by Jon Bender
Adriana laid against his back trying to get some sleep while the stars sped past above. Brenin was slumped forward in his own saddle dozing lightly but Jaxom could not take the time to rest his eyes. He had been scanning the ground since they had been forced to abandon the farm hours ago. They could not risk setting down without knowing how fast the shades could travel at night. As far as he knew they were running right beneath him, just waiting for them to make the mistake of landing to rest.
He had almost resigned himself to sleeping in the air that night when the light of hundreds of camp fires came into view ahead. From his vantage point he could see that the camp was roughly circular and had been ringed by larger bond fires lighting up the perimeter. Jaxom was almost sure they had been following Corin’s path but he had to be certain before they just landed in the middle of an army at night. He also did not want to be mistaken for an enemy again, like when they had arrived at the palace. Nudging Adriana awake, he called to Brenin who jerked in his saddle having forgotten where he was. Pointing out the fires to his friends they maneuvered the risen down outside the light of the perimeter. Walking the durgen to the edge of the trees just before it opened up to where the army was camped. Jaxom could just make out the uniforms of the men patrolling in front of the large fires. They wore the blue livery of Ale’adaria except for one whose robes showed him to be a mage. A strange sight as mages would not normally be on guard duty thinking the task beneath them. Something must have happened that would make Corin put them out here to protect the camp.
Tapping Adriana’s leg she climbed down from behind him allowing Jaxom to also dismount, he did not want to alarm the men any more than he had to. All three of them now on foot, they walked out towards the light. “Hello the camp,” Jaxom said. Wanting to give the men there time to ready themselves for strangers walking up on them. The men nearby who had heard instantly came on guard drawing swords or hefting spears. The mage had also heard and held out extended hands in preparation to cast at the intruders.
Stepping out to where they could be seen, Jaxom felt a cold wind blow past him and frost beginning to form over his body. “Hold you magic magus, can’t you see their not shades?” a gruff sounding voice said from among the men. The wind eased up and the frost abated as four men with weapons drawn moved out to meet them.
“Well, who are you then?” The owner of the gruff voice said. Jaxom could see the chevrons on the man’s arm marking him as a sergeant, his demeanor showing confidence and experience.
“Magus Jaxom and company to see the King,” Jaxom said hoping to be recognized. He was well known among the Guard but doubted if any of the army knew him by name.
“The death mage,” one of the men whispered to the others. Well at least he wouldn’t have to explain who he was and what he was doing there.
“Sorry magus but we have been on guard like this for the past two nights. The shades slipped through three days ago and they killed near one hundred men before we even knew they were there,” the sergeant said.
That explained the extra fires and mage. “That’s alright sergeant, we ran into them on the way down here and your caution is warranted,” Jaxom said. “We left our mounts in the tree line, tell your men that they will be coming up soon and to not give the alarm.” The man looked confused but sent one of the men there back to the fires to tell the rest.
Jaxom reached out to the risen durgen instructing them to approach the group. Even with the warning there was a gasp from the three men with them, the others near the fire shuffling around forming into small groups readying for an attack. Once the durgen had reached him, Jaxom climbed back up into the saddle; Brenin resuming his seat as well while Adriana opted to stay on the ground than ride double again. Moving forward they approached the fires as the men there took steps back to clear them a path, the ice mage however staying where he was waiting for them.
“Good evening magus,” Jaxom said politely. The mage who appeared to be no older than Brenin stood there staring at the risen mounts for a moment before looking up to regard Jaxom.
“Good evening,” the mage replied. Surprisingly as polite as Jaxom who had expected more scorn and less impressment. “These are wondrous creatures you have. I was told that you could control the dead, but I have never heard of animals like these before.”
“What is your name magus?” Jaxom asked the mage who had returned his eyes to the durgen.
“Darian,” he said, running a hand down the neck of the risen all the way to the shoulder.
“If we have time later I can tell you as much as you want about them, but for now I need to speak with the King. Do you know where I can find him?” Jaxom asked.
The ice mage stepped back. “Yes of course, his tent is at the center of the camp near the mages and officers, and I would very much enjoy discussing these creatures of yours when there is time,” he said.
Jaxom nodded to the man before moving into the camp. There was a good distance from the outer ring of guard fires to the first tents, and Jaxom guessed it was meant to buy time for the army to organize if the alarm was sounded. The first of the tents were small white canvas stretched over a pole meant to hold two. Men sat by fires tending to pots of food or their gear, all jumping up alarmed at the sight of them. Further into the camp were the supply wagons and animals kept closer to the center for protection in case of a raid. Men responsible for supplies were handing out food or working on broken armor and gear. After the wagons the tents became larger, belonging to officers and nobles who were responsible for leading individual units into battle. One noble coming out of his tent jumped back reaching for his sword. Jaxom ignored the man and kept moving forward through the gathering crowd of men and mages who had come out to see the strange creatures. Eventually they reached the largest tent of the camp surrounded by the King’s personal Guard who were spaced evenly around the square canvas structure.
“Brenin, can you stay here with our gear?” he asked the archer.
The man nodded keeping his seat as Jaxom and Adriana walked passed the two guards at the entrance, both men bringing fist to chest in salute. Pushing the flap aside, the room within was well lit by candles and bright decorative rugs had been spread over the ground. Further back was another closed flap most likely leading to Corin’s private area where he slept. At the center of the room stood a large collapsible table surrounded by men in armor and mages in robes, all looking up to see the new comers.
At the head of the table Corin stood straight from where he had been leaning over the maps spread over the table. Walking over to Jaxom, his blonde friend looked him up and down before grabbing him in both arms for a bear hug that squeezed the air from his body.
“I see you have still not learned the definition of the word subtlety, my men say that you are riding some kind of winged beast. What will it be next time? A dragon?” The King said finally letting Jaxom down from the powerful embrace.
“If only it was, I think a dragon could be very useful for what we are up against. I have a lot to tell you, but…” Jaxom looked around the room at the men who had been watching the exchange.
“Lord Welbrin would you please see that Jaxom and his… friend are situated with a tent nearby,” Corin said seeing that Jaxom did not want to speak in front of others. He had also not missed Adriana’s presence and speculating on the relationship between her and Jaxom. “Have one of the lesser lords moved to other arrangements if necessary.” Turning back he spared another glance for Adriana, and Jaxom saw the hint of a grin at the corner of his mouth. How could he possibly know already? Jaxom thought to himself. Realizing it was more likely that his friend had just jumped to a conclusion about their relationship.
“We will speak after I have finished here. Go get yourself cleaned up and I am glad that you made it back okay,” Corin said. Patting Jaxom on the shoulder he returned to his position at the table.
Lord Wilbrin did evict another noble who was not happy about being told he was giving up his tent for the death mage. The tent
was small for the three of them but it was better than those at the edge of the camp that the line soldiers were sleeping under. With their bags put away, Brenin laid out his bed roll on the ground and promptly went to sleep. Adriana followed Jaxom back outside where the durgen stood motionless waiting for commands. A small group of mages were standing near them looking over the risen in curiosity. Leaving them to examine the mounts, the two of them walked back to Corin’s tent.
They found his friend sitting on a folding chair near a small table in the corner sipping on a glass of wine in front of him. Seeing them come in he waved at some empty chairs and poured two more glasses for them. Once seated Corin looked over both of them for a minute then stared at Jaxom waiting.
“Well? Are you going to introduce your friend or am I going to have to ask her name myself?” he said.
“This is Adriana Fielder of Chams’Dell. Adriana this is his majesty Corin Baldrin, King of Ale’adaria,” Jaxom said.
Corin reached across the table offering her his hand which she shook firmly. “So I am assuming you have found out who we have to blame for the shades,” he said.
“Yes a god named Or’Keer who is also responsible for much of what is happening throughout the kingdoms,” Jaxom replied.
“I have never heard of this god and why would he involve himself in our affairs when no other god has?” Corin asked.
Jaxom explained what had happened once they had entered the Teriken Forest. Their capture by Alimar and a brief description of what he had learned from the book about the war between the gods. This part fascinated Corin and he would interrupt the story to ask questions about how much power the mages had, or details on how the gods had been killed. Answering the questions as best he could, Jaxom continued by telling him of the pact that was formed and how it had limited the power of both sides. This led into the mage wars which Corin had some knowledge on but not the details on how the death mages had been involved. He was surprised to find that there was a city that came close, if not matching his own, in size and grandeur a little further than a ten-day travel to the north. From there Jaxom spoke of the new god Or’Keer and his designs on the world, being sure to explain that he was not held by the pact that the mages of old had forged with the gods.
“This god Or’Keer is the one who created the shades and the creature that attacked you in the cells?” Corin asked while pouring himself another glass of wine.
“Yes they are his servants, created like the mages were but with far less power,” Jaxom replied.
“What was this Alimar’s involvement in their creation?” Corin asked looking Jaxom directly in the eye.
Jaxom had purposefully avoided telling that part until he had finished with the whole story. He was well aware that even though Alimar had not created the shades he had provided a place for them to base their attacks from. This alone would condemn the death mage as an enemy, but Jaxom knew that enemies often became friends in times of war. He now only had to convince Corin that having the man in the north as a friend would be much more valuable in the long run then killing him. That was of course if Corin agreed to allow Jaxom to go through with his plan to help the other death mage to rebuild their school of magic.
“Alimar had no hand in the making or direction of the shades, but they were created within the city he controls,” Jaxom replied.
Corin remained quiet at the statement considering. “What was he promised in return for this aid? Is he to rule in Or’Keer’s name?”
“He does not care anything for Or’Keer or what he wants. Alimar wants only to rebuild the city and restore the death mages if it can be done at all, and was afraid of interference from the other mages if he attempted to do so. Or’Keer offered him help with keeping the kingdoms distracted so he could accomplish his goal,” Jaxom said
“Since you waited to tell me this I assume that you support him in this,” Corin said.
Jaxom nodded that he did. “I offered him our support in rebuilding the city if he would join us in the fight against Or’Keer. He agreed to this if we win against Dradon and Azuria proving that we are capable of holding up our end,” Jaxom said holding his breath to see how his friend would react.
“You are putting me in a tight spot with this Jaxom. The man has been working with an enemy who has attacked us, an enemy that tried to kill me directly. Now you tell me that he wants to rebuild a city for death mages on my borders even though mages are forbidden from ruling. You expect me to alienate those mages loyal to me to support one man as he builds a kingdom near to mine. We are friends Jaxom but you are asking too much of me in this,” Corin said.
“I do not purpose that we help him to build a new kingdom but to extend yours. You rule only in name in the north because there is nothing there and now we know why. With this city in the Teriken you can expand your influence in that area. Send your nobles younger sons there to create holdings and people will move with them, they will see this as a fresh start filled with opportunity,” Jaxom replied
“That still leaves the matter of having a man in charge who was a part of attacks against us,” Corin said. Jaxom could see that he had swayed his friend’s position slightly. The idea of bringing that part of his land under control must have appealed to him.
“I do not think Alimar cares about ruling the city, only in making it a place where he can gather mages like us together. If we were to offer him protection from the other mages I do not see him turning us away,” Jaxom said.
“Why do we need his permission in any case, if it is just him in this city what is to stop me from taking it. I would be completely justified after what he has participated in,” Corin said.
Jaxom had been afraid his friend would take this line of thought, and in truth Corin could do just that unless Or’Keer decided to intervene. Taking the city by force however would only be a waste of lives and resources when there were other matters that needed their full attention.
“You can do that,” Jaxom started slowly. “Think though on what you would gain in allies and resources if you were to support us. You are also right that Alimar is alone but that does not mean the city is without defenses. Do you really want to waste lives taking it when this way will cost you nothing and possibly gain you much more?” Jaxom replied.
“So it is us now? Have you decided to help him no matter what?” Corin asked him accusingly.
Jaxom hardened his stare at his friend. “You know I would not betray you,” his voice taking a hard edge. “If you say no I will accept it and do as you command. I am merely asking you to consider the possibility. I won’t lie and say I do not want this, because I do. You know that I thought myself to be alone all my life in what I can do and now I know that I am not,” Jaxom said.
Corin stood and paced over the rugs with his hand clasped behind his back, eyes distant as he worked over the options of everything Jaxom had just told him. “I’m sorry, I know that you would never go against me,” he said not stopping his pacing. “And I will consider it, but for now we have more pressing issues. If we are up against a god then it explains his ability to manipulate the kingdoms into fighting each other. The question is what can we do about it besides protect Ale’adaria? Even if we win here, this is only one small part in the game he is playing”
“I do not know yet, but the first death mages defeated the gods so there must be a way,” Jaxom said.
Corin did stop then and regarded him with a smile. “Another reason I should help this Alimar?”
Jaxom shrugged his shoulder as if the idea had never occurred to him. “It couldn’t hurt things as they are now, his knowledge on the subject is considerable.”
Corin grunted not believing the act of innocence. “Well that is an issue to resolve in the future, for now we have to worry about the southerners. We will not be able to stop Or’Keer if our kingdom burns to the ground.”
“So where do we stand with that?” Jaxom asked.
“It appears that the invaders had not expected us to be ready so quickly, it
is even likely that they thought I would wait for them in Ale’adar. They had originally split their army up to loot and forage our southern lands before moving on to the capital, but are now gathering their forces together again to meet us,” Corin said returning to his seat. “General Blackburn and Celia have done a good job of harassing them and slowing their approach, but they could only do so much. I have sent orders to them with instruction to join up with us here, they should arrive day after tomorrow.”
“So you do not plan to move any further south?” Jaxom asked.
“Not until I have a better understanding of where the southerners are,” Corin said shaking his head. “I have lost close to fifty scouts already in trying to locate their main force. I know that they are somewhere to the southeast but beyond that accurate information is hard to gather.”
“I may have something that can help with that,” Jaxom said indicating Adriana. “The mounts I brought with me can fly over the area with little risk.”
“You think I can trust your girlfriend here with something as important as finding the enemy?” Corin said.
Up until this point Adriana had remained quiet, but Corin had questioned her ability and Jaxom could see her tensing. “I have hunted the Teriken since I was a girl and I can count above ten without taking my boots off. If Jaxom says you can trust me you should listen, I believe him when he says you know what you are doing with little evidence to prove it.” Jaxom was stunned by her outburst and nudged her with his elbow. “Your majesty,” she added on.
Corin stared at the huntress for a moment as if considering how he should discipline her disrespect, then burst out in a deep rumbling laugh that brought tears to his eyes. “I like her Jaxom, I hope she decides to keep you. Very well then, you can start in the morning.” He looked back to Jaxom. “You have two of these flying creatures don’t you? Where did you find them, I have never even heard of such beasts before.”
“Yes there are two and they were a gift from Alimar as a show of friendship. I am hoping to learn how to create them myself but I have had not had the time to try,” he replied.
