“Where is this gold then?” Thessa asked, ignoring what Sarren had said.
Did you hear me?
“Yes, I heard you. Now answer my question, please.”
It’s around. I will show you because the goddess commands it. We must travel to Emlestra, but first we have to retrieve the coin.
“Coin?”
It’s the key to finding your treasure. You can’t get to it without it. We can transport to my hiding place.
“Is it far?”
Not far.
“Good, then we go by land, the old fashion way.”
What? Why?
“Because you knew as soon as we left the cavern, Cassany would detect my magic and intercept me. Cassany knows that spell and uses it to track my movements, doesn’t she?”
Sarren nodded.
“Then we go by foot. Cassany can find me some other way.”
It won’t stop her.
“Maybe it will slow her down.”
She will be waiting to see if you go to the White Mage. She will seek you out if you don’t go right now.
Thessa took a deep breath, “Okay, once more. How do I go directly to her?”
Concentrate on the White Mage and you will us to her.
Thessa concentrated as Sarren moved to get comfortable in Thessa’s arms. In a burst of dark smoky light, Thessa used the spell.
Chapter 3: The Way Back
Arran stopped and rubbed his forehead. He peered down at the dead body of Sir Danton. “If we were not mages, the King would have our heads.”
“I’m sure he will try something anyway. There is more than one way to hurt us. He doesn’t have to kill us.” Zedy said.
“You can drop the illusion now, Fia. We are far enough away from the guards.”
The visage of the Zedy illusion dropped off Fia, “Do you think they are gone by now? Do we need to go back and get Zedy?”
“I bloodied them up pretty well with that wind impact spell and lightning, but they will survive. I’m sure Zedy is gone by now. The illusion of him… well… of you being stabbed was pretty convincing, but I’m sure he left as soon as the guards recovered their senses. He will join back up with us later.”
“Later is now.” Zedy said. “The guards have gone. They will probably be slowly heading this way so you better get a move on.” He looked at the corpse of Sir Danton. “He didn’t make it?”
“No, he’s gone.” Fia said.
“Couldn’t you have sung a healing song?” Zedy asked. “You do know the healing song, right?”
“Yes, I could have.” She answered.
“Well, why didn’t you?”
“The idiot killed me. Well, I know it was really the illusion of killing me, but if I had been actually standing there, he would have killed me!”
Zedy cleared his throat, “As I remember it, it was an accident. He was not trying to kill you.”
Arran sighed, “It doesn’t matter now. He’s gone.”
“But it’s kind of harsh that she didn’t at least try to save him.” Zedy looked at her with disgust. “Some ally she will be with her attitude.
“You are not required to like me, old man. Besides, I was trying to hold an illusion. You of all people know how difficult that is to do.” Fia looked at Sir Danton Again, “But, the Black Mage may be able to fix our dilemma. She can raise him from the dead.”
“Didn’t she say she was going to help you before and then sent you to your father’s camp alone?” Arran said.
“I could find her again.” Fia said. “She’s just new to being a mage, and a bit shy is all. I don’t think she knew how to cast that travel spell.”
“I have a better idea.” Zedy said. “I will take the form of Danton and seek out his father. I’ll have Sir Danton die in a hunt or in battle.”
“Which means we have his body to dispose of here in the woods. I’m not sure I could go through with that kind of deception.” Arran said.
“You’ve done worse.” Zedy said.
“Not on purpose!” Arran answered.
Fia was startled by the meow of a cat. She bent down to pet the black and white furred feline. “Where did you come from, little one?”
“She’s with me.” Thessa said. The Black Mage walked out of the shadows of the nearby trees. “I didn’t send you to your father’s camp alone on purpose. Cassany intercepted my spell and redirected me to a meeting with her.”
“No need to explain.” Fia began. “It worked itself out.”
Thessa peered behind Fia at the corpse of Sir Danton. “I have come to bring him back from the dead. Cassany says it will help save you all from the king’s wrath. Is that true or is she lying to me again?”
“It’s true. He is the son of the king. His death will not go down well for us.” Fia said.
Someone is coming down the road. Sarren communicated to Thessa.
“Someone is approaching.” Thessa said as she pointed down the road.
“It’s Danton’s guards.” Zedy said. “I will use my flute and send them in circles for a bit.” He produced his flute and sauntered off.
Thessa moved toward the body. She heard Arran whisper to Fia about her gaunt, pale appearance, which she was obviously not supposed to overhear. He asked her if the Black Mage was supposed to look like an emaciated blood feeder. She would have to ask Sarren about it later. She put her hands on the dead man’s head and concentrated. She had come to realize in the Cavern of the Winged Goddess that there were certain spells available to her instinctively, a simple perk of her status of Black Mage. Bringing dead things back from the darkness was one of them. It was made easy for her to cast because unchecked the power would cause chaos and unleash the very dark entities on the world the Black Mage is supposed to plague the realm with. Thessa envisioned the man Danton rising up from his eternal slumber and his eyes slowly rolled open.
You should have prepared him first. He’s going to run.
“Why didn’t you
