Champion of the Gods, Books 1-2

by Andrew Q. Gordon

  Farrell nodded approvingly. “I’ll wager that went over well.”

  “Was that before or after he threatened Aderic and the prince?” Darius asked.

  That got Farrell’s attention. “What happened?”

  “They’re under arrest for threatening the prince and a constable.” Darius smirked. “My spies tell me the rest of Meglar’s agents are planning a jailbreak. Aderic’s organizing our response as we speak.”

  “By the time you return—” Wilhelm took a bite from an apple he’d selected. “—I’ll have arrested all of Zargon’s wizards for crimes against the crown. Meglar will, of course, protest and we’ll have a diplomatic response, but in the meantime, Darius is going to hold them in a sealed chamber that will block them from seeing or sensing what you’re doing.”

  Such a clever plot worked far better than Farrell’s sledgehammer approach. “I see the wisdom in doing things your way.”

  “I’m pleased you approve of my method.” This time, the prince sounded amused. “Our alliance is important to Belsport and to her goddess.”

  His initial reaction to Wilhelm’s decision had bordered on insulting, and Farrell felt guilty for doubting his new ally. “Clearly, I have much to learn on the art of subtlety, Prince Wilhelm.”

  “Consider it a lesson from one who’s had more experience dealing with political intrigue.” Smiling again, he directed his attention to Miceral. “Now that we have that settled, can you go over what steps remain before the shield is functional?”

  THE DISCUSSION with Wilhelm lasted into the lunch hour, and with the time difference, they returned to Haven later than Farrell expected. Nerti decided they would ride the next morning. Despite the disappointed faces of his guests, Farrell refused to ask her to reconsider. After showing Peter and Alicia around Haven, Farrell caught up on some work and arranged a small dinner in honor of his guests.

  He invited his old friend Prince Jursten of Endor and Kerstand, earning him a warning from Miceral not to play matchmaker. When Alicia immediately began flirting with Jursten, Miceral scowled at Farrell.

  “I had nothing to do with this.” Farrell tried to look as innocent as he felt. “But you have to admit, they seem to be enjoying themselves.”

  “Prince Jursten.” Farrell’s voice drew all eyes to him. “I’d be remiss in my friendship if I didn’t warn you about your dinner companion.”

  Alicia’s jaw tightened so much her lips almost disappeared. Ignoring the daggers she shot him with her eyes, he plastered his best court smile on his face. “She’s an expert conversationalist who will surprise you with her wit. Don’t let the pretty face fool you; she’s even smarter than she is lovely.”

  For the first time since Farrell met her, Alicia blushed.

  “And how is that a warning?” Jursten turned back to Alicia. “A compliment such as that is hard to disagree with.”

  The color deepened in Alicia’s cheeks, prompting her to glare at him. “It would appear….”

  “Princess, did you tell Jursten we might go riding tomorrow?” Farrell arched an eyebrow, daring her to risk her invitation.

  Peter sniggered next to him, then busied himself arranging his silverware when his sister looked his way. Jursten looked from Farrell to Alicia, then back.

  He grinned at Farrell before turning to his new companion. “How badly did you make him blush?”

  “He was almost as red as Prince Kerstand’s shirt.” She pointed to the scarlet tunic signifying Honal’s royal colors. “But it was an innocent mistake. Twice he answered the door shirtless and sweating. What else was I to think other than my virtue was at stake?”

  Miceral roared, but Farrell kept his smile without turning red. “Help me out here. Miceral, what was that comment she made about us being—”

  “That was an honest mistake too.” Alicia looked fit to burst as she spoke through clenched teeth.

  “Payback?” Kerstand asked.

  “Of course.” Farrell nodded seriously. “She delighted in making me squirm. I thought she enjoyed the feeling. I guess I was wrong.”

  Jursten took Alicia’s hand and patted it fondly. “Maybe later I can tell you some of the things I said to embarrass him. For instance, the time he met the Count of Durtress’s youngest son. Poor Farrell’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull when he heard the young man was interested in him.”

  Farrell rolled his eyes but stopped when he saw Miceral staring at him.

  “Son of a count?” He smirked. “How come I never heard this one?”

  “Because the oaf had cabbage between his ears and couldn’t speak in complete sentences.” Farrell tried to frown but couldn’t keep it from turning into a smile. “But he was nice to look at and—”

  “Oh my.” Alicia giggled. “You can make yourself blush. I’m impressed.”

  “To be fair to Farrell,” Jursten said, drawing attention back to him, “Fentar was quite handsome and athletic. If he understood politics a bit better, he might have gone far.”

  “What happened to the strapping young Fentar?” Alicia turned her head slowly toward Farrell, eyebrow raised.

  Farrell cocked his head to the right, looking toward Jursten. “He joined with the son of that Arvendian clan chief, Gelg, didn’t he?”

  “Sub-clan chief,” Jursten corrected. “They counted his strength and athleticism more highly than having an advanced degree.”

  “Poor Fentar.” Farrell sighed.

  “Why?” Alicia looked confused. “Sounds like he found his perfect mate.”

  “Oh, he did.” Jursten laughed. “It’s just, well, Endor is one of the few kingdoms devoted to the God of Wisdom. Fentar wasn’t an especially adept follower and never really fit in at court.”

  “If I recall correctly”—Farrell smiled at his friend—“you arranged for Gelg to bring his son to court when you knew Fentar would be there.”

  “Your memory is somewhat selective.” Jursten turned to Alicia. “Fentar was very taken with Farrell. I mean, he swooned whenever Farrell came near. It was… embarrassing to his father and my father. Farrell heard that Gelg’s son was attracted to men and was looking for a mate. He let drop that bit of information in a most suggestive way.”

  He glanced at Farrell, who shrugged. “What? Your father was about to exile Fentar. All I did was mention how it might be a good match.”

  “Wait.” Alicia put her free hand up, leaving the one under Jursten’s. “How did you know Gelg’s son was looking for a mate?”

  Jursten smirked. “Gelg wanted to match him with Farrell, who of course had enough of the handsome but dumb-as-a-stone type.”

  “So why did you get involved?” Miceral’s expression told Farrell he’d have to give more details up when they were alone.

  “Um… well….” Jursten suddenly looked uncomfortable.

  “Jursten owed me a favor.” Farrell earned a look of gratitude from his friend. “I ran interference when a particularly obnoxious mother wanted to pair her equally obnoxious daughter with Jursten at a state dinner. I made sure she sat next to me instead.”

  “And that helped how?” Alicia seemed amused and kept stealing glances at Jursten.

  “Sitting next to the Prince of Haven is an honor every mother dreams of for her unmarried daughter.” Jursten’s chuckle became a full laugh.

  “Unless the prince isn’t interested in women.” Farrell tried to look innocent. “Then it becomes a wasted social opportunity.”

  “It sounds like you two have quite an interesting history together.” Alicia smiled coyly at Jursten.

  “Jursten was my first real friend.” Farrell turned serious but still smiled. “He wasn’t a teacher, mentor, vassal, subject, court dandy looking for something, or any of the other people I dealt with on a daily basis. We were both young, and aside from him trying to fix me up with all sorts of hideous men—”

  “Please, you told Duchess Helena I mentioned her daughter to you fondly.” Jursten rolled his eyes. “Do you remember how much trouble we both got in w
hen Father had to deal with the old battle-ax?”

  “Not attractive?” Kerstand asked.

  “She was forty-three and I was twenty-four!” Jursten pointed at Farrell. “He knew the Duchess was desperate to find a suitable husband for Jonice, and his little comment had the old woman practically sprinting for my father’s chambers.”

  “That was the closest Clement ever came to yelling at me.” Farrell nodded at the memory. “But the two-hour lecture on the finer points of marriage diplomacy was enough that I never did that again.”

  Alicia turned to Jursten. “You will have to tell me more about your adventures.”

  Peter rolled his eyes, but his sister kept flirting with Jursten and didn’t notice.

  “After dinner,” Jursten said, smiling back, “it would be my pleasure to regale you with some of our more amusing adventures.”

  DINNER PROVED entertaining, especially for Farrell. Since Clement’s death, Jursten had become more serious and less fun. Farrell had changed too. Recounting their adventures in front of the others reminded Farrell how much he enjoyed Jursten’s company and what a good friend he had been. Hopefully, this pairing wouldn’t make it into the litany of “tales” recited at future dinners such as this.

  When the staff cleared the main course from the table, Jursten and Alicia excused themselves to “see more of Haven.” They pointedly ignored the snide looks the others gave them as they left the small dining room arm in arm.

  While the servers set out dessert, the discussion turned to current events, and in particular, Belsport’s new shield.

  “If all goes well and the new shield works at Belsport”—Farrell poured coffee for himself and Peter—“it might be of use to Honal.”

  Kerstand stared at a blank wall before nodding. It took him a few moments more to answer.

  “How much would it cost?” Despite his polite words, Kerstand’s face betrayed his true feelings. “Honal can’t afford what Belsport paid without beggaring the treasury.”

  “Easy, Kers.” Miceral put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “With Belsport it was more a game than anything. Prince Wilhelm paid for the shield as part of a larger trade agreement.”

  “It’s true,” Peter added, grabbing a small cake from the tray. “Father plans to defer the cost by reducing what we spend on magical protections and charging wizards for access to power. Well, not the wizard constables, but other wizards.”

  Miceral shook his head. “Why am I not surprised?”

  “Back to the issue at hand, please?” Farrell caught his irritated tone and held up his hands. “Sorry, I’m getting tired, and I get cranky when that happens. The shield won’t last indefinitely, at least not until it has years to power up, but it’ll provide valuable time to evacuate everyone if it comes to that. Could you arrange a meeting with your father when I get back? I’m sure we can agree on what compensation, if any, will be required.”

  “I’ll pass along your request.”

  “Excellent.” Farrell yawned before he could stifle it. “Good thing this wasn’t going to be a long night. I’d probably fall asleep on everyone.”

  COLLECTING HIS guests proved more difficult than he expected when Farrell learned Alicia and Jursten had talked into the small hours of the night. Only the threat of leaving without her spurred the princess into action. Once ready, she appeared as eager as her brother to meet Nerti and Klissmor.

  Farrell couldn’t remember a breakfast more rushed than the one that morning. Peter inhaled his food, Alicia only a bit behind, and then the pair announced they were ready to go. Farrell and Miceral had to endure them watching their every bite as they tried to finish eating. Finally, to get a bit of peace, Farrell sent them to collect a bag of apples to bring to Nerti. Peter ran off, but Alicia seemed torn between maintaining proper decorum and racing off after her brother. Eventually, she opted for her dignity and walked quickly.

  “Apples?” Miceral asked between shoving food in his mouth.

  “I thought….” Farrell shut his mouth as bits of food flew across the table. “Sorry about that. I thought it would be a nice gesture for the two of them to come bearing gifts.”

  “Good idea.”

  When the siblings returned, each carried two bags of apples. Alicia put her bags almost in Farrell’s plate. “The cook said he has more if you need them.”

  Farrell rolled his eyes, shoved the last piece of toast in his mouth, and washed it down by draining his cup. Pushing back from the table, Farrell wished he had time for seconds, but he couldn’t take the intense scrutiny of his guests. “You thought this was a good idea, why?”

  The glare he got from Miceral told him his partner had second thoughts as well.

  Leading the group through a maze of rarely used tunnels, Farrell soon had them to the western edge of Haven. At the end of the last tunnel, Miceral put his arm out to stop Peter and Alicia. “Unicorns will talk into your mind, but you can answer by speaking. Remember, Nerti is the Queen of the Unicorns. You must treat her with deference and respect.”

  After getting nods of understanding, Farrell opened the door leading to the western side of the mountains. A gust of wintery air swept across the flat, grassy land. Farrell closed his eyes and fetched four sets of warm cloaks, sweaters, and gloves.

  Before they finished dressing, Farrell heard the sound of hooves. Four unicorns, led by Nerti, rounded an outcropping and made for the group. Cloak still in hand, Peter stood still, watching their arrival.

  Just seeing Nerti running toward him produced a twinge of guilt as Farrell realized how little attention he’d paid her in the past two weeks. Ignoring everyone else, he put his forehead to hers. “I’m sorry I have neglected you recently.”

  “As a newlyjoined, you are forgiven this once.” Her playful tone helped ease some of his guilt. “Returning for the day so we can ride has helped you maintain your high standing.”

  Farrell smiled and escorted Nerti closer to his guests. “Alicia, Peter, this is Queen Nerti.” Alicia curtsied, and her brother bowed.

  Dipping her horn slightly, Nerti “spoke.”

  “Greetings, children of Belsport. Welcome to Haven.”

  Even with the warnings Miceral had provided, the pair looked at each other in astonishment. Alicia recovered first and managed to stammer out, “Thank you, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to meet you.” Peter simply nodded vigorously.

  “Nerti has asked two of her children, Natice and Nordric, to take you riding with us today.” When Miceral finished speaking, the two other unicorns cantered forward.

  Remembering the apples they’d brought, Farrell selected two from his bag and then waved a hint to the others. One he gave Nerti immediately; the other went in his pocket. As soon as the unicorns finished eating, the group mounted, and Farrell opened a Door to the Plains of Gharaha.

  Nerti had barely cleared the portal before she leapt forward and raced toward the southern edge of the plains. The others followed, leaving their riders thoroughly chilled. After an hour’s ride, Nerti broke away, challenging the others to give chase. Only Klissmor accepted, but even he couldn’t catch her as she ran full-out.

  “Farrell.” Nerti slowed, waiting for the others to catch up. “Much as I enjoyed our ride, it is time for you to get back to Belsport and complete your work.”

  Farrell delivered the news and let Nordric and Natice race each other back to the still-open Door. Once they all cleared the portal, Peter and Alicia dismounted. They gave their new friends another apple and said their good-byes. The unicorn twins nodded in unison and ran off. Nerti and Klissmor remained, showing no sign of leaving.

  “We are accompanying you back to Belsport, Wizard,” Nerti said. When he gave her a confused stare, she added, “Belsport is now an ally of Haven. As Queen, I want to meet Wilhelm to be certain he can be trusted before I agree to this alliance.”

  Farrell realized his mistake. “My apologies, Nerti. When Arritisa commanded the alliance, I never thought to speak to you about it. Please forgive me.”r />
  “These apples and the ride were a good start toward earning my forgiveness.” She nodded toward the bag, prompting Farrell to give her another. “I don’t fault you, little one. You must do as the Goddess commanded. But as She did not speak to me, I would like to meet the prince for myself.”

  Farrell stroked the area under her horn and was prepared to head inside when the door to the tunnel opened. Horgon and the three senior Haven wizards quickly exited and sealed the door.

  “Nerti informed me that she and Klissmor are escorting you to Belsport,” Horgon said. “It seemed wisest to meet here.”

  The idea made sense to Farrell, but he needed a bit more time before they left. “Peter and Alicia haven’t had time to collect their—”

  “We can come back for our things,” Alicia interrupted.

  “Right,” Peter agreed.

  Farrell shrugged. “Given that accommodation”—he fetched his black battle staff—“I’m ready to return to Belsport.”

  WILHELM QUICKLY filled them in on the status of Meglar’s people. Using the information they had, Aderic had lured most of the would-be “rescue” team into a special holding cell. The constables easily rounded up the rest.

  “I believe we have all but those who are not official representatives of the crown,” Darius explained. “If there are any wizards among them, I’ve not felt their presence.”

  Without telling Wilhelm or Darius, Farrell asked Nerti and Klissmor to search for any wizards in hiding, and if they found any, to determine their allegiance. While they worked on that, Farrell checked the status of the shield.

  Power flowed slowly into the central stone. The collection spell had been extended well into the city. That gathered enough new energy to provide a constant trickle to each of his stones. Darius opined they’d covered less than a third of the city. Given the rate of collection and the area covered, Farrell felt certain additional energy wouldn’t be needed to properly power the shield.