In recent days only Caed visited her. Held up with his familiars, most of her training had been put on hold, so she rarely spoke to Cromwell if she even saw him. All of it was beginning to scare her. Had he lost sight of him, or did he not find Adrian along his path? What if something had happened to him, and why?
As there was only one other who graced her bed, Veleria nearly jolted when she woke to a stranger hovering over her. She was deeply unsettled by how nearly identical the person with her was to Adrian in appearance.
“There is no cause for alarm,” said the Stranger. “This meeting has been a long time coming.”
Not wanting to burn her entire room, Veleria cooled herself. The face of the Stranger had enough inconsistencies with Adrian that it started to make her wonder. His hair was long enough to pass rather meaty shoulders and the man was entirely too muscular throughout.
That said, the facial structure was nearly spot on as were the eyes.
“Why do you look like him?” She asked.
In response, the Stranger grinned.
“Reaver did father an identical son.” He chuckled. “It is a face I rather enjoy role playing.”
Veleria narrowed her eyes. Him mentioning faces finally clicked with her, though she had expected the God of Many Faces to greet her in a less invasive manner.
“Why show yourself now? You tagged along months ago, so I kinda figured you were just trying to spook me or something.”
The hands of Reaver traced her waist, and Veleria had to force herself from making any strong reactions. She did not consent to this weird touching, but she also wanted the Stranger to start spilling his words.
“The lich is lying to you. Giarmund was taken.”
This came out in a whisper, resulting in a surprised look from Veleria.
“Taken…? Is he alive?” She sat up, forcing the Stranger to sit and lean back.
“For now,” said the Stranger. “We can see to it that he remains as such.”
Veleria eyed him suspiciously.
“Did you think I came unprepared?” The Stranger laughed quietly. Although it was most certainly sarcastic, the movement made Reaver look even more handsome. She figured his looks were a big draw for the face-stealing god. “I believe you are entirely capable of this task. Wear my mask, and I will ensure you remain undiscovered. That said, there is a minor caveat.”
“And that is?”
“While it pains me to admit this, the Red God can dispel my mask entirely. Reign in these newfound powers of yours if you wish to use mine.” Placing a hand over his face, the Stranger disappeared. In his place was the mask in her lap. She snatched it up, got dressed, and went to speak with Cromwell.
The lich was easily located in the room he had been in for the past many months. While it was true that she had learned much on her own in regards to Caellach’s power, it still annoyed Veleria that her training with an actual master had paused.
Worse, that he had nothing to show for it.
“Adrian was captured, wasn’t he?” She asked pointedly. As she knew better, she closed the door behind her. There was no need to worry Caed unnecessarily.
Is that why you wear the mask on your belt?
Since her time here she had learned his communication methods. It no longer bothered her.
“His god finally said something. Does that mean Adrian’s in trouble?”
You should know better than to trust the words of a trickster. Cromwell tented his fingers in front of him. I see that you are agitated, and concerned, so I will tell you the truth. My familiars were dispelled between a town named Hogsfeet and another, Lindow. The letter sent to Giarmund was confiscated, and I have confirmed that it was indeed penned by one of Alk’Hath’s servants. He may be in the latter town.
Veleria placed a hand over her burning chest. The implication scared her.
“I want to go after him—“
No, we cannot risk losing you. I will find and retrieve him.
“How? If you were so capable, wouldn’t he be in Almor by now? How many months have passed, Lord Cromwell? What if he’s hurt!” She was hot. Too hot. “Please, let me search for him and if things go poorly you can step in.” Her open palm strained into a fist. “Get me as close as possible with that spell you used in Wren’s basement. Leave a familiar with me.”
Cromwell was silent for a moment. The lights in his mask moved between her and the instruments laid out in front of him, items he used to commandeer familiars for whole months now.
You are a stubborn woman. The lich stood. Veleria, the spell I use to transport myself is one that must remain secret between us. My time with Adrian allowed me to snip it from his mind, but I cannot do the same to you. It is imperative that Alk’Hath never learn of it. We would lose one of our few advantages.
“It’s safe with us,” she nodded, referring to Caellach as much as herself.
I had hoped to enlist Meredith for this task…Unfortunately, she is unable to leave Almor while danger stalks the southern border. Cromwell glided over to her, taking Veleria’s hand in his cold armored fingers. If the God of Many Faces is insistent on this course of action, then I suspect they intend to be discreet. If that does not work, and you are in any danger of being taken back to the sorceress, I will take Lindow off the map. Do you understand?
Veleria felt her brows crease.
“Are you telling me you’d kill everyone in that town? Even Adrian?” She asked, incredulous.
You are all that matters to me.
She looked down but nodded her understanding anyway. Failure was not an option here, and no matter what, she would get Adrian back.
After some planning, she left the lich to find Caed in his room. He had started another series of novels. Once she entered, he smiled, and patted the space beside him on the bed.
“Hey there, how’s the training going?” He asked, his lips faltering as he noticed the grim look on Veleria’s face.
“It’s going to be put on pause for even longer…” She trailed off, then took Caed’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I’m going after Adrian.”
“What?” Caed shot up. He faced her, clear distress in his blue eyes. “Veleria, you need to let Cromwell handle this.” As she merely stared at him he grew more scared, and then he saw the Mask of Many Faces on her belt.
He asked through drying lips, “did the God of Many Faces speak to you?”
“Yeah, I’m going to use his power to get Adrian to safety.” She touched the mask. “I have to, Caed, I’m sorry. He’s crude, and kind of frustrating at times, but I care about Adrian. He dropped everything to escort me here.”
Caed silenced her by taking her lips against his. In that shared moment Istvar tried to dive, to see what the Stranger had said to her. He did not allow this. They separated, and Veleria looked at him with concern in her gaze.
“Who am I to tell you what you can and cannot do?” He pressed his forehead against her cheek. “Sorcerers live a long time, Vel. Whether here, in Ashvale, or at my little cabin, I will wait for you.”
“Haha,” Veleria trembled slightly despite the smile on her lips. “Don’t worry so much. I’m coming back, but with Adrian too. Safe and sound.”
They embraced, kissed again, and then Veleria left Caed to prepare for her upcoming journey.