cover a little more. Nothing. Impatient, he flung the cover back and a bright light shone in his eyes. Thayne¡¯s heart leapt in horror and he panicked for a second, until he realised that it was just the rising sun, starting to shine directly into his window. The front page of the book was blank. He turned the page and discovered the title page. It said: The Wonders and Mysteries of Kalven, by Himlas Wintrobe. Thayne frowned in confusion. It wasn¡¯t even a magic book; it was a history book. He flicked forward and skimmed the text. The book was entirely useless. Full of well-known facts about the world and its inhabitants. Like about how Niva Niva Island is really a small cluster of swampy islands that only the pirates who live there know how to navigate. He flicked back to the first chapter and snorted. There was actually a whole chapter on how the world is flat, a cube spinning in space. Who doesn¡¯t know that? Excepting of course the epists of Tir Al Eli. They clung to the ridiculous notion that the world is round.

    Thayne flicked back to the title page. There was a line he hadn¡¯t noticed before. It said: Earth edition. Thayne frowned again. Does that mean it was written for Geomancers? It made absolutely no sense.

    He found a table of contents on the next page and was going to turn to the last chapter entitled: Directions for Tourists. He had no idea what ¡®tourists¡¯ was. But he heard a sound outside his window and slammed the book shut, turning towards the sound as he did so. There was a flash of movement but it was gone before Thayne could see what it was. He hurried to the window and saw part of a brown cloak as its owner vanished into the trees. His heart pounding, Thayne wrapped the book in his school robes and shoved it deep into his pack.

    He dressed in a pair of black leggings and a white undershirt and hitched a belt around his waist. He felt ridiculous and naked wearing just his underwear but he couldn¡¯t wear any of his robes. He had just finished repacking the rest of his things when the door opened and John entered. He took in Thayne¡¯s clothes and held out a cloak to him. It was a faded brown. Which didn¡¯t mean anything, Thayne reminded himself as he took it.

    ¡°You should buy some new clothes as soon as you can. You still look like a Magik boy. You should stop looking down your nose at normal folk too.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not. I¨C¡±

    John shook his head and held his hands out. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m just saying. One of your kind would never wear a cloak like that,¡± he nodded at the fisherman¡¯s cloak still on the floor, ¡°if you weren¡¯t trying to hide something.¡±

    Thayne nodded reluctantly and grudgingly replied, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°So you really don¡¯t know about¡­¡± John inclined his head towards the wall separating Thayne¡¯s room from the unconscious woman¡¯s. ¡°You can¡¯t tell?¡±

    ¡°Tell what? What are you talking about?¡±

    John frowned and shook his head. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re not Magik.¡± John shook his head again and left the room muttering to himself.

    Thayne¡¯s anger flared but he didn¡¯t have time to wonder about John¡¯s strange words, because as soon as he left the room Glenda was in the doorway.

    ¡°You ready to go? John¡¯s taking you in the cart to town. We need some supplies anyway. You can find a boat there.¡± Her eyes wandered towards the wall but she snapped them back to Thayne. ¡°All packed?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s just this,¡± Thayne replied bending down and picking up the smelly cloak. ¡°But I don¡¯t really need it now¡ª¡±

    ¡°Just leave it where it is,¡± Glenda waved dismissively. ¡°Let¡¯s get your things to the cart. You can have one of my stretchers for the girl, it will make it easier to transport her.¡±

    Within five minutes, Thayne¡¯s pack and the occupied stretcher were loaded in the back of a small cart with a donkey in its harness. John sat with an impassive expression holding the reins as Thayne turned to Glenda. She hardly noticed him as she bustled around the garden picking flowers and herbs, alternating between humming and muttering to herself.

    ¡°I just wanted to thank you for your help,¡± he said awkwardly, not sure if she had heard him.

    ¡°That¡¯s nice,¡± she replied without even looking up.

    Glenda threw her collected plants into a pot lined with smoke grass. A grass that when burned produced a substantial amount of pungent and odious smoke. Thayne gazed into the pot and recognised honeysuckle and thyme before he realised Glenda was lighting it and backed away hastily. A thick cloud of smoke followed him.

    ¡°What are¨C¡±

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Glenda called as she picked up the pot and entered the house, muttering to herself.

    Thayne turned to the cart and looked at John, who was staring at the donkey¡¯s ears with an intense concentration.

    Thayne sighed and climbed up to sit next to John, who wordlessly handed him a carrot tied to a stick.

    Thayne swung it out in front of the donkey, which suddenly lunged forward, actually catching the carrot and almost ripping the stick from Thayne¡¯s hands. The carrot was gone but John gave the donkey a gentle nudge with the reins and she kept moving.

    ¡°Sorry, should have warned you. She¡¯s very sensitive. She won¡¯t move without some coaxing.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bet,¡± Thayne replied, as he pulled some of the larger splinters from his hands. ¡°What was wrong with Glenda this morning?¡±

    John glanced at Thayne and shifted on the seat before replying, ¡°Yeah, sorry about her too. She¡¯s just a mite more superstitious than I am.¡±

    ¡°This is about her again isn¡¯t it?¡± Thayne asked nodding at the back of the cart.

    ¡°Look, boy, don¡¯t worry about it. You¡¯ve come this far with her and nothing¡¯s happened. Besides, no harm will come to her while you¡¯re with her.¡± John looked down at the reins in his hands and avoided Thayne¡¯s gaze.

    Thayne smiled. Then grew serious again. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®I¡¯ve come this far with her?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Well, you said you came from Penn, right? So you¡¯ve travelled at least five days with her already.¡±

    Thayne noticed how carefully John was watching the road in front of him and frowned. ¡°I guess¡­¡±

    ¡°The town¡¯s not far. We¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    The trip actually took the better part of the day with John steering the conversation. Whenever Thayne tried to bring it back to what he wanted to know, John somehow managed to take them off in a completely different direction, misinterpreting the question, not seeming to hear or distracting Thayne by starting a random, unrelated story or conversation that went on and on until Thayne realised it wouldn¡¯t end without his intervention. John had pulled out a sack of food, more of the meat, bread and cheese from the night before a few hours in to the trip and after they had eaten had given the rest to Thayne to put in his pack. Thayne thanked him graciously and the duel of words had continued with renewed vigour, at least for a short while. By the time the town came into sight, Thayne was slumped in silent sullen defeat, knowing nothing more than when the trip started.

 Chapter 8

    John pulled in at the docks and helped Thayne unload the stretcher and then Thayne unloaded his pack. He turned to thank John but he was already back on the cart and driving away.

    Thayne looked down at the stretcher. They were afraid of her but he didn¡¯t understand why. Perhaps he should just leave her. He had his own problems; he didn¡¯t need hers as well. Maybe she was a wanted criminal or something? It would explain why Glenda and John didn¡¯t want her staying with them.

    He picked up his pack and hesitated. He hadn¡¯t seen her move since Glenda had tended her. He knelt down beside the stretcher and touched her cheek. It was hot. She frowned and feebly attempted to move.

    Thayne¡¯s resolve left him; he just couldn¡¯t leave her alone in such a state. It wasn¡¯t like he had to carry her all the way to Kent. Besides, perhaps a relaxing cruise down the river would do her some good.

    Now Thayne had a problem. He was outside the dock master¡¯s office and he had to go in to find a boat to take them but he would have to leave the girl outside alone to do it. A look around did nothing to reassure him. There were few people around, apart from dockhands, the fish market was further down the docks and the sailors were either aboard their ships or in the nearby taverns. But there were a couple of rough looking sailors leering at his helpless companion from across the street. With nothing else to do Thayne placed his pack on the stretcher and picked it up at her head, dragging it to the door of the office then through it.

    The walls, floor, ceiling and furniture were all wood.  The desk and chair had been sealed and varnished, while the building had just been treated against moisture, so the wood had a bit of a fossilised look about it. The walls were covered with charts showing trade routes, some marked with the names of ships that run them. There was one map labelled salvage that had a number of pins marking possible locations of lost ships. A large thick logbook sat in the middle of the unoccupied desk. The vague sound of voices came from behind a closed door behind the desk so Thayne set the stretcher down and continued his inspection of the room. As he studied the maps on the wall he came across one that showed one of the corners of the ocean. It was just a line through the middle of the map. It didn¡¯t do it justice, to be depicted so flatly. A line with an expanse of sea on either side. The longest sea venture Thayne had been on was the short trip to Psyhne, and back of course. For a whimsical moment he wondered what a voyage around the world would be like, but it did not capture his imagination and he was moving on when he heard the turn of a door handle and the backroom door started to open.

    ¡°So it¡¯s all sorted?¡± a voice floated from the room, the speaker still out of sight.

    The wide back of a man appeared. As he stepped backwards out the door he replied, ¡°Yes, you can sail on the next tide.¡±

    He turned and noticed Thayne. ¡°You have a boy?¡± he called over his shoulder eyeing Thayne doubtfully.

    ¡°Yes,¡± as the other speaker came into view, he snorted when he spotted Thayne, ¡°not that one.¡±

    Thayne drew himself up and looked down his nose at the shorter first man who could only be the dock master. ¡°I¡¯m looking for passage to Kent.¡±

    The dock master¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Are you really? I¡¯ll just jump to it then will I sir? What kind of vessel is the master looking for? A brig? Or perhaps a bark?¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Thayne frowned. The other man¡¯s grin made him feel he was being ridiculed somehow.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, we just need passage to Kent,¡± Thayne replied gesturing to the stretcher behind him.

    The dock master frowned when he noticed the pale, sweating girl. ¡°She contagious?¡±

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Thayne shook his head vigorously, ¡°It¡¯s not like that we were attacked by trolls. Actually we were with a group that were attacked in fact and she got hit by an arrow. She¡¯s been treated, we just need to get to Kent in a hurry.¡±

    Both men eyed Thayne and the girl dubiously. Finally the man behind the dock master said, ¡°I¡¯m going to Kent. As long as you don¡¯t mind a short stop at Juene.¡±

    ¡°J-juene!¡± Thayne blurted and quickly shook his head. ¡°No, no of course not why would I? Haha.¡±

    He forced his hands to stay at his sides and breathed deeply. His mind babbled at him that he wasn¡¯t nervous, had no reason to be. So Juene is the capital of magic, it didn¡¯t mean he would be found out and arrested if he went to the Supreme Mage¡¯s home city. He tried a smile but it faded quickly as he had the distinct impression that he looked like he was in pain. His eyes begged the men in front of him to not notice his fear.

    ¡°You¡¯ll¡­ have to sleep on deck and stay out of the way,¡± the captain said hesitantly and crossed his arms. He stared doubtfully at Thayne for a moment longer then clapped his hands. ¡°Right, it¡¯s no good us standing around here all day is it?¡±

    He walked around Thayne and picked up the stretcher at her head. Thayne scrambled to pick up the dragging end and they left the office together with the captain leading the way. Once they were on their way the man spoke again.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame you¡¯re not much of a liar boy. Dino will be sending a message on to Juene, and I have to stop there. Why are you afraid of Juene?¡±

    Thayne stared at the captain¡¯s back filled with indecision. Should he trust this stranger? Even though he didn¡¯t understand it, Professor Globulus had told him not to tell anyone what he carried. Thayne clung to that thought. ¡°I-I¡¯m just in a hurry to get to Kent.¡±

    The captain¡¯s shoulders slumped and he sighed. He nodded to himself and suddenly changed direction. He approached a two mast ship with a bowsprit carved into the shape of a woman, which was unusual for a riverboat.

    ¡°Ahoy, the Voyager!¡± the captain shouted. As soon as someone appeared he asked, ¡°The captain aboard?¡±

    The sailor disappeared to soon be replaced by a short stocky man with a beard in full bloom and an eye patch over his right eye who scowled down at them.

    ¡°Casting off to Kent, Jack?¡±

    ¡°Aye, what¡¯s it to you?¡± Jack growled eyeing the captain suspiciously.

    ¡°Now Jack, is that anyway to talk to someone who¡¯s brought you fare? The boy needs to get to Kent quick, he¡¯s willing to pay double, I¡¯d take him but he don¡¯t want any delays and I have a few stop overs on the way. Since you bailed me out of that¡­ situation¡­ I thought I¡¯d send him your way to make us square-like.¡±

    Thayne leaned forward and hissed, ¡°Double?¡±

    The captain ignored him and continued to watch the man on the deck of the boat as he frowned down at them.

    ¡°What¡¯s on the stretcher?¡± Jack asked finally, craning his neck to get a better view.

    ¡°A girl who¡¯s been injured. His cousin. They was travelling the forest and were lucky, got away from trolls but she got stuck by one. Old Glenda fixed her up good, she just need¡¯s rest. What would be better than a nice restful boat ride down the river?¡±

    Jack scowled suspiciously. ¡°You know an awful lot of someone you just met.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the boy, Jack. He¡¯s a right old chatterbox, won¡¯t shut up.¡±

    Jack still didn¡¯t look convinced but he reluctantly asked, ¡°This¡¯ll make us even?¡±

    The captain nodded and grinned. ¡°I reckon so.¡±

    Jack waved them aboard and as he led the way, the captain hissed through his teeth, ¡°Keep your business to yourself, boy. And buy yourself a change of clothes in Kent. Running around in your underwear isn¡¯t the best idea, though most won¡¯t look close enough to notice if you give them no cause to.¡±

    Thayne didn¡¯t reply but he was feeling more than a little stupid and way out of his depth, and also incredibly lucky that everyone he had met so far had been so helpful. That thought suddenly made him feel anxious. Was it his magical instinct that made him so trustful of those he had met? Knowing his track record, he was pretty certain that wasn¡¯t it. As he let the captain lead the way, a man he didn¡¯t even know by name, Thayne resolved to be more careful and wary about who he trusted from now on. Hoping that it wasn¡¯t already too late.

 Chapter 9

    Jack met them at the top of the gangway barring their way on to the ship.

    ¡°Payment upfront,¡± he growled leaning with one hand on the railing the other resting on his hip just above his sword.

    Thayne was ready to agree, just wanting to get aboard and put down the heavy stretcher but the captain again came to his rescue unbidden.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Jack. The boy already agreed to double. At least let us aboard so the boy can get to his money.¡±

    Jack stepped aside his scowl darkening. The captain sidestepped him and almost dragged Thayne aboard with his sudden rush forward. He paused to let Thayne catch his footing before lowering the stretcher and Thayne followed suit. As soon as the stretcher was down the captain was standing flinging an arm around Jack¡¯s shoulders and firmly turning him away from Thayne.

    Jack craned his neck trying to keep Thayne in view as the captain kept him in a hard grip and walked him away, saying in a loud voice, ¡°One-way fare to Kent, meal included would be maybe five silvers, so there should be no problem with the boy paying that now and five more when you arrive in Kent. I doubt the boy would have the gall to cross you Jack, why would you demand full payment up front? He ain¡¯t going nowhere.¡±

    Thayne realised the big man was trying to give him time to get his money without revealing to Jack where he kept it and how much he had. He glanced at the pair. He couldn¡¯t quite hear Jack¡¯s grumbled reply but he could see that despite his efforts the captain was effectively blocking Thayne from view.

    Hurriedly he pulled a handkerchief out of his pack and opened the money bag without removing it from the pack and grabbed as big a handful as he dared of the gold coins wrapped them tightly in the cloth and stuffed them in the pocket of his cloak.

    He heard Jack grumbling in acquiesce having been verbally beaten into submission. ¡°Ten now, ten at Kent. There¡¯s two of ¡®em.¡±

    Thayne scanned the contents of the money bag his heart sinking. Globulus had expected him to use the coin in relative safety at Penn. They were all gold and worth 25 silver each. He had no smaller coin and he doubted it was a good idea to pay Jack such a coin. He and the girl would be killed and thrown overboard on a quiet stretch of the river. There was nothing else for it though. He had no way of changing coins and he couldn¡¯t go to the market and leave her.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    He pulled four coins out of his bag and slipped two straight in his pocket, a sudden flash of inspiration coming to him. ¡°My cousin is still quite weak in her recovery, if you have a cabin to spare I will pay you¡­¡± he looked down at his hand hesitantly and let a flash of gold show as he slid one coin into his pocket. ¡°One gold coin now and one at Kent. For both of us. It is almost all I have but my uncle is waiting in Kent, so¡­¡± he trailed off as a reason had not yet come to him but when he saw the captain¡¯s expression he closed his mouth.

    Jack¡¯s mouth opened and shut. He reached his hand out, jerked it back, scowled his darkest scowl yet and snatched the coin from Thayne¡¯s outstretched hand.

    ¡°Done.¡± He spat. ¡°You can have the first mate¡¯s cabin.¡±

    The captain smiled broadly. ¡°I¡¯ll help the boy find his way.¡±

    Before Jack could protest he was lifting the stretcher and Thayne hurriedly picked up the other end.

    Jack led the way grumbling to himself. Jack hovered over them as they set the stretcher down on the narrow bed. Thayne would have enough floor space to lie down in the narrow space but he wasn¡¯t going to be comfortable for the month-long voyage. Thayne could see the captain desperately wanted to say something, Thayne felt exactly the same but Jack was not going to give them the opportunity.

    ¡°Take care of yourself, boy,¡± He said finally.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Thayne tried to convey all his gratitude and urges to him to not worry in those two words.

    The captain nodded, disbelief still in his eyes but helpless to do or say more. Thayne held out a hand and Thayne grasped it, transferring the two coins he had taken from his pocket to the captain¡¯s hand. To his credit, his surprised hardly showed though his eyes hardened a little bit.

    ¡°Thank you for helping us get home safely. I hope we meet again.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± the captain agreed gruffly. His hands balled into fists as he turned and left the room. Thayne wondered if he had somehow upset him but he turned at the door and said loudly, ¡°keep the door barred and stay to the cabin as much as possible. I will write ahead to your uncle, he¡¯s in Smith St, yes?¡±

    ¡°Y-yes, thank you.¡±

    With that the captain strode off, after a spare glare at Thayne Jack followed him out and down the narrow corridor. Thayne watched them go and closed the door with a push. There was no lock so he grabbed the trunk between the end on the bed and the wall and strained to move it. He tried the lid but it was locked. He tried pulling it again and as he used short jerking motions he felt the trunk move slightly. He kept at it until it was halfway out, partly blocking the door from the hinge side and still wedged between the bed and the wall. He gave up there and sank to the floor, scooting back to lean on the hull wall. He brought his knees up to his chest and felt tears come unbidden to his eyes. He was so alone. At school he at least knew he most likely wouldn¡¯t die in the night but here¡­ there was no comfort here, no semblance of safety. He buried his head in his arms and tried to stifle his sobs as he did not want to be heard by Jack or his crew.

 Chapter 10

    Thayne jerked upright with a sharp twinge in his neck and realised he had been slumped in the corner. He must have fallen asleep somehow. The sound that woke him came again and he saw the trunk move slightly as pressure was carefully put on the door from the other side. Hurriedly he got up and in two bounding steps was in the gap between the bed and the wall. He sat down and braised his legs against the trunk with his back on the wall and pushed against the pressure when it came. The trunk didn¡¯t budge. His knees rattled with the jarring impact as whoever was on the other side of the door suddenly rammed into it but the trunk didn¡¯t move. They tried a few more times and Thayne slumped in relief when he heard footsteps moving away.

    Thayne got up and moved to the side of the bed. He reached out a hand and placed a finger on the girl¡¯s forehead. He replaced it with his whole hand with a frown; her temperature seemed to be less and her skin still pale seemed healthier. The ivory skin of her hand laid across her chest was the same pale shade of her face, so the lack of healthy glow wasn¡¯t really telling. He hoped she would wake soon, then maybe they could come up with a way of getting out of this alive together. He seemed to be just getting deeper and deeper into trouble and pulling her down with him. It wasn¡¯t thoughts of escape at the forefront of his mind however, it was loneliness. He really wanted someone to talk to, to try to make sense of everything that had happened but this girl was a stranger, stranger than most judging by Glenda¡¯s reaction to her, he felt a connection to her but that was because he felt responsible for her. What if she was an enemy? A spy for the Supreme Mage or any of the other of many and untrustworthy possibilities.

    He sank back to the floor with a sigh and reached for his pack. Rummaging around he pushed the money bag deeper and pulled out a parcel John had given him. Unwrapping it revealed some smoked beef, bread, hard cheese and a couple of apples. His canteen was half full but food and water was going to be an issue well before they reached Kent.

    His companion suddenly shifted and murmured in her sleep. A sharp odour reached Thayne¡¯s nostrils and he grimaced. No toilet either.

    <hr>

    Thayne really didn''t know for sure how much time had passed. There was a small porthole that he looked out of occasionally but there had really been nothing to see apart from a distant riverbank lined with trees. He had been locked up in the cabin for over a day. A second night had come and gone and the sun had passed its zenith and was heading slowly toward the horizon. As the landscape had changed, the trees thinned out and Thayne could see the occasional road or cluster of houses that were becoming more and more common, he had become more and more worried about the girl. The closer they got to the city the more distressed she was becoming, murmuring and whimpering in her sleep. Her fever had seemed to have broken during the first night aboard but now she was covered in a cold sweat.

    He looked down at her feeling guilty that he had left her to lie on the increasingly soiled bed, not able to bring himself to even attempt to move her and the thought of changing and washing her made him blush. The best he could do was ensure her bandage stayed clean and trickle water down her throat. The time he attempted to feed her she had nearly choked. He was afraid to try again and they were already running out of food. His canteen had been almost depleted with only a couple of swallows left at most.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    He dreaded what would happen when they reached Juene-Haven and what Jack would do. There had been a few more attempts to open the door but they hadn''t lasted long. The closer they got to Juene-Haven the more activity he heard in the corridor and on deck but no further attempt was made on the door.

    He jumped and turned toward the bed wringing his hands as she heaved and jerked in her sleep again. He turned her head to the side but just like the last time her retching was dry, just like her lips. She had no moisture to spare. Their situation was becoming desperate. If he didn''t risk the wrath of the crew soon they were both going to die. Just as the thought passed through his head, there was a knock at the door.

    "You still alive?" came Jack''s gruff voice.

    "W-what do you want?" Thayne replied, telling himself the crack in his voice was from thirst and had nothing to do with his terror.

    "We''re approachin'' the divide. We don''t want no trouble. We''re about to be boarded."

    Thayne''s heart leapt to his throat. Could things get any worse? The ship was about to be inspected. Not only would the inspectors be wizards, they would most likely be Inquisitors, trained to spot any sign of deception, it was all but impossible to lie to an Inquisitor. Too many questions would be asked if he stayed holed up in the cabin. Though it wasn''t much comfort, he knew Jack and his crew wouldn''t try anything with the Inquisitors on their way. After a few long minutes of struggle Thayne unblocked the door and opened it. He started when he saw that Jack still stood there.

    "I-I don''t want any trouble either. The last thing I want is to be stopped here. I just want to go home." The sincerity of that sentence brought tears to Thanye''s eyes. He really did want to leave everything and go home. Sure, it was closer than Kent but that fancy was impossible. It was too dangerous to go home. He had to go on. Somehow.

    Jack scowled down at Thayne and took a step towards him, his mouth open and staggered back with an oath when he smacked into the wall of stench wafting from the room.

    As a sailor and a cabin boy were striding past he snagged their arms and they both turned inquisitively. The sailor was bald and tattooed. His beard was split in two and couldn''t quite cover the scar that ran down the middle of his chin, most likely from a shallow blow from an axe. The cabin boy looked a year or two older than Thayne but he was a head shorter and though he had built up more muscle than Thayne ever thought he could have, that wasn''t saying much.

    "Captain? I was just-"

    "Sir, Grub asked me-"

    "Get in there and bring the girl out. Strip the bed. Stash the piss-stained shit below. Do what you can to get rid of the smell in a hurry."

    Both nodded though their faces and went pale, the boy went slightly green and seemed like he was about to throw up. Jack grabbed the front of his tunic.

    "You do that and you''ll find yourself sleeping on that bedding all the way to Kent."

    The boy nodded and swallowed. Unfortunately for him this exchange had given the sailor time to get in there and fling the girl over his shoulder, leaving the bedding for the cabin boy to deal with. To his credit, he dashed into the room dragged the stretcher off the bed then ripped up the bedding into his arms and dashed away without hesitation.

    Thayne grimaced when he heard the girl make a now familiar retching sound and the sailor''s back stiffened. Her cascading hair hid her face and his back but the bitter bile smell told Thayne that it wasn''t a dry one.