The Gates of Golorath

by R. M Garino

  Elc’atar entered the barracks well before reveille, banging their swords against their shields, screaming for the scrubs to awaken and fall in. The soul lights sprang to life with their entrance, casting a harsh light to accommodate their brashness. Angus and the part of the Pride that resided in the Kal’Parev barracks jumped from their cells to stand at attention in the cold stone of the hallway. A quick scan showed him that everyone had made it out well before anyone felt the need to enter the cells and haul the occupants to their feet. The Areth’kon taught those under its command to sleep light, regardless of how strenuous the activities of the day before. It helped that Angus had rigged an entry beacon at the base of the stairwell three nights ago. No one could enter without waking the entire barracks.

  “Full kit today, scrubs!” Brodhi said from the head of the hallway. “And a change in the routine. You have five minutes to dress, and fall in on the parade field. The Gauntlet waits for no one, so don’t be late. Fall to, now!”

  Angus ducked back into his cell to dress. His kit was already packed and ready, a condition shared by everyone in his section of the barracks. They had made a ritual of checking each other’s gear every night, thanks to Arielle and Gwendolyn’s suggestion, as well as Ba’ril’s tutelage of the protocol. Angus had shared the entry beacon idea with them as well, and shown Arielle how to construct it. It was not a contest between them anymore, and for their plan to work the entire Pride had to be prepared.

  Last night he and Arielle had completed their magical failsafe and connected everyone to it. They wanted to be sure that no one was removed from play for a silly accident.

  Throwing his pack across his shoulders, Angus stepped back into the hallway. The rest were less than a minute behind him.

  “Double time!” Thomlin called out, heading for the stairs.

  They exited the barracks in tight formation at a steady, rhythmic jog, the early spring darkness enfolding them in its chill embrace. From the different corners of the complex, the other graduates met them on the field. There were only five groups ready for the Gauntlet: two from House Fel’Mekrin, the Fifth and the Twelfth; one from House Le’Manon, the Ninth; one from House Mer’Chien, the Eighth; and one from House Kal’Parev, the Third. The Third and Twelfth were the first to take the field, a full two minutes before the others. Each took their assigned spot. Angus noted a small, circular stone set before him on the ground. A similar stone was set in front of each graduate.

  The hierarchy stood watching them arrive, plumes of smoking breath bellowing from them. Trenton, Hammer, and Theta stood before the causeway, flanked by the Regents for each House and a full company of Elc’atar. Kolsch was conspicuous in his absence. They watched them assemble and fall in, each standing at attention until the rest arrived. As they waited, a pair of Blades moved among them, pressing something to the side of the graduates’ necks. There was a sharp pain, and then a small ball of light burst to life just behind their ears.

  Part of the communications gear, Angus sent to the Pride. This is how the Gauntlet is broadcast across the Patresilen.

  Is he always this chatty? Darien sent.

  Only when he can show off what he knows, Enid sent.

  “Good morning!” Trenton said, calling their attention back to him. “Today you run the Gauntlet. You have watched others run it in the past, and I am sure you have analyzed their decisions and judged their tactics. Today, it is your turn. The objective is simple. Establish your beachhead on the top of Gallows Peak, and return here to the parade ground. The first squad to capture the flag on the central post wins the day. There are no rules save those. You have each been fitted with a tracking beacon. This is similar to the tactical displays the Areth’kon uses to communicate in the field. We will hear what you say, and see what you do. Hammer.”

  Hammer scowled at the assembled graduates as was his habit.

  “Each of you will find a caster before you. As soon as you step on its surface, you will be transported to Gallows Peak. The Gauntlet begins as soon as you arrive. Seeing as the Twelfth and the Third are locked in a tie for first tier, they will go at the same time and will leave last. The Fifth, holding the lowest ranking tier, will go first. The Eighth will follow five minutes after, and the Ninth five minutes after that. Remember, the moment the first squad arrives at Gallows Peak, the Gauntlet will be in effect. Survive, defeat your enemies, return to the parade field, and be the first to claim the flag. Fifth, step up!”

  The Fifth marched in unison, each placing their left foot on the circle of polished marble. There was a flash, and they were gone.

  They’ll be laying traps, Arielle sent Angus. Standard Fel’Mekrin protocol will be to neutralize as many of their opponents as possible in one strike. More than likely trip wires launching spiked branches at the legs. If we can’t run, we can’t win.

  But this is the Fifth, Angus sent. His voice sounded distant, as if he was distracted by something. She could not see what was drawing his attention. They have a special hard-on for us, seeing as we knocked them off their pedestal.

  And we’re fraternizing with the enemy. She didn’t mention his distraction. If it was important, he’d tell her in due time.

  True, true. I think we can expect something a little more vicious.

  They’re not very imaginative, Arielle sent. They’ll aim them higher, perhaps.

  “Eighth!” Hammer called. “Step up!”

  The Eighth marched in step, and disappeared in a flash of light.

  Ninth has a particular disliking for us, Arielle sent.

  Notice how they all stepped up, Angus sent, ignoring her comment.

  They step as one. Arielle was annoyed by his disinterest. Standard procedure.

  Exactly. That’s what they’re expecting.

  Are you suggesting we break procedure?

  Two rules: return from Gallows Peak and capture the flag, Angus sent. Trenton said so himself.

  Yes, but there are still forms to be followed.

  Intended to give the weakest squad a fighting chance by securing the ground against us. I don’t like losing my friends when it can be avoided.

  Angus touched the minds of his Pride sending them the shape of his plan; Ba’ril was just starting to protest the break in protocol, when Thomlin got in first.

  Staggered entry, thirty second intervals, Thomlin sent. Ossian and Enid take point and merge the moment they appear. Darien and Caradoc next, fanning out to either side to provide covering fire.

  “Ninth!” Hammer called. “Step up!”

  The Ninth disappeared in a flash of light.

  Defensive crouch as you enter, Thomlin sent as if Hammer had never spoken.

  “Twelfth! Third! Step up!”

  The two groups began moving as the others before them had done. At the last moment they stopped, and just stood at attention. As Thomlin had ordered, they counted their heartbeats before stepping off again. Ossian and Enid, however, kept moving and disappeared.

  “Twelfth!” Hammer bellowed, “Third! Get your asses upon those casters!”

  Darien and Caradoc stepped up, and disappeared. The tension in the Pride was growing as the Mala’kar continued to yell their commands, growing furious that they were being ignored. Hammer broke rank, just as Demona and Denuelle vanished. Hammer cast an inquiring a glance at the Master of the Gates. Trenton was scowling, his arms folded across his chest, his lips pursed together as he considered the actions of the Pride. Ba’ril and Nessah vanished.

  “Cavallo,” Trenton said. The Pride stared straight ahead, as they were supposed to, though each one bent an ear to the Master’s words. “It would seem that our contestants want to change the rules. Very well, then. Assemble a pack of Elc’atar. They will run interference on the Gauntlet this year.”

  Ignore them, Arielle sent. They’re just trying to get a rise out of us and put us off form.

  Focus, Gwendolyn sent. We’ve a job to do.

  Hironata and Ti’vol activated their casters.

  Angus and T
homlin turned at the same time, unable to resist the temptation. They grinned at one another in their surprise over the shared impulse.

  “A pack?” Thomlin asked Angus, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Is he joking?”

  “Nope,” Angus said, just as loud. “Their intentions are clear as day and worn on their sleeves, cousin.”

  “A pack of Elc’atar, just for us?” Thomlin said. “I’m honored, I guess. Think he has a side wager on the outcome?”

  “Most certainly,” Angus said. “Now, if they sent out a whole company, for instance, that would show their good intention of making this a challenge.”

  “But a pack?” Thomlin said. “That’s just petty. Now that I think about it I’m rather insulted. And us on the first tier and all.”

  “One would assume they’d hold a better opinion of us all after all we’ve done,” Angus said. “’Tis a sad, sad world we live in.”

  “Ye think they’re scared of us?” Thomlin said.

  “So be it!” Trenton roared. “Cavallo, belay that order! Sound general quarters; turn out the Elc’atar and the pledged Blades. Today’s scrubs will face the combined might of the Gates!”

  Our turn, Gwendolyn sent to Thomlin and Angus. Remind me to thank you both later.

  With a small popping sound, Thomlin and Gwendolyn disappeared.

  You do realize that you two have ruined us, Arielle sent as they waited their turn. There’s no way we can stand against the entire force of the Gates. A pack of Elc’atar were too much to begin with.

  Nope, Angus sent. Quite the contrary. We’ve evened the playing field. Now we’re not the only ones who’ll have to contend with them. The other groups will too.

  Great, Arielle sent. So we all lose. First year there was ever a complete failure at the Gauntlet.

  And if we fall, we do not lose our standing, Angus sent. We drop in the rankings only if we fall to a cohort of graduates. Besides, we know what’s coming. The others are clueless about what awaits them. They will crumble at first contact. And you haven’t even seen the best part, yet.”

  Our turn, Arielle sent. They stepped up, gave each other a smile, and placed their feet on the caster.

  CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

  Simple Process

  The world snapped into focus with a thrilling twist of motion. Arielle stumbled a step, straightened, and drew a deep lungful of cold spring air. She drew her swords and jumped to her right, falling into position.

  This high amid the mountain peaks the sun had already risen, casting its weak rays. Her Pride was scattered about the clearing, each in a defensive position, monitoring the surrounding countryside. Nessah gave her a thumbs-up sign over her shoulder. Her breathing was heavy, as if from a tremendous exertion. Arielle could feel Angus to her left, anxious and scanning the surroundings by spreading his sin’del.

  The imprint of four bodies littered the clearing, and none of them were her people.

  “They were waiting when we showed up,” Ba’ril said in the precise tones of delivering a report. “Just like Thomlin predicted. They were expecting us to come en masse, so we were able to distract them. As each pair arrived, it added to our advantage. The area was clear before Hironata and Ti’vol came along.”

  “Sorry for my parting comments,” Gwen said to Angus. “Thomlin explained the reasoning when we arrived. It was sound.”

  “None of us like the idea of having to engage with the Elc’atar,” Hironata said. “But it does make sense. We lose nothing in the attempt. Good plan.”

  “Actually,” Angus said, giving them all a nervous grin. “Trenton sounded general quarters. He sent out the entire might of the Gates. I’m afraid our afternoon will get a smidge crowded in just a bit.”

  “How long?” Gwen said, as this news was digested. “How long does it take to run a general muster of the forces?”

  “Ten minutes until the first squad is on their casters,” Denuelle said. “Standard practice. They can drop it to seven if they push it.”

  “Those will be the Elc’atar,” Demona said, with a slight nod of respect for Denuelle. “The House forces will take a bit longer, say fifteen until they’re ready to move.”

  “Then let us start moving,” Ba’ril said. Everyone took the hint, spread out into a staggered line, and double timed down the slope of the mountainside.

  “Should we expect favoritism?” Nessah said.

  “Yes,” Thomlin said. “For the other squads, but not us.”

  “I know that Fel’Mekrin will cut us no slack,” Gwen said. “I was hoping Kal’Parev might go easy.”

  “Not a chance,” Hironata said. “They’ve a job to do. You can expect it’ll get done. All personal considerations will be pushed aside. We’ll get no special treatment from that front.”

  “I thought you guys were famous for watching each other’s backs,” Darien said. “You know, all that ‘Fight one and fight all’ nonsense.”

  “Not nonsense,” Thomlin said, not letting the comment offend him. “Simple truth. If this were a situation where they felt we were being unjustly persecuted, they’d all fight beside us. For this, though, they’ll see it as Angus and I shooting off our fool mouths.”

  “Which, we did,” Angus said with a pleased smile.

  “So they’ll follow orders and do their job as best they can.”

  “Which, they will.”

  “So we’re screwed,” Enid said.

  “Which we are, but only if you count being alone against the combined might of the Gates as screwed,” Angus said. “We just have to play smarter. After all, the other squads are not expecting anyone but us.”

  “Okay,” Darien said, “we know what’s coming, the other squads don’t. They’ll be dropped out of the running before they even understand what’s happening to them. That still doesn’t answer how we’ll be able to defend against the fecking Elc’atar Guard.”

  “We hide from them,” Angus said. “We might be able to handle the Elc’atar, but we have to dictate the conditions, and it cannot be out here on the paths. We bait and trap anyone else who comes against us. We divide into two mixed groups. One on the trail, heading to the parade field in broad daylight. The other shadows them from the periphery. When a squad takes the bait, the second team moves in to flank them.”

  “Won’t work,” Ba’ril said. “In the normal course it would, but not today.”

  “Why not?” Ti’vol said.

  “Because of the trackers,” Ba’ril said, pointing to the dancing ball of light the size of a thumbnail that hovered just behind his left ear. “Not only do they know where we are, but they’re hearing this conversation right now. They already know what we’re planning. They’ll react accordingly, and will place troops out further to trap our flanking maneuver.”

  Angus chuckled, dancing a few steps in his glee. “That’d be true if our trackers were working.”

  Thomlin let out an uproarious laugh at the news and slowed his pace.

  Arielle regarded him as if he were not making sense. And then it dawned on her. “That’s why you were so distracted!” she said, an accusing note to her voice.

  “Of course,” Angus said. “Did you really expect me to play fair?”

  “What did you do?” Gwen said.

  “I reset our trackers,” Angus said. “We can hear the announcements, but they haven’t been able to hear or see us since we stepped onto the casters. Oh, and we can also tap into central communications. I figured that might be useful.”

  “How in the seven hells did you do that?” Caradoc said. “They would have sensed it.”

  Angus motioned everyone to continue down the trail. “It was a simple process.” He said, pulling alongside Caradoc as he jogged and slapping his shoulder. “They still use a bifold inversion to connect the coms to Central Command. About a decade ago a Magi named Herotus showed that such an inversion could be manipulated with a precisely layered resonance jig. All they get is a feedback loop from the moment the jig is inserted. They’ll hear our conversatio
ns before we disappeared, played back over and over again.”

  “Which will tell them that the coms have been tampered with,” Ba’ril said. “They’ll be correcting the problem now.”

  “That’s the beauty of it! “Angus said, clapping his hands with a single, sharp crack. “They’d need us in their proximity to do so. The jig prevents them from locking on to our location, remember? And the very nature of the bifold inversion prevents them from fixing the problem from a distance. We’d have to sit still and let them make the adjustments. That’s why I set it to start after we stepped on the casters, when we were out of range. They’re deaf and blind to us now.”

  Ba’ril appeared torn, as if he didn’t know whether to be horrified at someone tampering with officialdom, or impressed with the ingenuity and resourcefulness Angus had displayed. Though it appeared to pain him to do so, Ba’ril grunted in grudging respect. “Then the plan will work,” he said.

  “That doesn’t solve the problem of the Elc’atar,” Denuelle said. “They’re stronger, faster, and far more skilled than any of us. How do we take them out?”

  “I’ve an idea for that as well,” Angus said, running backward and pointing at Ti’vol. “And for this, Ti’ will be the key.”

  “Ti’vol?” Darien said, not able to hide the incredulity from his voice. “How is Ti the key? No offense, cutie.”

  Ti’vol giggled in response.

  “Simple really,” she said, flipping her reddish braid over her shoulder as she tried to keep up. “Have you ever heard of the Ri’en, or the Ta’shin?”

  “Or the Satyagraha?” Angus said.

  CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

  Your Very Own Magi

  “We have a problem, Gwen sent to the entire Pride. They knew we were coming.

  How bad? Thomlin sent. Ye don’t sound too good.

  Had better days, she sent. Think I fractured a rib or two.

  They sheltered within a deep thicket, nursing their wounds where swatches of snow still hid from the sun. They left no trace, as Arielle had convinced the vegetation to move aside on their way in and cover their tracks after they had gone. A pack of pledges had already bypassed their trail. Hironata laid Gwen on the earth as gingerly as he could, but she let out a gasp, nevertheless.