Tower of Lore

Chapter Nine: Lindsey's Magic?

Lindsey struggled to keep up with Alexander’s quick steps. “You’re going too fast,” she panted. “Do we have to run to see her?”

“Apologies, I did not mean to leave you behind. This is just such a remarkable even and I would like to spread the news of it as soon as I can. As I mentioned previously the rarity of such a thing is unheard of.”

Lindsey puffed as she settled for jogging after him. “I did have a question about this place, maybe you could answer while I catch my breath for a minute?”

Alexander’s ear flicked back and with a sigh he paused. “Yes, My Lady, please speak.”

“Why is this place so dangerous to begin with? It’s your home, and yet it’s trying to kill you if you travel to other floors? That sounds counterproductive to have your safe haven attempt to kill you all the time.”

Alexander chuckled in a soft slow rasp. “I am most afraid the exact answer to that question has been lost to the passage of time. The tower still holds many mysteries that we have not unraveled. Perhaps those that came before would know of them, but as for now we only know that we must pass its trials in order to reawaken the power inside our princess before her own runs out.”

“That doesn’t sound very encouraging.” Lindsey noticed Alexander starting to move again and coughed. “We won’t let her power run out, it’s why we were chosen.”

Alexander nodded. “I hope so. All I know is that the princess protects her people with her power, and once it’s gone, everyone is doomed.”

“Well, not you guys right?” Lindsey questioned softly. “The ones that aren’t human I mean.”

Alexander shook his head. “To be truthful we will most likely be given the death of traitors. Public and as slow and painful as possible.” He shrugged. “Such is the price of doing what one feels is right. I will not turn on the humans, and I will protect Princess Liana with my life.”

“You guys really love her, huh?” Lindsey asked.

“Love is an emotion I do not deal with,” Alexander replied as he glanced over at her. “I admire her, I respect her and I have sworn myself to protect her.” He frowned as he scratched his cheek. “It has been so long ago I can not recall that exact moment, just the time an overwhelming force of protectiveness that blossomed into me. This extends to you and Lord Dusty as well. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe from hard so you may accomplish your mission.”

Lindsey accepted his answer and with breath restored hurried after him as he led her right back to the palace doors. “Are you coming in?” she questioned as he paused beside the heavy wooden frame and stood to the side.

“No, my appearance unnerves her, and so I shall stay out here until you have need of me.”

Lindsey hesitated before pulling the doors open. “I can find my way back myself. Maybe you should go back and help Dusty. I’d hate for him to lose an arm or something.” She had meant it as a joke but the way that Alexander bolted upright she realized she had frightened him.

“Do you truly think that he could cut his limb off?” He demanded.

Lindsey gave a helpless shrug. “Dusty isn’t the most careful person I’ve known. I don’t know if I’d go far enough that he’d actually manage to cut off a limb, but supervision is probably best.”

Alexander nodded. “Then I take my leave of you, My Lady, I must hurry.” He rushed down the hall his tail trailing behind him.

Lindsey took a deep breath and pulled open the doors. The princess had changed since she had seen her last. Gone were the dirtied rags from before. Now she rested in a pristine white dress complete with white spotless gloves. She watched Lindsey and smiled as she came closer. “I did not expect to have you visit. What do I owe this fortunate occasion?”

Lindsey found herself wishing that Alexander hadn’t abandoned her as he had. “Magic?” she whispered.

Liana slipped from her throne and walked over to Lindsey. “Are you certain? Magic has not been seen outside of the royal family for generations.”

Lindsey swallowed as the beautiful woman grabbed her hands. She would have to work to keep Dusty away from this one. Her images on the box art didn’t do her justice. “I think so? Alexander was convinced, I healed Dusty.”

“Dusty!” Liana’s eyes widened to impossible levels and her grip on Lindsey tightened. “Please tell me that one of my brave heroes isn’t already injured!”

Lindsey shook her head in reply. “No, he’s not anymore I mean. I blurted something about I wished he could be healed and then he was. Alexander said you had to see me right after that and drug me here.”

“That is a relief,” Liana let out a breath and then smiled up at Lindsey. No one could be that happy and nice without an ulterior motive. It made her skin crawl. “May I test your abilities, Lindsey? I promise it shall not hurt.”

Lindsey wanted nothing more than to be back at Dusty’s side. This was overwhelming. “Test me? How?”

“Just your powers. I’ll take you through an exercise to see if it is as Alexandrescu said. I think you might be more important to this quest than I ever gave you credit for. I apologize for thinking you were just an extra and not a hero in your own right.”

“Can I say no?” Lindsey demanded as she took a step forward. There was a gleam in the princess’s eyes that she didn’t care for.

“I would hope that you would not do such a thing,” Liana responded with a faint frown. “If you do indeed have magic I must test its ability. In fact, we could create a great weapon using it. It could truly be the difference between success and failure on this quest you are about to partake in.”

Lindsey sighed. “Okay, let’s just get this over with.”

The princess smiled. “That’s so great to hear! Thank you very much, Lindsey. Now just close those doors behind you and let’s get started. Like I said this won’t hurt a bit, though it might end up just a bit uncomfortable.” She giggled and waved a hand. “But let’s not worry about that unless it comes up, shall we?”