Free Spellscribed: Conviction by Kristopher Cruz Page A

bulging. "We... replace... what?"
    Weldom looked somewhat sympathetically at Endrance, as if he felt the mage was suffering under such idiocy. "Since your current... Spengur... may end up incarcerated for a long period of time, we have dispatched one of my apprentices to take his place until such a time as it is determined that Endrance will go free, or be permanently detained."
    "I hope he's a good fighter." Bridget replied. "’Cause Joven's the only guardian at the moment, and he's sworn to Endrance for life."
    Weldom smiled, but if felt more menacing than appeasing. "Oh, he is." the High Magus replied. "And he needs no bodyguard."
    Endrance took his spellbook, patted himself over, made sure he had a few essentials, and dismounted. He held the reins out to Selene. "I'll meet you all at Ironsoul." Endrance said, giving her a smile. "Joven, you show them the way."
    The barbarian nodded. Selene leaned down and kissed the mage on the forehead. "Don't die on me." she whispered. "We just got started."
    Endrance smiled reassuringly at her. "I promise you, we'll see each other again soon."
    "That's sweet." Weldom exclaimed. "Now get your ass over here."
    Endrance walked up to the man. "Now what?"
    "Do you have any spells or objects that impede dimensional travel?" Weldom asked. "If you do, tell me now or you may end up smeared over the side of the universe."
    If I may interject.  Gullin spoke up from his place up in the sky.  I may have some... side effects on dimensional travel.
    Endrance pointed up at the sky. "I have a familiar." he said.
    Weldom rolled his eyes. "Well, call it down and take it with you. Don't try anything."
    Endrance scowled at him as he mentally called Gullin to his arm. "I'm cooperating, why are you so hostile?"
    "Just a feature of my winning personality." Weldom snapped back. He took a step back as the Fjallar landed on Endrance's outstretched arm, the talons wrapping around the bracer under his sleeve for support. "Gods!" he exclaimed. "That's your familiar?"
    Endrance felt a small surge of satisfaction. "Yes." he answered, "Is there something wrong with Gullin?"
    Weldom looked the mage over. "Your power is still in its infancy, but to be strong enough to summon one of the three... you had potential. Too bad it's wasted now."
    "That's yet to be proven, Weldom." Endrance quipped.  There are only three of your kind?
    Yes.  Gullin replied.  Three of us, siblings.
    This makes being able to summon you seem all the more significant.  Endrance observed. "So what do I have to do to take him with me?" he asked Weldom, who was still examining the familiar.
    "You can't." Weldom replied. "His astral form is many magnitudes greater than his physical form. You'll have to dismiss him and resummon him if you're given permission to, though I suspect you won't be given it."
    Endrance grimaced.  You heard him.  He said.  I'll see you on the other side.
    I shall watch over your journey where I can.  Gullin assured him. Endrance cut the link between them with a complicated mental command, and the Fjallar momentarily turned into fire and lost cohesion, vanishing. Endrance felt an empty echo in his mind, where he had gotten used to the familiar's presence.
    "There." Weldom said. "We're here."
    Endrance opened his eyes and realized he was no longer outside. Complex geometric spell patterns graced alabaster stone walls, inlaid in gold. Endrance looked around, and found himself in a small chamber with Weldom at his side. Two male wizards of the Circle, both decades older than he, stood by the door near a masterfully crafted silver table. They looked to Weldom, who nodded to them. The two wizards approached, one with thick black hair and the other thinning brown hair, but both of their faces looked like they were ready to react to any movement he made.
    "These two will examine you for latent spell effect, and relieve you of your spellbook and enchanted equipment." Weldom stated, gesturing to the table. "All items will be