The Sorcerer's Tome

Chapter 11: Howl at the Moonglow

Balfour was standing on the balcony of his private apartments in the west tower of the monastery. He gazed out into the darkness of the night, his hands spread on the balustrade. The sky was clear and the merest slither of the waning moon was visible as it helped the stars bathe the snow-covered land in an eerie light that sparkled on the crisp snow and shimmered in the gently flowing river. Above the arched tunnel from where the river flowed an immense portcullis secured the entrance to the castle.

When the brotherhood was there, the gate was always open to welcome weary travellers, but now it was only opened to allow the gord soldiers and guardians passage, then immediately closed again afterwards. On the other side of the portcullis was a large pontoon with two drawbridges opening to each side of the river, also only lowered for access.

These, along with the high, six-foot thick walls, made invasion from the front impossible, and where the monastery was built into, or to be more accurate, carved out of the mountain, attack from the side and rear was equally unfeasible.

The security measures were built into the monastery by the Ancient ones who, back in the depths of history fought the war against evil and, though it was a war that was never won, it did manage to push the darkness back and keep it at bay, for a while at least.

"Excellency, the troops will be ready to leave before dawn," said Cox, coming out into the crisp cold air.

"Good, good," said Balfour.

"Are you sure you want to send so many, Master? It will leave you very little protection here."

"You forget, Cox, the power I already have at my fingertips. I am quite capable of protecting the monastery," Balfour replied calmly, still looking out into the night.

"Of course sir,"

"Your task is of the greatest importance," Balfour stressed. "You must find the cavern and that which lies therein. And Cox, you must find it quickly. Then I will use the power contained within the Tome to master it and use it to conquer this entire world before transferring my throne to Earth. You, my loyal Cox, will rule here as my regent."

"Thank you, Master," Cox said, bowing. "And what of the key?"

"The key will give me the power to accomplish my plan, without it, I will fail," Balfour said. "And Cox, I will not fail.

"They have crossed the river and are, as we speak, preparing to rest for the night."

"Impressive. How did they get past the river guardians?" Cox asked.

"That damned Ferryman," Balfour spat. "He will not be such a thorn in my side soon. When I have my key, he will be crushed, as will anyone who opposes me."

Balfour picked up an earthenware jar from the ledge beside him and carefully removed the cork stopper. As soon as the stopper was out, a milky white light shone from within. Carefully, Balfour poured the contents of the pot into his hand. It flowed slowly from the jar and swirled with the consistency of honey into his palm where it shimmered and gave off its eerie white light. When the jar was empty, Balfour placed it back on the ledge, his eyes sparkling with the reflected light. He whispered an incantationto the glowing goo, and it began to shape itself into a ball the size of an orange and, when just the right shape, he spun it and let go. The ball of light hung in the air, lighting up the balcony and the two men who watched.

"It's Moonglow," Balfour told his intrigued subordinate. "The essence of a full moon. Very hard to distil, extremely rare and quite priceless." He ushered the glowing ball into the air and watched as it flew off into the night. "Now let's see if we can give them a restless night."

"Sir, if they are killed, how will you find the key?" Cox asked.

"I still have the orb," Balfour answered, unconcerned. "I know it is in this world and it is close. The orb will lead me to it, and I will take it from the bearer's body myself."