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“No!” he screamed, “No!” but the silence remained unbroken; the rising crescendo of his cries only echoes in his mind, for none but himself to hear. Once more the rage burst within him, shattering the bond with Murran with such violent force it sent the magician's body toppling sideways, as life finally ceased its struggle. Again the cry welled up inside, rising till his anguish reached his lips to burst forth in a frenzied scream of abreaction. Unchecked, his emotions sought the catharsis needed for him to endure, as they shed the constraints he had imposed upon them in a torrent of deprecation.
Deliverance was slow, as the fires of passion burned brightly within him, seeking freedom in expression, in an outpouring of devastation, but he held them close. Exerting control, bending them to his will, aware that at last he could command them, that he need not fear the power that he held. Like the metamorphosis of the beautiful butterfly from its drab chrysalis, so Adam Goodchild changed in ways unseen yet no less dramatic, outwardly there was little sign of the transformation, only the sparkling amethyst of his eyes heralded that which dwelled within.
Again in control, Adam could feel the power coursing through his body, heightening his senses as a new awareness grew. Every muscle, every sinew pulsated with vigour previously unknown. Gone was the fear that had betrayed him, gone too was the uncertainty, replaced by a feeling of newness, of being. Now he was truly Master of the Crystal, no longer just its guardian.
But his elation was momentary, as he remembered what it was that had forced the change upon him. Ichabod had need of him; the Ghyyrox still remained within the body of his friend. As the bond he had made with Murran broke, so too did that made by Ichabod with him, yet its absence created no barrier. With the same ease with which one would read the pages of a book, so was Adam able to read the magician's mind. Probing gently he soon learned that the old man had trapped the demon as had Murran, and as he touched the evil mind, he felt it recoil.
In making contact with the thoughts of the magician, he had opened up the store of his memories; all his innermost feelings, his recollections, his deepest emotions laid bare for him to pick over at will. Careful of what he mentally touched, he learned in an instant all those spells and incantations that had taken the sorcerer a lifetime to perfect, but he avoided any further encroachment, not wishing to expose those secrets that lie hidden within us all.
So complete was this melding of minds that he knew that by the same act he could easily fall prey to the dark thoughts of the Ghyyrox. He wanted the beast removed from his friend, but was wary of causing the old man harm in achieving his goal. Seeking out the demon's vital core, he found it hidden deep in Ichabod's psyche, fearful, aware that at last it had met its match. Slowly he began to weave a web of mental energy around it, binding it, removing its will, until he held it with his mind. Gradually he eased back from the link he had made with the mind of Ichabod. Drawing the beast with him, until with one final thrust, he forced it free.
From the moment of his possession by the Ghyyrox, to the time that it was forced out, Ichabod had sat unmoving on the floor of the throne room, his awareness of what was taking place barely more than that of a new born infant. Only when the demon was forced free did he move; his eyes flickered, and his mouth opened to emit a misty stream that swirled around, to be swallowed in an instant as it was sucked into the vial. Snapping the cap shut, Adam gave out a huge sigh of relief as he looked at the magician; making sure he was all right.
With all the pent up emotion from the events just past, suddenly freed, Adam's body visibly relaxed as he hunched forward, and, crossing his arms over his drawn-up knees, he exclaimed, “Never...never again do I want to have to go through that,” and still clutching the vial let his head fall forward, drained of energy.
Considering the punishment just meted out to the mind and body of the old man, Ichabod's retort was remarkable for its resolve. “Now that's over we can't afford to tarry, this is no time to rest if we're to find out where that army is heading, and we still have to make ready to rescue the queen and princess.”
Because Adam remained unmoving, Ichabod had to strain to hear his companion’s distorted and muffled reply but understood enough to know that he was resigned to making a move, but somehow lacked the will to get started.
Getting to his feet and with a less than gentle tug at the back of Adam's hair, he goaded, “Well come on then, there's little point in staying here.”
Emitting a groan worthy of a dying man, Adam straightened and looked at the old man. “Slave-driver,” he muttered as he stood up, giving Ichabod chance to catch a glimpse of the change to his eyes.
“Adam...your eyes, in the name of the Creator, what's happened to your eyes?”
“What do you mean, there's nothing wrong with my eyes?”
“Here see for yourself,” and picking up the sphere handed the Manifex to Adam.
Holding the crystal in front of his face, he gazed, unblinking at his reflection in its polished surface. Although its golden colour made a slight alteration to the image, there was no mistaking the change. His eyes now shared the same hue as those of the giant, Beorhtán.
“Wow! How did that happen?” he exclaimed.
“It must have been the transformation; I sense that much more than the colour of your eyes has changed.” Then in an almost conversational tone he asked, “Recite the levitation spell for me will you?”
Unaware of the implication of what he was doing, and without hesitation or question; Adam spoke the words.
“Hey, how did you know I would know that?”
“I didn't, I just suspected it, and now you’ve confirmed it,” replied the sorcerer.
“Ichabod, I'm truly sorry, I didn't mean to read your mind, to steal your memories but when I found that I could, it seemed the right thing to do.” Realizing how lame the explanation sounded, he tried again, “What I mean is, I only read the spells, I promise I didn't look any further. I swear I didn't, and I did give you a little something in return.”
“I believe you. In a way I'm glad, now you know all that I know without having to spend years learning it. You'll need that knowledge, and I'm pleased that, however you gained it, I at least provided it.”
Grateful for an opportunity to change the subject, and show that there was an additional benefit from the experience, he said, “Talking of reading minds, I can tell you where that army is heading, it marches to Meriandor, I got that from the Ghyyrox.”
“Then we must depart without delay to warn King Randufil. It will take them several weeks to cross Mandax and then Caregoron before Meriandor is in danger, but many towns and villages lie between.”
Nodding in agreement, Adam made no effort to move, looking expectantly at Ichabod. When he saw that the old man had nothing further to say, he asked in exasperation, “Well aren't you going to ask me what it was that I gave you when I read your mind?”
“Why should I? I assumed you would tell me, or that you would wait for me to discover whatever it was for myself.” His mild-mannered tone pushing Adam's annoyance up another notch.
“Blow me Ichabod, you can be an awkward so and so when you want to be,” he exclaimed.
Surprised by Adam's sudden outburst, the old sorcerer looked perplexed. “I hardly think that's fair, and completely fail to see how blowing you would help.”
“It wouldn't,” holding up a hand to stop the old man's next question, “and before you ask why I said it, I'll tell you, on my world it's a figure of speech, it signifies mild annoyance.”
“So why are you annoyed?”
“Because I just told you I had given you something, and you didn't even ask what it was.”
“But why should I?”
By now Adam's vexation was increasing in parallel with his frustration at the old man, who stubbornly refused to admit to understanding what he meant. “Because any normally inquisitive person would have done just that, that's why.”
“Oh, I see. Well I'm sorry, what was it that you gave me?”
With all the fun gone out of what Adam had hoped would be a pleasant surprise he simply said, “The mind talk, you can use the mind talk if you want to.”
For a few seconds Ichabod said nothing, and then he looked at Adam and apologized for spoiling his gift. “I'm sorry, I'm not used to being given anything, and I upset you by not showing any interest. I'm truly grateful, thank you.”
After that Adam couldn't remain angry with Ichabod so placing the vial containing the Ghyyrox, and the Manifex in his pouch, he said, “Good, now let's be on our way, I'll summon Vorcan.”
Wending their way through the ruined city, they returned to the gate by which they had entered, to find the dragon there waiting for them. It had been a hazardous journey, as the darkness of night had descended, and Adam had finally had to resort to using the Manifex to provide them with light to see which way they were going.
Worried now that night had fallen, and distinctly uneasy at the thought of having to spend the hours of darkness anywhere near the city, Adam asked Vorcan if flying in the dark presented him with any problem.
Despite the improvement in their relationship, Vorcan's response was a clear indication that he still wasn't beyond making a sarcastic remark, “Just how do you suppose I managed to fly from Kaldshard to Meriandor then? I see perfectly well in the dark, so if you wish to journey somewhere, I suggest we get on with it.”
With all that had happened during the previous day, it hadn't once occurred to Adam, to question how it was that the dragon had managed to get from Mount Kaldshard to where they had first met beyond Meriandor. Now that Vorcan had mentioned it, it was obvious that he couldn't have come in response to Adam's call. He must have left his home in the mountain almost a day before, unless...unless there was something he didn't know about the dragon. “That's a point, just how did you get there so quickly?”
Almost as though he wished he hadn't drawn attention to the fact, the dragon mumbled, “Never mind, so where is it that you wish to go now?”
“Back to Meriandor,” and then in an effort to be more friendly, “if you're not too tired that is?”
“As if it would make the slightest difference,” he replied, adding a huge sigh for emphasis.
“Blast you Vorcan, what's wrong with you, I try to be reasonable and all you do is throw my efforts straight back at me. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know, nor would I force you to fly if you said that you were too tired.”
‘God,’ thought Adam uncharitably, as if arguing with an ancient wizard wasn't enough, now I have to sweet-talk a bloody dragon of all things.
“I know Master, it's just that I'm not used to men treating me this way, besides I've lived alone for so long I've somewhat forgotten what it's like to talk to people. In the last two hundred years I've only spoken to a handful of individuals, and most of them wanted something from me.”
“Well never mind all that, you're free to make up your own mind now. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to, but I do need your help to transport Ichabod and me back home.”
“Then that's what we'll do, climb up and let's get on with it.”
The return flight had to be the eeriest experience Adam could recall. In a world without electricity, lighting was at a premium, and obviously kept to a minimum at night. For hours they travelled with nothing by way of a reference to tell them where they were, yet the dragon flew on unerringly. It was pointless trying to spot Quilvar and Ichabod's servant Zolf, concerned as he was for their safety after spotting the massed army, but he was certain they would be too far ahead of it, had it moved on immediately after they first sighted it, that they were in no danger from that quarter.
With the sky overcast, they only caught an occasional glimpse of Meerah, as the moon appeared in the few breaks in the clouds above. Both Adam and the sorcerer tired out from the day's exploits, and not knowing the time of day, couldn't tell how long it was since either of them had slept. Slowly the rhythmic beat of Vorcan's wings had their effect, and the dragon's two passengers quietly slept, protected and prevented from falling by the power of the crystal.
Adam awoke to Vorcan's call, to tell them that he had the walls of the Caregoron capital in sight. Day had dawned whilst they slept, and the sky was again bright and clear. Nudging Ichabod awake, Adam asked him what he thought they should do about returning to the city. He didn't want the dragon getting too close, yet, not having horses, equally didn't want to be too distant when they landed.
“How far away from the city walls were you when you set off?” asked Ichabod.
Adam considered for a moment, “About five or six miles I guess, too far to walk even for me. We could try flying over the castle, someone's bound to see us, and perhaps ride out to meet us.”
“Yes, and have half the population of the city following. No, we'll have to come up with a better plan than that.”
As Adam and Ichabod racked their brains for a solution to the problem, the answer presented itself a few minutes later. To give themselves time to think, Adam had asked the dragon to return to the point at which they had first met. It was as they were approaching this spot that Vorcan called out.
“It seems that you will have company when we land.”
As the two looked down trying to see what the dragon meant, they spotted a small group of horses and their riders, the men apparently relaxing around a campfire. Still too far away for them to tell who it might be, it was the sorcerer who insisted that this close to Meriandor, at least that had to be Caregorons. As they approached, Adam asked Vorcan to circle the group, who showed no sign of alarm at their presence, and were soon waving at the airborne trio.
“It's Feldric, and some of Kawuhl's men,” exclaimed Adam. “Vorcan, land if you please, but no scaring the horses this time.”
“As if I would do such a thing,” insisted the dragon in mock innocence.
A few moments later, they were on the ground with Prince Feldric rushing towards them.
“I hadn't expected you to return so soon Adam, but it's good to see you back, you too Ichabod, but where are Quilvar and Zolf?” It was only when he reached them, that he noticed the change to Adam's eyes. “What happened to your eyes?” A question Adam instinctively knew he would face many times in the coming days.
With the rest of Feldric's group now within hearing, Adam was cautious with his reply. “They're riding back with the horses, Ichabod and I decided to return as quickly as possible so we came back with Vorcan. Which reminds me; I must let Vorcan return to his home, if you will excuse me Your Highness.”
Hurrying back to where the dragon waited patiently, Adam looked up into his huge eyes, and when Vorcan lowered his head, patted the scaly snout as he spoke. “I want to thank you for your efforts, Vorcan, you have helped me greatly. Until we meet again, as I am sure we must, you are free to return to your home.”
“Thank you Master, I shall look forward to when you need me again, until then, goodbye.” Waiting until Adam was well out of his way the mighty beast raised his wings, and in a cloud of dust, leapt skyward soon to disappear into the distance.
Feldric explained that it had been Kawuhl's idea to leave a small body of men to await their return, and he'd decided to wait with them. Expecting the four to return on horseback, they hadn't thought to bring spare mounts, but with two of the soldiers sharing their horses the party was soon on its way back to the city.
As soon as the group had returned to the castle, Adam asked Feldric if he could arrange for him to see his father. He hadn't discussed the events of their visit to Kóren, or of the Ghyyrox's capture and revelations regarding the queen and princess, not wishing to have to retell the tale several times over. As Feldric hurried away to inform King Randufil of their return, Adam and Ichabod sat down to wait. It was soon after, that young Prince Caslan found them, and rushed to greet the old sorcerer.
Placing his hands on the boy's shoulders, Ichabod looked down at Caslan's upturned face and asked sternly, “What's this I've been hearing about you practising spells that I warned you against?”
Looking crestfallen, the prince tried to turn away, his gaze falling to study his feet, as he replied. “I'm sorry Master Ichabod, but I didn't know what else to do, it didn't work anyway. Will you forgive me?”
Seeing how his feigned anger affected the boy he relented as he smiled and replied, “Well that's not how I heard it. I understood that the spell worked perfectly, and had it not been for a lack of strength, something incidentally you need a great deal of to sustain that spell, you would have saved not only yourself, but your mother and sister as well. I also heard how you risked your own life in trying to keep the spell going, a very brave thing to do. So you see there's nothing to forgive, in fact I'm proud of you, Caslan, very proud.”
Looking back up he asked “You are?” his face brightening the moment he realized Ichabod meant what he said, “But I thought you'd be angry.”
“I was at first; you took a great risk in attempting that spell. It's very easy to become trapped by it as you almost did, and the end result is always the same, death. I didn't want that happening to you, but when I thought about it further, I realized that it took a great deal of selfless courage to attempt what you did. You have the makings of a fine magician, and with more practice and experience, I'm sure you'll succeed.”
Praise indeed from one so great. Caslan was overjoyed, so much so that he completely forgot the circumstances that had led him to this moment. All he could think of was that Ichabod, one of the greatest sorcerers of all time, had just told him that one day, he too would become a magician.
With Ichabod and the prince deep in discussion over spells and Caslan's story about the capture of his mother and sister, Adam excused himself saying he was going to his room to bathe and change out of his travel stained clothing. He was weary, and knew that a soak in a warm bath would do wonders. His audience with the king was likely to be a long one, and he wanted to be ready for it.
A short time later, as he lay back letting the sweet aromas of the scented bath water fill his nostrils, and its warmth ease the ache in his limbs; he tried to marshal his thoughts. There was still a lot to be done before they could set out to rescue Queen Jessima and Princess Esperia. He didn't even know the location of Laanis; it wasn't on Beorhtán's map of that he was certain.
Drifting on the edge of wakefulness, he found his mind again turning to thoughts of the lovely princess. He tried to imagine her voice, to recall every detail of her face, her hair and her exquisite figure. Allowing her image to fill his thoughts, he finally realized that he wasn't thinking of the girl simply as someone he was sworn to rescue, he was captivated by her, and he wondered if it was possible to be in love with someone he'd never even met.
Shaking off such thoughts, he rose from his bath and drying off, hurried to dress himself, still aware how strongly the image of the girl had affected him. He'd barely finished clothing himself when a knock at the door heralded Feldric's arrival. Suddenly he needed the distraction, to prevent him from dwelling on the princess.
“My father sends his apologies, he was busy with some of the city's officials, but would gladly see you now.”
“To be honest Your Highness, I was in need of a bath and change of clothes, the delay was welcome as it gave me the time that I needed.” Making sure that he had the pouch containing not only the Manifex now, but the vial in which he had trapped the Ghyyrox, he followed the prince from the room.
Back in the king's private chambers, it pleased him to see that Ichabod and Kawuhl were already present, as too was Prince Caslan.
“I'm sorry for keeping you waiting Master Adam, in truth I desperately wanted to hear what news you had, and would willingly have ended my meeting sooner, but I have to keep up appearances.” Casting a sideways glance at Ichabod, he added, “Your friend here has refused to tell me anything, although I sense there is much to tell.” Then again the inevitable question as he too saw the irises of Adam's eyes.
“Indeed there is Your Highness. You see when I met Ichabod, we decided to fly on to Mandax in the hope of meeting Emperor Ogamenn. We felt that since we were more than halfway there, it made sense to complete that part of Master Ichabod's journey.”
“Did Ogamenn grant you audience?”
“No Sire, by the time we reached the Emperor he was already dead.”
“Dead! But how, I mean who killed him?”
“The Ghyyrox, in fact we only found two beings alive in the whole city, although I admit we spent little time searching for survivors. You see the city had been laid waste, there were literally hundreds of bodies. The palace, the city walls, just about everything we saw had been damaged or destroyed. We found Ogamenn's body in the palace throne room with his magician beside him.”
“Was Murran dead also?” asked the king.
“No he was still alive, but barely. Apparently, he had been a willing participant in what took place, that is until the Ghyyrox tried to take over his body. Murran had somehow managed to trap the beast inside him, and was determined to hold it in the hope it would die when he himself died. Ichabod and I managed to free the demon from Murran by the use of magic, and trap it, but it cost Murran his life.”
It was at this point that Ichabod interrupted him. “To say nothing of the risks you encountered, or the changes you underwent. How do you think he got those eyes?”
“It wasn't only I who took the risks, and as I recall, it was I who placed you in danger.”
“Sire he sells himself short. True there was an uncomfortable moment or two, but nothing more I assure you. The man that you now see before you is no longer the pretender; he truly is the Chosen One. Now tell King Randufil what you did.”
“I was coming to that.” Pulling the vial from his pouch, he placed the container on a nearby table where it was just possible to see a grey mist, swirling around inside. Then with a grand theatrical gesture, he announced, “Behold the Ghyyrox.”
With the exception of Ichabod, the others had all moved forward the better to see what it was that Adam had placed before them; now with the revelation that the bottle contained one of the most feared creatures ever to stalk the land, almost as one they recoiled in horror.
As ever it was the stalwart Jelvoan who recovered first. “Had it been anyone but you making that claim Master Adam, I would have refuted it immediately, though in truth I find it hard to believe that the contents of that vial are the Ghyyrox.”
“I promise you my friend, that is precisely what it contains, and we must ensure that nothing is done to permit it to escape, as assuredly, it would waste not a thought if it were given the chance. Before we managed to capture it, the demon also provided us with the location of its lair, where the queen and princess are being held.”
“You know where Jessima and Esperia are?” The possibility made it almost too much for the king to contain his excitement.
“Yes Your Highness, they're being held on an island called Laanis, and now that we have the Ghyyrox, the danger they faced has been greatly eased, although we must hasten to rescue them as I'm sure it will not be long before Shegrimoth becomes aware of the changed circumstances.”
“Indeed yes.” said Randufil, then to his general, “Kawuhl you must prepare men and arms that I may soon depart to fetch them back.”
Anxious not to remove all the hope he could so clearly see on the king's face; he hesitated before he spoke his next words. “Before you do sire, there is further news that I have to give you, sadly information that may prevent you leading your army away from the city.”
In an instant, the king seemed to wilt at the thought that something was about to prevent him from being reunited with the rest of his family. Grimly he asked, “What is this news?”
“When we were on our way to Kóren, we passed a great army that was massing in a canyon. It consisted of men from all over Mandax, including men of the Emperor's own guard. I couldn't say how these men come to be in company with one another, as Ichabod tells me that normally such a thing wouldn't be possible.”
Suddenly as Adam mentioned his name, the sorcerer jumped to his feet. “That's it. Ever since we first saw those men I've been troubled by the way they had all come together. If you recall I mentioned that I felt something was amiss, I know what it is now. It was something that Caslan told me about the way the Mandaxon's fought when they first attacked their camp, and how Drizhus and his men turned on them. They're no longer men in the way we know them; they've had their minds taken from them by the beast. The hand of Shegrimoth is clear in this; only he has such ability.”
“How distant is this army, and what is its strength?” demanded Kawuhl, his soldier's mind seeking the military details.
“It's well inside the Mandax borders, but since we didn't have much chance to examine the encampment, I could only guess at their numbers. Judging by the rows of tents, I would say perhaps fifty thousand, maybe more and increasing daily.”
If the answers to his first questions troubled him, Kawuhl showed no sign as he continued his interrogation, “In which direction are they heading?”
“According to the Ghyyrox, they march to Caregoron; their goal, the destruction of Meriandor, although it will be several weeks before they reach here.”
“Maybe, but not so long before they are within our borders, and able to attack any town or village that lies in their path.”
“Then you are correct, we cannot deplete our army by sending men to rescue my wife and daughter,” confirmed the king unhappily.
“With respect, Your Majesty, such numbers as will be required to assist in their rescue, would do little to affect the outcome of any battle for the city. I suspect that the army will play little part in the defence of Meriandor, unless we can come up with something to protect it from the forces likely to be unleashed by the Dark One. Kóren had been systematically struck by what looked like huge fireballs; the damage they inflicted was almost beyond belief. This is the sort of thing we're likely to be facing.”
“Then what can we do.” This from Kawuhl, distraught at hearing how easily Adam had dismissed his men and their skills.
“Easy my friend, don't think for one moment you and your men will serve no purpose, but it is important that you are made aware of the dangers we are going to face. I have an idea I would like to discuss with Ichabod, which may help us defend the city. In the meantime, there is work for you and your men. When we last spoke, you were preparing to impose a curfew. Was that done?”
“Yes. The city streets are kept clear from dusk till dawn, the only exceptions being the army patrols.”
“And what of the insurrection of which you spoke?”
“It continues, though we have made some arrests.” The marked change in the Warrior's manner suggesting that he was less than pleased with the results.
Addressing the king next, Adam began to put forward his proposals. “Then with your permission Your Highness, I suggest that steps are taken to clamp down on these groups. Raid some of their meetings and arrest the ringleaders; it's unlikely to be popular, but it may reduce their effectiveness. Remember it's these people that Shegrimoth will first look to for his support.
“With Ichabod's help I will prepare further defences for the castle, and arrange to speak to the members of the Brotherhood here in Meriandor to see what we can do to protect the city. Time is short as I have to leave as soon as possible.”
“But where are you going?” asked the king.
“I have to travel to Mount Kaldshard, there are things that I have to do there, people to see, but I will be back long before the army of the Dark One reaches these walls. I also have a plan to rescue the queen and princess, but I need time to prepare.”
Once they were alone together, Adam explained his idea to Ichabod. It was difficult for the sorcerer to understand much of what he had in mind, because he had no knowledge of the Glomers' skills, but he trusted Adam's judgement.
“Do you really think that the forgemasters of Kaldshard will be capable of what you suggest?”
“To be honest my friend, I'm not certain, but I am sure that they will do their level best. Perhaps with the power of the Manifex to assist we might succeed.”
“I'm still not sure how your plan is going to work.”
“Back on my world we have an expression, fight fire with fire. That's what I aim to do. Instead of letting Shegrimoth's hordes pelt the city with its fireballs, I intend to turn the tables and hopefully beat them at their own game. If you can explain to Kawuhl what it is we are going to need, I will fetch Keshi and some of his friends to assist us. I think that Vorcan might also be willing to add his talents to our side.”
“Very well, we shall have everything ready for your return. I've studied the plans that you left with the general for the protection of the city, and I must admit that given your limited experience, they were quite impressive.”
“Huh, had I known some of the spells I now know, I could have done much better.”
“True and I will make sure that appropriate changes are made, but it would need the presence of a capable sorcerer to make it work.”
“Which is why I needed you back here, instead of chasing halfway round the world.”
They continued to talk for some time, going over the plans for the defence of the city, how Adam proposed to use the Glomers, and much besides. It was several hours later that Ichabod ventured to ask the one question he had been holding back in the hope that Adam would volunteer the information.
“What about your plan to free the queen and princess?”
He'd been dreading this, at first thinking the king would ask, and now knowing he couldn't avoid the old sorcerer.
“I don't have one,” he replied honestly.
“But I thought you told the king...”
“I did, but that was to help distract him from thinking about it. We need him to take command here, and I wanted him to believe that I had a plan. Don't think I don't feel guilty about what I said, I do, but it had to be done. As soon as I get back from Kaldshard I'll see what can be done. By the way, where is this island, Laanis?”
“Far away to the south east, it lies off the coast of one of the Southern Lands. It would take many weeks to reach, and you would need several ships if you planned to take an army with you.”
“Then I shall have to think of another way. Perhaps I and maybe one other could ask Vorcan to take us there. A surprise attack might prove more effective anyway. The problem is I couldn't get any detail from the Ghyyrox about the island's fortification, it seemed amused that I asked.”
“It sounds very risky to me; maybe you should wait until after whatever is going to happen here then allow Randufil to take his army.”
“I don't think so. Whatever happens when that army reaches Meriandor, it's only the beginning. Shegrimoth won't rest, even if his hordes are defeated. We've no idea what has happened in the other countries of the north, in Antalek and Jelvoa, let alone the other continents. No, rescuing the queen and princess must be done with all possible speed. I'll think about it more after a good night's sleep.”
The next morning, Adam was up and away before the new day's activity had awakened the city. With one soldier to accompany him, he rode back out to the meeting place with Vorcan. As soon as they arrived, he handed the reins of his horse to the Jelvoan, sending the soldier back to Meriandor. He didn't have long to wait before the dragon came into view.
“It seems you can't do without me.”
“True indeed and I'm sorry to have to call on you again so soon.”
“No matter, I've sent word to Keshi that you wish to meet with him. The elders were delighted by the prospect of the return of the Chosen One.”
“How did you know I wanted to speak with the Glomers?”
“Call it dragonly intuition.”
“I don't believe that. Still never mind. But before we fly to Kaldshard, I would like to find Quilvar.”
“He and the other one are but a few days ride from here.”
“Then let's be on our way.”
Zolf took Quilvar's departure with Adam quite philosophically; he was in familiar territory, and didn't seem to mind the idea of being on his own. Adam explained that he had told Ichabod of his plans, and that the old man had promised to send a rider out to meet his servant.
Once they were airborne, the elf could contain his curiosity no longer, and had to ask. “Was your visit to Kóren successful Master Adam?”
“Yes and no, which is why we're headed for Kaldshard now.”
The revelation that they were on their way back to his home came as something of a surprise for the little green man. “What can the mountain possibly hold for us Master?”
“It's a long story my friend, but since we have little else to occupy us at the moment, I'd better tell you what's been happening.”
With the distance to Mount Kaldshard being greater even than the journey to Kóren, Adam expected them to be in the air for many hours. He wasn't sure if Vorcan would make the trip in one go, or whether he would have to stop for rest. It was whilst he was pondering on this that Vorcan interrupted his thoughts.
“Perhaps I should have mentioned this sooner Master, but there is a speedier way in which we might travel,” he said almost apologetically.
“Oh and how is that?”
“By using magic, I'm sure you'll remember my comment about the time it took me to fly from Kaldshard to Meriandor?”
“Come to think of it, you did say something, but when I tried to question you further, you shut me up.”
“Hardly that Master, but I wasn't sure you would want the other one to hear.”
“Who Quilvar?”
“No Master, the other one.”
“You mean Ichabod, and why wouldn't I want him to hear?”
“Not him, the other one.”
Seeing the conversation going around in circles, perplexed Adam, if he didn't mean Quilvar or Ichabod, then who the hell...aah, that was it, the Ghyyrox. “You mean the Ghyyrox could still understand what was being said?”
“Exactly Master.”
“I'm sorry Vorcan, I had no idea that was the case, but what difference would it have made anyway?”
“A great deal, the demon has only an inkling of your capabilities, and even less of what I am able to do. He knows you to be a powerful adversary, but if he knew you could travel with me in the blink of an eye, might he not have used such information?” And then he chuckled a deep rattling sound as he added, “Always assuming he manages to get free, that is.”
“He might indeed, but how is it that you know all this, and what's this about travelling in the blink of an eye, was how I think you put it?”
“As to the knowing, that's easy, I read the creature's mind, the travelling is purely magic, dragon magic, which only we may use,” he replied loftily.
“So that's how you knew I wanted to see the Glomers, but surely reading the mind of such an evil creature as the Ghyyrox was a dangerous thing to do?”
For a moment Vorcan ignored the direct question, “You were thinking of little else at the time, it wasn't difficult, although it isn't always that easy with your mind, it's often too confused. Reading the demon's mind on the other hand was easy. It may be that it's dangerous for a man, though not so for a dragon, the two are very different. I trust you secured the demon well, he's determined to be free you know, and when his master gets round to it, he'll spare nothing to free his slave.”
Somewhat taken aback by the revelation that Vorcan could read his mind, and now feeling what Ichabod must have felt when he broke the sanctity of his thoughts, Adam ignored the dragon's reference to the security of the Ghyyrox as he asked. “So you can only sometimes read my mind then?”
“Master I intended no harm; if you would prefer that I didn't you have only to say.”
Tempted to do just that, he had second thoughts when he realized that by his actions, Vorcan had saved him considerable time. “I can't say that I am pleased by the idea, but I can see that it has proven useful. However, I would prefer that you didn't make a regular habit of it.”
“No Master.” He was silent for a few moments before he added, “She is certainly a beautiful young woman, the princess.”
“Enough damn you. Such thoughts are private, and I'll thank you to keep them that way.”
“I'm sorry,” he replied with only the barest hint of contrition.
“Very well, let's leave it at that. In answer to your question about the security of the demon, it's well taken care of. Now what about this dragon magic?”
“Hold on then.”
For a brief moment, there was a feeling akin to that experienced from severe acceleration, then nothing for several seconds. They could neither see, hear, feel or touch anything other than the coarse scales of the dragon on whose shoulders they rode. It was almost as if the world and everything in it had vanished. The feeling lasted for such a short time they had no chance to come to grips with it, before they were again riding high in the sunlit sky, with the peak of Mount Kaldshard below and off to their left.
“I don't know how you managed that my friend, but however you did it, you certainly saved us from a long journey.”
“And me from tired wings.” His sarcasm was unabated.
“How close can you take us to the Glomers' settlement?”
“To my cave, where first we met. There's a way in from the side of the mountain. Keshi and his friends will be waiting there for us.”
