This time Darius laughed. “That sounds more like Sanduval than Heminaltose. Diplomacy was not Sanduval’s strong suit. He said what was on his mind, consequences be damned.”
Farrell managed a thin, sad smile. “A perk of being one of the greatest wizards of his age.”
A loud knock filled the apartment. Miceral stood up, motioning for the others to remain seated. “I’ll get it.”
“They were both fine men.” Darius said, seeming to sense Farrell’s mood. “You do them both proud.”
“Yes, they were.”
Horgon and Erstad followed Miceral into the sitting room, bowing politely to Prince Wilhelm. Once he finished the introductions, Farrell allowed Horgon to do most of the talking.
Somewhere during the discussions, a page brought several trays of food and drink. Erstad handed him some food and he realized the fight had interrupted his and Miceral’s lunch plans. Conversation came to a stop when Farrell sat down with a second heaping plate.
“Does he always eat like that?” Wilhelm asked Horgon. “If I ate half of that, I’d be twice my size.”
Darius laughed. “Magic makes a wizard hungry.”
Self-conscious at the attention, Farrell started to put his food aside when Erstad put his hand on the plate. “Don’t stop eating; it’s hard enough keeping you as lean as you are.”
Wilhelm and Horgon moved to the food. “My father once warned me,” Wilhelm said loudly enough for everyone to hear, “never hire a fat wizard. I see there is more than a hint of truth to that.”
Horgon winked at Farrell and said, “I could mention a few comments about never eating with merchants, but I fear that might spoil the mood.”
Laughing, Wilhelm nodded. “I fear they are probably all true.”
“Prince Wilhelm.” Farrell drew the attention back to himself. “Before my father-in-law arrived, we started to discuss why you made this unplanned visit. If you’re still of a mind to talk about it, I’m ready to listen.”
Wilhelm stared at Farrell for an impolite amount of time before laying his plate on a table. “It would seem I’ve underestimated you, Prince Farrell. Knowing one’s limitations isn’t a common trait among the ruling class.”
“Hopefully, you weren’t expecting to prey on my perceived naivety to wrangle something contrary to my best interests.” Farrell smiled, but he didn’t find much humor in the conversation.
“In any negotiation, each side seeks an outcome beneficial to its own interests.” Wilhelm’s features softened. “So naturally that was a thought when I arrived.”
Farrell resisted the urge to scoff at the answer. “Would it be fair to say you’re here to see what aid we can provide in the event Meglar is unhappy with you for letting his wizards be killed?”
Wilhelm chuckled softly. “That’s one way to put it. Don’t mistake Meglar’s agents in my city for my being ignorant to their true purpose. As I said before, without offending Zargon’s king, I had no good reason to evict them.”
“They steal energy your wizards would use in defense of Belsport.” Erstad shook his head. “If that’s not reason enough, what is?”
“Nay, Master Erstad, it is not.” Wilhelm turned toward his wizard, who shrugged. “They do no more than any other wizard might do—collect energy. But trying to seize property and burning a respected merchant, these are reasons worth taking action.”
Farrell arched an eyebrow. “So long as you have an ally of some substance to back you up.”
“Exactly.”
“Meglar’s power is located well to the east of you, Prince Wilhelm,” Erstad said. “Were he to try to lay siege to Belsport, he would need to bypass Honal and Pelipan. Doing so would leave his seat of power vulnerable to attack. With his eye set on conquering the remaining two kingdoms, it is unlikely he would directly attack you. More likely he would attack you through one of your neighbors.”
Wilhelm nodded slowly. “A sound conclusion, but that would still leave us at a disadvantage. If I allied myself with you, what assistance would you be able to offer if Belsport was attacked?”
Erstad appeared on the verge of answering, so Farrell raised his hand. “The answer would depend on the form of the attack. If it’s an attack by a neighbor supported by Zargon, we might commit considerable resources to assist you. But should Meglar lead the attack, we will not sally forth and confront him.”
Wilhelm’s eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at Farrell.
“Go ahead. Say what you’re thinking.” Farrell gave Wilhelm a wry grin. “Why are we so cowardly that we won’t aid you when you need us most?”
“That was the general gist of my thoughts,” Wilhelm said. “Though I don’t recall thinking you were a coward.”
“Thus far, Meglar has decided the time and place of his attacks. That has worked to his advantage. I won’t let him goad me into acting too soon or in a place where he holds the upper hand.”
Other than raising an eyebrow, Wilhelm’s face didn’t change. “Even if it means he conquers the rest of the continent?”
“Even that. Yes.” Farrell shook his head. “It makes no sense for me to confront him unless there is a reasonable chance of success. After me, who’s left?”
“Then what if he attacks Belsport? What of my city?”
“We would help shield your city long enough to evacuate your people,” Erstad said.
“Evacuate to where?” Darius’s body stiffened as he scanned everyone’s face. “There won’t be anyplace left to run to.”
Farrell met his glare without flinching. “Your people would be welcome at Haven, or, if you desire, we’d help you find a new home somewhere else.”
“Hardly the alliance we would need to risk Meglar’s wrath.” The elder wizard looked disgusted.
Wilhelm’s soft chuckle surprised Farrell. “Perhaps I missed the joke, Prince Wilhelm.”
“My apologies,” he said. “Before we came to Haven, Darius was the strongest voice for expelling Meglar’s ambassadors. Politics isn’t as simple as he would like to believe.”
“Darius, I’m sorry if my offer isn’t what you had hoped, but it’s the best we can make. Everything I do is for one goal—defeating Meglar. As callous as I sound, as shortsighted as you may think me, I’ll not change my plans because Meglar changes his.”
“And if he doesn’t cooperate and come when and where you want him?” Darius said. “What will you do then?”
Farrell noted the challenge in Darius’s voice. “He’ll come. I can’t say more, but he’ll come. The question for you is, do you let Meglar continue to weaken you until he is ready to attack, or do you take action now and give yourselves a fighting chance?”
Raising a bushy white eyebrow, Darius didn’t back down. “Expelling Meglar’s wizards also prevents him from collecting energy that he will use against you. Essentially, you’re asking Belsport to make itself a target to deny Meglar power for your own benefit.”
“If you want to look at things through the narrow prism of the risk to Belsport only, that’s your mistake to make. Your only hope for survival is for me to defeat Meglar. If you want to aid him ahead of our confrontation, that’s your choice, but you should be able to see how that isn’t in your best long-term interest.”
Wilhelm held up his hand, cutting Darius off before he could respond. “Though I recognize your bias in this, you still make valid points. I’ve always known that unless he is stopped, Meglar will eventually attack Belsport. But as I understand magic, energy regenerates over time. If it appears things are headed for a confrontation, we can expel his agents and be no worse for having them.”
Farrell waited for Darius to correct his prince, but the wizard kept silent. “Two reasons that is false. First, Meglar has a Source at his disposal. All the excess power his minions collect goes into feeding his power supply. I’ve never seen the limit of a Source, so while theoretically there is one, it is meaningless, given how high that number would be.
“Second, and perhaps more to your benefit, there
are ways to collect all the unattached power and save it.”
Darius raised an eyebrow. “What are you suggesting?”
“Binding all the free energy in and around Belsport and siphoning it to one place. From there, your wizards can draw on it now or in the future.”
“The number of vessels needed to hold that much energy would be vast, unless we had a better storage system.” Darius’s hint was not lost on Farrell.
“Even if I knew how to create a Source, I wouldn’t reveal such knowledge.” Farrell let a small smile spread across his face. “But even without a Source, you have to admit, collecting Belsport’s unattached energy and making it available to your wizard constables carries enormous military advantages.”
“And,” Horgon chimed in, “would be extremely valuable.”
Wilhelm laughed. “Well put, Minister Horgon. You must have merchant blood in you. Would you give me a moment to consult with my wizard in private?”
“Of course.” Farrell led the others out of the formal sitting room.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Erstad didn’t sound happy. “Giving them that knowledge could be disastrous.”
Glaring at his mentor, Farrell stifled a scathing retort. “I’m aware of the danger if this knowledge were to get out, but the consequence will matter very little if Meglar wins. I have no intention of telling them how to do it. I will simply set it up for them.”
Looking only slightly less angry, Erstad merely nodded. Rather than pursue the issue, Farrell reached out to Nerti. “Did you detect any deception or ulterior motives?”
“Despite the reputation of merchants, this man seems honest. Keeping Belsport safe is his true purpose for coming.”
Waving a finger, Farrell prevented his voice from carrying beyond the room. Without fear of being overheard, he shared Nerti’s observation with the others. The four quietly discussed what to do next until Wilhelm and Darius appeared in the doorway.
“What you suggest is of great interest to Belsport, and we would like to discuss further a mutually beneficial alliance,” Wilhelm said. “Since I forced you to cut your celebratory trip short, what would you say to finishing your vacation as my guests?”
“MASTER JARVIS.” Wilhelm’s voice startled the innkeeper and caused the two constables to jump in surprise. “The wizard and his partner will be guests at the Citadel while I sort this out. Send over their horses and any personal items found in the room.”
“Yes, my lord.” The man bowed deeply. “What of the balance on their account? They paid for two more nights.”
“They won’t be needing it.” Wilhelm’s brusque tone supported the charade they’d all agreed to maintain. “You may keep it for the trouble they’ve caused you.”
“My lord, they saved my life—” Jarvis snapped his mouth shut when the prince glared at him.
“If you don’t want the money, I’m certain the royal treasurer will be happy to collect a special levy from the Blue Marlin and its keeper.” Wilhelm kept his gaze locked on the man until Jarvis nodded.
“That won’t be necessary, my lord.” Jarvis dared a glance at Farrell, seeming to offer an apology for what had just happened.
Before anyone could speak again, Darius opened a Door to the Citadel. All pretense of being prisoners disappeared once the wizard closed the portal.
“Lord Farrell.” Wilhelm spun on his heel. “I fear, given the abrupt nature of your visit, that I cannot observe the proper protocols Belsport would normally afford one of your rank. I would, however, be honored if you two would join me and my family for dinner tonight. Darius will see you to your rooms. They will not be as opulent as the Prince’s Suite at the Blue Marlin, but I trust you’ll find them acceptable.”
Grinning at his guests, Wilhelm nodded once in dismissal and walked off.
As Darius led them to their rooms, he explained how centuries ago, Wilhelm’s ancestors founded Belsport with the construction of the Citadel. From its highest spires, lookouts could see miles in every direction, including out to sea, providing ample opportunities to marshal their defenses. Prince Wilhelm’s family had spent the better part of the last thirty-plus centuries expanding and fortifying the city.
“We occupied the westernmost point on the continent,” Darius explained. “Belsport is the first place for merchants to stop after crossing the Great Western Sea. Coupled with our well-protected harbor and ideal location with respect to the other free cities, merchants make Belsport the port of choice to base their overseas businesses.”
“Which creates great sums of wealth for the city and its ruling family,” Miceral quipped.
“And a fair bit of envy, I’d imagine,” Farrell added.
“Correct on both accounts.” Darius smiled, gesturing for them to head to the right. “Which is why Belsport built and maintains a formidable navy. I’m sure you’re familiar with how important that is to a trading city’s livelihood.”
Farrell noted something in the older wizard’s voice that made him uneasy. “Any ruler who engages in trade would be aware of the importance of a strong naval presence.”
“Indeed.” Darius nodded but didn’t continue the discussion.
As they walked down a long hallway, two teenage boys with dark hair, dressed in the livery of Belsport, approached and took Miceral’s and Farrell’s saddlebags. The pages led them up a long spiral staircase before stopping on a landing three-fourths of the way up. A few paces from the stairwell brought them to the only entrance visible in the hallway. The thick, dark-stained oak door was heavily carved and inlaid with gold leaf.
“These rooms are used only for visiting heads of state,” Darius said with a smile. “My favorites for their oversized balconies. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here.”
The pages put the bags down and asked if Miceral and Farrell needed anything else. Miceral shook his head and reached in his pouch for some coins.
“Lord Miceral,” Darius said. “These lads are sons of our nobility or wealthy merchants. Unlike those who toil at the inn, they do not require nor is it appropriate to tip them.” Looking at the pair, Darius added, “Run along, lads. That’s all we require.”
Despite slightly disappointed looks, they exited, showing the proper respect due high-ranking guests.
“My apologies, Darius.” Miceral looked slightly embarrassed. “After our stay at the Blue Marlin, it has become second nature to tip those who are assisting us. I forgot we are in the prince’s palace.”
Darius’s expression changed in an instant. “Tell me, Farrell, what kingdom are you the prince of? Heminaltose was my friend for a great number of years, and I had been to Haven before you became lord and master. There never was a Prince of Haven until you came around. Which begs the question: Are you really a prince, and if so of what nation?”
Farrell paused for a moment to consider what answer he would give. Most people just assumed his family had been the rulers of Haven before they arrived. Before he could answer, Darius continued, “As I said, Heminaltose and I were friends, good friends in fact. The story about him killing the son of Meglar and Zenora is also known to me, but has no merit. I know my old friend. Heminaltose would sooner kill himself than kill a small child, even Meglar’s.”
The two wizards silently regarded each other for a long moment. “I met Prince Halloran when he was just about one year old. Zenora was visiting Heminaltose at Haven and so was I. You bear a resemblance to your father, though you do have much of Zenora in you as well. Looking at her picture in your sitting room helped me figure out who you reminded me of. Using the name Halloran at the Blue Marlin confirmed my suspicions. It would have been too great a coincidence.”
“Even Heminaltose marveled at your deductive skill, Darius. He used several of your textbooks in my education. I didn’t realize that they were your books until you mentioned visiting my old master. That too would have been too much of a coincidence.”
Miceral had been holding his breath since the exchange began but let it out slowly.
“As you can imagine, Darius, it is not well known that I’m the rightful Prince of Yar-del. My mother, grandfather, and Heminaltose felt it best that Meglar not know his son survived. They felt he would either attempt to abduct me or kill me had he known I lived. It was also believed that it could be beneficial to reveal my true heritage to him when we finally meet. It may give me an advantage. All of that is a long way of asking you to not reveal what you have deduced, not even to your prince. The fewer who know, the better kept the secret will remain.”
Darius nodded his assent. “From the moment I met your father, I disliked him. Arrogant and self-absorbed, he showed no respect for other wizards, not even Grand Masters Heminaltose or Sanduval. He felt he was superior to every other wizard alive, and I suppose in some measure he set about proving it. I’m told he was quite charming when he was courting your mother, but after they were joined, he was a most unlikable person, to say the least.”
“Less likable the more you get to know him.” Miceral’s remark drew a grin from Farrell.
“If you think you don’t like him now, wait until you meet him.” They all laughed.
“Fear not, Prince Farrell, your secret shall be kept safe. Not even Wilhelm will be told. Meglar’s threat is too great for us to squander any advantage we might have. If nothing else has come of this day, you have a new ally in your quest to stop your father. Wilhelm is a practical man and a wise ruler. He understands who his real enemy is and the danger Belsport faces long-term. We will, however, move slowly and tread carefully. Even if Meglar will not come at us directly, there are more than a few free cities that would gladly ignore the risk of an alliance with Meglar to conquer this city. Wilhelm understands this and must walk a narrow path to ensure our survival.
“But if by chance you can teach me how to bind all free energy to keep it from Meglar’s wizards, I think we would be better able to resist any threat from our neighbors or Meglar.”
“We can indeed discuss that along with other precautions you may employ. I have an idea for where you can store the extra power you collect. At Northhelm, I tried a new type of shielding for the first time. It proved quite effective at stopping Meglar in the short time it was used. If we tie the collection spells to the shield, it should be very effective at deterring Meglar.” Farrell would have continued, but Darius held up a hand to stop him.
Champion of the Gods, Books 1-2 Page 26
