A Forest of Secrets

Chapter 27

"You can't be seriously considering going there, it's madness!" Jo's voice was full of indignation as she addressed Koldo; the man looked at her with an amused expression on his face. He reminded her of a cat, assessing his prey.

"Of course not, do not be absurd," the man laughed as if Jo had been a child stating something both endearing and ridiculous.

"But you just said--" Jo started, but Koldo interrupted her.

"I said I would be there, but I did not say I would be there physically; I am sending an astral projection. I will not give Volstad the benefit of the doubt, he does not deserve it," Koldo turned around, leaving Jo with her mouth agape; he rummaged inside a silver box on a shelf, tossing small items aside. Finally, he found what he was looking for. "Here," he told Marauri, handing her a small green stone covered in runes; he held an identical one in his other hand. "Put it on the ground, make sure it stays within the limits of the forest. I will activate it from here. And tell Volstad to get close-- just not too close. If he tries anything, he will be an easy target: be ready. Do not waste your chance,"

Marauri clutched the stone tight, then gave him a solemn nod. She looked nervous but eager to do as she was told. She shot an anxious look at Jo and the rest, then ran as fast and nimble as a squirrel.

"Ready to meet Volstad?" Koldo's smile was chilling.

As they waited, Jo wondered about Volstad Alaric hadn't met the guy, he said, but he'd seen him around the City of Ontur, and he'd heard things. He flaunted his magic around in public, he didn't care much about magic etiquette; staffs were a common sight in populated areas, but the city guard treated them as weapons: they had to be sheathed at all times. Mages didn't need staffs to perform simple spells, but they never flaunted their magic around: it was frowned upon, almost as dirty as poking your nose in public. Volstad was completely unapologetic about his magic. It helped that he was the king's advisor, the city guards left him alone as did the Onturian Knights, even amidst the rumors about his dabbling with dark magic.

Koldo, in the meantime, fiddled with the runed rock. Then, he waited; he kneeled on the floor, resting his elbows on his knees, placing his massive hands under his chin.

Jo and Alaric stopped chitchatting when the air started to crackle like a small thunderstorm, a quiet rumor, at first, then a thunderous roar. Volstad appeared in the middle of the pod, a projection of him, slightly translucent, grainy-- it was unsettling. Alaric tugged Jo's arm, maybe in an involuntary gesture to protect her; she gave a step forward, dragging Alaric with her. Jo could only see Voltad's back from where they were. he was wearing heavy armor, golden and silver, adorned with a burgundy velvet cape. His salt and pepper hair was tied in a bun, embellished with braided strands of hair. His staff was strapped to his back, an intricate piece carved of a dark russet piece of wood, encrusted with bone mosaic fragments, aligned in decorative shapes. A bright white stone shone on top of it all-- incredibly humble. It must've cost a small fortune, and it was more than likely custom made.

"I assume you're the Sage," Volstad's voice was deep and velvety, not at all what Jo expected. And what in the name of Ontur was a sage anyway? It sounded like a fancy title. "I was expecting to meet you in person, but I see you don't trust me. Wise, though completely unnecessary. I mean you no harm," Koldo looked slightly amused, but in a very disturbing way; it was something in his eyes. He looked threatening.

"I am Koldo. I do not like titles; titles are for nordlings, such as yourself," Koldo gave him a sardonic smile. "Now tell me, Volstad. Tell me: what do you want. You say you mean us no harm, but you have already killed a good number of Faradians, and I know you are here for the tree. Tell me why I should not give the order to put an arrow to your head right now," Jo noticed Volstad made a nervous fist; she wanted to see his face.