Path of the Magi (Tales of Tiberius) (43 page)

Tiberius stepped up and took her hand. 

“I am familiar with duty coming between me and my intendeds,” he said.  “But know that you will always have a place in my heart and my friendship.” 

“La, say no more or I shall not have the strength to tear myself away from you.  Go, go as my friend and think on the future.” 

Tiberius took a step back and she turned and almost ran from him. 

He sat in the garden a long time before returning to his room.  He had much to pray about. 

The next morning Darras met him at the stables. 

“How did it go last night?  You don’t look so well.”

“You’re right, Darras.  Her being a countess is causing complications.  We must only be friends now it seems.  Duty has an annoying habit of interfering with my love life.”

“God has tests for all of us,” Darras replied.  “Nothing harder to find than a good wife.”    

Chapter XIII

Dallen and the Dragon

They rode again down the elf roads; at least the journey was quick.  Tiberius returned with mixed emotions.  He did love Salina deeply as a friend.  In other circumstances they could be great lovers, but it was not meant to be for now.  At least he finally understood the situation.  It did leave him free for others, though he didn’t really think the actress he was currently friendly with was nearly as serious as others with an ear for gossip liked to pretend. 

Returning to the castle one day, Tiberius had a surprise waiting for him.  Maci was sitting in the courtyard.  Tiberius walked over towards her, at first thinking to make some cutting remark about her skipping school.  But then as he approached he saw the look in her eyes.  Something was terribly wrong.  The usual smile on her face was shattered by some sorrow.  His eyes asked the question as she came closer.

“It’s Dallen.  He’s taken ill,” she said.  “Dad went for Messura.  They sent me for you,” she said.  Her eyes could barely hold back the tears as she gurgled out the news. 

Tiberius let out a sharp breath.  “Our troubles come not signally but in battalions … How bad is he?”

“I don’t know.  Dad went to visit him and … well he’s gotten awfully old awfully quickly.  I don’t know what’s wrong with him.”

Tiberius nodded his understanding.  “Very well, you up for a ride?”

“Of course,” she said, glaring back at him.  It was as if he’d asked her if she was going to wear clothing that day.  

“I’ll just tell Lord Brandon I’ll be gone for awhile and grab my saddle bags.  Have you had anything to eat?”

She nodded in the affirmative.  A few minutes later, they were on horseback and heading out the gate. 

“Get a good grip,” he said suddenly once they were clear of the castle. 

“Why?” Maci asked cautiously, taking a firm grip on her horse nonetheless. 

“Kuru kiel la vento!”  Tiberius said suddenly.  The horses began to run.  Maci at least was used to being around magicians so the magic didn’t unnerve her, though she asked if it was good for the horses.  She seemed relieved when he assured her it didn’t hurt them at all. 

In a couple of hours they came to Dallen’s familiar estate.  The place was unusually crowded with horses.  Tiberius jumped off his horse and ran into the rooms.  He met Messura first, though, coming out of Dallen’s bedroom. 

“What is it?” Tiberius asked the master healer. 

“Age catching up with him at last,” Messura said. 

“Age?  But…”

“He’s had the will to push back the ravages of aging for many years.  Yes, I know.  But all stories have an end.  His children have grown up; he know longer feels the need to be the protector of this world.  There are other challenges awaiting him in the next.  Go and see him, but not too long.”

Tiberius nodded. 

Entering the bedroom, he looked on his old mentor.  Tanyia was by his side.  He looked terrible, far worse than Tiberius had envisioned.  As long as he’d ever known him, Dallen had looked, well, in his mid-fifties.  Now he looked like he was twice that age.  All the more shocking was Ti’s certain knowledge of the incredible powers of healing that were assembled in this house at the moment.  If Messura couldn’t help him, what could?  There was only one real explanation for the old man’s ailments and Tiberius said as much. 

“I never thought you would give up on life,” Tiberius chided, walking up to him. 

The old man gave him a smile.  “I am not giving up; I am relaxing at long last.  You’d think as long as I’ve been working, I would finally be entitled to a rest.    

He took a deep breath.  "I'm tired.  I've lived more lives than I should have, Tiberius."

"Always room for one more," the young pupil answered. 

"Possibly.  But it's time to let God decided that.  I'm not using magic to prolong my life any more.  I may recover but if not … well, I know into whom’s arms I will fall.”  He looked at the expression of concern on Ti’s face.  "It's nothing to be sad about,” Dallen continued.  “Not like this.  Just a natural progression of life.  It's a journey we all make someday.  I've put it off long enough."

He took a sip of water.  "Haven't been myself for some time.  A wizard can put these things off.  Put them aside for a time.  Just as you can go without sleep for a while.  But sooner or later it catches up to you.  The body can only be pushed so far." 

Tiberius’s eyes wandered around the room and his eyes lit on a small stack of papers, including a letter he’d written detailing his encounter with the goblin queen.  A horrible thought struck him.  Had this news been the cause of the old man’s demise?  His eyes met his old mentor.

“It’s good to know you are no longer needed,” the old man said.

“I … wouldn’t have,”  Tiberius stammered.

“Oh, do you think I wouldn’t have found out without you telling me?  You’ve come a long way in a short time, my young apprentice.  I couldn’t have done a better job myself.  In some ways you’re better already than I ever was.  Some things you still have to learn.”

He took hold of his hand.  “This is a time of great joy for me.  It’s been a terrible strain fighting against time itself all these years.  Now I know at last that I can rest.”

“Master, I still need your guidance,” Tiberius said.  “Don’t think we don’t still need you.”

“Oh, I know you could still use my advice.  You just don’t need it any more.  You can learn from each other and experience.”  He took another sip of water.  “My time may be short, and I still have some advice for you, my young friend.  You remember my riddle, I trust?” 

“How does a dragon fly?”  Tiberius replied.

“Yes, good.  I don’t expect you have the answer yet.  It will come to you in time.  Just know that fighting a dragon won’t be like that old witch.  You can’t overpower a dragon; there’s no staff to shatter.  Fight power to power and you’ll lose in the end.  You must fight as a magi,” Dallen explained.

“But how do I do that?” Tiberius asked.

“Answer the riddle, and you’ll have your answer.  I wish I could put it more plainly than that, but some answers you must learn for yourself, Master Fuller.”      

Dallen laid back into his bed.  He looked incredibly tired and weary.  He closed his eyes and let his head sink back in to the pillow.  “I’ve answered enough of your questions, Tiberius.  I know you’ll never run out of them, but from now on you’ll find your own answers.”  Dallen gave a feeble flick of his wrist.  “Now go on, you’ve got other things to do.  If I want to be pestered with questions, I’ll send for Russell.”

With that Dallen fell asleep.  Tanyia nudged him out the door with a nod.  It was time for Dallen to rest.  He had the feeling he would never see Dallen alive again in this world. 

He took a stroll though the streets of his old hometown.  Not much had changed here.  It was as quiet and peaceful as ever.  He wondered if anyone here sensed the danger that he did.  How long would it be before the dragon came here?  Hours?  Probably a few days.  The dragon would want to be cautious.  At least he knew one thing about the dragon.  He was good at hiding.  Years of searching for him had produced hints, but no way of forcing a conflict with the dragon on the magi’s terms. 

A pigeon came to him.  A message from Salina, likely.  They were still friends and still wrote to one another.  She’d know what was happening, naturally.

He opened the note. 

I like your plan.  You should follow your heart, not your head, in this.  Some dangers should be faced head on.

–
Salina

She still knew his heart.  He couldn’t force it, but he knew where to go.

He took another stroll around the green, then stopped suddenly.  Marybeth was there, walking with her husband and her children.  How long had it been since he’d seen her?  About twelve years?  The years had treated them very differently.  Marybeth had put on some weight.  She was a proper and respectable wife to a banker now.  She looked like a happy and content housewife.  Tiberius’ looks had gone the other way.  As much as she had softened, he had hardened.  For twelve years he had spent nearly every day studying the secrets of the universe, trying to master powers never meant for mankind to wield.  All to make sure she could stay that happy and content housewife.  Well, no, not just her.  All the people of this town. 

She walked past without even recognizing him.  He thought she might have seen him, and stepped slightly the other way.  He didn’t feel like talking to her.  The years had taken them too far on different paths.  If he succeeded, she could keep on minding her children as if nothing had happened.  He had other children to visit anyway.  He owed Marcus and his kids a visit. 

Tiberius walked in the door of the print shop.  He had a brief feeling of glad nostalgia.  He and his brother had some good times here.  For a moment, he just watched Marcus instructing his young son in how to put the ink on the plates.  Then Marcus looked up and saw him.  He ran over and threw his arms around him. 

“Ti!  I knew you’d be around before long.  We all heard about Dallen.  Mr. Okubo’s a good friend of his these days.  Let me look at you!”

He took a long glance.  “They aren’t overfeeding you.  You look strong, though.  Come say hello to your uncle.”

Tiberius gave his nephew a hug and let him hold his staff for a moment.  Just then the door from the back opened, and another familiar face stepped though. 

His father was older now.  He walked slowly but his mind was still clear.  His father’s eyes took him in with that strange mixture of pride and fear that Tiberius had almost become accustomed to.

“Hello, son,” he said.

“Hello, Father,” was the reply. 

Still the captain of the local militia, the general asked the question on his mind.  “How long before the dragon comes here after Dallen dies?” he asked.

“If he gets here, I’ve failed.  He might not come here at all.  If I fall he’ll be after gold, not revenge.  Just my going to him will help keep the town safe.  I’d clear everyone away from the bank, though.  If he does come here, it will probably be quickly.  A few days.  Russ and Greentree will work with you to hunt him down and keep the town safe.  It won’t be easy to trap him.”

“I don’t say I approve of your methods, boy.  But you’re my son, and I know you know how to execute a plan.  I know you’ve worked hard at your studies.  You’re our best hope of victory.  You’re a Fuller.  You’ll stop him.”

“You know if there is anything we can do, Ti...”  His brother let the thought trail off.

“I know.  I wouldn’t hesitate to ask if I thought there was any way you could help.”

“How is Dallen?”  his father asked. 

“Not well.  It won’t be long,” Tiberius answered.

“Well, you’d better come along and say hello to your mother, too.”

Tiberius spent the night at his brother’s place.  He woke up about 3 A.M.  Dallen had died in his sleep.  There was no message, but he knew it all the same.  Tiberius thought for a moment, then went over and dealt out an array of cards by candlelight, using the random probability matrix as a crude indication of his fortunes.  He had a little time.  He went back to bed. 

He woke up early the next morning, about six.  He was already at the stables, saddling up his horse, when Maci came by. 

“Dallen's dead, isn't he?” she asked.   

“Yes.” Tiberius answered, “How did you know?”

“God talks to me in dreams sometimes,” she said.  “I'm going to miss him.  When do we leave?”

He looked at her, astonished.  "What do you mean, we?"

Maci returned a determined stare.  "We both know what this means.  Dallen's dead.  That means the dragon is coming for you.  Well, for me, Marybeth, Marcus, everyone here.  I haven't forgotten.  I know you haven't.  He can have Marybeth, but I don’t suppose he’d stop there.” 

"No.  I have to face him now," Tiberius said.

"So what are we waiting for?"  Maci said. 

Again he shook his head in astonishment at her.  "Not we, me.  This is much too dangerous for you."

"Don't tell me you're going to do this alone?"  Maci said.

"Yes."

"Don't be an idiot.  Why should you do this alone?  Why not bring Singh, Darras, and every other soldier you can find with you?"

"How many of them are going to die fighting my fight?  What good has all this been if I can't take him on myself?” 

"You've done lots of good.  Don't be silly.  You're just being stubborn," Maci said.

"You were too young to hear him.  He'll come after my friends, my family, whatever it takes to get me to face him.  He wasn't joking.  Anyway, a wizard's duel isn't like an ordinary fight.  Numbers don't always help.  I need Russ and Greentree to watch the town.  I only think I know where to find him.  If I’m wrong he may come after the town to try and lure me out."

"He won’t do that if he thinks you’re coming to look for him on your own.  You’re playing right into his hands.  It's not like you to play by someone else’s rules.  It’s bad strategy and you know it,”  Maci scolded. 

“No, I don’t want him coming after me.  The only way to get him off his guard is to come after him.  If I bring up an army of wizards, he’ll just run and then attack on his terms.  I’ve been thinking and praying about this for a long time, Maci.  It has to be done this way,” he said.

“You think you’re the only one who prays?  I can help.  I don’t know how, but I can,” she insisted.

He turned to look at her.  “You really believe that don’t you?  Ok.  You want to help, there are some extra blankets in the shed over there.  Get them for me will you?”

Maci nodded and turned back to the shed.  She moved slowly, though; something struck her as not right.  She’d almost figured it out when she felt the telekinetic shove into the shed.  The door closed behind her.   

“Hey!” she said trying the door.  It was locked.  Magically locked.   

“I’m sorry, Maci; I know you mean well, but this is too dangerous,” he said.  “It’s no place for a fifteen year old.”  He quickly swung up into the saddle and turned to ride out of town.

"Tiberius!  Don't do this!  You shouldn't go alone.  Have you even solved Dallen's riddle?" 

Maci's shouting was in vain.  She tried the door angrily.  It wasn't moving. 

“Stupid stubborn idiot!” she shouted in frustration.   She wasn't a ninja for nothing, though.  At fifteen she’d learned a few tricks.  She looked around the shed.  If he thought she was just going to sit here while he went and got killed, he had another thing coming.  There was a weak spot in the roof.  Scampering up off a table and raising herself up off a beam she just managed to get in position.  It took a couple of her best kicks, but the boards shattered and there was just enough of an opening for her to get out.  She slid down the side of the roof, slowed her fall by  catching the rim, then dropped safely onto the ground.  Now her troubles were just starting.

Well, at least he'd left her the horse.  She got on and started riding.  She had to stay with him but not let him see her.  Thank God he evidently hadn’t felt the need to do his horse quickening spell again.  It might even be possible to catch up.  Why did he have to make things difficult?  At least she had a vague idea where he was headed, as she had seen a map he was working on one time.  There was a cave he’d marked with a question mark on the east side of the Black Hills, just west of Spider Lake.  She’d have to be careful about spiders if she was going this way.  Spiders she could handle, though. 

Luckily, Tiberius had other things on his mind as he rode again away from civilization and towards the woods.  He took his horse back towards the Black Hills.  By now the Rangers had mostly cleaned out the caverns, but caves were funny things.  They wound around and though the hills and you never quite knew when a little crack in the wall was going to lead onto another chamber.  Then again, where the type of rocks that produced caves existed there was no guarantee there would be only one cavern. 

Tiberius had been looking for that dragon for some time now.  He’d wanted to be ready when Dallen passed away.  It was a few months ago that he’d gotten his first premonition.  He’d been walking around the Black Hills when he’d had a faint sense of something else nasty and powerful down there.  It could have been anything or nothing, but it played at the back of his mind.  The dragon hadn’t been seen raiding in this area.  Maybe that was a reason to look for him here.  Most dragons lived deeper into the fairy lands, and there had been no rumor of him there.  Where then?  Why not under their very noses?  A dragon could conceal his departure and exit from his caves with ease.  Any casual killings would be attributed to the goblins.  Even among the goblins, probably only a few of them knew they had an ace in the hole in case of a major attack. 

He camped by Spider Lake, deciding to sleep under the stars.  He set his evening wards carefully.  Once or twice he thought he was being followed, but he paid it little mind.  There were still goblins and bogies about, but one or two of them didn’t worry him. 

At midnight he woke up.  He knew it now.  He was close and he knew where to go.  The dragon had been sleeping but it was stirring now.  It probably felt him as well.  He waited a long time, measuring that feeling, and reflecting in prayer.  The dragon was not closing.  Not now.  It was just stirring.  No doubt it had its own wards set to warn the dragon on Dallen’s death.  The conflict couldn’t wait long now, but he determined it would wait for dawn.  He went back to bed.