The Flames of Deception - A Horizon of Storms: Book 1

by AJ Martin

  “Flattery will only get you so far with me Silar,” Chalize smiled. “I have the Senate to convince of your good will towards my empire. Many of them still oppose my granting you asylum in our lands. They fear it will bring reprisals from Mahalia.”

  “Which is why it is imperative Mahalia does not know of my presence here, My Lord,” Silar continued. “The wizards will fear you all the more as a leader because of your insight into their ways and their lack of understanding as to how you know so much. We will breed more of the mages, until you have an army that will outmatch the wizards’ own numbers.”

  Chalize paced in a circuit of his study slowly, one hand behind his back and the other pressed to his lips as he thought. “You would have me invade Olindia whilst Sikaris rampages across their lands?”

  “It is the perfect time, when they cannot defend themselves against us both!”

  “And what of my men? Can you guarantee their safety in Olindia against the dragon?”

  “There are always casualties in war, My Lord,” Silar said regretfully. “But once we have overcome the remaining soldiers of Olindia, my associates and I will then call off the dragon. Your people will be safe then and Olindia under your occupation.”

  Chalize turned away from Silar and clasped his hands behind his back as he thought.

  “This is…. an outlandish plan. Perhaps the most ill – advised and dangerous plan for conquest I have ever heard. Its entire success hinges on a creature you claim to control, but that all evidence to the contrary, all historical teachings tell me is impossible!” The man took a breath and stared out the window to the clear, blue sky. “But then, as you managed to free the beast in the first place, the power of your little cabal is clearly impressive.” He shook his head and took a deep intake of breath.

  “What else is there that worries you, My Lord?” Silar asked. “Please, tell me so I can assuage your concerns.”

  “There is still much I need to know of your past, Silar. You have told me stories of your time in Mahalia, but not enough that we have been able to verify them. The Senate have dug into your identity and have found no evidence for its very existence. I accepted your request for asylum in exchange for your abilities, against their judgement, but you have remained a mystery to me as well. How can I put my faith - put the fate of my entire empire - in a man I know next to nothing about?”

  Silar nodded thoughtfully and weighed his words. “I can appreciate that, My Lord.” He turned and strode around the room. “Were I in your position I would ask myself the same questions. The reason for the lack of information about my life is the same as if you were to try to delve into the past of any of my kind. Mahalia is a closed book; sealed with a lock only those in power in the Council of Mahalia can open. All the proof I can offer comes from the words I speak, the stories I tell you and in the actions I take. And those actions so far have all been geared towards helping you. I am grateful for your taking me in and I intend to repay that generosity in kind, by handing your oldest enemy, Olindia, to you, in exchange for my own security and the eventual destruction of Mahalia.” Silar smiled. “All of which is in your interests, My Lord.”

  Chalize stared at the man for a time with a penetrating gaze. “Your eyes do not betray a hidden agenda to me,” he said. “I have always prided myself on knowing a person’s true self, peeling back the veneer and seeing the man beneath the bluster.” He scoffed. “And you can certainly bluster!” He shook his head. “I may be a mad man myself, but I believe you and I can see merit in your insane plot.” He clicked his tongue and then raised a finger. “If you can promise me the dragon can be stopped once we take Olindia - if you swear on your life that it is the case - then I will speak with the Senate and I will convince them that invasion is the way forward. But if you are lying, if somehow you have deceived me, then I will make you regret it, wizard or not,” he said gravely.

  Silar kneeled and grasped the emperor’s hand. “My Lord, I promise you with all that I hold dear that I will call off the dragon when the time comes. I swear this to you on my life.”

  Chalize regarded the man at his feet a moment longer and then nodded. “Well then,” he said, freeing his hand from the man’s own. “I had best convene a meeting with the Senate. There will be much to do to ready ourselves for war.”

  Distant Echoes

  159th Day of the Cycle, 495 N.E. (New Era)

  Emary awoke from a deep sleep as light began to creep up from the horizon. Birdsong penetrated the near silent calm of the valley. The only other sound came from the light breeze that stirred the leaves on a nearby tree. Grunting, she pushed herself up from the ground. Her cheek blushed with the imprint of the grassy ground she had slept on. She rubbed at it irritably and then dusted herself off. They had been trying to find the princess for days now, going this way and that through Olindia, adjusting their route when they heard talk of the dragon nearby.

  She looked around. Luccius was still asleep. Glancing around further, she spotted Matthias sitting cross - legged further down the hill, his back to her. Meditating again she supposed. He did that a lot. Stifling a yawn she got to her feet, grimacing as she noticed another red imprint on her stomach and knees, and strode over. It surprised her when she realised Matthias had his eyes open, staring into the distance. He barely regarded her when she dropped down beside him.

  “What is wrong with you now wielder?” she asked. She resisted the urge to flinch as Matthias jerked his head quickly, wildly, to face her. The whites of his eyes were red and his face pale. He did not look well at all: he looked as if he were going to be sick.

  “I can feel them dying,” he whispered. He gulped as if he was holding back from vomiting on the spot.

  Emary studied him, puzzled. “Can feel who dying?” she asked. Matthias seemed far away for a moment, eyes glazing, turning inward. Emary grabbed him by the arm and gave him a gentle shake. “Wielder! Who is dying?”

  “People. Lots of people. Hundreds. Thousands. Perhaps more.”

  Emary scanned the landscape. “Where?” she asked incredulously. “I don’t see anything. I don’t understand you!”

  “It’s a skill we learn in Mahalia. Everything is connected. The trees, the birds, the people… on this world we’re all linked in one way or another.” He gulped again and licked his dry, parched lips before he continued. “Wizards learn to sense the threads running through all things, through a kind of meditation. It takes a lot of training. Years of practice…” He went quiet again, inward and still.

  “An impressive skill that you can do that,” Emary commented and shook her head. “Can you read minds?”

  Matthias smiled thinly. “It’s not that precise. But it’s always been a great comfort to me. Being able to feel life pulsing around me. But now…” he shook his head. “Now all I can feel is death and pain for miles. A piercing wail of people being burned out of the world in their masses.” He swallowed. “I’ve failed them all. I should have done more.” He stared into the distance, and they sat a moment as the birdsong continued around them.

  “I am unaccustomed to comforting people,” Emary said after the pause. “But I do know that brooding over one’s mistakes does little to help matters. Besides, from the tales you’ve told me there was no way of stopping that dragon,” she said. “You fought it as best you could.”

  Matthias stared down to where he had unlatched his sword and placed it by his side, and picked it up, handling it lightly. “You know I actually thought I could win. When I was on his back attacking him with this, I thought that the gods had given me an opportunity to stop him.” He snorted. “But they have deserted me yet again. They are supposed to have helped Josephine, and yet now she is lost as well.”

  Emary sniffed. “Our people do not seem to see the gods in the same way as most of your ‘Triska' does. Many of the people here worship the gods as almighty beings who are unable to do wrong.” She shook her head. “Not in Lantai. We see them for what they really are.”

  “Which is?” Matthia
s asked curiously.

  “Fallen warriors,” she replied. “Creatures who made this world but who then fell on the swords of demons. They are as our ancestors were, to be respected and learned from. But they are not our superiors, as many in these lands present them to be.”

  Matthias nodded his head with intrigue. “An interesting belief,” he said.

  “And what do you believe?” Emary asked him, brushing her hair from out of her face.

  Matthias shrugged. “I don’t know anymore. I used to worship the gods like everyone else when I was younger. But now I feel that they haven’t given us much to work with to save this world, for all that prayer and worship.” He nodded. “I think you’re right. They’re creatures, just like us. They are limited in their strength. But I still feel like they can make a difference. They wouldn’t be giving us seeing stones and warnings if they didn’t want to help. Maybe, just maybe, they will surprise me.”

  Emary shrugged. “Perhaps. But you should never place your destiny in the hands of others.”

  Matthias nodded. Then he winced and shut his eyes a moment. “Again,” he said. “It must have been hundreds of deaths, all at once.” He took a shuddering breath.

  “These deaths, they are nearby?” Emary asked. Matthias nodded. “How far?” she added.

  “I’m not sure, but it is getting closer.”

  “Then we should not remain here,” She replied gravely. “You have had your time to mourn. But sitting here crying over the dead is not going to save the living. So get up,” she barked, rising and placing her hands on her hips. "Or do I have to kick you up the backside?"

  For a moment Matthias just sat there, staring at Emary as she stared him right back. Then his lips twitched and a smile began to form on his paled face.

  “You’re a strange one Emary. But I’m glad you have decided to come along,” he said.

  “You’re paying me, remember? And from the sounds of the dangers this dragon brings, not enough.”

  Matthias shook his head and turned to look behind them. “I suppose we had better get him up,” he said, motioning to Luccius who was still sleeping softly, curled up like a cat.

  Emary snorted and sidled over to him. She poked him lightly on the shoulder with her boot. His ears twitched and it took another prod before he began to stir.

  “Get yourself moving!” Emary barked.

  Luccius rolled away from the avenging foot and opened his eyes. “What?” he mumbled sleepily with unmasked annoyance.

  “It’s time to go.” Emary retorted. “Come on!” she repeated until he was on his feet, stumbling about like a new - born foal.

  “I’m so pleased Matthias asked you along,” Luccius said grouchily as he dusted himself off. Matthias chuckled. “I can’t have been asleep for more than a couple of hours,” the ansuwan yawned.

  “You can’t always have the luxury of a comfortable bed and a full night’s sleep,” Emary commented. “You have grown too soft in these lands.”

  Luccius grimaced. “Better than being a hard, emotionless stone like you.”

  Emary smiled. “Emotionless? No. Fearless? Perhaps. Not to mention ruthless and efficient. And this stumbling from place to place is not very efficient," she opined. “It takes us hours, if not days to reach each town or village around here, and every hour we waste walking is another this dragon can use to kill more people. Sooner or later, one of them will be your princess.”

  “Then we need to find a place to get some faster transport don’t we?” Matthias commented.

  “There were horses in that last village?” Luccius suggested.

  “They weren’t for sale, if you remember?” Matthias replied.

  “We have to find your princess and stop the beast at any cost. What are a few stolen horses compared to such stakes?” Emary asked him.

  “Many of these people have already lost their livelihoods. I won't add to their troubles when we are able bodied enough to walk. And we're not going back,” Matthias interrupted. “We go forward, onward.” He reached deep into his dirt - encrusted coat, into an inner pocket and pulled out his map, sodden from rain. He shook it out.

  “There’s a village – Moriana - a few more miles east,” he advised as he studied the map. “I’d say it’s the better part of a day’s walk from here.”

  Emary inspected the map. “If we go quickly. There can be no more loitering. We must march swiftly.”

  “I wouldn’t call what we did the last few days ‘loitering’,” Luccius exclaimed. “My shoes are worn down to the soles of my feet!”

  “Then you need better shoes,” Emary grinned. “Not those thin pampooties you stride around in.”

  Luccius squinted. “These are fine shoes,” he rebutted.

  “For a trader, maybe, or a jester.”

  Luccius opened his mouth to respond but caught Matthias’s eye. The wizard shook his head quickly, and the ansuwan shut his mouth and folded his arms, his ears twitching with annoyance.

  “In any case, we’ll walk quickly to Moriana and try and get horses from there.”

  “And if there aren’t any for sale?” Emary asked.

  Matthias looked back at her stonily. “Then we'll get a bit more exercise, won't we?" he suggested.

  After walking across country for several hours, past fields of yellow flower and lush, high grass they found their way to a well - trodden pathway. The dusty road headed off near enough in the direction they wanted to go and so they strode along it, a welcome change from grass and nettles rubbing at their heels. Emary stopped suddenly and held a hand up.

  “What is it?” Luccius asked.

  “I’m surprised you cannot hear with those ears,” she sniffed.

  “Hear what?” Matthias asked.

  “Horse’s hooves on gravel and mud. A lot of them.” She squinted as she strained to hear. Then she pointed. “There.” On the horizon the shady figures of a multitude of men on horseback appeared. Matthias threw up a hand to his brow and stared, as they grew closer.

  “Soldiers,” he whispered.

  “This is the first time we’ve seen any since we fled Crystal Ember,” Luccius added. “There must be at least a hundred of them.”

  Matthias turned to Luccius and handed him his staff. “It’s a walking aid, if they ask,” he advised. Luccius nodded and shifted his weight on to the wooden splint. The wizard pulled off his coat, turned it inside out and threw it over his arm so that only the lining showed.

  “What are you doing?” Emary asked him.

  “The people of this country aren’t very keen on wiz- on wielders,” he advised. “The average Olindian wouldn’t likely know one when they saw them and I hid my pendant already, just in case. But a soldier is much more well - travelled than the average person. The staff and coat might draw their attention.”

  “Even so, surely you could fight off their numbers?” she asked.

  “Possibly. But I’d rather not have to, not least because they aren’t my enemy. We should keep walking and act as normal as we can.”

  “That might be difficult for us,” Luccius sniffed.

  “For you, maybe, rabbit – ears,” Emary snorted.

  The men continued to canter down the sloping path towards them. They wore the silvery armour of Olindian guardsmen and the black and silver woven banners they held at regular intervals in the front row of men signalled them as such: an image of a trident topped by a crown against a dark backdrop of stars. As they grew closer, one man rode ahead of the rest and approached them. He peered down at them through his shining, pointed helmet at them.

  “Good day to you,” he said. “What is your business along this road today?” he asked them.

  “We are on our way to Moriana,” Matthias answered politely, an air of calm surrounding him as the man eyed him. It reminded Matthias of the way Thadius weighed him up on first coming to Rina. “We have been travelling a fair while and are in need of rest.”

  “What is your trade?” he asked. “You are heavily armed for merchants and
you have a lack of any wares about you.”

  “Wouldn’t you carry weapons if you were this close to chaos?” Emary cut in with an abruptness to her voice.

  “Chaos?” the man tilted his head, studying her cautiously.

  “There is a dragon on the loose,” Emary replied.

  “Then you have seen the dragon?” the soldier asked her.

  “She hasn’t, but we have - my companion and I,” Matthias replied, interjecting. “We were in Crystal Ember when it attacked. We lost everything we own, save for what we have on our person,” he added. “We met with this woman a few days ago in a nearby town. We felt there would be safety in numbers.”

  The guard dismounted and took off his helmet. His dark brown, curly hair spilled from its confines. “Against the creature you speak of, there is little safety,” the soldier said gravely. “That you made it out in one piece is a miracle in itself.”

  “We haven’t seen any soldiers since we made it out of Crystal Ember,” Matthias commented. “I was afraid that you had all been killed by the creature.”

  “The attack has taken my people off guard,” the soldier said. “We have been riding hard for well over a week, from the border with Aslemer. We are heading to the capital to give aid to the forces there,” he said. “The rest of the army tracks the dragon’s movements.”

  “Your people intend to hunt it?” Matthias asked.

  “If we can,” the soldier said bluntly. He held out a hand to Matthias. “My name is Joseph Maranin. I command these men.” The rest of the soldiers had slowed to a halt behind them.

  “A fine group of soldiers,” Matthias nodded back. “My name is Matthias Greenwald.”

  “Tell me, Matthias Greenwald, is the damage to Crystal Ember as bad as the stories say?” Joseph asked.

  “When we left, it was in pieces,” Luccius interrupted. “Every building was burning.” Noticing the solemn change in the soldier’s face, he added: “I’m sorry.”