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Chapter 755: The Legend of the Last Fool (Chapter 1 of Book 9, the final volume)
🕑 Added 2024-01-05 13:51:41 +0000 UTC“Gather around fine folk, and let me tell you a marvelous tale on this fine evening!” the bard called to patrons across the tavern.
He was a tubby man, his balding scalp was barely hidden by a hasty comb-over peeking from a large floppy hat with feathers through its band. His clothes were as brightly coloured as a peacock, though his face was rather plain; he wore a brilliant smile awash with sparkling white teeth.
Iron sconces and flickering candelabras bathed him in the warmth of their dancing golden light.
He strummed a lyre and hummed a jaunty tune as eyes—some sceptical and some already interested—turned to him.
“And what tale would this be?” Someone jeered from a nearby table. “Not another silly comedy, is it? I don't want to hear another tale of drunken sailors: you've told one of those every night for the past week!”
“Well, if you've been drinking here every night this week and heard my tales, then maybe you have more in common with those drunken sailors than you’d care to admit!” The bard called, strumming his lyre.
A chorus of laughter erupted across the tavern. The heckler’s face turned beet red.
“Now that’s out-of-the-way, why don't we get to what I want to tell you about on this fine evening. My tale isn’t about drunken sailors…nor is it one about a single scoundrel, wizard, or warrior…and yet, I’d have to say it's about all three of those very sorts of folk all rolled into one. Today, my tale is of a Fool…and a Traveller.”
All murmuring died away. The legs of a rickety table in the back of the room began creaking as folk seated around it propped their forearms and elbows on top, leaning forward in anticipation of the bard’s tale. Some of these young folk were hidden in the shadow of an alcove, watching the storyteller intently.
“So, before I begin in earnest, there's something we need to clear up first: the world’s always changing,” He began strumming his lyre as though accompanying an ancient text he was reciting from. “It’s not an uncommon thing, the world changing, that is. It’s tempting for folk to view the wide world like it’s a static thing like rock, only changing through great moments recorded in books. Or sung about by bards like me.”
He smiled, strumming his lyre. “Great moments from some grand discovery.”
He strummed his lyre. “A realm-shattering war.”
He strummed his lyre. “A new age of magic. These are what folk think of when they talk about what changes the world!”
He waggled his finger, clicking his tongue. “The truth—and wise-folk know this well—is that the world is no great lump of unchanging rock. It’s all a’flux, complete with tiny little changes that make it different from moment to moment. Yes, wise-folk know this! But truly wise-folk—” He pointed to himself. “—such as yours truly, know even more. They know that the little events are tied to, and often herald the big ones. So, let's look at one of those heralding little events shall we? Let’s look at the birth and life of a man named Alex Roth.”
His strumming grew more rhythmic. “As far as most folk can tell, he was born in a backwater named Alric, which is in a slightly bigger backwater named Thameland. In his early life, tragedy found the youngster when a hungry fire claimed his fine parents, and since toil was no stranger to those fine folk in Alric, the young lad later found work assisting a cantankerous baker with his baking. I’ll emphasise the point again, life spent toiling was no stranger to the folk of Alric since they were ordinary, salt of the earth types. Yet, the young Alex was somewhat different; he had mana, and he longed to be a wizard. But, as life is inclined to do at times, it ignores a person’s longings, and in this case, a specific event proved that, heralding, something much bigger.”
The bard smiled, pausing both his strumming and his story to take in the reaction of his audience. They were hanging on his every word.
He knew he had them.
The lyre strummed. “He was Marked as a Fool by his god, and was destined to fight and die in a war that Thameland fought—as a regular custom—against a monster called the Ravager…” He paused. “Or was it the Ravener? Yes, that must be it. Certainly can't be the Rampager, or I would've remembered that. In any case, he decided—instead of fighting and dying in this war—to come here to our lovely city of Generasi, and become a wizard! What a fine show of willpower and determination! No doubt most of you have heard his name by now? He was a hero at Oreca’s Fall! He saved the good ship, the Red Siren, from destruction at sea! He's made magical discoveries, and his bakeries fill many of our bellies every morning. But that’s only part of the story, isn't it?”
He peered into the audience, then waggled his finger again. “What’s this I’m seeing? Some of you good folk of Generasi—naturally mistrustful of deities—wearing a holy symbol around your necks! Yes, there it is, the lantern! The Sainted Traveller’s symbol!”
His strumming grew more frenzied. “An ancient saint from an ancient land, a kind demigoddess here to lend a hand! Hardly a day goes by that you don't hear of her miracles, kind deeds done for you and me, that melt the heart of even we jaded Generasians! Some say, they see her, some say, they simply hear of her deeds. But, I will tell you a story of how the Fool and her spirit saved an entire flotilla of ships from a kraken’s wrath!”
The bard then spun his tale—completely fictional—about how Alex and the Traveller had rescued a fleet of sailing ships, transporting the passengers to safety. He told of the Traveller’s power and kindness, and of the Fool’s cleverness and strength.
Eight of the Fool’s companions were given special mention: four Heroes of Thameland, a deadly huntress, a powerful wizard from the south, a scholarly wizard from the Rhinean Empire, and a resourceful and loyal minotaur mage.
The bard had no idea that some of those he’d just mentioned were in fact part of his audience.
At that table in the back, hidden by the shadowy alcove, sat Theresa, Grimloch, and Alex’s cabal.
Their meals were already eaten.
“Well, that's a pretty wild tale,” Thundar said lightly. “Do any of you remember fighting a kraken?”
“No. Too bad. They're good eating.” Grimloch licked his teeth. “We should find one when we have time to go hunting.”
“You can be my guest,” Thundar said dryly. “Still, it's wild to me that they're making up stories about us.”
“That is not a bad thing.” Prince Khalik hoisted his tankard, the powerful young man watching the bard. “Alex’s name is spreading, and so is that of the Traveller. As more people acknowledge Hannah, her power will grow.”
“We could use that,” Isolde sipped her wine, puffy bags beneath the young noblewoman's eyes. “We could use all of the help we can get.”
“Things not going great with you-know-who’s notes?” Thundar asked.
“Actually, we have made progress: Professor Jules and I,” Isolde said. “We have a few strong hypotheses as to how to end the menace forever. Of course, we cannot exactly experiment…but we can start narrowing things down through mathematical simulation.”
“We still need to find it,” Theresa said darkly. “Alex told me something this morning…well, actually, he told Claygon, who told me. He said it was possible that you-know-who might've hidden a message inside that room where he watched Thameland from, the one with all the moving images in it.”
“An interesting idea,” Isolde said. “We have had teams of wizards examine that room…and they have found nothing new. Of course with Alex's gifts, especially now that they have been…enhanced…he might be able to find something where others could not.”
“I’m real glad things worked out for him, but it’s too bad we can't see him for the time being,” Thundar said. “I think he’d get a kick outta this, hearing his name spreading…actually, I think he’d be happier to hear Hannah’s name spreading.”
“That’s true,” Theresa said.
“When will he challenge those fiends that hunt him?” Khalik asked. “If they are defeated, then we will see him sooner than later.”
The huntress gave the cabal a tense look. “According to what he told Claygon? Today or tomorrow.”
“Truly?” Khalik sputtered. “Is there any way that we can go and help him? I owe this hidden church as well, and I would not see him facing enemies alone.”
“Thankfully, he isn't alone,” Theresa said. “But I wish I could be there too.”
“Then, why don't we—” Thundar started.
“We all have tasks to do, we have other things that need taking care of to help him,” Theresa said. “Thundar, you and Khalik have to keep training and working with the Heroes. Isolde, you have to keep researching, and Grimloch and I have to keep hunting for leads to find the Ravener.”
“You're right, of course,” Khalik said. “Though, it is still frustrating.”
“We need to make preparations, because any battle against the Ravener will be for keeps, and when it comes, everything we’ve been doing will count.” Theresa said. “Alex is getting ready, and what we’re all doing will help with that.”
Her attention was now only partly on the bard’s tale, the huntress was thinking about returning to Uldar’s sanctum with Grimloch and Brutus. She hoped they’d find a lead this time.
Her thoughts went to the Traveller, asking her to bring Alex through his battle against the secret church, and keep him safe from a repeat of what happened when they were ambushed.
“I hope you're ready,” she whispered.
###
Far from Generasi, where a bard spun a fictional tale of the Fool of Thameland’s battles, Alexander Roth prepared for a real one.
If the bard had heard of it, he’d be salivating at the idea of a new and glorious tale in the Fool’s chronicle…though he would be confused by something.
The Fool of Thameland was no more.
The General of Thameland had returned.
Gone were the restrictions on spellcraft, combat, and divinity. Gone was the grinning jester’s face on Alex’s right shoulder, now replaced by a glowing sword—its pommel in the shape of a crown—piercing a scroll.
Gone where his limits.
The cleanly shaven, though long haired, young wizard floated, cross-legged in the middle of a room within the sanctum of a long dead Fool of Thameland: Kelda of Clan McCallum.
Alex was barely recognisable now. Gone was the gangly young man who’d been Marked in Alric. His frame was now solid and muscular, capable of overturning a farm wagon by pure strength alone. His breathing came easy, even, and his body moved as gracefully as a selachar’s moving through the Spear and Oar dance. His staff lay across his thighs, longer than it had been before, its upper third remained wrapped in cloth.
Though his body language spoke of a state of complete peace, his lips moved constantly, as the occasional twitch rippled across his form.
He was preparing, casting spells in a stream, all the while performing his meditation techniques. Not that long ago, he would struggle to cast a single spell, now the General could cast spells with the twitch of a brow.
Forceballs, Wizard’s Hands, protective spells appeared and disappeared around him.
He summoned monsters in a single breath, then dismissed them with a twitch of a brow. He’d call creatures from across the planes, then have them perform deeds as he watched in approval: Astral engeli drew blazing swords, sweeping the burning blades through the air; elder air elementals would blow flensing winds over the stones of the sanctum, while elder earth elements swam through stone floors, then rose and crashed their limbs together.
Beings that could raze entire towns to the ground, or destroy entire battalions, were his to call, his to dismiss, until he was ready to call them again.
He would detonate fireballs around the room, then conjure protective spells around himself. He peppered the walls with force missiles, each enhanced with deadly modifications to their spell arrays. He practised as he’d never been able to before, feeling ready.
At last, his eyes opened, his gaze fixed on a cube of iron sitting below him. He levelled a finger at it, imagining it was the First Apostle.
He spoke a single syllable.
And cast a sixth-tier spell: disintegration.
The spell struck the cube, blasting it to dust.
Alexander Roth nodded to himself.
“Are you ready?” a deep voice said.
Stepping through a portal into the room, were his two companions.
First came Birger, the ancient firbolg’s weight braced against his crutch. He was followed by Bjorgrund. The young giant’s torso was wrapped in the archaic breastplate that once belonged to Uldar, and in his hand, the immense axe forged for and by the god himself.
On his chest, his red rune burned as though it had come to life.
Alex looked at his two companions, they’d accompanied him through all the months of searching for the sanctum. They had been there when he’d freed himself from the Fool.
They’d vowed to be there when they freed each other from those who were hunting them.
“I'm ready,” Alex said. “Are you?”
Birger and Bjorgrund nodded.
Alex clutched his staff.
Once he was free from the church hunting him, he could examine Uldar’s sanctum to see if he was right: to see if the god had hidden a message in his viewing room.
“Birger, Bjorgrund,” the General of Thameland said. “Let's lure the enemy.”
###
Author's Note
Hello forty-one cool fools, almighty chosen, wise sages, and mighty champions! Thank you for your support!
WELCOME BACK! WELCOME TO THE FINAL BOOK OF MARK OF THE FOOL! LET'S GET INTO IT, MY FRIENDS! :D
Cya tomorrow!
Comments
Travis Fischer
I dont think that will be an issue, since the church wont be able to set the soil up beforehand. the only way I see them using an interdiction is if they set it up over the entirety of the 4 areas the sanctom cycles through. Not impossible, but very unlikely
lenkite
Its a pity that Theresa and Hart couldn't have been portalled in for the training. Also will be curious on how alex counters a [Mana Interdiction] .
Kris Piskorski
Surely the rest of the cabal can take a day of from their tasks to help him fight the church right, it's not like there is a deadline for the other stuff really
BoxQueen
I have been looking forward to this battle since the first time the Church ambushed them with the Guide. I really look forward to it. On the other hand, I am kind sad the others might not get their chance against them. Maybe there will be scene they do get back at them but Alex had to fail in this ambush.
mag28
Yeah he combined Hannah's sword and is aeld staff. But he he hasn't used it yet. Although now it's more like a spear or glaive I guess. I wonder if it has any new special powers
Mike Stewart
Should we start a betting pool on these chapters for release times the next day? I can’t be the only one constantly double checking my app to see if it’s out yet, right?
RyanR-Reviewer
I agree. The Unmaker has been hyped so much, it would be a massive mistake if Clarke actually makes it so that the First Apostle can stand toe to toe with her. He is like 500 years old, whereas she is potentially far older than even Baelin. And her existence is completely dedicated to battle and death. She should be able to slaughter the First Apostle without difficulty.
Sébastien Kingsbury
I'm kind of hoping this fights ends up being an absolute stomp of the hidden church. That slaughterer of the infinite title needs to mean something
RyanR-Reviewer
The only combat spell we have seen Alex practice in previous chapters has been fireball. But this chapter has made it clear hat he has been practicing more spells than simply 9th tier summoning. It's also clear that Alex hasn't told his friends and family about reaching 9th tier and becoming an Archwizard. Otherwise I would have expected them to mention it during this chapter. Especially Khalik and Thundar. So, yes I agree. their reactions should be amazing, especially the teachers. He has already surpassed them in both power and skill.
Jymbo
Nicely done recap for the new book.
BaguaBrady
Bit of a spoiler though for anyone who reads the series list
Orion1024
This.
Jaymes Wiles
😆 Alex is becoming a mini Baelin! I really can’t wait to see his friends, teachers, and Baelin’s reactions to his growth and especially his ability to cast 9th tier spells! Can he learn Meteor Swarm, Prismatic Wall, or Wish next?
Joshua Flowers
His staff lay across his thighs, longer than it had been before
Matt Cheek
Surely this book should be called Mark of the General, right?
Decide
It's been said that the rune marked always have their runes visible, even through clothes. Uldar's marked don't have this feature
Brett Edwards
I truly wish the fight starts dooms it been almost a 30 chapter lead up to the big fight and hoping does not make us wait to long for something that should’ve happened in book 8. That being said love the series far. I know this is the last book but I’m not going to lie I am hoping for a future series a of the archwizard and general Alex would do like 500 years or more in future.
The 49th Khan
On his chest, his red rune burned as though it had come to life.- Wait a minute, how do we see the rune on his chest when he's wearing a breastplate over it?
Daniele Di Vitto
completely with you, i said as much in a comment on the previous chapter.
Decide
I wonder if under the murals that Uldar created, there are as many of him being defeated over and over again by the Ravener, each one depicting losses and migrations of the magical and powerful. In any case, I like the chapter and I'm excited to see Alex burn away an army and Chosen Asshole.
Will Mill
I was worried for a few there reading the first bit. With a bard singing the tails of heroes and such, I feared this was the start of a "30 years ago these heroes did......" and leave us with a time cut issue. thanks for resolving that.
Code Reed
What a tease.
RyanR-Reviewer
Truly loving the early chapter releases. Hope Clarke keeps them coming. This chapter was different from what I had expected. Honestly, I was really hoping that the author would kick things off with the Hidden Church finally. I think the last three chapters have all ended in Alex claiming to be ready for the fight. That said, while this chapter was different than I hoped, I actually found myself really liking it. I loved the bard's tale and the fact that the cabal was actually in the audience. Now knowing my luck, tomorrow's chapter will be all about the Hidden Church and their conflict with Alex, only to end on a cliff-hanger that will leave me salivating for more!
MockingBird
The intro made me think you did a timeskip, years into the future. Good chapter, can't wait.
Daniele Di Vitto
In my opinion this should be the final chapter of book 8, a much stronger conclusion.
Sam
I thought there was time skip or something.
GuyWhoReadsALot
Can we get tomorrow's early, too? Like now?
David Deden
This would have been a better final chapter to the last book. The end of book 8 was neither a good resolution or exciting cliffhanger. I think removing the mark would have been an even better stopping point. As it stands it’s pretty random. Also I don’t think the we are the champions worked for me. They all understood English and for me it was more weird than fun. Just some constructive feedback. This is my favorite series right now!
Bender
For a moment, I thought the Bard tale was sometime in future (like a prologue or something). Glad we are not time skipping now. Super excited for the finale.
Bru-
Yeah I thought it to be a fancy the story thus far.
Voror
I thought that first section was a flash forward to the future for a while there.
Damian
Awesome early chapter, can’t wait for this last book
George R
Loved the early chapter thanks
First! Ha also awesome early chapter releases love it
