The old Adept nodded, his lips twitching as he tried not to smile. “Very well. Excuse us, please. I have a number of things to discuss with Adept Drake that don’t concern you. Please have his tent set up between Adept Tyrone and Adept Langston. I’m sure he would prefer being next to Adept Mellody, but there’s a certain amount of decorum that we must maintain.” Once the lieutenant had departed, he laughed. “Poor boy. He’s young for his rank, and he’s never understood that we’re not Regular Army. We don’t do things the ‘Army Way,’ which drives him to distraction.” Adept Caral raised a finger to catch Drake’s attention. “Don’t let him bully you, Drake. He’ll try, but you don’t answer to him or any of the other officers, except the general. You answer to me for the most part, but have a certain amount of autonomy.”
Drake nodded. “And decorum?”
The elderly Adept raised an eyebrow at him. “Mellody and the other women have their own area of the camp. Men, even the general and myself, must have their permission to pass the sentries.” Caral grinned at Drake. “Keeps them unmolested. You see, unlike some kingdoms up north, women aren’t part of our army. The only women you’ll find around here other than the Magi are camp followers.” Caral paused as Drake adjusted to that pronouncement. “As far as duties go, we all contribute to the defense of the camp. There is a set spell forming a protective umbrella, and we all contribute a portion of our time and energy to its maintenance. Here is the key.” Caral held up his hand and a blue glyph appeared.
Drake quickly discerned the pattern and added his own unique power to the shield. A ripple of energy flowed out to the edges of the camp and back, like the ripples in a pond from a thrown rock.
Caral nodded as if he was once again impressed by the sheer power that Drake commanded. That done, Caral turned away, speaking over his shoulder as he left the tent. “I should formally introduce you to the others. There are thirty-seven Magi here, but only ten Adepts. Eleven including you. They should be at high tea right now.”
Drake was confused by the reference to “high tea” but let it pass. Caral led him to a large tent located just a few yards away, and into the middle of a formal party. High tea, it turned out, did not have much to do with tea, though that beverage was present. Beer, ale, wine, and spirits were more common, and Drake immediately picked up a mug of ale. The Magi were all present, and there was a slightly festive atmosphere. All of the Magi were sitting or lounging about, sipping at their drinks and nibbling on cookies or cakes as they spoke. Mellody saw him and hurried over to his side.
“Did you decide to join us after all?” she asked, smiling prettily at him.
Drake nodded and returned the smile. “Yes, for a time at least.”
“I’m glad. It’ll be nice to have a young Adept here after being surrounded by all these old fossils.” She grinned at Caral, who managed a look of dignified offence, even though his lips twitched into a grin. “I’ve been the baby here for too long.”
Another elderly male Adept stepped forward and slapped her backside. “That’s what you get for being so incredible, Mel.”
Mellody swatted playfully at his hand, then smiled at Drake. “Adept Drake, may I present my master, Adept Tyrone Firestone. Old Fossil, this is Adept Drake Standralson.”
Tyrone laughed at her and said, “Saucy wench,” then turned his attention to Drake. “Adept Drake, you’re quite a surprise. I would’ve bet that Mellody was the most powerful Adept of her generation. She surpassed me quickly enough.”
Drake nodded and laughed. “She is quite good. I could feel her power as soon as I saw her.”
The party had come to a standstill as Caral introduced Drake to the other Adepts. All the other Adepts were well into their fifties or beyond. A surprise were the two other female Adepts, Petunia Deniz and Darcie Hamilton. Both women were gray-haired and wrinkled, with fierce eyes as they surveyed him critically.
Darcie looked him up and down, bowed her head minimally, then turned away.
Petunia took a longer, more appreciative look, then shook her head. “Damn, why couldn’t you have been around thirty years ago?” she asked.
Drake bowed formally to her, then grinned. “How do you know I wasn’t?”
Her eyes widened, then her expression turned sly. “If you weren’t so damned cute, I’d take you down a peg or two.”
Drake laughed as she walked away, then allowed Mellody to guide him over to where a number of younger Magi had gathered.
Jettie Atherton was there, and she almost choked on her beer when he joined their group. “Adept Drake, I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said nervously.
Mellody looked at her, then at Drake, then back to Jettie. “Drake is joining us, Jettie.”
Jettie looked relieved. “I’m happy to hear that, Adept Drake. I don’t mind telling you that I almost wet myself when you said you were an Adept. I’m glad you didn’t take offense at my attacking you.”
Jettie’s comment got the others asking questions, and she had to tell the tale, much to her friend’s amusement. “...So he just cursed that fool Corporal Crockford. Every time he hears the word volunteer, he messes his pants.”
Mellody and the other young Magi looked at Drake with gape-mouthed surprise. Then Mellody grasped his shoulder. “You have to take that curse off right away.”
Drake looked at her, then shrugged. “It’s off.”
“Damn, you are good. You didn’t even need to see him?” one of the other Journeymen asked, looking at Drake with wide eyes.
Drake smiled and shrugged one shoulder. “It would have worn off in a day or two anyway. I just have a long-standing dislike of being pushed around.”
“Really?” one of the young women asked. “I never would have expected that from an Adept,” she said sarcastically, but her expression was sly and slightly predatory.
Drake relaxed and fell into the easy banter of the younger generation. He appeared to be in his early twenties, though he was far older, and his personality fit in nicely with these powerful, well controlled young Magi.
After about two hours, Caral called the assembly to order. “My friends, you have all met our newest comrade, Adept Drake. He will need some time and help to adjust to our unique circumstances here, and I count on all of you to aid him. You all saw his power today, so keep in mind that we want him to stay.” There was scattered laughter to that reminder, then Caral continued.
“For all his power, he is still a youngster. I’ll be relying on the elders to help him avoid problems with our military brethren. And to smooth over any stumbles that he might make. Drake, Lieutenant Curtis is waiting for you outside. Take tonight to settle your tent and belongings. Reveille is one hour before sunrise, so don’t stay up too late. Any of you.” He added, glaring at Mellody and the other youngsters. “I will see you all at supper.”
Drake bowed and walked out to find Lieutenant Curtis waiting for him. “Adept Drake, this way please. I have brought your things from your horse, and she is stabled with the officer’s horses. You don’t have much in the way of baggage.”
“No, I don’t. I can manufacture clothing as needed. Where did you put my coin?” he asked, looking to see the lieutenant’s face flush, though from anger or embarrassment he couldn’t tell.
“It is on your table, Adept.” The lieutenant paused before continuing. “You carry a great deal of gold.”
Drake nodded. “I hadn’t intended to spend much time working while I’m here. This was supposed to be a year or so of relaxation.”
The lieutenant nodded as he led the way. “Her Majesty pays well, Adept Drake. Still, you’re carrying nearly a month’s pay for the entire army.”
Drake nodded. “I don’t suppose I’m going to need very much of it here. What furnishings were you able to acquire?” Drake asked, looking the lieutenant in the eye.
“General camp issue, I am afraid. Cot, pillow, three blankets, two rugs, a short table and three cushions.” His face took on a sour twist. “I’m afraid your coin might be needed
sooner than you think. There’s a black market in supplies. If you require more, you’ll have to purchase it.”
“Or make it myself,” Drake said softly, making the lieutenant study him intently. They reached the tent and Lieutenant Curtis held the flap aside for Drake to enter. The tent was an almost exact duplicate of Mellody’s, and he nodded to himself. “This will do nicely.” He waved his hand and exerted his power, and the three cushions became ten. He murmured another spell and more rugs appeared, covering the entire floor from wall to wall. The canvas drape between the two portions of the tent shimmered and became a fine golden curtain, bunched and pleated in the fashion of the Darendian Empire.
Turning to Lieutenant Curtis, he asked, “Where will you be staying, Lieutenant? Here, or in your own quarters?”
“Here, Adept Drake. I had intended to use the cushions,” he answered timidly. He’d been around the Magi for years, and even had a liaison or two with the younger women, but none of them had ever done anything of this magnitude.
Drake nodded and gestured again, re-dividing the rear of the tent into two compartments. “You can have the left side. I really don’t require much personal space. You can also have that army cot. I prefer a slightly softer bed.” Drake walked back and swept the curtain aside to display the bed that he had made for himself. The lieutenant was shaking his head expressively, but kept his thoughts to himself.
Drake grinned, then changed the subject. “When I first met Adept Mellody, she told me that she was the Chief Adept of the Army, yet she defers to Adept Caral. Would you please explain that so I don’t make a fool of myself?”
Lieutenant Curtis took a deep breath and held it, considering his words carefully. “Well, Adept Drake, she is the Chief Adept. The trouble is that Adept Caral and the general have been friends for years. Decades. Adept Mellody has abdicated her position to give the general an Adept that he can more easily relate to. Adept Mellody is just too young for the general to feel comfortable with.”
Drake nodded. “Adept Mellody is also a girl. So when does she get to be the Chief Adept?”
“In Mount Royal, or when the queen comes out here. The rest of the time she just lets Adept Caral do it.” Lieutenant Curtis was beginning to relax a little and gestured to the table. “Do you wish to eat here, or with the rest of the Magi?”
“With the rest. I think I should spend as much time with my fellows as possible,” Drake replied, nodding slightly.
“Very well. We have several hours to wait. Is there anything you need me to do for you?”
Drake thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No, not really. Is there something else that you need to be doing?”
The lieutenant nodded. “There are several errands that I put off to see to your needs. I have been assigned to see to you, but I still have my regular duties as well.”
Drake nodded. “Very well, Lieutenant. I’ll be fine alone here. I have no desire to go anywhere tonight except to supper. I’ll just listen for the others and join them.”
Lieutenant Curtis nodded and departed, leaving Drake alone to contemplate his fortunes. I really don’t want to stay, and wouldn’t if I hadn’t met Mellody. Her beauty and power attract me in an odd way. Maybe she is the one. He busied himself in the tent, making little things to decorate the sparse interior until there was a noise at the tent flap. A quick mental scan revealed it to be Mellody, and he smiled as he spoke.
“Come in, please, Mellody.”
Mellody pushed through the tent flap, smiling. “This is nice. I felt you making things, but I didn’t expect this much. Come along, it’s supper time. Where’s the spy?”
Drake’s eyebrows drew together. “The spy? You mean Lieutenant Curtis? General Preston assigned him as my orderly until I get used to the army.”
“Lieutenants in the Royal Intelligence Service don’t act as orderlies for anyone. He’s here to spy on you, to see why you’re really here.” Mellody fixed him with a stern glare that made him laugh.
“I’m really here because I met a beautiful young woman who is also an incredibly powerful Adept, in spite of her tender years,” Drake said softly, making her blush.
“Drake, please. Tyrone says I’m vain enough.” She laughed as she shook her head. “Come along. The cooks are supposed to have made something special for tonight.”
Drake laughed as well, then allowed her to lead him to the Mess Tent. There was a long line of soldiers waiting to be served, but she led him past. Men of all ages greeted her, some joking with her in a manner that indicated long-standing friendships.
They made their way to a roped off area to the side and joined the other Magi. Mellody seated Drake between herself and a Master named Gavin Blair.
Gavin nodded courteously as they seated themselves. “Welcome, Adept Drake.”
“Thank you, Master Gavin,” Drake said as he returned the nod. Gavin was a middle-aged man with thick salt and pepper hair, and surprisingly dark brown eyes.
Mellody smiled and nodded as well. “Gavin, do you know what’s for supper? I heard it’s supposed to be something special.”
“Oh, yes, special indeed. It’s in honor of Adept Drake and his performance today, but I won’t tell you what it is.” His grin turned nasty for a second, then deepened. “You’re just going to have to wait.”
Mellody glared at him, but all he did was laugh harder. Her wait was a short one. A commotion at the end of the tent caught their attention as four men in immaculate white uniforms guided a silver serving cart toward them. All conversation in the tent stopped as the men made their way to the Magi’s table and stopped beside Drake. The leader bowed very deeply to Drake, but didn’t say anything. Another commotion drew everyone’s attention back to the end of the tent as an officer shouted, “Attention!” Everyone in the tent snapped to their feet, Magi included, and Drake followed suit.
A voice shouted, “As you were,” and everyone seated themselves to reveal the general and his aides standing on a low dais at the end of the tent.
General Preston smiled as he looked about the room. “Many of you have heard rumors of this already, and I am here to confirm them. After the demonstration of Adept Drake’s power today, General Boatwright sent a message stating that he and his command are withdrawing.” The general paused as spontaneous shouts and cheers erupted throughout the tent. He allowed them to continue for a moment, then raised his hand to quiet the men down again. “It is in honor of Adept Drake that I have ordered tonight’s feast. Gentlemen, you may begin,” he said, nodding to the servers.
One of the servers stepped forward and removed the high domed silver cover from the cart to reveal a whole roasted pig. Its skin was golden brown and glistening with a honey glaze, and an apple was stuffed in its mouth. It was lying on a bed of fruit and berries, and the steam that wafted off it immediately made Drake’s mouth begin to water. The lead server, an elderly man with snow white hair and an irrepressible smile, stepped forward and carved a shoulder portion and presented it to Drake with a flourish. “Adept Drake, we honor you.”
Drake smiled and stood to bow to the server, then to the general and the rest of the tent. He said, “I thank you all for this honor,” in a loud voice that carried to the ends of the tent.
Other trays were being brought out now, and Drake soon found his plate piled high with mashed potatoes, gravy, fruit compote that had been baked inside the pig, a vegetable medley, and bread pudding. Wine and beer flowed freely as well, and the tent rang with the voices of hundreds of happy soldiers. The Magi were no exception to the rule as they ate, and laughing thanks were directed at Drake from all quarters. The meal continued for quite some time before the brittle sound of a wine glass being tapped with a fork silenced the soldiers again.
General Preston was again standing at the edge of the dais, waiting for the room to quiet before speaking. “Tomorrow we will begin making our own preparations to depart. The bulk of the army will be dismissed to return home, but we will have to maintain a holding force to ensure that
the Bresardians leave our territory. The First, Third, and Fifth Infantry Brigades, along with the Seventh Cavalry, the Magi, and the Second Support Battalion, will escort the Bresardians to the border. All other commands will be marching back to Mount Royal for dispersal.” The general paused to let his announcement sink in for a moment, then continued.
“I will remind everyone that this war is not officially over yet. King Malcom has not surrendered, nor has General Boatwright. You are all subject to recall should they decide to try us again. All commands except the holding force are to begin packing for departure. Dispersal will begin in three days.”
The meal concluded on that note and Mellody led Drake back to his tent. Lieutenant Curtis was already there to meet them. “Adept Drake, I am honored to have been of service to you, but I am not among those who have been assigned to the holding force. I will arrange for a suitable replacement, and introduce him within the hour.”
Drake nodded. “Very well, Lieutenant. Thank you for your assistance.”
The lieutenant came to attention, then nodded and turned away, leaving Drake alone with Mellody. Mellody gave Drake a knowing look and nodded. “I’ll bet he finds some very young second lieutenant to be your orderly, Drake. Whatever his purpose here was, you’ve satisfied the general and he has more important things to do.”
“Probably,” Drake agreed with a laugh. “How much longer do you think we’ll be here?”
Mellody considered his question for a moment, then shrugged. “Not long. It depends on General Boatwright and his people. We’ll probably follow a day behind them until they cross the border with...”
“Wait a moment. I thought Bresardia was an island kingdom?” Drake interjected, earning himself a frown from Mellody.
“They are, but they also have holdings here on the continent. As I was about to say, we will follow them until they cross the border with their continental province. Then the general will probably just reinforce the border garrisons and leave it at that.”
The Chronicles of Amberdrake Page 4
