Mark of the Fool

Chapter 514: The Image of the Fool Fulfilled

Alex appraised the image confronting him, in manyways, his reflection in the mirror was more than a little discomforting.

It was as if hed finally done it, betrayed himself, embraced his role in Uldars grand scheme at long last.

Or, at least, that was how he looked.

His costume was a garish crimson, chequered in yellow and blue. Big, white gloves covered his hands, and his shoes were so long, they made his feet look like they belonged to some giant, humanoid rabbit.

His face was painted a stark white, though one of his eyes was covered by a black star, and below them, a foolishly long false nose protruded, fashioned from a cored, waxed carrot.

Worst of all was the hat. More of a cap, really.

It was big and floppy, dyed bright red, sickly yellow, and vibrant blue; projecting from the top were four drooping horn-like sleeves that hung down past his ears, and attached to the end of each?

A single tinkling bell.

Four bells in total, ringing and rattling each time he moved his head: the final signature that completed his Fools uniform.

Finnius Galloway would have nodded in satisfaction as he penned Alexs entry into another volume of A History of Our Heroes and their Opposition of the Ravener.

Were he still alive, at any rate.

As far as Alex knew, the author was long in the after-world, and this ridiculous costume was likely to be the only thing standing betweenhimand a demons hungry claws.

In more ways than one.

After hed bought his troupes costumes, hed set about enhancing them with alchemy. They hadnt become actual suits of armour, but hed increased both the strength and resiliency of the fabric, then layered an enchantment of greater force armour onto each one.

Itd been expensive work, but he had the coinwith more on the wayand losing their lives would have been, well, just a tad more costly.

He just wished the entire get-up didnt look so ridiculous.

If the worst happened, hed rather death found him looking far more dignified.

Alright, Alex, he clapped his hands to his cheeks, bringing his mind into focus. No sense in wasting any more time. Lets go.

On his bedbeside his stafflay a satchel dyed in gaudy shades of purple. Waves of emotion came from the aeld branch as he picked it up: nerves, curiosity, determination and excitement.

Were going to get out of this together. Alex soothed the staff, taking one last look around his bedroom in the bakery.

It was far bigger than his room in the insula and his old bedroom in the Lu Family Inn combined, and was well furnished with high quality furnishings. The bed was the most comfortable hed ever slept in, the wardrobe had more than enough room for more clothing than he owned, and there was a sitting area near the window.

A sitting area! In his bedroom!

Id better not die right after I finally get rich enough to enjoy this stuff, Alex grumbled, dragging himself to the door.

On silent footsteps, he made his way down the stairs to the dining room where a welcoming group was waiting, which hed kind of expected.

What surprised him though, was just how many people were waiting for him.

Hed expected Theresa, Selina, Claygon and Brutus to be up, ready to see him off, but he hadnt expected Prince Khalik, and Isolde to be sitting at the dining room table along with Thundar. Whispered conversation fell silent as he appeared in all of his foolish glory.

Tadaaaa he said, trying to lighten the mood, though his voice was a little weak. I finally look the part.

Not a single laugh answered him.

Prince Khalik crossed his arms, his face grim.

Isolde narrowed her eyes, her gaze hard and stern.

Theresas death-stalker face grew even more terrifying.

Claygon stood impassively, but a wave of determination reached for Alex through their link.

Brutus whimpered. Najyahwell, Najyah preened herself showing a total lack of interest.

Selina stared at her brothereyes red and jaw tenseas though she was intent on burning him into memory.

And lastly, there sat Thundar, giving Alex a nod of shared resolve. The minotaur was already dressed in his costume: a bright, mustard, yellow tunic and trousers, chequered with images of stags leaping over brilliant, red, berry bushes.

Bright purple paint was slathered over his hooves, which were now shod with silver horseshoes for the occasion. A snowy white magicians cape fell from his broad shoulders, and his face was concealed by the stags mask hed worn at Patrizia DePaolos ball and the Festival of Ghosts in first year.

How do I look? Thundar growled through the mask.

Like a ridiculous magician, Alex said lightly. Perfectly suited for the role.

Great, so if I die, Im gonna die looking like a jackass. Thats just damned perfect, the minotaur snorted.

Oh, please, we wont have to worry about that! The young wizards voice was positively cheery. Well be in and out in no time, and if not? Well just smash all the demons down there! Right, Thundar?

Silence.

Oh, come on, youre all acting like were at a funeral, Alex said. And the person that died is someone we actually like! Come on, lets get some fearlessness going, shall we? And none of this last second were all coming with you business either. You know how thats going to play out: you argue why you should come, we point out all the logical reasons why you should stay here. We go back and forth, we convince you. You stay here.

If. Prince Khalik started. If we were to argue, what makes you so sure that you would win? You could be convinced by us.

Khalik, dont. Thundar shook his head. Weve already got a team together, and weve been practising our performances for two weeks. Ive met the other mercenaries and I already knowRipp. You havent met them. None of you have. You arent prepared. Youre just going to make this harder, man, but thanks for the thought.

Yeah, what Thundar said, Alex agreed. Weve got everything lined up. Zonon-Ins secured us spots as some of Kaz-Mowangs performers. But she said thered be a band of six people. Not nine or ten.

Isolde sniffed. Your logic is unpleasantbut correct. Know that I would have followed you into the very teeth of the hells themselves.

We know, Alex and Thundar said at the same time.

Come back safe. Safe. Theresa emphasised.

Alex crossed the room, planting a kiss on her lips. We will.

He turned to Selina, spreading his arms. A hug for your big brother?

There was a pause, followed by a scrape of wood on wood as the young girls chair shifted. She slid from her seat, rounded the table and wrapped her brothers torso in a tight hug.

Selina buried her head in his chest. Please dont die, her voice was small and teary.

Alex hugged her back, stroking her fluffy hair. I wont. I promise.

Internally, he hoped that hed be able to keep that promise.

The goodbyes were quick after that.

Nobody staying behind wanted to dwell on grim possibilities of failure, while Thundar, Claygon and Alex didnt want to delay any longer than they already had.

Friends and family watched the golem and two young wizards from the bakerys front doorway, waving as they stepped into the early morning light, footsteps heavy from the weight of their supplies, and their even heavier hearts.

Alex looked over his shoulder, waving until they rounded a corner and passed into the busy street beyond.

So, are you ready? Like actually? Thundar asked. Like without the brave face, I mean.

No, of course not! Alex hissed. I think Im gonna turn the seat of these pants brown! You?

Same. Thundar snorted. I think I spent three hours in bed last night asking myself if Id lost my damned mind. Didnt get to sleep until I took a tonic.

What about you, Claygon, are you ready? Alex asked.

Yes Claygon said. His grip tightened on his war-spear. If I am destroyed protecting you, fatherIve fulfilled my purpose. And I would reallylike to kill that big demon.

Well, Im glad one of us isnt afraid, Alex said. But youve got to value your life more, buddy.

Ido. I dont want to diebut I amstill ready.

Ugh, well now I feel shitty for turning coward at the last minute. Thundar glanced down at his mustard-coloured costume. Like, shit, yellow was the perfect colour for me.

Yeah, I get what youre saying. Alex shook himself, taking a deep, calming breath. Were the ones practising meditation and the Cleansing Movements the most, and we cant calm ourselves down? Come on, whats the matter with us? Why should we be afraid, except for common sense, of course.

Yeah, and the danger of being horribly killed, Thundar added.

Mashed into pulp Claygon chimed in thoughtfully. Stone ground to dust. Eyes gouged out. Elbows shattered. Knees split. Our bodies burned away. Our limbs hacked and mangled

Yeah, maybe we should bravely run away, Alex interjected.

Turning tail and fleeing sounds good. Thundar nodded seriously.

The three companions looked at each other, then laughed for the first time that day.

As they laughed, they drew eyes from those out in the early morning air. Merchants looked at them with puzzled expressions, as did travellers and folk having their morning meal on their balconies, watching the streets below.

But one person in particular caught Alexs eye. Just for a moment. It was a lean woman, one whose face was very familiar, who disappeared as the morning crowd moved around them.

Alex thought hed seen her before, and it took a minute for him to remember who she reminded him of.

She bore a striking resemblance to Lucia, the sky-gondolier whod ferried Alex and his family to the university on their very first day in Generasi. When hed last seen her, shed been making great haste to leave the city after Khalik had paid her a hefty sum to take themand one unconscious mana vampireinto The Barrens.

But it couldnt be her.

Since when did Lucia wear such rich, finely-made clothing? And the woman definitely lacked the dead-fish stare that was characteristic of Lucias face. There was no way shed have such lively eyes and bear an expression that was so relaxed.

No, it must have been a relative of hers.

Morningtide, boss! a voice called from up ahead.

Ripp was waving the wizards and golem into an alleyway. The swiftling was dressed in bright greens, looking like a merry forest faerie. A big bycocket sat jauntily on his head, its forward brim so long, that it reminded Alex of a ducks bill. Your tailoring was right on the coin, boss. It fits me as well as my own skin.

Glad to hear it. Alex smiled wanly, stepping into the alley with his two much larger companions. Well need it to fit well in case theres any fighting to do.

It might not come to that, Ripp said. The plans solid, even if we need to make it happen earlier than planned. But thats the way with monster hunts. Things got a way of surprising you.

Yeah, thats when youve got to think and adapt, Alex said wryly.

Ripp frowned as he led the trio deeper into the alley. Thats not a bad expression, you know?

Well, its something of a mantra of mine. The Thameish wizard came to a dead stop as the alley ended. So, you all ready?

Ripp spread his vest open, revealing an array of nasty looking hooked knives. Oh Im ready. You sure theyll let us bring weapons in with us?

Within reason, Alex said. If its part of the act, then it wont look suspicious. Therell be a lot of us taking part in the sword dance.

Aye, I getcha. Ripp glanced at the minotaurs mace hanging from his belt.

Thundar shrugged. Weapon dance doesnt sound as good.

Aye, that it doesnt. And you got the other supplies we need for the acts?

Yep. Alex patted the heavy pack on his back. And enough dried waybread to last us a week if things turn bad and we end up having to hide out in the maze.

He didnt mention some of the other things they were bringing with them.

Claygons bag held two chaos bombs, ready for use if things went really wrong. Dozens of potions were spread among all three packs.

And lastly?

Alexs hand fell on his garish satchel, feeling the small book within it; he had brought the book of the Traveller along, and with it, he hoped to unravel her mystery at long last.

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