TBC: Chapter Forty-Two

"We will follow you to the borders of Alsar, Master Jabari," a voice sounded through the radio speaker minutes later. "There we will await further instructions."

"Thank you, Sade," Jabari replied. "Ignite the veil on the ships before you leave the bunkers. We don't want to take chances in case Mordán has stationed spies to watch the skies."

"Already done, Master," Sade replied. He and two other Order pilots flew out in one-seater, combat ships behind the Tritum-X.

"You will still see me on your radars but not physically before you," Jabari stated as he hit the required panel indicators to ignite the ship's reflective shield. "Fane has recently installed coded paths that generate new frequencies only detected by ships within the Order."

"I see you," Sade replied.

As the team neared Gawl Forest, Jabari dropped slowly in altitude. The other three Order pilots remained at the edge of the forest, but Jabari continued flying low just above the canopy of the trees. He landed the ship in the clearing Malik suggested.

"I will follow you onto the palace grounds from a distance," he reminded Malik. "If we do not all return to the ship by the designated time, Shamira will alert the other pilots."

Malik nodded and led the team from the ship into the dark night. His skin automatically began to glow. "Remember, no voices—speak only telepathically," he stated.

The team nodded and opened their minds for communication. Each pulled their cloak hood up over their head.

Sir Malik, can you tone that down a bit, Jarek said, shielding his eyes. You're like a never-ending lighthouse. The gawls will be all over us.

Malik cast Jarek a stern look but dimmed the glowing of his skin.

Hoshi looked up. If Master Valora were here, she could speak to the gawls and tell them to stay away.

The gawls will not bother you since you are with me, Malik stated, giving Jarek a pointed look. They do not approach the area when they sense a wizard's presence.

Does anyone else hear that? Brogan asked as he looked around the forest.

What is it, Master Brogan? Jalena questioned.

That noise—like a low, pulsing hum.

The others shook their heads.

How long have you been hearing it? Malik asked.

As long as I can remember, but it seems to get louder now at certain times, like when we were in the Lundar Mountains.

The sound is stronger when you are nature? Malik questioned.

I guess.

Malik smiled. Place you ear to the ground, Master Brogan.

Huh?

Just do it, Brogan,Hoshi said, shoving him lightly. And hurry—it's cold.

Brogan reluctantly got down on both knees and bent to place his ear to the ground. His eyes widened in surprise. That's it! he said excitedly. This is what I'm hearing.

What is it? asked Gyan.

He is hearing the vibrations of the planet's activity, Malik said. Master Valora can hear the plants and animals. Master Brogan can hear their activity. Their developing charismas complement each other.

Brogan sat back on his heels and grinned. What a relief. He stuck the tip of a finger in his ear and wiggled it. That was driving me nuts.

With practice, you will be able to control the volume of it. In time, you will also know if there is activity far away from you just by tuning in to a change in the vibrational patterns of the ground, Malik stated. If you detect a vibrational interference, it means something different is occurring beyond normal activity. You will understand what the variation in vibrations mean once your skill develops further.

Brogan nodded thoughtfully as the team moved forward again.

The back of Mordán's castle faces the forest, Jalena reminded the group, so I am sure the Vaznaun will be watching for us there. Do not engage them unless you cannot avoid it.

I…I have it, Jarek said suddenly.

What do you mean?Jalena asked.

I have been concentrating on directing my visions about Master Valora like you suggested, Master Jalena, and I can see her, he replied.

Is she in the dungeons like we believe?

Yes. I think I can share the image telepathically with you, Jarek replied. Hang on. He closed his eyes.

I am getting them,Gyan said.

Me too, Brogan added.

Everyone else?Malik asked.

The rest of the team nodded.

The red glow on the bars of her cell and on her binds must be what is suppressing her power,Jalena stated.

I will take care of that, Malik said. Just follow the original plan. He handed Jalena his staff. Now give me a little room.

The warriors backed away from Malik as his chrome eyes began to glow brightly. He extended his arms in front of him with his palms facing outward. "Ak aim el seld mi seis," he whispered.

What does that mean?Brogan asked.

Most of the team shrugged.

In a sense, it means I am beside myself, Jalena answered.

The light from Malik's eyes spread to the tribal markings beneath across his face, causing the marks to glow blue. The light continued down his body, and the glow surfaced in the markings along his arms and hands. The light of his skin extended past his fingertips into the night air, dancing and weaving before them. The warriors gazed in incredulity as Malik's spell manifested. The streams of light tightened and solidified together until a solid form appeared—another Malik stood before them; his eyes closed.

Unbelievable! Hoshi exclaimed. Wow, Sir Malik!

The warriors whispered murmurs of agreement.

Weird, Jarek said as he moved closer to examine Malik's twin. He extended a hand to touch the face of the duplicate wizard. It's an exact copy.

The eyes of Malik's twin flew open. Do not touch me, warrior! he barked at Jarek.

Jarek jumped back and gave a surprised laugh.

Careful, Master Jarek. Mersán isn't as kind as I am, Malik said.

But, he is you, right?Brogan asked as he raised an eyebrow in Mersán's direction.

Of course I am!Mersán snarled.

Yes, he is a duplicate version of me, Malik answered as he handed Mersán his staff. We share the same knowledge and thoughts. However, he seems to have taken on an alternative personality when it comes to mood.

I simply do not tolerate stupidity, Mersán stated gruffly.

As I mentioned, neither as kind…nor as patient, Malik said. He is to accompany the team. Remember that anything Mersán encounters or sees I will also see, no matter where I am. He will mimic the same behavior I would if I were in the same situation, so you can trust him fully.

Will Akila be able to tell that he is not you? Aderes asked.

Not unless she has anticipated the use of my illusory spell and casts a shadow spell to detect it.He turned to Danika and Brogan. I will meet you both, Master Brogan and Master Danika, on the inside.

The two nodded and Malik disappeared in a bright flash of light.

Let's not tarry,Mersán stated. I can't remain here all night.

"Where else does he have to go?" Jarek whispered to Hoshi.

She smiled and shrugged.

Mersán took off quickly through the forest with Jalena and the rest of the team following closely behind.

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