CHAPTER NINETEEN MALDRIN’S UNEXPECTED REUNION

  Near the banks of a wandering river, Garrick walked alongside Onyx. It was easily one of the most treaded paths the mercenary had walked with the mystic wolf, but this was now the first time he’d walked it with others. The mercenary rubbed his bearded chin, wondering what would ultimately come from this upcoming visit.

  Maldrin was one of his most cherished friends. However, he was arriving with a runaway royal elf maiden and a Knight of Providence. Whatever the case, whatever happened now would truly set his quest forward or back a ton. After a few minutes, the forest they walked through broke into a little clearing. Then the trio saw a shabby looking home out in the distance. It was shaded by one big tree and surrounded by all kinds of fowl and woodnd creatures. When they finally got to the tree, Garrick stopped.

  “What is wrong?” asked Elias, his hand going to his sword.

  “Nothing,” replied Garrick, looking at both the knight and elf maiden. “You two just stay here until I give you the nod. Onyx and I will go on.” Then the mercenary gave a short ugh. “You and Cerelene are in no danger, but I think the tale I tell will seem less overwhelming if it just comes from me.”

  A screech from a falcon was heard overhead as Garrick and Onyx walked toward the house. Then, nding in the tree above the remaining two companions, Azure looked at Cerelene.

  The elf maiden shouldered her bow, looked up at her falcon and caressed her left wing. “Wizards can be curious people, my sweet. Let us hope this one is who Garrick says he is.” Then the falcon screeched lowly.

  Not knowing how long Garrick would be, Elias dropped his shield and leaned against the tree.

  “Let us just hope Maldrin agrees to come along,” spoke the knight, crossing his arms, as he watched the mercenary and mystic wolf walk on.

  The house still looks the same, thought Garrick as he and Onyx reached the door. When two inquisitive geese walked toward them, Onyx, having none of them, growled and gave a short snap in their direction. Then the geese fled, but to the wolf’s dismay so did the rest of the woodnd creatures near them.

  “Do not worry, my friend. She would not be outside. She never leaves his side. You know that,” assured Garrick, as he patted the mystic wolf. With that, Onyx sat down while Garrick knocked at the door.

  “Who is it? Better yet, just go away!” came a perturbed voice from inside.

  Garrick ughed. “If you would clear all those books from the windows you would see, you old wizard!”

  After a great commotion in the house the door opened. Before the duo stood an old man wearing brown robes. He had a bushy gray beard that reached to his chest and gray hair that fell just as far behind his back. Garrick smiled as Onyx darted into the house.

  “My boy! What a grand surprise! Garrick Landow! How I have missed you!” spoke the wizard as he hugged the mercenary. Then he stepped back. “Come in. Come in!”

  Maldrin’s pce hadn’t changed on the inside either, thought Garrick. The small house was still filled to capacity. All but one of the windows on the four walls were covered by stacks of books. That window was the only way anyone could tell what time of day it was. Books were everywhere in his house. Spell books, primarily, but regur books, from histories to reference, as well.

  Pced prominently at the top of one of the wizard’s bookshelves, faced for all to see, Garrick saw the complete tomes of both The Elven and Dwarven Royalty, and between them a smaller book entitled The Last Days of the Bestial Wizards.

  Talismans also hung on the walls, along with other magical objects. Sculptures and figures of dragons, both sovereign and lesser, leviathans, behemoths, and other creatures were all around. Maps and parchments id out on the tables. A beautiful dress hung on the outside of one of the doors. Still unmoved after all these years, thought Garrick. It was pristine and well cared for. A sharp contrast to the rest of the house.

  “Onyx come here!” yelled Maldrin. The mystic wolf still looked excited as he crossed back and sat in front of the wizard. Then the old man cupped the wolf’s face and pced his nose on his, smiling. “You are so regal. You leave Garrick and stay with me. How about that?”

  Garrick ughed as he looked at the only other person that Onyx had known since a pup. Then he watched as Maldrin raised back up and looked at him.

  “You ugh?” asked Maldrin with an honest smile. Then he pointed at Garrick. “Yes, you two are bonded, but remember my boy, I never finish my meat, and he knows that.” Then he winked at Onyx.

  With the pleasantries ended, the mystic wolf returned to sniffing the air, as he roamed about the cottage. Finally, he walked past a giant, partially covered pot and stopped. At the same moment, a red squirrel crawled out and darted away. Onyx barked happily and chased it.

  “Onyx no!” screamed Garrick with a grin.

  The red squirrel ran up Maldrin’s robes and sat on his shoulder. Then began chattering loudly at the big bck bck wolf.

  “Tal. It is okay, my dear,” said Maldrin as he petted the squirrel lovingly. “Onyx is just excited to see you.” Then Tal’s chattering slowed to a stop. Taking a step toward Onyx, Maldrin looked down at him. Though there was a smile on his face, his voice was stern. “You will not eat her. You also will not chew on her for fun. Understand?”

  Garrick watched as the mystic wolf sat back again and barked. A moment ter, Tal jumped down from Maldrin’s shoulder to a table and scurried over a book entitled “The Dark Wood of Grendellion.” Then she jumped to the floor. And within a few seconds the animals were out the back door.

  After the old friends finally sat down, Garrick looked at the book that, judging by its condition, was very new. “Going on an adventure, my friend?”

  Maldrin grinned. “You know me, Garrick. I always need something to look forward to.”

  Then Garrick’s mind turned to Tal. “How is Tal? Is she the same since I st saw her?”

  Maldrin gave a half smile mixed with a sigh. “Yes. Yes. She is the same.”

  When Garrick sat back in his chair and straightened the chain mail that was over his red tunic, he continued. “What about you?” It was both a question for an old, close friend, but also to see where the wizard was skill wise.

  Maldrin pointed to one of the corners of the house. Garrick got up and walked over to the object. It was a staff. A wizard's staff wasn’t uncommon to see, but this one was different. It was long and wooden, yes, but the top was carved into a griffin's cw which held a pis zuli stone. The staff was well used, but still looked quite sturdy. Like the man who now owned it.

  “Your master’s staff,” whispered Garrick, mostly to himself.

  “Does that answer your question?” replied Maldrin. Then his voice fell. “It was not easy to acquire, my boy.” Garrick turned around and marveled at Maldrin and the wizard smiled. “Come. Come. I will get us something to eat. Then I will tell you the story.”

  Garrick caught Maldrin’s arm as he got up to get the refreshments. Sitting back down he pulled the old wizard back to his seat. Startled, Maldrin looked at Garrick. Reaching into his tunic, the mercenary pulled the High Priest’s ancient Holy Amulet out and from around his neck.

  “No my friend,” said Garrick with a grin. “I have a better story.”

  Intrigued, Maldrin grabbed the part of the Amulet that held one of the Holy Stones of Elion and examined it, then looked up. And now, having the same glint in his eyes as Garrick, Maldrin smiled back at his old friend and without hesitation replied…

  “When do we leave?”