by Blink, Bob
“Are you ready to go to Sulen?” Jeen asked when Rigo finished explaining about the cabin where Inge’s father would relocate.
They had worked out the plan the previous evening. Using Daria’s knowledge of the estate, Jeen would open the pathway inside the estate on the upper floor where the Queen was being kept. While Daria and Kaler kept watch, with Jeen on hand to put any guards to sleep, Inge would make her unannounced call on Queen Usaya, with Rigo present but invisible. Ash’urn wasn’t going along today. Jeen had already taken him back to the Outpost where he preferred to be. He would be continuing his lessons with Nycoh, attempting to learn the older language.
Stepping through the arch, they found themselves inside the richly appointed mansion, in a large room furnished with ornate furniture and silk wall hangings. Behind them were a number of closed doors that Daria explained were the rooms where the former Queen and Lady Mos’pera slept. They could hear voices coming from another room through the open doorways ahead.
“That’s Lady Mos’pera,” Inge said confidently. “I recognize her voice. She must be talking with Lady Usaya.”
“Let’s go,” Rigo urged, and as he followed Inge he vanished from view. As they walked toward the voices, Rigo was still trying to decide a better way to convince someone, the Queen in this case, that magic was real.
“Inge!” Queen Usaya exclaimed when she spotted her coming into the room. “How did you get here? I have been wondering what became of you.”
Inge bowed as she approached the former Queen and said, “I was being held not too far from here. King Cordale had my father in the dungeons and had turned his inquisitors on him.”
“Great Risos!” The Queen exclaimed. “But why? Neither you nor your father had anything to do with recent events. Why would he have done such a thing?”
“Cordale is a viscous bastard who has long been an enemy of my family. He has been using my supposed association with your stepson as an excuse to rid himself of my father.”
“But then how is it that you are here? If you escaped from where they were holding you, you still shouldn’t have been able to get by the guards they have watching this place. It must also be dangerous for you.”
“I have been aided by someone I met a while back. He appeared and rescued me and my father. He wishes to speak with you. I warn you that he carries frightening news and needs your help.”
“Where is this person?” Lady Mos’pera asked. She had been listening, but hadn’t spoken until now. “Despite appearances, we are not free to entertain guests.”
“He is here with me,” Inge said. “He has been waiting until I spoke with you before revealing himself.”
“By all means, invite him in. If he has aided you and your father I owe him a debt. Your father has long been a friend of my husband and myself,” Usaya said.
“He is more than you might think,” Inge said nervously. “Please do not be frightened by what you are going to see.”
As the two women looked at Inge questioningly, Rigo made himself reappear. Lady Mos’pera’s hand went to her mouth as he materialized, and the former Queen gasped slightly.
As Inge and the former Queen had talked, Rigo had been attempting to decide on an approach that might gain her confidence and smooth the way to explaining the role magic was going to play in everyone’s future. Then Daim had brought his attention to something that Rigo had overlooked. It was faint, barely noticeable, but suggested an alternate approach.
“I apologize for the shock of my unusual appearance, but I thought it best that Inge have a chance to prepare you. My name is Rigo. I am honored to meet both of you.” Rigo bowed in the direction of the former Queen.
“How did you conceal yourself so effectively?” Lady Mos’pera asked.
“Magic,” Rigo explained. “I am that which we have been told all our lives doesn’t exist, a wizard.”
“A wizard?” asked Usaya. “You said you hid yourself by magic. Are you therefore claiming to be the kind of wizard that the stories claim is skilled in all forms of magic?”
Rigo nodded.
“And how would you have come by such powers? I have never encountered anyone who has made such a claim before. In fact, wouldn’t it be against the laws of the land to exercise such power?”
“I will try and explain,” Rigo said.
Usaya smiled. “Lady Mos’pera claims to be a Seer, so I guess I am not too surprised that someone would also claim to be a wizard.”
Rigo looked at Lady Usaya. Something that Daim recognized was present in her eyes. He would have to pursue that as well, but at the moment Queen Usaya was waiting.
“Magic has been suppressed for many centuries, but is starting to re-emerge. I am one who was born with the gift. In the past months my skills have been greatly enhanced.”
“You have yet to prove your claim, but I have more reason than most to believe what you say.” She looked toward one of the unlit candles on the table and moments later it burst into flame.
Rigo smiled. Daim had been right once again. Lady Usaya had a brief touch of the gift.
“I have long wondered,” Usaya said smugly. “I have been able to do that since I was a child. I never told anyone, and I never have been able to do more. But that seems like magic, doesn’t it? Can you do more?”
“Considerably more,” Rigo said, now confident that his task was going to be simpler. “I could level this building with a thought.”
“That would be an impressive display. How did you come by this ability? One would expect that like anything else, certain training would be required.”
“You might say I’m being trained by Master Daim, one of the preeminent wizards from our distant past.”
“That is certainly difficult to believe. How would such a thing be possible? It would be too much to believe he is still alive after all of these years and has remained hidden for so long.”
Rigo touched his head. “A bit of magic he performed long ago stored his memories away and transferred them to me when I found the special ring where they had been preserved. Because of that I am aware of the history of ancient magic and more important dangers that are about to fall upon our world. It is because of that I have asked Inge to perform this introduction. May I have your permission to explain?”
Usaya nodded, and Rigo took the next half glass to briefly outline what was happening unnoticed by most of the human population on the edge of the Ruins.
“This is real?” Usaya asked. “These beasts are truly a threat?”
“I have encountered them a number of times and the numbers are growing. I have friends in the outer chamber who have fought with them as well. If you wish I can take you to the Ruins and show you for yourself.”
“That would take months!” Usaya objected, even if I was inclined to endure such a trip or free to do so if I wanted.”
“It would be a matter of a few moments,” Rigo told her. “I have access to a different way of making such a journey. Ask Inge. She slept last night in her home on the western coast.”
Usaya glanced at Inge who nodded the truth of Rigo’s statement.
“Say I accept your claim. What is it you seek from me?”
“Several things,” Rigo said. “To start, the war between the three kingdoms must be stopped. The men and effort must be directed toward our survival, not trying to fight over land that will soon be overrun. I need to spread the word that magic has returned and that it is not a thing to be feared. The number of wizards we know of are insufficient for the tasks ahead. More must be found. Finally, I would like to know all you can tell me about what befell your husband and stepdaughter, and what you know of Rhog’s involvement. I suspect Cordale is behind much of what happened, but I must be certain of the truth before I act. I have a personal grudge against the man, but perhaps he is innocent of what I suspect.”
Usaya huffed angrily. “I have no proof, but I also believe Cordale to be behind much of what has happened. She explained everything she knew. Rhog had confessed a
nd she was certain he had had a plan to see his brother killed. However, Rhog claimed he had made no plans against his father and she believed him. He also had not known where Rhory was going to be when he was ambushed, so she doubted he was the ultimate cause behind his death.
“Rhory lives” Lady Mos’pera insisted.
“Now is not the time,” the Queen said.
“No!” Lady Mos’pera insisted. “This is one who can help. I sense it. My abilities are poor, but even I can tell this.”
Rigo stepped over and looked into Mos’pera’s eyes. Daim peered out of his own with him. She is a Seer, he heard in his mind. A weak one. She has recently come to the power due to her pregnancy. She will earn the full gift once she comes to term.
Rigo noted the extended belly from her pregnancy. Daim seemed to link her developing powers to the impending birth. Rigo had no knowledge of this, but if Daim was certain, then he expected she was what Daim claimed.
“Prince Rhory’s alive?” he asked softly. “The news is that he and his men were found burned after losing a major battle.”
“They found his armor. He still lives. I have limited sight, but I can sense that my husband is still among the living. You must help find him,” she pleaded.
“I will definitely try,” agreed Rigo. “If Rhory could be found alive, much could be done to aid the end of the fighting.”
Rigo turned back to Usaya. “Tell me more of the sickness your husband contracted.”
“There were many who believed it to be the coughing plague, but no one else caught it. How would that be possible?”
Once again Daim supplied Rigo with the answer. He relayed to Usaya what Daim was telling him.
“It is related. The sickness comes from a special flower. Someone has learned to extract the virulent element and create a poison. It would have been risky when the flowers first appeared, but given how they have weakened over the years and the immunity that man has gained as a result of the plagues, it is conceivable that the poison could be harvested and concentrated. It should be safe enough to do this now, and only someone exposed to the concentrated result would be prone to catching the plague. The rest of us have enough immunity it wouldn’t spread. I am certain your husband and daughter were poisoned. I cannot say who is responsible.”
“Cordale,” hissed Usaya.
“I would guess you are correct, but there might be others. Certainly, Lopal would have much to gain as well.”
They discussed the matter further, until Usaya said, “You said the war must be stopped. How do you expect I can help you with that? I am no longer in control of Branid.”
“A major battle is forming. I have no idea where, but must be there to stop it. Do you know where and when it is going to happen?”
“Cordale visited more than two weeks ago and said that his troops were about to deliver a surprise blow to Lopal. I have no more knowledge than that. Mos’pera and I have been kept ignorant of events since Cordale moved us out of the castle.”
“Do you know anyone who would know? Anyone who would reveal the plans to you?”
“Briner,” she said after a moment. “You need to bring Commander Briner to me.”
* * * *
Rigo heard his friends in the outer chamber as they returned from searching out the man Queen Usaya had requested. It was obvious that they had someone with them from the angry voice that cursed as they escorted him toward the room where Rigo waited with Inge and the two noble women.
“What just happened? Where are we? Who in Risos name do you think you are?” The coarse voice of the very unhappy guardsman was going to earn them unwanted attention if it wasn’t controlled quickly.
“That sounds like Briner,” Usaya said with a grin. She had made a point of reminding Rigo that she was no longer the Queen and he should refer to her by her name, maybe as Lady Usaya in formal situations. She had accepted him and what he might be far easier than he could have hoped. The fact that both the former Queen and Lady Mos’pera were blessed with limited abilities of the gift had worked in his favor and made what might have been a nearly impossible situation possible.
“I’ll not be telling you anything,” Commander Briner insisted as Kaler and Daria escorted him into the room at knifepoint. Briner appeared to be watching Daria with her small knife more closely even than he was Kaler with the Kellmore sword drawn and ready. Then Briner spotted Usaya and his objections abruptly ceased. He bowed toward her and said, “Your Ladyship. These people are really with you as they claim?”
“That is correct, Commander I asked them to seek you out and bring you here. I didn’t expect it to be under guard. What happened?”
“They found me at the barracks and said that you would appreciate speaking with me. I had never seen either of them before and I could not imagine why such a request would not come through more conventional channels. Pardon me, but word has been spread that you have withdrawn from affairs of state in deference to the new king.”
“So you resisted?” Usaya asked.
“I tried, but that one,” and he indicated Daria, “had a knife at my throat before I could finish speaking. I was sure they were some kind of Lopal spies trying to learn our plans.”
“Any other troubles?” Rigo asked.
“A couple of his friends noted us leading the Commander away and attempted to interfere. I had to disarm them,” Kaler said. “Several others gave chase, but when we turned the corner by one of the buildings Jeen had the Bypass ready and we all stepped into it. They must be very confused about now wondering where we could have gone.”
Commander Briner was looking around. “How did we get here?” he asked. “There is nothing like this near the barracks.”
“You are across town from where you started,” Usaya informed him. “Ours friends here have some remarkable talents and a means of getting around that you have just independently verified.”
“No offense, your Ladyship, but couldn’t you have sent for me by more usual means?”
“A fair question, Commander, but the truth is that I am not free to entertain guests or request someone like you to come at my call. This meeting must be unseen by those who hold Lady Mos’pera and myself here. We are seeking information about the impending attacks and confrontation with Lopal.”
“For them?” Briner asked looking at Kaler and Daria.
“For them and my friends here,” Usaya said, indicating Rigo and Inge.
Briner hesitated, then shrugged. “If it were anyone else asking, I wouldn’t say a thing, you realize. Actually, I’m not officially in the know. Since Cordale became King, some of us old hands have been pushed aside by the newer leaders he has put into place, but it’s difficult to move that many men without word spreading around. In this case, it can’t matter much, because there is nothing useful that could be done with the information. The battle will begin before the word could be passed to anyone.”
“The battle will begin that soon?” Rigo asked suddenly concerned.
Briner nodded. “A day, maybe two. Three at most.”
“How can you be certain?” Rigo asked.
Briner looked at Rigo, but when Usaya nodded that he should answer, Briner said, “The captain got a messenger bird the other day. The enemy has been located and they expected to close on its position shortly.”
Briner looked like he wanted to say more, but he held his tongue.
“You appear uncertain about something, Commander,” Usaya observed astutely.
Briner hesitated, then said. “The belief is that with the troops sent from Sulen to augment those in the field our forces will soundly outnumber those of the enemy. I don’t think the Captain that King Cordale has tasked with this important encounter has the experience to be making those kinds of decisions. Others agree with me, but our voices are not welcome at the present time. Lopal has shown they can be tricky, and I fear they might be walking into a trap much as Prince Rhory appears to have done.”
“Do you know where the battle is to take place
?” Rigo asked.
“More or less. I could place it within a half-day’s ride of where it will be. The note wasn’t that specific.”
“That’s still a huge area,” Kaler noted.
Rigo nodded. “If Commander Briner is right about the timing, we probably don’t have time to seek out more specific information. We will have to search the area ourselves.” Rigo turned to Briner. “Have you been to the area before? Can you remember exactly what it looks like?”
“I’ve been about everywhere in Branid,” Briner noted. But, yes, I can recall the surrounding area quite clearly. Why?”
“Lady Usaya,” Rigo said, addressing the former Queen. “Do you think Commander Briner would accept a command from you to act as my scout and provide us with whatever assistance we need?”
“I have no official capacity to direct the commander,” Usaya said, “but he has always been very dedicated to my late husband and myself. If he agrees to help, you can trust his word.”
She turned toward Briner. “Branid is at grave risk. These people want to stop the impending battle and the war. Are you willing to assist them in finding the site of the battle?”
“Whatever your Ladyship demands,” Briner replied. “I feel my first duty is to you, regardless of your official title. But there is not enough time. Even with our fastest horses it would be weeks before we can reach the intended battlefield. By then, it will have already been decided.”
“Do not worry about that,” Rigo said. “Horses will not be required.” Rigo thought for a moment. “It is already late in the day, and we should leave quickly.” Rigo turned to Jeen. “I need you to take Inge back home and then transport her family to the location agreed on earlier in the day. Inge can guide you. When you are finished, return to the Outpost and stay there with Ash’urn.”
“Don’t you think I should go with you, just in case?” she asked.
“If there is time I will come back for you, but I should be able to deal with this alone. It is important that Inge is not discovered. Cordale would be very interested in what has been going on. Besides, should something go wrong, it would be best for you to be free to let those at the Outpost know.”
