By Richard LeBlanc
Chapter Five
Within the well warded castle Enchanter made his way through the halls. In the distance he could hear the sounds of a large gathering of people. It was there that these witch hunters most likely gathered to pass judgement on those brought before them.
Quite a place. heavily warded too. Must concentrate. He thought. he focused all of his thoughts on his mana - his power that was marked for his use but was so far away. Reaching it was difficult from this warded place - but not impossible. He waved a hand over one wrist. A small cloth braclet appeared with the mark of Geaia. another one appeared on her other wrist. The effort it took to cast the enchantments almost knocked him off his feet - but he managed to remain standing.
"Okay - I might not be able to cast alot of spells - but these will help me cast one." he said to himself as he walked towards a large set of doors. Just by the look of the two large ogres that were guarding them - he knew that was where he had to be.
"I was told I had to see the magistrate." he stated calmly. the two ogres grunted and opened the doors for him. Enchanter sarcastically smiled at the ogres and made his way into the large hall. Before him was something that almost looked like an arena - all around the arena were hundreds of seats - in each seat was a witch hunter.
"Who here is the magistrate?" he asked.
"Silence! You will speak only when bidden to do so!" a squeeky voice demanded. Enchanter looked around and saw a short goblin sitting on a golden throne. Enchanter almost shook his head in disbelief but managed to retain his composure.
"You a spell caster! You bad!" the goblin muttered.
"You the magistrate?" Enchanter asked.
"You no speak! I said! I said!" it squealed.
"I am losing patients here people. Is he the magistrate or isn't he?" he asked seriously.
"No. He isn't. He is the jester. I am magistrate here." a powerful voice stated. Enchanter looked up and saw an eight-foot tall pure white minataur. Enchanter watched as the goblin hopped from the golden thrown as the true magistrate sat down.
"You have been brought to this council for the crime of practicing witchcraft - and assaulting an officer of my court. Justice will be served. " the magistrate stated calmly.
"I was attacked by another wizard. what was I supposed to do?" he asked.
"If we find him - he too will be punished. Until we do - we must deal with you." he replied rationally.
"That - makes no sense. But while I am here - I do have a question for you. As spell casters aren't welcome here - you would know of any in this area yes?" Enchanter asked curiously.
"I make it my business to know all of the important happenings in my domain." he replied.
"I'm looking for a little troll of a wizard. he surprised me a short distance from here and headed this way. judging by the look of your - police - I figured this would be a likely hiding spot for him." Enchanter asked.
"My police, have been conditioned to serve my cause - my cause being jusice - my cause being order. And I assure you - that no wizard - troll or otherwise is within my domain." the magistrate stated seriously. Enchanter sighed and looked over his shoulder.
"I see. Then I guess my business here is done." Enchanter began as he turned away.
"It isn't that simple. You broke my law. You will be punished." the magistrate stated.
"I am a wizard. Your mundane laws do not concern me. I will leave now." Enchanter replied.
"Leave - or attempt to leave - and my witch hunters will hunt you down until you perish." he retorted.
"Are all of them here?" Enchanter asked.
"Of course." the magistrate stated.
"Good to know." Enchanter replied. He lightly tapped both of his cloth bracelets. The magical glyphs that were marked on them began to glow. A calmling wave of magic flowed outward from the wizard.
"A tranquility spell!" the magistrate stated. all of the witch hunters rose to their feet. Enchanter concentrated - the spell would only need a few more seconds to kick in. Several of the witch hunters pointed at him. Sharp pain stabbed through him as though he had been shot by an arrow. Just then - the spell had kicked in. All of the wards were gone.
"My turn." Enchanter commented. With a wave of his hand - hurricane winds began to blow through the large room. many of the witch hunters were killed by the powerful winds - others seemed to vanish. By the time the spell was done - only Enchanter and the magistrate were left.
"As I said - I leave." he repeated.
"I will find you Enchanter. You may leave - but we will meet again." the magistrate warned. Enchanter shook his head and calmly exited the arena. The magistrate shook his head and sighed.
"Pity - had you stayed - you would have lived. Now - I can not help you." he said to himself.
To be continued...
