Sorcerer's Shadow

77  Proverbs

"So, he might have a point?"

"Possibly. Still on board?"

"You know the Vorgan proverb about mages and blades?"

He smirked, "Ever heard the Dragon proverb about attempting to soak water?"

I shrugged, "Sounds complex."

His face remained unreadable.

Returning back to my flat, despite the ache in my side, I practiced throwing knives at a wooden target.

Nobody showed me the art of knife throwing. I'm sure there's a more effective learning method out there. My journey began years ago when I felt the skill could be beneficial. I placed a wooden board against a wall, purchased a set of matching knives, and stood nine steps away, the maximum space available in my room. My initial throws were forceful, and while my aim was decent, making minimal damage to the wall, it took me countless tries to ensure the knife struck tip-first. It took thousands of throws before I could consistently hit the board at that nine-step mark. Throughout, Opal would occasionally jest about the practicality of my practice.

Hitting a moving target from any reasonable distance? Still a challenge. It's tougher than it sounds to get the blade to stick the right way. And even if it does, incapacitating the target is another challenge altogether. But there's an advantage: throw a knife at someone, and instinctively, they'll dodge. Plus, luck might be on your side. If there's a chance it could save your life, isn't it worth mastering? Moreover, the joy of acquiring a new skill or achieving what once seemed impossible offers solace during rough days. The entire process — taking a deep breath, adjusting your posture, focusing, and releasing — is oddly calming.

I headed home and indulged in some stress-relieving throws at my unsuspecting wooden board.

The subsequent day marked my active return to office duties after a hiatus. The rhythm of it felt somewhat unfamiliar. I attended to some loan applications, oversaw my investments, dispatched a member of my team to remind a tardy debtor, and enjoyed a delightful midday meal at an inn named 'Raven's Feet'. Later, I counseled a team member who seemed on the brink of dependency, had a light moment with colleagues Thorne and Piers, and skimmed through the town's gossip columns, which lacked any spicy revelations. Remarkably, the day passed without a hint of menace. It was a refreshing change.

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By weekEnd, the discomfort in my side had largely diminished, a testament to Thaleia's expertise. Opal recommended I employ her services regularly.

My attendance at the office during weekends is based on my workload. On this particular day, not much demanded my attention, so I contemplated a relaxing day off, culminating in a sumptuous dinner at Thaladine's.

I mentally scrolled through potential dinner guests, entertaining the idea of a delightful evening with a lovely Terran girl. Perhaps, I mused, it could momentarily distract me from the intricate web I'd become entangled in.

Just as this thought crossed my mind, Drevolan reached out to me.

"What's your business here?" I asked, my tone light, as recognition hit me.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" "You've caught me at a rather empty moment. Hence, the annoyance. What's up?"

"I was hoping you might accompany me on a brief trip."

"Sounds interesting. Danger involved?"

"Not at all," he replied.

"You're joking."

"Surprised?"

"A bit. Where should we meet?"

"Could you spare a couple of hours? I'd like to eat and let my food digest before teleporting."

"Sure thing," he responded, ending the connection.

I whipped up an omelet loaded with sausage, onions, Estoeriano mushrooms, and red peppers. Enjoying it leisurely, Opal helped with the leftovers. After cleaning up, I strapped on my sword, equipped myself with some hidden tools despite Drevolan's assurances, and wore my light cloak. The gentle breeze hinted at a warm day. Given Drevolan's unpredictable nature, I figured he might lead us somewhere chilly. Opting not to bother him or my sorcerers, I decided to teleport on my own.

Heading to the House of the Dragon was a blunder; Baron Eldran wasn't around, causing me to spend excess time finding an alternative. Reaching Nocturne Castle turned out more complicated than expected, but I managed without getting sick.

Lady Eldara greeted me with her familiar warm smile but, instead of the usual "Lord Drevolan awaits you in the library," she said, "Please follow me to where Lord Drevolan is."

A change in routine. Interesting.

"Oh, what's happening here?" I mused.

"Happy to follow," I responded to Lady Eldara.

Our journey took us past the usual spots, leading to an unfamiliar hallway that concluded in another staircase. This one was linear and expansive. At the top, we entered another unknown corridor, curving slightly. She gestured for me to enter through a door that opened to a slender iron staircase winding upwards. She closed the door behind me, not following.

"This could be a setup," Opal commented.

16:01

Climbing the tight stairs was a challenge, with my shoulder brushing against the stone frequently. The cold metal railing felt icy to the touch. Realizing the vast height I was covering, I chuckled, remembering I began the ascent a mile up. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Upon reaching the peak, I found myself before a sturdy, dark door. I hesitated momentarily, then decided to knock.

"Enter," called out Drevolan.

I pushed the door open, and it gave a theatrical creak. It seemed like the sort of thing Drevolan would arrange on purpose.

The room I entered was circular, roughly the size of my apartment. A couple of dimly lit lanterns provided the only illumination, casting shadows everywhere. As my eyes adjusted, I recalled a lone tower at Nocturne Castle's peak, realizing that must be where I stood.

"Smart thinking, Boss."

"Quiet, Opal."

"See the window?"

"It's hard to miss."

"Why's it dark outside the window when it was daylight before?"

"That's what I'm wondering too."

"It's unsettling."

"Indeed."

As my eyes grew accustomed to the dimness, I noticed minimal furnishings: a low table and some wooden chests. Surrounding curtains hid several windows, at least six, but not more than seventeen. This number felt both comforting and oddly perplexing.

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