Sorcerer from Another World

“Sorry to bother you, when you are obviously busy,” Tara drawled with heavy undertones of sarcasm.  

I smiled guilty, “No, bother.”

I felt like I had been caught stealing from the sweetie cupboard then asked to do a household chore. 

Tara, however, was all business. Her cold lack of care was refreshing and far preferable to facing death by a thousand questions. 

“Scouts report sightings of an Undead Yewam. Your assistance is needed.” she said tersely. 

What the hell was an Undead Yewam? I didn’t recognise the name, and it would be cool to face something new. It’s not quite an adventure, but a monster slaying quest had perfect fantasy vibes. 

“Gladly.”

“I’ve to escort you to Galen. We will ride out soon.”

I put on my widest, politest smile, “Lead the way.” I said gesturing out with an open palm.

I followed behind her brisk walk. A thought came to me. I fashioned a metal plate again and set off behind her. I was wobbly and slower than if I had jogged. But at the pace of a fast, if drunken, walk I followed behind the oath-bound warrior. 

I shook and almost toppled over a few times and the people of the fort had to swerve out of my way. I giggled to myself. It was like learning how to ride a bike. The first floating device had been a mild disaster, but I had the knack for what to do. So, I looked only a little silly. 

Eyes watched me like crows shadowing a corpse. An eerie delight of seeing something magical and powerful. It was hope to last another day. The silly trick was a sign that I was different. Another tale to add to the growing stories of Damian the Sorcerer. 

“Look that man can fly.” I heard a child say. The child tugged on Samyia’s dress as they watched from the crowd. 

I winked across at them and did a loop-to-loop that was met with a scattering of subdued huzzahs. More than few bent down in a prayer-like gesture. Rather than the applause of a fighter ace, I was met with the reverence of a saint.  

“I’m to be taught by one of his mistresses.” I heard Samyia say this to her friend.

The voyeuristic eyes followed us, but at a distance. Was it out of respect or fear?  

At the town’s gate, the same ones I had defended was a small band of a dozen warriors on horse back. At their head was Galen with the sword I had created for him. The warrior’s chainmail was fine, but torn: including Galen’s. The days had been harsh. The warrior were hardy folk. However, I sensed the exertion and toll of constant battles on their gear and bodies. 

Geoff the bard came up first as we approached, “Is that some kind of flight… plate?”

I leaped off of the enchanted device, “Yes.”

“I always imagined flying would be done on a metal horse with wings.” 

Further discussion was interrupted by… 

“Sorcerer!” Galen smiled on our arrival. “Well met.” he threw out hand.

I joined hand and wrist with the Chief. I met his firm grip with a tight squeeze and we hugged briefly. 

“We will need your help to face this most foul of foes.” he said. 

“Is this the undead Yewam?” 

“Indeed it is.”

“Yeawm are an animated tree that were worshipped by the Druid of the Seelie Court. If must have been twisted in undeath to serve the Unseelie. They are usually associated with Marodon and are a rare and nasty kind of monstrosity.” Geoff explained before I could ask. 

“Good to know.” I looked between the two of them. “How do we destroy it?”

“I was hoping you could do that.” Galen admitted. “We will distract it to give you the time to find whatever spell it takes to put it down. Rebecca and Bomdall checked the lore.”

He paused.

“And?” I asked.

“Undead Yewams have a habit of resurrecting themselves.”

Lips parted, staring straight into his soul. I intelligently asked, “Really? Like they just refuse to die.”

He cleared his throat, “Something like that.”

I frowned, “How long do we have to stop it?”

“Half a day before it reaches Ferisdarm.”

My mouth opened ajar the sound, “Ah.” comes out from my mouth. 

“I should get Iris and Morgana.”

“No.” Galen said immediately and firmly.

“Why not?” I asked with a tense edge to my tone.

“If there is an attack while we are away they will be among the few left capable to defend the walls of Ferisdarm. Bomdall, Iris, Morgana and the main forces will stay behind. Me, you and my strongest warriors shall attack the Undead Yewam.”

“You should stay behind, bard.” I said to young Goeff. “I can’t promise you will make it back.”

“I insist on coming along, Master Sorcerer. Legends are being made and I intended to see with my own eyes and write it all down with these hands.” 

“And one day tell it!” Galen said loudly and pulled Goeff close. “You hear that! Protect this young man with your life for your immortality resides in the stories he will tell one day.”

“I’ll protect the lad if you get the name Skor the Scourge down!” claimed a warrior painted head to toe in intricate, swirling celtic patterns blue paint. 

“Naw, I Nat the Skewer will ensure you come to no harm.” boasted a skinny lass decked with blades and sharp needle pointed armour. 

“Don’t forget me, Benrar the Brave.” said a large heavy set warrior with a spiked club. 

“Thank you, friends. I will rely on you all.” Geoff answered back. 

The ruckus eased and the final preparation began. Family members, friends or a loved one placed helmets on their warriors heads. They tightened belts and strapped on shields. A fair maiden kissed her beloved's cheek, and a handsome youth kissed his the hand of his husband. A man sooted from the smithy checked over his warrior wife’s mail once more time. 

Rebecca kissed her husband on the lips, “Come back to me, okay.”

Galen with a sure smile replied, “Don’t I always?” 

She punched his arm, “What do I care?” She said with feigned disinterest then rubbed her belly, “Our baby needs her father. You can’t leave our child.”

“I will return. The Sorcerer will ensure it. Won’t you, Master Grey?”

“Of course, he is in safe hands.” I said with as much confidence as I could muster. 

“Don’t try too hard, now. Morgana will not let me hear the end of it if you come back with a scratch.” she joked, but after mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

He jumped onto his horse, “We ride!”