< back to Part 5: The Quest to Heal the Source of Magic
Part 6: The Voyage Home
268 Pilot Mixable Colour Green
After taking care of Marsell’s body, helping the Viscount bury his sons, and recovering their Infini-packs, Quin, Makhabesh, and Essri escaped the isle of Diaminnia as quickly as they could. Viscount E showed them a way around the orange field. The Earl of Grey, whose skin had taken on a slight purplish hue, stood on the beach waving good-bye. Once back on the continent, they bought passage on a ship down the coast to the port closest to Lamyton. The message paper from Quin’s mother had only one new message: “Hope you’re on the way and safe. Love, Mom.”
269 Private Reserve Infinity Violet
As they made their way through Port Pelican, Essri peered at the signs, amazed by the new world that had opened to him thanks to there being nothing else to do during the voyage. “Co-o, no, coo-per, cooper! What’th a cooper?” “Someone who makes barrels,” Quin said absently. “Oh,” Essri replied. “No cooperth in thnek villageth.” Makhabesh smacked the back of Quin’s head with a wing. “What’s wrong, wizard boy?” “Huh? Oh, nothing. It’s just, I haven’t been to Lamyton in years, and, well, Mom didn’t say if Dad’s alright. I guess I’m just worried, that’s all.”
270 Diplomat Orchid
While the others were asleep, Quin’s staff said, “I’ve figured out your true name.” Quin felt a stab of worry. “Really?” “I’ve also consulted with the trees. If you’re ready, I believe we should link.” Quin’s head spun. “I’m ready! Aren’t I?” He heard laughter like rustling leaves. “You kept me with you and protected me on Diaminnia, even when we couldn’t talk. That shows loyalty. Soon we’ll be among other wizards. One could steal me if we aren’t linked.” “I wouldn’t let that happen.” “You aren’t the most powerful wizard in the world, Quin.”
271 Noodler's X-Feather Black
“I still wouldn’t let it happen,” Quin asserted. “You are loyal. If you still wish to link with me, I choose to link with you.” Quin nodded vigorously. “Yes, I want us to link.” “Your true name - never speak it aloud or write it - is Saklar - Finisher.” Quin fell silent. Finisher. Is that what he was? He did hate giving up. But he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. “Your true name doesn’t represent your only strength, Quin, just the one that rules you.” “So, what now?” “First, you, Makhabesh, and Essri can call me Vika.”
272 KWZ El Dorado
“Vika,” Quin said with a smile. “I’m really glad to have a name for you.” “But that isn’t my true name,” Vika continued. “That is Frelsara.” Quin barely kept himself from repeating his staff’s true name. It was so beautiful. “What does it mean?” “Wise protector - the gifts from the earth and my mother tree.” Quin nodded. “So, what do we do now?” “We need a drop of your blood…” When the ritual and spell were complete, Quin removed his hand from Vika’s sphere, and said in his mind, “Can you hear me now?”
273 Pilot Mixable Colour Turquoise
As they walked from the portal into Lamyton, Makhabesh said, “So if Essri, Vika, and I all get enchantments we could talk mind to mind without having to touch her sphere?” “Exactly,” Quin said. “Hmm. I was hoping for one of those speed-altering enchantments, but I guess being able to have secret conversations would be good.” People began to watch as they entered a busier part of town. “Why are they all thtaring at uth?” Quin glanced around. “I don’t know.” He hurried along a handful of streets before stopping outside a stone house. After pausing, he knocked.
274 Aurora Black
“Well, if it isn’t the former fifth wizard. Come to embarrass us further?” “Hello, Simon,” Quin said. “This is Simon, my oldest brother…” When the introductions were done, Quin realized he was still standing on the doorstep. “Are you going to let us in? I’m here to see Mom and Dad, not you.” Quin had hoped not to see any of his siblings at their parents’ house. “What did you do to antagonize that sorcerer anyway?” Quin shoved his way past his brother just as his mother appeared at the foot of the stairs beyond them. “Quin!” she said, spreading her arms.
275 Herbin Éclat de Saphir
“Dad’s going to die just like the others and you’re hugging the man responsible,” Simon said. “It’s not Quin’s fault and I’m not discussing this again,” their mother replied. Simon slammed the door on his way out. Quin felt more uncomfortable than ever. After settling Essri and Makhabesh in the kitchen with some snacks, Quin followed his mom upstairs. “Your father is stable, if not well. The healers can’t figure it out…” As she filled him in on his father’s condition, Quin tried to think what to say. In the end, he simply said, “There’s a powerful wizard who owes us a favor.”
276 Noodler's Pasternak
Quin and his friends only stayed overnight. Even Vika couldn’t guess how to heal Quin’s father. They learned that the people of Lamyton didn’t look favorably on Quin, despite his mother’s efforts to explain that Marsell alone was responsible. Quin didn’t dare tell his mother what he’d done, for fear of unintended consequences if word got around. In the early morning hours, they took the portal to Norvelt. “I’m sorry—” “Don’t worry about it,” Makhabesh interrupted. “Enchantments can wait,” Essri added. “We’ll have other chances for those,” Vika said. “Right now we need to find a way to heal your father.”
277 Pelikan 4001 Turquoise
“Last stop,” Vika said as they approached a huge Ironwood tree. Quin was secretly relieved. The trees had guided Vika from one valuable ingredient to the next, but Quin was anxious to get to Ferovere in hopes the High Wizard could help his father. “Whoa!” Essri cried. Quin came to himself and gaped as the soil under the tree began to churn. He hopped back. “Don’t fear,” Vika said. While Quin stared, an old, worn pack rose out of the earth, pushed by tree roots. “A gift from the tree,” Vika said. “And from a wizardess who came here to die.”
278 Rohrer & Klingner Königsblau
Quin opened the pack the roots had pushed out of the ground. He found a purse with some coins, a hard leather tube, and a huge book. He quickly flipped through the book. “It has everything,” he said. “Spells, potions, enchantments…” He uncapped the tube and pulled out two rolled documents. “A deed to a house just outside Ferovere. And a letter. Her name was Aiyana. She’s giving us the house and everything in it…” He turned the tube and dumped out three more items: two magical keys shaped like large coins, and a magic compass to lead them to the house.
279 Pilot Mixable Colour Light-green
After only a moment, Quin put everything back in Aiyana’s pack and put it in his Infini-pack. “The High Wizard first. Once we find someone to help my dad, then we can worry about this house.” In just over an hour, they approached the gates of Ferovere. “A green squirrel’s been following us,” Makhabesh said. “I thaw him too.” Quin glanced around, but couldn’t spot any squirrels, green or otherwise. “Maybe he was hoping for food.” At the gates, a guard said, “You’re late.” “Late?” Quin asked. The guard pointed. “You’ll have to run if you want to hear the High Wizard’s speech.”
280 Platinum Chou Kuro
Quin used his speed-altering enchantment to run to the palace. A man on a balcony of the palace droned on about how the people of the Wizardlands had nothing to fear. Quin made his way closer. The man ordered anyone with knowledge of Marsell or “recent disturbances in magic” to report it to the palace. Then the man and his guards left the balcony and people started to leave. “Excuse me,” Quin said to the man beside him. “Wasn’t the High Wizard supposed to speak?” “That was the High Wizard.” “Since when?” Makhabesh asked. “More than a decade,” the man said.
281 Papier Plume Sazerac
“Wha—” Makhabesh began. “Thank you,” Quin said, interrupting Makhabesh. He hurried away to a less-crowded part of the square. “Not here,” he whispered. “We need to go talk somewhere private.” Inside he was almost in a panic. What had they done? Who was the man they’d met on the other side of the Muirdoor? Just as they reached the edge of the square, someone behind them shouted, “Stop!” Then the nearest guards looked at Quin. He glanced back. A guard there called, “Wizard Quin of Calliopolis?” “Yes,” Quin said. “You are summoned to an audience with the High Wizard. Come with me.”
282 Diamine Bilberry
Please tell Essri and Makhabesh not to talk about what we’ve done, Quin asked Vika as he shifted her to his other hand and leaned her back toward Makhabesh. All too soon they were ushered into a room with the High Wizard, his personal aide, and the geometric counselor they’d met before. “We should take that staff back,” the personal aide muttered. “We’re linked,” Quin said. The aide’s eyebrows rose. “Nevermind that,” the High Wizard said. “We have far more important issues to deal with. You helped capture Marsell, did you not?” “Yes, sir.” The High Wizard proceeded to ask all about Marsell.
283 Sailor Blue
“Well, if you encounter Marsell again,” the High Wizard concluded, “contact the palace immediately. That’s all.” “Yes, sir. Um, could I ask though if there’s someone who can help my father? No one’s been able to heal him from the mold plague.” “I’m sorry, young man, we have more important and urgent matters than healing one man. You’ll have to find a healer yourself.” Quin didn’t speak again until they were well away from the palace. “What a jerk.” “Who needs him,” Makhabesh said. Quin fished the magic compass from his pack and followed it to Aiyana’s house.
284 Sailor Kin-mokusei
Quin stood outside Aiyana’s property consulting with Vika about whether it was really safe to use the magical key when Essri suddenly whispered, “Don’t look, but that squirrel is back.” “Impossible,” Quin said. “We’re on the opposite side of the city.” “Unless green squirrels are common, it’s the same one.” “Where?” Makhabesh said. “Wait,” Quin said. “If it’s really following us, you should take Essri and try to follow it when it leaves.” After a hasty plan, Makhabesh took to wing, and as hoped, the squirrel scurried back to the city, leading to a door at the back of the palace.
285 Noodler's Chekhov
When Makhabesh finished his report, Quin, still standing outside Aiyana’s property, said, “Great, a spy for the High Wizard.” “Who did we meet on the other side of the Muirdoor?” Essri asked. “I have no idea. I’m not even sure we did the right thing with the Source.” We did, Vika said. After they’d gone through all their questions and doubts, Quin said, “Maybe Aiyana’s house has a scrying mirror so we can find the man, whoever he is.” Essri cleared his throat. “Or maybe there’s a finding spell in her book.” “Hello-o,” Essri said. “Sometimes he’s dense,” Makhabesh said.
286 Rohrer & Klingner Ebony
“That way!” Essri said, pointing his nose back toward the city. Quin frowned. “Let’s go inside first. Maybe there’s something that will help us.” Trusting Vika’s reassurances, Quin placed one of the magic keys into a matching indentation in the short stone pillar beside the gate. Magic flared, fusing the key in place. Quin felt the magical ward around the property release. Surprisingly, the house itself had no such lock. Inside, they found nothing unusual until they came to a cellar door. “Whoa,” Quin said. “The key’s reacting to something down there.” He lifted the door and descended a ladder into a small, bare cellar.
287 Pilot Mixable Colour Violet
Behind the ladder Quin found a small indentation, just the right size for his remaining key. Again, a burst of magic fused the key in place. A stone in the wall seemed to disappear, revealing a latch. “Are you thure it’th not a trap?” Essri whispered. “Maybe you and Makhabesh should wait upstairs.” “Not on your life!” Makhabesh said. “Open it.” Quin lifted the latch. The wall swung away from him. Quin stood in the doorway gaping. “Are we going in or what?” Quin stepped inside. This is quite a treasure, Vika said to Quin.
288 Pilot Iroshizuku Ajisai
“Don’t touch anything,” Quin whispered as he moved through Aiyana’s workshop. He paused to read labels on various drawers, jars, and boxes. “She left stocks of stable ingredients.” A workbench contained glass vials, bottles, and tubes, as well as burners, all neatly arranged. Drawers held a fine magnifying glass and various knives, tweezers, and similar instruments. “It would have taken me a lifetime to build up such a collection.” Quin stepped over to a shelf of books, reading the titles. After a moment, he pulled out one on enchantments. “I can’t enchant myself, but I could enchant the three of you.”
289 Herbin Violette Pensée
While Quin and Vika studied enchantments, Makhabesh took Essri and scouted Aiyana’s property and the surrounding area. When they returned, Quin used what he’d learned to create links between Vika and Makhabesh, then Vika and Essri. “That’s it. We’re out of gabweed root, so I can’t create other links, but at least we can all talk privately now.” “Did you find any spells to threaten the fake High Wizard?” Makhabesh asked. I don’t think we need to, Vika said. I don’t believe he meant ill. “Yeah, well, he’s got some questions to answer.” “Yeah,” Essri added.
290 Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-guri
“To the right,” Essri said as they came to an intersection. Quin jerked to a stop as a man ran past. “Watch it!” Makhabesh yelled. A second later another man ran past in the same direction. What’s that noise? They all glanced left and saw a whole crowd running toward them. “I’ve got this.” Makhabesh launched from Quin’s shoulder, climbing and circling. Grey spot, he told Vika, Like the Earl of Grey, only different, with texture. And it’s growing. He spotted another sphinx and two large birds headed his way from the palace and dove back toward Quin.
291 Sheaffer Skrip Red
“Watchers from the palace coming,” Makhabesh said after landing on Quin’s shoulder. “Maybe we should join the crowd.” Quin waited for most of the crowd to pass, then followed. “What do you mean, texture?” Essri said. “The Earl of Grey just turned things grey, otherwise they looked normal. This spot had some sort of texture. Seemed familiar, but I can’t remember…” “Did you see the Earl?” Quin asked. “No, it was chaos.” “Great. We’re never going to find help at this rate.” “At least we’re going the right direction,” Essri said as they neared the palace. “He’s under there.”
292 Lamy Violet
“Under the palace?” Essri nodded. While the crowd tried to explain to the guards what happened, Quin moved toward the palace. After scouting and observing, they discovered a door at the back of the palace where it appeared anyone could enter. That’s where the squirrel went! Makhabesh said and Vika repeated. “I don’t like it,” Essri said. “What choice to we have?” Quin answered. Inside they discovered a sign showing a large floorplan with various public areas marked. A set of stairs led down to the palace library. “If nothing else, maybe I can find books on healing.”
293 PenBBS #234 Garnet
As they descended the stairs, they came up behind a pair of wizardesses. “It’s the second one this month,” said the younger. “The second at all,” the elder replied. “Some apprentice wizard has likely come across an old spell for creating illusions.” “You think it’s a prank?” “Well, it hasn’t done any real harm…” The wizardesses turned down the hall away from the library. At the library desk, Quin showed his Wizards Guild token and signed in. “Your assistants must remain with you,” the clerk said. Quin nodded as the clerk explained more rules, then headed in the direction Essri indicated.
294 Sheaffer Skrip Green
“In there,” Essri said. Quin stopped at a reading table and pretended to fish around in his pack. The office Essri indicated was labeled “Chief Librarian, Zenod Tus”. A secretary sat at a desk outside the office, scribbling away. “How—” The office door opened and Quin locked eyes with the man he’d thought was the High Wizard. Makhabesh started a low growl, but stopped himself. Just as Quin was about to move, a guard stepped in front of him - the same guard from that morning. “Wizard Quin, the High Wizard has summoned you again.” This is turning into the longest day ever.
295 Noodler's General of the Armies
“Why were you in the library?” the High Wizard demanded. “I was looking for help for my father.” “From the Chief Librarian?” “He should know whether the library has help, shouldn’t he? Anyway, I’d ask whoever cleans the sewers if it would do any good.” The High Wizard narrowed his eyes. Quin waited, trying not to sweat. “Well, nevermind. What do you know about this grey spot?” “Nothing.” “You were the only wizard seen near it.” Makhabesh jumped in. “He only knows what I told him. We saw the crowds running and I went to see what was up.”
296 Sailor Manyo Nadeshiko
After half an hour of questioning by the High Wizard, they hurried back to the library. The Chief Librarian’s secretary had left. Quin raised his hand to knock and the door pulled open. “Wizard Quin,” the impostor said. “I suppose you’re looking for books that will help you heal your father, hmm?” “How did you know?” “I read all the news from the Wizardlands. Come in.” As soon as the door was closed, the impostor made a dome to block out sound, and hissed, “What are you doing here? I told you people would be watching, it would be dangerous!”
297 Diamine Wild Strawberry
“I don’t care,” Quin hissed back. “My father needs help and even if it’s more dangerous than monsters or saving the Source, I’ll do anything to get it.” The impostor blinked. “Hmm.” He sat behind the desk. Makhabesh jumped in, “Why were you pretending to be the High Wizard?” “I never… Hmm… You thought…?” Makhabesh growled. “I never claimed to be the High Wizard. You never said you were looking for him. I thought it was my counselors who sent you until I got back and they had no idea what I was talking about. You only ever called me sir.”
298 Pilot Mixable Colour Blue
“So it was just a misunderstanding,” Quin said to no one in particular. He flopped into a chair. “You can’t help us.” He was beginning to despair of ever finding help for his father. “Hmm. What an absurd assumption. That’s really the only reason you came?” “We thought the High Wizard would help with my father after we healed the Source for him, but then he wasn’t you and he said he has more important—” “You told the High Wizard about the Source?” “No, he just wanted to know about Marsell. And I didn’t know who to trust. Now he’s spying on us.”
299 Rohrer & Klingner Leipziger Schwarz
“Spying on you?” Quin nodded. “How do you know?” “He’s had a green squirrel following us.” The librarian laughed. “That’s my squirrel. I thought you might come and set him to watch. If we’re lucky, the High Wizard has forgotten you already. Now, tell me about the Source.” “Why should we trust you?” Makhabesh asked. The librarian glanced at the sphinx. “Hmm.” He looked back at Quin. “It worked, did it not, just as I said?” “I guess,” Quin said, “I mean, it seemed to, but how can I know for sure?” The librarian shook his head. “You felt it, that’s how!”
300 Diamine Pumpkin
That night they sat at the kitchen table eating pizza. Quin and the librarian had finally agreed. Quin told the basic tale of healing the Source and the librarian promised to find a healer to help Quin’s father, if anyone could. Quin would tell the details only after the healer had done their best. As they left, the librarian surprised Quin by giving him a stack of books that might help Quin himself figure out how to heal his father. As they finished dinner, Vika said, I trust him. Everything he did has only benefited us. Even the trees felt the difference.
NOTE: Re-reading this, I realize I should have used more “had”s or just written this better. The librarian did not eat with our quartet. This is recounting what happened before the quartet left the librarian’s office. The memory is framed by noting that our quartet had dinner back at Aiyana’s house later.
301 Noodler's Polar Purple
For two days Quin and Vika studied healing while Makhabesh and Essri scouted the city. After an aerial survey, they roamed the streets. They tried “ring cakes” and “sloppy burgers” before discovering a street for all things magical: spells, enchanted objects, magical ingredients. Yaz’s Ink-pour-ium and The Paper Ark caught Essri’s attention. “Do you think we can afford one of those small pens?” he asked. “Then I can learn to write.” “Don’t worry, little buddy, if not, we’ll just earn some money.” Finally, early on the third day, the green squirrel showed up at a window and they headed back to the library.
302 PenBBS #274 Obsidian
When they got home from the Chief Librarian’s office, Quin took out a sheet of message paper and told his mom he’d made progress. The next night, she messaged him that a healer from Inkabar University had been to interview the local healers and examine Dad. Quin read to Vika the books the librarian had given him, but it seemed healing was either a mystery of magical power, or something requiring extensive medical training, which Quin didn’t have. He was relieved when the squirrel finally came. Remember the tree you healed, and Essri, Vika said as they returned to the city.
303 Lamy Red
“You must go directly to Lamyton,” the librarian said. “Wizardess Doctor Heilari, the Chief Healer of the College of Healing and Medicine will meet you there. She and some of her people have been researching your father’s case. They need you, your mother, and your siblings to assist. Messages have been sent.” Quin felt a surge of dread, but pushed it down. “Thank you, sir.” “Quin, be careful. I believe you’ve drawn the attention of some of Marsell’s allies. Heilari will show you her Guild token, so you know she is who she says she is. I’ll explain further when you return.”
304 Graf von Faber-Castell Carbon Black
As soon as Quin left his office, the Chief Librarian hurried to the restricted archives room and removed the book on magical staffs. Quin’s staff had caught his attention again, with its unique multi-color crystal. Back in his office, he turned to the index, searching for which tree might be the source. When he finally found the only entry that matched entirely, he muttered in shock, “Why?” A moment later he whipped out his message book, turned to the page for Heilari, and dashed off a note: Imperative Quin’s father be healed. Future of Wizardlands may depend on it.
305 Organics Studio Nitrogen
Quin used his speed altering enchantment as much as he could. He didn’t even have to knock at his parents’ door. Simon stood on the porch, waiting. “Is she here?” Quin asked before Simon could berate him. “Everyone’s inside.” After a hug from his mother and frowns from his siblings, Wizardess Doctor Heilari showed him her Guild token. She explained, “We’ve interviewed other oily sorcerers and the local healers. We examined your father. We feel the only hope is to cleanse his blood, and for that, we will need blood from each of you.”
306 Pilot Mixable Colour Red
While the doctors made a blood potion, Vika spoke to Quin. The books were more useful than you know. These doctors have given us another part of what we need. I need to talk to Heilari before you heal your father. “Me!?” Quin, you trust me, do you not? “Of course.” Then trust that I am revealing to you the wisdom of the Earth: you can do this. Heilari sent for Quin then. “The magic may work better coming from you, because Marsell cast this spell to hurt you. But first, our staffs must commune, to see which is strongest.”
...to be continued, every Tuesday.