“Come on.” Zula ushered them through the gathering throng, and they climbed higher on the steep steps.
As they ventured upwards, the steps became narrower, often winding through underbrush and trees. Throughout the decades, the ameers made an effort to preserve the dignity of the mountain on which the keep encroached. Very few trees were cut, and although the stairs were kept clean, on all sides grew vines, bushes and flowers. Finally, they reached a hall that was situated in the center of the keep. It was a low, squat, stone building, nestled under two huge, entangled oak trees.
The throng of ameers moved inside the building through the open door, and Zula, Xuan, and Jace followed the crowd. Jace waited inside, watching the gathering with a sense of bewilderment. Why would Wasaba gather all the ameers? What did he intend to do?
Most of his old companions recognized him. Some came to say hello, others ignored him, not sure why he had returned and what kind of reception they were supposed to grant him.
Wasaba was already seated on the rectangular woven mat that dominated the center of the room. One by one, the ameers found a place on the large, worn mat and sat. People whispered and talked. Some even pointed at him. Surprised by this unexpected gathering, everyone looked as confused as he was.
What was Wasaba trying to accomplish by this meeting?
Finally, the bell outside stopped peeling and everyone fell silent. Wasaba stood. “Greetings,” he said in his typical somber voice. At merely five feet tall, he was shorter than most of his companions, and yet what he lacked in height, he made up in the quiet power that radiated off him. His two thick eyebrows drew everyone’s attention to his deep set, black eyes. A thin scar ran the length of his right cheek, a reminder of an old injury during experimentation. Wasaba was a master mage of air, and had spent a lifetime honing his craft.
He’d probably forgotten more about his element than most novice mages knew. After writing two tomes on spells that he’d created, he now devoted most of his time on studying an attempt to integrate the elements. In theory, it meant that any mage would be able to manipulate all elements through integration with his core element. If he ever actually managed to achieve this feat, his name would go down in history as the man who changed the workings of magic forever.
“I am grateful that you all made the time to come here. This meeting has been called to make you all aware that one of our expelled members has come back. His departure had created a significant discontent among our members. I thought it wise to receive him amongst your presence, because I don’t want any speculation on his arrival and departure afterwards. Jace, come forward.”
Ah! Gears clicked in Jace’s mind. Although Jace had begged for a chance to address all ameers at the time of his expulsion, he was not granted that opportunity. It probably resulted in endless gossip, which Wasaba loathed. In order to forestall a repeat, he had called his flock in advance.
“Greetings, old friends.” Jace addressed the crowd, feeling a certain level of comfort in seeing all familiar faces, despite the fact that some of them looked downright hostile. “It’s been a long time, and I am glad to see you all. Times have changed…”
Wasaba raised his hand, cutting Jace off. “Before you begin, Jace, may I enquire about the identity of your friend? He is not a mage.”
Jace glanced at Xuan who was watching the proceedings with interest. He showed no expression at this strange gathering, or being singled out for attention. “Xuan is a blacksmith.”
A few people sniggered. Wasaba frowned. “The keep welcomes only those who are born with the gift.”
“He is not here to gain entrance to the keep,” said Jace, knowing full well the battle was lost before it began. The keep had some arcane rules, and Wasaba stuck to each one with a persistence born out of years of practice. “He will leave with me.”
“I am sorry, but your friend can’t be privy to our meeting. You are here only because you were once a member. He has to wait outside the hall for you.”
Jace resisted the urge to retort. It wouldn’t do to antagonize everyone at the onset. He looked at Xuan. The blacksmith understood and quietly left the building.
After the door closed behind him, Jace turned to Wasaba. He kept his tone polite. “May I begin now?”
Wasaba nodded. “Please continue.”
“Times have changed, my friends. After I left the keep, I discovered many horrific things,” he gave a brief summary of his visit to Iram, the discovery that King Seve had been poisoned, and a few details about Princess Zo’s trip to the mainland to procure the antidote. He explained how King Vindha was stretching the boundaries of magic by creating demon mages, the nefarious beasts who couldn’t be killed and thus, presented a real threat to humanity.
“If nothing is done to halt Vindha’s progress, he will conquer the entire mainland and subjugate everyone to his rule. His demon mages have powers beyond those we have ever seen; they can manipulate all elements because the demon within has control over air, fire, earth and water. They kill and maim at Vindha’s commands. Together, those of us who have the means and opportunity, must do something to stop him and his minions.”
Many of the mages shifted in their seats. A few looked away, but most stared at him as if he had gone crazy. And to them, he must seem like a delusional, raving lunatic. Many of these mages hadn’t stepped outside in years. A few hadn’t ventured outside the keep in decades. These were intellectuals, used to spending hours over theoretical issues or practical magical powers.
He was delivering news they couldn’t comprehend and didn’t want to understand.
Wasaba cleared his throat. He looked triumphant, almost as if he had expected Jace to expound these issues. “You’re talking about politics, Jace. At any given point in time, the world is inundated by leaders who wish to employ some strategy to gain power. It’s nothing new. History has shown that those with power will always work to gather more power so they can become stronger. The entire purpose of the keep is to provide a safe and stable environment, away from such problems. That is why it was built as a sanctuary for mages who wish to avoid being used by such leaders. We focus on gathering knowledge and intellect. If we were to waste our time on these mundane matters, nothing of value would ever be achieved. Now, if you’ve had your say…”
“This isn’t mere politics.” Jace was annoyed enough to interrupt. Didn’t Wasaba understand the threat that hung upon the world? “These demon mages are an extraordinary and extremely dangerous creation. They were formed from dark magic, and Vindha has gone beyond what is allowed to pull them out of the volcanic abyss. Would the world remain the same as more and more of these demon mages inhabit this earth? What would their presence do to the fabric of magic? The Goddess didn’t intend for one human mage to control elements, and yet these demons can manipulate all elements at will. Their presence upsets the natural order of our magical system.”
Wasaba shrugged. “You’ve said yourself that these demon mages are under the command of Vindha. They answer to his summons. They have no thinking powers of theirs. They are puppets at best. Once his purpose is fulfilled, they will become useless. He will stop creating them.” He paused, and ran his fingers over his chin in a characteristic gesture. “And you know as well as we do that some mages are granted dual powers of elements. Princess Zo and Alicia, whom you know, command two elements.”
“It’s not the same. The demon mages are not natural. They are a lesion upon this earth. Unchecked, they will kill thousands. Do you not care about the innocent lives lost?” Many of the mages fidgeted. Not everyone seemed to think his assertions were irrelevant. Encouraged by the reaction of a few mages, Jace continued. “All of you have great power at your disposal, and this power is a gift from the Goddess. Do you think she intended for you to waste it away hidden behind these walls while blood is spilled in the world? It is your duty to use this gift to help those who can’t help themselves.”
Wasaba raised his hand. “And who decides how this help is dispensed? Who dec
ides which political leader is justified and acting in the best interest of all? Is there really such a thing as ‘good for all’, I ask you?” There was a slight hint of a smile on his face. “Would your King Seve tell us what to do? Does he intend only to save the innocents or does he wish to gain power for himself? By choosing sides, we become puppets in the hands of another. And how is that any different from being a demon mage? No!” His voice boomed in the narrow building. “We are masters of our destiny. We are servants of knowledge. We seek to find answers to questions that have defied man and mages for centuries.”
Frustration made him forget his vow to remain calm. “And what good is that knowledge that you scribble in your tomes? How does it help anyone?”
“The research we do will serve mankind in years to come. We will refine magic and create new uses for it,” Wasaba declared with pride. “Already we have discovered cures for many illnesses. We’ve found ways for mages to use spells to harness the elements. In time, all that knowledge will be freely shared with like-minded people. Already, we have sent many tomes to healers. We seek nothing in return.”
“You seek to be freed from your obligations. It is the duty of each and every one of us to help those who can’t help themselves.”
Wasaba glared at him. “Enough! There is no sense in repeating this argument. You have said what you came to say, and we have heard. If there is any who wishes to accompany you, let him stand and depart with you. There are no prisoners in these walls. Each one of us stays here with free will.”
Not a single person stirred in the audience. Many looked down, clearly not wishing to be drawn into this argument.
Jace hadn’t expected any outright support, but he also was not expecting an outright dismissal. He wanted to stay in the keep for a few days and speak with the mages in a more personal and impartial environment. He had expected to win a few over with his arguments and fact. It appeared though that he would not get that opportunity. “If you dismiss this offer, Wasaba, you will live to regret it.”
“How dare you threaten me?”
“I’m not threatening you, but merely informing you of a fact. The ameers can’t afford to remain aloof. Vindha will not allow you to do so.”
“He has no power over us and neither do you. We chart our own destiny.”
Jace lost his temper. “You’re a fool, Wasaba. And history will prove you to be one. Do you think you will be able to remain neutral within these walls? Vindha will not allow you to do so. I come here beseeching you for help. Vindha will send his army to force you to join them. And for those who refuse, he will spill your blood like he did with all those who opposed him. This safe haven of yours will not remain free for long.”
Wasaba stared at him with a stony expression. He raised his hand and pointed at the door. “Leave, Jace. And know that we’ve heard you this time, and you were allowed within these walls because you were once a valuable member of our community. But you were ousted, and you will never be allowed to step inside on this ground again. I gathered everyone here today so that they could witness firsthand this final concession made to you. Never again must you come here. The gates will not be opened for you.”
“At least allow me to stay inside for one night and consult with those who may wish to come with me.”
“Anyone who decides to go out of these gates will share your fate. I don’t want anyone who has doubts regarding our true purpose to stay within these walls.”
Jace lost his temper. “And who made you the dictator of this community?”
The air around him swirled and whipped. Somehow Wasaba looked taller than his normal stature. “Ibne, Zula. Make this intruder leave.”
As the two mages rose to do their duty, the door to the hall burst open. It was Arya, followed by Xuan. “There is an army headed this way,” Arya announced loudly.
A few of the mages rose in panic, others remained seated. Everyone began talking at once.
“Quiet!” Wasaba’s voice was like a thunderclap. As one all the mages sat again, looking expectantly in his direction.
If anything, Jace appreciated the absolute control he wielded on his people. Within the past few months, Wasaba appeared to have morphed from being everyone’s favorite counselor to a ruler whose word no one dared to question. Much of this change was probably brought by Jace’s expulsion from the keep. Jace’s departure had resulted in lots of arguments. Many mages wanted him to return. Wasaba must have realized that if he allowed such arguments to prevail, he would lose his authority. For the mages who thought of this place as their only home, there couldn’t be a worse punishment than to be cast out of it. By making an example of Jace, he was quelling any chance of a sedition in the future.
“What exactly did you see, Arya?”
Arya stepped to the front of the audience. He faced Wasaba. “The army is still a long way off, and it’s not possible to count them as yet. As far as I can tell, there are about three hundred camel riders, and at least double that amount of cavalry on foot.”
“Mages?”
“The air is fair crackling with energy. It seems half of the entire company must be mages.”
“It could also be that many of those mages are demons. I doubt Vindha would concentrate that many of his mages in one place. One demon mage is better than ten ordinary mages. I can bet there are at least ten or more demons within that army,” said Jace.
Wasaba rubbed his chin. He glanced at Jace. “What if the army is from King Seve? How do we know that you didn’t bring reinforcements?”
If he wasn’t so worried, Jace would have laughed. “I didn’t come here to fight or to force you to yield. I came here to appeal to your better sense. And yet, it seems I came too late. Vindha will not give you this choice.”
“My answer would be the same to him. Ameers will not get involved in this war,” said Wasaba. He looked at his audience. “But if we are forced, we will fight for our freedom. How long before the army gets here, Arya?”
“They will be here by nightfall.”
“I request everyone to go rest and prepare yourself. If it comes to it, we will fight down to the last man or woman,” Wasaba announced.
A few mages stood. Others remained seated, looking uncertain. None of them had ever faced such a situation before.
“You will die.” Jace’s voice was cold. “No matter how much you know, and how skilled your people are, the demon mages are powerful beyond belief. They will crush you and take your dead to their temple to make more of the same heinous creatures. Your only option is to run.” Jace was no war tactician but he knew that fighting a battle at this point was an act of futility. The keep was full of mages. Knowing that Vindha would have sent many of his demons to either make them surrender or take them prisoners. Either way, the ameers would lose.
Wasaba sneered. “We’re not cowards.”
“It isn’t cowardliness to run from a fight until you are in a position to choose your own battleground. They will surround the keep and cut off your supply lines. You may not run short of water because you have your own wells, but the keep requires regular supplies of food three times a year. How would you survive if they don’t allow the traders to sell you food?”
“We will hunt on the mountains.”
“You will be too busy fighting them to hunt,” countered Jace. “I suggest we all climb up the mountains before the army gets here, and separate into small groups. Each group takes a different route and finds a safer place somewhere else. Vindha will not scatter his force nor will he waste time chasing us.”
Wasaba spat on the floor. “Pah! We will not abandon our keep. This is our home. We will make a promise to King Vindha that we will not swear allegiance to anyone. I will contact him myself with scrying. Come on, Arya, and you too, Zula, Ra, and Liam.” He walked to the door. The mages he had called followed behind.
“I am going up the mountains, and anyone who wishes to join me may do so,” Jace announced. “We will climb higher, and then try to make our way to Iram.”
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Wasaba turned. He opened his mouth, and then closed it again. Followed by his counselors, he left the building. Jace stared at the congregation. A few of the people looked unsure, others looked away. Many got up and filed out behind Wasaba.
“You can fight tomorrow and die, or you can live to fight another day. Know that these are the only two choices open to you. Vindha will not let you live in peace anymore. He needs you more than you can imagine. Dead or alive, you are just as useful to him. Come on, Xuan.” He walked to the door. “Anyone who wishes to join us can meet us at the last building in the keep. We will depart soon.”
Without turning and looking back to see if anyone was following him, he guided Xuan to a path he knew well. After spending years in the keep, Jace was not only familiar with every walkway and path but also knew the lay of the mountain on which the keep was built. Even though his first love was magic, he was the son of a hunter, and had spent many days each spring and summer climbing the nearby mountains chasing game. In his mind, he already knew the route he intended to take.
Jace’s original plan was to go back to Iram, but now faced with a charging army, his plan needed an amendment, and Jace wasn’t one to shy away from sudden changes.
With sure feet, he led Xuan up the steep steps and through narrow pathways until they were high up in the keep. The last building was actually a storeroom where provisions were kept. Every three months, traders brought in items the ameers needed. Since the climate was harsh, it wasn’t easy to grow much on the slopes. The ameers kept vegetable gardens and there were two orchards of fruit trees within the keep, but that wasn’t enough to sustain the hundred or so people who lived here. The ameers depended on the wares the traders brought; meat, grains, pulses, spices, herbs, leather to make shoes, and cotton to make clothes. And these were just the basic necessities. Surely Vindha knew the keep couldn’t survive a prolonged siege. The ameers would be forced to fight.
Or they could choose to surrender and join his forces.
Perhaps that is what Wasaba wanted. What if he already had a pact with Vindha? The fact that Vindha’s army showed up right behind Jace’s heels was alarming. Did Vindha know of Seve’s plans to contact the keep? Or was he merely acting on his own instincts?
The Warrior Mage Page 14
