Free The Wizard's Council by Cody J. Sherer Page A

always win.” Kristof readied a small icicle in his hand as he spoke.
    “You are a fool to threaten the Warlocks!” Septimus stepped out of the woods.
    William watched in awe as Septimus raised his hands and encased the two lesser Wielders in rock. Kristof shot the icicle at Septimus and sent two fireballs at him with his other hand. Septimus waved aside the icicle and ricocheted one fireball at each of the encased mages. He strode forward and clenched both of his fists, crushing the two Wielders inside of the rocks that surrounded them. As he closed in on Kristof, Septimus ignited a small ball of fire in his right hand. The Warlock placed his flame engulfed hand on the Wielder’s chest, burning through his cloak and leaving a hand shaped burn.
    “Remember this as a token of dealing with the Warlocks. Tell your master that the Wielders will feel our full wrath if they meddle in our business again. Alamor belongs to the Warlocks.” Septimus’ eyes glowed red as he spoke.

Combatting the Spreading Darkness
                 
    James paced back and forth as he waited for an update from the others. It had been just over a week , and they hadn’t heard from Paul and Rolin or Emily and Janessa. Cormac was still a day or two from his destination and Ector was dealing with some issues that had arisen in his absence. Melissa was sitting in a nearby chair, biting her lip as she watched James. Neither of them was the type to worry, but the situation was well out of the ordinary. Melissa stood and walked over to James. He stopped his pacing and looked at her. She didn’t speak, she merely placed a hand on James shoulder and nodded. James reached up and grabbed her hand. He squeezed it and smiled before taking it off his shoulder.
    “I should be out there with them!” He said as he spun around and began pacing again.
    “Where would we be then?” She asked.
    “Rolin is not as young as he once was. He could be in trouble.”
    “Paul is even younger than you are and at least as powerful. Rolin is in quite capable hands.”
    “Yes, he is powerful, but he lacks control. There is a preciseness to magic that keeps us from getting ourselves killed by our own spells. What if he sends a stray fireball at Rolin by mistake?” James mimicked an explosion with his arms.
    “Rolin knew the risk he was taking.”
    James sighed as he walked over to the nearby window. He knew she was right. Anyone else who would have traveled with Paul and Rolin would share their fate. That fact did little to comfort James. He was a man of action, all the talk coupled with the waiting was trying his pat ience. His time spent in the desert had been harsh. The inhospitable land pitted them against several different types of vicious creatures on a regular basis. Those encounters were how he and his students maintained their edge on the other Conclaves when it came to combat ready magic. Practicing magic in a school was one thing, but fighting another being with magic was something completely different. Often times, the new students would freeze up when dealing with the desert creatures.
    “What of Emily and Janessa? Surely I could have assisted them,” James said as he turned to face Melissa.
    “Emily and Janessa hardly need your assistance, James. The trip to the Gloomvale Isles is safe as long as you enter at the rough waters at the correct heading. Janessa has made the trip numerous times. They’ll be fine,” Melissa’s eyes narrowed as she spoke.
    “Nevertheless, I do not want to be cooped up in this tower waiting for the fight to come to us!”
    Melissa smiled and nodded. James liked to think she understood what he was talking about, but he knew she didn’t. She has always been like a big sister to him. He looked to Melissa and Rolin for knowledge, and their level-headedness helped to balance him out. They were both constantly encouraging him to talk with Ector. The elf had stopped numerous wars with his wit and patience. None of that