Into The Ruins

by Blink, Bob

  Chapter 31

  “How is the transfer of the materials progressing?” Nycoh asked as the discussion came to order. It was early the day after the group had returned from Ald-del, and Nycoh had asked to meet with them. Jeen, Burke, Daria, and Kaler were in attendance. Others at the Outpost had already heard rumors of the findings and were eager to know more. Nycoh would have to make a general announcement before much longer.

  “It will take a couple of days more at least,” Burke said. He had been placed in charge of overseeing the removal of the contents of Ald’del’s dungeon and transferring it to a special area set aside here at the Outpost. Nycoh had already tasked several of their scholars to begin looking through the find for anything that might shed light on the marvelous device that now sat propped upon a pillow across the table from them.

  “Do you think the leadership at Ald-del will try and hold anything back?” Nycoh asked.

  “Very unlikely,” Jeen replied. “The monastery survives by the contributions of scholars and others who wish to pursue their readings in the vast archives the facility has assembled over the years. Those that are members of the congregation have gone there to escape the strife and confusion of the outer world. They are not looking for trouble, and to resist our demands would bring notoriety to them that would be disruptive.”

  “I gather Daria had a few words with the Archimandrite,” Nycoh said.

  Burke smiled. “She warned him that the activity reflected in the artifact showed her personal friend to be in trouble. She explained that anyone who hindered her finding where he was would face her personal wrath. She also warned that Jeen was the personal wizard to the King, she didn’t mention which one. However, she made it clear that any suspicion of holding back on the part of the monastery would cause her to have several hundred soldiers transported to the gates, and they would personally search every nook and cranny of the place.”

  “She also mentioned her former occupation,” Kaler said with a grin of his own.

  “Even the secluded Brothers at the monastery have heard of the KalaBhoot,” Daria said with some satisfaction.

  “We also have Brothers Yori and Nyll to fall back on,” Jeen said. “I believe they would let us know if anything was being hidden from us.”

  “Only Brother Yori,” Kaler corrected. “Nyll has elected to leave the monastery for good. He is currently staying at our retreat where he will help with the schooling of the children. He has been disappointed with the politics at Ald-del for some time, and after seeing what Daria and I are doing at the retreat, asked if there might be a place there for him. One of Burke’s team brought him there after you had departed with the artifact. But I agree we can count on Brother Yori. I believe he is deriving a certain satisfaction from the discomfort all of this is causing the Archimandrite.”

  “That leaves us with what to do about this marvelous device,” Nycoh said. She glanced at the object and the image that was displayed on its surface. After staring at it long into the night, she agreed that it had to be a representation of what was happening to Rigo and his party.

  “Have you any idea how it works?” Kaler asked. He knew that Nycoh knew as much or more about the ancient magic and history as anyone else in the wizard community.

  “Only that a magic we don’t have any awareness of was used to create it and make it operate. The way the materials that form the object are merged, with barely a hint of a seam is beyond anything we could duplicate. How it can gather these images, apparently following Rigo for some unknown reason, is a true marvel. We can’t even surmise why it is linked to Rigo. From all we know, he never encountered the device when he was at Ald-del years ago. All we know is it must be very old.”

  “How old?” Daria asked.

  “Brother Yori claims their records show it had been at the monastery from at least a thousand years ago. We know that magic had disappeared from the Three Kingdoms during those years, so unless the situation was different somewhere else and magic survived elsewhere, we must assume it dates back at least as far as to the time of the fall, when Daim was alive. More than likely it predates even that, as Rigo never mentioned such a device.”

  “What about the symbols on the back?” Daria asked. “Do they look like anything you have seen before?”

  “Nothing at all,” Nycoh admitted. “All of the years Ash’urn and I spent pouring through the texts here and at Daim’s hideaway, I saw nothing that compares to them. The only symbols that might be linked are those we see on the walls of the room where Rigo and his team are being held, and one small set of symbols on the object Ash’urn documented out in the Ruins.”

  “Something they found in the Ruins?” Kaler asked. He hadn’t heard about this.

  “They found a strange metal object half buried in the sand. They were able to unearth it, and Ash’urn sketched the markings on the four sides. You know how precise he can be. There are four distinct sets of markings. Our scholars believe whatever the message, it was repeated in four languages.”

  “And one set of markings is like the symbols on this artifact?” Daria asked.

  “Actually no,” Nycoh said. “There are five sets of markings if one looks closely. The fifth set is different, and encircles the monument near the base. Those are the ones I’m told are similar to what we see on the back of this device.”

  “We’ve seen the marking one other place,” Jeen noted.

  “Where?” Kaler asked.

  “One of the visitors who has come into the area to watch our friends carried a staff. I am certain that staff was covered with similar symbols.”

  “What does it mean?” Burke asked.

  “I think the symbols are linked to their magic in some way,” Nycoh said. “They could just be a formality, some kind of ritualistic cover that is inherent in their craft, but from the little we have seen I think they are somehow required. The use of symbols is so far from what we know that it is hard to envision, but it might explain some of why Rigo and the others were taken by surprise.”

  “Everyone agrees they are no longer anywhere in the Three Kingdoms?” Daria asked.

  “We have to take that as a given,” Jeen replied. “They were last known to be far out in the Ruins. The clothes being worn are unlike those known anywhere in the kingdoms, and the common use of unknown symbols indicates a different language. That those symbols match to some degree an ancient artifact found in the Ruins and are unknown here is very suggestive of the fact they have found another populated land on the far side of the Ruins.”

  “Are they more powerful than us?” Kaler asked.

  “Unknown, but the fact they were able to capture Rigo is disquieting,” Nycoh said. “Rigo is one of our strongest wizards.”

  “Do they know about us?” Daria asked. “Could they be the ones who created the Hoplani?”

  “Obviously, we don’t know,” Nycoh replied. “There is too little information.”

  “From what you tell us, we don’t really know where they are, and even if we did, we have no means to go there ourselves and provide aid,” Kaler said.

  “Unfortunately true,” Nycoh said. “Rigo’s team took the only two staffs we had that were capable of muting the effects of the Ruins out in those far regions. Without the staff, magic cannot be performed and even the strongest wizards are unable to call upon magic. Without magic, crossing the Ruins is impossible.”

  “Impossible, or just very difficult?” Daria asked. “Given sufficient motivation, one can often overcome the “impossible”.”

  “In this case I believe it is truly impossible,” Nycoh said. “I have been in some of the regions they crossed. With a team of hardened individuals, a huge support effort, and a lot of luck, some areas might be crossed. But in addition to the simple matter of water and other necessities, the other dangers present an unacceptable risk to those unable to call upon magic. Almost certainly any such effort would fail.”

  “Almost certainly, but not guaranteed,” Daria said softly.

  “
You would go yourself?” Nycoh asked.

  “Rigo needs help,” Daria said. “Who other than his closest friends should try?”

  “Admirable, but pointless at this time,” Jeen said. “I would do anything to help Rigo as well. You and he saved me when I needed help. But the simple fact we have no idea where to look.”

  “We should have been with him,” cursed Kaler. “Had we been there all along, this might not have happened.”

  “More than likely, there would simply be more people imprisoned,” Nycoh said. “You both are formidable opponents, but even your abilities cannot overcome a skilled team of wizards.”

  “You said you believe their magic might have been blocked,” Kaler said.

  “We are guessing that is what the symbols on the walls and the bands on them are intended to do,” agreed Nycoh.

  “Then that’s how they were probably taken. Under those conditions, Daria and my skills could have changed the outcome.”

  “Perhaps,” Jeen said, trying to console Kaler. “But what is done, cannot be undone. We must see what can be learned and how to proceed. The loss of Rigo and the others has not changed the fact the Three Kingdoms are facing a grave danger. Perhaps there are more answers in the items recovered from Ald-del. That might be our best hope.”

  “You have learned nothing thus far that might help with the Hoplani?” Daria asked.

  “The beasts continue to attack the towers. It is as though the Morvane have discovered their purpose and now strive to bring them down. The Hoplani Farms that Rigo discovered in the Ruins tell us where they come from, but nothing about how to stop their production. Nothing we have at hand is able to impact the on-going production of the creatures. From what Rigo told us from his Daim memories, the Hoplani have been being produced for at least four thousand years. We think we can hope to stop something that has withstood such a span? All of this is in addition to the realization we have lost Rigo to an unknown group.”

  “All the more reason we need to find where Rigo is being held,” Kaler said. “We need to know about these people. If they are enemies, we must know where they are so they cannot attack us with impunity. If they are potential friends, they might have knowledge that can help, or which combined with our own, might provide an answer. You have said yourself you believe their magic is different.”

  “What you say is true, but I can see no way to accomplish your goal,” Nycoh said sadly.

  “I want to see these places,” Kaler said forcefully. “Daria and I need to visit the Hoplani Farms and the farthest extent you can take us where Rigo went. Perhaps we will see something that everyone else has missed. Without ability in magic, we look at a problem differently than you do. Perhaps we need to enlist the aid of these Duneriders as you call them. There must be a way to communicate with them.”

  “I will take you myself,” Nycoh agreed. She knew Kaler and Daria would not be satisfied until they viewed the extent of the problem themselves. She didn’t expect the trips to accomplish much, but any chance was worth taking.

  “They are moving Rigo,” Burke said suddenly, pointing at the image on the artifact.

  He was correct. Rigo was surrounded by a half dozen burly guards each with a sword as well as one of the staff carrying individuals. They were able to get a better look at the staff and see that it was indeed heavily engraved with symbols. The image left the room with the others in it behind as Rigo was escorted to a smaller chamber some distance away. If there had ever been any doubt, it was clear the artifact was linked to their friend in some way. After walking down a long hall he was placed in a chair facing a half dozen interrogators, mostly women.

  “Interesting,” Nycoh said softly.

  “They are questioning him,” Burke guessed aloud.

  “Probably,” Jeen agreed, “But what can they hope to learn? Rigo isn’t foolish enough to give away any important information to a potential enemy. Besides, unless they already know more about us than is healthy, I doubt they can understand one another.”

  “You don’t think they will torture him?” Burke asked.

  “Unlikely,” Daria said, agreeing with Jeen. “If you can’t understand what your subject is screaming, there is little point.”

  Kaler looked frustrated. He was unable to help his friend, and seeing him through the artifact only made his concerns more real.

  “Come,” Nycoh said. “I will show you what you asked. Jeen, do you wish to come?”

  Jeen shook her head. “I have seen most of what they wish to see. I think I can better spend my time here.”

  As the others left with Nycoh, Jeen couldn’t help her thoughts. What we need is Daim. He might have known something that could help. Even Rigo admitted he had only retained a portion of the Master Wizard’s memories.

  Chapter 32

  Nals, Capital of Sedfair

  “Have there been any other reports of outsiders penetrating the western border?” Carif asked the two Specialists who she had asked to report to her that morning.

  “None,” replied Rynm, one of the Eight who had been with Carif the longest. Shym was actually older, but Rynm had been with Carif for more seasons.

  Shym, Rynm, and Yathi were perhaps the most trusted of the Eight, and Carif frequently spoke with them about matters she held from the rest of her advisors. In this instance, it was more a matter of expediency, as the Eight were busy with a variety of important tasks with the beginning of a new University class only weeks away, as well as the selection of the new Queen to attend to.

  “We tasked Senior Casters with visiting each of the border villages yesterday to see if any strangers had been observed, and the reports were negative along the full extent of Sedfair beyond two locations where minor altercations with the Baldari were reported,” Yathi added.

  “So we can be reasonably confident that these are the only strangers within our borders?” Carif asked.

  Rynm shrugged. “One cannot be certain, of course. Others may have entered in advance of the four we apprehended. They might be inland from the villages, having slipped through unobserved. The Army has been asked to patrol inland and see if any signs can be found. That could take a number of days. A team of our most effective combat Casters has been put on alert, and can be sent anywhere within Sedfair given notice of a sighting.”

  “That assumes the information can get back to us promptly,” Carif reminded them. “We were fortunate that Suline was located near Slipi. Most of the Casters along the border are not skilled enough to create a Doorway and would have to send warnings by slower means.”

  “Perhaps we should rethink the situation and have more with such ability assigned to the border?” Yathi suggested.

  “They would not take kindly to such an assignment,” Carif replied. Those with such ability consider themselves among the elite, and a border posting is not considered choice.”

  “What other means have we to ensure prompt warning of a possible invasion by these people?” Yathi asked.

  “Continue using the group that you had visit the villages along the border,” Carif ordered. “They should make a daily run to check for anything new. Arrangements should be made with the village Casters to have a report ready. It shouldn’t take that long, and while it isn’t a pleasant task, it is better than being assigned out there.”

  “It will be done,” Rynm replied obediently.

  “We are certain they are skilled in magic?” Carif asked. They had all seen the strangers since they had been relocated to Nals. Suline had performed that task well, and the four were now buried away in the catacombs under the Guild Headquarters. The number who knew of their existence was limited for the moment. Of course the Eight all knew and had taken a moment to personally view the strangers in their odd garb. Kirin and Suline knew, and both had been advised to limit their discussions about them. The guards who maintained the cells were aware as well, but those men had been carefully chosen and had seen other prisoners and knew how to hold their tongues. For now, the rest of the Guild was
being kept in the dark at the Saltique’s orders. Until they knew more, she didn’t want word to get out. Carif was especially concerned the Queen would learn of the strangers. It wouldn’t do for Rosul to learn that other people had been discovered. The woman had long searched for signs of other civilizations, and Carif didn’t want her to use her last months interfering in the current situation.

  “We have only the reports that Kirin brought back after investigating the matter. That plus the reports of the Army Caster Ferkle. We could have him brought in and scanned, but the effects of that are often undesirable, and Kirin was convinced by her inquiries that the stories were true. Since being captured, they have been unable to execute any spells, so we have no firsthand knowledge. It has not been considered prudent to allow even one of them to be free of the restrictive devices. Who knows what damage might result. The prisoner might even elect to escape, and we have no idea what forces might be brought to bear against us.”

  Carif had already spoken to young Fen, the novice Caster who would enter the University this fall. She had to admit she was impressed with the presence of the young man. He was clearly skilled, and had reported to her a careful account that showed he had observed with a critical eye what had taken place. They were lucky that one capable in the art had been present. Not being a direct participant, he had been able to monitor events critically.

  “You are convinced they are able to perform their magic without requiring properly crafted spells to aid them?” Carif asked, even though after talking with the boy she was convinced that was the case. “What of the staff that Kirin brought back?”

  “A very crude looking device,” Yathi sniffed. “I examined it myself. I am positive it has never been etched with runes, nor is it equipped with a proper focusing crystal. It cannot have been of much value. It looks to be no more than an old walking stick.”