The Mage

Chapter Nine

The journey had been long to reach the foothills of the mountains of Silva. There were not many roads beyond the great roads, which all lead away from the City of Kings. Nibbling on a piece of arrowroot she gazed at the mountains before her. All she knew was that Regnash had a place somewhere in there. Olan had mentioned rumor's about a great serpent roaming these hills. 

Climbing down from the horse she brushed its neck as it nuzzled her shoulder. Dropping the reins she let the horse graze, taking a few steps ahead she scanned the horizon for anything which could help her in her search. There was nothing in sight. Sighing she walked back to the horse and climbed back on. My best bet would be to find a homestead, hopefully it had someone who is still alive. Gently pulling at the reins she let the horse choose the way as she caught some needed rest.




***




Dagan watched as Loth returned from talking to a group of travelers. 

"Anything?"

Loth shook his head. "They haven't seen anything. Agmae be damned, this is going to be harder than it looks."

"If we had Ratheke we could use him to survey the land."

They began to walk in the opposite direction of the travelers. 

"Our best bet is Bask and the others find some information or we'll end up wandering till we're dead." Complained Loth, he was getting tired of walking anyways. He wished to change back into his weasel form, this way he could ride on Dagan's warm shoulders. Maybe even get a nice nap out of it.

"It's not going to happen." Said Dagan as if he was reading Loth's thoughts. "Don't worry I have an idea. If she's searching for the Master, then all we have to do is watch the passes into the Silva mountains to find her."

A smile cracked Loth's face. "We could be stealthier if we were in our animal forms. This mage won't be expecting that."

"We'll change when we get there. Besides, a walk will do good for your health." Said Dagan eliciting a groan from Loth.




***

Brhom had finished rummaging through the seer's place. Finding nothing of value he waited for Bask and Ratheke. It wasn't long before the door opened.

"Why did you drag me to this godforsaken place." Demanded Bask.

Brhom brushed aside his remark. "Did you reward the lad," he inquired.

Coming into the room Ratheke tossed the coins onto the table. "Amply. Did you buy everything?"

"Yes, I found all I need. Plus the storekeeper shall die soon from the poison in his drink." He replied.

"Good. Now why am I here." Bask snarled.

Leaning back in his chair, Brhom relayed what the storekeeper had told him.

Bask glared at him. "That's all she bought. Some arrowroot and soul leaf. Why do you trouble me over the littlest things."

"Did I mention she sought a seer of skill."

"What of it," asked Ratheke.

Brhom set a cloth bag on the table and opened it. The broken shards of the crystal ball tumbled outwards. "I found these on the table and the floor, there was also dried blood on the boards. She was her Bask."

Examining the shards of the crystal Bask spat on them. "Agmae be damned. She must have been seeking information on the master. He's the only one who could do something like this."