The Wandering Mage (Sequel To The Last Mage)

Chapter 9

 After travelling the entire day, Cedric and Celene decided to make camp for the night. They laid there on the ground near the fire, with Cedric looking at the stars, wondering what could be awaiting him in the future. Already he was feeling like he was getting nowhere, and that perhaps leaving on his own wasn't the best decision, or maybe that he should have just planned everything out better. Groaning, he turned over and saw Celene staring at him and immediately blushed. What was she still doing up? Thinking about her own journey as well?

 Sitting up and balancing himself on his elbow, Cedric decided to make conversation. "Are you alright Celene? I know how hard it is not remembering anything or anyone, like your family or friends. When I had lost my memory, I wished that I had someone to talk to, so I was wondering if you maybe thought that too."

 Following his example, she prompted herself up and thought about it. "Well I suppose that maybe I could talk about it." The girl then sighed. "I just hate that I can't remember anything about my life. It feels as if before I met you, I didn't even have one. You'd think that I would be able to remember something, like a certain smell or object would trigger something in my mind, but I can't. I just... I'm scared Cedric. What if I never get my memory back, or worse what if I had a terrible life before now? I know I sound like a whiny brat but..."

 "Hey, don't say that. You've been doing good for someone in your position and you have to let out how you feel sometimes. If you don't then it will just build up inside of you until either you burst or... it consumes you..." The boy trailed off as he remembered that those were the words that Richard had said to him. As soon as he got back, Cedric would have to apologize to him for what he said.

 "Cedric? You kind of spaced out there. What is going on?" Celene asked, and the boy smiled at the fact that she actually cared about what was going on with him.

 "I'm fine, but thank you for worrying about me. I am just thinking about my friends back home and how they are doing. I hope that the town is okay, and hopefully Hion, my horse, is getting enough riding in. Still, as much as I miss them I had no choice but to come here."

 Celene now fully sat up, and in interest asked, "Why did you come here? I don't really know why I'm here, or why I am travelling to Vyron, but you haven't told me what you are journeying for yet. Unless it is for a personal reason of course, then I understand."

 That was a good question. He hadn't planned on actually telling anyone the reason that he was in Bathon. It could be dangerous if the wrong person heard about him, and even worse if they acted on it. Yet, somehow he couldn't find himself to say no to his companion. The way she looked at him made Cedric feel like he could tell her anything.

 The mage cleared his throat. "No, it's nothing personal. I suppose that I could share my reason with you, but I need you to swear to me that you will not tell anyone, no matter what. My reason is dangerous, and could very well put the both of us in harms way."

 "I swear that I won't tell anyone Cedric, no matter what." His friend vowed, and he nodded slightly.

 "Very well. You see, before I left Askos, my home, I was having strange dreams, or rather visions. They all included a familiar looking boy who I can't seem to remember, and an evil looking green and black fire. It looks to be that I am in a cave, and he always knows when I will show up. However that's not just it. This boy, Calum, is the one who has been sending hordes of reanimated dead to my town of Sor'real, and it appears he also controls a large amount of necromancers in Askos. It has become a big problem, and so I came here to try and deal with it."

 "How did you know that he would be here in Bathon?" Celene asked him.

 "We captured one of the necromancers and soon learned the Calum was here, so I took it upon myself to try to stop him. Plus, in my mind I feel as if I know him. He showed me a vision of my past and for some reason, he was in it. I felt like I was close to him for some reason, and there was also an older girl who made me feel... safe. I have a theory on who he is, but not the girl."

 "Who... who do you think it is Cedric?"

 "I have reason to believe that he is my brother." Cedric replied, and he felt as if just saying it confirmed it.

 "Your brother? Why do you say that?" Celene questioned.

 "Well, while I can't remember anything from my childhood, my friend and mentor had told me that he found me in a ruined town, and that looking through my home he found out that apparently I had an older brother and sister, that latter of which died when I was young. The description he gave me matches what I've seen of this Calum, and he fact that I feel as if I know him just makes my theory stronger."

 "Woah. I must say that you've thought this through, and what you say makes a lot of sense. So if Calum is your brother, what will you do once you confront him? If what you say is true, he has defiled people's corpses and has probably killed people with his minions. So will you do the same, or will you try to bring him back to the side of good?"

 That was a good point. Cedric hadn't actually thought about what he would do if Calum turned out to be his family. Perhaps we would ask about his sister, or maybe his parents. Hell, if he knew what happened the mage would even ask how his village was destroyed. Although, all of that would only work if they were related, and if he was willing to answer any questions. From what Cedric could see, Calum was playing with evil magic, and he didn't know if he could change him, or if he was too far gone.

 "Honestly Celene," Cedric sighed, a little depressed at the thought. "I have no clue." The boy laid back down, trying to get back to sleep. Celene frowned at him.

 'Don't worry Cedric, I'll help you figure this all out, just like you're helping me.'