Wizardoms- Eye of Obscurance

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  “Jace?” Narine said after a moment.

  Adyn sat to the other side of Narine, looming with a challenging glare.

  “Yes, Narine?” Jace replied.

  Adyn leaned over and punched Jace in his recently healed shoulder. “She is a princess, and you will address her as such.”

  He rubbed his shoulder, yet refused to be intimidated. “Is she? Did she not just flee the palace and concede the throne to her brother?”

  Narine snorted. “He has a point.” She sighed. “Besides, I can’t very well have others calling me princess if I wish to escape notice.”

  Adyn glared at Jace a moment longer before sitting back and crossing her arms.

  “Did you want something, Princess?” Jace asked with a grin.

  Narine smiled, bringing her aqua-blue eyes to life. “Yes. I wanted to make sure… You aren’t really a servant, are you?”

  Rhoa laughed from across the fire. “Him? Please. He is…” She shifted to a deep, booming voice, pumping her elbows as she spoke, “Jerrell Landish, the greatest thief of all time.”

  Narine turned toward him. “Landish? From Salvon’s tale?”

  “Well, yes.” He was unsure of how she would receive the news, but he had no choice but to acknowledge the truth.

  Her eyes gazed into his, searching for something. “Was the story Salvon told true? Did you truly do those things?”

  “Much of it is true. The part with the Minotaur wasn’t quite right, but otherwise…”

  Adyn snickered. “So you stole the smallclothes off of someone?”

  Jace shrugged. “It was for a bet.”

  “What of Montague?” Narine asked. “That story even reached the University in Tiadd. Did it really happen like they say?”

  “Depends. What have you heard?”

  “You dressed as a woman and seduced him before tying him up and stealing his clothes.”

  Jace’s brow furrowed. “Why would I want the man’s stupid robes?”

  Both women smiled and leaned toward him. Jace tried not to look at Narine’s chest, but the exposed bit drew his eyes anyway.

  “So the rest is true?” Narine asked, her eyes alight with humor.

  “Well, I did dress as a woman,” Jace admitted. “But I wasn’t after his clothes. The contract required me to steal the bracelet he wore.”

  Narine’s eyes shifted from mirth to curiosity. “Bracelet?”

  “Yeah. He wore it on his ankle. It was some sort of enchanted item only wizards can use.”

  She appeared genuinely interested. “How so?”

  “As I understand it, it allowed him to use extra magic. I guess that was how he rose to high wizard at such a young age.”

  Narine sat back, her brow furrowed. “Enchantments for magic augmentation. I have never heard of such a thing. Anyone with such a device would possess power beyond their normal means.”

  “I assume that’s why Gurgan wanted it.”

  Narine’s gaze flicked to Jace in an instant. “High Wizard Gurgan? With such a device, he might challenge Malvorian.”

  Jace laughed. “That’s likely what he had in mind. Even with the bracelet, though, the man didn’t fare well.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The way I hear it,” Jace said, “Gurgan left Malvorian’s throne room in two pieces, neither of which retained any blood.”

  Narine turned to Adyn, who shook her head. “I wish I had been there to see it.”

  “What of the Minotaur?” Rawk asked from across the fire. “Did you actually face a monster that was half-man/half-bull?”

  “I did.” Jace recalled the memory, like a nightmare he could not shake. It was an experience he would never forget. “The monster was ten feet tall. Strong, too. The man with me was a skilled swordsman, an experienced soldier, tall with thick arms and a barrel chest. Even so, the Minotaur tossed him around like a babe.”

  “Tell us more. I would like to hear of it,” Narine said, her eyes alight.

  Jace wanted to dive into those eyes and swim in their aqua waters.

  The story was something he had never shared. Strangely, it made him more uncomfortable than his other escapades. Yet, with her urging, he relented. Not only did he tell the story, he recited it as Salvon might, building up to the final confrontation with the Minotaur. She begged him to continue, so he did, telling the entirety of the tale right up until he and his companion parted ways. The only parts he left out were secrets he held close.

  Jace had been alone deep in the castle when he opened the chest. True, a map had resided there, but he had also taken two other items before fleeing from a trap he triggered. One of those remained in his coin purse – the very same amulet that had recently saved his life. The other item he had sold long ago. It had somehow fallen into Montague’s hands before he stole it a second time, then sold it to Gurgan. Both men had fallen upon hard times after owning the bracelet. Jace just hoped the amulet didn’t carry the same misfortune.

  The night rolled on, and so did the stories, with each person in the group sharing something of their past, even Rawk. By the time the fire had dwindled to embers, Jace was overcome by a foreign feeling.

  This group, these misfits from different backgrounds, had formed a bond. With it came a feeling of belonging he had never experienced. He decided he would share a piece of his reward with Rhoa, Rawk, and Salvon once they reached Marquithe. Even if he gave them each twenty gold, he would have enough remaining to live well for many years. The princess was another story, something he intended to focus on during their journey.

  Who knows what the future holds? Jace thought while laughing at something Narine said.

  Epilogue

  Lord Malvorian sat alone in his study, his eyes closed in meditation. Devotion had ended an hour earlier. The magic of Farrow surged through his veins, filling him with power. It was a majestic experience few would ever comprehend. Still, he longed for more.

  A knock at the door caused him to open his eyes. The room was filled with the aura of the magic he held, a blue-tinted radiance. With regret, he released the power, allowing it to slip back from where it came. Darkness charged toward him until he wove a construct and lit the candles on his desk.

  “Come in,” he said.

  The door opened, Thurvin entering.

  “My lord.” Thurvin dipped his head. “I have news from Despaldi.”

  Malvorian sat forward, eager to hear more. “Go on.”

  “A messenger has arrived with a missive regarding Starmuth. The man practically rode his horse to death to reach us as quickly as possible.” Thurvin’s sharp face broke into a grin. “Seven nights past, the Starmuth obelisk did not light. No Devotion took place. The citizens are confused, frightened.”

  Malvorian considered the missive and knew it could mean only one thing. A wizard lord would never allow an evening to pass without Devotion. The craving was too strong.

  “The thief did it,” Malvorian said in wonder. “He actually killed Taladain.”

  Thurvin nodded, moving closer. “I came to the same conclusion. Even if it didn’t occur at Landish’s hand, Taladain is dead.”

  Rising to his feet, Malvorian crossed the room and lifted a decanter off the credenza. He poured two glasses of brandy and turned, extending one toward his visitor. “Drink, Thurvin. You deserve it.”

  “Thank you, my lord.” The man accepted the brandy and took a sip. He then walked toward the window, stepping into the moonlight. “The autumn Darkening recently passed Fastella. The next won’t occur until spring. That leaves Ghealdor without a wizard lord for a long stretch.”

  Malvorian joined the shorter man and gazed up at the moon. “A window of opportunity has opened before us. It is time to move forward with our plans. Send orders to Despaldi and Henton. Have them prepare for a march. They are to make camp at the border and await your arrival.”

  Thurvin’s brow arched. “Me, sire?”

  “It is time to take the field.”

  “And you want me t
o accompany the army?”

  Malvorian put a hand on Thurvin’s shoulder. The man was small, his face narrow, like a weasel. He was not a powerful wizard, but he had a bright mind and had proven his loyalty. “When we conceived this scheme, I said you would be rewarded.” He released his grip, set his drink aside, and pulled the sleeve of his robes up. “The first reward is this.”

  Thurvin’s brow furrowed at the bracelet hanging loosely from Malvorian’s wrist. “Jewelry?”

  Working the clasp, Malvorian opened the bracelet and slid it off. “It is special, enchanted.” He held it toward the man, who took it with narrowed eyes.

  “What sort of enchantment?”

  “It is a well for storing magic.” Malvorian grinned when Thurvin flashed him a look of surprise. “Whomever wears it will have increased power.”

  The wizard studied the prize in his hand. “I had no idea such an enchantment was possible.”

  “Nor did Olberon.”

  “The enchanter knows?”

  “I took this from Gurgan after his untimely demise. When I discovered its power, I summoned Olberon. He had never seen anything of its like. The next day, he returned with five fellow enchanters to study it. Even now, they are trying to reproduce another such device.”

  “And if they succeed?”

  “I will then have additional tools for which to advance my plans.” Malvorian grinned before turning and walking toward the door, Thurvin at his side. “In the meantime, you and Captain Henton will lead our offensive. Take Starmuth first, then advance to Fastella before Ghealdor can prepare. What we attempt is unprecedented and will require magic as well as swords, which is why I am sending you.

  “I will also send a missive, demanding Forca and the entire guild join you. When you reach Lionne, you will meet with Montague and demand the same from Lionne. The high wizard will remain to protect his city, but the rest are to join the fight.”

  The wizard lord stopped beside the door, turning to look Thurvin in the eye. “Centuries of stagnant peace have made the wizard race lazy, passive, and pathetic. Occasionally, one with ambition challenges another to become a high wizard – an event occurring too infrequently for my liking. It is time for the wizards to set aside their dinners, parties, and meaningless squabbles and take the world by storm. When we are through, the Wizardom of Farrowen will be just a portion of my empire. I will lead all wizards, and the wizards will rule mankind completely.”

  Thurvin said nothing for a moment before nodding. “It will be done, my lord. However, what of Devotion? You claim to have identified a means of collecting prayers from other wizardoms.”

  “Yes.” Malvorian opened the door. “It is time to reveal the most critical aspect of my plan.”

  The wizard lord stepped into the corridor and waited for Thurvin to follow before closing the door. He then led the shorter man to his lift and called upon his magic, the power flowing through him with a rush. A disk of blue light encircled his outstretched hand in the pattern of a unique energy construct. When his palm touched the control panel, the lift began to lower.

  Malvorian said, “While Landish’s success in disposing of Taladain is a boon, it also points to the risk the amulet presents. You are to locate the thief and obtain the amulet at any cost. Set Despaldi to this task if you must, but until we possess it, our plans are at risk. It’s bad enough the thief has it, but think of what might occur if it fell into the wrong hands.”

  Thurvin nodded. “I agree. The amulet presents a great risk. It will be ours.”

  The empty throne room was dark, save for the two enchanted torches to each side of the throne. Those pale blue flames never died. After the destruction rendered during the confrontation with Gurgan, the throne had been rebuilt, a minor feat for Malvorian. True, wizardesses were more adept at constructs of repair, but with the power of a god, he was able to perform deeds other wizards would find impossible.

  The lift stopped when it reached the throne room floor. Malvorian then twisted his palm and the lift began to rotate.

  Thurvin stumbled, startled. “What’s this?”

  Malvorian chuckled. “Watch.”

  As the rear panel turned from the wall, it revealed a hidden opening. Inside was darkness, inky black and foreboding. The light from the throne room torches shone just enough to reveal the hint of a descending stairwell.

  The wizard lord released the energy construct and replaced it with a simple construct of illusion, transforming it into a ball of pale blue light that hovered above his palm.

  “Come,” Malvorian said as he stepped off the lift and passed through the doorway.

  The ball of light gave shape to the curving stairwell as the two wizards descended. The walls were smooth and seamless, as were the stairs. Down and down they went, deeper than both the palace basement and dungeon. Those levels existed in other parts of the palace, but this portion had been solid rock until recent years – until the arrival of the dwarf.

  The stairs ended at a short corridor. Malvorian followed it and stepped into the chamber. Thurvin stopped beside him, gaping at his surroundings.

  High above, stalactites clung to the cavern ceiling, some dripping water into shallow pools. Here and there, mounds of calcium had formed stalagmites, dotting the smooth cavern floor. In the distance, a few hundred feet away, was an opening.

  With Malvorian in the lead, the two wizards crossed the cavern, weaving around the pools and rock formations. The gray cavern walls glittered with metals and minerals, reflecting Malvorian’s light until he released it, the ball of magic fading into the ether.

  Dim light came through the opening ahead. Without pausing, Malvorian entered the narrow tunnel and emerged into another chamber. There, he found the dwarf, bent over a large, blue gem resting on a workbench made of stone.

  The dwarf had red hair and a thick, red beard tied into two braids. With beady eyes and a bulbous nose, he was not attractive.

  No matter, Malvorian thought. Nobody ever sees him anyway.

  “Algoron,” said Malvorian. “It is time.”

  The dwarf pulled his hands from the sapphire and turned toward the wizard lord. “Very well.” Algoron stood, dusting his hands against his trousers. “I have five gems crafted – enough to lay claim to all of Ghealdor.”

  A grin spread across Malvorian’s face. “I would see them.”

  With a wave, Algoron beckoned him to follow. Malvorian and Thurvin trailed the short, stocky dwarf across the chamber. At the rear, shelves had been carved into the stone walls. Algoron reached for one such shelf and pulled out a blue gem. When the dwarf spun around and held it toward Malvorian, the wizard lord accepted it with both hands, his eyes filled with wonder as he stared at the masterpiece.

  “It is magnificent.” Malvorian examined the sapphire, the gem pointed at each end with four facets on each half. “It looks exactly like the gem from my throne in the Tower of Devotion.”

  “The size and shape are an exact match,” Algoron said with a nod. “It took me years to find sapphires of that size, then many weeks to shape the first stone. Once perfected, it was easier to shape the others. However, I only had eight gems to start. One was flawed and shattered. Five are now ready, which leaves only two gems to claim cities beyond Ghealdor. I must soon go in search of others or the plan will stop short of your goal.”

  With an absent nod, Malvorian gazed upon the beauty of the gem. To anyone else, it was worth more than all the gold in Marquithe. To him, its worth far exceeded that. He turned and held it out to Thurvin.

  “You will take this with you.”

  With a furrowed brow, Thurvin accepted the huge gemstone. “What am I to do with it?”

  “When you capture Starmuth, you must find a means to scale the obelisk. At the top is a gem identical to this, but made of purple amethyst. Exchange the stones, and Devotion will resume in the city.” Malvorian grinned. “When it does, the citizens’ prayers will go to Farrow, and I, Lord Malvorian, will become their wizard lord.”

 
The story continues with Wizardoms: Balance of Magic, the second book in Fate of Wizardoms.

  Note from the Author

  I hope you have enjoyed the story thus far. The Fate of Wizardoms series has been a blast to write, and I hope that shows through as you read along, but we are just getting started. The adventure continues in Wizardoms: Balance of Magic, releasing November 2019.

  You can also receive a FREE copy of Legend of Shadowmar, a Wizardoms prequel novella, by subscribing to my author newsletter at www.jeffreylkohanek.com.

  Best Wishes,

  Jeff

  Also by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  Runes of Issalia

  The Buried Symbol: Runes of Issalia 1

  The Emblem Throne: Runes of Issalia 2

  An Empire in Runes: Runes of Issalia 3

  Rogue Legacy: Runes of Issalia Prequel

  * * *

  Runes of Issalia Boxed Set

  Heroes of Issalia: Runes Series+Rogue Legacy

  Wardens of Issalia

  A Warden’s Purpose: Wardens of Issalia 1

  The Arcane Ward: Wardens of Issalia 2

  An Imperial Gambit: Wardens of Issalia 3

  A Kingdom Under Siege: Wardens of Issalia 4

  ICON: A Wardens of Issalia Companion Tale

  * * *

  Wardens of Issalia Boxed Set

  Fate of Wizardoms

  Book One: Eye of Obscurance

  Book Two: Balance of Magic

  Book Three: TBD

  Book Four: TBD

  Book Five: TBD

  Book Six: TBD

  Prequel: Legend of Shadowmar