Death Mage's Curse

by Jon Bender

  Shana watched the young man for a while, seeming to weigh his words. “Do you swear loyalty to me and to Bruxa? To place its people’s needs above your own and protect them against any threat?”

  Bash brought his fist to his chest and lowered his head. “I swear, my queen.”

  Shana nodded slowly. “You will take Maridun’s place and answer to General Nelix,” she said, indicating Nelix. Bash looked at Nelix expectantly.

  “Do as your queen commands. Strip any who will not join you of weapons and armor, then ready your men to fall in with the rest. After that, come and find me,” Nelix said. Bash saluted the General and gave another bow to Shana before leading Maridun’s horse away.

  “That was easier than I expected,” Corin said after they had gone.

  “Any time we can defeat an enemy and increase our numbers is a victory,” Nelix said. “But we won’t win all of our battles here so easily.”

  “You’re right. If Deena thinks sacrificing a small number will win this for her, she will likely fight to the end, no matter how many people die in the process,” Corin said, watching Bash grow smaller in the distance. “Nelix, get the men moving.”

  Nelix smirked, which was akin to a smile for other people. The general heeled his horse to a trot and moved ahead of them, two of the riders shadowing from overhead. Corin waited until he was gone before speaking again. “You did well, but next time, you may not want to face three armed men with only a dagger.”

  “My father never saw the use of teaching his daughters how to fight with a sword. I think it offended his ego to consider it,” she said, looking over to him.

  “It does not offend mine. Tell Adriana that I asked her to train you. She will be best suited to the job.”

  “Why? Because she knows how to deal with a man’s superior strength in battle?” she accused.

  “I didn’t mean… that is, she has spent years…” he sputtered. In truth, that had been exactly what he was thinking. Seeing the small grin she was clearly trying to hide, he went silent, considering her. She was the only one, besides Jaxom and Adriana, who had ever made a joke at his expense. This was not the sweet Eleanor who had needed protecting. When Bash had drawn his sword, she had not faltered but faced the threat, even knowing she was outmatched. This was a woman who had endured a life of fear and humiliation at the hands of her family, but somehow kept the ability to laugh.

  Her grin slipped and her mouth grew thin. She dropped her eyes to the ground.

  Finally, Corin spoke. “I’m sorry for how I have treated you,” he said. He looked ahead, so he did not have to meet her eyes. The dust was beginning to rise as the units moved out, each large group of men taking turns at falling into a wide column that continued east. Most of the durgen had already flown out. They would scout ahead and around, looking for danger.

  He could feel her eyes on him. “I am the one who is sorry. In your place, I am not sure I could forgive,” she said. Corin thought he heard the slightest note of hope in her voice.

  He gave a slow but sturdy nod of his head. “I forgive you.”

  She rewarded him with a dazzling smile. “Thank you. I swear to all the gods, I will never betray your trust again.”

  He looked at her then. “I know.”

  Chapter 17

  Jaxom laid back on the small canvas and wooden cot with one arm propping up his head. Outside, he heard the sounds of the camp going about the business of repairing equipment and seeing to the needs of the wounded. What was left of the Rilnorman army had fled east, returning to their own kingdom, and Prince Sagrad had moved his men out of the warren of canyons onto flat land to set up camp. Adriana had stayed with him the whole way, making sure he did not fall from the durgen’s back during the march. He was physically exhausted to the point that staying upright in the saddle had been a challenge. His mind, however, was as sharp as ever. He remembered everything, including Adriana standing defiantly in front of him, her palm stinging his face. Her strategy had worked. Even with so much power, he could not bring himself to hurt her.

  Now, he had time to consider what he had done. He remembered a terrified man, restrained on the ground and staring at Jaxom like he was a monster, not human. Worse still, Jaxom knew he had been right. Jaxom had seen the soldier not as a person but as a life to feed upon. The memory sent a shiver through him. What would have stopped him if that mage had not dropped a cliff on his head? He knew, without out a doubt, he would have gotten out eventually and continued to kill. Adriana had saved him. She had brought enough of him back to expel the energy he had taken from those men, creating a veil that had temporarily darkened the entire lakebed.

  The flap pulled aside, revealing her standing there, a relieved smile on her face. “I thought you were going to sleep the entire day. How are you feeling?”

  Jaxom sat up. “Better, though I could use something to eat.”

  She nodded and sat beside him. She looked at him for a long time before throwing her arms around him and laying her head on his should. “I thought I had lost you. First, when the rocks fell, then again after we got you out.”

  He ran a hand over her soft hair, trying to find the words to comfort her. With one finger, he traced her jaw down her neck to the ring he had given her. “You saved me both times.”

  “What about next time? I looked into your eyes, and you weren’t there,” she said.

  “I’m here now, and you found Vaniece. After I speak to her, I’ll open the portal and speak to our parents. I am sure they will have found something that can help.”

  She nodded and sat back. “The prince has asked us to join him and Vaniece for the afternoon meal. I told him Corin is on his way to fight Or’Keer, but I didn’t go into detail.”

  “What about Vaniece? Does she believe I’m her brother?”

  “I don’t know,” Adriana sat silently for a while. “She fought Tandis. She took your sword from him.”

  Jaxom went rigid at hearing the dark mage’s name. Other than one skirmish between the riders and the dark priests, Or’Keer’s minions had been disturbingly absent until they arrived in Ostega. “We should go see them, then. I’m hungry, in any case.” He stood, offering her hand up. “Where are the others? Are they all right?”

  “They’re fine. Darian took Laiden and Brenin to explore the camp and learn more about the Ostegans.”

  Jaxom nodded. He picked up his sword, which he found leaning against the foot of the cot. He looked at the enchanted blade a moment before belting it on. He had not even drawn the weapon during the battle, yet another reminder that he was quickly changing. “Let’s go.”

  Outside, Jaxom discovered that his tent was located near the center of camp amongst the aristocracy and the officers. The men they passed all seemed to move out of their path in time to avoid them, but Jaxom did not miss the looks of unease directed his way. Jaxom shrugged. He could not blame them for being afraid after what they had seen. And word spread quickly in camp.

  The prince’s tent was of a modest size, close to the size of Corin’s. Outside, four men in loose, tan colored clothing stood stiffly at attention. Each wore a pair of curving swords slung from their hips, and they all had the same hair style, short on the top and shaved on the sides. Adriana explained they were called Desert Walkers. She whispered that they were the most skilled warriors she had ever seen, likely even surpassing the Ale’adarian Guard.

  Inside, the space was bare. The only furniture consisted of a large table that served both as a place to eat and to lay out maps, as evidenced by the dinnerware and rolled parchment occupying the surface. Tucked into a corner was the same type of cot he had just risen from. An iron-bound trunk sat at the foot of the bed, and a wooden cross supported the prince’s armor. Sagrad and Vaniece sat talking on the other side of the tent amidst a collection of low-backed chairs.

  The prince stood and greeted them with a charming smile. He was easily as large as Jaxom, with light brown hair cut similar to that of the Walkers and green, intelligent eyes. Vaniec
e rose to her feet as well but seemed more reserved. At her hip, she wore the familiar skull-pommeled sword he had spent so much effort laboring to create. Vaniece’s refined features betrayed no emotion at all, but Jaxom saw the close resemblance to their mother. He knew beyond a doubt that she was his sister.

  “Come in,” Sagrad said, offering his hand. “I am glad you are finally awake. Your wife has only told me enough about you and your group to make me want to know more.”

  Jaxom took his offered hand. “I owe you thanks,” he said.

  The prince’s grip was warm and strong, the palm calloused from years of holding a sword. “Think nothing of it. We could do nothing less for Vaniece’s brother,” he said, grinning.

  “We have not yet confirmed that,” Vaniece said.

  Sagrad let go of Jaxom’s hand and gestured to the table. “I am sure Magus Jaxom has an explanation.”

  “Lord Jaxom,” Adriana corrected automatically. Glancing at her, Jaxom saw she wished she had not spoken. His rule in Terika violated the law of the fifteen kingdoms, and they did not know how the prince would receive the news.

  Sagrad looked at them and smiled. “Let’s sit. I am sure you are hungry.”

  They all moved to the table. Adriana took the chair next to him as the prince took one to his right. Vaniece sat opposite him, her hard stare boring into him as if searching for a clue that would unveil him for the imposter he was. After an awkward moment of silence, Vaniece spoke. “What proof do you have that you are my brother?” she asked bluntly.

  Jaxom met her stare with one of his own. “No disrespect to his highness, the proof is something I can only show you.”

  “Please, call me Sagrad, and I take no offense. I am well aware of the mages’ inclination toward secrecy. You can, however, tell me more about your adoptive brother, King Corin. Lady Adriana has told me that he is marching east with an alliance of kingdoms to confront this dark god, Or’Keer.”

  Jaxom broke the stare with his sister to regard the prince. “Yes. Or’Keer would forcibly convert all men to his worship. We believe his interference here is meant to soften us before an army of his followers marches out to conquer all of the fifteen kingdoms.”

  Sagrad placed his elbows on the table and rested his chin on folded fingers. “So the priests supporting Rilnorm is a ploy of Or’Keer’s?”

  Jaxom nodded. “We have seen it several times already, in Ale’adaria and neighboring kingdoms. They don’t care who wins, as long as all are weakened.”

  “What does your brother intend once he reaches Ostega?”

  “He will offer your sister a place in the alliance. If she accepts, he will likely aid you here before moving on.”

  “And if she refuses?”

  Jaxom considered his words before speaking. He was here for his own reasons, but could not forget that there were larger matters at stake. “He will move through Ostega without incident.”

  Sagrad leaned back and looked at him much the way Vaniece had. “I will send a message to my sister with what you have told me. Ultimately, it is her decision, but I will recommend we join this alliance if what you have told me is true.”

  “Once I show Vaniece my proof, I believe she will vouch for me,” Jaxom said, looking at his sister.

  “I would like to know more about your title, which Lady Adriana let slip, and whatever else you care to share.” Sagrad said, the charming smile returning. Behind his amicable posture, Jaxom recognized the calculating mind, digging for more information.

  Two men carrying trays of roasted grassland deer and boiled vegetables came in and set them down at the center of the table. As they ate, Jaxom did his best to explain the situation, and even offered up information about Terika and the reformed death mage school. The last part got Vaniece’s attention. When she asked Jaxom how many mages the school contained, he avoided the question. She was his sister, but he did not know how strong her allegiance was to Ostega. The prince was also listening closely. He had been quick to offer support, but Jaxom could not be sure of his intentions.

  When they finished eating, Jaxom looked to Vaniece. “Your Highness, I would like to show Vaniece what I came here for. If you have more questions, Adriana can speak for me.”

  Sagrad leaned back, apparently at his ease. “Yes, of course. I would not stand in the way of alleviating the concerns of my most trusted mage. I believe you are telling the truth. Your story is too outrageous to be a fabrication, but I can see Magus Vaniece requires proof.” He stood and walked to Adriana, offering his hand. “If you would allow me, my Lady, I will show you around camp. We can speak as we walk.”

  Adriana looked to Jaxom, who nodded. She would know which questions to answer and which to avoid. She took the prince’s hand and stood. “It would be my pleasure.”

  Sagrad placed her arm through his own before leaving Jaxom and Vaniece alone. “You should be wary of leaving your wife alone with him. Prince Sagrad has a reputation,” Vaniece said.

  Jaxom barked a laugh. “Adriana can handle herself.”

  Vaniece nodded slowly. “Is this proof back in your tent?”

  “No. We will have to leave the camp for me to show you.”

  “I saw what you did yesterday. If you intend,” she started to say, but Jaxom raised a hand to stop her.

  “Why would I want to kill you? My friends are here, and we are surrounded by thousands.”

  She seemed to consider his words and relaxed a bit. “Very well.”

  Jaxom nodded and stood, leading her out into the heat of the afternoon sun. They made their way past the edge of the camp and walked for nearly an hour into the rocky terrain before he stopped. She looked at him expectantly. He turned his back to her and held up his hand, then hesitated. He looked over his shoulder and saw the impatience written on her features. Taking a deep breath, he pulled in the magic he needed, but not an ounce more. The sphere of black and dark blue formed in a spinning mass of energy. He heard a sharp intake of breath behind him, but ignored it, concentrating on maintaining control. The cast spun faster and faster as he poured more power into it. The magic compressed on itself, and the pressure grew until the sphere folded in and a ragged opening in the air formed. The pure light from the other plane poured through, brighter than even the sun. Jaxom sent a thread of magic through the portal and whispered his parent’s names so that Vaniece could not hear. The tug on the other end came quickly, and soon, he saw human forms hurtling toward them.

  “Jaxom, what have you done?” his mother said, the moment their forms became solid. Her usually warm features were twisted with worry.

  He looked at his parents with confusion. “I don’t understand.”

  “There has been a great influx into this plane,” his father said. “Some have come as… shadows…of who they were. Those who were living men arrived as almost feral beasts. Such a thing has not happened for hundreds of years. The few that could speak said that a mage, one of us, had done something to them.”

  Jaxom’s heart sank. He dropped his gaze to the dry, stony earth. “I lost control. If not for Adriana, I might still be under the magic’s influence.”

  “Son, you must be more careful. What has been done to those men cannot be undone,” Zarick said.

  “I know,” Jaxom whispered. The faces of the men he had killed flooded into his mind. They had spent their lasts moments in fear… of him.

  Zarick spoke, more softly this time. “We know you did not intend this outcome, and we may have found a way to save you.”

  Jaxom looked up, relief flooding through him. “What is it? What do I have to do?”

  “Mother? Father?” he heard Vaniece say from behind him.

  All traces of sadness vanished from his mother’s face. “Vaniece, my dearest,” she said, her voice quavering. Tears sprang into her eyes. “It has been so long. I thought I would never see you again in this world.”

  Jaxom moved to the side, allowing his sister to step forward. Instead, she ran for the portal, and he was forced to grab her arm
. “You can’t,” he said, more harshly than he intended. She looked at him, her eyes pleading. He shook his head firmly. Vaniece looked to their parents and nodded. When he was sure that she would not try again, he let go of her.

  “You never came back,” Vaniece said. Tears slipped down her cheeks. “You promised we would all be together again.”

  “I know,” Zarick said softly.

  “If there had been any way, we would have,” Falicia added. “We never wanted to leave you and your brother.”

  Vaniece looked at him. He saw acceptance and guilt in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Jaxom. I should have looked for you. You were my responsibility, and I failed.”

  “You did not fail. We did,” Zarick said.

  “You were only children. You should not have been forced out into the world alone,” Falicia said, her voice breaking. “But you are together again, and your brother needs your help.”

  Jaxom remained quiet as their parents explained to Vaniece what was happening to him. She occasionally glanced at him. No matter what their father had said, he could see that she still believed it was somehow her fault. When they finished, she squared her shoulders. “You said there was a way to help him.”

  “Yes,” Zarick said. “We have found a death mage here who lived long ago. What Jaxom is experiencing is a symptom that developed in some mages as a result of harnessing the power they created. The cure was just lost during the Mage War when our school was destroyed.”

  “You must head west from here to the Untamed Lands. Somewhere, deep in the jungles, is an ancient fortress created by three of the first mages who learned to control the power of death. It’s dangerous. Many who go never return,” Falicia said.

  “What do I do once we find it?” Jaxom asked.

  His parents looked at each other. “We don’t know. The mage refused to tell us more,” Falicia said. “He told us that it was your only chance. If you do not go, your magic will kill you.”

  “What about Or’Keer? He survived,” Jaxom said.