Wicked As You Wish (A Hundred Names for Magic #1) - Rin Chupeco Page 0,71
and built a castle here.”
“There is a legend in Avalon,” Count Tintagel replied from behind them, “that the dragons are hiding, rather than extinct. In time, when the world requires them most, they might forgive us and ride again, with a new kinder king to lead them. But come along; it’s been a long time since we’ve entertained visitors, and the Dame’s often pleased when she can see her predictions come true for herself—or as much as she can, given Lady Makiling’s presence.”
“Told you,” West mumbled to Ken.
“So young, and already brave fighters.” The man chuckled as he led the way into a large hall, where a roaring fireplace blazed with warmth. Stony-faced portraits stared out from every wall, many of whom closely resembled the count. He paused before one of the portraits, a beautiful woman with flaxen hair.
“My wife.” He sighed. “Gone all these years. My own son, Frederick, is out patrolling the borders with the rest of my guards, and shall not return for another two weeks. I would offer my services to the Cheshire’s army myself, but my hands tremble too much now to hold a sword. We have barely enough knights to protect my lands as it is. When the frost came, it took everything we had to hold our own defenses. We could do little but wring our hands as we watched the ice take over the rest of the land, with only enough of our own enchantments to keep the castle from following suit.”
“You give us much hope, milord,” Zoe said formally. “There’s a chance that there might still be pockets of resistance throughout Avalon like yours, however sparse and small. We intend to make our way to Maidenkeep. The ice started there, so maybe a way to end the curse lies within its walls. If not, then Lyonesse itself has all the best spelltech, even by today’s standards. There should be something there we can use to contact the outside world. It’s a long shot, but it’s our best bet.”
“The Nine Maidens,” Tala said, before she could stop herself.
“Oh, so you know about that too?”
“Not much.” Tala snuck a glance at Alex, but he said nothing.
Ken scrunched up his nose. “Us neither. We’ll figure it out at Maidenkeep, I guess.”
“The Nine Maidens are a mystery, even to us. Avalonian kings have said very little of it. All I know is that it is one of Avalon’s three most powerful segen, all tied to the royal bloodline. The firebird is the second, and the Nameless Sword is the third. The last is an unusual spell, while still bound to the rulers of Avalon, the sword allows one not of their lineage to take it up in their stead. I would have liked to see it in my lifetime.” The older man smiled wistfully. “We live in exciting times. My one regret is that this is happening in my old age rather than in the prime of my youth when I might have been of greater use. Months trapped in this accursed ice is a poor way to spend the approaching twilight of one’s years.”
“Do you have an idea of where the Nameless Sword might be, milord?” Alex asked, his eyes intent.
“No, unfortunately. Given its unpredictability, my men and I have no idea where to begin our search.”
“And you have no idea who cast this time-lapse spell?”
“Not even my mother knows, I’m afraid. Whoever it is, I am grateful for small favors.” The count gestured toward the large staircase. “Have your pick of rooms; there’s more than enough for all. Might I not convince you to stay a few more days?”
“Have you tried to establish contact with anyone outside of Avalon, Sir Hiram?” Zoe asked.
“None past my own gates, much less past the accursed barrier. My castle is still some ways from Maidenkeep, but we have always been self-sufficient.”
“A looking glass? Or a messenger pigeon? A phone?”
The count shook his head.
“Then we’ll keep traveling after the storm passes. We can’t sit around and wait for the Cheshire to find us. I definitely don’t want to spend any longer here than we have to.”
“Spoken like a true warrior,” the count said, smiling. “We’ll have horses saddled and ready for you in the morning. There are no roads here, and the paths are narrow heading out, so cars aren’t the best mode of transportation until you hit the farmlands. I can spare some of my men to accompany you at least part of the way.”