The Staff of Power

by D E Boske

  “Ye telled me ye ran into some trouble on yer way,” said Branson to Kyler.

  “Yes we did. The goblins and fire dwarves are working together. We helped a farming community just east of Mishkalan. They burned their crops and many homes, but we were able to run them off. Branson, there was a Dorgansi there as well and one attacked my home while I was away,” stated Kyler.

  “Bah! Goblin’s n’ fire dwarves!” the king spat venomously. “What the blazes is a Dorgansi doin’ here? Thought they were banished.”

  “They were, but apparently, someone has the power to free them. This same someone controls Morphindinaetlus as well,” said Darian, entering the conversation cautiously.

  “What’re ye sayin’ Mage?” asked the king. It took a while for Darian to respond, gauging how much he should say. They deserved to know the truth.

  “A Dark Mage. I know not his identity. I know he is after me for my staff and he will stop at nothing to get it. At all costs, we must not let this happen. If he should get it, he will be virtually unstoppable.”

  He shot a look at Mordinian, who sat next to Stryker. The thief did well to hide his surprise. He knew the Mage was telling the truth. He had nothing to gain by lying. He felt another piece to the puzzle that was the rogue Mage click silently into place.

  “A Dark Mage ye say, eh? What do we do? What’s the best defense…? Darian, isn’t it?” asked Branson.

  “Yes. With your permission, I will construct a gate. It would take me a couple weeks to create, but when I’m done, travel for the elves and dwarves would be greatly reduced. Kyler, get a message to your father to see if it’s acceptable to him as well.”

  “Right,” said Kyler.

  “Ye kin do this?” asked the dwarf king.

  “Yes,” said Darian without elaborating.

  “An’ where would ye put the thing?” asked Branson.

  “Wherever you like,” answered the Mage, taking a deep drink from his tankard.

  “Where do ye thinks best?” asked the king.

  “After the meal we can walk and decide the best location,” said the Mage.

  “The Monarch said that would be welcome indeed. He said the location he’d leave up to you. He trusts your judgment,” said the elf prince. Upon hearing this, Branson’s opinion of the young Mage rose considerably. This was not a light statement coming from the king of the elves.

  When the meal was over, Darian, Kyler, Kryndale and Branson went to look for the perfect spot. The rest of the company was free to roam about, but eyes followed the thief and the bard wherever they went.

  “What’s to stop anyone from usin’ this gate? Will it be safe?” asked Branson concernedly.

  “It will be safe, dwarf king,” said Darian lightly. “I will weave in a certain phrase or password. Without it, the gate will not operate. I will also instruct the gate who is allowed to pass and who is not. Like goblins or fire dwarves, should they learn the password, however unlikely, they would be burned to ash to even attempt it,” said Darian confidently.

  “I like ye boy. It sounds complicated.”

  “It is. It’s extremely complex and time consuming. It will take me at least one full day just to prepare the proper spells.”

  “What ‘ere ye need, ye be havin’ it.”

  “My thanks,” Darian said sincerely.

  “What about me throne room? Can ye put the thing there?” asked the king.

  “I wouldn’t recommend it Branson. I would rather put it somewhere secure and easily defended. Somewhere small and out of the way. A Pantry or larder would do nicely.”

  “What about the one in Kiri A’ Nouell?” asked Kyler.

  “I was thinking the council room. It’s small enough and it is always guarded,” answered Darian.

  “How will you do it?” asked Kyler.

  “Not to worry, my friend. That’s part of the creation. I can create it from here through this one.”

  “You want a drink?” asked the Mage once their business with Branson was complete.

  “I would love one,” responded Kyler.

  “C’mon then, elf. I’ve got some Nykessa in my room.”

  “You’ve been holding out on me?”

  “Desperate times, my friend.” They both laughed.

  “So, what’s going on? With you and my sister, I mean.”

  “Kyler, it’s a long story.”

  “I’ve got time,” responded Kyler as they sat, drinks in hand.

  “Here’s the thing. Even if The Order would allow our relationship, if she conceived a child they would demand it to be returned to Mogan Dar. They would never allow a child of a Mage of The Order to remain anywhere else,” The Mage said soberly.

  “To be honest Darian, I’d never thought of that. I guess everything you’ve done makes a strange kind of sense. Could you keep your relationship secret?”

  “I could try I guess, but if they ever found out…That’s a chance I’m not willing to take. Besides, I would still have to go to the Breeders.”

  “The Breeders?” asked Kyler, prompting the Mage to elaborate.

  “Yes. Every powerful Mage is sent there to breed. In this way, our power structure is complete. I cannot put her through this kind of life. I love her and respect her. I’ve hurt her enough, now it’s time to let her go. It’s the best I can do for her. It’s the right thing to do,” he said softly.

  “I think you should know, Tireniel plans to ask father for her hand if you haven’t made a move by the time this is over.” Shock filled the Mage’s eyes and suddenly he did not seem as certain as he had only moments before. Kyler hated to tell him, but felt he should know.

  “Well, maybe that’s best. This is no life for her. How could I do it to her after everything I’ve already put her through? I could not ask her to accept this. I know in the beginning she may not mind. She’d tell me as long as she can be with me, that’s all that matters. In the beginning, it would be enough. After a while, she would be openly jealous and angry, hostile even. I would be unable to do anything. I must go to the Breeders when they tell me to. Kyler, the truth is, that’s why I left. I could not stand the thought of it. The Dark Mage just made my decision easier. Upon my return, I’ll be forced to keep my appointment. Maybe that’s best as well. The sooner my life returns to normal, the better. Then maybe I can finally get your sister off my mind.”

  “Is that really what you want?” asked Kyler.

  “You know it’s not. My life is just too damn complicated.” Kyler wondered if Darian would stay in Mogan Dar or if he would continue to travel with him. He didn’t want Darian to leave. He didn’t realize how much his friendship meant to him. Now the threat of losing it…

  “Darian, may I ask you something? It’s been bugging me for a while now.”

  “Sure, ask away,” Darian said, mildly amused.

  “Why did you sleep with Nereina? By everything you’ve told me, that’s against Order

  law as well,” said Kyler slyly. Darian sighed before responding.

  “In part, I was rebelling. I knew I couldn’t have Ty and Nereina was more than willing, so I took advantage of her offer.”

  “I’ve never seen you like this before,” said the elf.

  “You should have seen me in Mogan Dar, Kyler. I am a man who is used to getting what I want when I want it. I’ve always had beautiful women fawning over me, eager to please me. I was happy in Mogan Dar. What man wouldn’t be? Then I began to get bored. I grew restless. I began to understand that there were dark forces at work. I knew someone was after me. I knew it was a fellow Mage of The Order. They’ve always despised me for my talents and success. This was something more sinister. I could feel it. I took my things and I left, never looking back. I figured Kiri A’ Nouell a good destination because they’ve never been able to break through the magical barrier.”

  “Do you mean that they’ve tried?” asked Kyler, aghast.

  “You know they have. Not to worry, they won’t either. I took the liberty of adding some things
when I arrived. Even if I do go back, I won’t stay. Only long enough to do what I must, and then I will return if that’s okay. I enjoy our travels and don’t want to give that up. Kyler, I’m really glad we’re friends.”

  He could see the immediate relief in his friend’s eyes and he was glad that the elf didn’t want him to leave. Not yet at least. Only time would tell if their friendship could withstand what was coming.

  “Me too, Darian. I guess I understand those peculiar stares we always get when we travel. A Mage doesn’t have friends, do they?”

  “No. Believe me, if they thought they could, they would have tried to kill me already. Well, tried harder I should say. They’ve already tried at least once or twice.”

  “What? Isn’t that against Order law?” asked Kyler, confused.

  “Of course, but they would not look too hard into the matter, either. Some of it is to be expected. Often silently encouraged.”

  “I don’t know how you survived there that long.”

  “At the time, that’s all I knew. If you think Shaz is in a cutthroat business…”

  “Do they allow visitors? Like merchants and travelers?” asked Kyler.

  “Yes, in certain places, but guarded. If found elsewhere, they are brought immediately to Piri-Tuma where they meet their demise,” said Darian with a half-smile.

  “I have to be honest Darian, I’m surprised you’re being so open with me.”

  “We’ve known each other a long time, Kyler. I owe you honesty. I owe you answers to some questions. Trust me, if you touch on a sensitive subject, you’ll know.”

  “Alright, why Gayla. Why can you be with her?”

  “The Order prides itself on the female companionship they provide the Mages with. The girls are brought in at a young age from surrounding villages and sometimes from the cities. The Order removes their reproductive organs because humans are not good hosts. Most of the subjects died in childbirth. The apprentices do not get female companionship. Novices get one visit a month. Journeymen get one visit every two weeks. A master gets one visit per week. And a full Mage gets what he wants whenever he wants it. So, if I want five girls at once, I get it.”

  “What’s the difference between a master and a full Mage?”

  “Ah,” Darian said, smiling. “A full Mage has passed the Test and earned his staff. Outsiders cannot tell the difference and they confuse us easily. They call us all Mages but we’re not. We’re all at different levels.”

  “So what about Mortin? What’s his rank?” asked Kyler, trying to get as much information as he could from his oft-cagey friend.

  “Mortin is right where he was when I became an apprentice; a journeyman,” said Darian contemptuously.

  “Darian, how long did it take you to become a Mage?”

  “About one hundred fifty years or so. Most are still apprentices or novices by this time.” Kyler did not know how to respond.

  “Why is it that Morphindinaetlus has a personal vendetta against you?” asked the elf, suspecting he already knew the answer.

  “More wine?” asked Darian, deflecting.

  “It’s the Orb of Healing, isn’t it?” asked the sly elf, holding up his glass for a refill. Darian did not let any emotion show on his face.

  “You sure are a curious one, aren’t you?” asked the Mage finally.

  “I suspected, but was not sure until now. How did you steal it?”

  “That was a personal test of mine. A test, as you can see, that I passed.”

  “How did the dragon come to possess it?” asked the elf.

  “He is a long-lived creature. He has seen the birth and death of many civilizations,” was all the explanation Darian gave him. Kyler knew at once that he’d touched a nerve.

  “How did you know Morphindinaetlus had it?” pushed Kyler, ignoring the black clouds swirling in his friend’s eyes.

  “This I cannot tell you. I would like you to stay by my side while I create this gate. It will take a lot out of me. I will be weak, drained and tired. I need someone who I trust completely to watch my back.”

  “Sure, whatever you need, my friend. Darian, how many Mages could make a gate such

  as you will attempt?”

  “Not many, to be sure and none that I know.”

  “Are you sure it’s a good idea?” asked Kyler, concerned for the Mage’s well-being.

  “It will save us weeks and weeks of travel. The faster we can get back, the better. The more time we’ll have to plan our next moves.” Kyler could not argue with Darian, it made sense.

  Much later, Darian lay in bed alone preparing the spells he would need to begin work tomorrow. He did not tell the elf of the risks that creating a gate had. Kyler was a good friend and he would probably try to stop him. Besides, Darian was strong and capable. His attention to detail was unsurpassed. He slipped into Ru Nay’ Sha with the spells he needed to memorize swirling around in his sub-consciousness.

  After supper, the thief returned to his room to contemplate what he’d learned. He knew the Mage was talking directly to him. Though they did not know this yet, Kyler and company had nothing to fear from him. He was not working with the Dark Mage. He didn’t even know who it was. He suspected Mortin knew more than he let on, though. This was something he needed to discuss with the Mage as soon as possible. There had been little opportunity as Darian kept his distance. They’d agreed to let him and Torgyn come along as long as he turned over the enchanted necklace to Darian. He was fairly certain the Mage destroyed it. That’s what he would have done if their positions were reversed. After all, Darian was no idiot.

  Kryndale insisted on taking the room next to Kyler to better protect him should the need arise. He knew this had upset some of the forest elves, but he didn’t care. The Gor Li’ Khan were better suited to the task. Kyler understood this. They all would come to the same conclusion. Whether they did or not was of no consequence to him. He lay awake for a while contemplating the long road that brought him here. Had he known the truth of the seer’s affections, would he still have made the arduous journey?

  How long would he have remained a prisoner under Thelarki’s yoke? The things the Gor Li’ Khan had been made to do under his reign were despicable. They left a bad taste in his mouth, which salt and soda could not remove no matter how hard he scrubbed.

  To abandon his land and his people was an alarming idea. He believed he chose the right course. Galavad was a caring, compassionate ruler. The apple did not fall far from the tree as could be seen with the Monarch’s son Kyler.

  The Mage perplexed him though. He acted like none he’d ever met. The risks he took with his strange behavior Kryndale could not comprehend. Why would he risk The Order’s ire for one night of meaningless passion? If he didn’t know better, he would think the Mage was rebelling. That just did not happen. The Order had strict rules and laws that the Mages followed without question. Well, until now it would seem.

  Calisha held Nephraete close as he stroked her hair. She snuggled closer to him. She always felt safe when she was with him. They shared a deep connection because they were bonded at her birth. She could not imagine her life without him. He sang to her softly in elvish and his words made her heart weep with joy. She drifted into Ru Nay’ Sha listening to his melodious voice.

  Morning came and Darian rose early, ready to begin. He made his way to the larder, Kyler in tow. Kyler could not help his friend, but lent his support. If there were anything Darian needed, he would get it. The elf remained quiet, not wanting to disturb the Mage’s concentration.

  Darian began the first set of spells. At first, Kyler noticed no changes. After a while, he witnessed a shadow in the form of a doorway beginning to appear. Lorin appeared, offering his services.

  “Darian, it would be an honor if I could help you.” At first, Darian remained quiet, as if he was sizing the elf up. Then he merely nodded, going back to work.

  “I’m going to tie off this Weave here and I need you to hold this one open,” he said passing off the W
eave to Lorin.

  “Right,” answered Lorin matter-of-factly, stepping right in and holding the Magical Weave. Loganthar entered soon after, offering his services as well. This would definitely be easier with their help.

  “Ah, yer up early. If there’s anythin’ ye need, ye just need to tell me,” said the dwarf king.

  “Our thanks,” answered Kyler. He noticed beads of sweat begin to form on the elven mages’ foreheads. Darian remained calm and cool as always.

  When they broke for lunch, Kyler could see the strain behind his friend’s eyes. He was not sure how much longer the Mage could keep going. He dared not speak his concerns; he knew Darian was aware of his limits.

  After a ten-day, dwarf and elf runes began to appear intermingled around the frame.

  The elven mages’ respect for Darian had grown in the past two weeks. The gate was simply beyond either one of them. Yet Darian commanded it. His control of the magic was impressive. He willed it into being almost through sheer force of determination. They’d never witnessed anything like it.

  “Lorin, hold the Weave here,” Darian pointed. “I need to tie it off over here. Loganthar, hold tight now. It’s going to reverberate a little.” Loganthar nodded, but was not prepared for the force of it. He was knocked back, barely able to hold on to the Weave. Darian pressed harder, grunting with the effort. Loganthar’s link with the magic bucked violently, and then conformed to the will of the Mage of The Order.

  “I think that will be all for today.” Darian looked at his two brave helpers. If they’d understood the danger, would they still have helped? “Thank you both. I could manage myself, but I really appreciate your help. It makes it much easier on me,” Darian admitted.

  “It is an honor to work with you. I would love to learn from you,” Loganthar stated.

  “Yes Darian, me too,” said Lorin. Darian nodded, but did not respond. He made his way to his room, collapsing on the bed and drifting quickly into Ru Nay’ Sha.