by Jon Bender
“What was that?” the scared mage said. “You should not have been able to that.”
“Do what? What happened?” Jaxom asked unsure of what he had done. The whole experience seeming so natural.
“You drew in my power. At first I did not know what was happening but I could feel my energy joining yours, like you were draining it away. If it had been my life I would swear it was almost like dying,” he said. Standing he looked shaken by what had happened.
“Other mages can’t do this?” Jaxom asked. Thinking of the possibilities of having another mages power, what if he could control more than just one? The idea of it was almost staggering. “Do you think it would have killed you if we had continued?”
“No mages that I have ever heard of and no, I just mean that it felt like you were absorbing my energy. What did it feel like for you?” he replied.
“Amazing… it was more power than I have ever held on my own before. I think I could almost cast twice as much with it,” Jaxom said. Then it hit him like a charging horse, this could be why other schools had feared death mages enough to join against them. “I do not wish the others to know about this, it could cause problems if they knew.”
Darian looked at him considering Jaxom’s request. He had not known the man more than half a day and already he knew something about Jaxom that he would probably only tell to Corin, Celia, and Adriana. If the man did not agree to this Jaxom was not sure what would happen, maybe the other mages would come for him out of fear that he would steal their power.
Finally the other mage nodded. “You’re right. I do not think Serin or the others would receive this news well, but I do want to it try again. Imagine what could be done if you truly can cast using my power as well as yours,” Darian said
Exactly what Jaxom had been thinking, and he was glad the ice mage had wanted to try again. They parted ways then, Darian saying that he would find him again when his duties allowed for it. Jaxom started back for his tent still thinking on the joining of their power, contemplating the ramifications of it. He wished he could speak to Alimar remembering the other death mage’s bindings, which had held Jaxom’s magic in check. Did the man know what it was they were capable of, or was the smoke shackles something he had learned somewhere not realizing its full potential. It was something he would have to broach carefully with the man, not yet knowing whose side he was on.
Chapter 20
Da’san approached the front gate to the palace where four of the Guard stood watching the dense foot traffic on the street. They tensed at his approach but made no overt threatening move towards their weapons. He understood the apprehension they demonstrated with everything he had heard from his brothers when he returned to the temple. There had been disappearances all over the city shortly after Jaxom had led them north to the Teriken Forest. The rumors circulating around the city spoke of dark priests converting its citizens, and if they refused to worship they were never seen again. So far the Guard had found nothing to lead them to those responsible, and they were all nervous with what was brewing within the walls of the city.
The temples, not only Sarinsha’s, but those devoted to other gods as well, had been attempting to flush out this new religion. Even with their nearness to the common people, they had no more success than the Guard. Da’san himself had gone out the past two nights in search of signs of these dark priests but had found only scared people afraid to leave their homes. The second night he had thought he was being followed and had waited in a dark alley giving them the perfect opportunity to take him, but something must have changed their minds. Those following him may not even have been followers of Or’Keer, they could have been simple cut purses and it was even possible that he had imagined the pursuit.
“Priest Da’san to see Captain Cribble,” he said standing in front of the gate guards.
“On what business?” The guard to his left asked.
He did not wish to announce that he was here hunting for the dark priests, any of these four men before him could be faithful to Or’Keer. “Just tell him that I have some information on the matter we discovered up north, he will know what it means.”
The guard who had spoken looked over his shoulder to another and nodded indicating to inform the captain. Sometime later he returned telling Da’san that the captain would meet him in his office. Following the guard through the gates, he was led to a part of the palace that housed the barracks. After several turns they arrived at a plain wooden door where his escort knocked. A yell to enter issued from the other side and Da’san walked into a well-lit room with a sturdy desk at its center.
Cribble sat behind the desk wearing his chainmail, watching as Da’san closed the door behind him. “Hello Da’san, I was not expecting to see you so soon. So what is it about our trip that you needed to discuss?” Cribble asked.
“I was wondering what information you had on the disappearances that have been happening throughout the city?” Da’san asked.
Cribble leaned back letting out a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. “Not much besides there have been over a hundred of them, but that is only the cases that have been reported to the Guard. Some of the men have noticed there to be fewer beggars about the streets, especially in the poorer areas of the city. This may mean that whoever is doing this may be targeting people who will not be missed. Why? What do you know about it?”
“There are rumors among the churches that dark priests are responsible for the people missing. If that is true, than we have to assume that Or’Keer is trying to establish a foothold in Ale’adar,” Da’san said.
“That is unlikely, the Guard would have heard of something if there was any truth to it,” Cribble said waving a hand to dismiss the idea.
“Not necessarily, the poorer of the people do not have the trust in the Guard that they have in the Temples,” Da’san said. Cribble nodded his head at this, he knew that those of the poorer class would not often speak to the authorities in fear of retribution from the street gangs or more disreputable guilds. They would however, speak to the priests to seek guidance on whatever situation they were in.
“So what do you purpose we do? I could increase patrols and conduct random searches, but that has never been effective in the past,” Cribble said.
“No I do not think we should tip our hand that we are aware that it is Or’Keer. We need to capture one of his priest to find out how far spread this disease is,” Da’san said. He described what his original plan had been, and how so far he had been unsuccessful at luring any of them.
Cribble laughed. “What were you wearing when you went on these little excursions?” he asked.
Da’san looked down at his blue robes indicating that he had worn what he always wore. The priests of Sarinsha had few personal possessions and had no other clothing besides the simple attire he had on now. It dawned on him that if only those who would not be missed were taken, then once they saw those robes the kidnappers would move on to different prey. His sudden realization must have been evident on his face because Cribble started laughing again.
“It was a good plan, but I do not think you are suited to matters of subversion. I will assign some men to go out in civilian clothes to attempt to capture the kidnappers…”
“No,” Da’san said cutting him off. “We do not know if any among the Guard have been influenced. It should be me, you, and Jerup who do this if you can get him,”
Cribble scowled at the thought that any of the Guard could be worshipers of Or’Keer, but he knew of Alimar’s warning as well and nodded his head in agreement. “Very well, I had Jerup assigned to my unit after our return and he is off duty at home with his family. I’ll give you directions and meet you both at a tavern called the Twisted Mug after dark. Make sure that you get some different clothes or we will just be wasting our time.” The captain scribbled something out on a piece of paper before handing it to Da’san. “Tell him not to bring his sword, we don’t want to scare off anyone,” he said with a smile.
Af
ter leaving Cribble’s office, Da’san made his way through the city passing people who kept their heads down and hurried by. The feel of the streets was one of quiet fear, as if everyone expected to be suddenly attacked and dragged away. The area of the city the directions took him was not an overly wealthy neighborhood, populated by successful merchants and traders. The stone house he came to was simple but well maintained with new white paint on the door and shutters. Not chipped and cracked from neglect that you would usually find in the more impoverished places within the city.
Knocking on the door, he was greeted by a middle age woman with long black hair tied up in a bun. Her soft brown eyes and warm smile greeted him with openness. “Can I help you?” she asked.
“I am looking for Guardsman Jerup, I was told this was where he lived,” Da’san replied.
“He does, and who are you?” she asked.
“I am Da’san of the Sarinsha temple,” he replied. She surprised him by suddenly reaching out to grab him in a hug.
“Jerup has told me about you,” she said after releasing him. “He told me about all of you, I am so glad that you decided to visit us. Please come in, come in” she said. Her smile growing bigger as she invited him in gesturing with her hand.
“Thank you,” he said stepping into the house.
“Honey, one of your friends is here to see you,” she yelled into the house. Causing Da’san to cringe slightly at the power of her voice.
“Which friend?” Jerup called back before stepping out of a side room to see Da’san. Walking over he offered his hand and shook Da’san’s own firmly. “Glad you decided to take me up on my offer. You will not be disappointed, my wife Eleanor is the finest cook in the city.” His wife tried to shush him from behind but Jerup ignored her modesty.
Da’san remembered that his friend had left an open invitation for them to enjoy dinner at his home. “I believe you when you say so, but that is not the only reason I came.”
“Oh?” Jerup said.
“No, I am afraid we have more business from the north that needs to be seen to,” he said. Not wanting to involve the man’s wife unless he wished to.
Jerup’s face became serious then. “If you will excuse us my dear, I think our young priest has much to tell me.”
“Of course,” she said, not at all put off by being asked for privacy. She walked by both of them and Jerup took the opportunity to pinch her bottom as she passed.
Whipping around she slapped him hard on the shoulder her face bright red from embarrassment. “Not when we have company,” she said. Jerup laughed and she slapped his shoulder again while giving Da’san a smile of an apology. “I am sorry for my husband’s crude manner, he is not fit to be around decent upright people such as a priest.”
Da’san had snuck up behind Jerup while she had been talking and gave the man a pinch on the rear of his own. Jerup jumped from the floor in shock rubbing at the spot. “Do not worry my lady, perhaps with Sarinsha’s help I can teach him some humility while I am here,” he said smiling.
She laughed at her husband’s discomfort. “If you can do that, I would forever be in your debt, but I do not think even Sarinsha could teach this one humility,” she said as she left them alone in the small hallway.
“Follow me,” Jerup said grumpily still rubbing at his backside. He led Da’san into the room he had come from with three cushioned chairs and a bookshelf filled with books. Picking up an open book he must have been reading from one of the seats, Jerup sat down and indicated Da’san should do the same. “So what has happened that involves the north?” he asked.
Da’san told him everything he had told Cribble about the disappearances and his suspicion that Or’Keer was ultimately responsible for them. He also told him that Cribble had asked him to go with Da’san to the Twisted Mug, and that he was not to bring his sword. It was obvious that Jerup did not like that part, but nodded his understanding.
“Well dark is still some hours off so we will have time to eat before we go, and you will be needing some clothes,” Jerup said.
Da’san looked down at his simple blues robes having again forgotten that he wore them and would need to change. “Yes I suppose I will have to find a tailor before we go,” he said.
“No need, I have some that you can borrow for tonight. They may be a bit big on you, but should do for one night.” Jerup replied.
Da’san looked the man over judging how much larger he was from years of swinging a swords and marching. “I think it will be more than a bit big my friend.”
“You could always pray for larger muscles I guess,” Jerup replied with a grin. His way of getting back at the priest for the pinch.
“Perhaps, but Sarinsha wishes her followers to use their heads for something other than smashing down doors,” Da’san said without missing a beat.
Jerup stroked his black beard with a hand, trying to think of a retort. “Bah, you priests are too smart for your own good,” he said having come up with nothing. “Let us go see if we can’t find you something suitable.”
A little while later Da’san wore a pair of simple brown pants and a white shirt, also carrying a long dagger belted at his side. He had not wanted to accept the blade without knowing how to use it, but Jerup had explained that no one walked into a tavern without some kind of protection, and that he should wear it for appearances. Accepting the belt holding the sheathed dagger, the small weight felt awkward on his hip. Forcing him to adjust it until he found a comfortable position.
They spent the rest of the afternoon around Jerup’s table enjoying Eleanor’s fine cooking. The Guardsman had not overestimated his wife’s abilities, Da’san found that he had never had such flavorful roast duck before in his life. Being a follower of Sarinsha herself, Eleanor had asked him to give a blessing before they ate. More than happy to, he had prayed to Sarinsha to protect the family when they were in need. Feeling the warmth of his goddess flood through him, he knew that she had heard and accepted the request. Jerup’s two children, the boy Arrin who was nine and the girl Mela who was twelve, both continued to ask many questions ranging from what it was like talking to a god. To how their daddy had killed monsters in the forest. Da’san answered all of them as best he could before their mother quieted them saying to let their guest eat in peace. When the table had been cleared and the children sent off to play, the sun had already set outside the window. Jerup stood and kissed his wife good bye, who in turn gave him a long hug knowing that he was most likely walking into some type of danger tonight. At that moment, Da’san had the utmost respect for the woman. She had married him knowing that one time he might not come back. Still, she had vowed to love him and Da’san found that her strength was one to match the bravest soldier.
They left walking down the streets which were quickly emptying of people as they returned to their homes. Jerup knew of the Twisted Mug and led them to the tavern where they found Cribble. Dressed in plain clothing sitting at a table to the side, he was rolling some dice in front of him while sipping on a mug. Jerup walked up to them man and placed a coin purse on the table.
“Care for a game friend?” Jerup asked.
“If you do not mind losing your money.” Cribble replied with a smile.
Taking seats at the table Jerup called to a bar maid ordering two more drinks for them. It had not taken Da’san long to realize what was going on and play along. When the drinks arrived the young woman placed a mug in front of Da’san who eyed it. He had vowed to never consume drink that would impair his connection to his goddess.
“Drink it,” Jerup said under his breath. Deciding that violating the oath this one time served the greater purpose he brought the mug to his lips. The taste that met his tongue was simple water almost causing him to show his surprise.
“Forgive my friend,” Jerup said to Cribble. “He’s not much of a drinker.”
“Speak for yourself,” Da’san said taking a gulp of the water. “I can drink you under the table any day of the week,” he said imitating what
he had heard at other such places.
Cribble gave a small smile at Da’san’s acting. “You two talk too much, are we gonna play or what?”
Jerup pulled four coppers from the purse and placed them on the table, Cribble matched the bet and rolled the dice. The two men played the game as more mugs arrived filled with only water, but his friends seemed to be speaking with increased volume and slurring their words as the hours passed. Having no real experiences with drinking Da’san chose to remain quiet and simply try to appear as if he was affected as well. His two friends continued to argue back and forth, swapping banter and insults until Cribble slammed his palms on the table.
“I have had enough of your cheating me,” Cribble said. Standing quickly from the table he pretended to almost fall over.
“No one has cheated you friend, this is simply not your game,” Jerup replied slurring his words.
Cribble grabbed up his coin purse and dice and headed for the door. Da’san moved to follow him but Jerup placed a hand on his leg holding him down while he sipped from his mug. It was not long after that four men stood from their table and left as well.
“All right, let’s go,” Jerup said.
Leaving the Twisted mug Da’san felt the cool night air on his skin, a dim light provided by the quarter moon and spaced oil lamps along the streets allowing for some sight in the darkness. The four men who had followed Cribble out of the Tavern where still behind him as he stumbled his way along. Keeping a distance from the pursuers he and Jerup kept pace with them so as not to lose sight of them. Cribble turned down an alley and the four quickened their pace forcing the friends into a jog to keep up. By the time they had rounded the same corner the men had caught Cribble, two of them holding tightly to each of his arms. Cribble fought back struggling to free himself and received several hits to the face and stomach before he gave up. Da’san started forward to help but Jerup put a hand in front of his chest stopping him.
