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Chapter 380 - Into the Abyss (End of Book 5)
🕑 Added 2024-09-29 00:22:24 +0000 UTCHope you enjoy the chapter! Note at the end.
Hump watched as Aldric spoke to the captured warlocks. They were husks of their former selves. While Hump saw no signs of physical torture, he had heard of the cruel magics the Inquisition used to wrestle secrets from their prisoners. He was under no false illusion regarding what they must have suffered. The warlocks were pale, a vacant stare in their eyes that was only broken when spoken to directly. They answered Aldric’s questions easily now. Gone was the arrogance of Lady Fiona Heinlock—now, she cooperated fully.
A number of alchemists tested the powders they’d discovered in the formation, and slowly, Hump saw a line of components taking form beside it. Others worked to translate the runes, identifying clues to help to fill in the gaps that could not be solved through alchemy. They recreated small sections of the formation, finding materials that correctly interacted with the runes, slowly figuring out the material pieces required. A bone, a vial of demon blood, a pile of hair from young women. With every find, Hump felt the inevitability of what must be done draw closer.
Hump glanced over the many Chosen gathered in the room. Food was handed out recently, and most took their fill while they could. Hump’s lay beside him—the very thought of food made the nausea from activating the spell formation even worse. It had been six hours. He’d tried to sleep, but it hadn’t come, not with the pressure of what awaited him, his thoughts plagued by the thought of vengeful gods. Instead, he’s run his hand over Nisha’s back as she rested, chatting quietly with his party.
Finally, Wizard Aldric approached. “We’ve identified the spell components,” he declared, a rueful smile on his face. “Are you ready?”
“Just about,” Hump said. He stood along with the rest of his party, then massaged his throbbing head, a wave of nausea triggered by the movement. He was exhausted, though the short rest had done him good even if he couldn’t sleep.
Nisha stood up with Hump, eyeing Aldric’s staff with excitement. Play. Play. Play.
“Don’t you dare,” Hump warned her. “No, Nisha. Not his cane! Leave it.”
Nisha’s body deflated with disappointment. Hump’s attention returned to Aldric as he held out his silver flask, offering it to him.
Hump took it curiously. “What is it?”
“Essence suppressant,” Aldric said. “Take a swig, it’s strong stuff. It’ll help with whatever lingering essence is still in you.”
“How did you know?” Hump asked.
Aldric gave him a look that made Hump feel stupid for asking. “I’ve had more than my fair share of encounters with their foul magic. Drink. It’ll help.”
Hump unscrewed the gasp and swallowed it back, gasping at the burn that rushed through him. For a few seconds, it was like his entire body was on fire—not the alcoholic burn of a strong spirit, but pure, searing heat. The heat changed to a horrible itch, like holding an icy hand over a campfire. The slickness of the oily sensation beneath Hump’s skin vanished. The grimy feeling penetrating his essence channels and soul dissipated, burned away like fumes over a flame. As the burn died down, Hump’s mind felt clear once more.
“Gods, that’s an unpleasant swig.”
Aldric chuckled, taking the flask back and taking a drink himself. “Does the job though.” He returned his flask to his robes and addressed the rest of Hump’s party. “Would you allow me a word in private with Wizard Humphrey? There is something we must speak of before we begin.”
“Why?” Celaine asked, clearly distrustful. “What is there you cannot say to all of us?”
Aldric gave her an awkward frown.
“I’m sure Wizard Aldric has his reasons,” Bud said diplomatically.
“He is one of the Three Eyes,” Celaine said. “I suspect that is the reason. Now that it’s out in the open we can all continue our discussion.”
Bud, Dylan, and Emilia all appeared surprised at that.
“Ah,” Bud said. “Is that true?”
“It is.” Aldric’s voice was tinged with annoyance. “And I would prefer it if such information was not shared further.”
Celaine gave a shrug. “I’m not too keen on sharing our wizard either.”
“Celaine…” Hump said, turning to her, bewildered by her hostility. “We owe Aldric much. Though there is little my party does not know, Wizard Aldric. With the situation as it stands, perhaps you could speak with all of us. They know about my book.”
“It seems they are very well informed indeed.” Aldric placed both hands on the top of his cane, leaning forward onto it. “I suppose that leaves me no reason to mince words. I will return to my order once the foreseeable events are dealt with. Wizard Humphrey, I wish for you to come with me.”
Hump considered it. The mystery of the Three Eyes was one he was eager to solve, but becoming entangled with another group of unknown powerful wizards hardly felt like a wise decision.
“What for?” Hump asked.
“Because your book must be kept safe. You are a fine young wizard with more potential than perhaps any I have seen, but it is clear to me that you are not ready to protect what you carry. Your ability to conceal it is too weak, your power too chaotic, and your decisions… too reckless.”
He’d been told such things before. In a way, he supposed Glyndaril had tried to restrict him for the same reason, yet in the end his will had triumphed.
“Why should I trust them?” Hump asked. “Why wouldn’t they try to take the book from me like everyone else?”
“If Starrick wanted your book, he would have taken it from you in Sheercliff City,” Aldric said. “However, your question is a fair one. What I can tell you is that they saved my life, and that they are true wizards seeking to push our craft forward.”
“Then why would they help me?” Hump asked.
“I do not deny that the information contained in your spellbook is of great interest to the order, as is the case for all historical artifacts and details on magic. Just as importantly, we are protectors of such knowledge. It is in all of Alveron’s interest to keep it out of enemy hands.”
“Your goal is to protect the seals?” Hump asked. “That’s why Starrick was in Sheercliff.”
Aldric shook his head. “Not exactly. Anthony was a member of our order before stealing knowledge from us. Knowledge that was key for what the Order of the Ancients have now accomplished. We want it back, and to undo the damage that has been caused.”
“You people are behind this?” Bud asked. “What dark magics did you keep that allowed this to come to pass?”
“Now that is a question I cannot answer, Sir Robert,” Aldric said.
Bud narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps General Korteg and Count Daston might be more persuasive.”
“Such a conversation would be most unfortunate, for all of us,” Aldric said darkly.
“Relax, Bud,” Emilia said softly, resting a hand on his arm. “Ultimately, this is Hump’s decision. And it’s difficult to argue with some of Wizard Aldric’s points.”
Dylan said nothing, but grasped Hump’s shoulder and gave it a supportive squeeze.
Hump let out a sigh. “What do you intend for me? Lock me away in a tower where no harm will find me?”
“No, you need advanced training, and there is no better place in Alveron to get it. I’m sure you’re aware of just how vulnerable you are. Karlac will hunt you, the attacker in Fort Nordric was just one of many. Everywhere you go, you draw more attention to yourself. Even today, it is clear to everyone in this chamber that the spellbook you possess is a powerful artifact. To those in the know, they will be able to connect the dots between a powerful young wizard and such an item. The Three Eyes can offer you protection.”
“As can my people,” Celaine said. “If we wanted to hide, we would have remained in Drakalyn.”
“Perhaps you should have,” Aldric admitted. “I will not force you into this. And by no means will meeting with my order prevent you from leaving if you do not like what you see. What we can offer you is guidance, and a method to breakthrough to the seventh rank, Soul Domain.”
There was a gravitas to Aldric’s voice that portrayed the weight of his words. Hump considered them carefully. Once, he would have done anything for such information. To break through the seventh rank was the goal of all wizards—an impossible puzzle that as far as common knowledge went, none had solved. Yet even with all the knowledge the gods had destroyed, some still persisted, warlocks, the Three Eyes, and the information in Hump’s spellbook.
“What makes you think I require help in that regard?” Hump asked.
Aldric’s eyes flickered to the Book of Infinite Pages and then back to Hump. “Technique is only one aspect.” As General Korteg called out the wizard’s name, Aldric turned from the group. “You have heard my piece, and we have a mission ahead of us.” The man gave an easy grin. “It would be best if we don’t keep our Chosen waiting.”
The tap of Aldric’s cane echoed through the chamber as he started back toward the others. As he walked, Hump’s eyes went to the man’s neck. The throbbing blue veins he’d seen when Aldric faced Karlac were now faded, but still appeared swollen.
“Wizard Aldric,” Hump said, catching the man’s attention. “You said that the order saved you. Can you tell me what happened.”
“Ah… this.” Aldric gave a tight smile. The man paused a moment, making sure nobody was in earshot. “My soul was damaged during a battle against a group of warlocks that called themselves the Silver Circle. I killed the woman that did this to me, but the wound never healed fully.”
Hump’s heart started to race as he turned to the wizard in shock.
“What?” Aldric asked.
“A wizard of the Silver Circle attacked my master. His apprentice, Eliana, was the one to later have him killed. She was present in Sheercliff City when the warlocks attacked, working closely with their forces. You may know here. She was the partner of Inquisitor Abraxus.”
“I had heard of her betrayal,” Aldric said. “I did not know of her connection to you, nor the Silver Circle.”
“It didn’t seem like something that would be wise to speak of. I was under the impression that she was working with the warlocks but not one of them.”
“Well, it does not surprise me she had dealings with them. The Silver Circle were a small group of greedy wizards corrupted by their lust for power. They are—were—powerful. I would be dead if not for an invitation from the Three Eyes and their help in crafting a treatment. I will say no more on the matter today. Consider my words and find me when the time is right.”
“I will,” Hump said. “And thank you for your consideration.”
Aldric gave him a nod and then made his way over to the formation.
“What do you think?” Hump asked his party.
“I think Celaine is right, and we cannot trust him,” Bud said. “Secret wizards are bad news.”
“I’m not so sure,” Dylan said. “The knowledge of advanced wizards would be invaluable.”
“It would drive us apart again,” Bud said.
“I’m just saying it would help.” Dylan gave a helpless shrug. “And not necessarily. We don’t even know where they are. For all we know their headquarters is in Elenvine.”
Emilia hummed her agreement. “It would have been helpful to ask that in hindsight.”
“I’ll ask him when we next speak,” Hump said. “I also don’t want us to go our separate ways again. If we are truly at war, I want us to fight together.”
“Agreed,” Celaine said. “Whatever we do, we do it together.”
Emilia stepped forward, taking Celaine’s arm in hers and pulling her close. “Now that sounds like an excellent idea.”
“No argument here,” Dylan said.
Hump turned to Bud, smiling at the grin plastered over the knight’s face. “Together,” Bud nodded.
“Together,” Hump repeated, yet the word sat heavily in his heart. He trusted his companions with his life, but what would they say to him if he told them the gods were lying to them? Hump shook the thoughts from his mind. For now, he would open the rift, and they would deal with the warlocks attacking their home.
Hump made his was forward, and the chamber seemed to hold its breath. Whispers swirled around him, and every eye fell on him. He heard his title ripple through the crowd—The White Flame. He took his position at the head of the spell formation, the rest of his party joining the Blackthorne Company nearby. Nishari went with them, staying close to Celaine.
All around him, wizards checked the spell over for the hundredth time, ensuring the runes were unmarred, that the spell components were correct and appropriately placed. General Korteg and Count Daston arranged the Chosen around him, both ready to defend against anything unexpected that came through the rift, and to advance to the other side. Marcela approached, wishing him luck, her own party ready nearby. Hump spotted the parties of Anara and Owen in the room. He caught Randall Ferrand’s eye at the rear of the chamber, who gave him a nod. Drexel, the spy master, and Marsall Merrick were there too. All the elites of the Army of Alveron, prepared to march when Hump was ready. The gods had given their blessing, now all that was left to do was follow the path they had set. There was no doubt in any of these people.
Despite the pressure, Hump was not nervous. He stood before the formation certain of its success. His head was clear now, Wizard Aldric’s tonic working well to remove the sickening sensation. Despite his tiredness, standing before everyone he felt suddenly strong. What tomorrow would bring, Hump did not know. Today, however, they would hunt warlocks.
Hump extended his right arm and placed the butt of his staff against the base of the formation. In his left hand, he opened his spellbook, Glynadril whirling to obey. Summoning his essence, Hump fed it into the formation. The dark power of the spell flooded back into him, amplified from before with the addition of the material components. Slowly, the runes drawn in blood filled with light. Hump held nothing back this time. Essence raged from the focus of his staff, weaving a stream of power to his spellbook and filling the dungeon core chamber with an eerie glow.
There was a tension to the air as it filled with power, ripples of distortion like heat waves. Seconds passed, and Hump pushed harder. He sensed the spell’s desire to activate now. Each rune was filled, and all that remained was to permit it to complete.
Hump breathed deeply, lungs strained as he drew in the thick essence in the air. “Greater Gateway.”
The room trembled with his command. Power surged back into his staff, roaring through him like a storm. Sensing the spell’s will, Hump instinctively raised his staff and cut through the air. A perfectly straight red line split the world before him like a bloody wound. From within, a torrent of swirling essence erupted, black streaks pouring out like thick smoke. Darkness spilled forth, clawing at the world, expanding until the rift stood tall and wide—a monstrous, vertical slit like the eye of a dragon.
Hump gazed into the abyss, where silhouette of what could be rocks or the twisted remains of buildings was all that he could make out through the darkness.
“The rift is open,” Hump said, his voice resonating with essence. “You may advance.”
***
And so ends Book 5! Feels like a lot of books lol. The series has to be approaching a million words now. I think with Book 6 it will almost certainly reach it which feels extremely cool.
Thanks for all the support through Book 5. Your comments and feedback has been fantastic, and I've been keeping note both on here and RR for things to address during my edits. For now, I will be taking Tuesday off of posting and using the next week to outline Book 6, so Hedge Wizard 6 will continue on Saturday the 5th. I also still owe you one chapter, so I'll get you caught up ASAP.
See you all next week.
Comments
Alex Maher
Hump would need to cast a Tier 7 spell to qualify as a Rank 6 wizard. He did level up in the sense that he can use hellfire now and the book aknowledged him, so he's definitely stronger than a Rank 5 wizard should be, but the wizard rank system doesnt account for that. Regarding Celaine, you might have a point. I might edit this so that she reaches her new circle, along with Bud and Marcela. A power up before the next big battle sounds really fun. I need to figure out how that effects things going forward first though so we'll see.
Thunderspark
Why didn't Hump level up to 6? A lot of signs points to him leveling up during this arc. Celaine should be 5 with her growth during the Karlac battle. Since Dylan leveled up to 5 w/o showing any growth during this battle, Celaine deserved the rank up more. I understand this can be explained away with the Pantheon Gods being arbitrary with how they give out skills. That is why Bud was left out of getting a pillar. Going back to Hump though, he should have been 6 now. First is when he molded the earth in the tunnel. Other members of this group was surprised/amazed at what he did. They were circle 5/6 and took note that what he did was something not a circle 5 should be able to do. This I thought could have been enough for a level up Then he assimilated Hellfire within himself during a battle with Karlac. Karlac was stronger than 7th circle Ardric so I'm assuming he is level 8 at least. But then we learn that Karlac is very old and a servant of the old gods. Someone that old can't be stuck at circle 8 because that would be illogical and unrealistic. So then that would be cicle 9 at minimum? So Hump fought off a Circle 8/9 demon or devil and lived through the encounter and also learned to control Hellfire. This should have been enough for a level-up to 6. Then we see the Silver Owl finally acknowledge him and deem him worthy of being an apprentice to the Wandering Wizard. That should be another point to show he should be circle 6. So again why didn't Hump level to 6?
johnathan reese
It's been 5 books now and I've been waiting for the Prince in book 1 to make a grand return. While Anthony is powerful and mysterious, the prince was such a more personal bad guy for the party.
George R
Fantastic story I eagerly await the next book! Love the world you have created each character and element is amazing.
Alex Maher
Really glad you liked it! It's actually really helpful to see a list of things you're looking forward to as well. I'll keep it in mind :)
Alex Maher
Thank you!
Alex Maher
Thank you!
Alex Maher
Interesting theories :) And Hump is 18, perhaps turning 19. I haven't done the maths as of the end of Book 5. He was 17 in Book 1.
Alex Maher
It took me over a week to write this one and was a struggle at times, so it's great to hear you liked it
Alex Maher
That's great to hear! Thanks so much
Alex Maher
Glad to hear you liked it!
Notcreepycreeper
Also crazy excited to see how the Gods' plotline evolves!! It's looking more and more like they were unambiguously in the wrong. Best case they stole the power so that super powerful ppl could no longer emerge and cause mass destruction, but even then there's no way for Hump not to oppose them. Where does that leave Bud, and all the other Chosen? We about to have an Avengers Civil War in our favorite party?
Notcreepycreeper
So excited to finally learn about the Three Eyes organization!!It would be weird to me though if they let Hump continue on without strings attached - whether trying to keep him in their HQ till he's 7th circle, or having Aldric stay close to him if he decides to leave. It'd be wild if they really left the most powerful artifact in the world with a moderately powerful wizard, no matter how well he's done in the past
Phoenix
Thank you for the chapter. I have enjoyed all of the books. This book had a different "feel" to it. I am looking forward to a few things in future books: - Hump getting revenge for his master. - Hump experiencing formal wizard education with the three eyes. - Learning why The Book of Infinite Pages copies spells when it has all of the wisdom of the First Mage (Samuel Durain). - Was the First Mage killed, or is he still out there somewhere but damaged mentally, spiritually, etc? I thought that Glyndaril died saving his master. - What was the purpose of Hump seeing the True Dragon? - What happened to the dragons? - How long has The Book of Infinite Pages been in existence? - Who are Hump's parents? - Was there a reason Hump's master chose to take him on as an apprentice. Maybe something about him or his parents? - Why have the gods chosen to turn against wizards? Maybe it is because of something other than keeping worshipers and power. Maybe beyond tier 8, one can become powerful enough to challenge a god. - How did the gods take power from The First Mage? What has been said about him so far implies that he was extremely powerful. If that were the case, and just aspects of his power were enough to turn the others into gods, the man may have been extremely powerful. - What is Nisha's variation in the color of her scales an indicator of? - Will Nisha finally have a chance to "Play, play, play"? Hump is always saying 'no' or later. Soon she will be fully grown and too big to play fetch without causing a little death and destruction. - What is with the ruined and inhospitable lands expanding? What's driving the expansion? - Were the gods previously wizards or warlocks? Does that make the previous gods true gods or were they evil entities? There are so many questions and hopefully more chapters and books to delve into for answers! 'Til the next chapter!
LEMON
Great ending to book 5.
D3
Keep up the good work. Love the book. Looking forward to more Celine Hump shenanigans!
Armo
I’m going to theorycraft for a bit. I think Hump saw the portal’s destination location on the Remnant world through the rift. Rocks or twisted remains of buildings associated with long range travel? If so, Hump and co. may need to find an exit location, like the one the Gorger headquartered at. In fact, Hump may be able to lead the army to that specific hidden location with all the little portals, enlarge a portal somehow, and distribute reinforcements all throughout Alveron using those little rifts! Would tie nicely back into book 2.
Armo
Thanks for the book! Wait, how old is Hump now? Like 17? So we may yet get that Elenvine Academy plotline people have been predicting since Elenvine academy was mentioned in book 2! (I think it was book 2, maybe even book 1) The Three Eyes tutoring Hump would be a good way to plug Hump’s lack of some fundamentals. Better concealment, better variety, better spell variants. Can’t forget about that one guy who had a super sophisticated barrier spell in the Sheercliff Spell-off. That’s the kind of thing Hump could adopt and become generally stronger, even without growing his soul. Not to mention Hump needs to train his control for soul well shenanigans…
NameGame
Thanks for the book! It's been a great ride, and a lot of fun to read. This chapter, for reasons I can't explain, felt like sitting around a campfire being told the story in person. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks again, and see you next chapter!
Sean Ruddy
I agree with Oldfaithful, this is certainly the best so far, great job setting the stage, and the players. Definitely hungry for HW6. Thank you,
Oldfaithful
Book 5 will be the best entry so far, maybe not as grim and horrific in previous books now that the main cast is growing in power and are able to stop the warlocks and monsters. But I have a feeling book 6 will be getting grimdark once more and will force hump and friends to even greater heights.
Dylan Alexander
Logically he should probably go visit the three eyes. I mean his party contains chosen of the gods for heavens sakes. Can you imagine Bud’s goddess whispering in his ear telling him that Hump is becoming corrupted and Bud should kill him? The fact that (for now) Hump doesn’t want to let the others know about the gods betrayal shows his mistrust. The three eyes may not be one hundred percent trustworthy either but they are a good place of refuge and knowledge.
Joseph Pacheco
TFTC
