by Jon Bender
“Now for the mages,” Corin said looking from Darian to Tamrick and his sister. “How many of age are left?”
“Our losses were heavy. With the traitors and those who died we have less than sixty capable your majesty,” Tamrick said. “It will take us several generations to reach the strength we once had.”
Corin nodded expecting the news. “Speaking of traitors, with Serin dead have you elected a new leader?”
“We have in a way your majesty. Because of the damage Serin inflicted while he was in control, an almost unanimous vote of all mages decided that there shall no longer be only one. The three of us here have been elected to the new council, and are now responsible for the castle’s leadership,” Danika said.
“Good, I am glad to see that the mages came to a decision so quickly,” Corin replied before turning to regard the priest. “Da’san I asked you here to know how the temples intend to move forward knowing the dark god is growing in strength.”
For some reason Jaxom saw something was off with his friend, the priest meeting his eyes as if there was something he wanted to say but didn’t. “If a similar attack happens within the city it has been agreed that we will help in the defense, but beyond that the temples will offer no more aid than they have in the past,” Da’san said.
“So in other words they will sit back and hide behind their walls hoping it will all just go away,” Corin said in anger.
“I am afraid so your majesty. Not all of us agree with this decision, but they are the minority in the debate,” Da’san said looking at the floor in shame at his brother’s cowardice.
“Raise your head. I do not doubt you are a part of that minority, and you have already earned the respect of those here and many more. We know that you are willing to do what is needed,” Corin said his voice cooling.
Da’san did look up with pride in his eyes at the King’s recognition. “Thank you your majesty.”
Corin waved away the gratitude showing that it was not needed. “We will simply do this without them. It would have been nice to have them with us to counter the priests loyal to Or’Keer, but no matter. I already have plans for new strategies that will give us an advantage,” he said. “Magus Alimar as a show of his allegiance has agreed to provide those flying monstrosities to our cause. I have seen how valuable they are, and he has ten available for us now, with promise of more to come in the future. They will form a new force of scouts which will be led by Brenin and Lady Adriana if they are willing.” The look on Brenin was one of shock while Adriana seemed to be not at all affected, displaying a look that said nothing less was expected. “Well what of it Captains? Do you accept the responsibility?”
“Ye… yes your majesty,” Brenin stammered out after being named captain. Adriana nodded her head indicating her assent.
“Good, you will work together to form two separate units under each of your commands,” Corin said. “Commander Cribble how does the Guard stand?”
Cribble perked up at the mention of his name. “Three hundred and thirty-two of the thousand we had your majesty. Our losses were severe, if it were not for Da’san we would have been wiped out to the man.” Again Jaxom saw the priest shift as if to speak up but saying nothing. He wondered what had happened to his friend to make him act so strange.
Corin shook his head slowly. The Guard had lost two thirds of its number, and what was left could barely patrol the city let alone defend it. “The recruitment and training of new men is a priority,” he said looking to both Nelix and Cribble who nodded together. “General I want you to help the Commander to find applicants for the Guard from amongst the army. I am sure there are many there who have recently proven capable of the honor should they want it. Once you are done with that send word to the holdings, they are too immediately to begin recruiting and training of their own while you do the same here,” Corin said.
“It will take time to gather and train so many men your majesty,” Nelix said. “But I will see to it.”
“We need to refill our ranks as quickly as possible if we are to be prepared for what is coming. I have no doubt that Or’Keer will not give up on us so easily, this was simply his opening move. While we were occupied with the Southerners the situation in the rest of the kingdoms has only gotten worse. Now there are rumors that a true army of this dark god is gathering in the turmoil with no one able to oppose it,” Corin said.
Everyone in the room remained quiet until Celia broke the silence. “Do you know where this army is?”
“No, only that it is in one of the eastern kingdoms. Information has been harder to come by as borders are closed and armies march,” Corin replied.
“We will do what is necessary your majesty,” Nelix said.
“I know, but for now let’s worry about what we can deal with. As most of you know a city that was once home to all death mages has been revealed to us, and I have come to an understanding with Alimar. He will aid us and Ale’adaria will supports his efforts to restore the city and begin rebuilding his and Jaxom’s school,” Corin said looking about the room for reactions. Jaxom had not expected Corin to bring this up now, he must have spoken to Alimar earlier coming to an agreement with the man. Corin had hinted before that he had a plan to make it work and must have worked out the details.
Tamrick looked to the older death mage after Corin had spoken, continuing to do so when he spoke. “Who will rule over this found city your majesty?”
“Jaxom will act as steward in my name,” Corin said looking at the green mage whose eyes snapped to him.
Jaxom could not have been more stunned if Corin had pulled his sword out and ordered his execution. So many things flew through his mind that he could not keep track of them all, but the one that kept coming back was the law forbidding a mage from ruling.
“Your majesty, the law agreed to by all rulers and mages does not allow for that,” Tamrick said voicing Jaxom’s thought. “If you were to do this they would unite against both of you.”
“Jaxom will not rule there as a king. This city will still be a part of Ale’adaria so I am not violating the law. Besides it is doubtful any will come against us with all that is going on, and I will take advantage of any opportunity I can lay hands on,” Corin said.
“That is a fine line you walk you majesty and I cannot agree to supporting this,” Tamrick replied.
“Fortunately,” Darian said. “It is not completely up to him.
Tamrick stared at Darian with anger. “It is not up to you alone either,” he said looking to Danika.
All eyes in the room were on the slight mage now, and Jaxom could see that she felt uncomfortable from the attention. Looking back and forth between her fellow council members she squared her shoulders. “I have seen what this enemy is capable of and if Jaxom can find more like him I think it will only help us,”
Tamrick regarded his sister for a moment and it was apparent to Jaxom that he wanted to say something, instead he turned back to the Corin and bowed deeply. “You have the support of the mages,” he almost growled.
“I thank the mages but everyone should know I am not doing this just so we can find and train more death mages,” Corin said. “With this city in the north we will now have access to the mountains which may very well hold metals we will need, and with the world tearing itself apart there are waves of refugees fleeing the fighting. Some of which have already found their way here, and Jaxom’s city will provide the space we need for them.”
Celia cleared her throat getting the rooms attention. “Cousin, from the look on Jaxom face I would guess this is the first he is hearing about,” she said with a smile. “Perhaps you should ask him if he will do it first.”
“Well what of it?” Corin asked him. “Will you say no after all this fuss?”
Jaxom was still stunned by the fact that Corin had thought to place him in charge of an entire city. “I don’t know anything about running a city,” he said lamely.
“That is not an issue, Celia will go with you to help you lear
n,” Corin replied as if it was as easy as learning ride a horse.
“Yes my father will be glad to know that I am finally accepting responsibility as a member of the court,” Celia said with a hint of sarcasm.
“I am no lord,” Jaxom said.
“That brings me to the next part. You have been a brother to me in all but name, and it is about time you were that to,” Corin said with a smile. “As such you will have a legitimate claim to lordship.”
Jaxom stared at his friend hard, wondering if this was all some play to get Jaxom to accept Baldrin as his surname. Something that Corin had wanted him to do for many years. His friend was always very good at getting what he wanted, and Jaxom would not put it past the man to use this whole situation to get something he had been denied for so long. “You agreed to this?” Jaxom asked Alimar.
“As long as a one of our school is in charge it does not matter to me, and this way I will be able to commit my full attention to our goal,” the death mage said. “It is also one of the King’s terms that someone he knows hold the position so you seemed the obvious choice.”
Jaxom had no other excuses, and restoring the death mages would be a lot easier with Corin’s support. With a sigh he gave a bow to Corin. “I accept your generous offer your majesty,” he said.
Corin smiled and walked over placing two large hands on each shoulder. “I know you will serve the crown and the people of Ale’adaria well,” he said with a wide smile. Leaning closer Corin kept his voice low so the others could not hear. “I win little brother,” and laughed as he pulled back. Jaxom rolled his eyes now knowing why Corin had always wanted to him to accept. He would forever have to deal with the man calling him that now.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
