Chapter 265 - Choice

Hey guys. 2 notes for you today. First, for anyone waiting on the audiobook for Book 3, it is out now! You can find it at this link: Audible

Secondly Note:
Someone's comment in the last chapter made me realise I'd implied Hump was making a move on Celaine at the end of the last chapter. That was unintentional so I've made some additions. You can check them out in the last chapter, or I've included them above this one. Sorry for the confusion!

*** New End of 264 ***

Hump joined the hammering dance with Celaine and Myra. He didn’t know the motions, but he got the gist of it from watching. From feeling the hammering beat of footsteps as they drummed to the Drums of the Hunt. Owalyn’s drums were quietening now. Her boon was fading. But they would enjoy it while it lasted.

One dance bled into the next, and in the end, Vamir was right. It was a long, enjoyable night. By the end of it, Hump sat alongside Celaine, Myra, Kelec, Eva, and a few others that he wasn’t so familiar with, chatting into the early hours of the morning while Nisha snoozed on his lap. It made him miss Bud and the others. He wondered how they were. The last few weeks, he’d trained alongside dragon keepers, dined with them, and sieged forts with them. Yet it did not feel like home. His home was the road, and where his friends were.

Not to say he didn’t like it in Drakalyn. With a victory under his belt, he was starting to feel a sense of peace in the forest. He could see why they chose to stay in this small piece of the Fallen Lands, surrounded by monsters and threatened on all sides. There was a sense of community unlike anything else. Thousands of skilled warriors lived and died at each other’s sides, for the freedom to live as one with nature.

That was what Owalyn offered them. It was ironic in a way. In Owalyn’s hunt for freedom, she’d been sealed within her domain where now even a lich could cause her trouble.

*** Chapter 265 ***

“It’s the wizard!”

Hump glanced over to see a group of children staring at him. They were perhaps ten years old.

“They’re talking about me?” Hump asked quietly. He was still feeling a little worse for wear after the previous night, but it was far from his first time being injured and lacking sleep.

“You’re the talk of the town, lad,” Vamir said. “The foreign wizard that brought down the gates of Highgaze makes for quite the tale. Give them a wave, would you?”

Hump furrowed his brow. “Seriously?”

“Of course I’m serious. Hurry up before it’s obvious I asked.”

Hump forced a smile and turned, waving at the kids. They laughed and talked amongst themselves excitedly, drawing Nisha’s attention. She raced over to them, speeding around them in a circle, causing them to stand up in alarm.

Come back, Nisha, Hump thought, trying to hide his amusement but failing badly.

Without slowing down, she barrelled between two of them and came back to Hump’s side, looking at him with wide eyes.

Two days had passed since the siege of Highgaze Fort and Hump was already feeling recovered. He was ready to return to his usual training, only Vamir had reached him first, asking both him and Celaine to participate in some training with his hunters. Though now that they were there, it turned out Vamir just wanted them to show off some abilities.

“It’s important to be exposed to a large variety of abilities,” Vamir had explained. “The more you know, the less likely you are to be caught off guard.”

Whatever the reason, it was a welcome distraction from the battles that loomed ahead. He did a few tricks, creating patterns out of the sands of his Ring of Osidium, and juggling a few lumps of molten rock. It was Celaine he was more interested in. The power she’d displayed in Highgaze Fort had dwarfed anything she’d used previously. Sure, she’d had the boon of Owalyn to help, but it made him all the more curious about what she could pull off now.

He joined the crowd of watching children as she took her space on the target range ahead of them. Shadow formed around her, concealing her in a cloud of darkness before their eyes.

“That’s amazing,” Hump said. “I still remember you sitting on the ground with your eyes closed for ages trying to make a cloud nowhere near as good as this.”

Celaine’s eyes appeared in the darkness, shining with essence as she glared at him. “It was hardly ages. But yeah, it comes much easier now.”

Hump nodded enthusiastically. “I can see that.”

“Now stop talking so I can concentrate. This isn’t easy.”

“Yeah, let her concentrate!” one of the kids shouted.

Hump held up his hands in surrender. “Alright, fine! Concentrate.”

Her eyes vanished again. For a few seconds, nothing happened, and then the cloud of shadow started to stir, condensing into several patches around Celaine until once more she was visible. From the patches, arrows were shaped into being with such precision Hump was a little envious. It was the kind of precision that would take a wizard decades to master. Hump could perhaps create a single intricate shape wielding Transform Earth, but it would be far from this easy. This was the kind of control that only Chosen were lucky enough to experience, and Celaine was manipulating it with breathtaking finesse.

She plucked at a shadow with her fingertips, stretching the fabric until a final arrow was pulled free. This one, she set upon her bowstring. In a smooth motion, she drew the arrow back until her entire body was taut, and then she loosed. Eight arrows shot forward at once, burying themselves into a distant tree. Hump didn’t need to approach to know how tightly grouped they would be.

Gasps and wows went up around the group. Vamir started clapping, and all the others joined in.

“You see, this is what happens if you pay attention to my teachings,” Vamir said. “Isn’t that right Celaine.”

She gave him an unamused look. “Something like that.”

Vamir grinned widely. “Masterfully done though. Shadows is a bit of a dark look for you, but you pull it off spectacularly.”

“Is that enough?” she asked.

“Yeah, yeah. Go take a seat. We’ll see who amongst the class can match Celaine’s shot. Whoever misses by the most has to spar her first.”

As the kids rose to their feet, Celaine came and took a seat beside Hump.

“That was good,” he said. “You’ve gotten way better.”

Celaine stared after her arrows and then a smile formed on her face. “It’s easier than before.”

“Oh yeah?”

She nodded. “I think it really clicked with me in the battle. Before, I still had to think about forming the shadows, but now they simply form as I will them to. It’s a lot like the shaping exercises you showed me, only…”

“Less thinking?” Hump offered.

She nodded. “Why don’t you try that?”

Hump laughed. “Ah yes, of course. How did we wizards never think to attempt to cast our magic with less thought? This was the secret we’ve been missing this whole time!”

Celaine glowered at him. “I’ll set Nisha on you if you keep that up.”

“My little Nishari would never hurt me, would you.” He stroked Nisha’s chin as she let out a happy grumble.

He reached into his pouch and took out a small bag of dried meats, breaking off a bitesize piece for her. She ate it greedily, then coughed, choking fiercely, her entire body arching before the treat shot out of her mouth along with a jet of flame.

Hump leapt back as his feet were almost scorched, only to watch as Nisha took the now burnt piece of jerky into her mouth and swallowed. Her hungry eyes shot to him, asking for more.

“We’re going to need to work on this fire breathing,” Hump said.

Celaine chuckled. “Sure do. You wouldn’t be the first dragon bonded to get their eyebrows singed off.”

***

It was on the third day that they received their next assignment. Well, Celaine received it. Hump was very clearly not invited for this one due to his injured rib. Despite feeling healed already, the people of Drakalyn took their injuries seriously. For the next few days, she’d have to manage without him.

He spent his time on the less intense elements of his training while he healed, focusing on his shaping exercises and soul. Ado spent a day with him, continuing to teach him about the Winds of Essence and his spirit. He was becoming more adept at concealing himself from those that might be searching for his soul now. Containing one’s soul strength wasn’t easy, but once he found the knack for it, it was much like withdrawing one’s essence. At the end of the day, it came down to the same thing as everything else—strong will and clear intent.

The days passed slowly, and remaining focused was a challenge. He wanted to be out there helping, or at least doing something. While it was nice to spend some time with Nisha, he felt useless, and the constant worry that something might go wrong for Celaine nagged at him. He counted down the days until she would be back, which made him all the more surprised when Leif arrived at Vamir’s.

Hump was in the clearing out back when he spotted the approaching dragon keeper. Hump almost didn’t recognise the man outside of the black scaled armour of the keepers, but even in colourful robes there was no hiding his sheer size, nor the many scars of battle. His stomach sunk at the sight of him. It had been three days since Celaine left with Leif’s party. They weren’t supposed to be back for another four.

Something’s happened, he thought. Nisha was immediately on guard at his agitation.

“Leif,” Hump said. His heart was racing. “Has something happened? Is Celaine okay?”

The man chuckled. “All good, lad. Didn’t mean to worry you.”

Hump realised he was holding his breath and let it out, then forced a smile. “Just didn’t expect you. It’s good to see you. How goes the war effort? I’ve got to admit, it’s been tough sitting on my arse and doing nothing the last few days.”

He set down his staff and picked up a waterskin, drinking to try and hide just how anxious he’d been.

“There’s going to be plenty of time for you to see action,” Leif said. “We’ve had a few skirmishes here and there, but it’s been quiet. Too quiet.”

“You think the undead are building up their forces?” Hump asked.

Leif nodded. “That’s the consensus. Though, I’m not here to discuss that with you today. Hope now’s not a bad time for you, but I’ve been asked to bring you with me.”

“Oh?” Hump raised an eyebrow. “What’s this about?”

“I can’t say. Nothing bad though.” He nodded his head to the side. “Come on, I’ll show you. Bring that little beast of yours with you too.”

He grinned at Nishari, and she took it as a sign to rush forward and jump at the man’s legs. He laughed as she scrambled around him, sniffing and wagging her tail. No doubt he smelled of his own dragon, Brutus.

It was just after noon and Drakalyn was bustling as they followed the path toward the market square.

“Is there anything you can tell me?” Hump asked as they walked.

Leif shook his head. “Sorry to be all secretive about it, but orders are orders.”

“I see. I take it Yunillia was the one that asked you to bring me then? Either her, or Elder Rena.”

“What makes you figure that?” Leif asked with a grin.

“Who else can give you orders?” Hump asked. “Elder Ashera doesn’t like me, and Elder Sulamir hasn’t expressed much interest in me.” He shrugged. “Keeper Yunillia seems like the only choice.”

“Clever. Very clever. Best I keep my mouth shut then, eh? Lest we ruin the surprise.”

Hump groaned inwardly. Gods, I hate surprises.

The surprise didn’t last long. Soon, they climbed the steps toward the Temple of the Everflame where a red fire burned above. Yunillia had hinted at Hump’s third trial, and now he was certain it was approaching. No warning. No time to prepare. Now, he had to face whatever Owalyn had in store for him. Vamir had warned him long ago that he had only passed the first two trials, and now, Hump walked to the third. He couldn’t help but feel a little nervous—this was the test of a goddess after all.

His mind was imagining all sorts of possibilities when Leif veered left, away from the temple, following a wide path around to the rear. It was then that Hump saw the crowd gathered beneath the Great Tree. There were many familiar faces amongst them. Perhaps everyone he knew from Drakalyn, and more—Dragon Keepers, Elders, Celaine’s family, and the many hunters he’d fought alongside. He spotted Celaine amongst them, smiling at him reassuringly.

“I’ve been called here for my third trial, haven’t I?” Hump whispered to Leif.

“Not a word from me!” Leif said. “Well, other than good luck.”

The crowd parted and Hump followed the path forward. His friends cheered him on around him, some patted him on the shoulders, pushing him onward. Nisha scurried to keep up with him, overwhelmed by excitement and barely containing her urge to race out and chase people, yet even she seemed to sense the intensity of the moment.

Toward the front, the elders and dragon keepers awaited him, each with a fond look on their faces. Even Elder Ashera nodded a greeting.

Yet, they too stepped aside, until there was nothing between Hump and the Great Tree. The enormous trunk towered high into the sky, and stretched as far as he could see in either direction. Its roots were a thick maze, rising up above him, and there at the top, Owalyn appeared.

Unlike her appearance during the solstice, now she seemed like a spirit, her form ethereal.

The sound of shuffling filled the clearing as all around him people dropped to their knees and bowed.

Hump quickly collected himself and bowed his head. “Good afternoon, my lady.”

He cringed at the awkward meeting. He still wasn’t used to being in the presence of an actual god. The ones he was used to didn’t bother with face-to-face meetings. He could feel everyone’s eyes on him which only made him more nervous. He’d never much liked crowds, but at least this one was on his side. And he wasn’t alone—Nisha was at his side, Celaine, Vamir, and Ado watched from the crowd. There was no need to panic.

“Good afternoon, Wizard.” The smile of the Mother spread over her face, falling down upon him like the sunshine. “I’m sure you have guessed why you’re here.”

Hump’s heart beat faster. Okay, perhaps there was a slight reason to panic. He started to speak, only to stutter and clear his throat. “You have called me for my third trial, haven’t you?”

“Indeed, I have. Not often do we speed through such things, but in this time of darkness, Drakalyn is in need of a new keeper. And so, before the gathering of my children, I call you here to partake in your final trial. A trial unlike any held in Drakalyn before.”

Hump swallowed nervously, already sensing the direction this was going. “And what would that be?”

She smiled slyly. “We will come to that. When you first came to me, it was your courage I saw. In the sanctum of my temple, it was your resolve. And now, before the primordial spirit of my great tree and my children, it is your heart I wish to see.”

“A Trial of the Heart,” Hump said.

“Precisely, for if a twisted heart obscures even the purest of intentions. And I’m sure I do not need to tell you just how important that is.”

“You do not,” Hump said. For a wizard, intent mattered most of all.

He felt his palms getting sweaty and resisted the urge to wipe them on his battle robes.

Owalyn breathed deeply, gazing across her children and then up at the sky. The wind breezed past, and sunrays streamed in from above.

“The heart is a reflection of oneself. Are you willing to show me yours? Are you willing to accept my final trial of your character?”

Hump swallowed. “I am willing.”

“Then prepare yourself.” She leant her head back and closed her eyes. Slowly, she raised her arms before her, as if holding up the sky. The huntress appeared. Her smile changed to one of a predator, and her voice pierced Hump’s soul like an arrow as she spoke. “I offer you my blessing, Wizard Humphrey.”

Essence filled the world beyond that of any god pillar. It spread around her like a forest coming to life, expanding to encompass all. Tangles of green power exploded in all directions like webs of lightning. Hump’s soul shuddered before it. His very being felt miniscule before this grand display. Suddenly, her ethereal form was gone and her ethereal self made manifest. Her leaf dress and long, silver hair billowed in the tempest of essence she’d concocted, and she turned her gaze back to Hump.

Her eyes were as beautiful and as terrifying as a storm. They radiated piercing silver and green light, and Hump was lost in them. It took everything just to remain coherent. To keep his sense of self and thought to him. Had the trial already begun?

“ACCEPT MY BLESSING,” she proclaimed, her voice as loud as thunder and deep as the quaking earth. It filled the air and his mind at once, her voice piercing to the core of his soul. “CLAIM THE POWER YOU HAVE ALWAYS CRAVED. BECOME ONE OF MY CHILDREN. MY KEEPER. MY CHOSEN!”