“They didn’t survive,” replied Santiock. “What I meant when I said his spells left little was just that. The remaining pieces of Xavo’s soldiers were small and unrecognizable. Their bodies were entirely shredded.”
“And yet Xavo remained alive?” Lady Mystic pushed skeptically.
“He was apart from the soldiers by twenty paces of more,” explained the officer. “While Aakuta was shredding the soldiers, Xavo attacked Aakuta with a fireball. It was a fatal attack.”
Lady Mystic’s heart skipped a beat as she heard the words. She did not believe that Aakuta was dead.
“So Xavo says,” retorted the Emperor’s daughter. “Xavo always plays the part of the great mage. Where is Aakuta’s head if he is dead?”
“Xavo is a pompous braggart,” agreed Santiock, “but not this time. I was close by. The brilliant light drew my attention even before the screams of death were heard. I saw the soldiers’ body parts fly through the air. I saw Xavo deliver the killing blow. I helped drag Xavo out of the fire that erupted in the brambles. He was intent on cutting off Aakuta’s head, but he would have died trying to get it. The flames grew at an astonishing rate.”
Tears welled up in Lady Mystic’s eyes and Santiock shifted uncomfortably.
“I am sorry, Lady Mystic,” consoled the officer. “I know that you cared for Aakuta, but loving a traitor is not a wise thing to do these days. I must go to the throne room in case there are questions surrounding this incident.”
Santiock waited a moment for a response from Lady Mystic, but there was none. The officer turned and strode towards the temple. He hurried along to catch up to those heading for the throne room. He did not want to miss a minute of the session because Vand was often known to freely give out boons after a victorious mission.
The throne room was crowded as everyone sought to be in Vand’s presence in case spoils were awarded. Santiock squeezed his way towards the front of the room, earning him more than one jab in the ribs. He did not care. Unlike the other pretenders in the room, he had helped Xavo flee from the fire. That at least should give him some standing if rewards were showered on anyone.
“Quiet!” demanded Vand. “I want to hear the report. Speak Xavo.”
Xavo moved to stand before Vand. He bowed low and reverently before straightening and smiling at the Emperor.
“Aakuta thought he was clever,” reported the mage. “He used a spell of fog in an attempt to avoid being captured, but it did not work. He fled into the jungle and everyone lost sight of him. A sound was clearly heard some distance away and most of the groups converged on it. I did not. I remembered your demonstration of the air tunnel and knew it was a trick. Instead, I led my troops in the opposite direction. We left the jungle trail and moved silently through the dense foliage. That is when Aakuta struck. He attacked my men with some hideous light spell. My men immediately died, but I avenged them. I struck Aakuta down with a powerful fireball.”
“What nonsense is this you spout?” scowled Vand. “Aakuta was cursed. He had no mind for using magic, yet you speak of fog, and air tunnels, and even some light spell of death. I will not tolerate such lies in my court.”
“These are not lies,” Xavo quickly replied as he pulled a glass bottle from his pouch. “Aakuta found away around the curse. We found this bottle in the forest behind the temple where Aakuta must have been spying on us. I think it contained some type of elixir that negated the curse. That is the only explanation that I can think of.”
Vand held out his hand, and a guard swiftly raced to Xavo and took the bottle from his hand. The guard brought the bottle to the Emperor and placed it in his outstretched hand. The Emperor held the bottle up and gazed at the slight accumulation of liquid in the bottom. He uncorked the bottle and sniffed the contents for several moments before throwing it to the floor in disgust. If anyone had been close enough to hear the Emperor mumble under his breath, they would have heard him curse his daughter.
“Where is Aakuta’s head?” demanded the Emperor.
“My fireball was much too powerful,” answered Xavo. “Aakuta’s body was burned along with a large section of the jungle. Soldiers are still fighting to put out the blaze.”
“Then we have no confirmation of his death,” scowled Vand. “That is unacceptable.”
“We have many witnesses,” offered Xavo. “Indeed, I was dragged out of the fire as I sought to take Aakuta’s head regardless of the peril to my own life. I knew that bringing his head here would please you.”
“Where are these witnesses?” asked Vand.
A dozen men raised their hands. Santiock was one of them, but he frowned at the number of others who were claiming to have helped. Santiock stepped forward and bowed before the Emperor.
“I was nearby,” Santiock offered to the Emperor. “While some will make false statements in your presence to gain your favor, this is not such a case with Xavo. I witnessed the attack on his men. The spell was indeed deadly, and their bodies were instantly shredded. Xavo did indeed strike down Aakuta with a fireball, igniting the brambles present there. He did indeed draw his knife and attempt to sever Aakuta’s head. I, along with two others, pulled Xavo out of the flames. He was not happy that we had done so before he had retrieved the head of Aakuta, but we had to save his life.”
“And you are sure that Aakuta could not have survived the fire?” questioned the Emperor.
“Not a chance,” replied Santiock. “The flames were intense, and the area was completely surrounded by your troops. Aakuta is dead. I saw his lifeless body burning in the flames. There can be no doubt regarding his death.”
“Let me add that I had already succeeded in cutting most of the way through his neck,” interjected Xavo. “No one can breathe without a throat, nor can they use a head that is no longer attached to the spine. A few more seconds and I would have presented a trophy to you. That is why I was angry with my rescuers. I only needed one more cut.”
“You should thank your rescuers,” smiled Vand. “I do not need a trophy when the kill is confirmed. Had you died trying to get Aakuta’s head, you would not be alive today to receive my praise. Your name shall be exalted this day as a valiant Disciple of Vand. Let my empire know that Xavo is favored with my graces.”
Xavo beamed as everyone applauded him. Even Santiock genuinely applauded although he had often thought little of the braggart mage. When the applause stopped, Vand focused his attention on Santiock.
“You also must have seen Aakuta’s use of the air tunnel as a diversion, Santiock,” declared the Emperor. “That shows good thinking and analysis. Your actions in saving Xavo must also be rewarded, as will the actions of others who pitched in. I will notify my generals that you are to be promoted. You are to determine who else has taken actions today that warrant my favor.”
Vand rose and left the throne room as men crowded around Santiock to discuss the merits of their inclusion on the list to be favored by Vand. Xavo frowned heavily as Santiock became the center of attention rather than himself. He turned and stormed out of the throne room.
Chapter 8
Aunt Kanis
Princess Alastasia viewed the battleground. Galantor stood facing her with his large two-handed sword. The elf officer stood poised to strike her down. Beyond her opponent Alastasia saw Tamar with his back to Galantor. He stood in a pose like Galantor, but he was facing Princess Alahara. Alastasia caught her sister’s eye and nodded a signal. Alahara grinned and nodded back.
Princess Alastasia dove towards the ground. She pulled her staff in close to her body as she hit the ground and rolled past Galantor. When she came out of the roll, Alastasia swung her staff hard into the back of Tamar’s legs. Tamar’s legs buckled and he dropped to the ground. Even before his body hit the ground, Alahara was in motion. She charged towards Tamar and leaped over his falling body. Her own staff moved in a blur as she swung it at Galantor’s legs. The elven officer had been turning around to see where Alastasia had gone when he was struck. A sharp crack split the air
as Galantor howled and hit the ground.
Alahara and Alastasia raced to Galantor’s side. The officer rolled on the grass, one hand clutching his left shin. Tamar got up off the ground and joined the small group.
“What is it, Galantor?” asked Tamar. “Are you hurt?”
“I can fix it,” Alastasia offered quickly as she gently moved the officer’s hand and replaced it with her own.
“My leg may be broken,” groaned Galantor.
“This is supposed to be practice,” sighed Tamar. “You girls are not supposed to kill your tutors.”
“I was supposed to strike his legs before he turned,” apologized Princess Alahara. “I was too slow. I caught the side of his leg instead of the rear.”
“That is the first time I have ever heard anyone use the word slow while talking about you,” chuckled Galantor. “I would prefer to think that my reaction was just faster than you had planned on.”
“It’s not broken,” smiled Alastasia as she cast a healing spell on Galantor’s leg.
“That is a relief,” sighed Tamar. “Galantor has duty tonight. These practice sessions are getting a little rough recently. Where do you girls get your moves from? What prompted you to switch opponents?”
“One has to gauge a battle in the view of the overall battlefield,” answered Princess Alastasia. “You should never isolate your thoughts to only one opponent. It limits your possibilities. Those are my father’s words.”
Tamar’s eyebrows rose in appreciation. “One does not argue with the words of the King of the Elves,” he smiled, “especially when the words are correct. Your tactic took us totally by surprise. How did you coordinate it?”
“We talked about it, among other things, before you two arrived,” grinned Princess Alahara. “It was just one possible strategy depending upon the placement of our opponents. When we got you lined up back-to-back, MistyTrail gave me a nod.”
“Alastasia,” corrected her sister with a laugh. “I am glad to know that I am not the only who has trouble with names.”
“What if we had not lined up properly?” asked Tamar.
“We had other plans,” grinned Alahara. “You will learn of them someday.”
“I am sure that we will,” chuckled Galantor as he flexed his leg and nodded to Princess Alastasia. “You two are actually making better warriors out of Tamar and me,” he added as he rose. “We should start using some of your tricks on the other soldiers. It might spice up our normal drills.”
“I have a better idea,” grinned Tamar. “Why don’t we have the princesses join us one day for drill? Let them pull their tricks on the other soldiers. It will be much more effective when our men learn by humiliation.”
“Providing our men survive,” laughed Galantor. “Thank you, Princess Alastasia. The leg feels fine now.”
“Always glad to help heal the wounds my sister inflicts,” grinned Alastasia.
“I have to head off to duty,” frowned Galantor. “It was fun training with both of you. I look forward to more grass chewing in the future.”
“Tomorrow?” asked Princess Alastasia.
“Tomorrow,” Galantor grinned as he nodded and waved.
“He took that well,” remarked Princess Alahara as Galantor ran across the grass and disappeared around the corner.
“You two have become worthy opponents,” smiled Tamar. “You make up for your small stature by outsmarting your opponents. Plus your speed is phenomenal.”
“We are grateful for your tutoring,” interjected Alastasia. “It is fun to unwind this way after a day’s worth of lessons at the Society of Mages.”
“How are your lessons coming?” asked Tamar. “I have heard nothing about it. I would have expected to hear rumors circulating about your magical deeds.”
“As junior members of the Society of Mages,” frowned Alahara, “we are beneath notice of the illustrious senior mages. To talk about us would be to give us too much credit in their eyes.”
“They are not all that bad, Alahara,” laughed Alastasia as she shook her head. “It is true that we are not treated as full members of the society, but that is something that we must earn. I look forward to proving my skills to the senior members.”
“If you prove your magical skills in the same fashion as your martial skills,” chuckled Tamar, “I want to watch. Are you learning anything?”
“We are learning a great deal,” nodded Alastasia. “No single mage will tutor us for an extended period of time, but we have managed to get most of them to devote small segments of time to our education.”
“That actually works to our advantage,” interjected Alahara. “We get to see the same spells from many different angles, and we get taught a very broad spectrum of spells. It’s like have forty personal tutors.”
“And none of them fully understands the extent of our knowledge,” added Alastasia. “When it comes time for us to be tested, our tutors will be the most surprised of all. None of them will expect the level of knowledge that we have gained in a short period of time. They will be impressed.”
“How are the other junior students doing?” asked Tamar. “Are they learning as much?”
“Hardly,” Alahara shook her head. “They have each latched on to one senior mage and not looked any further. They spend most of the day in the library reading about magic instead of learning it.”
“You two are special,” Tamar smiled warmly as he spotted two boys walking along the street outside the park. “I have to run also. I will meet you here again tomorrow.”
“Alright,” smiled Alastasia as she waved.
“That was fun,” Alahara said as she bent down and picked up her staff.
“That is Eltor and Caldal that Tamar is talking to,” commented Alastasia as she nodded across the park. “What are they doing in Morada?”
Princess Alahara rose and stared across the park. She saw Tamar guiding Eltor and Caldal around the corner.
“I don’t know,” frowned Alahara. “They didn’t even come over to say tayo.”
“Pay no mind to them,” came a female voice behind the princesses. “You are too young for boys.”
Alahara and Alastasia whirled around to see a slender elven woman standing near the path to the Royal Tree. She had a wry smile on her lips.
“Which one of you is Alahara?” the woman asked.
“I am,” answered the older sister. “Who are you?”
“I am your Aunt Kanis,” answered the woman. “Queen Alycia is my sister.”
The princesses looked at each other in confusion, but it was Alastasia who spoke, “I have never heard of you. I did not know the queen had a sister.”
“The queen?” mocked Kanis as she turned and headed towards the entrance to the palace. “Can you not even come to call her mother? I know that you were raised in the land of the humans, but that is no reason to show disrespect for your elders. I shall have to speak to your mother about your manners.”
“I meant no disrespect,” frowned Princess Alastasia as the princesses followed Kanis. “We often call her mother.”
“Well,” Kanis shook her head, “you will learn the elven ways soon enough now that I will be staying in the palace again.”
“You are moving into the palace?” frowned Alahara as she gazed at the small pack the woman was wearing. “Is that pack your only belongings?”
“Hardly,” Kanis replied dryly. “My cart broke down on the trail here. It made no sense for me to struggle with it when there are two strong princesses with nothing better to do. Run off to the road heading to the village of Florentia. You will find my broken cart not far from the edge of the city. Bring it back here and see that my belongings get up to my chambers.”
Alahara’s brow knitted in a deep frown, and she was about to tell the woman to go and get her own belongings. Alastasia saw the guards bow slightly to Kanis and admit her to the lift. She placed her hand calmingly on Alahara’s arm to silence her. Kanis turned around and smiled woodenly at the girls as the lift began t
o rise. The princesses watched her ascend into the Royal Tree before speaking.
“Who does she think she is?” Alahara snapped. “Do we look like servants?”
“She is rude and pretentious,” agreed Alastasia, “but we will only complicate things by fighting with her. If she truly is our aunt, and I suspect that she is by the way the guards bowed to her, I have no wish to give her cause to complain to mother about us.”
“You intend to go and fetch her belongings?” balked Alahara.
“Yes,” nodded Alastasia. “Actually I had planned for you to help me. We will get her stuff so that she can’t complain about us, then we can avoid her in the future. Would you rather go with me to get her belongings, or go up into the palace and visit with her?”
“Visit with her?” Alahara’s lips curled in disgust. “I will go with you, but don’t expect me to move too fast. I am in no hurry to return here.”
“Me neither,” chuckled Alastasia. “I hope we don’t have any other aunts coming to visit.”
“I wonder why Queen Alycia never mentioned her sister,” pondered Princess Alahara as the girls headed for the edge of the city.
“Think about it,” chuckled Alastasia. “Does Aunt Kanis seem like someone that you would brag about being related to? She has all the warmth of a swamp snake.”
“Well put,” laughed Alahara. “Even when she tried to smile her face looked like she had just swallowed something dreadful. Do you think our mother was ever like that?”
“No,” Alastasia shook her head. “Even when she was under Karaza’s spell she was not that bad. Remember how pleasant she was when we first met?”
“Before she slapped me,” sighed Alahara.
“Be fair, Alahara,” chided Alastasia. “That was Karaza’s doing.”
“I know,” conceded Alahara, “but it still hurt. At least I didn’t try to kill her.”
“You brat!” gasped Alastasia as she playfully pushed her sister. “I did not try to kill her.”
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