by Kris A Hiatt
“Guys!” Treace yelled to get their attention. Once they stopped to look at him he spoke more calmly. He felt his face flush from yelling at his Archmagister. “We aren’t doing this. This isn’t helping.”
It seemed to calm Drevic, who sighed heavily.
“Listen,” Treace said gently, more to Heral than anyone. “At the time, the meeting was the best chance we had at finding out who would support us in being independent. It was Nimbril’s idea, not Drevic’s. No one could have known what was going to happen. It’s not Drevic’s fault.”
“I know that,” Heral conceded.
“I’m sorry, Heral” Drevic said remorsefully. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
Treace understood his anger, and understood his passion. He thought it was admirable the way Drevic had defended Nimbril and his reasoning for his actions. It showed that he cared deeply for the man. It was also a clear reminder of how forceful he could be when he wanted to be. Treace hoped he’d never need to be defended so fiercely, but if he did, he’d want Drevic at his side.
“You’re under a lot of pressure,” Heral said. “I understand. I just wish you would rely on me, on us, more.”
“Drevic, we’re with you,” Moff added.
“I know, and I appreciate it,” Drevic told them.
“Okay,” Treace cut in. “Back to the matter at hand. How do you not know the more effective ways?”
“While it’s true that I know some ways that’s more effective, I don’t know everything. After Nimbril healed me I understood more, but not all. And now I won’t because they are in Nimbril’s journals.”
“So?” Moff asked.
Heral sighed.
Treace understood it as well.
“Which are at the College in Kilindric,” Moff said, catching on at last.
“Exactly,” Drevic confirmed.
“You didn’t get a chance to read them?” Treace asked. He was with Nimbril for weeks, that didn’t make any sense. He had to have had time to read them by now.
“Nimbril wouldn’t let me,” Drevic explained. “He said I would in due time. He said there would be all the time in the world once he named me. Until then, he wanted to teach me all he knew about being the leader of our order.”
“What do you mean?” Heral asked.
“Like who to pay, when to pay them. How to read the reports detailing the progress of each member. And other things, like how not to lose your cool and snap at others you care for,” Drevic clarified, his face going red.
“It’s okay,” Heral said. “Honestly.”
“I know, but in some aspects, I already feel like I failed him.”
“Give yourself some time,” Treace told him. He felt bad for the man. He had to be under an enormous amount of stress. The fact that he was so open with them was both refreshing and disconcerting.
“Yeah,” Moff offered. “Look at me. I still can’t find The Calm. It takes time.”
“That’s comforting,” Drevic responded.
“It should be,” Treace added. “It just means you’ve got until the end of time to improve your leadership skills. That’s the same time Moff will find The Calm.”
Even though it was the same insult from the day before, it drew a laugh from Heral and slowly the others joined him. They laughed until tears filled their eyes. Treace knew that the joke normally wouldn’t have resulted in such laughter, but under the tension and stress, it just did. Once they settled themselves down, Treace was glad he made the remark. Drevic seemed much more at ease.
“The rest of what I have to say will not sit well with you,” Drevic warned, drawing seriousness back into the room.
“It is what it is,” Treace told him. “Finish what you have to say and we won’t interrupt you.”
“Easy for you to say,” Moff replied. “You’ve heard all this.”
“Not this he hasn’t,” Drevic corrected.
They exchanged glanced but didn’t say anything. Drevic paused for a few moment, apparently deciding what to say.
“Nimbril’s best friend stone-faced himself,” Drevic explained. “And he took measures to ensure it didn’t happen anymore. At least not as often.”
Treace listened as Drevic recounted the tale of how Nimbril and Truntil were best friends and of how Truntil stone-faced himself. Several times during the story Treace looked to Moff and Heral and noticed they had the same disbelieving look on their faces as he did his. Especially when Drevic got to the part in his tale where Nimbril was purposely not selecting students with skill and instead selecting incompetent students whose families provided large donations.
Drevic finished his tale what seemed like hours later.
“Well that explains how I got in,” Moff said morosely.
“I’m sorry my friend,” Treace told him.
Drevic didn’t say anything but looked at Moff and nodded his head.
“No wonder I can’t find The Calm,” Moff spat. “I’m too stupid.”
“That’s not it and you know it, Moff,” Heral insisted.
“Really? Why else then?” Moff asked. “You heard him. Nimbril was purposely selecting nitwits instead of talented people. He only allowed a couple of talented ones per year. Clearly that’s the two of you, not me.”
Treace felt very sorry for his friend. Although he didn’t think Moff was stupid, the rest of it made perfect sense. Moff might never find The Calm. At least Drevic’s tale explained why.
“We don’t know exactly how many talented ones he let in,” Drevic countered. “He never told me that. We’ll never know.”
“I think we already do,” Moff lamented.
“Don’t go down that path,” Treace told his friend.
“We’ll help you find it,” Heral assured him.
“Yeah, sure,” Moff said, sounding like he didn’t believe it.
Treace didn’t often see the negative side of Moff. He doubted anyone did. He didn’t like it. It was almost unnatural.
“You think Brental found the journals, don’t you?” Heral asked.
Treace was glad he changed the subject. For Moff’s sake at least.
“I do,” Drevic admitted.
“That’s why he wants the former magisters. He wants to see what they know of the old ways,” Moff suggested. “That’s why Kint is so powerful. He knows the old ways.”
“We’ve got to talk to him again,” Treace told them.
“I agree,” Drevic said, headed toward the door. “Take me to him.”
They left Drevic’s private chambers and out into the halls of the priory. While Treace thought the priory was a beautiful place, it just didn’t feel like the College to him. He hoped he could get used to it.
~~~
“Kint,” Moff called out after opening the door to the lavish hotel room in the noble district. “We’re here with the Archmagister.”
Treace followed Moff into the room with Drevic and Heral on his heels.
“Kint?” Moff asked the room loudly. “You in here?”
“Maybe he went to get something to eat,” Heral offered.
“We would have seen him in the dining room,” Moff argued.
“He could have went somewhere else in the city,” Heral countered.
Treace walked the room looking around. He noticed a folded piece of paper on the bed but before he could say anything Moff followed his gaze.
“Got it,” Moff said, reaching for the paper and unfolding it.
“What’s it say?” Heral asked.
“It says we’re screwed,” Moff cursed, tossing the paper on the bed.
“What?” Drevic asked.
Treace walked over to the bed and reached for the paper.
“He left to go back home,” Moff explained. “He said the meeting was over so there was no point in him being here.”
“But he said he’d meet us here,” Heral protested.
“Apparently he changed his mind,” Moff said dryly.
“He’s an old man, he couldn’t get too far. H
e couldn’t have left too long ago, right?” Treace asked. “I mean he was here when you left this morning, wasn’t he?”
“I don’t know,” Moff admitted.
“Was he here or not?” Drevic asked.
“I don’t know because I didn’t stop by here this morning,” Moffred replied.
“When’s the last time you saw him?” Drevic asked.
“Last night, same as you.”
“I thought you were going to check on him?” Treace asked. When they realized Drevic was going to be meeting with the acolytes for most of the day, Moff said since he’d be heading back to the noble district anyway, he’d let Kint know.
“He’s an old man!” Moff said defensively. “I didn’t think I’d need to check in with him.”
“So we don’t know when he left,” Drevic observed.
“We can ask around,” Heral offered.
“We don’t know which way he went,” Treace reasoned. “He could have taken a ship for all we know. They haven’t stopped going to Kadenton yet.”
“But we do know where he’ll end up,” Moff pointed out.
“True,” Drevic said. “But can you get him to come back?”
“I don’t know.”
“Should we involve Liernin in this?” Treace asked Drevic.
“Why?” Heral asked before Drevic could reply. “This is the business of the College, not his.”
“Because if I was asked to get the names for Shamir,” Moff replied immediately. “That means he knows of their power. At least we have to assume that he does.”
“And if he has the other names, sooner or later he’ll find out about Kint,” Treace concluded.
Moff nodded his head. “Exactly. And if Shamir knows, Liernin’s going to want to know too.”
“He will. Before we go, do you remember any of the other names?” Drevic asked.
“Some, but it doesn’t matter,” Moff maintained. “Shamir’s already gotten to them. Kint’s name never made it to Shamir. I think Kint’s our only shot.”
“Agreed,” Drevic told them. “If we don’t have the journals, Kint’s the next best thing.”
They left immediately for an audience with the baron. They were lucky Drevic was the Archmagister, otherwise they would have had to wait until the next morning to meet with him. It was already well past traditional business hours for the man. Treace was certain that it helped that he was one of baron’s guards, but still, he was glad they didn’t have to wait.
~~~
“Are you sure Shamir knows of them?” Liernin asked, speaking of the former magisters.
“I’m certain,” Moff alleged. “The parchment I carried held the seal of the baron himself.”
Liernin gave Moff a sideways look. Treace didn’t think Liernin liked the idea that Moff used to work for Shamir.
“I trust him with my life,” Treace said, hoping it was good enough for Liernin.
“You may,” Liernin said. “But my trust means the potential lives of sixty thousand people. Are you certain?”
“I am,” Treace told him confidently.
Liernin mulled it over and apparently was appeased with Treace’s answer because he nodded and changed the subject.
“Are you sure a few old men could swing the war in Shamir’s favor?” Liernin asked.
“Imagine a warrior that doesn’t need to worry about deflecting blows or use a shield,” Treace explained, hoping to paint a picture in the baron’s mind. “That warrior could focus purely on offense. Men would fall at his feet by the dozens.”
“And you can’t do the same magic?” Liernin asked.
“We can’t,” Drevic admitted.
“It would be terribly difficult to keep a hand on someone while they were fighting,” Heral pointed out.
“True,” Treace conceded. “But, I think we have to assume all of the men Moff was asked to find are capable of doing the same as Kint. We just don’t know what else they are capable of.”
“If you’re the Archmagister, how do you not know how to do what they can do?” Liernin asked.
“It’s just not something we have taught since I’ve been at the College,” Drevic replied.
“I just don’t understand that,” Liernin said, shaking his head.
“Look,” Treace began. “We don’t know how he can do it. We don’t know if he was taught it or just figured it out on his own. But he can do it. The only way to know for sure is to ask him.”
“I agree with Treace,” Drevic said. “Kint listened to Moffred before, he may again.”
“Maybe,” Moff acknowledged the possibility.
“That may be, but what if Shamir’s men are already there waiting for him?” Liernin asked.
“Then we need to get to him first,” Heral stated.
“He means that if they are there,” Drevic explained. “They would know of Moff’s complicity and arrest him. Not only would we lose Moff, but we’d lose Kint too.”
“And you can’t send any of your military forces,” Treace said to Liernin. “That’s not an option.” Outright war or not, he could imagine a squad of men dressed in Liernin’s colors being quickly eliminated once in Shamir’s territory.
“So what does that leave us with?” Drevic asked.
“He was disappointed that I wasn’t capable of using magic,” Moff said. “Perhaps if he had someone capable of understanding him he’d listen.”
“Then I’ll go,” Drevic suggested.
“Out of the question,” Treace replied.
“I’m the Archmagister, not you,” Drevic reminded him.
“And that’s exactly why you can’t go,” Treace explained. “You’re too big a prize for Shamir. We can’t risk you.”
“He’s right,” Moff added. “Heral is probably the best choice. Kint seemed to take to a liking to him.”
“It’s true,” Heral insisted. “I’ll go.”
“Can you fight like this one?” Liernin asked, speaking to Heral yet gesturing to Treace.
“Me?” Heral asked. “No, not exactly.”
“Treace, are you as adept at magic as you are those swords?” Liernin asked.
Treace didn’t like where this was going. He was about to leave to go to Lake City. He had to go to Lake City. He needed to see his mother and Jensen. He had to get Exodin to come back. He didn’t want to go fetch Kint.
“I don’t think he’s quite that good, but he and Heral are very close where magic is concerned,” Drevic claimed before Treace could reply.
“It’s settled then,” Liernin declared. “Treace go and try to convince Kint to come back. But be on the lookout for Shamir’s men. Don’t fight if you don’t have to, but be prepared.”
“What about Exodin?” Treace asked. He was about to leave to go get his mentor. Exodin was going to be the main trainer of Liernin’s forces and they needed him sooner rather than later.
“I’ll send a courier,” Liernin replied.
“No,” Heral interrupted. “I’ll go. If Treace is going in my place, I’ll go in his. It’s time I meet the man I’ve heard so much about anyway.”
“Fine by me,” Liernin responded. “Drevic?”
“I could use you here,” Drevic said to Heral. “But I’ve no qualms with it.”
“Isn’t The Wolf too big a prize too?” Moff asked.
“The Wolf has a chance of getting out alive if Shamir’s men are there. I doubt that they will be, and even if they are, they won’t be looking for him,” Liernin explained. “He’s the best option.”
“He’s right, Moff,” Treace said. He didn’t like it, but it was true. He didn’t like the idea of not seeing his mother, but neither did he like the idea of Moff being arrested.
“Get your supplies ready and leave in the morning,” Liernin told them.
“I’m already fully supplied, I’ll leave now,” Treace informed them. He was already prepared to leave for Lake City. “Moff, I’ll need a map.”
“No you don’t,” Moff argued. “I’m going with you.”
>
“No, that’s not a good idea,” Drevic told him.
“Who else knows the area like I do?” Moff asked. “I can get Treace in and out without being seen. He can’t do that on his own. Even with a map.”
“You may be right,” Liernin said, nodding and raising a brow in Drevic’s direction.
Drevic hesitated.
“Drokier and Brental are there,” Treace argued. “Either would recognize me. Moff is right. It would be far easier with him.” He didn’t like the idea of putting his friend at risk, but he knew it was better than him wandering around in unfamiliar territory.
“I don’t like the risk,” Drevic protested.
“We don’t have any other options,” Treace countered.
“You stay away from Kint’s house,” Drevic told Moff. “Get him there, but don’t go with him to the house. Got it?”
“I got it.”
“Both of you be careful,” Drevic told them.
Chapter 4
Brental was honestly impressed with both of the old men. He didn’t expect either of them to be able to show mastery of each of the Paths. As it turns out, they were both capable in the use of magic. The problem with that was that they were only capable. He needed more than capable. They had yet to show him anything he didn’t already know. While he knew he could use them to help train new members, he was hoping for more. He hoped he wasn’t wasting his time.
“Well done, gentlemen,” Brental applauded. “You’ve got skill.”
“You brought us here,” Destin said. “Were you doubting us?”
“It’s been a long time for both of you,” Brental reasoned.
“Some things you just don’t forget,” Joran told him.
While Joran’s response was in regard to magical ability, Brental got the feeling the old man was implying something else as well.
“Some things can’t be forgotten,” Brental replied. “Nor should they.”
“So, did we get the job?” Destin asked cautiously.
“No,” Brental replied. They were magisters and he could use them, but if they were going to stay here he would need to know that they could do more. “Not unless you show me what you’re truly capable of.”
“We passed your tests,” Destin argued.
“I’ve got dozens who can pass those tests,” Brental countered. “I know you can do more. If not, then I’ve no need of you.” He hadn’t read through all of Nimbril’s journals yet so he wasn’t exactly sure of what they were capable of, but there were references to ‘old teachings’ in the ones he did. He had to say something to provoke them into demonstrating their true power.
