The Dreaming Land

Chapter 7: The Illusionist

The fire on the front balcony roared as black smoke billowed upwards, carried away by the wind. Kazimir snickered as she drew on her moon shard, preparing another explosion for her prey. The sound of clinking armour on the cobblestones behind her made her hesitate, though. Behind her, an older man in heavy plated armour walked with a shield in hand. His long, navy blue cape fluttering in his wake.

"Larken, you're just in time." She greeted him.

"You're insane," Larken said, his voice rough like gravel, "if you burn this academy down, I'll see you charged with arson when this is all done."

"There you go again," She sighed, "ruining my fun."

With a single gesture, the flames went out, leaving one scorch marks on the pale white stones. Larken continued forward, a few guards in tow. Kazimir was too dangerous to let inside the building, so he would have to handle them now. At least she'd done her job and kept them from getting away again.

"Go find Reiner." Larken said as he passed her.

"What, you're going in alone?" She scoffed.

"Yes." Larken said, drawing the broadsword from his back, and marching forward.

-

Suddenly the massive academy building didn't feel so big. Finding their way around blind would only get them killed, if they didn't get lucky, but Orius was getting tired of relying on their luck. They'd need a guide if they wanted to get out alive, and he knew just the man. The three of them burst back into Quintir's office, slamming the door shut and locking it behind them.

"Back so soon?" He asked playfully.

"Now's not the time, they're here for us." Orius said, "you're going to have to help us escape."

"You'll have to let me see the moon shard, then." Quintir smiled.

"What?" Orius seethed, "No, you're a mage. Who knows what you can do with it? You're not seeing it."

"I know about the bounty, Orius." Quintir said, "And if I wanted the shard I could have it, you have no idea what I'm capable of."

"You knew?" Imara's eyes went wide.

"There are many things I know, child." He smirked, getting out of his seat.

"You'll help us, then?" Orius asked.

"You've brought me the rarest shard in all of Veonys," Quintir chuckled to himself, "how could I not offer my help in return? Besides, this is kind of exciting."

"You're crazy." Misha muttered.

"So are you. There's no bounty on your head, so why are you running?" Quintir replied.

"There's no time for this, I can here them down the hall." Imara said, her ear to the door, "We have to go, now."

"Right, follow me." Quintir said, leading them out of the office.

He lead them towards the rear of the building, and down a few flights of stairs. Instead of stopping at the ground floor, Quintir lead them even lower into the basement area. They didn't argue, and just kept following him. Eventually they reached some kind of vault, and Quintir started to open it. There was no sign of the guards being anywhere near them, but as far as Orius could see, there was only one way out. He didn't want to be down there for much longer if he could help it. Imara and Misha were looking impatient, too.

He didn't take long to retrieve what he needed. A few rolled up scrolls, a travelling pack, and a magicians staff outfitted with not one, but two moon shards. The largest was fixed in the centre, and was a deep purple colour with a blue shimmer. The second, smaller one, was fixed adjacent to it, as if to orbit the larger shard. It was a pale blue.