Chapter 624: The Coming Storm

Chapter 624: The Coming Storm

It was subtle.

So subtle that most folk wouldnt have noticed it.

From deep within Alexs mind, anintruding urge and an insistent whisper sprouted.

Theres nothing down there, it said.

Im wasting time here, it whispered.

Spending time here will only delay us, I need to stay away from there, it murmured.

Each thought followed deep feelings of aversion; a range of emotions bubbled inside of him. That sense of discomfort, of growing fear, a persistent urge to be away, and even irritation, all slowly simmered in his mind, surging, demanding not to be ignored when his attention stayed too long on the forest below.

At the same time, his mind rationalised those feelings, working to justify them:

Its just a forest. An empty one at that. Theres no way Carey would be down there. Maybe someone, or somethings influencing Professor Jules device. Thats what Id do. Id find a way to stop Carey from being tracked. Id find a way to hide my location from any magic that could track her. Theres no way a regular-looking bit of woodland has Carey and Merzhin hidden in it. I dont feel any mana or dungeon core magic down there. Times precious, we cant spare any wasting it on this place.

The more Alex tried focusing on the woods below them, the more insistent his thoughts encouraging him to leave became.

He had to anchor himself.

Illusion, he heard Thundar suddenly say. Though he couldnt see him, he could hear the strain in his friends voice. Listen to your own voice, Thundar, the minotaur said to himself. Ground yourself. Let it go. Its just like in the hells: intruding thoughts worming their way into your head. Let them pass. Let it pass.

Yes, Drestras voice crackled. Just like in Tenebrama. Just like the hells. Weve dealt with this before. Its not new. Let it go.

Together the three wizards took on the power invading their minds, letting it pass over them while acknowledging the interfering thoughts as something not their own.

What ishappening? Claygon asked.

Slowly, Alex felt the aversion begin quieting, loosening its hold on his mind, never fully dying, but by being mindful of its presence, he could sort through it to anchor to his own thoughts.

Moments later, Drestra and Thundars breathing returned to a calm, even pace.

Were alright now, Claygon, Alex said. I think weve got things under control.

Damn, that was rough, Thundar growled. It felt like we were right back in the hells again. I could see shit like that happening in the hells, but not out here in Thameland, and it came right outta the blue too. No warning, no nothing.

I find anything controlling someone elses mind is beyond any line that should ever be crossed. the Sage of Uldars voice crackled with heat. What was it? I didnt feel any mana, and I dont know of any dungeon capable of doing something like that.

Mightve been a divinity, Alex focused on the forest. I havent studied divine power much, so I cant say for sure, but

...itd explain a lot, Thundar finished. Would pretty much confirm that it was the church that took Merzhin and Carey, wouldnt it?

Yes, and that would explain why Merzhin disappeared without a fight; if some priest told him to follow, he might have gone willingly She paused. which means, we might have to fight him tooWait, hold on. What about the Ravener-spawn? Those petrifying monsters couldnt be a coincidence. If the church took Merzhin and Carey, does that mean theyre working with the Ravener?

At this point, Id believe just about anything. Alex muttered, his jaw tensing. I wouldClaygon!

The Thameish wizard suddenly remembered what the golem had said. Did you say that the aeld branch remembers this place, or did I imagine that? I still feel like someone was trying to turn my mind into scrambled eggs.

You didntimagine itfather Claygon said. Thestaffrememberssince its connected to the treeit remembers this place.

What does it remember? Alex asked, What does it remember before it was taken by the hags?

Itremembersgrowing in this placeundisturbedbut always sensing great power nearby Claygon said slowly.

Alex could feel waves of emotion and thought passing between the staff and the golem.

There was always powernear. But it never saw whothe power belonged tothenone dayhumans came he continued.

Whatd they say? Who were they? Thundar asked.

Itdoesntknowthings are too foggybuthumans intended to dig the tree uptake it. It knew their heartsit knew they were selfishbut also not.

Is that a riddle? Drestra asked.

Maybe not, Alex thought carefully. Selfish and not selfishmaybe they meant to take the tree for someone else. A god, for instance.

The Third Apostle gave the young man a kindly smile. Behind them, Eldin and a pair of guards followed closely. For a fleeting moment, their eyes reminded Merzhin of a loyal bloodhounds.

I asked if you knew that you looked troubled, Izas said gently. I can see that something weighs on you. What is it, my child?

Was it so obvious? Apologies, Third Apostle, I should be more disciplined, Merzhin responded sheepishly.

Think nothing of it. We all have thoughts that plague us. Unburden yourself.

I Merzhin looked up at Uldars Rise, at the top of the escarpment. It was the very last place on this earth that had been graced by Uldars feet before hed ascended to full divinity, never to touch Thamelands soil again. Never to walk among its people. Never to fight along their side.

The Saint looked around at those who lived here in idyllic bliss.

He remembered the eyes of the soldiers killed in Uldars name, battling the Ravener. The dead eyes. And the entire time, these lively childrenand these unburdened warriors had been living here in peace.

Is it alright for those in this place to enjoy suchcomfort, Third Apostle? he asked. Is that truly Uldars will. Many suffer to defend Thameland and save Uldars kingdom. And yet these warriors

Are among the best in all of Thameland, Eldin said proudly. Few can serve Uldars will so well.

Merzhin paused at that, trying to gather his thoughts. He questioned his thoughts. His feelings. He desperately tried to avoid temptation and blasphemy. He desperately tried to stamp down that seed of doubt in his mind.

YesI imagine so, he stammered. But then why not go out and fight the Ravener? Should each of us not focus on the enemy? Iunderstand that the cycle has a purpose we do not know, and it would harm us all if it ended. I do not doubt Uldars word, but surely making sure the Ravener is defeated quickly would lessen harm while serving his will, would it not?

Hm. Izas nodded. A fair point and also a definite point of theological debate. To this, I ask you, have you ever laid an ambush for Ravener-spawn?

Yes, Merzhin said.

And was it effective?

Yes.

But, why?

Because they did not know we were there.

Precisely, my child, Izas extended his hands before him. He spoke a short incantation, conjuring a ball of fire in one hand, then spoke a short prayer. The Saint felt a pulse of divinity as another ball of flame was conjured. Both orbs reached up, swirling around each other in a helix.

Merzhin was captivated by the sight. Beautiful.

It is, isn't it? Izas chuckled. The blending of divinity and spellcraft is something that the First Apostle has mastered in a way few have. It is an art practised by very few in Thameland, save for Uldars Chosen and a few others, though many who live with us here learn it. His eyes drifted to the training course before continuing. Yet another of our surprises. Much like an ambush, our skills and our very existence rely on secrecy to be effective. None of Uldars foes would think to watch for us becauseto themwe do not exist. To support Uldars will, that secret requires sacrifices.

And we do sacrifice, Eldin rumbled. We give up our lives in the outside world for this. In exchange, we have safety and power.

Isee Merzhin said.

It makes sense, he told himself. Priests give up much of their secular choices to serve Uldar, just as I have, and in return, they have their livelihood and comfort provided for by the church. So whydoes this feel? He looked around at the village one more time. Decadent.

Come, its time to go inside, Izas said, glancing at the sky. These old bones are hurting and theres darkness in the offing. A storms definitely on its way.

Third Apostle, before we goCareys and my companions will be looking for us. If they come, their wrath could be terrible. Will you be able to explain to them your divine purpose? he asked.

Worry not, Merzhin. We will not be found unless we wish to be found. For millennia, Uldars Rise has remained safe and hidden from outsiders. Others have searched to no avail, combing the land for us, and have never found us. There is no reason to trouble yourself; we live in complete safety here.

Something twisted in Merzhins belly; that confidence from Izas. That quiet demeanour, as though he was separate from the world. It did not feel right. It did not feel holy.

But he bit his tongue.

Yes, yes Third Apostle, Merzhin said, turning toward Uldars Rise.

He resolved to see Carey again.

Hopefully, without an escort.

Uldar, guide me, he thought.

Of course, Uldar didnt answer.

If anything, here in this valley, his silence somehow seemed more deafening than usual.