A Fool's Tale

Chapter 21 - The Mage Token

"Why? Am I in trouble? Did he look angry?" I fired the questions off and nervously looked at the tower. I knew from the books I'd read magicians could be dangerous, and often had wicked tempers.

"No, when I showed Master Isidor the gem we discovered in your mother's locket, he asked to see you. I think he wants to know more about your parents."

"Oh. I doubt I'll be able to help him."

"We'll see."

The guard in front of the tower was Peridor. The same one I'd met previously.

Talia took the lead. "We're here to see Master Isidor. I believe he's expecting us."

"Yes, your highness." Peridor pushed the door open, then he looked at me with a quirky smile. "I guess you won't need a tour of the guard's tower after all."

I smiled. It was nice he'd remembered me. "No, I suppose not, but thanks for offering."

We entered an unfurnished room with rocky walls and floor. It was a near perfect circle. A stone, circular staircase twisted above us. Sconces hammered into the wall held flickering torches.

"What was that about?" Talia asked

"When I first arrived, I wanted to go to the top of this tower, but Peridor said I wasn't allowed. He offered to bring me up the guard's tower if I ever saw him there.

"That was nice, although you could have just asked me."

"I know, but I need to do some things for myself. I can't keep getting your help for everything."

"Funny, you're the opposite of most people I meet. They won't stop asking me for favors, especially about meeting my parents, but I can't get you to start." Talia smiled and held my hand for a moment. "Thank you."

I returned the smile. "Well, if you really want to do something for me, you're welcome to carry me up these stairs."

She snorted. "Nice try. Come on."

The steps were smooth and slick, and we gripped an iron railing as we ascended, placing our feet carefully on the slippery stone. Along the outer wall of the stairway were rectangular gaps in the stonework. Thin strips of daylight streamed in through the slots. At first, there was only a view of the courtyard, but as we went higher, I could see the town. I stopped to peer through the thin gap.

Talia tugged on my shirt to keep moving. "Patience, you'll get a better look when we arrive at the top."

Eventually, we reached the final steps and emerged into a windowless, circular stone room with a capped ceiling. Ledges had been cut into the stone walls and lanterns were placed in the grooves, casting dancing shadows across the room. A long curved table had been pushed against the far wall, and a great many cabinets and bookshelves occupied the chamber. Most of the cabinets appeared to have glass vials and tubes filled with colorful liquids or powders. At the far end of the room beside the long table was an ornate display case crammed with charms and ornaments. I couldn't help but wonder if they were magical artifacts. Two heavy oak doors were on either side of the long table. I visualized the structure of the tower and suspected they led to the ramparts. A silver haired man was sitting with his back to us at the center of the table. He was tinkering with an amulet and cursed loudly when we entered.

"Master Isidor," Talia interrupted.

The man jerked his head around and dropped the amulet. It hit the table with a dull thud and a small gemstone broke off, rolling onto the floor. He seemed about to curse again, but snapped his mouth shut when he recognized Talia.