“He wanted me to join him. He said that with the book, the two of us could take down Renak. We would be unstoppable.”
I knew he hadn’t said yes, but I couldn't stop myself from asking, “Did you do it?”
Master Stradus fiddled with his long beard before answering. “No, but a part of me wanted to. A rather large part, I'm afraid.” He looked up towards the ceiling. “It was so tempting—the power, the prophecies, the hope of saving my friend, and of avoiding the war.
“I tried to convince him to take the book to the Council. With their years of experience, they could help us. That was the wrong move. I had forgotten how much Premier hated the Council and blamed them for the war. He said the power belonged to him, and not those old fools. I looked into his eyes and saw that his lust for power had taken him. I had lost my best friend forever.
“I then foolishly tried to grab the book from Premier, but he cast a spell at me. He was so quick, and I was so surprised he would do such a thing, that it caught me off guard. My muscles locked up, and I cried out in agony. He leaned over me and said, 'Goodbye, my friend.' I thought he meant he was going to kill me, but he spared my life. I could do nothing but stare at him, watching him leave for parts unknown.
“When the spell wore off, I went outside to follow him, but I couldn’t see or sense him anywhere.” Master Stradus slammed his staff on the floor. “Too much time had passed. After that, I never saw him again. I always thought he might have died or possibly had gone to join Renak, since they seemed to be on the same path. Now I know what happened to him. Poor fool.”
“What’d you do after that, Master? Didn’t you try to go and track him down?”
“Sadly, I never got the chance to. They were going to send me to the war. With a great deal of persuasion, I did get to see the Council and tell them what had happened.” Master Stradus frowned. “But they didn’t believe me. I suspect they thought he was just another deserter.
“You know that Renak created the Wasteland creatures, twisting and enslaving them to serve him? I suspect Premier may have done the same thing, with the knowledge he learned from the book. For years, wizards have tried to learn Renak’s secrets. None have succeeded until now.”
Master Stradus yawned and put a hand to his mouth. “Well, my boy, I would say it’s time to retire. We’ve been talking half the night, and you must be tired.”
I yawned too and rubbed my tired eyes. “I am.”
“Get some sleep. Goodnight, my son. It’s good to have you back.” He smiled before heading back to his room.
“Goodnight, Master,” I said. “And goodnight to you too, Cynder.” The dragon’s huge nostrils flared as he snored.
I made my way to my room. I took a moment to enjoy the memories that flooded my mind at the familiar sights and scents. I was so tired I plopped myself on the bed, not even bothering to take off my clothes.
Master Stradus was right about the fact that I needed to know more about Premier. Now that I knew how powerful, methodical, and careful he was, I couldn't underestimate him, nor could I face him alone. I was glad I had come back to the White Mountain, and more importantly, thankful that Master Stradus was going to help me.
I still couldn’t believe that Master Stradus and Premier were once friends—best friends at that. Would Master Stradus be able to do what was necessary to defeat his old friend? Since Premier had the book, would we even be a match for him?
I went to sleep with these weary thoughts, questions, and fears on my mind.
CHAPTER 20
I woke up refreshed and energized. I hadn’t slept that well in a long time. My tranquility passed quickly, replaced by guilt. I couldn't help but think of the others: the elves, the dwarves, the princess. I wondered what they were going through right now, and if we could arrive to help them in time. I said a quiet prayer to the gods in hopes that we could.
I made my way to the little dining hall where Master Stradus had made some soup.
“Good afternoon, my boy,” Master Stradus said. “You had a long sleep.”
“Good afternoon?” I said. “I’ve overslept! Master, we must leave. We've got to go and meet the others. We must—”
“Relax, my son, relax. We have plenty of time. I woke up early this morning and went outside to see if your friend had made it to Sharald. He did. It looked as if the whole forest was moving. You see, nothing to worry about.”
“Shouldn’t we go and join them?”
“We will, but we have plenty of time. It’ll take the elves about four days to move an army that size to the rendezvous point. We’ll meet them when that time arrives.” Master Stradus's face became grim. “We must get you prepared.”