Mark of the Fool

Chapter 467: A New Battle Brewing

Chapter 467: A New Battle Brewing

When Alex Roth had so confidently declared that he would have a staff all ready for their next battle, he didn't know conflict was just over the horizon.

Though, it would prove to be far from typical.

It had all begun one pleasant morning at the Generasi dockside.

The day hadnt started off ominously, all things considered.

He was up at the crack of dawn andas usualconcentrated on material in the spell-guide for greater force armour, speed-read materials from textbooks on demonology, and considered which courses he should be taking in the new semester.

After thathumming tunelesslyhed gone down to the insulas kitchen to make something for himself, Selina and Theresa, and had a nice chat with Claygon, and then a fine breakfast with his little family. Hed then checked on the aeld branchwhich hed brought back to the apartment a week agoand, once he was satisfied that it was still making healthy progress, hed pulled up a chair at the table and read while waiting for expected company.

Soon, Prince Khalikaccompanied by Najyahjoined his family in their apartment, then everyone headed off to the city docks to wait for a Generasi bound ship.

The sun was well into the sky when the ship carrying Thundar appeared on the horizon, warming the day considerably by the time the vessel finally came to rest by the dock.

Alex and company were relaxed, chatting among themselves as they arrived at the pierwhen suddenly, the mood changed: a certain minotaur sprinted down the gangplank like he was being chased by hellhounds, bounded at Alex and Khalik, and seized the pair by their shoulders.

Youre my friends, right? He demanded, staring at them with eyes wild and red.

Not when you ask like that! Alex cried, taken aback.

Hey, hey, is that any way to talk to your cabal-leader? Thundar asked through a forced smile, one eyelid twitching rapidly and his grip tightening on their shoulders.

I do not recall making you our leader! Khalik said, trying to pull away from his friend, but the minotaur held on like a bear trap clamped on a terrified bear.

Even if its not official, eh? The minotaur chuckled dangerously. I am still an important member of this cabal, remember? You know, the thing where we agreed to help each other?

Well, yeah, Alex started. But I mean, you didnt even say hello! You just ran off the ship like a maniac and tried to crush us.

Hahahaha! Thundar laughed, sounding off, his deep voice unusually shrill. What are hellos and goodbyes between good, good, good friends whore oathbound to help each other! I mean, Ive helped you both a bunch! Weve fought together, Ive nearly laid down my life a half-dozen times for my good, good, good friends here, weve shared drinks together, I mean

Are you drunk? Khalik frowned suspiciously, leaning forward, sniffing the minotaurs breath. He grimaced, the regret clear on his face. Ugh! I cant tell whats beneath all of that smoked fish odour! Ugh, Thundar, I warn youif you got into your crews alcoholsailors grog can be foul

Im as sober as the day I was born, and dont interrupt your good, good, good friend, its rude and offensive! Thundars grin was exaggerated, broad enough that it looked like foam would spill from the corners of his mouth.

Ah! It is like you said father Claygon slapped one of his palms with a fist in sudden understanding. Interrupting someone isrude. I seenow. Thank younow I know what you meant.

In Alexs overwhelmed mind, he couldnt even remember what his golem was talking about. And he wasnt the only one drowning in a sea of confusion. Beside Claygon, Selina was staring up at Thundar as though the minotaur had suddenly grown two more heads and started breathing lightning. Brutus was sitting in front of his master, with all three heads cocked to the side as though observing a rabbit drunk on nut wine.

which had actually happened, back in Alric.

Mr. McGregor had taken to sealing his personal stores of spirits far more carefully after that incident. The townsfolk found hungover rabbits for days afterward.

And hungover was exactly how Theresas face looked.

Well, that or like shed been clubbed on the back of the head; her jaw hung open as she stared at Thundar in bewilderment, only closing when a fly threatened to land in her mouth.

As for Najyah, she was so shocked thatno wait, she was too busy to be shocked. Alex observed the giant eagle as she feasted on a hapless seagull.

When did she catch that? He wondered, vaguely aware that Thundar was still talking to them.

Thundar! Theresa managed to shake herself. Whats happening? Is something wrong? She placed a hand on his shoulder. If there isand its this desperateyou can tell us. Well help you in any way we can.

The minotaur froze.

He slowly looked down at Theresa with anxiety-filled eyes darting back and forth while he shifted his weight uncomfortably on his hooves. Umno.

Silence blanketed the small group standing at the pier as the huntress watched the minotaur, even more confused than before. The stillness was only broken by shrieks from panicked gulls scrambling away from Najyah, and the murmurs of passengers disembarking and moving past the strange scene that was unfolding.

Why not? Theresa demanded. Oh, I see how it is. So, whatever it is soooo important that only your fancy wizard-cabal friends can help you?

Weller the minotaur cleared his throat, releasing Alex and Khalik to back away from the huntress. Well, uhthats to sayI uhwell, you knowthe thing is

Yeah! Selina glowered, putting her hands on your hips. Were your friends too, just because were not wizards like youdoesnt mean that we cant help you! Dont you trust us, Thundar?

The eleven year old girls big green eyes stared into the minotaurs soul.

No, no! Its not like that! Thundar pleaded. Its not like that at all! Doesnt have to do with me not trusting you! Its thatwell, its not something you can really help with! I mean. Especially not, you Selina

Why, not! She scowled. You think Im too young and stupid to hear what it is?

No! Thundar screamed. No, youre not stupid! Oh, by my ancestors, why is this happening? Alex, help me! Help! Me!

Why are you dismissing Theresa and my little sister? The Thameish wizard placed his hands on his hips. Maybe this is a problem that needs some wizarding work, sure, but we havent kept them in the dark before, even when we were about to head into some sort of danger! This is really unlike you, man!

Aleeeex Thundar rasped as though he were dying, squirming under the gaze of three glowering sets of eyes. Aleeeexdont do this to me. Not like this. Not like this

Oh! Khalik suddenly cried, his brown eyes growing wide with understanding. IIII think I see what is happening.

All eyes fell on him as he gave Theresa and Selina a meaning-filled look.

My friendsI think, erm, Thundars issue is one that ishow should I put thisa little delicate. Perhaps he is embarrassed to share it among, shall we saymixed company?

Another long silence.

Oooooh! Selina said, nodding. Icky boy stuff.

Its not icky! Thundars voice grew shriller than before. Itssensitive, like Khalik said.

Theresa sighed, her eyes rolling so hard, they looked like they would fall from her head and onto the pier. I understand, but maybe you couldve said something before instead of scaring everyone by acting all terrified and hysterical.

Hey, its not my fault I havent slept in two days, the minotaur grumbled. And I wasnt hysterical. I dont do hysterical!

....right, was all Theresa and Selina said as one.

Why, havent you slept in two days? What happened? Alex asked him.

I was too nervous to sleep!

So, its your own fault, then.

The minotaurs bloodshot eyes narrowed. You treacherous bast

Theresa, lets go get something to eat, Selina shook her head. We passed some fish stands on the way, you wanna go see if theyve got anything good?

Yeah, wed better leave the boys to it, Theresa sighed, taking Selinas hand. Before Thundar has a breakdown. Well be back, boys, you justdo what you need to do.

Thank you. Thundar bowed his head to the two young women as they took Brutus and headed to a line of nearby food stalls. AlexKhalikwhy dont we He inclined his head to the other side of the dock, a spot decidedly less crowded and free from folk pouring off the ships gangplank. ...head over there. Its more private.

Fair enough Alex said, having a sudden inkling of what his friends strange behaviour was about. He fought back a smile. Lets go, then the only non-cabal ears thatll hear us will be Claygons.

The golem gave the minotaur a little wave, and Thundar sheepishly waved back.

Indeed, we will keep our voices low. Khalik grinned through his beard. I could even send Najyah away if you find that you grow uncomfortable with her being in earshot. She is a girl, after all.

Thundar made a rude noise with his lips. Bah, now youre just making fun of me.

As is our right, the prince chuckled. As you said, we are your friends.

So. Alex tented his fingers before his broad chest, leaning toward Thundar conspiratorially.

The nervous minotaur looked up at him from his seat on a bollard. So what?

This is about Kohana, isnt it? The young wizard declared.

Keep your voice down! Thundar hissed as the prince threw his head back and burst out laughing. You dont know if shes here somewhere, what if she hears you?

Thundar, youre being paranoid. Generasis enormous, and you dont even know if shes in the city right now. Were technically still on winter breakOh, right, that reminds me, were going to the hells in a couple of weeks.

Well, I dont know, she could be anywheWait, did you say going to the hells? Thundar blinked.

Oh yes, Khalik said, and quickly explained the grand task that Baelin had set out for them.

The minotaur nodded along with his words, giving a big sigh when he was finished. Well, that figures. Of course. No rest for the wicked, its off to the hells for us. I swear, that ancient goats going to kill us, one day.

Shhhh! Keep your voice down! Alex said, his eyes darting back and forth. You dont if hes around here!

Oh, now whos being paranoid!

Look, theres a much bigger chance of Baelin appearing out of nowhere than there is of Kohana just happening to be at the docks right now, Alex pointed out.

In any case. Thundar held up his hands. If were going to the hells, Im definitely gonna ask her out before that. Definitely. Even if she says no, better I do it before some demon guts me.

Do not worry, Baelin will have his spell-marks upon us, Khalik reassured him.

All the same, I want this done in case something goes wrong, you know? The minotaur said.

Alexs mind flashed back to that fateful night at Patrizia dePaolos ball, where hed confessed his love to Theresa before joining the battle against the monsters, so he well understood what Thundar meant.Their lives were dangerous and could possibly be short, and waiting for the perfect moment to act might never come.

Right Alex said. So, you want our help with this?

Yes, my absolutely mighty, handsome, loyal friends! Thundar clasped his large hands before him. By my ancestors, I need your help! Ive been up for two nights straight just thinking about how to do it! I was this close to throwing myself in the sea by the time the ship got here!

Alright, alright, settle down. Khalik patted the minotaurs shoulder. We willhelp. Though, I do not know how we can. A confession of the heart or of interest should be done alone and fromwell, from the heart, not filtered through the advice of fifteen advisors.

Yeah, thats all good and fine for you to say, King Charisma. Thundar glared at him. You could probably talk a golem into going out with you, Im not so good and fancy with the words.

Hey, back when I told Theresa how I felt, I wasnt so good and fancy with the words either, Alex said. And let me tell you, man, I did it spontaneously and with words that felt right. He tapped his chest. Straight from the heart. It probably wasnt the smoothest confession in the world, but sincerity goes a lot farther with most people than methodical planning.

The minotaur turned his glare onto Alex. Yeah, well, you had a childhood friend whos been crazy about you for probably her whole life, which gave you an advantage that I dont have.

You probably could have vomited halfway through your confession and she wouldve been happy.

HeyI resent how true that might beuhmdid she really like me that much? Alex asked, glancing at Khalik.

There was a reason I helped you from the sidelines. The prince winked. If It was not obvious that she liked you, I would not have bothered.

Yeah, helping from the sidelines! Thundar said. Thats the thing I need.

My friend Thundar, helping to smoothcircumstances around you and your lady-friend is one thing, Khalik said. For example, if some boor was stumbling into your way, I could see distracting him. If you said words that you did not mean, I could see Alex and me helping you explain yourself to stop any escalating anger or embarrassment. Butif you want us to tell you what to sayis that truly what you want?

Yeah, Thundar said. Help me with phrasing. Help me think of the right circumstances, Im so nervous, Im ready to throw up.

Then I cannot see us helping with that, Khalik said.

I have to tell you, man, I agree. Alex nodded. Thatd be like the three of us asking her out instead of just you, plus, I could see things going wrong if all of us tried putting our heads together over your feelings. I mean, theres that old expression: too many cooks in the kitchen. And in the end, shes a being with her own thoughts and desires. No matter what we do, whether or not shes going to go out with you, is all up to her.

Alex, I dont have rocks for brains, you dont think I know that? Thundar sighed, shaking his head. Look, I get it. Asking her out is up to me, and her saying yes or no is up to her. Im not naive, I know how it works. I also aint too naive about my chances. Shes older than me, sophisticated, as centred as a mountain in a storm, pretty, sexy, fit, smart. Honestly, if shes not already seeing someone Im gonna be shocked.

Alex raised an eyebrow. Thenwhy all the nerves? If anything, youve got a more mature handle on this than I did when I told Theresa.

The minotaur looked him directly in the eyes, and for a moment, he seemed much older than he truly was. Because, my friend, when youre going to do somethingyou want to make sure you do it right, dont you? Regrets a nasty disease, and I dont want it following me.

He stood suddenly, rising to his full height, making Alex take a step back. Sometimes he forgot how tall Thundar actually was.

The minotaurs nostrils flared. Look. If Im going to do this, I deserve to put myself out there at my best. And she deserves to get me at my best. Thats what I want help with, I say a lot of stupid shit. But not this time. No breakdowns. No stupid hijinks.

When he looked down at them, for a moment, Alex saw the powerful leader of a cabal: a wizard and a warrior who would be talked about for generations. Help me. Help me be my best.

You have my sword, my captain, Khalik said instantly, his voice cracking with emotion.

You have my staff, Alex agreed.

Andmy spear? Claygon added, hopefully.

And so it was that the boys of the cabal went into a new battle.