Catalyst(98)

“Not yet, you can't,” Master Stradus said. “Not yet.” Everyone laughed, releasing our tension.

I stopped laughing. I took a deep breath and said, “I'm ready.”

“Plans have changed, Hellsfire,” Master Stradus said.

“Oh,” I said, hoping that he hadn’t changed his mind about me going with the team into Alexandria.

Master Stradus looked at the night sky. “Unfortunately, the clear night is going to cause a problem. The creatures will spot you before you get to the walls. We're going to fix that and provide adequate cover. Pick up the bucket and let's be on our way. We'll be back in an hour or so.” He started to walk towards Alexandria.

I grabbed the bucket and picked up my pace to catch up to Master Stradus.

“Good luck,” Krystal said. I turned around, and she gave me a warm smile.

We left the camp and walked north over the rough, barren terrain. We stopped when we saw the city walls.

I squinted. “Think they can see us from here, Master?”

“No, but this is far enough. I want you to create fog, and you will do so by using the water in this bucket. I will bring the clouds towards us so that they will blanket the area and shut out the light. You do know how to go about it, don't you?”

I nodded.

“Good.”

“Will Premier be able to figure out who’s behind this?”

Master Stradus smiled. “He’s going to think you’re behind this, and he’d be right.”

“What if he decides to undo the spell and they spot us?”

“He won’t. If I know him, his overconfidence won’t allow him to. He won’t see the point of it. He’s in a position of strength. Us hiding our troop positions won’t worry him.”

“If you say so, Master.”

Master Stradus walked away, and I sat down cross-legged in front of the bucket. Since fog is a combination of air and water, those were the mana I had to use. I closed my eyes and reached out to the fierce wind and water.

“May the cold air guide this water into fog. May the cold air guide this water into fog.” I repeated the incantation in Caleea over and over. The cold air rose from behind me and flowed all around my body, numbing my hands and face. I wasn't sure how long it would take to create enough fog to blanket the entire field, so I kept repeating the words. Goose bumps popped on my body. This was much different from sitting on the ledge of the White Mountain. I wasn’t using my fire mana, and without it, the power of the cold overwhelmed me, making my body shiver. I forced myself to stay awake and finish the job.

“Hellsfire,” a sleepy voice said. “Hellsfire, come out of your trance.” I opened my heavy eyes. “Good job, my boy. Hurry, we must get back to the others.”

I wobbled to my feet. At first, I thought my eyes were fuzzy because of the deep trance I had been in, but the mist blanketed everything. I waved my arm through the ocean of fog. Everything looked unreal.

“Make haste and lead the way back to camp,” he said.

I took a step forward, then stopped. I turned my head to the left and then to the right. “Master, I'm not sure which way that is.”

“It's that way,” he said, and pointed. “Would you like me to provide some light, or would you like to do that?”

“I'll be more than happy to.” I released the inner fire that dwelled in me. The heat coursed through my body and filled me with life. I let out a sigh of enjoyment. I made a ball of fire that stayed in my hand. “I feel soooo much better, Master. Let’s go.”

It took us longer to go back to the encampment than it had to leave. I wanted to take it nice and slow so I wouldn't veer off and get us lost. However, I soon heard voices and continued to walk us in that direction until I was able to see who was talking.

“We're glad you're back,” King Sharald said.

There were multiple torches surrounding him, so I extinguished my little ball of fire.

“Is everything ready?” Lenora asked.

“As you can see, we have provided everyone with adequate cover,” Master Stradus said. “As soon as they leave, I'll work on a counterspell to this.” He looked at the princess. “You have one hour to make it to the walls before you'll lose your cover.” He turned his attention back to Lenora and Sharald. “Is your army ready?”

“Aye,” Lenora said.

“Are your elves ready, Prastian?” Jastillian asked.

“Yes. We can depart as soon as your dwarves are ready.” Prastian smiled.

Jastillian laughed and clapped him hard on the back. He put a helm over his head. “Then let’s be on our way. Your Highness, if you please.”

“Good luck, my son, and please be careful,” Master Stradus said. “And heed my words—don’t fight Premier without me.”