Path of the Magi (Tales of Tiberius)

by Stuart, Richard J

  “Are there?” he said with genuine surprise. “I hadn’t shopped around much; I just got what the castle commissary offered.”

  “Ach, well no wonder,” she said. “That’s well enough for the enlisted folk, sir, but you’re a gentleman. You ought to talk to the general store in town, sir. They can order goods from Walsingham, you know. Ach, but it’s the same with any bachelor I suppose. Have you no female kinfolk, sir?”

  “My mother. I’ve a godsister, too, and an unofficial aunt.”

  “Have you thought to ask one of them round to visit, sir? Your quarters here might do with a woman’s touch,” she implored.

  Tiberius shrugged. “I haven’t. Maci would enjoy a visit, I’m sure, though. I don’t know where they would stay.”

  “There is a respectable inn in town, sir. But I’m sure the lord would be happy to grant you the use of a guest room or two if things aren’t too busy at the castle.”

  “I’ll look into that,” he said.

  “If you want to loan me your purse, sir, I can do a bit of shopping for you in the meantime. I think I can get you a bit better soap and such.”

  “Well, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble for you,” Tiberius said, handing her a pouch.

  “It's part of my duties, sir.”

  Mrs. Sutherland proved to be a help. Tiberius didn’t notice the improvement in soap much, but he could tell it was a better quality than what he’d been used to. He wasn’t sure about asking for visitors, but knowing how much Maci would enjoy a visit, he decided there was no harm in asking. He could certainly afford a couple of boat tickets from Walsingham. He dashed off a letter the next day.

  It was a couple of weeks later, returning from patrol and walking up to his room he heard a familiar voice from down the hall.

  “Ti!”

  Maci, all of twelve years old now, shouted as she bounded down the hall. She threw her arms around him and gave him a big hug.

  “Thank you so much!” she said. “This is the best birthday ever! I get to stay in a real castle and everything!”

  “You’re welcome,” he said. “But it’s not all free, you know. Hello, Aunt Min,” he said, giving her a peck on the cheek. “My housekeeper insisted I invite you. She says my place needs a woman’s touch.”

  “She’s probably right. Let’s see. Is this your room?”

  He nodded and opened the door. Maci and Mrs. Okubo took a step in, looked around, and frowned. Maci turned an appraising glance at Tiberius.

  “The view is really nice, but what have you got against furniture? I thought it was metal you weren’t supposed to have around too much? Most furniture is made of wood, last time I checked.”

  “Now Maci, mind your manners,” Mrs. Okubo chided.

  “No, she’s right, Aunt Min,” Tiberius said. “I should have done something about it by now.”

  “Why haven’t you?” she asked.

  “Partially I’ve been busy. Partially I’ve never bought any furniture, to tell you the truth. I’ve always lived in furnished rooms. I don’t even know where to buy any.”

  “For gosh sakes, aren’t you courting an elf? Don’t they know something about carpentry?” Maci blurted out.

  “Maci and I can help you pick out some furniture. I’m sure there is some sort of carpenter in town. We can go into town tomorrow morning,” Aunt Min said practically.

  They made their plans, but the furniture shopping was slightly delayed. The next morning, Tiberius led Mrs. Okubo and Maci to the main hall for the officer’s breakfast. This was an informal community affair, with eggs, ham, potatoes, and so forth deposited in silver trays, buffet style. Entering the room, he felt a slight nudge in the ribs from his sister.

  “That's him, isn't it?” she whispered.

  Tiberius glanced across the room. It was just Darras. What was she on about?

  “That’s Captain Walker, yes,” he said. Looking down at her, it hit him. While to him, Darras was a competent officer and an occasional annoyance, to Maci, Darras was still a sports star. Maci loved both horses and anything to do with combat, so the number one jouster in the country was naturally someone she looked up to.

  “Do you want to meet him?” Tiberius asked Maci. Before she could attempt to answer, Captain Walker settled the question by walking over to them. Darras had his doubts about Tiberius and his methods, but he was certainly too much of a knight to be in any way discourteous to a lady. So, seeing Tiberius in the company of two respectably dressed women, he naturally walked over to greet them.

  Tiberius made the introductions. “Captain Walker, this is my god-sister, Maci Okubo, and her mother Mrs. Min Okubo. They’re visiting me for a few days.”

  “Ah, yes, I heard something to that effect,” he said with a smile. “Welcome to Vonair, Mrs. Okubo, and Miss Okubo,” he said bowing.

  They both did a courteous bow. Maci looked a little flushed but she did her best.

  “You’ll forgive my sister if she’s a bit nervous. She’s a jousting fan,” Tiberius said.

  “Is she?” Darras said smiling. “Well she’s got good taste then. I think it’s a wonderful sport. You do look familiar. Have we met before?”

  Maci could still hardly speak. Tiberius had never seen her this nervous before. “I took her to get your autograph once in…”

  “Sherwood City, now I remember,” Darras said. "You brought me luck that day.”

  “You remember her?” Tiberius said in surprise.

  “I didn't have that many jousts that I'd forget a pretty little Asian girl, especially one that Smoke liked so well.” Darras said. “Won’t you join me at my table?” he said, leading the way.

  “What do you like about jousting?” he asked, once they were settled with breakfast in front of them.

  “She likes anything to do with horses. She’s quite an athlete herself.”

  “Are you indeed?” he inquired.

  “I don’t get to ride as much as I’d like,” Maci said, forcing herself to speak at last. “But I practice my father’s katas a lot. I can fence and shoot a bow pretty well. I’d like to be a scout for the Rangers myself one day.”

  “That’s an interesting ambition for a young lady,” Darras observed.

  “I know; everyone thinks I’m crazy,” Maci said ruefully.

  “I didn’t say that. It’s a demanding job though. It requires very hard work and dedication. There is no reason a woman can’t do the job. The old tales usually mention one woman about somewhere. Orlando and Achilles both knew and respected women soldiers. It’s a difficult life and not something you should do lightly. Still, if you are a gifted athlete, if it is your heart's desire, and you work hard at it, there’s no reason you couldn’t find a way to serve your country in the army.” He took another bite of his eggs, then continued. “I’ve actually thought that having a few women warriors around would be a good idea. After all, we need to search folks sometimes and we need a woman for searching other women. I expect there are women who will only talk to other women too.”

  Maci beamed at this unexpected encouragement from the famous knight.

  “You know, I’m not busy this morning. Why don’t you come out to the range and show me some of your archery?”

  Maci’s eyes lit up for a moment, then turned to Tiberius.

  “I think we can spare you from the furniture shopping,” he said smiling. After that, they had to caution Maci not to gulp down her breakfast. Darras found her a bow and walked her down to the range. Then Darras watched in astonishment as Maci started putting arrows into the bullseye.

  “Your technique’s a bit strange, but you’re astonishingly accurate for one your age.”

  “Thank you, M’lord.”

  “You know, if you keep training the way you are, you’re going to make it as a scout one day. For someone your age, you show a lot of talent and promise."

  She smiled, but she said he was too kind.

  “With Tiberius growing up around people like you it’s a wonder he turned to mystic arts. H
e could have been a fine knight himself.”

  “He was going into the army before the dragon attacked,” Maci replied.

  “Dragon? What dragon?” Darras asked, surprised.

  “Didn’t you hear about the dragon that attacked Sherwood City a few years ago?” Maci said. “I thought everyone knew about that.”

  “Oh, that dragon. Yes, I remember. The army drove it off as I recall.”

  “Yes, once they got there,” Maci said with a frown. “Ti had to face it alone till they showed up. He kept it from eating his girlfriend.”

  Darras blinked. “What’s that? He faced the dragon? Alone?!”

  “Yes, well, his brother was with him, but Marcus is practical and had enough sense to duck after the dragon just laughed at their arrows. Ti's the one who jumped up and tried to charge it with a stick to save his fiancée. Didn’t he tell you anything? He doesn’t talk about it much, I guess. Attacking a magical dragon with a stick is not very bright, but it worked. The dragon started shouting something about a prophecy and that he’d be back. Ti started studying with the magi so he could keep his girlfriend alive.”

  “He … he started this for a lady?”

  Why Tiberius had started his studies was a question that had never occurred to Darras. That he might have had a reason worthy of a knight was an eye-opener to say the least. Doing something to protect a lady might not make it right, but it was at least chivalrous behavior.

  “I didn’t know he had a fiancée.”

  “Had. She dumped him. She didn’t want to be around dragons,” Maci said scornfully.

  “And he’s still protecting her?” Darras asked.

  “Well, he doesn’t want her eaten by a dragon. Besides, it’s not just her he’s protecting. The dragon vowed he’d kill everybody in the city unless he met it in combat one day. If it was just her, I wouldn’t mind feeding her to it. Mind you, I’m not supposed to say that. Christians are supposed to be forgiving, but I don’t think she was that nice to my brother. Are you okay?”

  “Yes. I just didn’t know about any of this. I may have misjudged him, is all. Doing something to aid a woman who spurns your advances, is in some ways the height of courtly love.”

  “I love my brother. He’s a great man. I’m a little surprised you don’t seem to get along that well,” Maci stated.

  “Not everyone hits it off right away,” Darras replied. “But there’s no question that Tiberius has been a great help out here. Now, come on, let me show you the horses. We'll see if Smoke remembers you.”

  With the help of his aunt and sister, Tiberius managed to get his room in better shape. Ti noticed Darras seemed slightly friendlier too, though Ti didn’t know why. Maybe he reacted better to people he knew had families? Either that or he was just impressed with Aunt Min’s dancing. She done a bit of her fan dancing for them before she left. She’d been a professional before she had married. Maci was picking up that skill too, but she wasn’t doing any public performances. Maci never much cared for having a big crowd around her.

  ∴

  Maci and his Aunt Min were not the only ones going visiting in the border lands that day. Miles away and deep underground, the queen of the goblins was stirring. She’d had much news of late and all of it bad. The Rangers and this new wizard had become a positive nuisance. It was getting so that her people could hardly walk above ground. The ogres had been no help and she was running out of ideas. It was time to pay her tribute anyway, so the queen herself had decided to visit her master.

  The goblin witch walked down the deepest winding passages in her caverns, accompanied by four of her guards. They were guided by a faint light from her staff. She stopped them and took a last look over her aides. It was always a problem finding soldiers who were useful, presentable, and expendable. She paused to strengthen a helmet, and glared at them long enough to get them to stand up straighter. Better. He might not be so ornery if he thought he was being treated properly. He talked only about gold, but she’d yet to meet a man who didn’t respond to flattery.

  Signaling, they walked further along till at last the cavern opened out before them. This was it, the cave of meeting. Not his home, naturally. That wouldn’t be permitted. He didn’t trust her. But this was enough. She led her four guards forward. They put the small chest of gold and silver coins down in front of them then stepped back and all bowed down.

  They felt him before they could see him. The hall was warm and filled with a slight burning scent. The sense of great power could be felt too. They could hear his breathing. When he looked up they could see the great two yellow eyes focus upon them.

  The queen spoke. “Hail Barcharosias, the mighty and merciless. Your loyal subjects come to you with tribute befitting your majesty. We also humbly petition, no beg, for your aid, oh great one.”

  The queen lifted only her head, but that was enough. She could see at the other end of the chamber, the dragon was stirring. It rose up and stretched its wings, then looked down with an unfriendly glance. It raised one of its claws and niftily preformed an intricate gesture, drawing a mystical sign in the air. One of her guards suddenly went flying up towards the dragon, floating in the air before it. It screamed, naturally, but no one in that room cared if a goblin screamed. The dragon casually gave it a blast of flame as it floated there before him. First a long blast, then another quick blast. The queen tried to keep from trembling. She was glad she wasn’t wearing mail, or she’d be rattling like a tambourine like the other goblins she’d brought with her. The first goblin quit screaming after the initial blast of flame. Barcharosias bit the goblin’s head off next. After a bit of chewing it spit out the helmet. It didn’t speak though till it was done chewing and had swallowed his bit of goblin. It did have some manners.

  “You call this tribute?” the dragon said. “How am I to win the favors of the fair Amalewsia with this rubbish? My rival Dontrumbill is pulling pots of gold from thin air, and you bring me this? I should kill the lot of you. Maybe when I turn out your warrens I’ll find enough gold to interest her.”

  The goblin queen shook with genuine fear. “Be merciful, mighty warlord. These humble pickings are all we can manage.”

  The dragon finished chewing another mouthful. “All you haven’t spent on booze for yourself, more likely. Couldn’t you at least manage to bring me a few young virgins for my amusement?”

  “Mighty Barcharosias, the Rangers thwart our every move these days. The captain of the south scatters my soldiers like matchsticks. They have their own wizard now too, a man they call Tiberius…”

  The dragon spit out his remaining mouthful at that word. “Pagh! So you’ve noticed him at last, have you?”

  “He’s a cunning opponent. I’ve sent my assassins after him. Cursed swords, and arrows. Made offerings to the lords of power, and yet he lives. Possibly with your aid we could…” She stopped because the dragon had taken a menacing step forward. Every part of her shook with real fear now.

  “Do you bother to read the signs at all?! Don’t you know the minions of the enemy? He already killed the night master of Port Elizabeth. He’s coming for me. What chance do you think your pathetic assassins have?” the dragon raged.

  “If you know about this enemy, why haven’t you taken care of him already?” the witch asked.

  “You know nothing. Dallen’s shadow still lurks behind him. If I could trap him now before he’s ready … but no. I have thought on this time and again. I don’t dare face him and Dallen together. Dallen is cunning. We dare not draw him out here. Tiberius will come to face me at the right time.”

  The dragon became thoughtful, ignoring those with him. He started speaking to himself. “It’s too soon. I will start my campaign when I know Dallen is dead. That will be the time. After that, the sleeper may yet awaken. If I can best him my plans will be set. No more of this pathetic tribute; cities will bow before me.”

  At last he seemed aware of witch queen before him.

  “Go! Read the signs. On the next full moon slit ope
n an unblemished male goat and read the entrails. It is not our time yet,” he said.

  “But what am I to do till it is your time?” the old witch complained.

  “Use your arts! You may get lucky. The future always has secrets. Kill him yourself and you’ll be richly rewarded. Try your blackest poisons, your deepest secrets. Find his weaknesses, hurt him, weaken him anyway you can! Now, go! Before I decide I need another snack!” the dragon intoned.

  Bowing low, the witch queen and her surviving soldiers backed out of the chamber.

  The queen was still shivering when she at last stood up.

  “I guess this means we get no help,” one of the guards grumbled.

  “It’s worse than that, fool,” the queen snarled.

  “Worse? How?”

  “We’ve just found out our master’s afraid of him,” she said. She started back towards her chambers. Something still had to be done. She had a spell for poison she’d always wanted to try. But she very much doubted it was going to work.

  ∴

  Back beyond the queen’s caves, Tiberius walked ahead of small squad of Rangers, carefully observing the hillside. Aunt Min and Maci had finished their visit, and El Gato was back. Now they were exploring the hills.

  “Here!” Tiberius called out.

  El Gato turned to address his men. “Remember, this is a diplomatic mission. No one notches an arrow or draws a sword without my, or Tiberius’, express orders. Understood?”

  The men nodded assent. El Gato nodded to Tiberius, who started giving instructions.

  “Dismount,” he advised. “We’ll walk forward slowly and casually.”

  They walked up the path and then Tiberius stopped and made a gesture. A couple of large bushes parted as if blown by the wind, and the Rangers saw a small village ahead of them. It was a rustic dwelling with small homes built from hides and wood frames. The occupants were all about 3 feet tall and rather plain. These were gnomes. Their faces were oddly chiseled and their skin colors ranged from tan to brown to grey. They were shorter and less broad than dwarves. The whole village stopped to stare as Tiberius boldly walked up towards the center of town, then stopped and bowed.