The Screaming Spectre
The Screaming Spectre
Dave Morris
Dave Morris
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER ONE
The Arch
The Archimagimage e MagMagnus was nus was one of one of the the mimighghtitiesest sorct sorcererererss of his era. By virtue of his rank he commanded the grimoire, of his era. By virtue of his rank he commanded the grimoire, or
or spspeellll-b-boookok, , oof f oonne e of of tthe he ggrreaeat t CCololllegeges es of of magimagic. c. TheThe ar
arcacane ne lolore re cocontntaiainened d wiwitthihin n itits s papageges s gagave ve MaMagngnusus access to spells of
access to spells of uneualled power.uneualled power.
But now he was weak as a kitten, needing the help of his But now he was weak as a kitten, needing the help of his three apprentices to stand at all.
three apprentices to stand at all.
Mercutio, the Archimage!s manservant, was aghast at the Mercutio, the Archimage!s manservant, was aghast at the s
siigghht t oof f hhiis s mmaasstteer r wwaa""eenn--ffaacceed d aannd d lliimmpp. . #$#$hahat t hahass happened%! he gasped.
happened%! he gasped.
&t fell to the eldest apprentice, Baskaino, to e"plain. &t fell to the eldest apprentice, Baskaino, to e"plain. #$e were out walking on the cliffs. The Archimage was #$e were out walking on the cliffs. The Archimage was stung by a large red bee.!
stung by a large red bee.!
##''e e ccoommppllaaiinneed d of of ddii((((iinneessss,,! ! ppuut t iin n ))aasshhor or tthhee notary!s son as he pushed the manse doors shut notary!s son as he pushed the manse doors shut against the wind that was now blowing in off the sea. #$e against the wind that was now blowing in off the sea. #$e left him resting under a tree, but when we came back he left him resting under a tree, but when we came back he was like this * feverish.!
was like this * feverish.!
Mercutio placed his master in bed and brought Mercutio placed his master in bed and brought h
hiim m bbrorothth, , bbut ut ththe e fefevever r peperrsisiststeded. . TThe he apapprprenentiticceses decided to keep a vigil at the bedside during the night decided to keep a vigil at the bedside during the night a
annd d BBaasskkaaiinno o aaddmmiinniisstteerreed d a a ppoottiioon n tto o kkeeeep p tthhee Archimage!s sleep free of ve"atious
Archimage!s sleep free of ve"atious dreams.dreams. Th
The e popotition on wawas s ininefefffecectitiveve. . &n &n ththe e eaearlrly y hohouurs rs of of the morning, the Archimage began to moan in his the morning, the Archimage began to moan in his sleep. 'urrying to his side, the apprentices heard sleep. 'urrying to his side, the apprentices heard him muttering the name
him muttering the name Baltha(ar.Baltha(ar. #$
#$ho ho is is tthihis s BaBaltlthaha(a(ar%r%! ! wowondnderered ed +s+sriric, c, a a ststururdy dy you
youth th of of peapeasansant t stostock ck whowhose se aptaptituitude de fofor r prepredicdictiotionn had earned him his apprenticeship. 'e ran a hand had earned him his apprenticeship. 'e ran a hand through his tousled corn-gold hair and looked down at through his tousled corn-gold hair and looked down at the Archimage, worry clouding his grey eyes.
the Archimage, worry clouding his grey eyes. #An
#An eneenemymy, , pospossibsibly%ly%! ! sugsuggegestested d )as)ashor, hor, a a smasmallll slim fellow brimming with nervous energy.
slim fellow brimming with nervous energy. Bas
brow, cast them a sidelong glance but kept brow, cast them a sidelong glance but kept dis-d a
d ai ni nf uf ul ll ly y s is il el en tn t. . + f + f t ht he e t ht hr er ee , e , h e h e p rp re se se ne nt et ed d t ht hee ap
appepeararanance ce of of grgreaeatestest t comcompoposursure. e. BuBut t afafteter r alall,l, Baskaino was of noble birth and had the easy air of Baskaino was of noble birth and had the easy air of one accustomed to privilege.
one accustomed to privilege. T
Thhe e sseerrvvaannt t MMeerrccuuttiio o ccaamme e oovveer r tto o tthhe e bbeedd,, bearing a tray with goblets for them all. Baskaino bearing a tray with goblets for them all. Baskaino took one of the goblets, dipped his fingers into it, and took one of the goblets, dipped his fingers into it, and moistened the Archimage!s lips. The spiced wine had no moistened the Archimage!s lips. The spiced wine had no pe
percrcepeptitiblble e efeffefectct. . AgAgaiain n the the ArArchichimamage ge grgroanoaneded, , anandd then he spoke #Baltha(ar The mast has split Baltha(ar! then he spoke #Baltha(ar The mast has split Baltha(ar!
#B
#Balalththa(a(ar ar wawas s ththe e ArArchchimimagage!e!s s owown n mementntoror,! ,! sasaidid Mercutio in his whee(ing voice. #The original master of Mercutio in his whee(ing voice. #The original master of tthhi s i s mmaan sn se . e . & & s es errvve d e d hhiim m tth eh enn, , u su st t a s a s & & s es er vr vee Archimage Magnus now.!
Archimage Magnus now.! T
Thhe e AArrcchhiimmaagge e hhaad d ffaalllleen n uuiieet t aaggaaiinn. . ))aasshhoorr ttoook ok onone e oof f tthhe e ggoboblleetts s aannd d ssiippppeed d aat t iitt. . ##AAnnd d wwhhaatt happened to him%! he asked Mercutio. /ike all of happened to him%! he asked Mercutio. /ike all of them, he had sensed that a tale lay behind the old them, he had sensed that a tale lay behind the old servant!s words.
servant!s words. #/ost at sea,
#/ost at sea, Master )ashor,! said Mercutio. Master )ashor,! said Mercutio. #'#'ee an
and d ArArchichimamage ge MaMagngnus us werwere e trtravavelelliling ng baback ck frfromom 0uneport. A storm blew up without warning and the 0uneport. A storm blew up without warning and the ship capsi(ed. &t was a good many years ago.!
ship capsi(ed. &t was a good many years ago.! #'ow did the Archimage survive%! asked +sric. #'ow did the Archimage survive%! asked +sric. M
Me re rc uc ut it io o s hs hr ur uggg eg ed . d . ##$ h$ ho o k nk no wo ws % s % B y B y m am ag ig ic ,c , p
peerrhhaapps s * * oor r bbeeccaauusse e hhe e wwaas s a a ssttrroonng g sswwiimmmmeerr.. 0emember that this happened when he was a good 0emember that this happened when he was a good deal younger than he is now.!
deal younger than he is now.! The
The remark remark brought brought a a faint faint smile smile to to their their lips. lips. TheThe Archimage was not a young man, it was true, but he Archimage was not a young man, it was true, but he wa
was s babarerely ly ininto to mimiddddlele-ag-age e and and 1h1his is cucurrrrenent t fevfeverer as
asidide2 e2 he he wawas s rorobubust st anand d vivigogororousus. . MeMercrcututioio, , by by co
contntrarastst, , gagave ve ththe e imimprpresessision on of of bebeining g shshririvevelllled ed anandd b
brorowwn n wwiith th e"e"trtrememe e aantntiiuiuitty y * * llikike e aan n olold d iitetem m oof f f u r n i t u r e t h a t h a s n o t b e e n p r o p e r l y c a r e d f o r . f u r n i t u r e t h a t h a s n o t b e e n p r o p e r l y c a r e d f o r . )ash
moved so slowly that it was a wonder he didn!t gather dust.
#$hy don!t you rest a while, young masters%! said Mercutio. #&!ll keep an eye on the Archimage.!
As they filed out of the chamber, the three apprentices glanced back to see Mercutio sitting on the edge of the bed, pale and thin as a ghost in the candlelight, gently mopping the sweat from his master!s forehead.
#'e!ll probably still be here when one of us is the Archimage,! whispered +sric.
#'ush! cautioned Baskaino sharply. #3ou could bring bad luck on the master by speaking of such things.!
)ashor looked pu((led at this, but +sric nodded. After Baskaino had gone into his own chamber, the younger apprentices walked on along the landing and )ashor asked what he had meant.
#& should not have referred to a time when the Archimage would not be with us,! e"plained +sric. #&t is ill-omened to speak of mortality when someone lies in a fever. &n the country they would say talk like that attracts the evil spirits.!
#The evil spirits! said )ashor with a laugh. #To think of all this fuss over a bee sting. & e"pect the Archimage will be fine by the morning.!
+sric nodded. They had come to the door of his own room. #& hope so,! he said. 'e lit the lamp in his room and handed the candle to )ashor. #$ell, good night.!
#4ood night, +sric,! said )ashor.
The pre-dawn trickled a gloomy grey light between the shutters. Mercutio hobbled over and opened them, to ga(e out over the steel grey e"panse of the ocean. 5aylight sat wanly on the scene, a tint of silver over charcoal. The sea heaved slowly, waves lifting as though the water were the flanks of a giant beast as it drew in its ponderous breath.
The old servant turned. The Archimage had risen on one elbow, the effort drawing lines of pain on his pallid face. #Master,! Mercutio said urgently, #do not e"ert yourself.!
#/isten to me, Mercutio,! said the Archimage. #& have had a dream * and one, it seemed to me, full of portent. & must tell it to you.!
Mercutio came back to the bedside. #6hall & fetch the apprentices, master%!
The Archimage shook his head, falling back on to the pillow with a sigh. #7o, the details might elude me by the time they arrived. 5reams are so insubstantial, Mercutio ... especially those dredged up from the boundary of reality. & feel this to have been such a dream.!
Mercutio sat, arranging the coverlet as he spoke. #Then, master, tell me * if my poor counsel is worth having.!
#$orth more than any, dear faithful Mercutio. /isten, then. & was aboard a ship, the Harbinger. &t was the last ourney & took with Baltha(ar. A storm rolled over the sky, eclipsing the heavens. &n my dream it was like the rage of a titan. The ship was a child!s toy made of twigs, we were helpless dolls in the fury of the elements...!
The Archimage paused and gave a puff of wry laughter.
#Master%! said Mercutio.
#& was thinking, Mercutio,! said the Archimage. #& am considered a master of elemental sorcery. +ther wi(ards envy my power. But & was powerless that day, aghast and impotent when & beheld the true sight of nature unbound!
#&t was a dream, master,! Mercutio reminded him. #5oubtless it seemed more terrible than it was in reality.!
M a g n u s s h o o k h i s h e a d . # 7 o . & r e m e m b e r i t indelibly, that storm. &t was every bit as awful as & recalled it in the dream. The mast cracked, the
timbers opened. The ship broke apart from under us, leaving us in a void of storm and sea. & clung to the figurehead * it was a stout spar of wood, but it had been shorn like kindling. The water fro(e my bones ...!
'is eyes closed, memories of agony contorting his face.
#And Baltha(ar, master%! asked Mercutio in a hushed voice.
The Archimage!s eyes remained closed, but now he began to tremble violently and turn his head this way and that, as though witnessing a scene on the backs of his eyelids. #3es, he!s there * his cloak snagged on a floating timber. Baltha(ar Baltha(ar 'e cannot hear me... seems so still. &!m swimming to his side. 4ods, the cold stings me like a nest of phantom hornets Baltha(ar 'e looks so lifeless as & reach for him, his face dipped into this icy brine. 'is beard is like seaweed. & turn him over and*!
The Archimage!s scream tore through the passages of the manse # No! !
#+h, master! cried Mercutio an"iously, shaking him. #8lease...!
The Archimage!s eyelids fluttered open. 'e gave a gasp as he struggled awake again. #& saw his face, Mercutio, in my dream. That was the one detail that was different. &n reality, his body was never found.!
#& know, master.!
Mercutio placed his hand over his master!s, a gesture of reassurance. Magnus shook it away. 'e seemed not to have registered the old servant!s remark. #After that, & clung to the figurehead for hours, staring into its blind painted eyes. $hat tears & shed for Baltha(ar were washed away by the sea, an d & had the horror of my own predicament to occupy my thoughts. At last, numb with shock and cold, & was washed on to a rocky island. & spent a week or more there before the sprites & conured were able to find
a ship and lead it to me. . .!
# $e t ho ug ht y ou l os t a lo ng w it h A rc hi ma ge Baltha(ar, master,! put in Mercutio.
#8erhaps & should have been. & should have dived to look for him. & was young then, a strong swimmer, while he was frail. 9or all his wi(ardry, he relied on my strength for protection that day, Mercutio. & should have e"hausted my spells in searching for him ... plunged into the depths... railed against the very heavens for bearing him away. But & did not, Mercutio. &nstead & clung to a timber and thought of my own safety.!
Magnus had spoken with such bitterness that Mercutio could have wept. 'e had seen his master torment himself over Baltha(ar!s death before, but never with such vehemence. #3ou could have done nothing,! he maintained. #At least you have kept his teachings alive * brought more apprentices into the study of your secret art.!
#+h yes,! said Magnus with a curl of the lip. #& returned here to Truillon and took over Baltha(ar!s position as Archimage. & doubt if he would count that as a great favour.!
There was a sound at the bedroom door. Mercutio went and opened it a crack.
Baskaino stood there in his night-shirt. #&s the Archimage all right, Mercutio%! he asked. #& heard a cry ust now.!
#&t was nothing, Master Baskaino,! said Mercutio. #A nightmare only. The fever has passed.!
#&s the Archimage well enough to receive visitors%! enuired Baskaino, disliking to be kept at the door by a servant.
Mercutio returned an ingenuous smile. #/ater, & think. Best you get dressed and go down for breakfast, Master Baskaino.! And he closed the door.
+sric rose and spent the morning in the library. A book lay open in front of him, but he turned the pages
listlessly. 'e had really gone into the library to avoid the others. &t wasn!t that they did not share his concern for the Archimage, but only that +sric had his own way of dealing with worries.
'is parents had always said that he liked to brood. #9orever mulling things over and over inside your skull, boy,! his father had said: #no good can come of daydreams, you know.! Then the day had come when Magnus passed through his village a striking figure, almost regal in his cabbalistic robes, astride his horse like a spirit of the night. 'e had peered into the eyes of a fey youth and saw some smattering of special talent the second sight. +sric!s parents had been consulted, gold e"changed, farewells said * and +sric rode off on his donkey behind the Archimage.
'is apprenticeship had begun.
+sric turned another page, listening to the rustle of the ancient parchment, like the dusty wing of a moth. &t had been two years since he left his home to come here to Truillon, and he often wondered if he had fulfilled the promise Magnus saw in him that day. 'e found the runic symbols so difficult to memori(e, the spells so hard to master. The others had been here at least a year before him, and it was that head start in their studies that +sric never seemed able to make up. Baskaino, aloof and imperious, remembered every lesson with cool precision. )ashor lacked Baskaino!s scholastic breadth, but compensated for this by dint of enthusiasm and diligence. &n comparison to them both, +sric felt himself a dullard.
A draught made the lamp gutter and stirred the pages of the book. +sric shivered and looked up. Beyond the wisp of smoke rising from his lamp, he saw a blurred image in the amber light. Breath catching in his throat, heart hammering, he lifted the lamp and held it out.
A figure stood in the shadows between the shelves. &t was an old man in long velvet robes, leaning on a staff decorated with golden runes. 'is hand drifted along the shelves like mist on a bree(e, endlessly searching for a
book he could not find.
'e turned, eyes boring straight into +sric!s. The face was long and thin, with a wispy beard and bloodless lips. 'e was very, very old. +nly the eyes seemed ageless, liuid ewels brimming with pinpoints of gleaming gold.
+sric thrust the lamp forward and opened his mouth to speak. The old man smiled a broad knowing smile and broke apart, fading into darkness like an image in a soap bubble.
+sric took a faltering step forward. The old man had vanished, but not before he had got a good look at him. 'is ga(e went up to a portrait hanging on the library wall. +sric knew it well * the previous master of the manse, whom even Archimage Magnus spoke of in tones of hushed reverence. The face was the same.
CHAPTER TWO
By lunchtime the Archimage!s condition was much improved. 'e was able to sit up and take a little broth. 'is face was wa"en, his voice lacking its usual booming strength, but the light in his eyes had recovered some of the usual vigour.
Mercutio showed the three apprentices into the room. +utside, beyond the latticed panes of the window, the sky was the same blustery grey as the sea. Cold wind whipped up foam across the waves. But here in the Archimage!s chamber Mercutio had built up a good fire, and the air had a warm reek of burnt coriander, a herb renowned for its curative properties.
#;vidently the bee that stung me carried an unusually potent venom,! said the Archimage. #8erhaps we should have surmised as much from its atypical colouration. 7ow a poultice of mustard, basil and linden oil must be applied to draw the poison out. Baskaino, you are the eldest and display a special knack for alchemy < prepare that, if you will.!
#+f course, master,! said Baskaino. 'e bowed and withdrew from the chamber.
#)ashor,! said the Archimage, turning to the ne"t of his apprentices. #'ave you prepared your dissertation on the usages of ;arth-magic% 7o% 5o not forget your tutorial is scheduled for tomorrow < off to your desk, )ashor.!
)ashor snatched up his papers and hurried out, so flustered that he almost forgot to wish the Archimage a uick recovery.
Magnus finished his broth and handed the bowl to Mercutio. Then he sat back on his pillows and watched +sric with a thoughtful e"pression. This scrutiny finally caused +sric to become uncomfortable. #Master,! he said uncertainly, #have & done anything to offend you ... %!
The Archimage still watched him intently. #Mercutio,! he said at last. #3ou may go. & shall sleep later, but you
should wake me at dusk.!
Mercutio nodded and went out, closing the heavy oak door behind him.
+sric was about to speak again, but the Archimage raised a hand to wave away his remarks. #There is a presence here, +sric,! he said, almost impatiently. #9ocus. =se your gift. Can you not sense it%!
+sric bent his head in concentration. 'e thought that perhaps he did sense something amiss < a nebulous feeling, like the unremembered aftermath of a dream < but how could he be sure% &t might ust be something planted in his mind by the Archimage!s suggestion. And this might be a test, to see how reliably he could use his sorcerous skills.
+sric feared to appear credulous. #&!m not sure, master...! he ventured.
Magnus made a sound e"pressing e"asperation. #A presence &t sits behind you like a bat with folded wings, +sric 3ou know the feeling of being watched ... 3ou are being watched now, by an entity of considerable force.!
#7o, master: it!s watching you.! +sric suddenly felt stunned: he had spoken without pausing to think.
#3es, yes 3ou do feel it, then.! The Archimage sat forward and clutched +sric!s arm. #Trust your inner vision, +sric. Tell me what you perceive.!
#& sensed it early this morning, master,! said +sric. #& was in the library, alone. & felt a chill, and looked up to see an insubstantial figure drifting between the stacks. 'is face was the same as Archimage Baltha(ar!s portrait.!
#3ou should have mentioned this before,! said Magnus.
+sric hung his head. #Master, & thought & must have fallen asleep in the library and dreamed it...!
Magnus compressed his lips. #3ou should have sensed him haunting the manse. & did. &t is Baltha(ar, +sric: his aura is unmistakable.!
unwell. This is a figment of your fever. Archimage Baltha(ar died many years ago.!
Magnus ignored him. #4o to my study, +sric,! he said. #There you will find a lens of green crystal my scrying-glass. Take it to the library and inspect the area where you thought you saw Baltha(ar. Then come and report to me.!
+sric did as he was instructed. $ith the green lens to hand, he went to the library and e"amined the spot where the apparition had appeared. To normal vision there was nothing to see. 8eering through the lens, however, +sric discerned a gold-tinged violet glow in the air. &t had the general shape of a man!s shadow. +sric returned to Magnus!s bedchamber and described what he had seen.
The Archimage nodded thoughtfully. +sric waited a long time and then said, #$hat does it mean, master%!
By way of answer, Magnus moistened his finger and pressed it to the drinking-cup on his bedside table. 'e held it up for +sric to see the distinctive pattern of whorls left on the glass. #The print of a finger,! he said, #is uniue. 7o two are the same. 6o it is with a person!s aura the psychic emanation which this scrying-glass makes visible. The gold nimbus denotes an individual with magical ability, the strength of that ability being shown by the brightness of the nimbus. Take the lens again and observe me.!
+ sr ic d id s o. # 3o u s ee m y a ur a% ! d em an de d Magnus.
#3es, master. A blue-grey shadow with a golden outline. &t seems to flicker...!
#Because & am unwell. The blueness is a personal signature, like the finger-mark & ust showed you. Baltha(ar!s distinctive aura was violet. And you note th e gold nimbu s. $as the one you saw in the library more or less bright, would you say%!
#Brighter than yours, master,! +sric admitted.
Magnus nodded grimly. #$ell then, it must be B al th a( ar . + r r at he r, h is g ho st . T he ue st io n
remains what does he want here%!
6unk in thought, he said nothing more. After a prolonged period of silence, +sric sensed he was not needed and uietly withdrew.
CHAPTER THREE
After several days, Magnus had so far recovered as to be able to resume his usual activities. The apprentices noted that he remained pale and walked with a limp 1the bee had stung him on the leg2. +n a mo re in tangible leve l, his demeanour was withdrawn and sombre. 5ur ing their lesson s he several times lost the thread of what he was e"plaining, and reacted with brittle bad temper to any errors in their work.
#$hat is troubling the Archimage%! whispered ) a s h o r t o t h e o t h e r s a s t h e y b e n t o v e r t h e i r copybooks later. #This morning he overlooked a glaring omission in my essay, yet only an hour ago he lambasted me for something so trivial as failing to sharpen my pen-nib.!
Baskaino gave him a slow supercilious glance before turning back to his own book. #3our callig-raphy was barely legible,! he remarked. #A blunt pen indicates a blunt intellect, )ashor.!
)ashor fumed but kept silent. After a moment, +sric said, #The master is out of sorts, it is true. /ately he has been troubled by thoughts of Baltha(ar, his own mentor.! +sric refrained from mentioning the incident of the ghost in the library, since he felt Magnus was entrusting it to his confidence. 'e was flattered that he, the youngest apprentice, was held in such trust.
The scratching of nibs on paper continued uninter-rupted for a while and then Baskaino said, #&s there anything specific that brings you to that conclusion, +sric%!
#$e all know about the fever-dream! muttered ) as ho r u nd er h is b re at h, s ti ll s ma rt in g f ro m Baskaino!s previous rebuke.
#3ou are both too young to remember much about Baltha(ar,! said Baskaino after a while. #'e was a legendary figure * like one of the great wi(ards of
ancient times.!
#'e must have had many powerful spells,! said )ashor, whose thoughts always turned to the lure of great magic when he had to work at his books.
#+f course he did,! said Baskaino. #6pells you can never imagine. But, )ashor, you understand nothing if you think that is the measure of a wi(ard.! 'e put
down his pen. #/isten, then, if you want to learn the w a y s o f m a g i c . + n e s t o r y t h a t w a s t o l d i n m y childhood recounted how a plague had settled on the ;mpire. $hole villages became deserted, and if you walked the streets of any town you could never escape the sound of mourning from behind shuttered windows. Bodies had to be piled on to carts and buried in mass graves, since the plague was vicious and swift. 3ou might see a friend hale and hearty one day, only to be startled by the sight of his lifeless corpse on a burial cart the ne"t day...!
By now even )ashor, despite himself, had put aside his pen to listen to Baskaino!s tale.
#Baltha(ar went looking for the plague,! he con-tinued, #and met it on the road to Borghaven. The plague had taken the form of a little old woman carrying a broom, though of course no-one could see that e"cept a wi(ard like Baltha(ar. They walked on for a league or so without e"changing a word, but the plague-spirit was curious and finally asked Baltha(ar where he was bound. >To Borghaven,? said he. >& mean to claim many lives there.?
#$ell, >That you cannot do,? complained the plague-spirit. >& have prior claim on those lives...? +h, but this is no doubt ust a silly story,! said Baskaino suddenly, turning back to his copybook.
#7o, no! cried +sric and )ashor together. #4o on.! Baskaino shrugged indulgently. #$ell, the upshot of it was that Baltha(ar challenged the old plague-hag to a dice game. 6he readily agreed, and the two of them
hunkered down in the middle of the road over the dice she hunkered down in the middle of the road over the dice she had < two yellow dice carved from dead men!s knuckles. >&f had < two yellow dice carved from dead men!s knuckles. >&f you
you win,win,? ? said said BaltBaltha(ar, ha(ar, >we!>we!ll ll agagreree e ththat at yoyou u go go on on toto Borghaven and beyond. But if you lose, you must go back Borghaven and beyond. But if you lose, you must go back to the land of the dead and never again visit the world of to the land of the dead and never again visit the world of mo
mortrtal menal men.? .? ThThe e hag hag nodnoddedded, , and and thethen n thethey y thrthrew ew thethe dice.!
dice.!
#And Baltha(ar won%! said )ashor in an awed tone. #And Baltha(ar won%! said )ashor in an awed tone. #7o, he
#7o, he lost. 6o they walked on again towardlost. 6o they walked on again towards s the the totownwn.. But after another league or so had gone by, the plague-spirit But after another league or so had gone by, the plague-spirit co
coululd d nonot t rereststrarain her in her cucuririosositity y anand d shshe e said, said, >3ou >3ou mustmust have claimed many souls in your
have claimed many souls in your time.?time.? #At
#At thithis s BalBalththa(aa(ar r onlonly y shrshruggugged, ed, smismilinling g as as ththougoughh mo
modedeststy y foforbrbadade e a a rereplply. y. ThThe e plplagagueue-s-spipiririt t lliicckkeed d heherr b
blloooodldleesss s lliips ps wwiitth h a a bbllooooddllesess s ttononggue ue aannd d dodoububtltlesesss thought, why take the long walk to Borghaven when she thought, why take the long walk to Borghaven when she cou
could ld feafeast st on on one one whwho o had had in in ttururn n 1a1as s sshe suhe suppppososed ited it22 fe
feasasteted d fufull ll on on momortrtal al sosoululs% s% AnAnothother er lealeague gue paspassedsed, , ththenen Ba
Baltlthaha(a(ar sair said, >& mid, >& mighght t consider consider another another wager, wager, for for it it isis fine sport. /et us dice again. This time, if & win you must go fine sport. /et us dice again. This time, if & win you must go and never return, ust as before. But if you win, you may and never return, ust as before. But if you win, you may h
havave e ththe e lilife fe ththat at bebeatats s heherere...? .? BaBaltlthaha(a(ar r totoucuchehed d hihiss he
heaartrt... . >b>but ut ththeen n yoyou u mmusust t bebegogone ne frfrom om tthe he mmorortatall world.?
world.? #T
#Thhe e pplalagguue e rreaeadidily ly agagrreeed ed tto o tthihiss, , ssiincnce e shshe e nnooww bel
believeieved d thathat t BalBalthatha(ar!(ar!s s one life one life woulwould d sustsustain her ain her moremore than a thousa
than a thousand paltry normnd paltry normal souls. 6o she al souls. 6o she took out took out herher dice and again they rolled.!
dice and again they rolled.! #And this
#And this time Baltha(ar won%! said )ashor.time Baltha(ar won%! said )ashor.
#+f course not,! said Baskaino scornfully. #This was #+f course not,! said Baskaino scornfully. #This was 5eath whom he diced with. 6o when the dice were cast, 5eath whom he diced with. 6o when the dice were cast, the plague-spirit took Baltha(ar and led him away to the the plague-spirit took Baltha(ar and led him away to the end of the world and then said, >7ow & leave this world end of the world and then said, >7ow & leave this world never to return, but first & shall have your life.? And she never to return, but first & shall have your life.? And she raised her broom whose touch was death.
raised her broom whose touch was death. #Bu
#But t insinsteatead d of of fliflinchnchinging, , BalBalthatha(ar (ar onlonly y stostood od ththereree and said >+ur pact was that you would have the life that and said >+ur pact was that you would have the life that
beats here.? 6o saying, he opened the front of his robe and beats here.? 6o saying, he opened the front of his robe and to
took ok ouout t a a titiny ny momouse use ththat at hahad d bebeen en neneststleled d agagaiainsnst t hihiss chest, asleep. This he gave to the plague-spirit. 6he uttered chest, asleep. This he gave to the plague-spirit. 6he uttered no
none ne of of ththe e hihidedeouous s ccurursses es ththaat t a a mmorortatal l mmigighht t wwhehenn thwarted, but ust gave a sort of sigh and then drew back out thwarted, but ust gave a sort of sigh and then drew back out of the land of the living. And so Baltha(ar drove away the of the land of the living. And so Baltha(ar drove away the plague.!
plague.!
#But how did he know he!d lose the dice games%! )ashor #But how did he know he!d lose the dice games%! )ashor wa
wantnted ed to to knknowow. . #B#Both timoth timeses% % AnAnd d hohow w didid d he he knoknow w toto have the mouse under his robe%!
have the mouse under his robe%!
#'e knew,! replied Baskaino with a condescending smile. #'e knew,! replied Baskaino with a condescending smile. #T
#Thahat t wawas s hohow w grgreaeat t a a wiwi(a(ard rd he he wawas. s. 4r4reaeat t enenouough gh toto cheat 5eath.!
cheat 5eath.! #But he did
#But he didn!t even n!t even use a use a spell,! spell,! )ashor blurted)ashor blurted..
##88aahh, , yyoou u ffooooll! ! rreepplliieed d BBaasskkaaiinno o iin n a a vvooiiccee dripping with contempt.
dripping with contempt. )as
)ashor hor turturned ned to to +sr+sric ic for for supsupporport, t, but +sric but +sric cocoululdd on
onlly y shshrurug g aand nd sasay, y, ##$h$hat at sspepell ll ccouould ld yyou ou ususe e agaagainsinstt 5eath, after all%!
5eath, after all%!
Baskaino had already taken up his uill again. As Baskaino had already taken up his uill again. As he returned to his work, he added #4reat wi(ards he returned to his work, he added #4reat wi(ards tr
trananscescend nd the need for the need for memere re spspelells: theils: theirs rs isis true true ma
magigic. c. BaBaltltha(ha(ar ar wawas s the the grgreateatest est of of wiwi(ar(ardsds. . TheThe world will never see his
world will never see his like again.! like again.!
+sric stared at the page in front of him, but he +sric stared at the page in front of him, but he co
coululd d nonot t coconcncenentrtratate. e. BaBaskskaiainono!s !s ststorory y hahad d puput t anan unsettling notion into his head. ;ven in his younger unsettling notion into his head. ;ven in his younger days, Baltha(ar had been able to cheat 5eath. &f he days, Baltha(ar had been able to cheat 5eath. &f he h
haad d ddonone e sso o oonnccee, , wwhhy y nnot ot aaggaaiin n * * wwiitth h wwhhaatteevveerr manifestation of 5eath had come to claim his spirit manifestation of 5eath had come to claim his spirit after the shipwreck%
after the shipwreck% At
At brbreaeakfkfasast t tthe he nene"t "t daday, y, MeMercrcututio io totold ld eaeach ch of of ththee apprentices that the Archimage had cancelled their apprentices that the Archimage had cancelled their r e g u l a r l e s s o n s . # ' e s a y s t h a t y o u a r e t o a t t i r e r e g u l a r l e s s o n s . # ' e s a y s t h a t y o u a r e t o a t t i r e yo
yo uurrsseellvvees s in in wwarar m m cclolothth inin g g aand nd aasssseembmblle e oon n tthehe etty.!
7aturally this sent a bu(( of e"citement through 7aturally this sent a bu(( of e"citement through t h
t he e t ht hr er ee e o f o f t ht he me m. . ) a) as hs ho ro r, , i n i n p ap ar tr ti ci cu lu la ra r, , w aw ass c
co no ns us umme d e d w iw it h t h c uc ur ir io so si ti tyy. . ##A rA re e w e w e g og oi ni ng g o n o n aa vo
voyayagege%! %! he he dedemamandnded ed of of MeMercrcututioio. . ##6h6houould ld we we tatakeke provisions%!
provisions%! The
The old old servservant ant had had seen seen appreapprenticntices es come come and and gogo d
duurriinng his g his tenutenure re at at the the manmanse, se, and and was was amuamusedsed by
by thth e e e"ce"citaitabilbility of thity of the youne young. 'e suppg. 'e suppresressed a smilsed a smile,e, b
buut tt th eh er e r e w aw as s a a ttw iw in kn kl e l e i n i n h ih is s e ye ye s e s a s a s h e h e s as ai di d #The
#The AArrcchhiimmaagge e ddiid d nnoot t ggiivve e aanny y ssuucch h iinnssttrruuccttiioonn,, Master )ashor. & imagine it will only be
Master )ashor. & imagine it will only be a short ourney.! a short ourney.! They dispersed to their rooms and hurri
They dispersed to their rooms and hurriedly cedly chhaannggeedd,, as
assemsemblbling ing fififtfteeeen n miminunutetes s lalateter r in in ththe e eennttrraannccee ha
hallll. . )a)ashshor or wworore e an an ououtftfit it of of blblacack k leleatatheher r bootboots s andand leg
legginggings, s, gregrey y and and blacblack k doubdoublet, let, and and a a vveellvveet cat capp.. The
The only only dashes dashes of of colour colour were were the the purple purple ccababoocchohonn ge
gem m of of hhis is clcloaoak-k-clclasasp p anand d ththe e llonong g rered d grgrypyphohonn feather in his hat. The effect would have been more feather in his hat. The effect would have been more imp
impresressivsive on a perse on a person of gron of greateeater statr stature bure b ut ut )a)a shsh oor,r, tthhoou gu gh h ttaallll, , hhaad d yyeet t tto o ddeevveello p o p tthhe e ppoowweerrffuull p
phhyyssiiuue e tthhaat t ++ssrriic c ssaaw w iin n hhiis s ffuuttuurree. . AAt t tthhee moment, he simply resembled a gangling scarecrow moment, he simply resembled a gangling scarecrow wound in black cloth.
wound in black cloth.
+sric wore his only travelling-clothes a plain tunic of +sric wore his only travelling-clothes a plain tunic of brown wool above green cotton leggings, with an oiled brown wool above green cotton leggings, with an oiled wooll
woollen en shouldshoulder-cape to er-cape to keep him keep him dry. 'is dry. 'is leleatatheherr cross-thonged boots were simple but sturdy. The only cross-thonged boots were simple but sturdy. The only ador
ador nmennmen t t was was a ta t alisalis man man on on a la l eatheath er er tthhonongg a a ttiinny y bi
bit t of of mimirrrroror-g-glalass ss seset t ininto to grgreeeen n clclayay. . &t &t hahad d no no trtrueue magical value, but was a gift from
magical value, but was a gift from +sric!s father.+sric!s father. Ba
Baskskaiaino no totook ok ththe e lolongngesest t to to geget t rereadady, y, seselelectctining g aa lo
long ng rurusssset et gogown wn wiwith th an an oveover-tr-tununic ic of of glglisisteteniningng white samite. 'is boots and gauntlets were of soft white samite. 'is boots and gauntlets were of soft buff leather, fastened with gold buckles, and a large buff leather, fastened with gold buckles, and a large go
gold ld pipin n fafaststenened ed hihis s ocochrhre-e-yeyellllow ow vevelvlvet et clcloaoak. k. 'e'e had tucked a bright blue handkerchief into his sleeve had tucked a bright blue handkerchief into his sleeve and * ever conscious of his noble status * wore a slim and * ever conscious of his noble status * wore a slim
sword in a gilt scabbard at his belt.
They filed out of the door and down the stone steps that led to the etty. The sky was like slate, the day dull under a canopy of grey clouds. As was so often the case, a fine dri((le was driven in from out at sea by the northerly wind. 0ather than drenching them it was only a minor annoyance, forming tiny droplets that all knew would gradually permeate their clothing with the familiar damp chill of the region.
Truillon Manse was built on an outcropping of rock that rose from the sea some distance out from the shore. &t could be reached from the mainland by means of a stone causeway at low tide, but at other times the sea covered this route and it was necessary to use a boat. The usual vessel was a crescent-prowed gondola painted in incongruous style, capable of bearing eight passengers. &t had been at Truillon since Baltha(ar!s time, having been brought back by him after an e"pedition to the &sles of the Cabiri. &t looked thoroughly unsuitable for seafaring, but in fact had the advantage of being propelled by water-sprites, so that no oarsmen were needed.
#3ou are all here. $e can begin,! said Magnus. 'e was already in the boat, wrapped in a thick fur cloak and leaning on his staff. $hile still pale, the fresh air had put him in better spirits and his eyes sparkled as he watched them clamber into the boat +sric with easy agility, )ashor nervously clumsy, Baskaino fastidiously lifting his robes clear of the water.
#'ow are you feeling, master%! asked Baskaino as the gondola moved away from the etty.
Magnus smiled to himself. 7o doubt it was not the uestion they all most wanted to ask, but Baskaino would never be so crass as to betray his curiosity so abruptly. #& am better, thank you, Baskaino,! he r ep li ed . # 8e rh ap s y ou w il l p re pa re m e a no th er poultice when we return < this time with a little more
basil, as the sting still troubles me.!
The remark about returning gave )ashor his cue. #$here are we going, master%! he asked.
Magnus glanced at +sric, who sat in the bow of the boat staring out to sea. #+sric, what do you perceive%!
+sric erked his head around, startled from his reverie. #& ... & thought there was something huge out there...! 'e peered again southwards, to where the dri((le hid the hori(on in wet grey murk. #&t was larger than a ship, rising slowly out of the depths ... a sound like the thudding heartbeat that an unborn child hears...! 'e pressed his hands to his eyes and looked again. #7o, &!ve lost it.!
Magnus nodded encouragement. #That!s good, +sric. @ery good. $hat you saw with your second sight is something that lies in the near future. $e are going to raise up a spirit of the deep and commune with him.!
The apprentices e"changed startled looks. )ashor said, #A spirit of the deep, master ... %! There was fear in his voice, along with e"citement.
Magnus spoke with calm conviction. #9astitocalon is how he is known to men the floater on the ocean currents. According to myth he was birthed in the earliest times of the world, amid the unmelting ice floes at the bottom of the 4reat Abyss, when there was nothing but Chaos. &n form he is like a great rock, strewn with seaweed, wet sand crusted to his sides. 'is si(e is greater than any ship, and when he rises from the salt wave it is like the birth of a new island, long and smooth and black...!
+ s r i c p o i n t e d i n t o t h e w a t e r . # M a s t e r , h e i s coming 6ee, rising up from the ocean bed... .
The others looked. A huge shadow could be dimly seen in the depths. A rumbling rose through the water to shake the sides of the boat * a sound like the deepest notes of a cathedral organ.
#3ou all know the incantations,! said Magnus abruptly. #oin me in them now.!
'esitantly, the three apprentices sang the chant while the Archimage wove the spell
reat spirit o" the #ha$e roa%& Come& #e summon thee'
A#a(en "rom )our be% o" san%& An% rise "rom out the sea.*
The wind dropped suddenly. 5ri((le hung like a pall in the dank air. The watery groan was oined by a deeper sound the protesting crack of distant thunder high in the heavens. The sky darkened and flickering lightning could be dimly seen behind the leaden clouds.
0ain lashed down hard out of the sky, making the sea seem to boil.
Then, with a sonorous piping sound, a great black shape broke the surface and rose, towering like a reef beside their tiny boat. $ater sluiced down the flanks of 9astitocalon, where weed trailed and barnacles clung as though to the hull of a giant hulk. A fin the si(e of a bank of oars slowly stirred, thrusting out a wave of foam.
An eyelid opened larger than a shield. 5eep-set in flesh like weathered stone, a single glimmering eye watched them * uncaring and immemorially wise, full of fathomless thoughts.
A noise came, resonating through their whole bodies. 4radually they made out the words T '0;; =;6T&+76 MA3 3+= A6), T';7 & 0;T=07 T+ T'; /+$;0 $+0/5.
M a g n u s h a d b a r e d h i s t e e t h i n a f i e r c e g r i n , e "a lt in g i n t he s uc ce ss o f t he s um mo ni ng . T he apprentices clung to the sides of the boat, faint with fear, overawed by the sea-demon!s monstrous si(e and strength.
9astitocalon,! said Magnus.
T '; $&A05 BA/T'AA0. 3;6, '; 50+$7;5 &7 M3 'A// +9 5;AT'.
A gust of wind blew down icy rain. Magnus gave a kind of sob and said #And does he lie there still%!
T '; $;&4'T +9 T'; +C;A7 /A3 =8+7 '&6 6)=// 9+0 9&@; T'+=6A75 5A36 A75 7&4'T6, B=T 7+ /+74;0.
#Then he has arisen ...! said Magnus. 'e stared down into the grey waters, and suddenly his face contorted in a look of horror. 5ropping to his knees, he plunged both hands into the brine. 'is eyes were focused on something the apprentices could not see. But was it a figment of his guilt, or a spectre dredged up from the sea!s depths% #Baltha(ar! cried Magnus. #& tried to save you ... would have if & could. $hy do you return to torment me%! +sric sei(ed his arm. #Master, have you forgotten the sea-spirit% &t*!
9astitocalon swung his great fin, swamping their boat. &t capsi(ed, casting all four into the water. +sric clung to the keel, his other hand still gripping Magnus!s sleeve, and spluttered as he tasted salt water.
9astitocalon opened his great aws. $ater rushed in, a mighty torrent, pulling the gondola and the four frail figures. A strange sweet smell gusted out of the monster!s guts. They saw his teeth, like many polished skulls, poised to
grind them.
Baskaino struggled up on to the overturned boat. +sric called to him #'elp me with the Archimage. 'e might yet send the monster back.!
Baskaino reached down, hauling Magnus over the keel with +sric!s help. But the Archimage only lay there like a beached whale, gasping incoherently as he stared at some inner vision. #Master! screamed )ashor, treading water. #$ithout you we are doomed!
9astitocalon sucked them closer to his cavernous maw. 'is head reared from the water, ready to dash down on to them. +sric stared up to see the sky entirely blotted out.
The monster!s head made him think of the warhammer of Thor, the thunder-god. $hen it fell, no force on earth
could save them.
Baskaino raised his arms, twisting his fingers into the pattern he had been taught. 'is voice made a lilting chant that somehow could be heard even above the wind and the waves and 9astitocalon!s triumphal snorting
reat spirit& no# avaunt thee+ Return unto the %eep+
The #aters c$ose above th) hea%+ Resume th) ancient s$eep.*
6ilence.
+sric swept water out of his eyes and looked around, baffled. There was no sign of the monster. The waves rose and fell slowly: salt spray hung in the air.
#6prites, right the boat,! commanded Baskaino as he slid down off the keel with the Archimage. #$e wish to board.!
7o sooner had he spoken than the gondola tilted and returned to an upright position, bobbing up and down in the water.
)ashor swum over. #Baskaino, you saved us all,! he said.
#'elp me get the Archimage aboard,! said Baskaino. #'e is unconscious.!
CHAPTER ,O-R
By evening the dri((le had turned to steady rain. The three apprentices sat in the parlour of Truillon listening to the insistent drumming of droplets outside the shutters.
Magnus had been taken to bed as soon as they returned to the manse. 6oaked to the skin, he soon lapsed back into his fever and remained partially delirious throughout the afternoon. As before, he seemed troubled by visions of his dead master. Mercutio had ust looked into the parlour to say that there was no change in his condition. The apprentices sat in despondent mood.
)ashor turned from stoking the fire. #$hat & can!t understand is why this is happening now. After all, Baltha(ar has been dead for ten years or more, and the Archimage has hardly mentioned him.!
#'e has always been troubled by guilt over Baltha(ar!s death,! said Baskaino. #&t is only that he managed to keep it locked away until now.!
+sric had been brooding all afternoon, trying to decide how much he should tell the others. $ith the Archimage so ill, the responsibility for the decision fell on his shoulders. #Baltha(ar is haunting the manse,! he told them now. #& saw his shade in the library a few days ago.!
)ashor stood open-mouthed at this news. Baskaino must have been eually ama(ed, but he hid it well. #& suspected something of the sort,! he murmured, settling back in his chair and placing the tips of his fingers together in contemplation. #Tell us more.!
+sric got up and began to pace in front of the hearth. #There is little more to tell. The ghost was searching for something, but seemed unable to find it. & recogni(ed it from Baltha(ar!s portrait. $hen & confided all this to the Archimage, he had me e"amine the scene of the haunting with a scrying-lens, and that confirmed that the ghost was indeed Baltha(ar!s.!
this morning said that Baltha(ar had lain on the ocean bed this morning said that Baltha(ar had lain on the ocean bed for ... how long%!
for ... how long%!
#Thirteen years and nine months,! supplied Baskaino. #Thirteen years and nine months,! supplied Baskaino. #An ominous period for the gestation of a vengeful ghost.! #An ominous period for the gestation of a vengeful ghost.! ##BBuut t wwhhaat t wwoouulld d hhe e wwaannt t wwiitth h rreevveennggee%%! ! aasskkeedd )ashor. #And what was he
)ashor. #And what was he looking for%! looking for%!
Baskaino thought for a moment. #The second uestion Baskaino thought for a moment. #The second uestion is easy to answer. $e might guess that he was searching is easy to answer. $e might guess that he was searching for the secret grimoire.!
for the secret grimoire.!
#;h%! +sric was nonplussed. #;h%! +sric was nonplussed. #T
#Thhe e bbooook k tthhat at llisists ts ththe e ppasast t mmasasteters rs aand nd ddococtrtrininalal principles of our college of wi(ardry,! e"plained )ashor. principles of our college of wi(ardry,! e"plained )ashor. #3e
#3es, s, sucsuch h a a boobook k is is alalwayways s hidhidden den by by mmaaggiic, sc, so evo even aen a g
ghhosost t mmiigghht t hhaave ve ttrrooububle le llococaattiing ng iitt. . But But whawhat t doedoes s itit signify, Baskaino%!
signify, Baskaino%!
##TThhaat t iis s wwhheerre e wwe e ffaalll l iinntto o tthhe e rreeggiioon n oof f ssttaarrkk sp
spececululaatitioon,n,! ! sasaiid d BaBaskskaiainono. . #& #& mmiigght ht susurmrmisise e tthahatt Magnus felt he could have done more to save Baltha(ar * Magnus felt he could have done more to save Baltha(ar * as perh
as perhaps he aps he migmight. Coulht. Could d eaealolousy of usy of Baltha(ar!s Baltha(ar!s greatgreat re
repuputatatition on hahave ve cacausused ed hihim m to to hehesisitatate te at at ththe e crcrucuciaiall mom
momentent% % As As trutrue e a a murmurder der mmiigghht t ccoomme e aabboouut t tthhrroouugghh so
somemeonone!e!s s fafaililurure e to act as to act as out out of of malmaliceice. . &f &f ththat at is is corcorrerectct tthheen n tthhe e gghhoosst t hhaas s aan n oobbvviioous us mmototiivve e ffor or hhaauunnttiinngg Magnus.!
Magnus.! #3
#3ou ou ccaannnnoot t mmeeaan n tthhaat t tthhe e ArArcchhiimmaagge e mmeeaannt t fforor Baltha(ar to die! said +sric. #&!m sure he mourns what Baltha(ar to die! said +sric. #&!m sure he mourns what happened every day of his
happened every day of his life.! life.! #M
#Moouurnrns s * * oor r bbllaammes es hhimimseselflf,! ,! rrepeplilied ed BBasaskkaainino.o. #Mor
#Moreoveeover, r, in in view of view of BalBaltha(tha(ar!ar!s s repureputatitation, on, MagMagnus nus mustmust have felt unsure of his own ability to take over the college. have felt unsure of his own ability to take over the college. 0emember what & told you yesterday% That was ust one 0emember what & told you yesterday% That was ust one o
of f tthhe e ttaallees s tthhaat t uusseed d tto o bbe e ttoolld d aabboouut t tthhe e ggrreeaatt Baltha(ar. $ould-be apprentices used to flock to Truillon Baltha(ar. $ould-be apprentices used to flock to Truillon in
in ththosose e dadaysys. . 7o7ow w lolook ok at at ththe e cocollllegege!e!s s fofortrtununeses...! .! 'e'e waved
waved a a hand hand around around the roomthe room. . #A farm#A farm-bo-boy, a y, a scrscriviveneener!r!ss so
son, an, and ond one one old servant who ld servant who is is teeteteetering at ring at the edge the edge of of his grave.!
#And you,! said )ashor resentfully. #And you,! said )ashor resentfully. Baskaino nodded. #And me.!
Baskaino nodded. #And me.! 9o
9or r seseveveraral l miminutnutes es ththerere e wawas s ononly ly ththe e sosounund d of of thethe rain on the window-p
rain on the window-panes and the cracklianes and the crackling of ng of logs in thelogs in the hearth. Then +sric said, #& don!t know what else you think hearth. Then +sric said, #& don!t know what else you think th
the e ArcArchimhimagage e coucould ld hahave ve dondone. e. MaMaybybe e itit!s !s trtrue ue he he dididndn!t!t me
measasurure up to Bae up to Baltlthaha(a(ar * r * & & don!t don!t know. know. But But at at least least hehe kept the colleg
kept the college going. 7o one e going. 7o one else could have.! else could have.!
#3es, he did,! agreed Baskaino. #8erhaps it!s not for me #3es, he did,! agreed Baskaino. #8erhaps it!s not for me to
to criticritici(e. ci(e. 'owev'owever, er, you!ryou!re e wrong about wrong about ththerere e bebeining nog no one el
one else to take ose to take over the colver the collegelege. 3ou ar. 3ou are boe both toth too yoo young ung toto know
know this, this, but but Baltha(ar Baltha(ar ororigigininalally ly hahad d ananototheher r ststududenentt 9yral was his name, a minor princeling. 'e had garnered a 9yral was his name, a minor princeling. 'e had garnered a certa
certain in renowrenown n desdespitpite e onlonly y havhaving been with the colleging been with the college e aa fe
few w yeyearars. s. 'ad 'ad he he taktaken en oveover r afafter ter BalBalthatha(ar(ar!s !s deadeath, th, hishis ro
royayal l statstatus us woulwould d havhave e attattractracted ed studstudents ents and and weawealthlthy y sponsors.!
sponsors.!
Mercutio moved forward into the firelight bearing their Mercutio moved forward into the firelight bearing their supper on a tray. 7one of the apprentices had heard him supper on a tray. 7one of the apprentices had heard him come in. #8lease e"cuse this cold buffet, masters,! he said, come in. #8lease e"cuse this cold buffet, masters,! he said, p
pllaacicing ng tthhe e ttraray y on on a a ttababllee, , ##bbuut t & & mumust st atattetend nd to to ththee Archimage. The fever has not
Archimage. The fever has not abated.! abated.! #T
#Thahank nk yoyou, u, MMerercucutitio,o,! ! sasaid id BaBaskskaiainono. . #T#Thihis s wiwill ll bebe uite sufficient.!
uite sufficient.! M
Meerrccuuttiio o nnooddddeed d aannd d wwiitthhddrreeww. . AAt t tthhe e ddoooorr, , hhee turned and said, #+h, & could not help overhearing what turned and said, #+h, & could not help overhearing what you
you said, said, Master Master Baskaino. Baskaino. About About 8rince 8rince 9yral, 9yral, & & mean.mean. 7one of you was here then, but & remember him well.!
7one of you was here then, but & remember him well.!
#$hat happened to him, Mercutio%! asked +sric. #$hat happened to him, Mercutio%! asked +sric. ##$$as as he he aalslso o on on boboarard d tthe he shshiip p wiwitth h BBalaltthaha((ar ar aandnd Magnus%!
Magnus%!
Mercutio shook his head. #+h no, Master +sric. Mercutio shook his head. #+h no, Master +sric. 'e!d already been e"pelled from the college by then. A 'e!d already been e"pelled from the college by then. A c r
c ru eu el , l , s es ellf if is h s h a na nd d w iw ic kc ke d e d yyo uo un g n g mmaan , n , h e h e w aw as .s . Master Baskaino was right in saying he had a certain Master Baskaino was right in saying he had a certain renown, but it wasn!t the sort you!d envy, you see. renown, but it wasn!t the sort you!d envy, you see. Th
me to my grave, and most likely beyond. 'e has not me to my grave, and most likely beyond. 'e has not been heard of since.!
been heard of since.! The
The Archimage Archimage woke woke from from a a nightmare nightmare drenched drenched inin sweat.
sweat.
&t was dark. A red glow came from the hearth, &t was dark. A red glow came from the hearth, where the fire had burned down to embers. +utside, where the fire had burned down to embers. +utside, the wind howled around the tower and up under the the wind howled around the tower and up under the eaves.
eaves.
7o, it wasn!t ust the wind. There was another 7o, it wasn!t ust the wind. There was another so
soundund, , an an eeeeririe e crcry y whwhicich h rerecolcollelectcted ed sosomemeththinging Magnus had heard in his dream. &t was his memory * Magnus had heard in his dream. &t was his memory * or per
or perhahapps s hihiss imimagaginine%e% memory * of Baltha(ar!smemory * of Baltha(ar!s screams as he sank beneath the waves.
screams as he sank beneath the waves.
5rawn by the sound, Magnus rose from his bed 5rawn by the sound, Magnus rose from his bed and pulled a fur cloak on over his night-shirt.
and pulled a fur cloak on over his night-shirt.
Mercutio lay do(ing in a chair beside the hearth. Mercutio lay do(ing in a chair beside the hearth. 9a
9aitithfhful ul MeMercrcutiutio. o. 0a0athether r ththan an trtroubouble le hihim m wiwithth fr
fresesh h woworrrrieies, s, MaMagngnus us blblew ew a a pipincnch h of of popowdwderereded phoeni" feathers into his face and recited the words of phoeni" feathers into his face and recited the words of a cantrip a simple spell to ensure restful sleep.
a cantrip a simple spell to ensure restful sleep. Th
Then, en, rereststining g hihis s weweighight t on on hihis s ststafaff, f, he he mamade de hishis way downstairs to the door. The pain from the way downstairs to the door. The pain from the bee-sting still throbbed, ignored, in his thigh. 'e pulled sting still throbbed, ignored, in his thigh. 'e pulled open the door and faced a curtain of cold rain. open the door and faced a curtain of cold rain. Beyond the porch light, the darkness was draped Beyond the porch light, the darkness was draped thickly over the sea. Magnus swayed, clinging to the staff thickly over the sea. Magnus swayed, clinging to the staff like a bellringer to his rope as a wave of di((iness swept like a bellringer to his rope as a wave of di((iness swept over him.
over him. Ag
Agaiain n tthe he fefeararfuful l scscrereecechihing ng cacame me ouout t of of ththe e rarain in--sw
swepept t dadarkrknesness. s. MaMagngnus us mumutttterered ed ananothother er spspelell,l, causing a lantern to appear beside him. &n its beam, causing a lantern to appear beside him. &n its beam, he saw a flickering figure out on the causeway.
he saw a flickering figure out on the causeway. #Baltha(ar,! called Magnus hoarsely into the
#Baltha(ar,! called Magnus hoarsely into the night.night. The
The figure figure drifted drifted off, off, towards towards the the mainland, mainland, withwith Magnus staggering behind. ;ach breath came as a Magnus staggering behind. ;ach breath came as a hot gasp. The rain trickled down inside his cloak. hot gasp. The rain trickled down inside his cloak.
6ea-spray in his eyes ...
'e was on the beach now. A path led up towards the headland where a circle of ancient monoliths s to od . T he l an te rn s wu ng i ts b ea m d ru nk en ly , responding to Magnus! swooning thoughts, picking out a figure for a moment. Baltha(ar was making his way to the headland.
Magnus followed, oblivious as pebbles cut his bare feet, splashing through sandy puddles. The figure turned and paused on the path ahead of him. Magnus uickened his step, lurching onwards, staff driving hard into the ground as he went. 'is vision came and went in clouds, burning sweat and icy rain mingled on his brow, his ragged breathing drowned out by the wind!s howl.
Trees overhung the path, whipping their branches against the cloud-laden sky. The figure waited until Magnus was almost upon it. 'e stared into the rain, pushing the lantern-beam up with a giddying thrust of will. &t fell full on the figure!s face.
&t #as Baltha(ar
Baltha(ar opened his mouth. Magnus stumbled a step closer, waiting to hear his mentor!s words.
Baltha(ar!s face contorted, eyes starting from his head. A scream of unearthly rage and fear resounded up to the heavens. 'e lifted his arms, teeth bared. 'e looked about to lunge for Magnus! throat, but the Archimage did not move. 'e could only stand stock-still, fro(en in sick horror at the sight.
6uddenly the spectral figure shot backwards, re-ceding down the path at incredible speed. &ts ghastly howl dwindled as it went. The lantern-light held it for a second, its arms still outstretched to sei(e, mouth still working in vengeful fury a translucent image as starkly bright as a dream. And then it was gone.
until he cleared the woods and reached the circle of standing-stones, perched desolately on the headland over high granite cliffs. 9ar below, wind smashed the sea on to the rocks. ;ach wave broke apart into grey foam, individually ineffective in the assault on the land: but gradually, over the eons, the cliffs would be worn ba ck and the sea would have its victory.
Magnus stopped with the standing-stones around him * a forlorn ring of monoliths raised by a people long e"tinct. $ith head pounding and vision swimming, he steadied himself against one of the stones, feeling the leprous surface. 5roplets of rain danced in the lantern-light. Clouds moved like galleons under the invisible stars.
A movement showed in the darkness. Magnus looked up to see Baltha(ar rise into view, drifting at the cliff s edge. 6trands of s eaweed hung from his arm, and his face was deathly white. The rain drove right through him as he raised a hand to beckon Magnus closer.
Then he spoke, voice like the wind in a deserted chapel s this the Archimage o" Trui$$on/ This inva$i%/*
Magnus took a step closer, and another. #Master...! The illness made him reel, clinging to his staff for
support. #Master, & would have saved you & did all & could. The gods know & would have given my life for you.!
Baltha(ar!s white lips broke open in a terrible smile. An% )et )ou $ive%& an% %ie%. 0ou became master o" m) manse& #hi$e $a) "i"t) "athoms %eep #ith a pi$$o# o" har% cora$ an% san% "or m) sheets. 0ou too( the tit$e o" Archimage. #as "orgotten.*
#& have honoured your memory,! said Magnus. #7ot a day passed that & have not thought of you.!
Thoughts an% %reams&* said Baltha(ar hollowly. ha% on$) "ishes "$itting through m) s(u$$.*
Another wave of hot nausea caused Magnus to bow his head. As it passed, darkness sliding away from his vision, he looked up to see a change come upon the
scene. 4reen murky light surrounded him, and sand scene. 4reen murky light surrounded him, and sand lay under his feet. 6ea-stirred fronds rose in banks all lay under his feet. 6ea-stirred fronds rose in banks all ab
about out hihim. m. 9i9ishshes es momoveved d ababovove, e, slslow ow sisilvlver er lilighghtsts darting in the gloom.
darting in the gloom.
'e looked back. The standing-stones had been 'e looked back. The standing-stones had been replaced by the skeletal timbers of a sunken hulk. 'e replaced by the skeletal timbers of a sunken hulk. 'e could make out the faded paintwork on its bows the could make out the faded paintwork on its bows the Harbinger.
Harbinger.
Baltha(ar drifted closer.
Baltha(ar drifted closer. 0es& )ou recogni1e it' the 0es& )ou recogni1e it' the abo%e )ou*ve shunne% these thirteen )ears.*
abo%e )ou*ve shunne% these thirteen )ears.*
6omething pushed up through the wet sand < an 6omething pushed up through the wet sand < an arm, bare of flesh, clad in tatters. &t clutched at the arm, bare of flesh, clad in tatters. &t clutched at the rotted frame of the ship, pulling itself up a figure sat rotted frame of the ship, pulling itself up a figure sat up out of the sea bed. ;yeless sockets stared at up out of the sea bed. ;yeless sockets stared at Ma
Magngnus us frfrom om unundeder r a a babarnrnacaclele-s-stutudddded ed skskulull. l. ThThenen an
anotother her figfigure ure araroseose, , anand d ananothother. er. ThThe e drdrownowneded sa
saililorors s whwho o hahad d crcrewewed ed ththee HaHarbrbiningegerr on her laston her last voyage. They rose on thin legs and scuttled closer, voyage. They rose on thin legs and scuttled closer, closing in on Magnus with grisly grins.
closing in on Magnus with grisly grins.
Magnus stepped back, then gasped as he felt a chill Magnus stepped back, then gasped as he felt a chill shudder through him. Baltha(ar was at his shoulder, shudder through him. Baltha(ar was at his shoulder, his hand outstretched. &cy words rumbled in Magnus!s his hand outstretched. &cy words rumbled in Magnus!s ear
ear 2isten to m) #or%s an% 2isten to m) #or%s an% hee% them #e$$& usurper.hee% them #e$$& usurper. 0our p$ace is among the %ea%.*
0our p$ace is among the %ea%.*
Magnus screamed, but it was the soundless scream Magnus screamed, but it was the soundless scream of a nightmare. Then oblivion struck like a thunderbolt, of a nightmare. Then oblivion struck like a thunderbolt, and he knew no more.
CHAPTER ,3E
CHAPTER ,3E
#Master +sric, you must come at once.! #Master +sric, you must come at once.!
+sr
+sric ic lolookoked ed up up blbleaearirily ly frfrom om undunder er his his bedbed-cov-coversers.. ##MMeerrccuuttiio.o.! ! ''e e ggot ot upup, , yyaawwnniinngg, , aannd d ppulullleed d oon n hhiiss slippers.
slippers. ThThe e rouroutitine gave him timne gave him time e to come fullto come fully y awake.awake. #$hat!s wrong%!
#$hat!s wrong%!
Mercutio gave no answer, but only took him by the arm Mercutio gave no answer, but only took him by the arm and almost
and almost pullpulled ed him along him along the the draugdraughty hty papassssagage ande and up
up ththe e ststaiairs rs to to ththe e ArArchchimimagage!e!s s roroomom. . The The door door stostoodod open, showing a gleam of red light from the fire. +sric open, showing a gleam of red light from the fire. +sric entered and gave a gasp.
entered and gave a gasp. The
The ArchiArchimage mage was was crouchcrouched ed by by the the firesfireside ide in in aa puddle of rainwater, hair plastered wetly to his head, the fur puddle of rainwater, hair plastered wetly to his head, the fur rob
robe e aroaround und him him ththorooroughughly ly soasoakedked. . 'e 'e wwaas s rrocockkiinngg bac
back and k and forforth on th on his heehis heels, eyes widls, eyes wide e but unseeing, asbut unseeing, as he said again and again through chattering aws #Among he said again and again through chattering aws #Among the dead ... Among the
the dead ... Among the dead...! dead...!
##& & wwokoke e aannd d ffouounnd d hhiim m lliikke e tthhiiss,,! ! ssaaiid d MMeerrccuuttiioo helpl
helplessly. #& was heressly. #& was here all the time, but & dide all the time, but & didn!t hear hin!t hear him m gogo ou
out. t. & & mumust st hahave ve fafallllen en asasleleepep.! .! 'e 'e huhung ng hihis s heheaad d iinn shame.
shame. The
The crisis crisis imbued imbued +sric +sric with with a a calm calm authority.authority. $i
$iththout out hehesitsitatiating, ng, he he stostoopeoped d and and paspassed sed a a hanhand d ovoverer tthhe e AArrcchhiimmaaggee!!s s eeyyeess, , mmuurrmmuurriinng g a a ssppeelll l aas s hhe e dididd.. =nu
=nusuasually for lly for one one of of +sr+sric!ic!s s spespellslls, , it it worworked ked fifirsrst t titimeme.. The
The ArchArchimaimage ge slumslumped ped forforwarward d intinto o his his arms, arms, soundsound asleep.
asleep.
#'elp me get him undressed and into bed,! said +sric. #'elp me get him undressed and into bed,! said +sric. After a moment of ama(ement, the old servant hurried After a moment of ama(ement, the old servant hurried tto o hhiis s ssidide e anand d bbeetwtweeeen n ththe e ttwo wo of of tthehem m ththeey y dridried ed thethe Archimage off and laid him in his
Archimage off and laid him in his bed.bed.
+sric gave the Archimage a cursory e"amination. #4oing +sric gave the Archimage a cursory e"amination. #4oing ou
out t iin n ththis is weweaathther er cacannnnot ot hahave ve ddonone e hihis s fefevever r mmuucchh good. &n addition, the bee sting seems further inflamed. $e good. &n addition, the bee sting seems further inflamed. $e h
haad d bbeetttteer r ggeet t BBaasskkaaiinno o tto o aaddmmiinniisstteer r oonne e oof f hhiiss alchemical preparations.!