Conner nodded.
“I need to hear you say it.”
“I’ll return to the army and lead them south,” Conner said.
“Good man. I’m going to hold you to that.”
He nodded as Alexander vanished.
With a thought he was floating over the horde surrounding the Gate in central Fellenden. They were digging in, building fortifications and organizing their encampment as if they intended to stay for a while. Supply trains were arriving by torchlight from the cities that had already been sacked. At least the bulk of the enemy was staying in one place, Alexander thought, shifting his awareness to the Reishi Isle and Zuhl’s encampment near the Nether Gate.
They had built a wood-and-earth bulwark around the entire mountain meadow where the entrance to the mountain fortress had been. A string of empty wagons rolled into the freshly cut passage leading into the mountain while another string of wagons filled with dirt and rocks rolled out. Zuhl’s soldiers were trying to dig a passage to the Gate chamber.
He moved to the beach on the north coast of the Reishi Isle and searched for a few moments until he found Zuhl’s landing site. He saw over a legion of soldiers encamped there and more being offloaded from one of their five remaining warships. Alexander idly wondered if Zuhl was aware that his army had been purloined. He suspected not, given his continued attention to this front. The moment he learned the truth, he would probably direct all of his power to regaining control over his army. A prospect that had Alexander concerned. Peti didn’t seem to be too interested in consolidating her hold on Fellenden. If Zuhl regained command, he’d probably disperse his army across the entire isle, making his conquest of Fellenden virtually unchallengeable.
Alexander returned to his body and touched the Sovereign Stone, convening the Reishi Council.
“I opened the box,” he said. “It contains three acorns from the vitalwood tree.”
The table fell silent, until Balthazar started chuckling softly. “It would seem that Mage Cedric was truly intent on repairing the damage done to the Seven Isles by so much war.”
“I plan on taking them to Ilona,” Alexander said.
“That would be my suggestion as well,” Constantine said. “She’s best suited to nurture them to maturity.”
Alexander nodded, happy to have his intuition confirmed.
“One of the Sin’Rath transformed a wyvern into a figurine. Is there any way to change it back?”
“Certainly,” Demetrius said. “In fact, there’s an entire section within the library dedicated to transformation spells.”
“Good … that brings me to my next question,” Alexander said, turning to Malachi. “How do I kill the tentacle demon?”
“With a banishing spell,” Malachi said, offhandedly. “Oh, wait, you’re not an arch mage. You can’t cast a spell of sufficient power to banish such a demon.”
“Will Luminessence destroy it?”
“How should I know?”
Alexander shook his head, silently wishing that he could kill the long-dead sovereign.
“I suspect that the brightest light from Luminessence will harm or perhaps kill it,” Demetrius offered.
“Failing that, Demonrend is almost certain to destroy it,” Balthazar said.
Alexander nodded, looking down at the table and feeling a little flutter of fear at the question on the tip of his tongue. So much depended on the answer.
“Will Luminessence kill Azugorath?”
Malachi shrugged with a malevolent grin.
“She poses a greater problem because she has no corporeal form,” Demetrius said.
Alexander nodded again.
Malachi chuckled, shaking his head. “You are a child,” he said, dismissively.
“How do I kill her?”
“You can’t,” Malachi said. “She’s already dead.”
“If you didn’t have a banishing spell and you had to defeat her, what would you do?”
Malachi clenched his jaw.
“Answer me!”
“If I had your staff, I would attempt to banish her with that.”
“No, there’s something else,” Alexander said, leaning in. “Tell me.”
Malachi seemed to struggle against some unseen force before blurting, “I would contain her.” He looked away, his face contorting in anger.
“How?”
“A phylactery.”
Alexander frowned, his mind racing.
“Like the thing you were going to put your soul into to become immortal? Like the thing you described in the lich book?”
“Yes,” Malachi snapped.
Alexander sat back. “Where do I find one?”
Malachi scowled, shaking his head defiantly even as he said, “In the library.”
“What does it look like? Where is it in the library?”
“It’s a silver bottle, etched with gold runes,” Malachi said, deflating a bit. “It’s in a secret compartment in the back wall near the right corner.”
“How do I use it?”
“Speak the word for ‘death’ in Old Reishi. It’s inscribed on the bottle.”
“Then what?”
“Then it will draw in the nearest disembodied soul … provided it works,” Malachi said. “Of course, that means that you’ll have to be close to her.”
“How close?”
Malachi shrugged. “It isn’t designed for this. I made it with the intention of speaking the word a moment before I plunged a dagger into my own heart.”
Alexander stared at him. He felt like his sanity was unraveling in the face of such madness.
Malachi smiled mirthlessly. “I can see from your expression that you still don’t understand. Nothing in this world is free, power least of all. You can’t achieve immortality without risking death.”
“What stopped you?” Alexander finally asked, after taking a moment to process Malachi’s words.
“Fear … and then death,” Malachi said, gesturing to the council chamber.
“Maybe you’re not as insane as I thought you were.”
“You’re too kind,” Malachi said with a mocking nod.
“You misunderstand me. Insanity might have explained your evil.”
Malachi snorted.
“I would urge caution, Alexander,” Balthazar said. “This phylactery that Malachi speaks of is a thing of darkness and malice.”
“I agree,” Constantine said. “Luminessence will serve you far better.”
“You’re probably right, but I’m afraid that it won’t be enough.”
Demetrius frowned deeply, leaning forward with a sigh. “My son may be attempting to deceive you,” he said.
Malachi clenched his jaw but remained silent.
“How so? He’s bound by the Stone to tell me the truth.”
“Yes, but he’s not bound to reveal information that you do not ask for,” Demetrius said.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Alexander asked, turning back to Malachi.
“Many things … you’ll have to be more specific.”
“I see what you mean,” Alexander said, taking a deep breath. “Malachi, is the compartment containing the phylactery trapped or warded?”
Malachi scowled. “Of course it is, you fool.”
Alexander shook his head, reminding himself that every interaction with Malachi Reishi was a battle, and that even after death, the Sixth Sovereign was dangerous.
“How do I retrieve the phylactery safely?”
“You can’t. Only an arch mage can cast the proper spell.”
“What will happen if I open the compartment?”
“Most likely, you’ll die,” Malachi said.
“But then the Sovereign Stone would be lost within the library. Phane would never be able to retrieve it.”
Malachi shrugged. “You’d still be dead and he’d rule the Seven Isles unchallenged.”
“A tyrant’s rule is never unchallenged,” Alexander said, turning to Darius.
“Once I claim co
ntrol over the Reishi Keep, will I be able to use my clairvoyance within the fortress islands?”
“Yes, once the Keep has recognized you, the fortress islands will as well,” Darius said.
“That’s a bit of good news, at least,” Alexander said. “Thank you, Gentlemen.”
He returned to his body, stretching before he stood.
“Any news?” Jack asked.
“Not really,” Alexander said, taking his seat at the table. “Except that I should be able to see into the fortress islands once I take command of the Keep. That’ll be useful.”
Magda nodded thoughtfully.
“You want to go in quiet?” Abigail asked.
“Initially,” Alexander said. “If a few of us can get inside undetected and free Ixabrax before they know we’re there, we can hit them from the sea and air while we search out Zuhl … or his simulacrum. The larger attack might serve as a distraction. We’ll come up with a more thorough plan after I’ve had a look.”
“Did the sovereigns have any suggestions regarding Taharial?” Magda asked.
“Yes, apparently there’s a whole section of the library devoted to transformation spells.”
“That’s encouraging. Thank you, Alexander.”
The table fell silent for a moment.
“I’m worried about Anatoly,” Abigail said softly.
“As am I,” Magda said.
“I know how you feel,” Alexander said. “I wish there was more we could do. Conner’s not even close and Torin’s even farther away. As much as I want to go help him, we can’t pass up the chance to kill Zuhl. Besides, I don’t want to back out of the deal you made with Zora.”
“No,” Abigail said, shaking her head. “She was pretty clear about the consequences of betraying her.”
“We could go with the Sky Knights after we free Ixabrax,” Anja said.
Alexander shook his head slowly.
Anja frowned.
“We have to go to Karth. I need to kill Azugorath. I just hope Luminessence is powerful enough.”
Anja’s frown deepened. She seemed to be struggling to find words to express her thoughts, but her colors revealed her conflict. There was a battle to be fought and she didn’t understand why they weren’t going to help.
“Isabel got her light back, briefly. She and Lacy managed to get a blade into Phane … again. The truth is, she’s right where she needs to be. If I can eliminate the Wraith Queen, Isabel will have one more chance.”
“Huh,” Anja said. “So you’re not just trying to save your wife, you’re trying to kill Phane.”
“Exactly. I can’t beat him in a fight. He’ll kill me the moment he sees me coming. But Isabel is already standing right next to him and her Maker’s light spell can get through his defenses. She’s the best chance we’ve got.”
Chapter 26
“I grow impatient, Human,” Zora said. “We should take the fight to Zuhl today.”
“No,” Alexander said, approaching her snout. “After I claim this Keep, I’ll be able to see inside the fortress island where Ixabrax is being held.”
Zora had seen them approaching the Keep and launched into the sky from her place as guard dog at the Gate, landing in front of them.
Abigail stepped up next to Alexander. “Please Zora, let us do this. We will free Ixabrax. I gave you my word and I intend to honor it. If my brother can see where he’s being held, we’ll have a much better chance of success.”
“When?” Zora said.
“If all goes well today, we’ll fly at dawn tomorrow and launch our attack the day after,” Alexander said.
“I will hold you to that, Human,” Zora said. “You may pass.”
“Thank you, Zora,” Alexander said, skirting the dragon on his way to the Keep. Abigail, Jack, Anja, Jataan, Lita, Magda, and Cassandra were accompanying him along with a couple of soldiers who had spent time in the Keep clearing the outer chambers. Lieutenant Carson, a young man from a noble house, was their commander. He and his men gave Zora a wide berth.
The entry hall was cleaned of the debris that had littered the floor the last time Alexander had been there. Lanterns hung along the walls, though none were lit. The high glass ceiling had been repaired, allowing ample light into the room.
“Looks like Commander Perry’s been busy,” Alexander said, trying to imagine the entry chamber at its height. It must have been truly impressive.
“Very much so, sir,” Carson said. “The outer chambers are clear and in good order, but the central chambers are sealed with wards cast by Wizard Dinh. Unfortunately, the bulk of the Keep’s upper levels and all but the first two lower levels can only be accessed through the core chambers.”
Alexander nodded to himself as he raised his light and proceeded into the corridor leading to the throne room. The wide hallway was clean but dark and cold. He felt like a trespasser, each footfall echoing into the darkness. He began to expect an attack at any moment, but it didn’t come. They moved cautiously, everyone’s colors betraying trepidation as they neared the central chambers, turning this way and that at Lieutenant Carson’s direction.
“Here,” he said, pointing to a large double door. They had passed several doorways, most of which were open, only rusting hinges bolted into the doorframes offering proof that the rooms had once been enclosed.
These doors were different. Each was ten feet wide and thirty feet tall. Both were carved with ornate scenes of horsemen on the hunt. Delicate gold leaf and finely wrought silver inlays reflected Alexander’s light, bringing the scenes to life. More importantly, these doors hadn’t aged. They were as solid as the day they were hung.
“Wizard Dinh sealed these doors after casting a few spells to see what was down the hallway beyond,” Carson said.
“How do we unseal them?” Anja asked.
Magda stepped up and placed her hand on the pull ring, whispering a few words under her breath.
“That should do it,” she said. “Wizard Dinh explained the nature of his spell to me last night.”
Alexander motioned to Carson to have his men open the heavy doors, which swung without so much as a squeak and locked into place against the walls on either side, revealing a wide hall with an arched ceiling fifty feet overhead.
While the outer chambers of the Keep had been thoroughly cleaned by Perry’s men, this hall was thick with undisturbed dust. The remnants of a carpet ran down the center of the floor, the moldering remains of furniture were interspersed along the walls at even intervals with decayed and rotted tapestries between them. It didn’t look like anyone had walked this path in a very long time.
Anja sniffed, wrinkling her nose.
Alexander sent his sight down the hall, which ran straight for several hundred feet with numerous doors on either side, some still intact but most decayed to dust. A few smaller passages intersected but none showed any hint of recent traffic. After several hundred feet, Alexander came to a place that looked familiar. Five dead men, split in half from the tops of their heads down through their torsos were scattered amid the remnants of three force lances. Powerful wards still stood at the threshold of all three corridors surrounding the large double doors that led to the Reishi throne room.
Alexander had faced Rexius Truss there and lured five of his Lancers to their deaths. When he returned to his body, he said, “This is as far as you go, Lieutenant.”
“We would accompany you into the Keep, Lord Reishi,” Carson said, his colors flaring with disappointment.
Alexander smiled. “I don’t doubt you, Lieutenant, but I know what’s down that hall. Return to Commander Perry and report our progress.”
“As you wish, Lord Reishi,” he said, saluting crisply.
Alexander set out at a brisk pace. Dust rose with each footstep, cloaking the floor in a low cloud behind them. The place was quiet as a tomb and about as inviting.
He stopped ten feet from the shield that spanned the width of the corridor where it came to a tee with another passage of the same dimensions.
Forty feet ahead were the large double doors leading to the throne room.
“What are we waiting for?” Anja said, starting forward.
“Stop!” Alexander said firmly enough to halt her in her tracks.
“What?” she said, a bit taken aback.
“There’s a shield across the hall that will kill you,” he said. “Wait here, I have to ask the sovereigns a few more questions.” His Wizard’s Den opened with a thought and he went to his magic circle before touching the Stone. He didn’t bother to sit at the council table, choosing to stand behind his chair instead.
“Will the shields around the throne room allow me to pass?” he asked.
“Yes,” Balthazar said, “unless they’ve been altered.”
“Malachi, will the shields let me pass without harm?”
“Yes.”
“Good,” Alexander said, turning away but stopping as a thought occurred to him. “Why did you summon the tentacle demon and what did you bind it to do?”
“I summoned it to guard the core of the Keep in the event that we were overrun,” Malachi said.
“Huh, I wondered why it hadn’t left,” he said, returning to his body.
“Everybody inside,” he said.
“Where are you going?” Abigail asked as he stepped out the door.
“Through the shield. I’ll let you out in a moment.”
With a thought he willed the door closed and approached the shield cautiously, extending his left little finger. It became warm and a tingle raced over his skin but he was unharmed. Satisfied that he was immune to the ward, he stepped through into the space between the three shields surrounding the throne-room door and opened his Wizard’s Den again.
“Be careful, all three passages are warded across the threshold,” he said before his friends stepped into the hallway.
He sent his sight into the throne room and frowned. It was cold and empty except for the sentinel. One of the large double doors opened silently with a gentle pull. The throne room was just as he’d left it except for a few marks where the demon’s tentacles had marred the fine stonework. Alexander stepped onto the white marble floor and scanned the room. Sunlight streamed into the chamber through the ornately worked crystal windows that formed the ceiling high overhead, filling the room with soft, diffused light.
Sovereign of the Seven Isles 7: Reishi Adept Page 30
