“You needn't worry, lad. I have some sway in Erlam, and I'll do my best to get my people to help you.”
“Thank you. That's all I can ask.” I relaxed, knowing I had him on my side. “Where have you met other wizards? I haven't met any but my master. If there were more around, we could ask for their help.”
Jastillian shook his head. “Unfortunately, there are none nearby. I’ve seen a couple throughout my travels. Very elusive, you wizards are.” Jastillian’s eyes gleamed. “But I love the thrill of the hunt. That makes studying the war a challenge. Us dwarves love a challenge, no matter its form.”
I guessed I was on my own in stopping Premier.
“What were you doing down there by my cell, lad?” Jastillian asked.
“Spying. I was trying to figure out what Premier was up to. I knew there was something wrong about Premier from the moment I met him.”
“You’re quite the sneaky one,” Jastillian said, and smiled. “I’m glad you’re on my side.” He rose and stretched. “I feel much better. Let’s get a move on before the sun sets. We’re wasting daylight sitting here.”
We cleaned up our camp and continued our trek, pushing hard with the occasional, shorter break. By the time the sun had finished its journey, we found a spot to rest for the night.
We had reached a nice little clearing on a plateau. It was well away from the main road. From our position we could see anyone who might be following us within a horizon’s view. The sky was lit with purple, orange, and red. The colors reminded me of my vision—and of the princess’s eyes. I hoped she was all right.
After I tied the horse’s reins to a nearby tree, I unloaded my supplies. They weren’t heavy, but my body was so exhausted, it felt like the world fell off my shoulders when I put them down. I put a fist to my mouth and yawned.
“Get some rest, lad,” Jastillian said. “I'll take first watch. If we’re lucky and push hard enough, we might be able to make Erlam in four days’ time.” He put a few more logs on the fire. “I'll wake you for your turn.”
I stared into the growing darkness. I wanted to make a trap, or some kind of warning system, but I was exhausted, and a spell to cover the entire area would be too time consuming and complex.
“May the gods make your dreams pleasant,” Jastillian said.
But my dreams weren’t pleasant. I tossed and turned, sweating and breathing heavily as I dreamt of Krystal. Premier tortured her. He stripped her of her clothing and trapped her in the stockade. He forced her to watch while her city burned and the creatures killed her people.
I gasped as Jastillian woke me. My sore and tired body cried out for more rest. “What—”
“Shhh,” Jastillian said, clamping his hand over my mouth. “We're not alone.”
That woke me and pushed the fatigue out of my body. Was it Premier and the ogre? I got up and peered into the darkness. I couldn't see anything—the fire had dimmed to embers. I opened my magical senses to see if Premier was out there, but I got nothing.
“How many?” I whispered.
“Eight. Could be more.”
“Any signs of Premier or the ogre?”
“No. Guardsmen.”
I let out a breath. That would make things easier. The only thing that worried me was whether they might have items to combat wizards and magic. Would Premier have given them access to such things? I thought no, in fear of them being used against him.
“I'm going to try and circle around behind them,” Jastillian said. “You go the other way and try to do the same thing.” He cradled a large branch in his hand. “We take them out one by one, before any of them notice. I know you have great power, but it only takes one arrow.”
“I have a better idea. You get behind them. I'll greet them and try to convince them to abandon this task.”
Jastillian tugged on his beard. “I don't think that's a good idea. We don't know how many are out there for sure. It's best we take them by surprise.”
“No. I don't want to kill them. I want to give them a chance. They're no match for me.”
“They might not listen to you. They've been given a duty and will do their best to perform it. They wouldn't think twice about killing you.”
“I know, but I'm not them. I don't want to kill other people if I don't have to. Jerrel gave us a chance. Maybe these men will too.”
“Very honorable, lad. Good luck.” Jastillian disappeared into the dark.
I bent down and touched the ground. Tapping into the earth mana, I used it to feel the soldiers out there. I had to focus past the spiders and beetles that skittered in the dark. I had to ignore the heavy weight of the rocks and branches that lay there. The soldiers were quiet and light-footed, but the earth felt every impression they made. Jastillian was right. There were eight. I rose when they were close enough for my purposes.