“That’s what we expected,” said King Felix.
“We’ve men all along the city walls and more guarding the castle,” said General Griggs. “The remainder of the Boar Legion and Fox Legion will bolster that force on the walls. Sir Tolis’s Eagle Legion will remain in reserve. The Light Horse Legion from Felson is still under Commander Hausey’s direction and is serving in the infirmary.”
“And your Wolf Legion?” Felix asked.
“We are divided, half on the city walls, half guarding the castle,” General Griggs said.
He was a middle-aged man who looked too small for his brightly-polished armor. He had a pinched face and small eyes that gave him the appearance of a rodent. His breastplate bore the emblem of a growling wolf’s head.
“Zollin, tell me what you think,” Felix said.
Zollin let his magic flow out. He could feel the people and animals inside the city, sensed their fear and anxiety about what was happening, but he pushed his perception farther. He could sense the men in the field. They were busy, but excited to finally be at their destination. Then he felt something odd. A lone person, edging closer to the river. There were no more Yelsians around the city, they had all either fled or taken refuge inside the city walls. The soldiers were moving in groups, and the woman all alone stood out to Zollin. He concentrated on her and recognized the spark of magic in her. It was familiar to him, an animal healer’s power, stronger than when he’d last seen her, but he was sure it was Miriam.
“I don’t know,” he said to King Felix. “I don’t sense anything strange. I can’t feel the Master of the Torr or the dragon. The beast isn’t close by.”
“Odds are good it will attack us by night again,” said General Tolis. He was the leader of the Eagle Legion, a short man with heavy features but bright eyes. His hair was cut close to his scalp and his emblem was a spread-winged eagle.
“I’m working on that,” Zollin said, looking up at the night sky.
“Well, there’s little more we can do here now,” said King Felix. “I want men posted here with runners who can inform us of anything they see.”
“I will see to it personally,” said General Griggs.
They started filing down back down through the trap door, but Zollin focused on the lone woman again. She was terrified, both of being caught in the open and of the water. She was sitting on her horse facing the river and Zollin realized she needed to cross the river but was afraid to. He felt his magic blowing hot through him, like the billows of a blacksmith’s forge. He lifted her, the horse and rider both panicking as they left the ground. He levitated them over the river and sat them down safely on the far side, sending them both reassuring waves of peace and safety as he did so.
He saw the horse turn, and the rider was now facing the city from across the river. He couldn’t see her in the dark, but he could feel her sense of relief. Then she turned and rode east toward Felson.
“What were you doing?” the young commander asked him.
Zollin realized that they were alone on the tower. The other men had gone on without them, but the young commander had waited.
“I was helping a friend across the river,” Zollin said.
“No really, you looked like you were in pain.”
“I was helping a friend. She was caught between the city and the river. I levitated her across.”
“I’ve heard of you,” the commander said. “I’m Corlis, Commander of the King’s Heavy Horse and third son of Duke Shupor.”
“Zollin Quinnson,” he said, holding out his hand.
The commander took it and smiled.
“Zollin Quinnson, not the Wizard of Yelsia?” he said, emphasizing the title.
“No, I’m a wizard from Yelsia, but I don’t serve an official position here.”
“You’re an interesting person, Zollin Quinnson.”
“Thank you,” Zollin said, not certain if the young commander meant what he said as a compliment or an insult.
“Shall we?” Corlis said.
“Sure,” Zollin agreed, walking first through the trap door.
Zollin wasn’t sure if the young commander liked him or distrusted him. They descended back into the King’s chambers. He was pacing in front of the dark fireplace. The room was warm even without a fire, and lamps had been lit and placed around the room. Commander Hausey was giving the King his report. The healers were ready and well equipped for whatever they might face. His troops stood ready to assist the healers and help move the wounded to the infirmary when they were needed.
Once he finished giving his report, the other generals started talking, and Hausey moved over to where Zollin was standing next to Commander Corlis. Hausey reached into his belt and removed the message.
“This came for you today,” he whispered.
Zollin took the note. It wasn’t sealed, and there was no name on the outside. He unfolded the paper and took in the contents in just a few seconds. He felt the blood drain from his face and his hands began to shake from fear and rage.
“Are you well?” Corlis asked.
Zollin didn’t answer; he just handed the note back to Commander Hausey and ran from the room.
“Where is he going?” King Felix asked.
“I think he may be going to check on his friend,” Commander Hausey said, his eyes still on the note.
“Well, go with him, Commanders. See that he gets back here quickly.”
“Yes, my King,” they said in unison and then Corlis and Hausey ran from the room.
Zollin was already halfway down the stairs. His heart was pounding. He simply couldn’t believe what he had read. At first he thought it was a prank: the handwriting wasn’t Kelvich’s, but the signature at the end certainly was. Mansel had killed Kelvich. Zollin couldn’t fathom why, and his mind simply refused to believe it, but he would get answers. Mansel had been evasive and distant. Zollin had chalked it up to shame over not being able to help Quinn. Zollin’s father had been like a father to Mansel, too, taking him as an apprentice and then allowing the big warrior to travel with them when they left Tranaugh Shire. Quinn had taught Mansel to use a sword, and it made sense that Mansel would be grieved by Quinn’s capture. But Kelvich had seen something else. Zollin had let his own grief blind him, and his need to find Brianna had kept him from listening to his mentor. And if the note was right, Kelvich was dead. Zollin couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact.
His magic was churning, and he didn’t notice the snapping, blue energy that was running up and down his arms as he ran from the castle.
“Open the gate!” he shouted.
The guards had strict orders, but the sight of Zollin, his power rippling over him, was all the motivation they needed. They lifted the heavy beam from the side door and opened it for him. He rushed out. They were just locking the door again when Commanders Hausey and Corlis came rushing after Zollin and called for them to open the door again.
Zollin crossed the wide street that ran around the castle walls and made his way to the inn where Mansel had said he’d wait. He was almost to the inn’s door when the innkeeper stepped out.
“Good God!” the man shouted. “Don’t hurt me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you,” Zollin said, realizing for the first time that his magic was getting away from him. He reined in the snapping energy, clamping down hard on his magic.
“I’m Zollin Quinnson-” he started to say.
“I know who you are. You’re the wizard. I guess you got the message,” the innkeeper said, thinking that Quinn had managed to get word to his son.
Zollin thought the man was referring to the message about Kelvich’s death.
“What do you know of it? Did you send it?” he said angrily.
“No, not me. The man’s in the stable.”
“What’s going on, Zollin?” Hausey said.
“Mansel’s in the stable,” he answered.