Chapter 23
Everyone was there and already seated around the table. Erik had just arrived a few moments before them. Hanlon and Emily Alaric sat to either side of the empty chair at the head of the table. Lucky, Abigail, Jack, and Anatoly all sat around the table looking at Alexander when he entered. The only person he wasn’t sure of was the wizard in the charcoal grey robes.
“I was just giving Lord Alexander a tour of the palace,” Isabel said with perfect innocence. Abigail gave him a look. He knew she would have questions later.
Not a moment after he took his seat, the servants started bringing platters of food to the table. It was a simple and wholesome meal of roasted venison with potatoes, carrots and onions served with thick, flavorful gravy, a green salad, and fresh bread still hot from the oven with plenty of rich yellow butter. Alexander realized the moment he smelled the roasted venison that he was starving.
Apparently, everyone else was hungry as well because the meal was enjoyed in near silence except for the occasional request for more gravy or another slice of bread. When the meal was done, Alexander sat back and took a deep breath.
“Thank you, Lady Alaric, for this meal and for your hospitality. For the first time in two weeks I almost feel safe.”
Emily Alaric frowned slightly, “Almost?” she questioned. “You have nothing to fear in my home.”
Alexander smiled a small smile, “Those nobles have to be around here somewhere.”
Hanlon and Anatoly looked at each other and laughed out loud. “Your Majesty,” Hanlon started to say when Alexander raised his hand and cut him off.
“Hanlon, please call me Alexander.”
The Forest Warden shared a brief look across the table with Anatoly and nodded his agreement. “If you wish, but only in private. In public, your authority must not be questioned. The nobles don’t like your presence. They’re happy with the way things are and feel threatened by the change that you represent. It’s vital that you be recognized as the King of Ruatha if we’re to have any chance against Phane.”
“Agreed,” Alexander said, then turned to the wizard. “I know everyone at this table except you, Wizard. Please introduce yourself.” Alexander decided that this was the time to get his questions answered.
“I am Master Wizard Mason Kallentera, Chief Counsel to Warden Alaric and I am at your service, Lord Alexander.”
“Very good, I have a number of questions. First, Anatoly, how long have you known that my bloodline is the true Ruathan line?” There was a slight edge to Alexander’s voice that brought everyone into focus. What had, a moment before, been a fine meal was now a King’s council.
“I’ve known your entire life and longer,” he answered the question without hesitation and held Alexander’s gaze as he did.
“Why was I not told of this sooner?” Alexander tried to keep his building anger out of his voice.
“I took an oath to keep that knowledge secret until such time as the Keeper of the Royal Bloodline named the heir, plus your father forbade it,” Anatoly answered openly. “He said he wanted you to grow up without the weight of the world and the burden of such terrible responsibility resting on your shoulders. He felt that there would be plenty of time once you’d grown into a man to reveal the truth to you.” Anatoly hesitated a moment before continuing. “Also, this responsibility was never supposed to be yours.” He looked down for a moment to wrestle with his own grief at the loss of Darius.
Alexander glanced at his sister and saw she was struggling to maintain her composure so he decided to change the subject. He knew she hadn’t yet taken the time to grieve and he knew from recent experience how much weight that placed on her heart.
“Who is Nicolai Atherton?” he asked no one in particular.
This time it was Hanlon and Wizard Kallentera who shared a look.
It was the wizard who spoke. “If I may, Nicolai Atherton was Barnabas Cedric’s first apprentice. He was an arch mage of great power in his own right and the person who succeeded in killing Sovereign Malachi Reishi, although at great cost to himself. May I enquire about the source of your interest in Mage Atherton?”
Alexander nodded and answered offhandedly, “His ghost is haunting me.”
The table fell silent. All eyes were on Alexander but it was Wizard Kallentera who spoke first. “Are you certain?”
“Quite certain,” Alexander said, nodding. “The first time he came to me was the night Darius died, the night this mark was burned into my neck. He appeared right in front of me while I was standing on the tower of Valentine Manor. I was so startled that I stumbled backward and nearly fell over the wall. He grabbed me and pulled me back. The next time was early the next morning. He appeared in my room just after I woke. He told me that I was in danger and that I must find the Thinblade. The third time he appeared in our camp the night after we left Southport and warned us that Phane had summoned nether wolves to kill me.”
Abigail spoke into the deadly silence that followed. “I saw the ghost at camp outside Southport. If he hadn’t warned us about the nether wolves, we would have been caught out in the open by the beasts. His warning saved us.”
Lucky, Anatoly, and Jack nodded their agreement.
Wizard Kallentera started to ask another question, but Alexander cut him off. “How did Mage Atherton die?”
Wizard Kallentera took a deep breath and began. “Mage Atherton captured a book of necromancy spells during an attack on one of the Reishi strongholds. Within, he found a spell to summon a creature from the netherworld called a shade. A shade is a creature of surpassing power. It has no physical form in this world but instead appears as a shadow in the air. It can possess a person and use his body for as long as he remains alive, then move on to possess another. It can also move into the aether, and that is the power that Nicolai Atherton summoned the shade for.”
Alexander interrupted, “What’s the aether?”
“It’s the plane of spirit. It’s the place your soul goes when you die, before you move on to the light or the darkness. It exists in the same space as our world but it has no substance. The aether is the place where ghosts live.” He let this last statement settle in before he continued.
“It was said that some few, very rare wizards, could send their minds into the aether. If such a thing is possible, none alive today can do so. What the shade could do was much more dangerous. It could take a person’s physical body into the aether and that is why Mage Atherton cast the spell he found. He knew that if Malachi Reishi died, the Sovereign Stone would remain. Prince Phane would claim it and the war would rage on.”
Alexander raised his hand and interrupted him again. “What’s the Sovereign Stone?”
“The Sovereign Stone is the source of Reishi power. It’s a blood-red corundum of unusual size suspended from a gold chain. It was created by the first Reishi Sovereign and served as the badge of the Sovereign of the Seven Isles for nearly two thousand years. The full extent of its power is unclear but the one thing that is known is that it contains the life memories and personalities of the previous Reishi Sovereigns. Using the Stone, the current Reishi Sovereign can confer with his ancestors.
“The power of such a thing is enormous. All of the magical knowledge coupled with all of the political secrets known by all of the previous Reishi Sovereigns was available to the current holder of the Sovereign Stone. As long as the Stone was in this world and a Reishi still lived, the world was in jeopardy. That’s why Mage Atherton took such a dangerous and desperate chance. He summoned a shade to push Malachi Reishi physically into the aether, Sovereign Stone and all.
“What he didn’t count on was the malice of the shade, and not being trained in necromancy, he failed to understand the nuances of the spell. He paid with his life for that failure. The shade possessed him and used his body to mount the attack against Malachi Reishi. Nicolai Atherton, possessed by the shade, seized Malachi Reishi and shifted them both into the aether. A physical body cannot survive for more than a few seconds in the cold and airle
ss aether. Once the shade had done as it was summoned to do, it went back to the netherworld and left the souls of Malachi Reishi and Nicolai Atherton trapped forever between the world of life and the afterlife. His desperate actions ultimately won the war but at great personal cost. As long as his body remains in the aether his soul cannot pass into the light.”
Alexander sat quietly and stared at the table for a moment, deep in thought. Such desperate choices had been made to end the Reishi War. Such terrible powers had been brought to bear. He had no magic to compete with the things that Phane could do. He started to wonder again what he could really do to live up to this impossible inheritance. He’d barely survived the trip to Glen Morillian and he hadn’t even considered his next step. Ultimately, he would have to assemble an army under the banner of the House of Ruatha, but he wasn’t even sure he could convince the minor nobles of Glen Morillian to follow him, let alone bring the ruling houses of the various Ruathan territories under his command.
“Where’s the Thinblade?” he asked without looking up.
Wizard Kallentera started to answer, “It was lost…” when Hanlon interrupted him.
“I believe that it may be in the catacombs of this fortress.”
All eyes were now on Hanlon Alaric. He cleared his throat and marshaled his thoughts before starting to explain in his deep and rumbling voice. “Glen Morillian was built by Barnabas Cedric, known to those outside of this valley as the Rebel Mage, to be the home of the Rangers. The Rangers were created to give cover and strength to the Keepers of the Royal Bloodline. One of the secrets entrusted to the Keeper is a vault hidden deep in the catacombs beneath this palace. It can be opened only by the Bearer of the Mark. I do not know what’s inside that vault but I have often wondered if the Thinblade was thought to be lost because Mage Cedric had hidden it away for your arrival.”
Even Emily was surprised. Clearly Hanlon had taken his oath of secrecy seriously.
Alexander stood. “Let’s go have a look.”
Hanlon motioned for him to sit. “It’s late and we still have much to discuss. Anatoly told us how your home was attacked. Your father was a good friend of mine. I rode with him in the border wars and he saved my life on more than one occasion even though it was my sworn duty to protect him. I’ve dispatched a platoon of Rangers to ride to Valentine Manor in search of your parents. We believe that they would be on their way here if they survived the attack and I for one choose to believe that they did. Don’t give up hope, Alexander. With any luck your parents will be here within a few weeks.”
Alexander nodded, “Thank you, Hanlon. I believe they survived the attack as well. I hope to see them soon.” He shared a heartfelt look of hope with his sister.
Wizard Kallentera leaned forward to ask another question, “How did you elude the nether wolves? Such creatures have not walked the Seven Isles since the Reishi War. They’re said to be relentless hunters and supremely deadly in a fight.”
“We didn’t elude them, we killed them,” Alexander said.
The wizard blinked. “Are you certain? They’re said to fade into the ground with the coming of dawn only to rise again at dusk.”
“Oh, that part’s true,” Alexander said. “But I’m also sure that all three are dead.”
Erik leaned in and spoke next. “One died from a combined attack by Anatoly, Isabel, my brothers, Alexander, and me. The other was killed by Alexander with a little help from Isabel.”
Alexander nodded, “The one I killed would have had me if Isabel hadn’t stepped in front of its charge. She bought me the moment I needed to strike and it cost her a couple of broken ribs in the bargain.”
Emily Alaric shot her only daughter a worried look. Hanlon and Erik smiled with pride. Isabel looked almost embarrassed to be the sudden focus of everyone’s attention. “I’m all right, Mom,” she said before Emily could get up to go check on her daughter. “Lucky fixed me up in no time. My ribs are good as new.” She patted herself on the spot where she’d been hit to prove it.
“That’s only two nether wolves,” Wizard Kallentera said. “What of the third?” Alexander was starting to gather that Wizard Mason Kallentera was quite detail oriented.
“Anatoly just about cleaved one of the thing’s hindquarters off. When it lashed out at him, I took its head off. Its bones are still on top of the gatehouse on the old plateau guard tower at the south edge of the forest.”
Alexander was starting to get tired. He’d gotten most of his immediate questions answered and he needed time to think about what he’d learned.
“Wizard Kallentera, at some point I’d like to sit down with you and Lucky and have a long talk about magic, but not tonight.” Alexander rubbed his eyes and tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.
Mason Kallentera mused, “I suspected as much when you read my aura at the council table. I must say, I’m impressed. I’ve never met one who could cast such a spell without so much as a word.”
All the fatigue that Alexander was feeling faded away in a rush. He stared at Wizard Kallentera for a moment, trying to decide what to ask first. “How did you know I was looking at your colors?” Alexander leaned forward, now completely alert and attentive. He’d had the ability to see colors since he was thirteen, but he never really thought of it as a spell. It was just something he could do. He’d always had questions about it.
Mason Kallentera smiled knowingly. “I’ve been a master wizard for many years. I have a number of spells that allow me to see magic being used around me and I make a habit of casting those spells every morning before I leave my chambers.”
“You said that I cast a spell but I didn’t,” Alexander said. “I can just see colors when I relax my visual focus. I’ve been able to do it since I was thirteen. Are you saying that others can do the same thing with a spell?”
“Of course. I have such a spell, as do many other wizards,” Mason explained. “It’s a relatively basic, though very useful, spell. Typically, a novice wizard will learn this kind of magic before moving on to spells of more complexity and greater power. Normally, casting such a spell requires a set of exercises or incantations that take a minute or so of preparation. You say you were never taught this as a spell but that it just manifested as a natural ability when you were thirteen?”
Alexander nodded.
“That is somewhat troubling, but also very interesting. I’ve never heard of such a thing. If I may ask, do you have any other such abilities?”
“No, nothing,” Alexander said. “I’ve always wondered about it. My parents just told me it was a gift, and it has been. It’s saved my life on a number of occasions.”
“Hanlon tells me your parents have both survived the mana fast. Have they taught you any spells?” Mason asked.
“No, they always told me I would have to attempt the mana fast before I could use magic and neither of them seemed too eager for me to choose that path.”
Wizard Kallentera folded his hands carefully on the table. He spoke very deliberately. “Alexander, you are already a natural sorcerer. Your ability to read a living aura is proof of that fact. With training you could very likely master other magic. If you attempted the mana fast and survived, you would probably become a very powerful wizard. Natural sorcerers typically make the best candidates for the training and have the highest chance of survival. I am concerned, however, about the way you have manifested your talent.”
“What do you mean?” Alexander asked.
“Your talent could be an anomaly that will never translate into an aptitude for deliberate manipulation of the firmament,” Mason said, “in which case you would likely not survive the mana fast. Understand, I am only speculating. There are a number of other possibilities that could explain the way you’re able to manifest magic. I’ll do some research into the matter and let you know once I understand the situation more fully. Also, there are a number of spells I believe may shed some light on your ability if you’ll permit me to cast them over you.”
Alexander thought for
a moment. “The more I know about magic, the better. What do I need to do?”
“Nothing at the moment. I’ll make the necessary preparations. Once I’m ready, you must simply sit with me inside my Wizard’s Circle. It will be painless and may reveal a great deal that could be of use to you.”
Hanlon motioned to Wizard Kallentera to forestall any further discussion. “Alexander, tomorrow will likely be a trying day for you. It would be wise to be well rested.”
Alexander looked at the Forest Warden with apprehension, “How so?”
“The nobles will wish to have a council meeting with you present. It will be tedious, take several hours, and will involve them posturing, preening, and speaking at length without saying very much at all.” Hanlon held up his hands in mock surrender. “I know, I know, it’s a waste of time, but actually it’s not. The nobles effectively rule Glen Morillian and their support will be essential if you are to use this valley as a base of operations in the coming war. Mostly, they just want to feel important. If you give them that, they’ll probably acquiesce to your rule. But if they feel that you’ve snubbed them, they can be all manner of difficult. In the long run, it’ll be worth it to spend the morning listening to them blathering on.
“Then there’s the matter of Mage Cedric’s vault. I think you should open it tomorrow afternoon. If it contains items that can be of use, it may take some time for you to master them.
“Finally, tomorrow evening we’ll be holding a formal banquet in your honor.”
Alexander started to shake his head but Hanlon held up his hands beseeching Alexander to hear him out. “This is another function that the nobles, and the people, will expect. They’ll be impossible to deal with if you don’t give them their party. They seem to live for such events. If I never had to sit through another grand banquet I would be a happy man, but my wife,” he smiled at Emily, “is another matter. She likes to entertain, and this will be one of the most-attended banquets of the year.”
Emily smiled at Alexander. “I do enjoy a party, Alexander, but I promise you’ll be able to slip away if you wish after the formalities are over.”
Alexander eyed her with good-natured suspicion, “Exactly what sort of formalities?”
She leaned forward, eager to talk about the coming festivities. “Well, the evening starts with the arrival of the guests. Each guest is announced when they enter the ballroom. You will, of course, arrive last because you’re the guest of honor and everyone will want to see your entrance. Dinner will be served shortly thereafter. I’ve been preparing since the riders from the fortress gate brought news of your arrival. After dinner, but before dessert, you’ll be expected to recount your journey here and the circumstances of the mark you bear.” She stopped, clearly expecting an objection on this count and she wasn’t disappointed.
Alexander had been trying to put the events of the past two weeks behind him. There had been a lot of pain and fear. He didn’t relish the thought of recounting the whole thing in front of a room full of strangers.
“Is that really necessary?” He was starting to feel a whole new kind of anxiety build in the pit of his stomach.
Emily nodded as she reached out and gave his forearm an affectionate squeeze. “I’m afraid it will be expected. More importantly, it will be your best opportunity to win over the nobles. If you regale them with a heroic story in a public setting, they’ll look petty and small if they don’t support you.”
Alexander was starting to feel trapped. He had little experience at speaking in public and frankly preferred it that way. If he stammered and stuttered through his story, he would damage his cause. He could feel the heat rising in his face when Jack spoke up and offered him a lifeline.
“Lady Alaric, is it permissible for one to speak on Alexander’s behalf?” Jack asked.
She nodded, “Yes, of course. In fact it’s preferable. Most nobles believe it’s a sign of greater importance to have another speak for them.”
Jack smiled with relish and enthusiasm. “My Lord, it would be my honor and privilege if you would permit me to recount your exploits for the assembled guests.”
Alexander stared at him with a mixture of incredulity and relief. “Are you serious? Of course!” Jack smiled with such pure joy that Alexander could only shake his head. “You’re actually looking forward to standing up in front of all those people and telling them stories, aren’t you?”
Jack nodded eagerly, still grinning like a schoolboy. “It is the calling of my life, the very reason I draw breath. To hold a crowd in thrall, hanging on my every word, is a power that no wizardry can match. I will do you proud, Alexander. By the time I’m done with them, you’ll be every bit the hero they hope you are.”
Jack turned his attention to Emily, “Lady Alaric, if I may, it will be important that Alexander has the proper attire for such an occasion. His travel clothes simply won’t make the proper impression.”
Emily was nodding, “Yes, of course, I’ve already made arrangements for you all to have a set of fine clothes fitted and ready by tomorrow evening. Our tailor will be by in the morning before breakfast to take measurements for the men and I was hoping Isabel would take Abigail to town for a dress. There are many fine shops that will make the necessary alterations on the spot.” Abigail beamed. She didn’t wear finery very often but she did enjoy it when the opportunity presented itself.
Alexander was starting to feel a little better about the evening. Jack’s offer to speak in his place put him at ease. He’d heard Jack spin a tale and was confident that the crowd would be pleased. He marveled at how something as seemingly meaningless as a banquet could be so important. He remembered another bit from one of his father’s lectures on strategy: “Battlefields come in all shapes and sizes. However they present themselves, you must always know the terrain and use it to your advantage to win the day.” Alexander was starting to realize just how much he had to learn. He’d imagined that this war would be fought on the open plain in pitched battles with a clear enemy. He was coming to realize that he would have to look at each situation he encountered from this point forward as if it were a battlefield.
“Sounds like we have a busy day ahead of us. I could use some sleep,” Alexander said as he stood.
Thinblade (Sovereign of the Seven Isles: Book One) Page 24
