Red Magic - Jean Rabe [115]
"We're looking for his personal effects… anything that might provide a clue about his destination," Galvin continued. "We need to find out what he's up to. If any of you can help, speak up."
The slaves murmured amongst themselves, but no one had any suggestions.
"The dealings of a Red Wizard aren't shared with the likes of us," the older slave said finally. "But if you're looking for information, try the top floor. Several slaves that Maligor took there were never seen again."
Galvin thanked the slave and left hurriedly, pulling the apprentice wizard out the door with him. Brenna closed the door and edged in front of the druid.
"This time I'm leading the way. I've got a few spells left in case we need them."
When they reached the top floor, they were confronted by an ornate door. Brenna told Galvin to stay behind on the landing with the apprentice, then she moved slowly toward the door. She took several minutes to study the chipped marble floor, then the inlaid bronze and silver symbols on the door itself.
"Maligor has some kind of a ward here, a type of spell that takes effect when the door is opened. I'm not sure if I can do much about it." Brenna continued to study the designs until she heard Galvin's footsteps approaching.
The door glowed a soft blue and the air began to turn intensely hot about her, blistering her lips.
"Stay back!" she yelled. "Step only on the green and black ties. The others are enchanted."
About to step on a gray tile, Galvin whirled.
"Brenna, get to the stairwell! We'll let our wizard friend open the door. If he likes magic so much, we'll let him find out what happens."
"No, please!" the man gasped as Galvin began to push him forward. "If I touch the door, I'll burn to a crisp."
"Then tell us what's behind the door. Maybe I'll change my mind," Galvin growled.
"I-I don't know," the wizard answered, "but I'm telling you the truth. No one but Maligor and maybe Asp, has been in there."
"Asp? Who is Asp?" Galvin persisted.
"The wizard's woman," the apprentice replied, realizing that Maligor would kill him for revealing such information. He paled. Thinking his only chance for survival lay in killing the Harper, he reached into the folds of his robe and produced a curved-edged dagger. The apprentice Red Wizard thrust it at the druid, but Galvin dodged to the side, pushed the apprentice toward the door, and quickly retreated to the landing.
There was a blinding flash of white light, and the stench of charred flesh filled the air. When the smoke cleared, Brenna and Galvin saw nothing but a pile of ashes in front of the door.
Brenna pushed past the druid and stepped from green tile to black tile until she reached the door. Extending her palm and running it over the surface of the inlaid symbols, she satisfied herself that the magic was gone-at least for a while.
Cautiously Brenna opened the door. It was dark inside, but enough light filtered in from the landing to reveal part of the contents.
Galvin moved up behind her and peered inside.
"Gods, no!" he cried.
Thirteen
A heavy scent of death emanated from the tower room as the druid opened the door. The smell was almost overpowering, and although the shadows were too thick to make out all of the room's features, the druid knew there were bodies inside.
Galvin clenched and relaxed his fists, drew in a deep breath, then strode into the heart of the room, despite Brenna's protests that there may be more magical guards and wards about. He halted in front of a large, low table covered with cages-the obvious source of the odor-and lit the lantern that hung above it.
At first glance, Galvin thought each cage contained a balled-up pelt of some kind. Then, as the lantern glowed brighter, he noticed tiny, fixed black eyes, and curled paws. The ribs of most animals showed