Ezer and The Mask Chapter 4: A Stranger at the Door

‘The Masked Wizard keeps us safe.’

The words adorned the side of Farburn’s inn, underneath a painting of a tall, muscular figure in blue and black robes holding a red cane that he clearly didn’t need over his head. A white and red mask covered the figure’s face, with ice-blue eyes staring down at me from the eyeholes.

I stared at the painting with a sense of dread filling my stomach. Leaning on my own red cane, I looked again at the innkeeper.

“It is… very well painted.” I said.

“Thank you, sir.” The innkeeper, Haile, responded. The older man looked up at the painting with an unmistakable sense of pride.

“Now all who visit Farburn will know of your power.”

I looked down at myself. I wore the same black and blue robes that the figure in the painting did, but mine were looser and less form-fitting. While I was stronger than I had been in the months following the incident, my physique couldn’t hold a candle to the figure standing above me.

However, my eyes kept drifting back to the words beneath the masked man on the wall.

‘The Masked Wizard keeps us safe.’

It felt so final, so commanding. Setting me apart from the merchants and workers I had associated myself with after awakening my magic. I was no longer a man who exchanged his talents for money; I was something more.

Blacksmiths and carpenters didn’t get paintings.

Blacksmiths and carpenters didn’t need to tell visitors about their power.

Halie watched me as I took it all in. I was thankful that my facial expression remained hidden behind my red and white mask.

Say thank you, Ezer.

I bit my tongue to prevent myself from obeying The Mask, not wanting to say thank you yet. I knew I would, as I had thanked the others for the gifts, titles, and praise lavished on me. However, I let myself sit in silence for a moment, allowing myself to dream of a reality where I refused the gift, where I told the innkeeper to paint the wall again, covering the figure with a monotone color, or another, more deserving person.

Ezer, say-

“Thank you.” I said, finishing The Mask’s thought, “It’s very thoughtful.”

The innkeeper beamed as I turned and began to walk away.

“Would you like to come in for a free drink?” he asked as I walked.

“No, thank you.” I said, not turning around, I continued down the street, walking towards the lavish building I now called home.

I could still feel the figure on the wall’s eyes burning into the back of my head.

======

I went to my office and closed the door. Locking it, I walked across the small space, shutting and barring the window. Confident in my isolation, I reached up and untied the mask, pulling it from my face and turning it around in my hands.

It, like me, had changed so much in the years following the incident. A wide smile cut across its face, its eye holes had grown larger, and the face itself had become less detailed as red designs began spreading over its smooth clay edges.

“I don’t understand.” I told it.

We made the mask our own, remember? The Mask replied. The plain white face struck no fear into the hearts of those who stood against us. Conveyed no power to those who stood with us. It needed modifications. Modifications I made for us.

“I was happy with the plain white mask.” I said.

You are happy with many simple things, Ezer.

Sighing, I tossed the mask onto the table and wandered the room that was my office. It was one of the smallest rooms in the home, only slightly larger than my bedroom. The man who sold it showed it to me as “an excellent room for servant’s quarters”.

Another simple thing, I supposed.

The office overflowed with books, ink, and paper on sagging shelves. Journals and knickknacks, which I had collected, covered the desk and table, and a map of Farburn adorned the wall next to the door.

Across from the door I had just entered were two windows looking out into the town. The one by my desk remained perpetually closed out of fear that somebody would look in and see as I removed my mask. I sometimes left the other window open to look out into the night, feeling the air on my face. It was a rare feeling now, especially since The Mask commanded me to hire servants to keep the house for me. Servants who were not allowed to see my face without the mask. They knew not to enter my office or my bedroom while the doors were closed, but those were the only spaces I was allowed to reveal my face without fear of discovery.

I sat down at my desk and sighed, allowing myself to relax for the first time since I woke up this morning.

“I don’t understand.” I muttered to myself, my mind returning to the painting on the inn’s wall, “What have I done to deserve this?”

We are powerful, Ezer. The Mask responded, and those without power flock to those who possess it.

“I thought we were supposed to be hiding from Sorin.” I said, “How is plastering images of ourselves on the walls of Farburn going to keep them from finding us!”

There is a time to hide, and a time to make ourselves look big. The Mask said, The painting makes us stronger, and the others will fear our strength.

I put my head in my hands and sighed, feeling a headache coming on.

“Very well.” I said, trying to end the conversation, “I just hope that the first wizard to see this painting is one that is intimidated by us looking big.”

They will, Ezer. The Mask responded, For I will make them fear our strength.

======

I woke up late in the night to the sound of knocking at my door.

“Master Mask, are you in there?” a voice called.

Feeling my face, I realized that my mask was still on the desk next to me. I must have dozed off in my chair. The book I had been writing in was still next to my head, and the ink had been pushed dangerously close to the edge of the desk by my movements as I slept. Grabbing the ink back before it spilled on the floor, I answered the unseen voice.

“Yes, give me a moment, please.”

“Yes, sir,” the voice respond. I grabbed the mask from the desk and put it on. Straightening my robes, I turned around and opened the door to my office.

I realized I had forgotten the name of the man who stood before me. He was one of the hired servants who kept the house. He had rust-red hair and piercing green eyes and wore the blue and white robes that The Mask had made their uniform.

The Mask called this one our librarian. His job was to gather the books and papers I left scattered around the house and reorganize them into the shelves and drawers in my office or in the house’s small library. I saw that he had a small stack of books in his hands, no doubt the reason for his intrusion.

“Apologies for interrupting, Master Mask,” he said, holding up the books in his arms. “These belong in the office. Would you like to take them, or may I come in and re-shelve them for you?”

I stood to the side and gestured for him to enter. The man came in and quickly began placing the books back on the shelves. I watched silently as he expertly slid each book into place, unbothered by the stacks of other books struggling to keep the newcomers away.

“Thank you, sir,” he said as he finished. I simply nodded at him.

“If I may, one more thing sir.” he said, “We received word that a boat is arriving in a few days, and there is a man aboard who would quite like to meet you, Aerith was looking for you to ask if you would like to clear a spot on your schedule to talk with him.”

Fear rolled down my body like a wave. I felt sweat form underneath the ceramic of the mask as my skin grew cold.

A man coming to Farburn to meet me.

Calm yourself, Ezer. The Mask said, speaking for the first time since I woke up, We cannot assume the worst in this news.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to smile.

“Tell Aerith to clear a spot, and also to see if we can get a description of who he is and why he wants to talk with me.” I responded.

“Yes, sir,” the man said, bowing slightly as he made his way out of the office.

Remember to thank Ailwin for his work. The Mask commanded.

Alwin, that was his name. I was grateful that The Mask remembered when I had forgotten.

“Thank you, Alwin.” I said.

Alwin looked up with a surprised glance that turned into a smile.

“Of course, sir!” he said, “It is my pleasure.”

With that, he walked down the hall and out of sight.

“He’s a good person.” I muttered to myself.

And his soul is powerful. The Mask added, If he knew how to use it, he would be quite strong.

The Mask’s comment struck me as odd. However, my exhaustion clouded my thoughts. I stretched in a vain attempt to soothe my aching body, picked up my cane and began walking towards the small room I had made my quarters.

======

I sat facing the door, wearing the mask and my typical blue and black robes. My cane leaned up against the armchair in which I sat, and I drummed my fingers against the arm cushion. Across from me sat a small wooden table and an identical chair with its back towards the door. Art decorated the wooden walls, and a fire crackled in the fireplace to my left. To my right, windows showed me the outside world, looking out into the forests beyond Farburn.

The servants had cleaned and reorganized the room after the details of the visit had been finalized. The Mask had chided me once again for not choosing the bigger office space.

The formal atmosphere would better establish our place above this visitor. He had said.

I thought about the visitor again, holding down the fear that kept threatening to well up inside of me at the thought of another wizard in my home.

Another wizard in Farburn.

From what we learned, the visitor had arrived from Barewall, a Journeyman who had recently completed an apprenticeship with Avoldor, the master wizard of that city. While the purpose of his visit remained unclear, I could have confidence that he was not working for Sorin, and therefore I had nothing to fear.

However, I found myself fearing anyway.

Be Ready. The Mask said, They are coming.

I sat up straight in my chair and straightened my robes. Adjusting the mask, I watched the door and waited. A few seconds after The Mask warned me, I heard approaching footsteps and a knock on the door.

“Master?” a voice called out.

“Enter.” I called. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, I touched the handle of my cane and muttered a spell under my breath.

“Ostium fabrefactum apertum, foris intus”

A blue light gathered around the handle of the door, and the door swung open slowly, revealing two men standing beyond it. One wore the white and blue robes of my servants. A black-haired, brown-eyed man with a thick beard. I did not remember his name.

Next to him was a taller man with brown hair and sharp brown eyes. He wore red robes and carried a brown staff in his hands. Yellow crystals embedded the top of the staff.

“Master Mask,” the black-haired man said, bowing, “May I present to you Isembold. Isembold, I present to you the Masked Wizard of Farburn.”

The brown-haired man, Isembold, bowed slightly, not breaking eye contact with me.

“Welcome, Isembold.” I said, gesturing at the chair in front of me, “Please, come in.”

Isembold nodded slightly and walked in. Behind him, the black-haired man gently shut the door to the parlor.

“I was under the impression that we would meet in your office.” Isembold said, sitting across from me in the armchair.
“My office is far too formal.” I said simply, sitting back in my seat, “As you didn’t specify the business you were here on, I believed the parlor was a good place to host you.”

The brown-haired wizard nodded, finally breaking eye contact with me to look around the room.

“For a nameless man, you have made quite a name for yourself here,” he said. “I saw the painting on the inn’s wall.”

I nodded, cringing internally at the mention of the mural.

“Thank you, sir.” I said, “I deeply appreciate the lengths the people of Farburn go to express their gratefulness to me.”

Isembold nodded again. After a moment of silence, I pressed on.

“I read that you had apprenticed under Alvodor. What brings you to the city of Farburn?” I asked.

Isembold smiled.

“After you finish your apprenticeship with Alvodor, he sends you off to find your own city to work within. According to his records, there was no wizard in Farburn. So I came to establish a trade here.”

A sinking feeling grew in the pit of my stomach as Isembold continued.

“Imagine my surprise when I got closer to the city and learned that a wizard had taken up residence in Farburn already, despite having no records of ever doing so.”

“The world is a bigger place than Alvodor’s records give it credit for.” I replied.

“Yes, yes,” Isembold said, “I am aware of that. Under different circumstances, I would return to Barewall and find a new city to call my own instead of continuing my journey. But the stories I heard were fascinating. I decided I must meet this ‘masked wizard’”

Be cautious, Ezer. The Mask said.

I know. I thought.

“I do hope I live up to expectations.” I said.

Isembold sat back in his chair, watching me. I kept my face stoic and tried to sit perfectly still, repeating to myself that I had nothing to hide from him.

“I’ve never met a wizard who keeps his identity a secret like this,” he said. “I have to wonder why you choose to do so?”

“Mysteries are one of life’s simple pleasures.” I responded, “We so often feel empty inside when their truth is revealed.” All that wonder and excitement boiled down to a simple, often disappointing answer.”

Isembold nodded, looking into my eyes. A moment of silence passed.

“Have you ever been to Ironheart?” he asked.

“Ironheart?” I repeat, trying to hide my surprise. “I do believe I’ve heard of it, but can’t say I’ve ever visited.”

Isembold narrowed his eyes at me. I hoped that my half-truth would obscure any lie-seeking spells he may have cast.

“It’s a lovely place.” Isembold said, “and a great place to visit, especially for the magically inclined folks like us.”

“More magically inclined than Farburn, I’m sure.” I said, attempting to release the rising tension in the room with a joke.

“The city’s wizard, Sorin, has turned it into a must-see place for anyone looking to study magic.” Isembold replied, “While I much prefer the teachings of Alvodor, Sorin’s apprentices are known to be quite powerful.”

Ezer. The Mask said.

I’m being cautious. I thought.

The time to be cautious is over. The Mask replied, Kill him.

I barely stifled a gasp at The Mask’s suggestion. A smile flickered across Isembold’s face.

“Five years ago, an apprentice attempted to kill Sorin, and managed to escape with his life,” he said.

“Is that so?” I replied. “I do hope that Sorin is okay.”

We must Ezer. he must not leave Farburn. The Mask said.

“He has made a full recovery.” Isembold said, “And he has called the other wizards to find his missing apprentice and return him to justice.”

“Well, I must admit, not many wizards cross through Farburn, but I will keep my eye out for him.” I said.

He knows, Ezer. Kill him! The Mask yelled.

I winced at the noise in my head, and Isembold stood.

“The stories I heard about you were fascinating. How you appeared in Farburn four years ago, in ill-fitting clothes and with only a few coin to your name. But never removing that mask from your face. Keeping your identity hidden. To where not even your servants know your name.”

I gripped the handle of my cane.

“I don’t believe I appreciate what you are accusing me of, sir.” I replied, “I would never make an attempt on another wizard’s life, unless I was given a formal challenge.”

If you do not kill him, Ezer, I will. The Mask threatened.

Isembold gripped his staff in his hand, the yellow crystals glowing as he looked at me.

“If that is the case, why don’t you remove your mask and tell me your real name?” He asked.

“Because I do not believe you have the right to make such demands of me.” I replied.

Ezer… The Mask said, a warning tone in his voice.

Isembold pointed his staff at my head, the yellow light blurring my view of him.

“Only the guilty have something to hide, Ezer Morningsun.”

As the sound of my name passed through his lips, everything went black.

======

I woke up in the parlor of my house, sitting in a cushioned chair across from the door to the room. Art lined the wooden walls, and a fire crackled in the fireplace to my left. To my right, windows showed me the outside world, looking out into the forests beyond Farburn.

In front of me was a broken wooden table.

And a blood-stained chair.

My servants swarmed the room, picking up debris and trying to clean the dark red liquid off the fabric and the floor. One stood near me, wiping some blood off my black and blue robes.

“And you are sure that you are alright, sir?” she asked.

Yes, simply a tad shaken. The Mask said in my head. Without thinking, I repeated his words.

The woman nodded and stepped back.

“I will let you clean yourself up.” She said, “Do not worry about the mess in here; we will have it tidied up in no time.”

Very well, thank you. The Mask said.

I parroted him again and stood. Gripping my cane, I walked from the parlor, heading up the stairs and down the hall to my quarters.

“What did you do?” I muttered.

He would have returned to Sorin with the news of our discovery. The Mask responded, He had to be stopped.

“You took control of my body.” I said.

Do not be silly, Ezer, it is our body. The Mask responded, I merely used it to do what needed to be done.

As I walked down the hall, I passed a mirror on the left wall. Stopping briefly, I looked into it.

Ice-blue eyes stared back at me from the eyeholes of The Mask. Pale lips frowned from beneath the smiling mouth. Red flecks of blood splattered against the white material, and more dripped down the black and blue robes.

“You killed a man in our own home.” I said to my reflection.

It was him or us, Ezer. The Mask responded. And I refuse to die.

For a brief second, my frown lifted into a slight smile, and behind me, I swear I could see a pale human face, with a white scar cutting from under his left eye to the bottom of his right cheek.

I blinked, and the face was gone.

And all that remained was The Mask.