Mark of the Fool

Chapter 615: The Falling Dark

Come, we must keep moving, Eldin said, emerging from the cave wall about a mile from where hed left the Saint.

Several of his agents startled, hands reaching for holy weapons and only relaxing when they realised it was him who had spoken. They formed a circle in the wide tunnel, filling the space theyd been led to by Uldars monsters, ready to defend not only against attacks from the rear and front, but also from the walls.

Just as Eldin had taught them.

He nodded, well pleased.

In the centre of the formation, two agents held a litter between them, bearing the still form of Carey Londondeep in slumber from Uldars divinitywhile a circle of defenders surrounded them.

If the first lines of defence were breached, their precious cargo would still be protected.

You are here, Millers voice came from further down the cavern. Therebeyond the white radiance of holy light held within orbs of sanctified crystallurked Uldars monstrous minions. The humanoid monsters, whose scabby flesh blended with the dark rock around them, eyed Carey with ill-intent.

Some twitched like beasts straining against an unseen chain.

But none approached as Eldin joined his agents.

Yes, I wish there had been no delays, but, I am finally here, the old priest sighed. But do not stop on my account. I kept the Saint occupied for as long as I could; and I see you have made good use of the time, advancing as far as you did.

Yes, Holy Leader, an agent said. We moved as quickly as we could, as you instructed. Tell ushow did you distract the Saint? Did you learn more about our enemies?

I will tell you as we go. There is often much to learn in Uldars service. Now, come, we must be away before the expedition is alerted, he said.

The old priest began walking, recounting his conversation with Merzhin as they pressed ahead through the tunnels. Uldars monsters led the way. When Eldins tale was done, a younger agent bowed her head in deference.

That was masterful, she almost crowed.

Eldin sighed heavily. There is no mastery in confusing an already confused child. I only had to speak the words he wished to hear. It was simple. The greater learning is not in the manipulation, but in the research: learning about, and observing the Saint allowed me to say what I needed to say. Keep this lesson in mind.

Yes, Holy leader, the agent said. So, what do we do now?

Now, we deliver the bait to the First Apostle. He looked down at the sleeping form of Carey London. Her breathing was light.

I instructed the Holy Saint to spend time contemplating our lords parable of the Story of Cromwell to gain clarity, and when he finishes his reflection, leave without word to either the Heroes or Generasians, and meet me at the western crossroads below Owl Rock, he said. Once the foreigners realise that both he and their companion are gone, they will go searching for them, but, by that time, we will have our captive far from their grasp. I told him I will return to him, and I shall, which will leave him none the wiser to my true intentions. But for the moment, I must speak to our companions.

Butcher, Miller, Singer and Baker! he called through the tunnel, amused at his mundane names for such dangerous servants of Uldar.

Many sets of eyes turned to him from amongst the monstrous horde, raising the hackles of his agents.

Singer slowed, falling back and nodding to Eldin.

What is it, child of Uldar? the humanoid monster asked.

I will need you and your companions to part from us for a time, the old man said. With respect, servant of our god, the Saint will be joining us, and if he sees youhe will misunderstand.

What of the plan? Singer asked.

It will work even better now, Eldin said. To Uldars enemies, it will appear that the Holy Saint and our prisoner have disappeared together, making them likely to panic and deliver themselves into our hands all the quicker. And when they do, you know precisely what to do next.

Yes, Singer said. Our task is simple, we are to capture any usurper who comes looking for this human, and destroy all other mortals with them.

Precisely, and when your part is at an end, we meet where we met in the woods earlier, and together, bring the prisoners to our sanctum for questioning, and disposal, Eldin said.

Yessssss, Singer hissed. Death to those who threaten the great works that must be done!

Umm, forgive my intrusion, Holy Leader. One of the agents cleared his throat. But, may I speak freely?

You may, Eldin said. What is it?

Its about the Holy Saint, he said. What if he provesunprepared for the truth of our order?

I believe he is ready, Eldin said. He is confused, but his faith is strong. Having a new truth to cling to will do him good and bring him to us. AndI admit, I feel somewhat sorry for the boy. He is abandoned, alone and struggling. Better he stride with us than chase the backs of Heroes who are leaving him behind for their own purposes.

That is noble of you, Holy Leader, the agent said.

Nobility is a privilege, Eldin said grimly. One we only have becausefor the momentwe are winning. If we lose that privilege, or it becomes clear that the Saints loyalties will developdifferentlythen our duty is to do away with him.

No outcry of protest rose from his agents.

No cry of confusion or reluctance.

Instead, just a single phrase was spoken, uttered with determination and union of purpose.

Yes, Holy leader.

Eldin could not help but smile.

His agents were a blessing and he was proud of their dedication.

He only hoped that Uldar would look upon them and smile too.

A Hero will be near a Usurper, the petrifier named Miller said.

The pack of Ravener-spawn had separated from the humans some hours ago, and were now travelling overland at speed, heading south to their objective: the mortal enclave of Greymoor.

Yes, Baker said, the creatures long legs propelling itthrough the wilderness. Positioned carefully in its maw, the Raveners Hunters were well concealed, poised to act. The monster moved its jaws with care, to avoid crushing them.What if the Saint hinders our plans? What if they are ruined? What if the Hero interferes?

Then we will deal with him, Butcher growled. He is a small cog in the Raveners great plan, if he must be sacrificed to achieve our goal, then so be it. Our masters plan is solid, and when set in motion, the Usurpers will be destroyed. Balance will return to the cycle as it should. But, for now, save your breath. We have the bait. The trap must be readied.

Loud pounding on the bakery door drove Alex from a peaceful sleep.

What? he grunted, shaking away the cobwebs and unfolding his body from a chair in his lab.

He checked the time.

Only thirty minutes had passed since hed fallen asleep, hoping to catch a restoring couple of hours of rest. It was still the middle of the night.

Who in all hells is that? Alex muttered, pulling on his boots.

Thundering footsteps echoed from upstairs.

Claygon was moving.

Who is that, Claygon? Alex asked, making his way to the stairs. He fought back a yawn. Is it another customer who doesnt understand what opening and closing hours me

FatherVesuvius is outside. I can see the glow of his lava from the window.

What? Alex was now fully awake. Vesuvius should be in Thameland with Tyris.

The young wizard took the stairs two at a time, reaching the lab door and pulling it open.

Orange light poured through the bakery windows.

A familiar voice was yelling at the front door.

Alex! Alex, open up, its me, Tyris!

Whats going on? he rushed to the door, flinging it wide.

Tyris Goldtooth stood in front of her enormous familiar, looking like she hadnt slept in days.

What's wrong? Come i

I dont have time, she said. Im only here because Professor Jules told me to tell you. Careys gone.

Alexs heart froze.

He heard Claygons thunderous footfalls pause on the stairs.

What are you talking about? the young man murmured.

Exactly what I said, shes gone! she snapped. Look, Ive got to get back to the portal so I can keep searching, but this morning, she went for a walk with Merzhin and never came back!

What? Alexs heart pounded in his chest. What about Merzhin, doesnt he know

Hes gone too, she said through a clenched jaw. Her gold tooth gleamed when she spoke. He completely disappeared! No one knows whats happened to him, and the priests are losing their shit. The rest of us are out looking for Carey

Claygon thundered down the steps.

How long has shebeen missing? the golem asked.

Over twelve hours now, the battle magesaid. Jules is organising searches with Watcher Hill. The Heroes have been searching for them, but they said we needed to bring you in.

Why didnt you tell me earlier? he demanded.

Tyris green eyes flashed. Because. I was looking for Carey. Watcher Hill said that every minute that passed counted, and weve been turning the world upside down for every single one of those minutes. I didnt have time to come get you until they made me, and I still dont. Now, Ive got to get back. The professor and the Heroes want you there right now.

She turned.

But, wait, what about Baelin? Alex asked.

The battlemage growled. No one knows where he is. Were on our own. No, weve got each other. Careys on her ownno, shes got Merzhin.

Alex grimaced.

He desperately hoped that having Merzhin was a good thing.

And why were these tunnels not located earlier? Professor Jules shouted as Alex opened the door. Weve lost almost an entire day! Had we known about theOh, Mr. Roth. Good. Youre here. And Claygon too.

Yeah, Im here, he said, his eyes scanning the room.

The map room in the Research Castle was filled with Watchers bent over the central map with Professor Jules.

She looked up at them. Leave us for now, but this conversation is not over. And someone go find the Heroes. We need to assemble.

The Watchers looked at each other grimly before bowing to the alchemy professor and filing out to the room. Behind them, the sharp click of the door sounded final.

What was that about? Alex asked.

Yesyou soundedangry Claygons voice was soothing.

Tunnels, Mr. Roth, she grunted, jamming a finger against a spot on the map. These grey rises and bumpsrepresent Finnegans Crags, a mountainous region in northern Thameland. Its where Carey and Merzhin disappeared, and where our earth mages found tunnels hundreds of yards below the ground around there. They'd been recently collapsed.

Alex flinched. The same way dungeons make tunnels under Greymoor.

Exactly, which is why I am disappointed that no one thought to have earth mages check for them until hours after Ms. London disappeared, she growled. What or whoever took her, could have killed her by now, for all we know. And Merzhin too, for that matter. This is a nightmare!

She turned from the map in disgust, pacing back and forth.

You should have sent for me earlier, Alex said. I can teleport. I could have searched

In truth, neither you nor Miss London should have been here! she snapped.

Alex took a step back. Professor?

I warned that old goat! she snarled. What you discovered about the dungeon cores is an unknown among unknowns. And unknowns can be fraught with danger. The castle was attacked by monsters targeting you and Carey specifically. It was a sign that you should have stayed away! Done research in the safety of Generasi! But, no! You all needed to buy into this madness and get yourselves intowhat? Conspiracies involving gods and monsters? And now Miss London could be dead!

Alexs stomach dropped.

This isnotfathers fault. Claygon said, his tone defensive. Pleasedont be angryat him

Im not angry at Mr. Roth, Claygon, she said. Im enraged at myself and that old goat bastard! She looked at Alex. You are children. Not even twenty yet! Its the responsibility of us older wizards to guide you safely. But what did I do? I let that half-crazy ancient sorcerer convince me to let Miss London have free-rein! I even rewarded her, letting her lead the experiment that we were to run today. And now, even those dangerous materials are missing!

What materials? Alex asked, his mind racing. Wait, does she have a dungeon core?

No, she said. She has.

The door burst open.

Hart Redfletcher strode in, eyes blazing. Jules, he nodded curtly, then looked at Alex. Come on. Weve got to go.

What? Alex asked. Did you find Carey?

No, Hart said. But someone did see one of those clawed monsters that were hunting you two at the Castle. Lets get out of here, theres no time to lose.

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