Chapter 9: The Wizard

"If we play this smart and don't mess up I think we can get out of here alive and relatively well. But first do you guys trust me?" Tom asked with a wry smile.

"Yes." Aaron responded almost instantly without any hesitation.

Tom had saved his life and stood up for him. In fact he would be dead right now if it wasn't for him. So no matter what he asked from Aaron he would agree.

Dorothy took a few more seconds trying to read Tom's intentions but gave in and nodded her head.

"So what's this plan?"

After a few minutes Aaron struggled to get back to his feet. The burn on his chest had been treated but the pain was still very much there. He felt good enough to move but the injury didn't leave him in the best shape. Dorothy helped him up as Tom was getting a few things ready.

They had spent the past five minutes going over the plan Tom proposed which was to say the least, risky.

'Am I even going to be able to do this? They are counting on me, I don't have a choice. I will do it!' Aaron said internally while gripping the small dagger he was given.

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Veron wasn't the most physically fit especially with his old age. The strange effects the room had on him with its pressure were taking its toll. If it wasn't for his background as a wizard and the effects practicing magic had on his body he would have collapsed long ago.

Sweat dripped down his forehead disappearing into the long grey beard that rested on his chin. He knew that the longer he stayed there the more damage it would cause to his body but his pride wouldn't allow him to give in. Especially after the disrespect and mockery he had just experienced.

His goals in life were dashed out at a young age but through hard work and luck he was still able to learn the fundamentals of magic on his own. This was quite the accomplishment but his old age at this point left him bitter with missed opportunities. It was far to late for him to join any Order or even progress any further in magic.

This didn't diminish his thirst for knowledge and power as he searched for ways around his limits. The few artifacts he had discovered had helped him grow in strength but did little for his own magic. But power was power and that necklace was giving off more energy than any of his other magical objects.

He had even lost his enchanted staff. It wasn't the highest quality but the enhancement to magic it offered was invaluable. All to be one upped by some stupid kid that grabbed the necklace from the barrier that denied him.

'One way of another that necklace will be mine.' Veron thought while clenching his fists.

The scar stood out on his wrinkly skin from the arrow that impaled it.

'And that other orphaned brat will face death, but not until I make him beg for it!'

The only problem is Dorothy. She was standing between him and his desires which in his book was worthy of death. Lucky for him he wasn't the only one thinking of a change in leadership.

"Well as long as you pay me what you promised I have no problem with it." John said from sitting against the wall.

"You will get your coins that I promise. So it looks like it's all set. Dorothy and Tom will die but we need the boy for now. After we finish searching these ruins he's all yours Veron." Emily replied.

Emily glanced over towards they're three targets only to see Aaron making direct eye contact with her. She thought he was looking at her strangely but it didn't matter. Wetting her lips she gave him a wide smile.

'Little brat doesn't even know what's coming.' she thought.

"Once the pressure dissipates we attack just before the main room. The hallway will be best and without knowing what hit them it will be over. Don't forget…the brat with the bow is mine." Veron said anger boiling inside him once more thinking about the pain Tom had caused him.

"Fine just stay back until we take care of Dorothy first. We'll leave Tom alive for you and you can keep an eye on the pale kid. Happy with that Veron?" Emily said sharpening a her knives.

"Indeed." the wizard agreed.

"….Well let's get this show on the road. It looks like they are getting ready to go." John said after a long yawn.

Looking across the room they could see Dorothy helping the kid up while Tom appeared to be stuffing a few more items in his bag. Veron pushed his anger back replacing it with a neutral attitude. He and the others made their way over acting as if nothing was about to happen. Being a lot closer he could see the artifacts chain protruding from between Aaron's fingers.

'Soon both you and that necklace will be mine. I will uncover all your secrets and take them for myself.' Veron thought feeling a bit giddy at the experiments he would be performing.

He could see Dorothy eyeing him up. She didn't appear to be very happy with him.

"Dorothy I give my deepest apppologize for my actions earlier. I can see now, I got a bit out of hand." Veron said trying his best not too show the obvious disgust he felt.

"And you boy…I promise when we get out of here I will make it up too you." He continued giving Aaron a smile.