Sorcerer's Shadow

I'm unsure how much time I spent there, maybe an hour, before Drevolan and Thaleia joined me. We silently observed the waves crashing for a bit. Behind us lay the Paths of the Dead and the Halls of Afterlife, from where we came. To our right, past the Cycle, a dark forest lay, marking the exit for some of us.

After a while, Thaleia broke the silence, "I won't leave without Drevolan."

"You're being foolish," Drevolan replied.

"And you're equally foolish for coming here, knowing full well you couldn't escape alive."

"I can think of another fool, Opal."

"Another pair, boss."

"Perhaps," Drevolan conceded, "but there's no need to render the journey futile."

"There is. I've decided so."

"It's senseless to die merely because—"

"That's what I'll do. No one will sacrifice their life for me. I won't allow it. We either both leave, or we both stay."

A cool breeze brushed the right side of my face, the direction of home. I shook my head, thinking Drevolan should have expected such stubbornness from a Dragonlord, let alone an Imperion. But then again, he was one himself.

Thaleia addressed me, "Go back, Viktor. I appreciate your help, but your role is done."

Despite Drevolan being an Imperion and a Dragonlord, as well as being unbearably haughty and annoying, I struggled with the idea of just leaving him behind. But what were my options? I couldn't leave with him, and I saw no sense in empty gestures.

Drevolan and Thaleia were watching me, awaiting my reaction. I looked away.

"Leave, Viktor," Drevolan urged. But I remained motionless.

"He's right, boss. We should get moving."

I remained rooted for another minute. I craved the comfort of home, but the thought of bidding farewell to Drevolan and just departing felt wrong somehow.

I've spent countless minutes since then pondering how things might have unfolded had the wind not shifted at that moment, bringing with it the scent of salt and seaweed.

Corpses and seaweed, an amusing thought. It fit the current situation perfectly. Where had I heard it first? Ah yes, at Verenek's bar, during drinks with Liora.

Liora. Right, that idea could be the solution. If only there was a way...

Sorcery?

My gaze returned to Drevolan and Thaleia.

"It's a long shot, boss."

"I know, but still—"

"We can't even be sure we're in the same world as—"

"Perhaps it doesn't matter."

"But what if it does?"

"Boss, have you considered the toll this could take on you?"

"They'll have to assist me on the journey back."

"If it fails, they won't be able to."

"I'm aware."

Opal fell silent, realizing I was no longer considering his advice. I rummaged through my pack and located my final Tivn leaf.

Thaleia asked, "What are you thinking, Viktor?"

"I have a plan to get Drevolan out of here. Would you two be willing to carry me if I end up unable to walk?"

Drevolan inquired, "What's your plan?"

"Sorcery," I revealed.

"How—"

"I'll have to devise a spell. I'm not certain it's possible."

"I am a Sorcerer as well. Can I assist?"

I paused before declining, "I have one more Tivn leaf. I'll need its energy to cast the spell. If you help, who will help us both out?"

"I see. What is the spell meant to do?"

I hesitated, realizing I didn't want to divulge my plan.

"Why not, boss?" Opal queried.

"He'll just dismiss it as impossible."

"And is it?"

"We'll see."

"Why?"

"I've always wanted to challenge my skills as a Sorcerer. Here's my opportunity."

"Boss, I'm serious. If you invest so much into it and it fails, it will—"

"End me. I understand. Enough now."

"And with the amount of energy you'll have to channel into it, you won't be able to stay conscious. And—"

"That's enough, Opal."

I turned to Drevolan, "Hold on. I need to find a suitable place to set this up. I'll likely be near the Cycle, so steer clear; I don't want distractions. Once I'm done, if it works, I'll find you."

"And if it doesn't work?"

"Then you'll find me."

The price of persuading Lisa had been high, as were the costs of the soundproofing spells and the escape, which involved dealing directly with a wizard from the Left Hand, bypassing Feet. The reasons for it were unclear even to me. He wouldn't risk his reputation by betraying me after I'd done the work, but given that this murder was a Norsanti affair, he might be tempted to arrange an accidental teleport mishap to rid himself of me.

All said and done, I'd spent a significant sum, but I had enough left. I chose not to indulge in extravagance this time, aiming to avoid drawing attention. Staying in town was also a part of the plan. The murder had caused a stir, which made me uncomfortable initially, but I got used to it.

As far as I knew, my involvement remained a secret. Yet, there were some who seemed to know things. Nichols the Blade, a notorious figure, was one of them. A few weeks later, I began working for him directly, taking on jobs like collections, problem-solving, and supervision. I prudently saved my earnings, planning to invest them in something productive, possibly even something legitimate.

About a month into my work for Nichols, while visiting my grandfather in South Avandryl, I met a human girl named Nathalia. She had the most beautiful, silky black hair and captivating eyes. My investment plans were still in the pipeline.

Well, life goes on.

* * * *

Having come this far, there was no turning back. We would either escape together or not at all. And now, success seemed within our grasp. If I was to pray, I would have prayed to my grandfather rather than Nyxara, for his guidance would have been more beneficial.

Inventing a spell, however, was uncharted territory for him too. If only sorcery was functional here, Drevolan could have simply summoned the item from my apartment. Then again, if magic was at our disposal, we could have teleported out. Pointless to dwell on impossibilities.