Chapter 31 The Forest
Revik immediately realized the opportunity that had been presented to him. Misara would be busy healing the sick perhaps for the length of an entire day. This meant that he would be free to explore the forest and search for the ruins of the Tower of Sky Magic.
Before Aisha could proceed to her own private chambers, Revik spoke to her.
“While they are visiting the sick, we will go in search of the ruins,” Revik told Aisha.
Aisha’s eyes brightened with sheer excitement.
“Yes teacher!” Aisha replied.
“Prepare yourself tonight,” Revik said, “for we do not know what awaits us.”
Revik expected Aisha to react with trepidation at what he had just said. Instead, she seemed even more eager for tomorrow’s adventure.
He left Aisha and went into his chambers. He lit the lantern that he found inside. And from the leather bag that he always brought with him, he took out a book that looked old and worn. The ornate design of the metal cover glistened in the light from the lantern’s flame.
Revik placed it on the desk beside his bed. His hands then began to move in a rhythmic manner above the book. He then uttered the words that would unlock the spell that kept the book from being opened by anyone. It glowed slightly until the cover suddenly opened by itself. It was Revik’s spell book. All wizards possessed their own. The book contained the incantations and hand movements needed to cast spells. Each spell book was unique for it contained only those that a wizard wished to master.
He opened the pages that revealed spells of offensive and defensive nature. Revik did not know what he would face at the ruins. All he knew was that whatever army the dark sorcerers brought with them was powerful enough to lay waste to an entire order of wizards.
Yet Revik was unafraid. He recalled how he had survived the Mystic Challenge. He still believed nothing could possibly compare to what he had faced.
He studied for hours that evening memorizing the arcane formulas. When he was satisfied, he rested and fell asleep.
The following morning, the companions gathered in the inn’s dining hall.
“Beret and I will accompany Misara to the homes of those afflicted with sickness,” Kort said to Revik.
Revik took a moment before answering. “Very well then,” he replied. “Aisha and I will explore the forest. We may learn something from the surroundings.”
Kort merely nodded at him. They then prepared for their respective journeys.
When the others had departed, Revik instructed Aisha to get the horses ready. They then left the inn and made their way into the Forest of Narul.
As they rode into the forest, Revik noticed that the trees were tall but the foliage was thin enough to allow ample sunlight. As they traveled deeper into the forest, Revik took out a rolled piece of parchment from his saddle bag. It was a map of the forest that he had drawn himself based on the information that he had gathered.
“If our pace remains unchanged, it would take us roughly four hours to reach the place where I believe the ruins are located,” Revik told Aisha.
“Teacher, what was the Tower of Sky Magic?” Aisha asked.
“It was an order of wizards who mastered the command of natural forces,” Revik replied.
“What happened to them?” Aisha asked further.
“Records say that they were attacked by sorcerers who wielded dark magic,” Revik answered. “They were all killed.”
Revik saw Aisha’s expression change. She now appeared alarmed.
“No need to worry, Aisha.” Revik said. “We are ready.”
But as he said this, he wondered whether he was actually stating a fact or was he trying to reassure himself as well. Revik pushed this doubt from his mind. All that mattered was the prize. And the prize was worth the risk, he told himself.
Revik could feel that it was now noon. But the trees shielded them from the heat of the sun. Their travel was slow but not unpleasant.
“Look teacher,” Aisha suddenly said as she pointed to something towards their left side.
Revik saw it was a large piece of stone masonry, perhaps what used to be part of an outer wall. Scattered beside it were similar remnants of stone.
“We are here,” Revik said. His voice sounded grave. “Be alert.”
After they had secured their horses, they approached the ruins cautiously. Upon passing the threshold of the now crumbling outer wall, he could make out what was once a tower that loomed high above the trees.
And then Revik began to sense an ominous presence. It was almost imperceptible at first. Perhaps his senses had become more attuned to mystical disturbances, Revik thought.
But the nearer they got, the stronger it felt.
He halted. Aisha did the same and looked at him in apparent alarm.
“Quickly,” Revik said in a hushed tone. “Cast your protective spells. Now!”