Sword of Stars

Chapter Twelve. The Lord of Casters.

“So this is the Tower of Casters? I’ve seen it from a distance but it’s nothing compared to seeing it up close.” Garek craned his neck looking up at the huge wooden doors.

“Yes, tower...” Cecil’s tone was one of amusement.

Aeryn’s mouth was agape with awe at the size of the tower close up. It pierced the clouds in the overcast sky.

They had landed on the small island and walked their way up to the centre where the tower was located. There was only one place to dock a boat; the rest of the island was surrounded by rocky cliffs. The tower itself sat upon the highest point of the island so it was a hard hour long hike to the top. Garek found it strange that they hadn’t seen a single person so far, it felt eerily deserted.

Garek turned back to Cecil. “Well how do we get in old man? Wave your hand and the door opens?” He chuckled to himself. Aeryn didn’t seem to have heard. Her neck was still craned, taking in the sheer size of the structure.

“Actually...” Cecil waved his gnarled hand in an arc and the double doors slowly opened inwards, creaking the whole way. After they rumbled to a stop Cecil turned to Garek and flashed one of his most satisfied smirks. Garek rubbed at his forehead in frustration. “You’d make a fine jester you know Cess.”

Cecil gestured towards the entrance and put his other hand to Aeryn’s shoulder to guide her forward “Ladies first.” She smiled and nodded while Cecil grinned.

Garek shook his head and whispered “Dirty old man...”

After Aeryn had crossed the threshold Cecil quickly gripped Garek’s forearm before he could follow. “I’m telling you Garek, something doesn’t feel right about Aeryn.” Cecil’s eyes pleaded along with his voice.

“You’re the wise old Caster, Cecil. Cast one of your magics on her.” He said with minimal sarcasm. Cecil’s pushiness over that matter was beginning to annoy him. Why couldn’t he just let it go? It was obvious that she was fine. Now that they were at the home of the Casters then his worries will be soon put to rest.

Frustration painted Cecil’s face. “You know Caster magic doesn’t work that way, Garek. Also, I already tired using Heterochromancy to detect any irregularities. I am not the best at healing. But that just worries me more.”

“Yeah, Yeah, as you say. Let’s just go in and perhaps the Lord Caster can help.” Garek put an end to the subject.

He stepped over the threshold and found the room completely empty. Spread out evenly on the windowless walls were Essense stones that glowed and gave the circular room light. Garek couldn’t see any staircase that lead upwards or any other doors that lead to other rooms. It was just a room of nothing. Aeryn was in the middle of the room looking around in bewilderment. Garek turned to Cecil. “What is this? What’s going on?”

Cecil grinned knowingly and waggled a finger at Garek. “You’ll see.”

After a few moments the tower’s floor started to rumble. Aeryn yelped then jumped back towards the edge of the room with Garek and Cecil as the floor began to split. It rumbled apart until a wide circular hole filled the middle of the room. Garek stepped forwards and peered over the edge. He could see a round platform rising from the depths, a robed figure standing in the middle. Garek stepped away carefully and looked at Cecil again. “So the ‘tower’ is actually underground?” Garek asked.

“What!?” Aeryn’s eyes were wide.

“Now you understand boy.” Cecil nodded and smiled.

Finally the platform reached the top and the tall figure stepped forwards, beige robe gliding behind. His long straight black hair fell below his well-toned chest and shined in the light. His red eyes found Cecil and his handsome face turned to a scowl. The way he held himself indicating that this man was dangerous and he knew it. Definitely not a man Garek wanted to anger, as Cecil seemed to have done in the past.