Rowan let out a low whistle. “That’s not too easy. They don’t like doing that, do they?”
“It’s hard work to control a living mind, not to mention incredibly painful. But there are so many spirits here, some of them should agree. I only need six.”
Rowan shot a worried glance at the door. “It won’t take the Fantomes long to arrive. How much time do you need for your spellwork?”
“A quarter-hour, perhaps less.”
“In that case, I know just the spell.”
Rowan raised his right arm and began a new incantation. Within seconds, a whirl of red mist materialized around his boots. The crimson haze rose up and began to spin in a cone-shaped vortex. Soon, the mist solidified into hundreds of red bats with tiny glowing eyes and dagger-sharp teeth. The animals screeched as they flew faster and faster. Within seconds, Rowan was surrounded by a single blur of red-winged creatures. He lowered his arm. “Fly!”
Moving as a single unit, the bats sped out the door. It wasn’t until they were gone that I realized I’d been holding my breath. I knew Casters could create an animal or two, but what Rowan could accomplish was extraordinary. Once the creatures left, the door slammed shut behind them. The wood glistened with red light.
A sealing spell.
We stood alone in the room once more. The air felt heavy with meaning. Was I really about to attempt to possess a half-dozen powerful Necromancers? Behind me, there stood the ashes of those who’d been betrayed by Fantomes. What were my chances of convincing any of these ghosts to save Fantome lives?
I shook my head. This is something I simply must try. I looked over to Rowan. “I’ll start my spell to summon the spirits.”
Rowan gave me a crooked smile. “I love to watch you work.”
His compliment had my chest swelling with pride. I focused on the wall of ashes, pulled Necromancer power into my limbs, and spoke another incantation.
Awaken, arise, take thought and form
Dust and spirit, master and thrall
Your Sister summons you
Answer my call
The screeches of bats sounded from deep inside the dungeons, followed by raised voices. There was no mistaking the lilt of their speech. Someone was casting spells.
The Fantomes were coming.
I released my power. Blue mist materialized around my feet. I pumped more energy into the spell. A sapphire-colored haze drifted up the ash wall. Like a thousand tiny fingers, tendrils of blue smoke burrowed their way into the cinders.
A moment later, the entire wall of ashes seemed to disappear. In its place, there stood thousands of Necromancer spirits stretching off into the darkness. My mouth fell open. I’d cast this spell on a few graves, and the result had been a handful of blue ghosts.
I’d never seen anything like this, though.
Before me, there stood men and women, old and young, wizened and smooth-faced. All of them wore various levels of Necromancer robes. In the distance, their bodies merged into a shifting sea of transparent blue light.
I folded my arms across my chest, careful to keep my left hand glowing blue. This was the traditional way to welcome a ghost. “Greetings.”
All of them turned to focus on me. Thousands of eyes flared a brighter shade of blue as they glared in my direction. The rage pouring off these spirits was almost a palpable thing. The air felt thick with it. These ghosts had been torn from their lives and loved ones. Now, I’d yanked them from their afterlife with the Sire of Souls as well.
Rowan stepped up to my side. “Remember what I did before?”
“That spell with your sword?”
“Yes.” His voice lowered. “If they make one false move, I’m doing it again.”
I felt the thousands of angry stares burn into my soul. “Thank you.”
Quinn stepped in front of the group. “You.” His scarred face twisted with rage. “We all died in pain. The Eternal Lands of the Sire of Souls are now our haven of peace. How dare you call us away?”
“I wouldn’t summon you if I didn’t need your help.” The silence that met my words was absolute. My heart pounded harder.
Quinn’s frown deepened. “We’re done with the living.”
“I understand that. But you all dedicated your lives to your Monastery or Cloister.” I pulled at the neckline of my shift. “This isn’t my proper clothing. If I could, I’d greet you as a Grand Mistress Necromancer and show you the respect you deserve.”
The room stayed silent. Even so, the weight of anger faded a little. It felt easier to breathe. I glanced over at Rowan, who gave me the barest of nods. We’d been guessing each other’s thoughts for a while now. I could almost hear his words in my mind.
You’re doing well. Keep going.
I pressed my palms together in the Necromancer gesture for supplication. “You’ve already given so much, yet I need your help once again. Six Grand Master and Mistress Necromancers are coming this way.”
As if emphasizing the point, heavy booms echoed through the chamber. The door rattled on its hinges. The Fantomes were getting closer.