Chapter 3

Dreams of Love and Death.

'Why don't you come in, Ranger,' said the Wizard, carefully placing his gold staff in its proper stand by the door.

Hank looked round the room Shawn had led him to, vaguely surprised. It was just as full as he'd expected; magical objects and thick Spellbooks lined the walls, not leaving many spaces. But every object, down to the thinnest wand, was neatly labelled and positioned. Nothing seemed to be out of place. It was almost creepy to see someone so organised, especially a Wizard! Hank had always had the impression that Wizards were, by nature, untidy people.

Shawn retrieved a large book from his otherwise bare table, and motioned Hank to sit down at one of the seats by the window. Looking out over the gardens, the Ranger could see a large, round pond and a few unkempt flowerbeds that were criss-crossed by narrow paths. Shawn was concentrating on the book in front of him, so Hank continued to look down. As he watched, Diana and another Wizard walked out into towards one of the few seats by the pond. Neither seemed comfortable with the other's presence, the Acrobat in particular. The Wizard next to her seemed to say something wrong, as Diana's expression changed to one of…

'So, Ranger!' said Shawn suddenly. Hank jerked his head round, to find the man staring. How long had the Wizard been watching him? 'Shall we begin…?'

It was the most unpleasant and uncomfortable afternoon Hank had ever spent in the Realm, even counting all the times they had been chased or attacked or captured.

It wasn't that Shawn was unfriendly. It wasn't even the tone of the conversation; but the constant questioning, one question after another, with almost no time to think.

The questions started off general: "have you been to"; "have you met". But gradually they became more specific, and Shawn kept pushing him to remember things he'd almost forgotten about, tiny details he was expected to know. It was like some sort of High School test, where you were given no warning, and no time to prepare. And every so often, the Wizard would give him that little smile.

Always at the back of Hank's mind was Dungeonmaster's warning: You must all be careful in Kilan, for it is a wild and dangerous place; a place ruled by those with power, and pride. And a place where trust is in very short supply. So, at first, he tried to be on his guard, and only tell Shawn as much as he needed to know, but as the afternoon slowly wore on, he began to make slips, saying things that weren't strictly necessary, or even things that he didn't want to tell the Wizard at all! He got the distinct impression that there were two sides to Shawn and Hank didn't particularly want to confide in either of them. But sometimes, there was no other option.

They mostly talked of their adventures, with Shawn taking notes in his book, but now and again, the Wizard would launch into a long monologue about some trivial aspect of Realm lore or history; and always finish with a penetrating question for Hank to struggle with.

But not all of these monologues were boring; after Shawn had quizzed him about the "incident" (Shawn's own description) at the Tower of Darkness, he started a lecture about the weapons of power. While Shawn's mode of speech was dull, this time it wasn't as hard to keep his mind on what the Wizard was saying as before, and Hank did manage to gleam some interesting information from it. And it was the only time he was able to get a few questions of his own in.

'So you know how our weapons work?' asked Hank at a short lull, while Shawn drew breath.

'Well, no, not really, Ranger,' admitted the Wizard, 'I have never studied one. And it is not really my field.'

'What is your field?' said Hank, before Shawn could change the subject again.

'Strictly speaking, I have no field,' he said. 'I try to understand magic in all its forms.'

Much to Hank's surprise, the Wizard didn't continue with his questioning immediately; he was looking at the Bow.

'Your weapons are powerful, Ranger,' he continued quietly. 'They come close to being the most powerful magical items in this Realm.' The Wizard leaned forward. 'So, is it such a surprise that the Warlock wanted this one, so very much…?'

For a moment, there was silence. And something clicked inside Hank's mind; how had he not seen it before? All this questioning, it was pointless. Shawn already knew all about them! So… what was all this about?

Shawn seemed to sense what Hank was thinking, as he gave that little smile.

'But you are famous, Ranger, you must already know that. I have followed your progress though this world with great interest. None of Dungeonmaster's other pupils were ever so well known, or so successful.'

To prove his point, the Wizard then told Hank all he knew about their adventures against the Warlock. He seemed keen to show off his knowledge, and it came as another surprise when Shawn said:

'…and of course, when you finally banished him.'

It was the first (and only) mistake Shawn made.

'Me?' replied Hank. 'But I didn't! It was Eric!'

A flicker of astonishment passed over the Wizards face.

'The… Cavalier?' said Shawn, the disbelief in his tone unmistakable. 'He managed it?' Hank nodded. 'That's quite a surprise!'

Privately, Hank might have agreed, but he made no comment. Instead, he replied:

'I couldn't use the Bow while I was Barbarian, you see.'

Shawn was immediately back into superior-knowledge-mode.

'But you are mistaken, Ranger,' he said. 'You have never tried. But you can…. for a price. Like everything, your weapons have rules. If you break those rules, you must face the consequences.' Shawn gave a little smile, 'but it is not a price I think you would be willing to pay!'

Hank didn't like that smile. Shawn obviously wanted him to ask for more information, but Hank was damned if he would give the man the satisfaction! He was already uneasy, and the turn of the conversation hadn't helped.

'For all your familiarity with magic, you do not seem to understand much about it!' remarked the Wizard.

Hank shrugged. There was not much point in arguing about that; Shawn, being a Wizard was an expert compared to all of them!

'But then,' added Shawn, 'I supposed you've never had much of an explanation from the Dungeonmaster.'

The Ranger still didn't reply. Dungeonmaster had been good to them; he'd helped them all he could and he had no intention of bad-mouthing their Guide to some stranger!

'Your loyalty to him is a credit to your pure nature,' said Shawn after a long silence. 'But the Dungeonmaster's reputation has preceded him! As I said before, you are the most famous of all his pupils. And, I think, you have paid a high price for your fame!'

Price… Hank was growing to hate that word! He looked out towards the gardens, unwilling to look Shawn in the eye. Yes, they had paid a very high price for their fame. Not only had they repeatedly failed to get home, but along the way, they had suffered heart-ache and pain and loss. He could see Diana sitting in the Gardens with her Wizard, still talking. She had perhaps lost the most, of all of them. For all her acting and bravado, she was never going to be the same after Turad. He knew why she always took the mid-night watches. He knew also that she still occasionally cried herself to sleep.

'I am sorry, Ranger,' said the Wizard softly. 'We should not have spoken of such things…' Hank glanced back, and though he couldn't be sure, he thought he saw the flicker of a smile across Shawn's face. 'But we study Magic here, in all it's forms. Well do all Wizards know that, with magic, the price of its use is high.'

He waved his hand around.

'In this Guild, within these walls, Magic is contained and used. But it affects all who come here. Good and evil are both here; this is, after all, the Guild of Magic, Ranger, the only one of its kind in the whole Realm!'

Again, Hank got the feeling that Shawn was showing off his knowledge and trying to make an impression. But for all his skill and conversation, there was nothing that actually seemed magical about him. He didn't even feel like a Wizard; he didn't have the same underlying aura of power that Dungeonmaster did, or even Venger. There was something very… strange about him.

Shawn abruptly changed the subject, to the Darkling and the Grotto of Darkness. He skilfully avoided any questions that Hank tried to ask, concentrating instead on how Martha had helped them. But there was no way to avoid the admission that he, Hank, had been the one captured, and so could give the Wizard very little direct information.

The conversation wore on, and Hank became increasingly tired, not just of Shawn's questions, but the whole thing. He wanted to get this over with, and get on with something. They had talked for long enough, he wanted to go.

Finally, Shawn moved topic once again, as smoothly as always.

'So, Ranger, tell me about your latest quest. Why are you so interested in Krin?'

There was no reason now not to come clean and tell Shawn the whole story, but Hank still hesitated. He had learned a lot about the Wizard, and had no desire to give him another way of boasting. He obviously already knew all about Krin.

'Dungeonmaster just told us to find Krin, and that he may be able to send us home.'

'Really? Nothing more?'

Hank shook his head.

'Nothing about what, or how?'

Again, Hank shook his head.

Shawn leaned forward.

'Are you sure, Ranger? He told you nothing? Nothing else about Krin, and what he was planning?'

The Ranger felt uncomfortable as Shawn stared at him, sensing this was something of the utmost importance to the Wizard. Hank was dying to ask the man directly, but he stopped himself. There was no way Shawn was gonna tell him straight out! Instead, the Ranger just shook his head once more.

'I'm sorry, Dungeonmaster doesn't usually give us much information.'

Shawn gave a smile.

'Well, yes, I suppose he doesn't.'

'What do you know of Krin?' asked Hank, hoping that the Wizard would want to talk this time.

'Krin is… was a Wizard here at the Guild. But he left.'

A sharp pang of despair passed through the Ranger. Krin wasn't even at the damned Guild! He'd already gone! Why was Shawn wasting time when they should be out, finding Krin!

'He's not here?' asked Hank incredulously. 'Why!'

Shawn dismissed the question with a flick of his hand.

'He is no longer at the Guild,' repeated the Wizard, giving Hank a harsh look. 'And though I might tell you roughly were he lives, there is no guarantee he will want to talk to you, especially since…'

Shawn stopped.

'Especially since… what?' asked Hank. But the Wizard stayed silent. This man was infuriating! Even more so than Eric and his moods, or Dungeonmaster with his incessant riddles! Why couldn't he get a straight answer when he needed one?

'Now, look!' said Hank 'You said you'd help us find Krin!'

'And I shall,' replied Shawn evenly. 'I shall help as much as I can.'

They glared at each other, then the Wizard gave that smile once more. Before Hank could react, a bell rang, sounding clearly even through the walls, and Shawn's smiled transformed into a frown.

'You must go,' he said. 'Right now!'

Still annoyed, and now unsettled by Shawn's erratic behaviour, Hank scowled back.

'Why? What's so special about…'

'You must not stay within these walls too long, Ranger!' said Shawn, with a far more serious expression on his face than before. 'To remain for any great time… would be… unfortunate.'

A cold feeling settled through Hank. He might not know that much about magic, but he could sense Shawn was right. They should cut their losses and get out, while they still could. And at least he wouldn't have to put up with any more questions!

The Wizard had risen and moved to replace the book on the table. As he turned to the door to collect his staff, Hank stood and followed, noticing that Diana and her Wizard had already left the gardens.

In silence, Shawn led him back down the steps and corridors, towards the main hallway where he had last seen the others.

No sight in the Realm ever looked so good as he followed Shawn through the door: all six of his friends (including the unicorn) were there, all safe, and all more than ready to leave.

Shawn looked round at the Young Ones, smiling.

'It is time for you to leave this place.'

The others looked at Hank, expecting him to say something. But the Ranger was looking at Shawn.

'What about Krin?'

'I have not forgotten, Ranger!' replied the Wizard, not turning to face him as he replied. 'I will show you where to find him. But you must leave. Now!'

Shawn moved off back towards the door with his robe billowing out behind him, and everyone followed. Diana looked up at Hank quizzically, but he didn't say anything as he walked past. Each of them, even the naïve Barbarian, seemed to understand that they couldn't talk freely here, under the ever-watchful presence of the Wizards.

The Wizard set a good pace, and they trailed after him, through the Guild door and out into the lane. Much to Hank's surprise, Shawn didn't stop at the lane, but marched on, out into the busy street beyond without breaking step.

The group attracted a large amount of attention; it seemed that Wizards were not usually seen walking around the city with commoners. People stared as they walked past. A group of young boys stopped singing rude songs about Orcs and Goblins and one was even bold enough to come up to Shawn and offer him a trinket or two.

The Wizard stopped, and scowled at the lad.

'You don't have to talk like that to me,' he snapped. 'I'm not a tourist!'

Behind them, the rude song started again, except a little louder. Bobby couldn't suppress a snigger, but thankfully Shawn pretended not to hear and strode on.

The others were giving him confused looks, but the Ranger signalled them to follow anyway. He was just as confused as they were; granted he was slightly more used to Shawn's erratic behaviour, but still, he had real doubts about what was going on!

At the next junction, the Wizard came to another abrupt stop, and pointed off to the left, towards what looked like the poorer part of the City.

'Go that way,' Shawn told Hank, 'as far as the food vendors, then follow the other road down as far as the square.'

The Ranger frowned at the Wizard.

'Is that all?' asked Hank.

Shawn shrugged.

'Ranger, I cannot make Krin see you. If he does not wish to meet you, then there is nothing I can do!'

The Wizard gave a slight bow and walked off, and Hank watched him with a mix of relief and frustration. They might not have exactly what they wanted or needed, but at least that was over!

'Well,' said Diana as soon as he was out of earshot. '"Goodbye" is what you usually say!'

The Cavalier didn't add his own quip so, to fill the awkward silence, Presto added:

'Maybe they didn't teach him that at Wizard school!'

For the first time since they'd found the Guild, Diana gave a genuine smile.

'At least we're outta that place!' she said.

There were vehement nods of agreement, and Hank gave an anxious glance back towards Shawn's gold staff as it disappeared into the crowd. At least they knew something more about Krin, but they didn't have a lot of time before dark.

'Let's get moving!' he said. 'We can walk and talk at the same time!'

Moving off in the direction Shawn had pointed, he led them down the road, discussing what had happened as they went.

It seemed they all had the same experience of the Guild. Diana talked first, and she struggled to sum up the conversation, as all Rimush had done was ask her lots of awkward questions about things she didn't want to talk about. She didn't say it directly, but Hank guessed he'd quizzed her about Turad, and Kosar. None of the others interrupted, until she mentioned the Guild itself, then Sheila said:

'You're lucky to got any information at all! Wrene wouldn't talk about it at all! Would she?'

Beside her, Bobby nodded.

'Yeah, she went all quiet when Sheila asked, especially about the other Wizards.'

'What did she ask you about?' said Hank.

'What didn't she ask!' replied Bobby with a sigh, patting the unicorn. 'Even Uni got bored!'

'She wanted to know about Zinn, and Mindril, and Recadia. All the places we'd seen,' said Sheila. 'She said she was the Wizard of Metasocial Interspersion.'

'Are you sure?' asked Presto with a smile.

The Thief grinned back.

'I got her to repeat it! What about you, Presto? What happened with Melor?'

Presto seemed pleased at the memory, as he smiled.

'Melor was really nice, he talked a lot about his magic. And he asked about the Hat a lot too.'

'Did he give you any help?'

'Well, no, not exactly,' admitted Presto, 'but he did seem very impressed with it! He said he was the Wizard of Draconiform Armamentation.'

Bobby frowned, so Presto translated:

'Dragon-made weapons!'

'And did he tell you anything about the Guild?'

'Not really,' said the Magician. 'He just said it was really powerful.'

Hank pulled a face, then turned to the silent Cavalier.

'What about you, Eric? What happened?'

The other boy gave an awkward shrug, not looking Hank in the eye.

'Nothing that interesting,' he said. 'It was just… you know…'

Hank was struck by the feeling that there was something odd, as the Cavalier seemed even more reluctant to talk than usual. But Bobby butted in.

'C'mon Eric, tell us what happened! Who'd you get?'

'Look, I told you, nothing much happened, OK?' snapped Eric, 'I didn't learn anything about the Guild, or anybody else. Sorry for not being more nosey!'

'Gee, sorry I spoke,' muttered the Barbarian, as Eric lapsed into silence once more.

'Well, that just leaves you, Hank,' said Sheila quickly, before the Cavalier decided to pick a fight with her brother. 'Tell us about Shawn.'

'Where should I start!' said Hank with a smile. He was glad to be back with friends, among people he trusted. 'Shawn is… odd.'

He told them about the long conversation, giving more attention to the parts about Krin and the Guild. None of the others looked very pleased that Shawn hadn't bothered to tell them that Krin wasn't even at the Guild, until he absolutely had to.

But the Ranger reassured them that at least now they were on the right track.

'And with any luck, we won't have to go back there again!' There were murmurs of approval from his friends. 'So let's find Krin and go home!'

Everyone, bar Bobby, grinned.

'So, Shawn told you where he is, and what he looks like?'

Hank gave a nervous smile.

'Not exactly, but he's a Wizard, and they tend to stand out!'

The answer seemed to satisfy the Barbarian, but Diana looked at him with a frown. They walked on through the streets of Kilan, forming a straggly line and the Acrobat waited until the others were a little ahead before asking:

'Shawn did tell you? Didn't he?'

Hank tried to smile, but he was very bad at lying to Diana.

'He hardly told me anything,' admitted Hank. 'Even getting him to say Krin was a Wizard took me about three hours!'

In spite of her obvious disappointment, Diana smiled.

'I didn't like talking to Rimush, but Shawn sounds even worse!'

'Hey, Hank!' called the Barbarian from just in front. 'Is this where Shawn meant?'

The name of the Wizard seemed to attract the attention of others, as they were looked at with the same wariness as before. Looking around, he could seem a number of shops, with names like: "Miggin's Pie Shop" and "The Zana Fruit Emporium". The Wizard had said food vendors, and this must be the place! He nodded, looking around.

'Shawn said to follow the other road down to the square…' He trailed off. There was only one "other road" within view, and it was narrow and dark, and not the kind of road he'd expected. There was almost nothing down this road, very few people, and even fewer shops. It looked abandoned.

With a shrug, and hoping Shawn had been right, he led them on, and on. And on.

They walked for a long time in the failing light, until Hank finally stopped them beside a small alcove in the walls. The last person they passed was almost a half-hour ago, and they hadn't seen an unbarred door at least since then. Now they could hardly see the road in front of them and there was still no sign of a square, or a Wizard! He had no idea where this road was leading them!

'It's no good,' he said despondently. 'It's too dark. We'll have to stop here and rest until morning.'

'But where are we gonna spend the night?' asked Bobby.

'A doorway's probably all we'll get!' said Presto with a sigh. 'Still, I suppose it makes a nice change from tree stumps!'

Hank looked round at the others, knowing full well that sleeping rough in the city was not that good an idea. This was not an easy place to defend, if necessary. But they hadn't seen any signs of life for a while, and it would only be a few hours until morning. They would have to risk it.

'I don't like this, Hank,' said Sheila.

'What choice do we have?' he asked. He had expected to find Krin, and somewhere at least safe-ish to spend the night; they had always somehow managed to find someone friendly before. But this whole visit to Kilan had turned out to be much more difficult than he'd expected. If it wasn't for the hope of getting home, he would have suggested they leave before things got any worse. The others all looked uncomfortable, but no one argued.

'I'll take first watch,' said Eric suddenly, then scowled at through the surprised silence that followed. Then the ever-tactful Diana bagged the second watch. Hank didn't feel like contradicting the Cavalier (and getting into another argument with him), and it was the first time Eric had volunteered for a long while, so despite his reservations, the Ranger agreed.

Everyone sat down, tried and in need of some sleep. Hank himself suddenly felt exhausted, like he'd been awake for hours and hours; even the energetic Acrobat was yawning. He settled down beside Sheila and Bobby, and slipped his arm round the weary-looking Thief. She let her head drop onto his shoulder.

And, despite not finding anywhere to stay, or their trouble at the Guild, and being unable to locate Krin, he held her close, grateful that they were all safe and fell asleep.

Diana had known she would dream about Kosar that night. She dreamt about him often; the final few moments they had together in the Temple of Light, and she would awaken, shaking and on the verge of tears. But this night she dreamt about the few happy hours they had spent together, walking through the meadows with Uni, even hiding in the City of Turad. She could picture his smile, as vividly as if it had only been yesterday. She could feel his touch… Wait! She really could feel his touch…

Diana woke with a start, Eric's hand on her shoulder.

The Cavalier didn't say anything. There were dark, smudged rims round his eyes making him look terrible, but before she could say anything, he moved off and curled up in a doorway near the others, closing his eyes without even looking back at her. She knew him well enough by now, but she'd never seen him sulk for so long before and it worried her. When he did decide to talk, it would be like a dam breaking.

She sat with her back against the wall a short way from her sleeping friends, looking up at the stars, though only the brightest were visible through the smoke in the air. Kosar…but he was gone forever. She had pondered Dungeonmaster's words thousands of times, but they did nothing to help, she just didn't understand.

Nothing moved and it was quiet, perhaps the quietest watch she'd ever had. And yet, though she thought she was imagining things, she could have sworn someone was watching her.

The feeling grew as the moons moved across the sky. The more it grew, the more uncomfortable Diana became, and the more she looked up and down the street, trying to keep a good watch over her friends. But, maybe an hour before dawn, it became so acute that she had almost decided to wake Hank. She knew he would take her worries seriously, but she still hesitated. He'd been so worried recently, especially after the Troglodytes they'd met; he could probably use the extra sleep…

'Child of Light.'

Her breath caught. She whipped her weapon round, only to find a man crouching next to her as if he'd been by her side all night. She didn't need to be told that this was the Wizard Krin, even if he was not what she expected.

He was young, only a few years old than Hank, or so he seemed. He wore a hood but even so, she could make out that something was wrong. Though partially hidden, his features were warped and distorted, just like the Guild had been. Magic shimmered around him as he moved.

She shuddered involuntarily. The Magic of the Guild must have been responsible for this… change. She couldn't even make out the colour of his hair, or his eyes. Shecouldbarely stand to look him in the face.

For a few seconds they sat staring at each other. As much as the Acrobat wanted to call out to her friends, she didn't. She might not be able to see him properly, but he was obviously afraid of something. He had been watching them, obviously, and had taken a long time to decide to show himself. She couldn't risk frightening him away, and he might not come back.

Slowly, not looking away from her, Krin stood and moved away, beckoning her to follow. Diana hesitated and looked toward her friends.

The Wizard shook his head vehemently, the distortion effect seeming more pronounced as he moved. There was no doubt he would go if she tried to wake the others, but she shouldn't leave them unguarded.

What should she do? This might be their only chance.

Hank will understand that this is the only chance we'll have. I have to take the risk. I must…

Looking at her sleeping friends once more she stood up and, feeling terrible, she followed the Wizard, down the empty streets, always looking around. Even the smaller cities had something going on at night. Why was it so quiet? They had strayed away from the main parts, but still there should have been something.

In front of her, the Wizard walked very softly, and at a good pace for about ten more minutes down the street, until they reached a big, but empty square.

She glanced around again. Nobody.

Krin padded out into the centre of the square, and stopped. Diana followed, feeling very vulnerable and alone. Her hand tightened around the Javelin. Perhaps this hadn't been such a great idea…

'Child of Light,' he said with a bow. 'I am honoured to be in your presence.'

Once more, Diana forced herself to smile, she hated being called that so much!

'Krin, the Wizard,' she replied.

The man bowed once more.

There was a flutter of elation. She had been right. This was the Wizard they had been searching for, the one who could send them home! The Acrobat smiled more widely. …the one who could send them home…

'You come from a different world, child? Do you not?'

Warily, she nodded. This man seemed afraid, but there was something else about him that she didn't trust. Magic… Yes. The Magic.

'I must leave,' he whispered. 'I need your help to do it. Only you.'

She didn't move. Dungeonmaster's words were ringing in her ears. Kilan is a place where trust is in very short supply. Could she trust Krin? Did she dare risk it? And what about the others?

'My friends,' she said. 'I must go back to them soon. I don't like leaving them unguarded. They don't even know that I've gone.' It was so hard to tell what the Wizard was thinking, and he didn't reply, just stared at her.

'Still, they have they're weapons,' she murmured, more to calm herself than to Krin. But Krin gave a little shrug that immediately put Diana on edge. It was one of those kind of shrugs.

'Weapons, yes…' he said slowly. 'Even they submit to the Magic of the Guild. Allsubmit.Even them…'

Diana looked up in shock.

'What do you mean!'

'The Magic is all! The Magic does what it will, and nothing is ever the same.'

The Weapons!

Diana felt real panic rising through her. She had left them, unguarded in a strange city, and their weapons might be affected by the Magic of the Guild! She hadn't forgotten what had happened the last time one of the weapons met another source of Magic. Presto still hadn't recovered from Mindril!

'But I left them!' she said taking a small step back. 'We have to go and get them! We have to warn them!'

There was a cold pause.

'But I only need one to help me break free of this world,' Krin hissed, the magic shimmering violently around him.

She pulled herself up tall.

'And I won't leave without them!' she hissed back, grabbing Krin by the arm and feeling her skin crawl at the contact with him. But she didn't let go. 'I've gotta go! So if you want help, you're coming too!'

Hank was dozing, more asleep than awake. Pleasant dreams, or perhaps they were memories of home. It was so peaceful that he could almost imagine he was anywhere and still believe it.

In the blissful quiet, only the soft breaths of the Thief as she lay beside him. He could feel her warmth. And in spite of the discomfort in his shoulder, caused by the way he was sitting, he never, ever wanted to move.

Then a rough, unfamiliar voice cut through his thoughts:

'So then…I think we'll just be having that unicorn!'