David Wells - Cursed Bones

“The ways of magic are not always clear,” Balthazar said. “We’re still not certain on the specifics of how Benesh created the sword in the first place.”

“One of the books we found in his tomb detailed a process for transferring a wizard’s link with the firmament to an item,” Alexander said. “The wizards said they thought an arch mage could be stripped of his link, which could then be used to create an item capable of allowing its wielder to command the firmament with the same level of power as the wizard who gave it his power.”

“If that’s how he created Mindbender, it explains why he died,” Constantine said. “Without his link, the aging process would have overtaken him relatively quickly.”

“It may also explain how the link transferred to Alexander,” Dominic said. “Under normal circumstances, a link with the firmament is bound to a specific wizard or witch. In order to transfer his link to the sword, Benesh would have had to ensure that the link didn’t dissipate the moment it was separated from him. He would have had to harden it, if you will, in order to protect it long enough to become one with the sword. How he accomplished such a thing is beyond my understanding, but it seems from your description that the link contained within the sword sought out a suitable place to reside once the sword could no longer contain it.”

“So what do I do?” Alexander asked.

“Guard that book carefully,” Balthazar said. “Its potential is difficult to ascertain, but Phane or Zuhl could probably find ways to use it.”

“It’s in the care of the Guild Mage,” Alexander said, “He’s studying it to see if we could make use of it. But getting back to Mindbender. Do you really think I have the sword’s powers?”

“Probably not exactly,” Constantine said. “While our understanding of the adept wizard is limited, we do know that you developed specific capabilities after surviving the mana fast. You may manifest the same talents the sword gave you or you may develop completely new capabilities, provided our speculation is accurate.”

“The only way to know for certain is to experiment,” Balthazar said. “I recommend you proceed with caution and deliberate care. This is uncharted territory.”

“That certainly gives me something to think about,” Alexander said.

“Be aware of anything different about your magic,” Balthazar said. “Pay careful attention to the details of anything you experience differently than before.”

Alexander cocked his head to the side and frowned, suddenly realizing that things had been slightly different with his magic.

“I used my clairvoyance before coming to consult you,” he said. “The firmament felt somehow more familiar. I can’t really explain it, but I felt more at home, more at ease. Also, my all around sight is sharper.”

“Given your wound, you will have plenty of time to experiment,” Balthazar said. “I recommend you spend some time every day using your clairvoyance. Attempt to use it in ways you haven’t before. Look at the very small and the very large, explore the inner workings of the substance around you at the smallest level you can, see the entire Seven Isles as a whole, look within yourself and attempt to penetrate the realm of light. Stretch out with your mind and see what you find.”

“I will,” Alexander said. “I already have a lot to do on that score. There are a number of conflicts brewing that will flare as soon as spring comes. I want to provide my people with all the information I can before the fighting starts.”

He stopped, staring at the table for a moment.

“This may be nothing, but twice now I’ve felt a knowing sensation prior to Bragador’s arrival. It’s not like the precognitive experiences I’ve had in the past, but more like a subtle awareness of the moments to come.”

“Take note of any more such experiences you have,” Balthazar said. “Study each one in detail, look for commonalities. Above all, determine how accurate your predictive abilities are. Such a power is formidable beyond words, provided it’s reliable and accurate. Otherwise, it could very easily lead to your doom.”

“I hadn’t considered that,” Alexander said.

“Perhaps we should spend some time discussing the dragons,” Demetrius said.

“I concur,” Balthazar said. “You said that a dragon was born near you, that you were the first person she saw when she emerged from her egg.”

“Yes,” Alexander said.

“Dragon mothers are very careful with their eggs,” Balthazar said. “The first being a dragon sees will be imprinted on the beast for its whole life. This young dragon will have loyalty to you above all others. Her mother is aware of this, and no doubt, unhappy about it. Take great care, Alexander. Dragons are fiercely protective of their own, especially their young.”

“I had no idea,” Alexander said. “Anja spends all of her time nearby, but I just thought she was young and curious. What should I do?”

“Encourage her to follow her mother’s guidance,” Balthazar said. “Bragador knows better than any what Anja needs. Tread lightly, offer friendship but encourage her to assimilate into her own community. As for Bragador, take her counsel seriously and don’t make any promises that you aren’t willing to keep. Dragons have long memories and will always collect on debts owed.”

“That leaves Siduri and the blood of the earth,” Constantine said.

“Indeed,” Balthazar said. He fixed Alexander with a very direct look before proceeding. “I am inclined to recommend that you refrain from using the blood of the earth.”

The other sovereigns nodded in agreement, save Malachi, who started laughing.

Alexander ignored him. “How will I save Isabel without the potion?”

“I don’t know,” Balthazar said, “but the warning given by Siduri and the manner in which he appeared and disappeared cannot be taken lightly. Had I been aware of his existence, I would have reached out to him. That he never chose to contact me or any of the other sovereigns, yet chose to warn you in this matter, is of great significance.”

“He’s clearly a being of transcendent power,” Constantine said. “The very idea of residing within the firmament for millennia is difficult to grasp, but the ability to manifest physically at the location of his choice and then melt back into the firmament is profound in the extreme. He may be the single most powerful creature alive in the world today. His guidance should be given serious consideration.”

“His experience with the darkness is of vital importance as well,” Dominic said. “Firsthand dealings with the Taker are unheard of. No wizard would be foolish enough to attempt such a thing … unless they were driven by abject desperation. The result of his bargain is instructive.”

“I have no intention of making a bargain with the Taker,” Alexander said.

“I didn’t mean to suggest that you did,” Dominic said. “I’m referring to the origin of the shades. That they were made by the Taker suggests that they could be unmade by him.”

“But why would he do that?” Alexander asked, intrigued by the possibility.

“The darkness and the light operate according to their own rules,” Balthazar said. “It may be that the fulfillment of Siduri’s bargain could bring the shades to an end.”

“You’re saying that if Siduri died and surrendered to the Taker, the shades would be unmade?”

“I’m speculating,” Balthazar said.

“How can I confirm your speculation?” Alexander asked, sitting forward.

The table fell silent until Malachi started laughing again.

“What do you know that could help me end the shades forever?” Alexander demanded.

Malachi shrugged. “Only speculations.”