The Hedge Wizard

It was just coming up to noon when Hump left High Command with Wizard Aldric, the two of them making their way to the grounds of the Wizard’s Society. Once Hump was done there, the rest of the day would be spent preparing for the quest to the dungeon node in the morning. Walking along the streets at Aldric’s side, it was difficult to hide his anxiety, but focusing on his breathing and the River and Waves, he kept his mind clear.

Wizard Aldric sucked in a deep breath and let out a satisfied sigh. He took his silver flask from his pocket and took a swig. “You know something, Humphrey, that may have been the most productive meeting I’ve had in weeks. It’s amazing just how much gets done without a bunch of blabbering bureaucrats each trying to share their opinion on every minute detail.”

“Have you been having some trouble?” Hump asked.

“You have no idea, lad. You’re lucky for it. Meeting after meeting after meeting discussing the most mundane and pointless topics you can imagine. Why are we using that road? Why buy crops from there? Why not wait another week to prepare some more? So many questions as if experts haven’t already been through the matter. And you know something, Humphrey?”

“What’s that?”

“Nobody gives a damn. They don’t care what the answer is. Ever since the second wave of reinforcements arrived from Elenvine, our promising young lords and ladies haven’t stopped. They all want to be involved and make suggestions—to feel like their voices are heard and that they’re contributing. Dare I say it, this leak may actually have its benefits. Ever since all the important business started to be conducted in private meetings, things are finally moving.”

Hump smiled, reminiscing about the many times he’d watched his master share his frustration. Nobles had a way of dragging out and complicating simple tasks. “My master used to say: A task quick for one, turns to toil when lords come to run.”

Aldric chuckled. “Quite right. I suspect we’d have gotten along, him and I. I looked into your master by the way. He had quite the talent in his youth, yet interestingly, our records on him all but end about twenty years ago.”

“He had a falling out with the Wizard’s Society,” Hump said carefully. “Never wanted me to have anything to do with them either, which is why I only first registered a year or so ago.”

“Indeed, that did strike me as odd. He must have been a fine wizard though to raise a wizard like yourself. Eighteen, yet you have already achieved Soul Manifestation. There are perhaps a handful that could say the same in the last century.”

“You flatter me.” Hump could sense Aldric’s probing. It was clear he wanted to know more about the old man, but it was a sensitive topic and one Hump wanted to keep the Wizard’s Society as uninformed about as possible. Gods knew what kind of trouble a man as powerful and high in status could cause him.

“Do I strike you as one that hands out flattery?” Aldric asked.

“Not exactly, but I’ve been surprised before. Was it you that recommended my party for this quest?”

Aldric glanced at him, studying Hump’s face briefly before turning back to the road. “It was, yes. I know it’s not quite what we discussed previously. You wanted to be involved in our hunt for warlocks, and you have been. Integral even. Your efforts at the Sapphire Docks are the reason I pushed for your party to be given this opportunity.”

Hump looked up at the sky, fixated on a small wisp of cloud as it floated across the blue sky. Of course it was. He’d made a rookie mistake—one should never do a job too well around nobles. To excel at a task is to be selected for another, more dangerous one. Yet Hump could hardly deny the opportunity Aldric had presented to him. If his party succeeded at this quest, they would truly be making a name for themselves.

“I see.”

“The situation has changed since we last spoke too,” Aldric said. “The warlocks have played their hand, and they lost. Now it’s time for us to strike back.”

Now that got Hump’s curiosity piqued. “What exactly happened during the attack on the Temple of Sanctum?”

“The warlocks entered through the crypt, led by a powerful wizard—one of the strongest I have seen.”

“Was his name Anthony? Dark robes, plate armour, and a flair for theatrics.”

“I do not believe so,” Aldric said. “But from the stories I have heard of the Battle of Sheercliff, his strength may have been comparable. There were two things they were unprepared for, however. Count Daston has been reported as injured for many months, however this is not the case; and General Korteg recently became the first eighth circle Chosen in nine years.”

Hump grinned. “It was a trap.”

“And they fell for it splendidly,” Aldric said with a chuckle. “The idea came from Countess Daston actually—now there’s a woman I would be happy to have in High Command. Genius hardly seems to do her justice.”

Hump briefly wondered if this was the reason she’d been so set on him and Celaine being in Fort Nordric too. Her power of foresight gave her glimpses into how important people were to events that affected her future, and she had told Hump he had a role to play yet. With both her husband and daughter in Fort Nordric, it seemed possible that defeating the warlocks at the Sapphire Docks was that future.

“What happened to the warlocks?” Hump asked.

“They were decimated,” Aldric said. “We pursued what remained of their force into the tunnels, but a number of the more powerful members were able to open a rift and escape, much like the one found beneath the Sapphire Docks. Still, many were captured that day, and even more killed. We know for a fact that they are getting information from someone in High Command, and more importantly that their base of operations is in the Infernal Halls.”

“So destroying the dungeon core will kill two birds with one stone. No more demons and no more warlocks.”

“Correct. We may thwart any plan they have to take Fort Nordric entirely. And if we fail… the warlocks may be the least of our problems.”

“What do you mean?”

“You saw the scale of this dungeon on those maps,” Aldric said. “A world like this has the potential to grow as large as the Hell Pit and the Eternal Dark. With it so close to Fort Nordric, the city wouldn’t be able to hold back the tide for long.”

The two of them fell silent as they passed a group of children playing along the side of the river, wielding sticks as if they were swords, while others chased them, snarling and roaring like monsters. Across the river were massive yards full of soldiers, wagons, horses, and supplies. The true expanse of all that was needed for the expedition was stunning, and a reminder that this wasn’t just a dungeon run. Alveron was sending an army to lay siege to a small world. Yet these kids didn’t see that. Even living in a city at war, what they saw was the adventure and heroism. No doubt they believed themselves safe within these walls and on the southern side of the river.

“This Drexel fellow,” Hump said, “do you trust him? It’s the first I’ve heard any mention of his name.”

“You wouldn’t have,” Aldric explained. “He is one of the Shadows—the king’s spymasters as much as they are tacticians. It is their job to infiltrate dungeons, keep track of their development, and identify weaknesses. There is nobody better versed in the layout and workings of the Infernal Halls than Drexel.”

“I suppose that’s reassuring, but you didn’t answer my question,” Hump said. “I’m about to step into a dungeon without a simple way back based on this man’s plan. I need to know he’s not a warlock.”

“I trust that he is no ally of the warlocks,” Aldric said. “His loyalty lies with the kingdom, of that I have no doubt. He would leave you in a demon infested world to die if he thought it might help Alveron, but he is not a warlock.”

“Brilliant,” Hump said glumly.

Wizard Aldric smiled. “I am aware that a lot is being asked of you, and I do feel responsible for the position I’ve placed you in. Which is why I at least hope to provide you with some assistance in the form of a larger catalogue of spells. Something to keep you occupied while you travel to the dungeon node.”

“I take it I’ve earned your trust then?” Hump said.

The man’s smile turned wry. “It is a bad omen to say such a thing.”

“I didn’t take you for a superstitious man,” Hump said.

“In my time as an inquisitor I came to understand that superstitions are far too often rooted in reality. One can never be too careful. Let us just say that I believe you to be effective, and that even if I’m cautious, I’m not foolish enough to distrust the confidence of Countess Daston. More so than ever after our success in the temple.”

“Well I certainly won’t decline,” Hump said. “After last night, there are a few spells I’d really quite like. A way to call my staff back to my hand for a start.”

“I can suggest a number of options in that regard,” Aldric said. “Considering your affinity with earth, I’d suggest something with magnetism. Before that though, tell me more about the attack. Are you well?”

“Well enough,” Hump said. “Not my first night of interrupted sleep, though at least I know to expect an attack on the road.”

The man huffed a laugh. “You should know Chosen Gia Harbrin highlighted some difficulty in her report. She suggested that you were uncooperative and that there may be more to the situation than you were letting on.”

Hump swallowed and forced himself to stay calm. A man with Wizard Aldric’s experience would certainly pick up on the slightest sign of dishonesty. “I’ll admit, I was feeling a little irritable at the time.”

“Hah! A warlock visiting in the night would certainly do that. I have quashed the idea of further investigation, however, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“I appreciate that,” Hump said.

“Word is that your companion was the actual target of the attack,” Aldric continued.

Hump nodded. “She was still unconscious when Lady Gia arrived and started… probing.”

“If you wouldn’t mind a little further probing, would you tell me about the attack?” Aldric asked.

Hump recounted the attack as they walked. Soon, they reached the gates to the Wizard’s Society and headed inside. Wizard Aldric led Hump along a different route this time, passing the training grounds where a class of young wizards practiced their spellcasting. Hump stopped to watch when he spotted one of them using lava magic to shoot thin molten projectiles. The caster couldn’t have been more than fifteen and that looked like it was at least a Tier 2 spell.

Aldric stopped beside him and rested against the walls of the covered walkway. “My suspicion is that you were both targeted due to your efforts beneath the Sapphire Docks, unless you have other ideas why warlocks might be after you.”

“Well, our time in Sheercliff comes to mind,” Hump lied. “We caused them quite a bit of trouble.” He paused a moment, considering whether he should reveal more. At the end of the day, he couldn’t see the harm in Aldric knowing. “My guess is that he doesn’t belong to the same group though. The warlocks have all been Alveronian, but this man was foreign. I couldn’t place him based on his appearance, so I’m guessing his people aren’t often around these parts.”

“He was a westerner,” Aldric said. “The eyes are the most distinctive feature. Their lands are a month of hard sailing away, and they do not speak our language. It’s uncommon to see one here in Alveron, let alone in Fort Nordric during war time.”

“He had a tattoo,” Hump said.

“Yes, the investigators reported as much. It wasn’t one that we recognised.”

“Did they look at it with essence detection?” Hump asked, pulling out his spellbook and flicking through the pages until he found his sketch. “I made a copy of it in mine.”

“May I?” Aldric asked, gesturing for Hump to hand it over.

Hump paused a moment, then passed it to him. Aldric held the book carefully, studying the page.

“I thought it looked quite similar to a Chosen’s circles,” Hump said. “At the very least, it’s some sort of layered spell formation.”

“Yes, I can see what you mean.” Aldric handed the spellbook back and frowned. “It’s rare for me to find magics I am so unfamiliar with.”

“You don’t recognise it then?”

Aldric shook his head. “No, unfortunately. I have some contacts that might, if you would allow me to make a copy before you leave.”

“I would appreciate that.”

“Speaking of new magics, how have you progressed with Silver Rain?” Aldric asked.

“Very well actually. It’s rather different from any magic I’ve learned previously. While the spell itself seems simple in effect, every element that goes into its casting is complex and built upon the step before it. It’s been good for me.”

“I’m pleased to hear that.” Aldric smiled and gestured to an empty training area. “Care for a demonstration?”

“Here?” Hump asked, surprised.

Aldric shrugged. “Why not? I may be able to advise you on some suitable spells.”

Hump frowned at him but nodded. He stepped out of the covered walkway and into the sun, walking over to a rose bush whose flowers were wilting in the waning summer. He held his staff aloft, reaching out to the sky. He found that nature essence came to him best when he was relaxed. He focused on his breathing, the feeling of it flowing into his lungs, the energy of the world spreading through him and making him feel refreshed. As his breathing deepened, he felt his connection to nature grow. The essence in his body shifted and he called it forth.

The runes on his staff glowed with a warming green. The focus crystal gleamed with its light, illuminating the rose bush so that its leaves were lush, as if the sun beamed through them.

Focusing his intent, Hump called for the water in the air and instilled it with his will to gather and condense before him. At first, it appeared in a spiralling green mist, but soon that mist became thicker. With his staff, he guided the essence into place, tracing lines through the air that were driven by pure feeling. The green light brightened, and the temperature dropped sharply. The mists swelled, its colour shifting as it became thicker and more acute, until a single silver cloud appeared before him, floating perfectly over the rose bush.

“Silver Rain,” Hump said.

Droplets showered from the cloud, falling like quicksilver. They landed heavily on the leaves, pooling briefly before the green light returned to them, absorbed into the plant. The whole bush shone with it. The leaves became greener, the wilting flowers renewed, their cream petals becoming the purest white. On the ground, grass and weeds started to sprout, erupting from the ground in a matter of seconds.

Hump watched it proudly. Only as the cloud started to fade did he turn back to Aldric.

“You’ve come much further than I anticipated,” Aldric said.

“Oh?”

Aldric nodded. “Silver Rain is a spell I developed myself. There was no true necessity to it. I produced it with the goal of making a simple task incredibly complicated. While it is only classified as a Tier 4 spell, it requires significantly more control and understanding of magic. For you to perform it so well and so quickly, you must surely be close to Tier 6 magic.”

“Close, but not there quite yet,” Hump said, thinking of his training with Rivers of Lava. “I don’t seem to be able to maintain control for long enough for the spell to activate. It collapses.”

“I remember that you wanted to work on your fundamentals, but it is not a lack of technical skill holding you back,” Aldric said, stroking his chin. “You've mastered the mechanics well enough. If you're finding it difficult, it suggests you're missing something more elusive.”

“What would that be?” Hump asked.

Aldric offered a shrug, his expression unreadable. “That's something you'll need to discover on your own. However, I'll offer you this piece of advice: it might not be your technical prowess that's lacking, but rather your mindset. A wizard must fully believe not only in their capabilities but also in the purpose of their magic. Cast aside your doubts, focus on the essence of the spell itself. Perhaps this dungeon will be just what you need to take that step.”

Hump furrowed his brow in frustration. His resolve had always been something he prided himself in. And after what he’d learned of wizards in the past, his focus had turned to mastering Wielder of the Winds more so than Tier 6 spells.

“Think on it another time,” Aldric said, continuing to walk toward the library. “Time is slipping away already, and I have much to do in preparation for tomorrow, as I’m sure you do too.” Aldric took another swig from his flask. “Let us find you some magic.”