Chapter 455: The Death of Winter Break

Chapter 455: The Death of Winter Break

It was perfect.

Power bled from it in waves touched by a hint of the aelds natural warmth. A mound of snow nestled beneath the branch melted away from its touch, and its golden-green light sparkled in the melting rivulets.

Oh, by the Traveller. Alex reached toward the gift, feeling pure magic tingle across his fingers. Pure magic mixed withsomething he couldnt immediately name.

But, the instant his fingers wrapped around the branch, it came to him. Warm feelings caressed him through its touch, and he felt a spark of the aeld trees consciousness.

His eyebrows rose. You didnt just detach a piece of your body from your trunk, he realised. You cleaved away a piece of your being.

Warm affirmation tingled in his palm.

Ill be damned, Alex turned the branch over in his hands, examining its smooth bark, marvelling at its balance. Well, Ill be gentle when I make my staff. Andoh boy, youre going to make a good one. You have your own power and I can just imagine the mana conductivity youll have.

He looked up at the aeld tree, excited. Listen, as soon as it gets warm, Ill get you a queen of hornets and a queen of honeybees. Youll have them to bond with and protect yourself with in the future. I want to do that for you.

Iand I will sing to you, Claygon said, stepping forward and running his stone hand along the aelds trunk. As soon as I canI will.

Waves of gratitude emanated from the tree, seeping into Alexs core through his grip on the branch.

This is incredible, he murmured.

I agree, a deep voice rumbled behind him.

Gah! The young wizard jumped, whirling around and finding a familiar horned figure looming over him. Baelin! You scared me!

And you have only yourself to blame for that, the chancellor chided. After all, you have enough gifts to feel my power before I even arrive. If you did not sense the teleportation magic, then you simply are not paying enough attention.

But, I He pointed to the tree. Aeld!

Indeed, but a Proper Wizard practises constant vigilancewell, perhaps not constant, but they must remain aware of their surroundings to at least a higher degree. Though, I must admit I can see why you would be a taddistracted. He eyed the aeld branch in Alexs hand. Fascinating. Such athing opens wonderful possibilities for you. And with very good timing too.

Yeah, Alex said. The aeld tree seemed very happy when I offered to make Claygowait. You said the timings good? What do you mean?

Ive had contact with a mutualacquaintance, shall we say, the chancellor said pointedly.

Im not sure I follow, Alex frowned, cocking his head to the side.

One you came into conflict with and who also makes you rather uncomfortable, Baelin smiled. Since you lack the necessary wisdom and courage to find pleasure in lifes more exotic charms. For now.

Oh! Oh, by the Traveller! Alex gagged, remembering the towering, demonic Zonon-In. Ugh, no need to elaborate! I remember! Iwait, she contacted you? Already?

Indeed. The ancient wizard rose up to his full height. We are to complete our firstrequest from our acquaintance in a month.

In a month? Alex gawked. So soon?

So soon, Baelin looked at the branch critically. That is why I was looking for you, to share that information and give you the beginnings of a briefing so you would be ready when the time comes. If I were you, Id start crafting that staff of yours. And doing so quickly.

Good place for a date, Theresa agreed sarcastically.

I would love to build a summer home there, Prince Khalik added with a wry smile. Imagine the view! And, ugh, the smell must be something.

Dangerous place Claygon thought. Lots ofmonsters.

This is the Hold of Ikarrash. The ancient wizard peered at the stronghold. And it is the headquarters of one of Ezaliels more powerful lieutenants: a greater demon by the name ofwell, of Ikarrash. Thanks to someinformation I received, I have the layout of this stronghold andtogetherwe will be slaying him and destroying the place entirely.

Baelin grinned viciously. Fun, hm?

Yeah Alex said. Fun.

Oh, spare me your sarcasm, you will gain much from this experience! The ancient wizard laughed, and while I deal with Ikarrash himself, you will be infiltrating his fortress from below and eliminating his three sons! They are powerful demonic princelings who would naturally assume control if left to their own devices.

Khalik cracked his knuckles. This soundspotentially like suicide.

Oh, bah! Baelin waved a hand dismissively. You will have my spell-marks to protect you, not to mention being accompanied by the Heroes of Thameland. I would still worry, of course, but this is by no means a suicide mission. A Proper Wizard does not engage in such activities unless under the greatest of duress. In truth, I think with Claygon and the Heroes supporting you, you will have more than enough power to slay your targets. The question is, can you handle the strange hazards the realm itself presents? That will be your first task.

The chancellor snapped his fingers, producing a flare of teleportation magic. From thin air a stack of floating tomes appeared, each larger than a dinner platter.

You will be using these texts on demonology to research the realm, Baelin said. Note that I have told you the name of the fortress we shall assault, but not the name of the hellish domain it is found on. A Proper Wizard should know how to research any otherworldly plane of existence that they seek to enter, and how to prepare accordingly for the specific risks that venturing to such a domain will bring. I could tell you all the risks involved in this journey, but that would engender helplessness and bad habits. Still, these are the hells we are speaking of.

He waved the books over to the small group. Therefore, I shall not leave you completely without guidance: I have already gathered the appropriate books in which you can search. But, for the next domain we visit, you will be expected to source all books yourselves. Any questions?

Theresa raised her hand. How many demons are there in that castle?

Tens of thousands, Baelin said calmly. Perhaps more. It will be in your best interest to use the terrain to take away your enemys advantage in numbers.

Yeah, Theresa whistled. You can say that again.

Khalik raised his hand. What of earth magic? Will it work on those stones? Or is that magic also twisted by the domain?

You will have to research that yourselves, Im afraid, the ancient wizard said. Any more questions?

Selina slowly raised her hand.

The others looked at her, and Baelin paused in surprise.

Yes, Selina? He asked, his tone gentle.

Why are the three sons away from their father? She asked slowly. Wouldnt they be together?

Baelin smiled, his eyes twinkling. Out of the mouths of babes. Indeed, an excellent observation Selina. And the answer is that members of this demonic family do not get along so well, according to my intelligence. Father will not come to aid his sons if they are too weak to survive an enemy on their own power, and sons will not aid father since they serve him out of fear.

Alex frowned, raising his hands. Then how about the sons? Do they work well together?

Baelin smiled wickedly, pointing to the floating stacks of books. Read and find out, my young friends. Read and find out.

Khalik sighed mournfully. And so dies our winter break.