would know what to do.
Swallowing, he closed his eyes and poured all his intention into conjuring his memories of the older wizard. Holding these pictures in his thoughts, he focused on reaching out for Xaarus’ mind. It should feel familiar – the path had been well-worn in the final week of his training – but it was so far away now, it felt like a very long stretch into a vast unknown space. Tvrdik’s face began to sweat as he poured a little more energy into isolating his teacher’s unique energy. Then, with the scent of sage and old wax, there stood the older wizard before him, a bit translucent, perhaps, but very recognizable. Not wanting to waste precious moments with his master, Tvrdik seized the opportunity to present his dilemma. Meanwhile, peering over the rim of the wooden tankard in which she was temporarily housed, Ondine watched in fascination as her ‘Lovely Man’ seemed to be conversing most passionately with the air.
“Master, I am here at Theriole, but the lady will not see me. It is as you said here: chaotic, much fear and grief everywhere, uncertainty and confusion. The Lady Rey is in such demand that she will only receive petitioners who have registered on a list weeks in advance. We do not have the luxury of time or patience, nor am I sure she will see me looking like a threadbare beggar in any case. I tried to be as firm as courtesy would permit, but I do not think breaking the door in would be well-regarded. What do I do?”
Xaarus’ image flickered, but remained, the old wizard seeming to be considering this new information. Now his mouth moved, but the familiar voice seemed to come from a place inside of Tvrdik’s brain, as if from a great distance, while at the same time as close as his own heartbeat. It was a strange sensation, but Tvrdik could only freeze mid-breath, listening for the response his mentor might give. Use the coin, he heard, and shook his head blankly. The coin I gave you – my calling card . I daresay she will remember it . That should get you inside. Like a sunrise inside his head, Tvrdik recalled the small gold piece he had been carrying around in his pouch. Reaching a hand now inside the small one reserved for important personal items, he felt within until his fingers closed around the cool, flat circle, and he pulled it out, releasing his breath in relief to find it still there.
Good, that’s it! Xaarus’ image continued, Once you meet her, you must convince her of your sincerity , and the truth of what you have to tell her . As for the first, be honest if she questions you. Hold nothing back. If you have opportunity to meet the dragon, submit without question. Tashroth will be able to read your heart, and could prove a valuable ally. For the latter, relate to her all we have discussed, and stress what I have told you about the coming war. Mention the name of Lord Drogue; it will resonate with her today, I think. I must go. I cannot hold the link. All my faith rests in you, my boy. You will succeed if you only believe it…. And he was gone.
Tvrdik sank to the ground, his back propped against a stone wall. Holding their communication link open for only a few moments was exhausting. But he had gotten what he needed and more. Somehow, even the shadow of Xaarus made him feel powerful, energized, hopeful. He leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. As soon as his strength returned a bit, he would go approach the doorman again, coin in hand.
A cold splash full in the face startled him awake. Ondine was staring at him, an expression in her wide eyes somewhere between curiosity and bewilderment. “Lovely Man, you sick?” she asked innocently, and then with a sharper tone, “Or maybe brain-addled?”
Tvrdik laughed out loud, “No, no, I’m fine,” he reassured, “I was asking for help from my Master, but no one else can see him…” She leaned backward like he might be contagious. Tvrdik laughed again. “It’s a long story – I’ll try
Swallowing, he closed his eyes and poured all his intention into conjuring his memories of the older wizard. Holding these pictures in his thoughts, he focused on reaching out for Xaarus’ mind. It should feel familiar – the path had been well-worn in the final week of his training – but it was so far away now, it felt like a very long stretch into a vast unknown space. Tvrdik’s face began to sweat as he poured a little more energy into isolating his teacher’s unique energy. Then, with the scent of sage and old wax, there stood the older wizard before him, a bit translucent, perhaps, but very recognizable. Not wanting to waste precious moments with his master, Tvrdik seized the opportunity to present his dilemma. Meanwhile, peering over the rim of the wooden tankard in which she was temporarily housed, Ondine watched in fascination as her ‘Lovely Man’ seemed to be conversing most passionately with the air.
“Master, I am here at Theriole, but the lady will not see me. It is as you said here: chaotic, much fear and grief everywhere, uncertainty and confusion. The Lady Rey is in such demand that she will only receive petitioners who have registered on a list weeks in advance. We do not have the luxury of time or patience, nor am I sure she will see me looking like a threadbare beggar in any case. I tried to be as firm as courtesy would permit, but I do not think breaking the door in would be well-regarded. What do I do?”
Xaarus’ image flickered, but remained, the old wizard seeming to be considering this new information. Now his mouth moved, but the familiar voice seemed to come from a place inside of Tvrdik’s brain, as if from a great distance, while at the same time as close as his own heartbeat. It was a strange sensation, but Tvrdik could only freeze mid-breath, listening for the response his mentor might give. Use the coin, he heard, and shook his head blankly. The coin I gave you – my calling card . I daresay she will remember it . That should get you inside. Like a sunrise inside his head, Tvrdik recalled the small gold piece he had been carrying around in his pouch. Reaching a hand now inside the small one reserved for important personal items, he felt within until his fingers closed around the cool, flat circle, and he pulled it out, releasing his breath in relief to find it still there.
Good, that’s it! Xaarus’ image continued, Once you meet her, you must convince her of your sincerity , and the truth of what you have to tell her . As for the first, be honest if she questions you. Hold nothing back. If you have opportunity to meet the dragon, submit without question. Tashroth will be able to read your heart, and could prove a valuable ally. For the latter, relate to her all we have discussed, and stress what I have told you about the coming war. Mention the name of Lord Drogue; it will resonate with her today, I think. I must go. I cannot hold the link. All my faith rests in you, my boy. You will succeed if you only believe it…. And he was gone.
Tvrdik sank to the ground, his back propped against a stone wall. Holding their communication link open for only a few moments was exhausting. But he had gotten what he needed and more. Somehow, even the shadow of Xaarus made him feel powerful, energized, hopeful. He leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. As soon as his strength returned a bit, he would go approach the doorman again, coin in hand.
A cold splash full in the face startled him awake. Ondine was staring at him, an expression in her wide eyes somewhere between curiosity and bewilderment. “Lovely Man, you sick?” she asked innocently, and then with a sharper tone, “Or maybe brain-addled?”
Tvrdik laughed out loud, “No, no, I’m fine,” he reassured, “I was asking for help from my Master, but no one else can see him…” She leaned backward like he might be contagious. Tvrdik laughed again. “It’s a long story – I’ll try
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