The day began like the last few had, but Therelin knew it would end differently. He made small talk with Kren over breakfast, but he couldn’t help but watch Maia out of the corner of his eye. There had been much excitement at Tempest Tower since the summit two weeks past, but much of it had been lost on Maia. She quietly awaited the next bit of news from Saanazar, dreading the tidings and feeling ultimately powerless to do anything about them. Continue reading Therelin 49
The first summit of Tempest Tower was held in the courtyard, amid the tents and campfires that assembled before the steps into the Keep. Therelin, joined by Maia and Kren, joined the crowd of magicians. They noticed Devender standing near Irrith—another familiar face from the Isle of Dusk, though Therelin had never spoken to the high-ranking Conclave mage. Master Byranim, standing closer to the steps, gave Therelin a wave when he noticed him. Continue reading Therelin 48
As the first official summit at Tempest Tower grew nearer, Therelin began to grow excited by those who arrived. A few familiar faces from the Isle of Dusk had come for the new summit: Mistress Tarka, with whom Therelin had discussed the impact of secrecy; Mistress Kloro, who had shared her garden with the Ketho apothecary; and, eventually, Master Byranim himself! The warrior mage had once nearly sent Therelin on a mission to the Crimson Highway. Now, however, Byranim was missing an arm. Continue reading Therelin 47
Rain was suddenly dripping on Therelin’s bare shoulders. Having just come from Saanazar, he looked around and found that a mountainside trail ran zigzagging ahead of him. Maia and Kren stood next to him, also turning to check their surroundings. Down the ridge and off to the right was the dark water of Tieko’s Deep, reflecting the dreary clouds overhead. Continue reading Therelin 46
At long last, Therelin went to the shops of Saanazar in search of a sword. He brought Kren along, though Kren was not much of a warrior. They perused two smithies and an arms stall in the market before Kren found one he assured Therelin was a reasonable deal. Purchase in hand, Therelin uncomfortably fastened it to his belt. He tried to ignore it, and move on, but Kren also purchased an oil and a whetstone so Therelin could learn to care for his blade. Therelin also reluctantly agreed that they ought to occasionally train with the weapon, too. Continue reading Therelin 45
“Ah, you came back…” Nolicrin muttered, staring from the door of his Hall at the group that loitered at the edge of the open shrine area.
Standing among them, Therelin felt the master magician’s eyes prying at his. He took a deep breath and then stepped out from Maia and Kren. Maia had been kind enough to offer them a cot on the floor of her grandfather’s house—where she stayed—but it had left Therelin stiff. And all his conversations with her at the bar the night before had only reminded him how important it was to piece together the puzzle he had begun to comprehend. The unimpressed master mage standing at the door might very well be holding the missing piece. Continue reading Therelin 44
The docks of Saanazar appeared beneath Therelin’s sandals with a scuffing sound. The smell of seaweed and fish was immediate, while the clang of ships’ bells and churning waves soon filled his confused ears. As they hurried out of the harbour, Kren asked one of the dockworkers for the date. They got a strange look, but a prompt response—no more time had passed than they had expected. Each time they Journeyed, Therelin worried that he would reappear long after Tarro’s conquests had ended. Continue reading Therelin 43
Once more, Therelin and Kren traversed the familiar road betwixt Soros and Noress-That-Was. Although they had resolved to indeed visit Master Nolicrin next, their friendship with Lord Dakhu Lefayo warranted a report of their continued efforts. Along the way, Therelin slipped into yet another vision, this time of a gently-forested hill—with not another detail of note to set it apart from a dream. It was only the recurring symbology of the hill that placed it as a vision at all. Continue reading Therelin 42
The magistrate of Soros—formally known as a Mazaar on the Isle of Var Nordos—received Therelin and Kren in her upstairs office at the Gallendris Estate on Coin Hill. Jannia Gallendris was a stern woman fresh into her middle years. She had sharply-cut, dark hair, matching the stately style of her rich red blouse and subtle, yet distinguished, jewelry. She looked up from her paperwork when the two magicians were shown in, finished making one mark, and then pushed the document away from her to give them her full attention. Continue reading Therelin 41
Before meeting with Yolen—the tinkerer recommended by Lord Dakhu—Therelin discussed his options with Kren. As Yolen was not a scholar of the Gallendris House, it seemed likely that the only way forward was to speak with Mazaar Gallendris herself—the Lady of the House and the ruler of Soros. Kren wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but had no other options to suggest. Continue reading Therelin 40