Chapter 723: Once Again, Preparing to Leave Home

Chapter 723: Once Again, Preparing to Leave Home

In a quiet neighbourhood in Generasiin the wee hours of the morningall was still. Golem crafting carried on in Shales workshop as it always did at all hours of the night, while late night wanderers strolled down the magically lit street. Most windows were shuttered for the night, very few lights burned within the homes and small businesses in this part of the city.

Even in the Roth Family Bakerywhere Troy and the other staff would soon arrive to make preparations for the daynearly every room was in darkness.

All was still quiet.

Alex Roth, Theresa Lu, Claygon and Brutusaccompanied by Birger and Bjorgrundmaterialised in the dark dining area on the first floor. Aeld blooms glowed, giving off dim light from Alexs staff, until he conjured forceballs and Wizards Hands, illuminating the space.

Crimson light deepened shadows on his face, making him appear like a grim gargoyle carved of shimmering red stone.

Dammit, he swore quietly.

Whats wrong? Theresa whispered, not wanting to awaken Selina.

He shook his head. That powerthe connection I had with Hannah when I was so close to death, is gone. The Mark helped me The word tasted bitter, knowing how Uldars brand had nearly caused them to die. learn a bit about Hannahs powerfromhow we teleported to Merzhin. Alex shook his head.

He bit the inside of his cheek. And Im going to need a lot more power fast. Real fast. Anyway, lets leave that for now, Im just wasting time.

Alex looked at Bjorgrund. Could you do me a favour?

What is it? the giant asked, his eyes lingering on his surroundings in curiosity.

Could you take Claygons bag for me? It has the books we pilfered from Brightfire in it, and Ill want them when we find Keldas sanctum. AndIll also need to bring more supplies with us, and that bagll be too full for me to carry along with my other ones. Would you mind carrying that one?

Of course, the young giant said, turning to the shorter golem.

Claygon looked at the giant for a long moment; Alex sensed a storm of emotions rushing through their link. Anger, confusion, resolve, guilt, grief, frustration, reluctanceall struggled against each other, one consuming the next.

Slowly, he removed the bag of spellguides from his shoulder and handed it to the young giant, without a word.

Claygon Alex started.

Fatheryou wont take me with you? Toprotect you? Claygon turned to him.

If I doand I want to, buddywhos going to protect Selina? the young wizard asked.

A white hot spike of rage and guilt stabbed through their link, so strong that Alex actually winced.

I he started.

We had better hurry the golem said, in a voice that was ancient and stiff. ...if youre going to golike you said, fathertime is limited.

Alex shut his mouth.

Claygon was right, and nothing he could say would make him feel any better. Not now, anyway.

Alright, I have to get some supplies from the lab, Alex said.

What about Selina? Theresa asked.

The wizard cringed, glancing at the ceiling. Letslet her sleep for a bit longer.

Without another word, he turned and walked toward his lab.

Emotions took over, each step was heavier than the last. Rage and sadness were his companions, bringing to mind a stomach churning familiarity.

Alex quickly moved through the lab, deciding what to take to the Empire, remembering a very similar time in his life. He saw himself in his room in the Lu Family Innhis home for most of his lifegoing through his possessions, trying to decide what hed need when he left for Generasi to attend wizard school...and escape the church.

Just as hed done before, he was doing the same thing again, looking through his belongings, wanting to not bring anything that would be dead weight.

Here he was again, escaping the church, leaving his home at a time not of his own choosing, and, against his will, sorting through his belongingsthe physical symbols of his life and his place in the worldtrying to figure out what he would need.

Alright, she sounded sceptical.

Do you want to sit down?

No, Im okay. Her fingers tightened on the railing. I thought you were doing everything you needed to last nightthe stuff for those people Kelda worked with? Did something go wrong?

Welljust listen.

He told her of the mission in Brightfire, of the four places that Warder had directed them to in the Empire andfinally, about the attack in the wilderness. Alex stayed calm, trying not to frighten her, avoiding details that might scar her. He ended his story with them teleporting to Merzhin for healing.

...and thats why Im going to have to go away for a while, he said. They have some way of tracking me, and I don't know what that is, so until theyre defeated, theres no way I can stay at home. I have to leave because I have to finish this.

No.

An uncomfortable silence hung over them.

What? Alex asked.

Youre not going anywhere, this is our home. She looked at him with fire in her eyes.

Selinatheres a chance that theyll come here looking for me, then theyll attack

Its okay. She nodded. Were safe here. Youll be safer here, and we can fight them together.

Selina, youve never fought anyone before, Theresa said gently.

Its okay. Alex can teach me more fire magic, and

Selina. Alex cut in. I cant. We nearly died; Ill be honest with you, I think the only people we know who could comfortably defeat themwithout any risk to themselvesare Baelinor Hobb, probably. Even if we had the entire cabal together, I dont think we could win that fight right now. If they come here looking for me, then they could hurt you, they could hurt Toraka, your friendsso many people we love. Im not going to let that happen.

Then Ill come with you. Well all go together.

She forced a smile. Itll be like when we went into the Cave of the Traveller together, Alex. Just like then, Ill come with you. Ill go get my

Not this time, Theresa said. When we were leaving Alric I told Alex youd follow him if he went into the Cave by himself.

Good. Selinas smile remained. Then Ill get my

But this is different.

The forced smile wavered. Slightly. Hows it different? Her tone was tense.

Because youre older now, Theresa said. Because we know whats waiting for us in the Empire. Because Alex isnt going to a city of wizards this time. Because we dont know when hell be able to come back.

What do you mean because Im older now? I can handle it, thats why I should Selina started.

Theresa was shaking her head. Selina, youre older now; youre mature enough to know why you need to stay here. We can trust that you understand and know you wont try to follow Alex now. Thats why you can stay here. Thats why this is different from before.

I dont want it to be different, then! the young girl cried. I want to come with you I Her voice rose. I dont want you to die! She faced Alex, tears running down her face. Youre my only brother! Mom and dad are dead, and now you want to go off by yourself? Alex, you could die, then what will I do?

The young wizard forced down a surge of emotion. He had to be strong. He had to be. Youll live, Selina, he said. Youll live, and that could be very, very hard, but I did it. I had to do it, after mother and father died, and youre smarter than I was at your age. Youre stronger, youre braver, youre more determined. Youll do it, Selina. Please, I have to do this.

Butwhat about our life? she asked, tears dropping on the floor. Were happy here! When are you coming back?

I He paused. I dont know. I just dont know.

Trembling, Selina suddenly ran from the stairs, throwing her arms around her brother. Nodont leave menot like this

Alex wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Its the best way for now, Selina. Its the only thing we can do.

Silence fell between them.

She buried her head against his torso; a torso thatmere hours agowas mangled and bloodied. Promise youll be back. Promise.