Chapter 208 - The White Flame

This turned out not to be the final chapter, but the next one is. The book is finished! I was up till 4am last night getting it done. I've still got to edit the final chapter and it will be out on Tuesday.

“How are you feeling, Hump?” Emilia asked from the foot of his bed.

It hadn’t taken long for his party to arrive, Vivienne with them. They were clean, out of their battle gear, and their wounds appeared healed for the most part. There was no escaping the exhaustion on their faces; they looked like they hadn’t slept in days.

“Quite well, actually,” Hump said. “How long was I out for?”

“One day,” Vivienne said. “I didn’t think you would be up for a while yet, not in the state you were in.”

Hump frowned at that. “Only a day? That… No, I wouldn’t expect to be up by now either.”

“It’s a miracle,” Bud said, coming to stand beside him. “The healers were not even sure you would survive.”

“They were certain you wouldn’t keep any of your fingers,” Celaine added. She was sat by the window on one of the plump, velvety red chairs set out around a small table.

“They were black as charcoal by the time we reached the estate,” Dylan said. “You looked awful.”

Hump held up his hands. “I felt awful,” Hump said idly as he studied them, though he saw no signs of frostbite now.

“We’ve seen some bad cases of essence overuse in our family,” Emilia said. “It’s unavoidable when so many students pass through our halls. I’ve never seen essence overuse go that far though, nor anyone recover from it so quickly.”

“Yeah,” Hump said. “It’s weird.”

“It’s beyond weird,” Vivienne said. “Essence overuse isn’t something one can so swiftly recover from.”

“We saw you change,” Dylan said. “Honestly, you looked like a warlock.”

“I was one,” Hump said. “I think I almost lost myself entirely. The gorger remnant took advantage of my weakness after setting fire to the Tree of Damnation. I only lasted as long as I did because the dragon imprint helped me, but then Eliana made me breathe in that warlock power. After that… everything’s a bit of a blur. I remember Starick telling me to claim the souls as my own, and I think that act forced me to grow strong enough to hold them.”

“You punched Bud,” Celaine said. “That was quite impressive.”

Hump winced, looking at the knight. “Sorry about that.”

Bud grinned. “Like you could hit me hard enough to be a bother.”

Hump snorted.

“You said you were a warlock,” Emilia said. “Past tense. Are you saying you overcame it? Is that even possible?”

“I absorbed the soul fragments imprinted on me,” Hump said. “They’re a part of me now, but their intent was wiped out by my own. Basically, I should be me again.”

Bud laughed, clapping him on the back. “Now that is good news! Congratulations my friend.”

Hump fell forward, grunting from the force of it.

“That doesn’t explain the change you underwent,” Vivienne said. “Many wizards have manifested their soul, but I know of none that could recover this quickly.”

“I have an idea about that.” He paused, and then he explained the powers he’d gained from his Soul Manifestation, and the advancement to the River and Waves technique. “It seems this Spirit Well has improved my recovery capabilities substantially.”

From the look in Vivienne’s eyes, she’d just realised what it meant now that Hump had manifested his soul. He knew the question on her mind even before she asked it.

“I don’t think that’s why my Master Sethril was killed,” Hump said. “But I did receive some answers. He left a note for me that revealed itself now, warning me that the book grows more powerful as I do, and that as it does, the people that hunt it are able to see it more clearly.”

“So the moment he manifested his soul and the spellbook advanced, it could have alerted anyone nearby to his presence.” Vivienne sighed. “But how is Eliana related to all of this?”

“The wizard that vanished on the same night, what was his name?”

Vivienne frowned. “Orlin Kith.”

Hump nodded. “He was her master. She claims that he was killed in cold blood by Master Sethril, after offering him a place in a group known as the Silver Circle. Apparently, they are successors of one of the former owners of my book, and they want it back.”

“Wizard Orlin was a Rank 6 wizard. There is no way Seth would have picked a fight with him by choice. I’ve not heard of the Silver Circle before, though before yesterday I’d not heard of the Three Eyes either. It seems there are many unknown yet powerful practitioners out there.”

“Has Eliana said anything yet?” Hump asked.

“Nothing,” Vivienne said. “Well, she’s said a lot, but only in regard to you being a warlock. The countess doesn’t believe a word she’s said.”

“She said that the Silver Circle are the ones that killed my master. I don’t know the full details, but they somehow orchestrated the ambush. Eliana was with them, though she denies killing him.”

“That bitch,” Vivienne spat. She paced the room. “That rotten, conniving bitch! How did I not see this?”

“It seems not even Abraxus saw it in time if she was able to enthral him,” Hump said.

“They will know Hump is here now, then,” Emilia said. “They will come for you.”

“Perhaps, though I think that Eliana was working alone,” Hump explained. “She wanted the book for herself, so worked with the warlocks. I think her plan was to keep Vivienne away from me so that she could take the book for herself. In theory, they don’t know about me yet.”

“But they may have noticed you now,” Emilia said with a sigh. “They will be looking for you, along with gods only know who else. You cannot stay in Sheercliff.”

Hump nodded and sat back. “I know. Seems like a shame though after we just saved the city and all. I kind of like it here.”

“On the contrary, I think this may be the safest place for you,” Vivienne said. “With the Daston family’s protection, few could reach you.”

Hump decided not to bring up that they’d already reached the countess. He didn’t want to think about all the people that were dead or injured. Not yet. Not until he had to.

“I don’t want to stay locked inside a manor for the rest of my life, scared of my own shadow. I’m a hedge wizard. The road is my home.”

“Then throw that book into the ocean and be rid of it,” Vivienne said. “Whatever secrets it holds are not worth dying for.”

Hump thought on that for a moment and then shook his head. His master had held onto it for all these years, preparing him for when it would finally be his. He could not give that up. He’d seen the potential the spellbook offered.

“I’d be a terrible wizard if I ran away from magical secrets,” Hump said. “Whatever the future holds for me, this is the path my master had in mind for me. I intend to stick to it.”

A solemn silence came over them. Hump knew they’d been dodging around the topic of the battle, but he had to know.

“How is everyone?” he asked finally. “What’s the situation in the city?”

Nobody spoke for a few moments.

“The fighting has stopped for the most part,” Emilia said quietly. “There’s been a few monster attacks across the city today, but for the most part they have been slain, and the warlocks are in hiding. The situation is not good though. Much of the city is in ruins, and thousands of lives have been lost.”

“Varris and Nina didn’t make it,” Bud said. “Teff is in a bad state, but he’ll live. Len and Marcela are fine for the most part. Corvin… well, physically he’ll be alright, but I’m not sure he’ll ever fully recover.”

“Kesha?” Hump asked.

“She lost an arm, but the cleric was able to reattach it. She’s awake now but lost a lot of blood. There was no hope for Patrick, Krenton or Emery.”

Hump sighed. He felt terrible for Corvin and his party. They’d stayed behind to buy the rest of them time, and they’d paid the price for it.

“I wish the list ended there,” Vivienne said. “Sir Ricard is dead, and Countess Daston has lost the use of her legs.”

“On a brighter note, I saw Luna today,” Dylan said. “The academy courtyard has been turned into a medical station and she’s at work there. She asked after you.”

Hump nodded. “Good. I’m glad. What of your cousin and fellow knights?” he asked Bud.

Bud shook his head, sadness coming over him. “They—” he choked back the words.

Hump looked to his friend. “I’m sorry.”

“It is the price of war.” Bud let out a long sigh. “To think there was a time I aspired to be like a knight from the tales. There truly is no glamour to war. Still, I’m glad Arthur and I had a chance to speak. He died fighting in Kelisia’s honour. There are far worse ways to go.”

At first, Hump thought that was ridiculous, but ignoring the part where he died for his god, Arthur died to protect Sheercliff and its people. That Hump could understand.

***

By the following day, hump felt much better. He’d slept reasonably, and he no longer felt a constant need to shiver. He hardly noticed the cold at all for the most part. One of the healers had been by in the morning to check on him and instructed him to remain in bed for another week even if he did feel better. There was no chance of that, however.

Hump and his party were in the gardens having lunch, when Marcela found them.

“What are you doing out here?” she asked. She seemed tired, but there was a bounce to her step. Something had her riled up. “The healers told me you were on bed rest.”

“I’m fine, Marcela,” Hump said. “He’s an old man that’s far too cautious.”

“He’s been my family healer since before I was born,” Marcela said. “You should listen.”

Hump scrunched his nose. “Just a short trip outside won’t hurt, will it?”

She sighed. “Well, it is good to see you up and about.”

“And you.” Hump smiled. “How are you?”

They talked briefly. He gave his condolences for her fallen party members, and she gave him a sad smile. It was a look Hump was growing used to. Mass funerals would be held over the following weeks, honouring the brave men and women that had died defending the city. Apparently with her mother incapacitated, Marcela’s duties in the city had increased. She was the presence the people needed to show that the nobility of Sheerclif cared and that the gods were present. It was a fate Hump did not envy.

“As much as I’d like to catch up with you further,” she said, “I’m here on business.”

“Tell me it’s good news,” Hump said.

She nodded. “My father sent word today that he will arrive in Sheercliff tomorrow. He and my mother have requested the presence of you all tomorrow afternoon.” She handed him a letter. “The details are inside.”

“Why has he chosen now to return?” Bud asked.

“Neither he nor my mother would say, though I suspect it must have something to do with what that wizard said. Rumour has it that the king is preparing to act.”

She didn’t stay long before rushing off for her other duties. Hump wasn’t surprised to have received the letter. He was confident the summons would come, though he hadn’t considered that Count Daston might return. He’d grown used to Countess Daston leading the city alone.

“I’d best be off too,” Dylan said. “I’ve volunteered to help the healers in the academy. If I see Luna I’ll let her know you said hello.”

Hump smiled. “Thanks.”

The others spent their time helping throughout the city too. Emilia’s brother, Edmund, have lost many members of their house in the battle, so she and Celaine had gone to visit him in the Lower City. Bud on the other hand just didn’t seem capable of sitting still. He put himself to work wherever he could, helping with repairs or whatever other labour was required. With so much time to himself, Hump kept busy by practicing Spirit Well. Doing so, he could feel his strength recovering.

***

Dylan had done far more than simply passing on Hump’s greetings. He’d returned that evening with a letter from Luna. She’d invited him to meet her by the carriageway the next day, where the fissure through Sheercliff had left its mark. Dylan, in all his great wisdom, had already agreed for him.

The following morning, Hump’s clothing had been confiscated for washing and repairs, so he was forced to pick his clothes from a selection left in his room, all of it far too soft and colourful. Still, one of the maids had told him it suited him. He supposed that counted for something.

He was most of the way back to his usual strength, so had taken an hour to explore the Upper City and take stock of the damage before meeting with Luna. Even walking through the ruined streets was difficult. People had lost their homes and family members, and with every turn of his head there was a gut-wrenching reminder of that. The Tree of Damnation might no longer be burning, but it still stood high in the sky, a charred reminder of the days gone past.

He crossed one of the temporary bridges erected across the chasm that now divided the Upper City. The city would never be the same again. The cliff had been shattered; Osidium’s divine wonder scarred forever. Just one more sign of how little the gods cared. At its centre, he stared down through the fissure at the Lower City. The sky was clear and the sun out, making the smoke that still rose from the streets below all the more visible. It was faint now, but that was only because the fires had almost burned themselves out. The damage was done.

There seemed to be no end to the wounded and dead, pulled from the ruins of buildings, or from the many smaller battlefields that had formed across the city. Temple Guard were everywhere, armed with as many warlock detection artifacts as possible in the hunt for any warlocks that remained.

“Good morning.” Hump heard a familiar voice and turned to see Luna approaching from the other side of the bridge.

Hump smiled at her. She was in her priestess attire, her robes dirtied and stained with blood. She looked fatigued, but her blue eyes gleamed in the morning sun.

“Morning,” Hump said back.

“I hope you don’t mind me joining you,” she said, coming to stand beside him. “I spotted you on my way here so thought I’d come over.”

“Not at all. I was just on my way over to the meeting point and became distracted. It’s good to see you.”

She leaned on the guardrail of the bridge and peered down. “As horrible as it all is, it’s kind of inspiring, don’t you think?”

Hump looked at her. “What do you mean?”

“Look at them. People from all over the city are coming together to help rebuild and ensure everyone is fed. Chosen and practitioners are working together to repair homes and create new ones. Neighbouring cities are sending whatever supplies the can spare. It’s during the dark times that the light of humanity truly shines.”

Hump frowned at her. “That sounds like a quote from Lady Light.”

Luna smiled sweetly. “Surely that’s to be expected of one of her Chosen? And it’s something I have seen time and time again on my travels.”

Hump nodded. “I can’t argue with that. It is amazing how everyone comes together in times of need.”

They talked briefly of the battle. Luna mentioned that Miranda, her chaperone for their date, had died. She and the other healers had done what they could to save lives on the battlefield, but many had been lost in the process. And then they moved onto lighter topics. Eventually, there was a silence between them, and they both stared tiredly down at the city below.

Hump hadn’t discussed it with his party yet, but he’d already made up his mind. It was time for him to get back on the road. With the Silver Circle after him, it was only a matter of time before they discovered Eliana’s imprisonment or she leaked information about him. Before then, he needed to be gone, just as his master had disappeared. That was how he would survive.

“I’m leaving Sheercliff,” Hump blurted out. “It will be another week or so I expect. I’m still recovering, but I’m leaving, and I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Luna looked at him and paused. “Where are you going?”

Hump shrugged. “Wherever the road takes me. I just know that I can’t stay here.”

She shuffled closer to him, until they were standing shoulder to shoulder, their arms propped on a stone balustrade that ran along the edge of the cliff. “You’re the one that burned down the tree, aren’t you?”

Hump looked at her, baffled. “How did you know?”

“There is rumour of a wizard that faced down a demon,” she said. “They called him the White Flame. I suspected he might be you.”

Hump snorted. “That’s not a lot to go on.”

“Well, they also said he was short.”

Hump’s mouth dropped open and she laughed.

“Not really. It just seemed like something you would do.”

They were close now. Face to face. Hump felt himself go red as he stared into Luna’s eyes. Her cheeks were flush to.

“I guess this means we won’t get our second date,” she said softly.

“I suppose not. At least, not anytime soon.”

Before he could react, she leant forward and pecked him on the lips. It lasted only a moment, and it was over far too quickly. She stepped back, her hair swaying in the gentle wind. “I do hope we meet again, my dragon slayer.”

Hump watched her go, his mouth still slightly agape. His first kiss, and his first goodbye kiss. “I hope so too,” he called after her, then cursed himself for using the ‘H’ word. That was just bad luck.