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Stories / Stories / Crissy Gottberg / Text 6 of 6 / Wizards Fire

"Wizards Fire" by Crissy Gottberg

SF&F Picture 6 out of 6 by Crissy Gottberg

A wizard on her journey meats with an adventuring party. Where will it lead? This isn't quite finished. The ending... well it just isn't done. I will upload the finished work when i am done.

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Frustration. That is what held Rana. She opened the money pouch once more and gazed within. Three silver and one gold coin. Enough for a room and a meager meal. She cursed once more upon the moon that wizards were not able to duplicate money. Cursed magic. All the illusion in the world but still she could not duplicate a simple silver coin.

She dare not try illusion coins again. She made that mistake once as an apprentice. The trinket had seemed worth it at the time, but when the clerk had bit into it to test its validity he had dispelled the illusion. As a result, Rana had been drug by her ear to the mage school. Her teacher, Magus Torin, had soundly paddled her till she was bruised then set her to work scrubbing pots for a week. It was long enough to earn the trinket she had tried to steal, however, she did not get a single piece of silver for her work.

Today she was not after a trinket, but food. For that she needed real coins, something a little harder to come across in the back waters of Artem. The small towns held little fascination. There was not much for a new sorceress to do. So far she had managed to scrape by in the small towns by selling medicines to the peasants and a few alchemy potions for curing snake bites and other ailments.

A month before she had made quiet a bit when the cattle had come down with a mysterious ailment. She had been able to cure them and the money she made had lasted till now.

Rana walked to the local inn hoping for a nice bed. Perhaps she would even be able to earn a few coins by performing some illusions for the locals. The wagons that she had seen go past had been stronger, sturdier then others she had come across. The people around this small town had more money then those she had had to deal with in past months. They might just pay to be entertained for one evening, she thought.

Some of the peasants had looked with interest at her white robes, stained a bit around the edges from her journey. Others only glanced at her in passing. At least these ones are not hostile, she thought remembering one of the first villages she had entered. She nearly had not made it out of that village alive.

Barley 26 she was young to be a full wizard. Younger still to be out on her own however that was what her master had required. Two years of training after passing the wizards test then two more on her own out in the smaller towns learning and training on her own. Master Torin had taken her on as his student once she had passed the test. Two years of near constant training, going over what she had learned as an apprentice and learning new spells as well as researching other interesting magic's. She had an impressive array of spells in her books when he finally sent her off on her journey.

"There, you can survive. Go, learn what you can and return in two years," he had said.

"Wonderful," she had thought sarcastically.

When, if, she returned from her travels the master would evaluate what she had learned and then see if she needed any more training. If she could survive what she had already there was no doubt in her mind that she was ready.

She had been able to take only her spell books, her pouches of components and a small pack of supplies. There had been very little money for her to take with her as well. Only enough to keep her fed for the first few weeks. She was happy that she had studied mostly healing spells during her apprenticeship. They had served her well.

Over the last year she had managed to gain a few more spells. One in particular seemed to be a spell that had been lost for a few decades. She had also gained a few hard to find spell components. When she returned to civilization she would be able to sell the ones she could not use and make a small fortune from the valuable items. Her knowledge had steadily increased as her money pouch had slowly decreased. Now she was getting desperate.

The inn was one of the nicer ones she had been in. The proprietor was standing quietly behind a well polished hardwood bar waiting for a customer to call him. Several locals were drinking ale at the bar and talking about local gossip. A small group of adventurers sat at a table near the fire. Two men and a woman. The woman and one of the men wore light chain mail and carried swords and other weapons. Surly hardened warriors. The woman had a quiver of arrows and a bow leaned up against her chair. She was quite pretty. Her dark tresses were bound up so that it would not interfere with her fighting. She was slim but looked to be extremely strong.

The second fighter sat to her left. A well warn helm lay on the floor at his feet and his armor was darkened by what could have been blood. His sword was well worn though it looked sharp and strait. His face was brawny and could have been considered handsome if it were not for a scar running the length of his jaw.

The second man was a bit of a puzzle to Rana. He wore dark clothes and had a small pack sitting at his feet. The man sat back with a casual air sipping lightly from a wine glass. Rana was more surprised that there was a wine glass in this inn then she was at the fact he was sipping it like a gentle man in such an inn. He had dark black hair kept short and neat. His face was clean shaven and quite handsome. He also had a small bow sitting at his feet with a quiver of arrows. All were stained a dark brown, almost as if he were trying to blend into the shadows.

Rana walked up to the bar where the bar keep sat polishing the already gleaming wood. She sat at a stool far from the other customers. Odd that there were so few. She had seen several wagons come into town, where were they all. Quietly Rana asked the man for a room and a meal.

"One gold for a room and it comes with dinner and a quick breakfast before you leave."

"That will be fine," she replied. She thought for a moment about asking the proprietor for permission to perform as he truddled off to the kitchen to get her meal. Three silver coins still sat in her money pouch. She did have some rations left in a pack, however, they were not the best things to eat.

A loud laugh drew her attention to the table by the fire. The woman had her hand covering her mouth and a smile creeped out from beneath it. Her laughter was like the tinkle of wind chimes in a summer breeze. The warrior man looked imploringly at the woman while the second man sat back in his chair, an amused smirk on his face. Rana watched unnoticed from her secluded corner.

"Laurana, it won't take long. In and out over night. It won't even notice us," the warrior said.

"That, Natan, is what you said about the harpy, and the dragon, and the griffin," she paused for a moment, a smile still plastered across her pretty face. "Shall I go on?"

Natan lowered his head as if in defeat. "Well it sounded good."

"Natan may be right about this one," the black clothed man said quietly. It was so quiet Rana almost thought she had miss heard him.

Laurana turned to him, the smile gone. "What do you mean?"

"Just that the rumors could be true. There is something up in that mountain. Weather it is an ogre or a dragon is unknown however it is there. What ever it is I am sure that the three of us can defeat it."

"We survived this far," Natan put in.

"True enough. I do not like going in without knowing for sure what is up there though. We have never gone in blind like this. Sarin, you must see the logic in that at the very least."

"Indeed I do, but, we have already come this far," Sarin replied. "We may as well see what there is to see."

Rana listened to every word. That would explain the sudden movement of so many wagons. They were villagers from higher ground trying to escape what ever was up in the mountains. She sighed softly. One such adventure had nearly cost her life once. That same adventure had given her enough gold to live comfortably for a month plus two new spells. What would this adventure get the three adventurers. Better still, how could she join them.

"What ever it is in that cave I am sure the three of us can handle it. As you said yourself Laurana, we have fought a harpy and a dragon. What more is there?" Sarin leaned forward in his chair. "What advantage could we possibly need."

Laurana squinted her eyes a bit. "Perhaps a bit of magic," she said quietly. Her eyes were fixed on Rana. Though Rana had been listening intently this took her by surprise. Sarin and Natan also turned to look at the white robe. Rana saw this from the corner of her eye, not daring to make a move.

The bar keep brought her meal and a glass of wine. Rana turned her face toward her plate ignoring the adventurers for a moment. The stew was fairly good and it was the last good meal she would be eating for a while.

"Excuse me," a little voice said near her shoulder.

Rana turned to see the woman standing at her side. A slight smile lit her face as Rana gestured for her to sit.

"You seem to be far from the usual placed one might expect to find a mage."

"Yes, my master sent me out here," Rana sighed gesturing around, "to prove I was a true mage."

Laurana face was emotionless. "Then you are only an apprentice?"

"No, I have passed the wizards test several years ago. I am a mage."

Laurana smiled slightly. "What is your name?"

"Rana."

Laurana watched her face intently for a moment then spoke in a rush as if unsure any other way to ask. "Would you be interested in helping my friends and I kill what ever it is that the villagers are so afraid of?"

Rana looked at the woman. If anything she was direct. She thought for a moment. "You don't even know what you are facing but you ask." She paused as if considering. The truth was she wanted nothing more then to join their party but she also knew it would not do to seem too eager. "I have faced quite a lot since venturing out on my own. I could be some help to you. What would my share be?"

"One quarter of the treasure. That is including any magical items except weapons. You are the only mage and therefore the only one who can use the magic items."

"That sounds promising. There may be things you never even considered as treasure."

"That is possible. As I said, we are not mages."

Rana smiled. "I except."

Laurana beamed at the mage. "Finish your meal then come over to the table. We can make plans together." With that she left.

Rana eat her meal quietly but listened intently to the trio. She could hear Laurana telling the men what she had said and the agreement to share any treasure. Sarin took it all in stride seeming uncaring about any treasure that might be found, as if treasure made little difference. Natan was glum. He seemed to think that a mage should have to prove themselves before getting a fair share of any treasure.

Rana used a piece of bread to get the last few swallows of broth in the bowl before her. Deliberately she took her time though she was aching to go join the adventurers.

Finally her bowl was empty and the flagon of wine she sipped slowly nearly gone. She rose gracefully from her stool, flagon in hand and strode over to the waiting trio.

Laurana smiled when Rana stood across from her. "Take a seat please." she said gesturing to the last available chair.

Sarin's eyes seemed to swallow her up going over every inch of her. He took in the staff she held gingerly in her hands. A simple staff with a vine carved into its surface with a crystal attached at the top. Rana had spent many moons working on it but her strength was not her carving. Rana returned his gaze steadily, appraising him in the same way. He only smiled and nodded. There was something about Sarin she was unsure about. He did not seem dangerous, but she could also tell he was one with many secrets.

Natan also looked her over, like a dog looks at a rabbit. When the rabbit did not shy off at his gaze he faltered for a moment. Natan did not seem to have a high opinion of mages.

"Have you a room here?" Sarin asked finally.

"Yes, for the night." Rana answered.

"What about a horse?"

"No, I have not needed one as of yet."

"I will inquire about one. You will need it where we go. First light in the stables. Do not keep us waiting." With that Sarin pushed his chair back and rose to his feet. Rana watched in awe. He moved like a cat as he gathered his bag and bow. His foot steps were silent as he walked across the common room and disappeared up the stairs.

When she turned back to the warriors Laurana had a smirk on her face. "Impressive isn't he." It was not a question as much as a statement of fact.

"I have never met anyone like him," she replied.

"Nor are you likely to. He is unique."

Rana nodded. Natan called for another round of drinks and the barkeep lumbered over with a pitcher of ale. Filling each cup to the brim he withdrew without a word.

"I truly hope you are worth it mage." Natan said as he took a gulp from his mug. "Not just another with parlor tricks to perform."

A half smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. "Trimal." she said softly and the crystal on her staff began to glow. It lit the room and the patrons at the bar turned to see the source of the light. Rana smiled softly and the crystal began to brighten. Natan and Laurana closed their eyes but the brightness grew and shown through even after they covered their eyes with solid hands.

"Tinak." Rana spoke softly and the light went out.

The warriors peeked from behind their fingers and stared at the crystal atop her staff. The smile never left her face.

"I'm satisfied. See you at first light." With that the big man got up from the table nearly knocking over the chair. He turned and stomped out of the common room. Laurana watched after him, a slim smile on her own face.

"Anything else I can do before I head to my rooms?" Rana asked. She was like a cat playing with her mouse.

"No," Laurana sighed. "That was enough. If we can get through the mountains to what ever this thing is the villagers are afraid of I believe you will come in handy."

"Then I will be going to bed for the night. I will see you in the morning." With that Rana turned and walked slowly up the stairs.

*****

Rana rode beside Laurana. They kept pace behind the men at a stedy trot. The gelding she rode was a sterdy one. Light brown with a star across it's nose. It minded well and that was enough for her.

Sarin looked back for a moment. Rana would have missed it had she not been watching out of the corner of her eye. Even so it was only a short glance and she was only half certin he had. For a while she only watched the sides of the rode for anything that might be a spell component. She was not very low but when going into a unknown situation it was good to plan ahead.

At one point she slowed to a stop while the others watched. She motioned for them to keep going without giving an explination. Sarin made Natan follow him ahead and Laurana followed quietly. When they had gone far enough ahead so that they could not see what she was doing she dismounted holding the riegns tightly in her hand. Walking off the road she gathered a few of the flowers that were growing there. They made a good cure all that speeded up healing. However mixed right they could also make a poison that could kill most anything.

Another thing lay hidden in the weeds. Something she had almost missed. It was shining in the morning sun and a small glint had been her only warning. A small piece of quartz lay half buryed in the dirt. She pryed it up with a belt knife and weighed it carfuly in her hand. Smiling to herself she tucked it into a pouch. That would surly come in handy.

Quickly she remounted and road up to the trio ahead of her. Natan glared at her for a moment but Sarin and Laurana only glanced over their sholders to make sure it was her and no one else.

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←- The Letters | Grass Harp (chapter 4) -→

Date	Name	Comment
2 Jul 2000	David cox	Loading... I think this is good, too. I think your are a very good writer. I look forward to when you update this.
3 Jul 2000	Lemmit	Loading... Hmmm.... Noahs Ark has more potential, and you should definately fix all the typos and repetitions. But nevertheless, it is a solid beginning and your descriptions are good. thank you, actualy this one has some interesting plot twists that i could throw in, but i thank you for the comment on discriptions.
19 Jul 2000	Siobhán A.Doyle	Loading... I really enjoyed this one, it's a lot easier to follow and I think you portrayed the mage's character quite well. You could probably describe the bar in more detail earlier on when she arrives, I got a few conflicting images of it as I read. Otherwise, the story is set very well and I'll be looking forward to see more of this story conflicting images? then i will defintly have to go back and rework it.
30 Jul 2000	Madeline Jane Quirk	Loading... A truely interesting story, well written (apart from a few typos) and I would love to read more
16 Oct 2000	Mike Gottberg	Loading... I must say, that since the last time that I have read anything that you have written, that you have become far better and what you do and I found myself being swallowed into the lines..with pictures flowing through my mind of the happenings...You have become far better than I had ever imagined, though some polishing up is still needed...you're story is fantastic...and I would be pleased if I could read more. i think thats the best compliment you have ever given me.
6 Oct 2001	Amanda Nikese	Loading... This story is good,it grabs my attetion and makes me want to read more. I especially want to know what Natan has against mages. ya know, its been forever since i have tried this one out... i should get back to it.
13 Dec 2002	Brent	Loading... Great work, although the title "Wizards Fire" is written alot about by the Author of the sword of truth books, Terry Goodkind... Awesome though!!!