“Erik, grab the bucket and follow me,” Janik said.

“Are we cleaning windows again?” Erik asked.

“Well, you’re good at it,” Janik replied with a chuckle.

Erik didn’t mind washing windows. It was certainly better than sitting and writing lines to work off his demerits. He also liked having the freedom to talk, and Janik seemed to like having company as well. The two had become fast friends, or at least, Janik was the closest thing to a friend that Erik had at Kuldiga Academy.

Janik was not like Master Lepkin, or any of the masters that Erik knew. He was warm and friendly, even with strangers. His eyes were so green they seemed to sparkle, and there was always a smile on his face. He wore an old, tan tunic under a set of brown, grease stained coveralls. Most of the other masters in Kuldiga Academy rarely, if ever, spoke to Janik, except to order him around, but Janik never seemed to mind. Erik often thought that the two could be brothers they were so similar, except that Janik was well into his fifties now.

Over the months Erik had spent working off his demerits by helping Janik the two talked about everything. Almost everything, that is. Janik walked with a terrible limp, and his left hand was curled at the wrist permanently like a fleshy hook. The cause of Janik’s disfigurement was the only thing that Janik refused to talk about. Erik had asked about it once, but after seeing the look on Janik’s face, he decided not to bring it up again.

“I noticed you aren’t swinging your waster when you walk anymore,” Janik said.

“Master Lepkin said I didn’t have to do it anymore,” Erik replied. He scooped up the bucket and turned to follow Janik.

“I suppose he figured you used it enough during this afternoon’s swordplay,” Janik said.

“You heard about that eh?” Erik asked.

“I watched it from one of the second story windows on the south side,” Janik replied.

Erik nodded his head. He wanted to ask what Janik had thought of it. After all, Erik had defeated many of the other Apprentices of the Sword, but there was something in Janik’s tone that stopped him.

“I hope your arm is still strong enough to clean windows,” Janik said as he handed a rag to Erik.

“I’m alright,” Erik replied. “I’m getting sore though, especially my shoulders.”

“I thought you would. Tomorrow you will likely be very stiff and achy.”

“Master Lepkin had one of the Apprentices of the Hand take a look at me.”

“Bah, what do they know about it?” Janik grumbled.

“Well, they are training to be healers,” Erik replied with a shrug.

Janik waved his crooked hand in the air and shook his head. Erik wondered why Janik seemed so bitter about the healers.

“Actually, why don’t you set the bucket down and come here?”

Erik put the bucket on the floor and walked back to Janik. The old, crippled man hobbled over to a counter, unlocked the top drawer, and pulled out a cobalt blue bottle. He seized the cork with his teeth and yanked the stopper free.

“What is that?” Erik asked.

Janik spit the cork onto the counter and held the bottle out to Erik. “Rub a bit of this on your shoulders. It’ll help keep you from getting too stiff.”

Erik took off his shirt and poured some of the clear liquid into his hand. It had no smell, but the oil felt cool in his hand. As he rubbed it onto his shoulders, the cool, tingling sensation turned hot. The heat penetrated below his skin and went deep into his joints.

“How’s that?” Janik asked.

“It’s wonderful,” Erik replied happily. “What is this?”

“It’s a special mixture that I use on my wrist and leg sometimes.”

Erik gently placed the bottle back on the counter and replaced the stopper. “Where did you get it?”

“Lady Dimwater makes it for me,” Janik replied. “It sure beats anything those wanna-be healers have, that’s for sure.”

“Do you know her well?” Erik asked. “Lady Dimwater I mean.”

Janik raised an eyebrow and turned to put the bottle back into the drawer. “I know her well enough.”

“Is there something between her and Master Lepkin?” Erik asked.

“It isn’t proper to speak about others behind their backs,” Janik replied.

“But if you saw the duels, then you must have seen the argument between Lepkin and Orres. They would have drawn swords against each other if not for her.” Erik folded his arms and waited for an answer.

“Actually, they would have drawn swords because of her,” Janik replied. “A long time ago, that is,” Janik clarified.

“What do you mean, exactly?”

“I have told you too much already,” Janik replied.

“I must know,” Erik pressed.

“Why, what business is it of yours?” Janik demanded.

“Janik, don’t be like this. Either you tell me, or I will find out for myself,” Erik promised.

Janik smiled slyly. “Very well, put the bucket back in the corner.”

Erik scurried over to the bucket and put it away. Janik watched silently. After the bucket was in its place, Janik pointed to the door. Erik was confused for a moment. He was unsure whether he was being dismissed or asked to close the door. He decided to close the door, hoping that Janik was about to disclose a great secret.

“Put your shirt back on,” Janik instructed as he tossed Erik’s shirt at the apprentice’s face.

Erik caught it and fumbled as he tried to quickly pull it over his head.

“I know you well enough to know that you won’t stop pestering me about this,” Janik said. “But, you will not mention to anyone what I am about to tell you.”

“I swear,” Erik replied.

“Lady Dimwater’s study is in the south tower,” Janik began. “If you want answers, you will have to find them for yourself, but be forewarned that if you are caught this will be far worse than any amount of demerits you can dream of.”

Erik’s toes fidgeted inside his boots. He was almost as excited about Lady Dimwater’s study as he was scared of getting caught. “How do I get in?” Erik asked.

“Luckily, I happen to have the spare key.” Janik pulled a large key-ring from his coveralls and searched through the seemingly endless keys. After a few moments he separated a green key from the ring and tossed it to Erik. “As a janitor, I have access to all rooms in Kuldiga Academy, except for Master Orres’ study.”

“If I get caught, they will know you gave me the key then,” Erik mused.

“If you get caught, I will say that you stole it,” Janik replied. “You do know the penalty for stealing, yes?”

“I do,” Erik replied with a heavy sigh.

“This is your last chance to turn back. You can either help me clean windows, or you can search for your answers. Which will it be?”

Erik thought hard for a few moments. The risk of getting caught would likely get him expelled, if not thrown in the stockades first, and dishonor his adopted family as well. He would probably never be able to find work outside of his adopted father’s manor either, unless he was willing to join the army as a regular. But, on the other hand, he had long wondered about Master Lepkin’s history. Maybe he would finally be able to unravel the mystery of the great battle at Gelleirt monastery, and of course, what exactly caused a rift between Lepkin and Orres. The trophy was too much for Erik to turn down. He reached out and grabbed the key from Janik’s hand.

“I’ll go,” Erik said decisively.

“Then, for both our sakes, I suggest you not get caught.” Janik limped over to a small desk and sat behind it in a padded chair. He shuffled a couple of papers on his desk and then looked at Erik. “I have often seen a diary on Lady Dimwater’s desk. I would imagine that the answers you seek can be found in it. Usually all of the Masters and Ladies are gone around four-thirty. Since today is a Friday, no one should be around at all tonight, except for me and Groundskeeper Rick. I will need the key back tonight by eight o’clock. If the key is not back by then, I will have to fill out a report stating that the key is lost. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir,” Erik replied. He glanced over at the grandfather clock by the window. “It’s almost five, shall I go now?”

Janik waved his hand and sighed. Erik couldn’t be sure if Janik was happy about this, but Erik had to know more about Lady Dimwater. What was between her and Master Lepkin? Had she used magic to calm Master Orres in the courtyard? And what was the potion she made for Janik? These, and many other questions about Master Lepkin, ran through his head as he made his way toward the south tower.

As he walked through the halls, Erik was careful not to make heavy footsteps. He kept an eye out for people as well. He strained his ears, listening for any sign of others, but the halls were empty. He relaxed a little after he passed through the dining hall. He knew that he was going the right way when he noticed that he was walking past paintings of great wizards of the past. He didn’t know much about wizardry aside from the fact that magic was a gift. You were either born with natural ability or you had to turn to the dark arts to gain it. There were many stories of dark wizards in the land that struck deals with demons in exchange for great powers. In fact, the existence of the Shadowfiends, as they were called, was almost the sole reason for the existence of Kuldiga Academy. Since Kuldiga Academy’s founding, new problems and threats rose against the kingdom and Kuldiga Academy was expanded until it finally became what it was now, with several different types of apprentices learning and hoping to graduate as professionals in their specific fields.

Erik paused to gaze at a grand depiction of a sorcerer battling winged demons on a mountain. The colors were striking and overall the painting was masterfully done, but that is not what captured his attention. In the painting there was a second human. This man held an axe and shield, covered in blood. At the man’s feet lay four slain demons, but it was the man’s face that Erik stared at. It looked like Janik, if you took away the wrinkles from Janik’s face that is.

Erik looked down at the brass plate on the bottom of the frame and read the words etched thereon.

“The rescue of Lady Zana, daughter of Count Reginald,” Erik read aloud. Erik squinted at the painting, trying to discern if the axeman really was Janik.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Erik saw something move across the hallway. He turned, but saw nothing. He listened carefully, but there was no sound. The hairs on the back of Erik’s neck stood on end and a chill ran down his back. He gave the painting one more look and then resumed walking toward the south tower.

As Erik exited the hall with the paintings, he couldn’t help but turn and look over his shoulder. He could feel something watching him. It was the worst feeling he’d ever felt. He looked around the small chamber, which was merely an intersection of four cold hallways, and checked for any sign of movement.

“Don’t let fear take control,” Erik whispered to himself. “Janik walks here every day cleaning the rooms. If it’s safe enough for him…” Erik stopped short as a strong wind blew through the hallway behind him. It sounded as though the wind itself was growling at him. He burst into a sprint straight down the next hall. He ran past sets of armor on display, tapestries, paintings, and the occasional door or window, but he didn’t stop to look at any of them. Something nipped at his heels and the wind growled louder. Erik ran faster and faster. He dared not turn around.

Soon he could see the end of the hall. The door to the south tower loomed in front of him. His feet carried him faster toward the dead end as the growling came nearer to his head and something almost grabbed his pant leg. He knew he would have to turn and face his hunter because there wouldn’t be enough time to unlock Lady Dimwater’s door before it took him from behind.

Erik spied a set of armor displayed on the right side of Lady Dimwater’s door. The gauntlet held a spear upright. Erik knew it was his only chance. He raced for the spear and ripped it from the stand with such force that the gauntlet was flung across the hall and clashed against the wall. Erik dropped to slide on his knees. Just before he reached Lady Dimwater’s door he spun around and pointed the spear upward, digging the butt of the spear into the crack under the heavy, oak door for support.

A silvery shape, too distorted to identify, parted around the spearhead and flew right past Erik and through the door. The growling was replaced by a hiss as the mist flowed by. Erik remained on his knees, his hands relentlessly held the spear ready.

What was that? Erik wondered. He slowly stood up, keeping his muscles tense and ready. He thought of going back to Janik and leaving Dimwater’s journal alone, but he couldn’t go back now. Whatever it was, it was gone now. There was no sense in abandoning his mission.

He stood the spear in the corner and pulled the green key from his pocket. He slipped the key into the hole and turned it slowly. The tumblers clicked into place and the door budged open. Erik glanced around once more and then pushed the door open. He poked his head in and searched the room for any sign of the apparition, but all was still. Sunlight flooded in from a window, illuminating the room. A large, open book lay on Dimwater’s cherry-wood desk amid strewn papers. A disorderly pile of books leaned against the side of the desk. An empty, brass birdcage stood in a far corner of the room. Erik saw many bookshelves lined with books, beakers, and various animal skulls. Erik slipped through the door and closed it gently behind him.

He went to the desk. He sat in the chair and looked at the large, open book. It was an old dusty and yellow tome that described the history of various regions of Terramyr. He pushed the book aside and started to search for Dimwater’s diary. He pulled open the drawer and rummaged through some old, stiff papers. Some were potion recipes, some were anatomical drawings, and others were written in strange languages that Erik did not understand. After a thorough search of the drawer he found a small, leather bound book under the papers. He pulled the book out and opened it. He hoped he had found the diary, but again he was disappointed. The pages inside were blank. Erik replaced the book and closed the drawer.

Something big growled in front of him.

Erik slowly lifted his gaze. A great, silver wolf stood with its front paws on the desk in front of him. Its snarling lips curled back to reveal shiny, white fangs as long as Erik’s fingers. The wolf lowered its head and stared directly into Erik’s eyes. Erik’s body froze. The fear gripped him so tightly that he couldn’t move. He sat paralyzed, helpless, as the wolf inched closer.

The wolf slid a paw forward on the desk. Its ears were flat against its head and its eyes never broke their gaze. Erik knew he had to do something, but he couldn’t. Even when he felt the wolf’s breath on his face he could barely blink.

The wolf opened its massive jaws and Erik could see its throat. He had nothing to fight with. His waster was back in Master Lepkin’s study, and he had left the spear in the hall, but he knew he had to try something –anything! Finally, he broke the spell and lunged forward at the wolf with his fists. He let out a feral yell and swung at the wolf, but his fist never connected.

The wolf was gone, just as suddenly as it had come. Erik took a moment to catch his breath. His heart was pounding like a hammer in his chest. He leaned back in the chair and wiped his brow.

“I better find that book and get out of here,” Erik told himself.

“I don’t think so,” someone said.

Erik stiffened and looked around. A purple light, no bigger than a candle’s flame hovered just above where the wolf’s head had been. The light expanded slowly at first and then it exploded. Erik threw up his arms to shield himself as the whole room was washed in violet. Then, it collapsed inward on itself. An instant after the light vanished all of the furniture in the room disappeared.

Erik landed hard and hit his rump on the bare stone floor. Everything was gone. The books, the beakers, the birdcage, and every single piece of paper had vanished.

“What is this?” Erik asked.

“It’s magic,” the voice answered condescendingly.

Erik looked up and saw a woman standing over him. “Lady Dimwater,” Erik said breathlessly. He scrambled for something to say, but Lady Dimwater was first to speak.

“I know why you’re here,” she said. “You have come to learn for yourself the truth about my past. Is this not so?”

Erik wanted to explain that his curiosity was just too strong. He had so many questions that he hoped her diary would answer for him, but he was too shaken up to form an explanation. Everything had happened so fast that he couldn’t collect his thoughts.

“You don’t have to speak,” Dimwater said. She waved her hand and a rectangular, wooden table appeared off to the side. She snapped her fingers and Erik watched two chairs materialize on opposite ends of the table. A red, silk table runner appeared and unfolded itself along the length of the table. Next, two plates, a teapot, and a large clear bottle filled with green liquid appeared.

“Come and have a seat,” Dimwater instructed. She took a seat with her back to the wall.

“Yes, ma’am,” Erik replied. He got up and walked over to the empty seat. He reached out and grabbed the chair, just to make sure it wasn’t an illusion.

Dimwater chuckled and motioned for Erik to sit. “The chair won’t disappear, I promise.”

Erik nodded, but he kept his hand on the chair until he was completely seated. “Can I ask a question?” Erik asked.

“May I ask a question,” Dimwater corrected. “Of course you have the physical ability to speak and arrange words into question form, but since you are asking for permission the correct way is to say May I.”

“Yes, ma’am, I meant may I ask a question?”

“You may.”

“What were those things that attacked me?” The ghost and the wolf I mean.”

“Again you ask questions to which you already know the answers,” Lady Dimwater tapped her fingernails on the table and looked at Erik intently. “Surely Master Lepkin’s chosen apprentice is not as stupid as he presents himself. I think you meant to ask why they attacked you, as you have already correctly deduced what they are, but the answer to that should be obvious as well. They are guardians of my study. They keep intruders out.”

Erik sighed and looked to the window high up on the wall. He was used to being teased by others, but for some reason Lady Dimwater’s insults hurt more than most.

“What kind of tea would you like?” Dimwater asked. She pointed to the teapot.

“I like mint tea, may I have that?”

“Very well,” Dimwater said. She muttered something that Erik couldn’t understand and seconds later the entire room was filled with the aroma of fresh mint tea. Steam escaped through the spout of the teapot and trailed off as it rose through the air. “I find it better to discuss bitter topics over drinks,” Dimwater said. She snapped her fingers and two tea cups appeared; one on each saucer plate. The teapot gently floated toward Erik and poured tea into his cup. The bottle of green liquid floated over to Dimwater, popped its own cork, and filled Dimwater’s cup.

“What is that?” Erik asked. He was feeling more comfortable now after being offered refreshment in place of infinite demerits or immediate expulsion.

“It’s absinthe,” Dimwater replied. “It is a bit too strong for you, but I find it helps to clear my mind.” She took a slow sip and set the cup back on the saucer.

Erik tested his tea. It was almost too hot, but that was how he liked it. Hot enough to sting the lips and be felt on the way down his throat. “It’s very good, thank you.” Erik looked up and saw that Dimwater was still staring at him. Her face was as stone and despite her beautiful features, looked scary. Her finger lightly traced the rim of her cup as she stared. It was then that Erik remembered why he was here. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have entered your study without your permission.”

“Your apology is accepted,” Dimwater replied. “However, we should discuss the matter of your punishment.”

Erik set his tea down and prepared for the worst.

“I deal with intruders quite differently than other teachers here at Kuldiga Academy.”

“Other students have done this before?” Erik asked incredulously.

“Of course,” Dimwater chuckled. A smile broke her stone-faced expression. “There are many rumors about me, young Erik. The rumors, combined with my powers and position here at Kuldiga Academy make for an irresistible temptation for all kinds of intruders, it seems. That is why I am so careful about guarding my study.”

“But why guard it if you can make everything disappear?” Erik asked.

Dimwater laughed out loud for several moments. When she calmed down a bit she wiped a tear from her left eye. “This room isn’t my study,” she said.

“But what about the desk and the books?” Erik countered. “And why would Janik tell me to come here if it wasn’t your study?”

Dimwater smiled and took another drink before she answered. “So, Janik gave you the key did he?” she asked.

Erik fidgeted in his chair nervously. He tried to think of a story to save his friend, but nothing came to his mind. “I made him do it,” was all he could think to say.

“My dear boy,” Dimwater chuckled. “Janik couldn’t be forced to do anything by a mere apprentice, not even Lepkin’s chosen protégé.”

“He’s crippled, ma’am, that gives me the advantage,” Erik replied smugly.

“His hand and leg may be twisted, but even if you had Lepkin’s flaming sword, you could not come close to defeating Janik. Perhaps you saw the painting of him in the hall?”

Erik nodded sullenly.

“Don’t worry; I will not involve Janik in your punishment.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Erik replied.

“Now, so that you understand what I meant about this room not being my study,” Dimwater began. She finished her drink and then tossed the cup into the air, where it vanished. “This room is a decoy. My real study is in the top of the tower.”

“But there aren’t any stairs. How do you get there?”

“Your ignorance of magic amuses me,” Dimwater replied. “Let me warn you that the other guardians of my study make those you encountered look like church mice by comparison.”

“Why didn’t Janik warn me about the ghost and the wolf?” Erik asked. The question was rhetorical, but Dimwater answered all the same.

“The guardians are meant to keep intruders out. Janik is not an intruder, as it is his job to clean Kuldiga Academy.”

“But he’s never seen your real study, I’ll bet,” Erik replied.

Dimwater touched her index finger to her nose and nodded. “Now you are starting to understand.” She stood from the table and waved her hand at the wall on her right. A large map of Terramyr unrolled from the ceiling to the floor. “Come and look here.” Dimwater pointed to a small island.

Erik was awestruck. The whole world of Terramyr was on a single map. He had never seen a map this large before. He approached it eagerly. As he drew nearer his jaw dropped open. There were waves on the ocean and seas, not just illustrated, but actual, moving waves. The trees of the forests swayed with the wind. Clouds rolled over the tops of mountains and valleys. Erik even saw a snowstorm on the southern-most continent.

“This is incredible,” Erik exclaimed.

Dimwater smiled. “I created it myself,” she said. Then she touched the island she had pointed out to Erik. “This is Kelboa. The island lies fifty miles to the west of here. To reach it we will use a magical device, called a teleporter.”

“We?” Erik asked. His crooked expression showed he wasn’t following.

“When a student breaks into my tower, I take them on an assignment with me. This way the student can work off his offense as my assistant, and learn firsthand what kind of person I am. Of course, I could also give you Kuldiga Academy approved punishment if you prefer.”

“No, ma’am,” Erik replied quickly. “But I’m afraid I won’t be much use to you, I can’t perform magic.”

“I didn’t say that I wanted you to. I said you would assist me. That can be done in different ways. Just do as I tell you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Erik replied with a nod.

“My assignment is two-fold. First I am to go to Spiekery and persuade a local priest to desist preaching and practicing his religion in the town.”

“Why should we do that? I thought we could practice any religion we wanted to in this kingdom.”

“Mostly that is true, but this man has created a religion that demands human sacrifices. Therefore I have been charged to put an end to it.”

“You mean, they kill people?” Erik asked.

Dimwater nodded. “The priest swears that it is the only way to appease a demon that ravages the city, but I have been given new evidence in the matter and the religion will end today, one way or another.”

“That’s awful,” Erik said.

“After that, we must travel to Kuressar. I must speak with a local official there.”

“What about?” Erik asked.

Dimwater went silent for a moment. The map went blank, rolled up like a scroll and disappeared. “I must swear you to secrecy before I tell you any more.” She pulled a needle from thin air and grabbed Erik’s hand. “You must not tell any apprentice what I am about to tell you. In truth, I only tell you because you will play an important role in the events to come.”

“I won’t tell any apprentice, but I can’t keep a secret from Master Lepkin.”

“Master Lepkin should have told you himself,” Dimwater replied. “Perhaps he felt you weren’t ready to know what purpose he chose you for, but I believe events are moving too quickly to put this off.”

Erik furrowed his brow. What is she talking about? Erik wondered. All he wanted was to know more about Dimwater’s past with Orres and Lepkin.

“You may speak of this to Lepkin, but no one else. Do you so swear?”

“I swear,” Erik promised. Lady Dimwater pricked one of his fingers and the needle with his blood began to glow. Erik wondered what could be so important, but nothing could have prepared him for Dimwater’s next words.

“Erik, the kingdom is fracturing from within while new, deadly threats throw themselves across our borders every day. The Masters of Kuldiga Academy are preparing for war.”

“What do you mean we’re preparing for war?” Erik asked. “Who is our enemy?”

“It isn’t as simple as that,” Dimwater replied. “It’s not just a war between the kingdom and some invading force, or some legendary foe. This is a multi-faceted war. There are many different factions vying for power in the realm. Some factions are friendly to King Mathias, some are neutral, and others are extremely hostile.”

“But if the enemy isn’t unified, how can it threaten us?”

“You aren’t hearing what I am saying,” Dimwater said. Her tone grew impatient. “The kingdom is not unified either. We have enemies from within and without. It’s too complicated to lay it all out for you now. Just understand that even the noble lords are divided against each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the Masters were also involved. You’ll catch on quick enough. After we return, you can ask Lepkin about it. He’ll be mad that I told you, but I think even he will see the wisdom in helping you understand your role in the events to come.” Dimwater clapped her hands and a mirror appeared in the center of the room.

Erik watched as green, blue, and purple streaks of lightning sparked over the mirror’s surface. Each spark was heralded by a crackle just loud enough for Erik to hear before the bolts streaked across the glass. After a minute of this, a pale light emitted from the glass. The light became brighter as the lightning bolts coursed through the mirror instead of over it. As Erik watched, the faint outline of houses became visible in the mirror. The view became clearer and showed pine trees, people, pigs, cottages, and a stone altar.

“Take my hand,” Dimwater instructed. Erik took her hand and then Dimwater ran straight for the mirror. Erik balked at first, but Dimwater dragged him through the portal. As Erik passed into the mirror he was blinded by a searing white light. He tried to say something, but his voice wouldn’t work. He tried to turn back, but Dimwater’s grip was too strong. When the light vanished Erik found himself standing on dirt in front of the stone altar he had seen in the mirror.

“Stand up straight,” Dimwater commanded. “People are watching, and we must make a good impression.”

Erik struggled to keep his legs steady as he looked around. There were probably fifty or sixty peasants standing around them. It was obvious that they hadn’t been expecting a visit from a sorceress. Some of the men carried fire-wood on their backs in large packs, while women carried buckets or baskets. Erik saw a few children peeking around their mothers’ legs, while some older teenagers stood near a pigpen watching intently.

“I have come to speak with Baltezer. Where is he?” Dimwater produced a wizard’s staff with a snap of her fingers. She slammed the bottom of the staff onto the hard packed dirt below her and a most terrible thunder clap roared over the town. Some of the villagers fell on their knees, grabbing their ears.

“I am here, sorceress,” a man called out from behind the altar. “There is no need for your theatrics.”

“Nor is there any need for yours, Baltezer,” Dimwater replied sharply.

Erik watched the dark-haired man come forward through the crowd. He wore long, cream colored robes of silk. A black crescent moon was embroidered on the front, just above Baltezer’s heart. He walked with his hands clasped behind his back and a smile on his face. His head was slightly bowed, yet despite his humble appearance, Erik felt extremely uncomfortable.

“Pray tell, what can the humble village of Spiekery do for you?” Baltezer asked.

“My business is not with the people of Spiekery, it is with you,” Dimwater replied. She then set a hand on Erik’s shoulder. “Pull the scroll from your pocket and read the charges,” she instructed Erik.

Erik looked down and was astonished to see that he was now dressed in black silken robes. He pulled a scroll out of the pocket and opened it. His eyes went wide when he saw the list of charges.

“Go on and read them, and do try to sound authoritative,” Dimwater whispered.

Erik composed himself and read the scroll out loud for all to hear. “Baltezer the Brown, by the order of the Honorable Judge Alan McTeabe, you are hereby charged with several crimes against the crown. These crimes include; fraud, extortion, murder, and practicing the forbidden dark arts. It is the order of the Royal Court that you be arrested and brought to stand trial and, if found guilty, hanged for your crimes.”

“Get out of here!” a large man shouted. The crowd echoed his sentiments. Baltezer stood silent, still smiling as smugly as ever.

“Continue,” Dimwater whispered.

“If you resist arrest, then the agent of the court, Lady Dimwater, has been authorized to use any force necessary to subdue you, including death. Any other persons who try to hide or defend you shall also be subject to Lady Dimwater’s judgment.”

“This is an outrage!” a woman shouted.

“The priest has done nothing wrong, he has blessed our village,” another shouted.

“He’s done more for us than the crown ever has,” yelled another.

Baltezer raised has hands to silence the crowd. “Why do you come here with false accusations, read by a beardless boy? I am insulted. You have no proof of these allegations.”

“If you desire proof, I will give it to you,” Dimwater replied. “I know that your religion demands human sacrifices. I have three witnesses that have already testified to this. Do you deny it?”

“The sacrifices keep our town safe from demons that would destroy us,” a large, burly man bellowed.

“He’s right, Lady Dimwater,” Baltezer said. “I cannot deny that we do sacrifice on occasion, but without these sacrifices the demon would devour our city whole.”

“What is the name of this demon?” Lady Dimwater demanded.

Many of the spectators gasped and covered their mouths.

“You know that to speak a demon’s name is to summon it,” Baltezer said angrily. He took a few steps closer and folded his arms. His smile was replaced by flushed cheeks and sharp eyes. “I will not speak his name.”

“As the agent of the Royal Court, it is my right to demand this and any other information I deem appropriate.”

Erik took a deep breath as Dimwater returned Baltezer’s steady-eyed stare.

“Baltezer the Brown, I order you, on pain of death, to give me the name of the demon.” Lady Dimwater lifted her staff and tipped it, pointing the top at Baltezer. Erik had not noticed the brass lion’s head ornament on the staff’s top before. It seemed to Erik that the lion’s head was snarling at Baltezer.

“Milady, with respect, I must remind you that if I say the demon’s name it will be summoned here. It will put all of us at risk. I fear the demon is too powerful, even for a sorceress.”

“Enough games, Baltezer,” Dimwater growled. “You know full well that you may write the name and it will not be summoned.” A white piece of paper and a quill magically appeared in the air in front of Baltezer. “Write the name and give it to me.”

“Baltezer was right about the nobles,” the burly man shouted. “He said they would never help us without seeing the demon for themselves.” The crowd murmured and shouted derogatory comments about King Mathias, Erik, and Lady Dimwater. “Well, I ain’t gonna let some high-and-mighty witch call a demon on us.” The burly man pulled a broadsword from a sheath on his back and charged.

Erik had not brought his waster, but he instinctively reached for it and was surprised when he gripped the hilt of a sword of steel in his hand. He drew the sword and took a high-guard stance, holding the blade above his head. The crowd laughed at him, but Erik pushed the noise out of his head. He poured all of his focus into his foe. This was not a duel with wasters. This was real. He studied his foe’s heavy run, calculating how many steps it would take for the burly man to reach him. In the span of a single second, Erik determined that the burly man was right-handed, due to the fact that he gripped his sword with his right hand over his left. He also knew that the man would reach him in seven more paces, placing the man’s left leg forward. Erik figured that these two facts, combined with the large man’s momentum, probably meant that the first attack would be a crude forward thrust. Erik knew what to do.

Two seconds later the man’s left foot stomped hard on the ground. Then the man lowered his sword and thrust straight at Erik’s exposed chest. Erik pivoted on the ball of his left foot to dodge the thrust. As he moved he simultaneously flipped his sword into an upside-down grip and sliced through the man’s right armpit. The man wailed in agony but still held his sword. Erik stepped behind the man and drew a red line across the man’s back as he slid his blade across. Erik gracefully spun; placing himself on the burly man’s left side, and ended the fight by slapping the burly man’s hands with the flat of his blade. The man dropped his sword and fell to his knees.

“Yield,” Erik demanded. The apprentice pointed the tip of his sword at the man’s neck. “Yield and I will let you live.” Erik’s tone was confident and unafraid.

“I yield,” the man relented. He was holding his left hand to his right armpit and panting heavily.

“Baltezer, give me the name before anyone else gets hurt,” Dimwater demanded after the duel was over.

“I will not,” Baltezer roared. “Take your beloved tyrant’s law elsewhere. You aren’t wanted here.” Others in the crowd reached for their swords and slowly started to close in.

Dimwater narrowed her eyes. Erik was almost as scared of her in that moment as he had been of the wolf guarding her study. After a few seconds Dimwater pulled a parchment from her robes.

“People of Spiekery, you have been deceived. The man you know as Baltezer is a Shadowfiend. Your tormentor and savior are one and the same.”

The crowd stopped advancing, but a wave of shouts protested Dimwater’s words. The sorceress tapped the head of her staff on the ground, releasing a sound like a great gong. The crowd covered their ears and shied away.

“If you desire proof, here it is.” Dimwater unfolded the parchment and looked at the contents briefly. “One of your accusers gave us the demon’s name. Now I will reveal the truth behind your fraud, Baltezer the Brown, or should I say Be’alt the Black?”

The crowd collectively gasped and started to scatter.

Dimwater tapped the ground again to get their attention. “Stand and look at your priest, for he is the beast. He is the one who ravages your village, demanding sacrifices be made.”

“Curse you woman,” Baltezer growled.

Erik stepped back as he watched the priest’s mouth and nose elongate into a hideous, fang filled snout. His hair turned black and coarse. His ears became pointed. Bulging muscles filled the robes to their limits before the clothing finally burst and fell to the ground. The coarse, black hair covered his entire body now.

“The demon is now revealed,” Dimwater announced.

The crowd shrieked and ran. Some men drew swords or knives, but most rushed their families away to safety.

“What do I do?” Erik asked. His voice cracked and his hands shook, but he held his sword out, trying to prepare for a fight.

“Get yourself to a safe place, young apprentice. I will deal with this myself.” Dimwater pushed Erik away and then advanced toward the beast. Erik hid himself around the corner of a stone cottage, but he peered around and watched Lady Dimwater confront the beast.

“Be’alt the Black, today you die,” Dimwater shouted.

The beast snarled, revealing its teeth. Long, pointed talons grew from the tips of its fingers, but Dimwater was unafraid. She leveled her staff at the beast and sent a fireball at it. Be’alt waved his hand and the fireball turned to a puff of smoke.

“I have dealt with meddling wizards before,” Be’alt growled. He lunged directly at Dimwater, but was punched back through the air by a psionic blast.

“And I have dealt with more than a few Shadowfiends,” Dimwater countered after Be’alt landed on his back.

Be’alt shook his massive head and roared defiantly. He charged again, this time unleashing a series of magical blasts from his hands. Lady Dimwater held out her left hand, palm facing out, and created a shield of golden light. Be’alt’s magical assault slammed into the shield like thunder claps, but the shield held firm. Even Be’alt was stopped by the shield. He clawed and punched the golden barrier but nothing worked. Lady Dimwater calmly raised her staff and spoke the words of an ancient spell.

As Dimwater continued the spell, Be’alt tried to go around the shield, but the shield moved with him. No matter how fast he ran or switched directions, the shield was always in place between him and Dimwater. Be’alt, driven to madness, slammed his body into the shield time after time. He clawed at it, threw spells at it, and even bit it, but the shield continued to hold. Finally he let out a roar that shook the ground. His talons began to glow like hot coals, and then he punched the shield with such force that a blast of wind picked up dust around them. The shield began to crack. Be’alt struck again and it cracked some more, but Dimwater held her concentration and continued to complete the words of the spell.

The shield broke. The golden light shattered and then dissipated like vapor in the wind. Be’alt, eyes crazed with bloodlust, lunged for Dimwater’s throat. At that moment, the sorceress completed the spell. She swung her staff as hard as she could. The brass lion’s head connected first with Be’alt’s snout, then his ribs, his throat, and finally his spine. Dimwater was so fast, and her magic so strong that the beast spun in midair with each strike.

When Be’alt landed, Dimwater struck him once more on the skull. Golden sparks shot out as the staff connected with Be’alt’s head. Then the beast was still. Lady Dimwater knelt down and placed her right hand on Be’alt’s forehead.

“Demon, be gone,” she commanded. A small spark flew from her hand and onto the demon’s head. She backed away several paces and then Be’alt’s body was consumed by fire. After she watched the fire she turned and beckoned Erik to her side.

He hesitated at first, but only for a moment. “What can I do?” Erik asked as he approached.

“When the fire is done you will collect ashes in this vial. I must take them back with me as proof of the demon’s death.”

“Alright,” Erik said as he took the vial and watched the fire die down.

“I will speak with the townsfolk. They deserve an explanation,” Dimwater said.

Erik nodded and dutifully began collecting ash in the vial. The stench was unbelievable. He tried to shield his nose from it, but it was too strong. He had to fight back the urge to vomit as he scooped ash into the glass vial. He turned away from the stink and saw a group of men talking with Dimwater.

Erik couldn’t hear the conversation, but it seemed to be going as well as one could hope. The men looked like they were in shock, but they behaved politely and were nodding periodically. Erik couldn’t even imagine what the people might be feeling. He tried to imagine what it might be like if this had happened in his town, or Kuldiga Academy, but the notion was so far beyond him that he couldn’t adequately evoke the emotions that the villagers likely felt.

He finished collecting the ash, put a stopper in the vial and started to go back to Dimwater. As he walked he looked to his left and saw the man he had fought just minutes before. A young lady was bandaging his wounds as he sat with his back against a wooden fence. The expression on his face was distant and glazed. Erik wasn’t sure why, but he felt the need to talk with the man.

“Are you alright?” Erik asked. The man looked up at him, and then looked back to the pile of ashes.

“He will mend,” the young woman said. Erik could hear the anger in her words. “You didn’t have to slice him up so,” she scolded.

“Actually, I did,” Erik replied with a shrug. “He meant to kill me, I couldn’t just stand there.”

The young woman huffed and concentrated on her work. Her face was flush and her shoulders rose and fell angrily with each breath. “My father meant well, he didn’t know about Baltezer. None of us did. You ought not to have treated him like that.”

“Be thankful that young Erik showed mercy, girl,” Dimwater chided as she strode up behind Erik. “I would not have been so kind.”

The young woman seethed with anger. Her hands shook and she had to stop bandaging her father. Her father finally broke from his trance and placed a hand over his daughter’s hands.

“We owe them our thanks,” he whispered. “I acted foolishly.”

“Well, Erik, it is your choice whether we arrest this man for treason against the crown,” Dimwater said.

Erik looked to Lady Dimwater questioningly. He didn’t know what to say, or what to do. The man had attacked Erik, but Erik could understand his motives. Furthermore, Erik remembered Master Lepkin’s words about killing another and the effect it would have on others. Treason was a crime punishable by death. “I think this village has suffered enough. I don’t want to arrest him.”

“So be it,” Dimwater replied. “We must go.” The sorceress turned and left. Erik turned to follow but the man reached out and grabbed his arm.

“I won’t forget your mercy, Sir Erik,” he said with a bow of his head.

“Thank you,” the young woman added. The anger was gone from her face.

Erik nodded and then caught up with Lady Dimwater. “Did I disappoint you?” Erik asked.

“No, why would you ask that?” Dimwater replied.

“I wasn’t sure if you approved of my decision,” Erik said.

“I think it was wise,” Dimwater said. “He will remember your mercy long after the sting of his wounds has faded.” Lady Dimwater snapped her fingers and the magic mirror appeared before them. “I was impressed with your swordsmanship,” she added. “It is a rare thing for an apprentice of your age to defeat a full-grown man. You also showed wisdom in disarming him. Things would have gone far differently if you had killed him.”

Erik smiled and was about to thank her when she grabbed his arm and pulled him through the magic portal.

“I really don’t like that,” Erik said as he hunched over, clutching his stomach.

“It takes some practice to get used to it,” Lady Dimwater replied knowingly. “If it means anything, you handle it quite well for a first-timer.” She bent down, reached an arm under Erik’s left arm and pulled him up straight. “Come, the castle is just up this hill.”

“Why didn’t the portal take us all the way to the castle?” Erik asked. “It took us right where we needed to be the first time.”

“It is forbidden to teleport directly into the castle of a lord,” Dimwater replied. “Times being as troubled as they are now, no one much likes the idea of wizards popping into their homes uninvited.”

“I never realized we lived in so much danger,” Erik commented.

“Children should not have to know war,” Dimwater said soberly. “But, for good or for ill, you will learn of it soon enough.”

Erik grew silent then as his thoughts drifted off. He did his best to follow Lady Dimwater as he imagined archers lurking in the lush pine forest on his right, or orcs spying on him from the field of boulders to his left. Like the events at Spiekery, it was hard for Erik to fully comprehend war and all of its woes. All he knew of war came from history books and the songs of bards. Soon his mind wandered and thought of other things as he followed Dimwater on the road.

As the two of them began hiking upward, Erik stopped and took a good look around. The road switched back and forth as it climbed up toward the castle. The front wall of the castle was crude, made of stone with a wooden drawbridge, two towers in the gatehouse and two more at the corners of the wall. Erik could also make out the sharp points of a wooden pike fence around the outside of the stone wall. He couldn’t imagine a place like this needing such fortifications. He turned around and surveyed the forest and field below him. Everything looked peaceful and still.

“Don’t dawdle,” Lady Dimwater called out.

Erik turned and saw that she was quite far from him now. He jogged to catch up with her and apologized. “I was trying to get a feel for the area,” he explained.

Lady Dimwater said nothing; she just kept walking up the road until they reached the top and stood outside of the wooden fence.

“Who goes there?” a guard called out from one of the gatehouse towers.

“I am Lady Dimwater, sent to speak with the Lord of Kuressar Castle.”

Erik looked up at the tower. His heart skipped a beat when he saw that other guards were also in the tower, and they were aiming crossbows at him and Dimwater.

“Lord Hischurn is not seeing guests today,” the guard replied.

“He will see me,” Dimwater insisted. “I am here as an agent of King Mathias.”

“I am sorry ma’am, but my orders are to refuse everyone,” the guard said.

“You would do well to remind Lord Hischurn that he does not have the right to refuse an emissary from the king, whom he is bound to serve.”

“I will give him your message, Lady Dimwater,” the guard promised.

“Let’s go, Erik,” Dimwater said. She snapped her fingers to summon her magic portal, but before she left she gave the guard a warning. “I am not known for my patience. You tell Lord Hischurn that I will be back in one week. If he turns me away again, it will be at his own peril. Pray that your master remembers where his loyalties lie.”