Chapter VI
The door opened for me…
As Palin climbed the long and tangled stairs, he murmured these words to himself. The night covered Palansus, enveloping the entire city in darkness, causing the Yin Qi around the Great Wizard Tower to become even denser. Paladin's beloved silver moon, Thorinari, hung high in the sky, but the pure light seemed unable to touch the tower. The people in the tower looked at the other crescent moon. It was a crescent moon that only their eyes could see.
The stone steps were as black as ink. Even if Caramon held the torch high! The weak and swaying flame was about to be swallowed by the darkness. In such a situation, the light of the torch was not much different from the glimmer of burning straw. Palin groped on the stairs and almost fell down several times. Every time, his heart beat painfully, and he was forced to close his eyes tightly against the cold and damp wall. The interior of the Gutong Tower was hollow. The stone steps rotated at a dazzling angle, like the bones of some kind of creature hidden in the wall.
There will be no danger, young man. Dalama put his hand on Palin's arm. This was used to stop uninvited guests. But magic will protect us. Don't look down, it'll be better.
Why do we have to walk? Palin stopped to catch his breath. Although he was very young, such a steep staircase was a little too much for him. His legs were sore, and it felt like something was burning in his lungs. It was hard for him to imagine how sad his father would be. Even the Dark Elf seemed to be out of breath, but his expression remained unchanged in the dim light. Why can't we use magic?
"I don't want to waste my energy," replied Dalama, especially tonight.
Palin noticed that the pair of almond eyes were looking at him coldly, so he climbed up without saying anything, his eyes just staring at the ground.
Our destination is over there. Dalama pointed. Palin looked up and saw a narrow passage.
The door opened for me…
This was what Raistlin said. Palin's fear began to fade, and excitement began to pulse in his veins. He quickened his pace and walked forward. He could hear Dalama's footsteps and his father's heavy footsteps behind him. He could also hear Caramon's heavy breathing, which made him feel a little regret.
Dad, do you want to rest? He stopped and turned around.
No, Caramon groaned. Let's get this stupid thing over with. Then, she could go home earlier.
His voice was a bit hoarse, but Palin heard something different from what he had never heard before. Palin slowly turned to face the door and understood what it was." Fear. His father was afraid. It was not because of the steep stairs, nor was it because of the murmurs of destruction and despair. He was afraid of everything here. Palin secretly felt a sense of relief. His uncle must have felt the same way. His father, one of the Spear Heroes, was the strongest man he knew. Even now, he could still press the sturdy Tenny to the ground and defeat Shidon, who had superb swordsmanship. However, he was still afraid of magic.
Palin realized that he was afraid, but he was not! Palin closed his eyes and leaned against the cold wall of the tower. For the first time in his life, he let the magic power fill his body. He felt the magic pulsing in his blood, caressing his skin. The whispers were no longer praising destruction and despair, but welcoming and inviting instead. His body trembled with the ecstasy of magic. Then, he opened his eyes and saw his climax reflected in the dark elf's deep eyes.
Now you have tasted power! Dalama whispered. Walking forward, Palin stepped out.
Palin smiled with satisfaction. Surrounded by the warmth of happiness, he quickened his pace and rushed up the stairs in front of him. All his fears were left behind. That door would open for him. He didn't have any doubts or fears in his heart. He did not want to think about the reason and who was controlling it. That was not important. He could finally step into the ancient research lab where he had seen Klein's most powerful magic. He would be able to personally see the legendary Festan Tirith's spellbook and his uncle's spellbook. He would be able to witness the terrifying door that led to the Underworld. He could even see the famous Mazi Staff…
Palin often dreamed of his uncle's staff. Among all the treasures of Raistlin, Palin was most interested in it. Perhaps it was because it often appeared in paintings, or perhaps it was often sung in legends and ballads. Palin himself had such a painting. (He carefully wrapped the painting in a silk scarf and hid it in his bedroom.) In the painting, Raistlin was wearing a black robe and fighting the Queen of Darkness with the Mazi Staff.
If he could survive and teach me, and I didn't disgrace his reputation, perhaps he might give me the staff. Every time Palin looked at the wooden staff in the painting with a golden dragon claw on the top holding a crystal ball, this thought would come to his mind.
At least now I'll have a chance to see it, or even touch it with my own hands! Palin trembled with excitement. What other treasures will we find in the research room? He pondered. What will we see in the space-time tunnel?
Everything will be as my father said. Palin suddenly felt a little sad. Raistlin was already at ease. It had to be, or his father would be in great pain.
If Palin thought of other possibilities, he deliberately ignored them. His uncle was already dead. That was what his father had said. There can't be any other possibility; I shouldn't have any other thoughts... Stop! Dalama's hand held Palin's arm.
Palin stopped, stunned. He was completely immersed in his own fantasy and barely noticed where he was. Now, he realized that everyone had arrived on a huge platform, right outside the door of the research room. Palin looked up at the short staircase leading to the door and gasped. A pair of cold white eyes stared at them from the darkness. Their eyes did not match their bodies, making people think that the deep darkness was their flesh and bones. Palin took a step back and bumped into Dalama.
" Don't be nervous, young man," the Dark Elf ordered while supporting Palin. They were the guards of the tower.
Behind them, the light of the torches began to sway. I remember them, said Caramon hoarsely. They could take your life with a single touch…
" Living beings," the hollow voice of the evil spirit said." I smell your warm flesh and hear your heartbeat." He walked forward. You have awakened my thirst!
Dalama pushed Palin aside and walked to the front of the crowd. Bai Tong flashed for a moment before bowing respectfully.
Tower Lord. I didn't sense your presence. You haven't visited this place for a long time.
Did anyone disturb your work? Dalama asked. Did anyone try to enter?
Did you see their bones on the floor? If anyone dares to disobey your orders, they will definitely die here.
Excellent, said Dalama. Now, I will give you a new life. Give me the key to the door. Then stand aside and let us pass.
Bai's eyes shone brightly.
I can't do it, Tower Lord. Why? Dalama asked coldly. His hands were tucked into the sleeves of his black robe, and he looked at Caramon as he spoke.
My lord, your life is to accept this key and never give it to anyone else. Even I am no exception. From now on, your duty is to guard this door. No one was allowed to enter. Anyone who dared to disobey would be killed without mercy. This is your order, and you can see that I have never disobeyed it.
Dalama nodded. Was that so? He murmured and took a step forward. Palin held his breath and noticed that the light in White's eyes had become more dazzling. What would happen if I moved forward?
Your magic is very strong, my lord. The evil spirit's eyes are close to Dalama, but it has no effect on me. The only one with that kind of power was-
I know. Dalama said angrily as he hesitantly stepped onto the first step.
" Don't come any closer, my lord," the form warned, but Palin noticed the extreme hunger in the other's eyes, which made him think of a cold mouth drinking his life force. He shivered and collapsed on the wall. The warmth disappeared and was replaced by the cold air of death and despair brought by this terrifying monster. He felt cold and empty inside. Maybe I should give up. It was not worth it. Palin lowered his head. Then, his father patted him on the shoulder, his voice echoing in his mind.
Come on, Palin, said Caramon wearily. Everything was a waste of effort. Let's go home
Wait a minute! His lonely gaze shifted from the Dark Elf to the two cowering figures behind him. Who were these people? I recognize one of them-
Yes, said Caramon in a low voice, you've seen me before.
'It's his brother,' the evil ghost murmured. But who was this? Who was this young man? I don't know him…
Come on, Palin, said Caramon hoarsely, looking at the eyes with some fear. We still have a long way to go-
Caramon put his arm around Palin's shoulder. The young man felt his father's love and tried to turn around and leave, but his eyes were locked by the suspicious gaze of the evil ghost.
Wait a minute! The evil ghost said again, his empty voice echoing in the darkness. Under its command, even the incessant whispering stopped. Palin? It murmured softly, as if it was talking to itself…or to someone else…
It was obvious that someone had already made a decision because the voice became stable again. Palin walked forward.
No! Caramon grabbed his son.
Let him go! Dalama looked around angrily and ordered. I told you this might happen! This is our chance! He stared coldly at Caramon. Or are you afraid that we will find out the truth?
I'm not afraid! Caramon tried to answer calmly. Raistlin was dead! I saw him rest in peace! I don't believe you mages! You will never be able to take my son away from me!
Palin could feel his father's body trembling. He could feel the pain in his father's eyes. Sympathy and pity surged in the young man's heart. For a moment, he wanted to stay in his father's warm arms, but this feeling was quickly burned out by the rage in his body. It was the anger aroused by magic.
Would you have given Tenny a sword and ordered him to break it? Palin broke free from his father's arm and questioned," Or will you give Shidon a shield and tell him to hide behind it?" Oh, I know! Palin saw that Caramon was blushing and ready to defend himself. That was different. That's something you can understand. You never knew me, did you, Dad? How many years did it take me to convince you to let me study magic, to learn from the teachers who taught my uncle? When you finally gave in, I was the oldest beginner in the class. It took me years to catch up with them. During this time, I could feel that you and Mom were quietly observing me. I can hear you whispering at night, thinking the childishness will pass when it grows up. Childish! Palin's voice was full of pain. Can't you tell? Magic is my life! My favorite!
No, Palin, don't say that! choked Caramon.
Why? Is it because I sound like an uncle? You've never understood him, and you're not going to let me take the trial, are you, Dad?
Caramon stood still, looking at the darkness in front of him with a solemn face, refusing to answer the question.
Yes, Palin said softly. You weren't going to do this at all. You'll do anything to stop me. This might even be your plan! The young man turned around and looked suspiciously at Dalama. Perhaps this is a stupid idea that you and your friends came up with, thinking that I would give up just like that! This will give you the best excuse to convince me! Hmph, don't even think that this would work. Palin glanced coldly at Dalama and his father. I hope you will suffer the consequences!
Palin walked past the dark elves and stepped on the stairs, looking at the evil ghost floating in front of him. Come, Palin, a pair of pale hands appeared out of thin air, come closer.
No! Caramon roared angrily and rushed forward.
I can do it, Father! Palin took another step.
Caramon reached out to grab his son. Under the recitation of an incantation, the burly man fell to the floor stiffly. You can't interfere, Dalama said sternly.
Palin looked back and noticed that his father was still in tears, struggling in vain to break free from the spell that bound him. For a moment, Palin almost turned around. His father loved him…No. Palin pursed his lips tightly. That's why you should let me go. I'll prove to him that I'm as strong as Tenny and Shidon. I'll make him proud of me, just like I'm proud of them. I will let him know that I am no longer a child who needs his protection.
Palin saw Dalama begin to follow him up the stairs. However, two pairs of pale eyes appeared in front of the dark elf, separating him from Palin.
There was only one true master of the tower, the guard said softly. It was the mage who had arrived a long time ago. The door was opened for him.
As the guard spoke, it extended a pale hand. There was a silver key in the skeleton's palm.
Palin! Dalama shouted, his voice sharp with fear and anger. Don't go in alone! You know nothing about magic! You haven't accepted the trial yet! You can't fight him at all! You will destroy us all!
Palin! Caramon begged in pain, Palin, go home! Don't you understand? I love you so much, son! I can't lose you again. I can't let you be like him again…
The voices entered his ears, but Palin did not hear them. He heard another voice, a broken, soft voice speaking directly in his head. Come to me, Palin! I need you! I need your help…
A chill ran down his spine. Palin reached out and took the key from the evil ghost. His hands were trembling with fear and excitement, and he finally put the silver key into the fine silver pin.
Crack. Palin put his hand on the oak door and pushed it gently.
The door opened for him.
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