PART SIX

"Nerva sent word that you would come to see me," said Louisa. "But I didn't think you would be arriving here in Daema earlier than expected. I see you've met a High Priest somewhere?"

He nodded, too busy looking at Louisa to answer. He had never expected her to retain the robes of a Wizard; but it was clear that she was wearing her clothes only out of custom—that her real garments were just hidden away, waiting to be summoned. She was beautiful of course—layered blonde hair and wondrous blue eyes—and her every movement had a definite grace in them. An overwhelming air of energy and power came from her too, making the air reverberate. Though Louisa's energy was not as powerful as that of Nerva's, it was something to reckon with.

"Can I see your sphere, please?" she asked as she sat down before him.

He hesitated, but handed her the sphere. Louisa took it, and like Nerva before her, examined it silently in her hands. He felt thrilled—somewhere deep in his heart he knew Louisa was going to say something that favored him. He was anticipating this—his hunch had never been strong like this before—he wanted to hear her say it; hear her that he should go on with his choice and see it to the end.

Louisa's examination of the sphere took a surprisingly short time. She gave it back to him, a look of mild concern etched on her face. He sat there mutely, his heart thumping. Say it…please say it…do not say otherwise I'm begging you…

"I cannot help you with the barrier," said Louisa. "A Sorcerer must work his own magic to break his sphere's protection. However, you must be responsible for the choice you've made. I cannot say any more."

He felt a surge of triumph. Somewhere deep inside him he felt a pang of anger too. Why didn't the Dark Sorcerer help him? Was the idiot jealous—or maybe afraid?

"He didn't want to help me." He said suddenly, his hand tightening on the swirling mass of shadows. "He didn't want anyone else to become Sorcerer, doesn't he?"

Louisa surveyed him silently—and she shook her head.

"Do not expect me to know how Nerva's mind works." She said. "Nobody can know. But this I can tell you—as Dark Sorcerer he has his own views, and I am afraid the different specialization we took have created a impenetrable barrier between us. Like everyone he has his own pride, yes. But I know Nerva. I knew him ever since we were Magicians. He will not descend to an abysmally low level like what you speak of. He didn't choose to help you—I know not why. He has his reasons for that—but I am sure fear and jealousy aren't one of those."

He transferred his gaze to his sphere. "Why then? Why didn't he help me when obviously he knew the answers I seek."

"I cannot know, I am sorry." Louisa whispered, lowering her gaze. "I am sorry I cannot help you."

He thanked her and left. He had an answer now. He had the chance to push his quest further. He knew what he was going to do. He was going to destroy this damned barrier even if it was the last thing he did. He was just thinking of what to do next when he stopped in the middle of the road. He looked up and found the Dark Sorcerer there, standing in his path, hands in his pockets.

"So I see." The Sorcerer said. "So I see…"

His lower lip quivered—he wasn't sure what made him do it—he extended his hand, offering the sphere to the taller man. The Dark Sorcerer held out his own hand—and touched the sphere ever so lightly with his index finger.

The barrier cracked and exploded in a sudden gust of power and energy. He stumbled and fell backward, his eyes wide. The writhing shadows were free at last, and they shot into every direction like gruesome tentacles, flailing wildly. He screamed as the black mass found him and entered his body—it was pain beyond pain—he wanted to die, he couldn't bear it—

"You had the chance, boy." The Dark Sorcerer's voice sounded. "You had the chance…"

He couldn't see, couldn't hear and couldn't feel properly. He didn't know if he was still alive. All he had was his presence of mind, but apart from that—no, nothing. He felt a dull throb somewhere where his heart should have been. Everything had become a blur.

That was how the years—nay, centuries passed him by. As a blur. They were never clear. Not anymore, forever this time. He had the chance, but…