Shades of the Past_ Book Six of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [128]
“Can’t,” he replies. “It melted when the creature of fire appeared.”
“Oh yeah, right,” he says, a little embarrassed for having forgot.
Before the sunlight completely disappears, a stand of trees appears to the north, the kind normally found near watering holes. Relived to have stumbled upon an oasis, they alter course and make their way quickly toward it.
Other than half a dozen of the date bearing trees, the area surrounding the water is bare. The watering hole itself is barely three feet wide and not very deep. The horses eagerly approach and are allowed to drink their fill while they lay out their bedrolls.
Once settled in and they are having a bite to eat, he tells them what they are really after in the next town. As he lays it out, Jared gets a look of disbelief while Jiron just grins.
“Are you out of your mind?” exclaims Jared when he finishes laying it out. “You are but one mage and you plan to go up against dozens, maybe hundreds?”
“I don’t actually plan to fight the mages themselves unless forced to,” he explains. Glancing over to Jiron he sees the expectant look of impending battle. “My plan is to get in there, destroy their library and get out fast.”
“And they will simply allow you to do that?” questions Jared. “How do you plan on doing that with everyone looking for you and knowing your approximate position?”
“Haven’t quite worked that out yet to tell the truth,” he admits. “But take it from their point of view. Here I am in hostile territory, just having gone through a draining battle.” He glances to Jiron and asks, “What would be the logical thing to do?”
“Certainly not take on a group of mages,” he says with a nod. “They may not realize you know the School is even there. But once you do, the smartest course you could take would be to get as far away as possible. The last thing they will expect is for you to attack, one mage against who knows how many.”
“Exactly!” declares James. Turning back to Jared he adds, “They won’t expect it. Piece of cake.”
“You’re going to get us all killed,” Jared grumbles.
“Likely,” he admits. “But no guts, no glory.”
“Since when have you been interested in glory?” asks Jiron with a wry grin.
James laughs and says, “I’m not. It seemed an appropriate thing to say under the circumstances.” They both stare at each other and then break into laughter once again. Not sure where the laughter is coming from, maybe just giddy at still being alive.
Jared just stares at them and shakes his head.
Ka-Boom!
From the southwest a light flares in the deepening gloom of night a second before the sound of a massive explosion rolls over them.
“What was that?” Jiron exclaims as they get to their feet.
James felt the distinctive tingle of magic being performed briefly with the light of the explosion. “Magic,” he says.
“Should I check it out?” Jiron asks. “It couldn’t have been more than a mile or two away.”
“It might be a trap to draw you out,” cautions Jared.
Shaking his head, James says, “I don’t think so.” To Jiron he nods. “Go find out what it was but be careful.”
“Right.” Quickly saddling his horse, it doesn’t take him long before he’s mounted and ready to go. He glances to Jared and asks, “Do you have a candle?”
“A couple, why?” he replies.
“Keep one burning so I can find my way back,” he explains.
“Okay,” he says.
James comes to Jiron and says, “Find out and come right back.”
Jiron smiles and replies, “You worry too much.” Kicking his horse in the flanks, he bolts from the oasis.
Where the explosion occurred is easily found, torches and lanterns light the scene. The area of destruction looks to have been where a caravan had pulled off the road and camped for the night. Destroyed wagons, dead horses and damaged goods are strewn all over. Dozens of bodies are being gathered by those still alive.
He slows down and stops before he enters the light. Watching from the darkness, he tries to understand just what happened.