Mark of the Fool

Chapter 513: The Consequences of Minions' Incompetence

For the first time in a long while, Alex Roth was barely paying attention during a class.

Now, that wasnt to say that he really needed to pay much attention in Magic Lore: even in year two of the coursewhich dealt with advanced history, physics and philosophysince the Mark helped him absorb the material like a sponge.

If he really wanted to, he could have used it to recall information that hed only paid minimal attention to during the lecture. As long as he attended the class, he could daydream all he wanted, then use the Mark to retrievethe professors material later.

If he combined that with speed-reading and a quick scan of the information in his textbooks, he could probably teach himself the entire courseand part of next yearsin under a month.

Maybe less.

Still, Alex Roth would never be so disrespectful that he would ignore one of his professor's lectures after theyd made the effort and taken their time putting it together. Anddespite what many of the other students thoughtMagic Lore was actually fascinating to him.

So, for him not to be paying attention in class, something very odd or very wrong had to be going on.

Today?

It was both.

Alex sat in the back row of the lecture hall beside Khalik and Thundar, his pen idly tapping a page and his mouth silently moving, repeating the incantation for Planar Doorway.

He wasn't trying to cast the spell, he was trying to master the incantations syllables. After nearly two weeks of feeling like he was repeatedly bashing his head against a stonewall with the spell, he would have gladly done anything for a breakthrough.

Muttering, he looked down at his notebook, focused on the single number that hed written in the centre of an otherwise blank page:

17%.

Two weeks of effort and hed only managed to master seventeen percent of Planar Doorways spell array.

This is bloody ridiculous, he thought, frustration growing, resisting the urge to snap his pen in two. All of this mysterious power inside mehelping me with all the summoning spells I wantand it cant get me through this?

In truth, the mysterious power was the only reason hed gotten as far with the spell as he had.

The task that hed taken on wasnt easy; trying to break through to fourth-tier spells using the most complex spell hed ever tried to cast in such a short space of time. Meanwhile, he was also juggling classes, time at the Research Castle, getting another dungeon core to continue his work with Shalewhich hed finally gotten less than three days agotraining with his merry band of mercenaries while they roomed at the Whetstone Tavernfacilitated by Baelins teleportation spellsand trying his damndest not to go completely insane. Meditation was his best friend lately.

He actually saw it as a small miracle that hed even gotten as far as he had with the spell.

But he didnt need a small miracle.

He needed a big one.

At this rate, Ill have less than fifty percent of the spell down by the time we head to Cretalikon. And I really want to know that teleportation spell if Im going into a bloody demon maze. He brooded, looking toward the front of the class at some of his classmates in the lecture hall. There were fewer who werent engaged than in first year Magic Lore, but quite a few still appeared intent on paying attention to literally anything rather than the voice of the professor.

Oh come on, he thought. The least you guys can do is pay attention, its not like most of youhave a suicide mission to a domain in the hells to look forwell, something. Ive got real bloody things to worry about.

He shook his head, trying to banish his worries.

Look, youve got time, Alex. He thought. Youve still got about two weeks left. You already got the dungeon core for Shales, so no more extra trips to Thameland for a while. Work on the business plan you and Toraka are developing is limited to only work hours. Youre all moved into your new home. The speaker box is completeyouve recruited all your minionsI mean, mercenariesyeah, youve basically done everything extra that needed to be done. Now you can dedicate all your extra time to mastering this spell, if you have to. You might get a breakthrough. Theres no need to worry, yet. Just focus on doing what you can do. Remember, youve got time.

Bringing himself back to focus, he tuned in to the lecture, trying to quiet his misgivings.

Itll be alright, he thought, between calming breaths. Itll be alright.

He would soon learn that it was notin factalright.

After another hour, class ended and students poured from the lecture hall, desperate to get away from what many thought to be the most boring mandatory subject imaginable.

Alex and his two cabal mates were the last to leave. And so ends another riveting lesson on the toileting habits of ancient wizards, Khalik said. Shall we have some lunch?

I cant right now. Alex grabbed a spell-guide from the basket hanging beneath a forceball. Ive really got to get back to work on Planar Doorway.

Still giving you trouble, eh? Thundar asked. Well, from what you told me, its stupidly hard. But, dont be too hard on yourself. Wont do you any good if youre dead before the mission even starts cos you starved yourself to death.

I wont make it a habit. Alex moved away at a half-jog. Its temporary. Ill take it a bit easier when this demon galas behind us

Yeah. Thundar snorted. Id best get back to practising my dance. Dont want them tossing us out cos we look like clods with two left feet. Happy studying!

Happy feasting! Alex waved as he rounded a corner.

He hurried toward one of his favourite spots for practising spellssomewhere nice and close to the infirmary, just in case things went horribly wrongand he was already deep in thought, reciting the incantation in his head when he slammed into a wall of stone.

Agh! he stumbled back, clutching his nose.

Father, there you are. I was waiting for you, Claygon said.

Ugh, try and wait a little louder next time, buddy, Alex murmured. Did you finish seeing Baeli

He paused, noticing the towering figure of the archwizard standing behind his golem.

And the look on the goatmans face was grim.

Very grim indeed.

Walk with me a moment, Alex, he said. To my office. We have much to discuss.

Is there something wrong? the young wizard asked, slowly shutting the door behind him. Its click sounded unnervingly final.

Yes. The chancellor quickly rounded his desk, pulling open a drawer and taking out a handful of spell-marked gems. Very. I have just finished having a talk with Zonon-Inand there is trouble.

Oh no. Alex crossed the room, his mind conjuring multiple disasters. Dont tell me Kaz-Mowang cancelled the demon gala or something. Did he find out about the plan? Did one of the mercenaries betray us?

No, no, nothing like that. In some ways, it is worse, Baelin muttered, counting the gems. Zonon-In informs me that her servants are dullards, oafs and imbeciles; the only reason I am not seeking them out to blast them out of existence is because she has already done so.

Alexs heart thundered. W-what did they do? Did they warn Kaz-Mowang about us?

No. The chancellor looked Alex in the eye. They were incorrect on the date of his gala. Highly incorrect.

The young Thameish wizard swallowed. Whenwhen is it?

The day after tomorrow.

Thatthat is too soon! Claygon protested, raising his voice for the first time that Alex could remember. Father hasnt mastered his teleportation spell yet!

I know, trust me, I know. The goatman growled, stalking toward a bookshelf. He pressed the back of a rather nondescript book, a click, and the entire row of shelves slid sideways, revealing a deep storeroom.

Inside, suits of armour, staves and weapons all blazed with power, filling the repository. Baelin stomped in, quickly selecting what he needed. Now, I have to scramble to rearrange my entire schedule and try to make my meeting with Ezaliel coincide with the gala, which I am sure shall not arouse any suspicion! His voice oozed sarcasm and bitterness.

Shit Alex muttered. Can we just go later? Nono, that demons stronghold is going to be a lot more secure when hes not expecting dozens of guests, isnt it?

Precisely, Baelin said. The safest time for you to enter those wallsand the time that will guarantee you the most successis when your enemy is welcoming people inside of those walls.

Yeah, youre right. The young, Thaemish wizard began to pace back and forth in the chancellors office, his mind working. And the longer we wait, the more chances for things to go wrong. But, still, maybewhens he hosting another gala?

That is unknown, the chancellor said. It could be any amount of time, even years, according to Zonon-In.

Yeah but, does she know what in all hells shes talking about, this time? Alex demanded.

I should hope so, Baelin said. Sinceand this is the worst partshe confirmed it by showing me her invitation. Her second, mind you. Those dead servants lost the first, inconveniencing her greatly andfar more importantlyus. That is why I say to ensure the competence of your minions, Alex. Look at all the havoc wrought by the carelessness of brainless demons!

Alex stopped dead. Shes going to be there?

Indeed. The chancellor eyed several different staffs before selecting one crafted of gold and wood. She has given her word that she will not interfere with anyone associated with me, but she does not know that you are working with me.

She willrecognize me Claygon said.

Yeah, but you were being held in reserve anyway, buddy, Alex said. Still, this isoh man, this is bullshit. Okay, hold on, let me think for a second, Baelin. Theres no way Im going down there unless I feel that Ive at least got most of what I need for success. Going in short on preparations would just risk me, Claygon, Thundar, Ripp and the others I hired.

Indeed, the archwizard agreed. A Proper Wizard adapts to circumstances, judging whether to continue with plans or cancel them, if one has time.

Yeah, well, the faster we can get the information, the quicker we have a chance to figure out something about Uldar, the Fool, the church and the Ravener, he muttered. Andthe Ravener hasnt sent any more invisible, petrifying monsters after me, Carey or Drestra yet, but Id be a fool to think its not planning something.

Agreed. The chancellor sheathed a dagger at his belt. So, with that in mind, what are your thoughts? I will advise you after your decision.

One secokay He ran through a mental inventory. Lets see, Ive got all the mercenaries recruited. Our teams at maximum size. Everyones basically picked up what their roles are for the performance. Ezeraks doing tricks with his magical tattoos. Kyembes dancing and fire-swallowing. Rippll be doing acrobatics. Guntiles juggling lightning. Thundar and Ill be dancing, and hes making illusions, and Ill be doing strongman stuff. Weve got all of that stuff covered.

His hand reached for his chin, fingers poised to run through his beard before remembering it was gone. Celsus and Claygon will be spell-marked and left in reserve. If theres trouble, Ill call them and thats when all hells gonna break loose. Lets seewhat else. Ive got my staff, Im about as prepared as I can be on demonic culture and language, and Ive been using the Mark and a pen to puzzle my way through about a hundred mazes a week.

His eyes fell on the spell-guide in his hand. The only thing left for me to do is to learn Planar Doorway. Everything else is done. Im probably going to be as prepared as Ill ever be except for that one spell.

Then what will you do? the chancellor asked him.

Alex sighed, resisting the urge to swear. Okay. First, Ill wait to see if you can arrange yourmeeting with Ezaliel. If you cant, Im not going anywhere: were finished if things go wrong and he gets involved. He has to be either distracted, or dead. Butif you can get that meeting? Screw it, the only thing that waitings going to do is lessen our chances in the long run.

He shrugged. Hells, maybe Kaz-Mowang hears that youre trying to find information about Hannar-Cim and destroys it. Time is not our friend here, and if I call everything off because I havent learned one spell, welllet me put it this way. It is a really useful spell, but if its the thing that makes or breaks us? Then Ive made a major oversight somewhere.

That would be my assessment as well, Baelin said.

Then it seems that were going to the hells in less than a couple of days, Alex muttered. No safety net, this time.

Indeed, it is the way of thingsthough I wish it was not so soon. The chancellor strode over to Alex, placing a hand on his shoulder. But, I have faith in you.

Well, thats a major vote of confidence. The young wizard squared his broad shoulders. And you tend to be right about things, Baelin. Lets hope that youre right this time.

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