Chapter 497: The Manacles of Distance

Chapter 497: The Manacles of Distance

Strange, I thought you had already reached third-tier spells? Baelin polished a beard-clasp. Before him, a pen hovered, signing paperwork scattered across his desk. You didn't?

Only with summoning spells, Alex said excitedly. But this! This means I can cast other spells of third-tier now.

Oh, then this truly is exciting news, Baelin said warmly. I take it youre here about registering for the fourth level of the library?

Yes. Alex nodded enthusiastically. I want to start learning planar doorway as soon as possible. Im thinking that this powerwhatever it iswill help me learn and cast it faster. Plus, Ive seen how useful your teleportation spells are. I want a piece of that for myself.

Ah, how brilliant. Even if you didnt have that power giving you aid, I would have strongly recommended looking into teleportation, at any rate. Ive suggested as much to Isolde as well.

Really? Alex asked. She didnt say anything about that.

At present, shes exploring other spells firstmore related to her classesbut she will get there, in time. As for you The chancellor rose from behind his desk, hands clasping behind his back. I am very glad you began right away. A Proper Wizard sets about conquering the fundamental laws of the universe as soon as they are able.

You mean conquering the concepts of space and distance? Alex stood up as well, trailing the chancellor as the ancient wizard strolled to the window, his hooves clopping on the stone floor.

Precisely. Baelin smiled, gazing out over campus and the city beyond. Look at this view. Magnificent, is it not? So much greenery. The buildings. All of the wonders going on between these walls, not to mention the wonders even beyond that.

Yeah, Alexs eyes fell on the city, hovering near where the bakery lay. Its an amazing place full of amazing things. Id love to show the Heroes some day. Hells, I wish I could have shown my parents.

I understand, and I sometimes wish the same, the chancellor sighed. Though mine would have likely melted in superstitious terror. Yours?

They wouldve been shocked, I can tell you that. As far as I know, theyd never seen anything like this. You should go to Alric, one day. I think someone like you might say itsquaint. If youre trying to be polite.

Oh, I could not judge. My tribe would have seen your town as a wonder of the world, no doubt. I take it that Alrics on a river?

Yep.

Indeed, then they might have even tried to take it for themselves. But that segues into a fine point. Alex, why is Generasi located where it is? Why is Alric where it is? Why are these towns and cities where they are?

Well, thats easyis what I would say if you werent obviously baiting me with a deceptively simple question that you could use to teach me some complex lesson after I inevitably get it wrong.

Hah! Have I truly grown so obvious? Baelin watched Alex, delight in his smiling, goat-like eyes.

Only when you want to be. The young wizard shrugged. But Ill bite: we learned why towns and cities are located where they are back in Alrics church school. Basically, wherever theres resources, theres people. Alric was founded because of the location having a river, and the flat earth made for good farmland. Being so close to Coille forest was a plus too: its just a logical place to live.

Right, no pressure, as usual, then, Alex mumbled.

Fear not, I will be with you every step of the way, as much as I can. And soon, that wretch, Ezaliel will know the taste of permanent oblivion. In the meantime, research the enemy. Youll need to prepare something for the darkness

Actually, Im glad you mentioned that, Alex said ruefully. The spell I broke through with? It was actually Mass Darksight.

Hah! Well, that is most fitting. Baelin nodded. Then I would recommend meeting with your friends. Do something that warms the spirit, for this mission will chill you all to the very core.

Yeah, Alex said. Ill take your advice on that.

Oh, and how is Claygon doing? the chancellor inquired. I notice he is not at your side today. Is hewell, I suppose he cannot be ill, but is heindisposed? I had heard he had begun speaking, at last. I had hoped to share words with him.

Hes actually at home now, helping Selina prepare for our official housewarming party. Im inviting the cabal over. Youre invited to come along too, if you want.

Ah, how kind of you, my boy, the chancellor beamed. The trouble is that I will be a tad preoccupied today, and so I must rudely deny your invitation.

Oh jeez, I understand, Alex said, though he was a little disappointed not to be able to host the chancellor. There was a sort ofgrandfatherly way about the ancient wizard that the young man had attached to.

Well, grandfatherly filtered through thousands of years of barbarism, madness, magic, obsession with power, and towering strength by all measures.

Still, much of that was probably why he liked to spend time with the ancient goat-man.

Ive got to have him over from time to time, he thought.

Honestly, with the amount of paperwork you have, I can see why you wouldnt have time, Alex said.

Oh, its not paperwork todayits more of asocial engagement that has many other benefits for both myself and for you. Its an engagement where Ive finally managed to wrangle all the participants together.

Oh? Alex cocked his head. Then his eyes grew wide. Wait now. Are you meeting up with your cabal?

Oh yes, you are quite correct, Baelin chuckled. And it has been too long. You see, we have all conquered the fundamental barrier of distance. We live very remotely from each other, but we can all come together whenever we wish. Time, however, has provenas I saidmore stubborn. We have tried, but none of us has managed to conjure time from the ether as of yet. One of us is working on it, though. But, unfortunately, we are all quite busy.

He sighed wistfully. I run a school, another of us is something of an architect for a very exclusive body of clients, another runs an empire and wrangles his family, yet another ahhasexotic amusements, shall we say. And finally, one is always available, but has accomplished this through unorthodox means.

They sound like a pretty amazing bunch, Alex said in awe. Wish I could meet them.

Keep being a proper wizard and you might one day. Baelin glanced at the position of the sun. Speaking of time, I am afraid mine has run out. Enjoy your housewarming gathering. I have my own meeting to attend.