by Sam Ferguson
“Yes, ma’am, I meant may I ask a question?”
“You may.”
“What were those things that attacked me?” The ghost and the wolf I mean.”
“Again you ask questions to which you already know the answers,” Lady Dimwater tapped her fingernails on the table and looked at Erik intently. “Surely Master Lepkin’s chosen apprentice is not as stupid as he presents himself. I think you meant to ask why they attacked you, as you have already correctly deduced what they are, but the answer to that should be obvious as well. They are guardians of my study. They keep intruders out.”
Erik sighed and looked to the window high up on the wall. He was used to being teased by others, but for some reason Lady Dimwater’s insults hurt more than most.
“What kind of tea would you like?” Dimwater asked. She pointed to the teapot.
“I like mint tea, may I have that?”
“Very well,” Dimwater said. She muttered something that Erik couldn’t understand and seconds later the entire room was filled with the aroma of fresh mint tea. Steam escaped through the spout of the teapot and trailed off as it rose through the air. “I find it better to discuss bitter topics over drinks,” Dimwater said. She snapped her fingers and two tea cups appeared; one on each saucer plate. The teapot gently floated toward Erik and poured tea into his cup. The bottle of green liquid floated over to Dimwater, popped its own cork, and filled Dimwater’s cup.
“What is that?” Erik asked. He was feeling more comfortable now after being offered refreshment in place of infinite demerits or immediate expulsion.
“It’s absinthe,” Dimwater replied. “It is a bit too strong for you, but I find it helps to clear my mind.” She took a slow sip and set the cup back on the saucer.
Erik tested his tea. It was almost too hot, but that was how he liked it. Hot enough to sting the lips and be felt on the way down his throat. “It’s very good, thank you.” Erik looked up and saw that Dimwater was still staring at him. Her face was as stone and despite her beautiful features, looked scary. Her finger lightly traced the rim of her cup as she stared. It was then that Erik remembered why he was here. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have entered your study without your permission.”
“Your apology is accepted,” Dimwater replied. “However, we should discuss the matter of your punishment.”
Erik set his tea down and prepared for the worst.
“I deal with intruders quite differently than other teachers here at Kuldiga Academy.”
“Other students have done this before?” Erik asked incredulously.
“Of course,” Dimwater chuckled. A smile broke her stone-faced expression. “There are many rumors about me, young Erik. The rumors, combined with my powers and position here at Kuldiga Academy make for an irresistible temptation for all kinds of intruders, it seems. That is why I am so careful about guarding my study.”
“But why guard it if you can make everything disappear?” Erik asked.
Dimwater laughed out loud for several moments. When she calmed down a bit she wiped a tear from her left eye. “This room isn’t my study,” she said.
“But what about the desk and the books?” Erik countered. “And why would Janik tell me to come here if it wasn’t your study?”
Dimwater smiled and took another drink before she answered. “So, Janik gave you the key did he?” she asked.
Erik fidgeted in his chair nervously. He tried to think of a story to save his friend, but nothing came to his mind. “I made him do it,” was all he could think to say.
“My dear boy,” Dimwater chuckled. “Janik couldn’t be forced to do anything by a mere apprentice, not even Lepkin’s chosen protégé.”
“He’s crippled, ma’am, that gives me the advantage,” Erik replied smugly.
“His hand and leg may be twisted, but even if you had Lepkin’s flaming sword, you could not come close to defeating Janik. Perhaps you saw the painting of him in the hall?”
Erik nodded sullenly.
“Don’t worry; I will not involve Janik in your punishment.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Erik replied.
“Now, so that you understand what I meant about this room not being my study,” Dimwater began. She finished her drink and then tossed the cup into the air, where it vanished. “This room is a decoy. My real study is in the top of the tower.”
“But there aren’t any stairs. How do you get there?”
“Your ignorance of magic amuses me,” Dimwater replied. “Let me warn you that the other guardians of my study make those you encountered look like church mice by comparison.”
“Why didn’t Janik warn me about the ghost and the wolf?” Erik asked. The question was rhetorical, but Dimwater answered all the same.
“The guardians are meant to keep intruders out. Janik is not an intruder, as it is his job to clean Kuldiga Academy.”
“But he’s never seen your real study, I’ll bet,” Erik replied.
Dimwater touched her index finger to her nose and nodded. “Now you are starting to understand.” She stood from the table and waved her hand at the wall on her right. A large map of Terramyr unrolled from the ceiling to the floor. “Come and look here.” Dimwater pointed to a small island.
Erik was awestruck. The whole world of Terramyr was on a single map. He had never seen a map this large before. He approached it eagerly. As he drew nearer his jaw dropped open. There were waves on the ocean and seas, not just illustrated, but actual, moving waves. The trees of the forests swayed with the wind. Clouds rolled over the tops of mountains and valleys. Erik even saw a snowstorm on the southern-most continent.
“This is incredible,” Erik exclaimed.
Dimwater smiled. “I created it myself,” she said. Then she touched the island she had pointed out to Erik. “This is Kelboa. The island lies fifty miles to the west of here. To reach it we will use a magical device, called a teleporter.”
“We?” Erik asked. His crooked expression showed he wasn’t following.
“When a student breaks into my tower, I take them on an assignment with me. This way the student can work off his offense as my assistant, and learn firsthand what kind of person I am. Of course, I could also give you Kuldiga Academy approved punishment if you prefer.”
“No, ma’am,” Erik replied quickly. “But I’m afraid I won’t be much use to you, I can’t perform magic.”
“I didn’t say that I wanted you to. I said you would assist me. That can be done in different ways. Just do as I tell you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Erik replied with a nod.
“My assignment is two-fold. First I am to go to Spiekery and persuade a local priest to desist preaching and practicing his religion in the town.”
“Why should we do that? I thought we could practice any religion we wanted to in this kingdom.”
“Mostly that is true, but this man has created a religion that demands human sacrifices. Therefore I have been charged to put an end to it.”
“You mean, they kill people?” Erik asked.
Dimwater nodded. “The priest swears that it is the only way to appease a demon that ravages the city, but I have been given new evidence in the matter and the religion will end today, one way or another.”
“That’s awful,” Erik said.
“After that, we must travel to Kuressar. I must speak with a local official there.”
“What about?” Erik asked.
Dimwater went silent for a moment. The map went blank, rolled up like a scroll and disappeared. “I must swear you to secrecy before I tell you any more.” She pulled a needle from thin air and grabbed Erik’s hand. “You must not tell any apprentice what I am about to tell you. In truth, I only tell you because you will play an important role in the events to come.”
“I won’t tell any apprentice, but I can’t keep a secret from Master Lepkin.”
“Master Lepkin should have told you himself,” Dimwater replied. “Perhaps he felt you weren’t ready to know what purpose he c
hose you for, but I believe events are moving too quickly to put this off.”
Erik furrowed his brow. What is she talking about? Erik wondered. All he wanted was to know more about Dimwater’s past with Orres and Lepkin.
“You may speak of this to Lepkin, but no one else. Do you so swear?”
“I swear,” Erik promised. Lady Dimwater pricked one of his fingers and the needle with his blood began to glow. Erik wondered what could be so important, but nothing could have prepared him for Dimwater’s next words.
“Erik, the kingdom is fracturing from within while new, deadly threats throw themselves across our borders every day. The Masters of Kuldiga Academy are preparing for war.”
“What do you mean we’re preparing for war?” Erik asked. “Who is our enemy?”
“It isn’t as simple as that,” Dimwater replied. “It’s not just a war between the kingdom and some invading force, or some legendary foe. This is a multi-faceted war. There are many different factions vying for power in the realm. Some factions are friendly to King Mathias, some are neutral, and others are extremely hostile.”
“But if the enemy isn’t unified, how can it threaten us?”
“You aren’t hearing what I am saying,” Dimwater said. Her tone grew impatient. “The kingdom is not unified either. We have enemies from within and without. It’s too complicated to lay it all out for you now. Just understand that even the noble lords are divided against each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the Masters were also involved. You’ll catch on quick enough. After we return, you can ask Lepkin about it. He’ll be mad that I told you, but I think even he will see the wisdom in helping you understand your role in the events to come.” Dimwater clapped her hands and a mirror appeared in the center of the room.
Erik watched as green, blue, and purple streaks of lightning sparked over the mirror’s surface. Each spark was heralded by a crackle just loud enough for Erik to hear before the bolts streaked across the glass. After a minute of this, a pale light emitted from the glass. The light became brighter as the lightning bolts coursed through the mirror instead of over it. As Erik watched, the faint outline of houses became visible in the mirror. The view became clearer and showed pine trees, people, pigs, cottages, and a stone altar.
“Take my hand,” Dimwater instructed. Erik took her hand and then Dimwater ran straight for the mirror. Erik balked at first, but Dimwater dragged him through the portal. As Erik passed into the mirror he was blinded by a searing white light. He tried to say something, but his voice wouldn’t work. He tried to turn back, but Dimwater’s grip was too strong. When the light vanished Erik found himself standing on dirt in front of the stone altar he had seen in the mirror.
“Stand up straight,” Dimwater commanded. “People are watching, and we must make a good impression.”
Erik struggled to keep his legs steady as he looked around. There were probably fifty or sixty peasants standing around them. It was obvious that they hadn’t been expecting a visit from a sorceress. Some of the men carried fire-wood on their backs in large packs, while women carried buckets or baskets. Erik saw a few children peeking around their mothers’ legs, while some older teenagers stood near a pigpen watching intently.
“I have come to speak with Baltezer. Where is he?” Dimwater produced a wizard’s staff with a snap of her fingers. She slammed the bottom of the staff onto the hard packed dirt below her and a most terrible thunder clap roared over the town. Some of the villagers fell on their knees, grabbing their ears.
“I am here, sorceress,” a man called out from behind the altar. “There is no need for your theatrics.”
“Nor is there any need for yours, Baltezer,” Dimwater replied sharply.
Erik watched the dark-haired man come forward through the crowd. He wore long, cream colored robes of silk. A black crescent moon was embroidered on the front, just above Baltezer’s heart. He walked with his hands clasped behind his back and a smile on his face. His head was slightly bowed, yet despite his humble appearance, Erik felt extremely uncomfortable.
“Pray tell, what can the humble village of Spiekery do for you?” Baltezer asked.
“My business is not with the people of Spiekery, it is with you,” Dimwater replied. She then set a hand on Erik’s shoulder. “Pull the scroll from your pocket and read the charges,” she instructed Erik.
Erik looked down and was astonished to see that he was now dressed in black silken robes. He pulled a scroll out of the pocket and opened it. His eyes went wide when he saw the list of charges.
“Go on and read them, and do try to sound authoritative,” Dimwater whispered.
Erik composed himself and read the scroll out loud for all to hear. “Baltezer the Brown, by the order of the Honorable Judge Alan McTeabe, you are hereby charged with several crimes against the crown. These crimes include; fraud, extortion, murder, and practicing the forbidden dark arts. It is the order of the Royal Court that you be arrested and brought to stand trial and, if found guilty, hanged for your crimes.”
“Get out of here!” a large man shouted. The crowd echoed his sentiments. Baltezer stood silent, still smiling as smugly as ever.
“Continue,” Dimwater whispered.
“If you resist arrest, then the agent of the court, Lady Dimwater, has been authorized to use any force necessary to subdue you, including death. Any other persons who try to hide or defend you shall also be subject to Lady Dimwater’s judgment.”
“This is an outrage!” a woman shouted.
“The priest has done nothing wrong, he has blessed our village,” another shouted.
“He’s done more for us than the crown ever has,” yelled another.
Baltezer raised has hands to silence the crowd. “Why do you come here with false accusations, read by a beardless boy? I am insulted. You have no proof of these allegations.”
“If you desire proof, I will give it to you,” Dimwater replied. “I know that your religion demands human sacrifices. I have three witnesses that have already testified to this. Do you deny it?”
“The sacrifices keep our town safe from demons that would destroy us,” a large, burly man bellowed.
“He’s right, Lady Dimwater,” Baltezer said. “I cannot deny that we do sacrifice on occasion, but without these sacrifices the demon would devour our city whole.”
“What is the name of this demon?” Lady Dimwater demanded.
Many of the spectators gasped and covered their mouths.
“You know that to speak a demon’s name is to summon it,” Baltezer said angrily. He took a few steps closer and folded his arms. His smile was replaced by flushed cheeks and sharp eyes. “I will not speak his name.”
“As the agent of the Royal Court, it is my right to demand this and any other information I deem appropriate.”
Erik took a deep breath as Dimwater returned Baltezer’s steady-eyed stare.
“Baltezer the Brown, I order you, on pain of death, to give me the name of the demon.” Lady Dimwater lifted her staff and tipped it, pointing the top at Baltezer. Erik had not noticed the brass lion’s head ornament on the staff’s top before. It seemed to Erik that the lion’s head was snarling at Baltezer.
“Milady, with respect, I must remind you that if I say the demon’s name it will be summoned here. It will put all of us at risk. I fear the demon is too powerful, even for a sorceress.”
“Enough games, Baltezer,” Dimwater growled. “You know full well that you may write the name and it will not be summoned.” A white piece of paper and a quill magically appeared in the air in front of Baltezer. “Write the name and give it to me.”
“Baltezer was right about the nobles,” the burly man shouted. “He said they would never help us without seeing the demon for themselves.” The crowd murmured and shouted derogatory comments about King Mathias, Erik, and Lady Dimwater. “Well, I ain’t gonna let some high-and-mighty witch call a demon on us.” The burly man pulled a broadsword from a sheath on his back and charged.
Er
ik had not brought his waster, but he instinctively reached for it and was surprised when he gripped the hilt of a sword of steel in his hand. He drew the sword and took a high-guard stance, holding the blade above his head. The crowd laughed at him, but Erik pushed the noise out of his head. He poured all of his focus into his foe. This was not a duel with wasters. This was real. He studied his foe’s heavy run, calculating how many steps it would take for the burly man to reach him. In the span of a single second, Erik determined that the burly man was right-handed, due to the fact that he gripped his sword with his right hand over his left. He also knew that the man would reach him in seven more paces, placing the man’s left leg forward. Erik figured that these two facts, combined with the large man’s momentum, probably meant that the first attack would be a crude forward thrust. Erik knew what to do.
Two seconds later the man’s left foot stomped hard on the ground. Then the man lowered his sword and thrust straight at Erik’s exposed chest. Erik pivoted on the ball of his left foot to dodge the thrust. As he moved he simultaneously flipped his sword into an upside-down grip and sliced through the man’s right armpit. The man wailed in agony but still held his sword. Erik stepped behind the man and drew a red line across the man’s back as he slid his blade across. Erik gracefully spun; placing himself on the burly man’s left side, and ended the fight by slapping the burly man’s hands with the flat of his blade. The man dropped his sword and fell to his knees.
“Yield,” Erik demanded. The apprentice pointed the tip of his sword at the man’s neck. “Yield and I will let you live.” Erik’s tone was confident and unafraid.
“I yield,” the man relented. He was holding his left hand to his right armpit and panting heavily.
“Baltezer, give me the name before anyone else gets hurt,” Dimwater demanded after the duel was over.
“I will not,” Baltezer roared. “Take your beloved tyrant’s law elsewhere. You aren’t wanted here.” Others in the crowd reached for their swords and slowly started to close in.
Dimwater narrowed her eyes. Erik was almost as scared of her in that moment as he had been of the wolf guarding her study. After a few seconds Dimwater pulled a parchment from her robes.
