by Blink, Bob
“At least one of the strangers can speak our language,” Kall told her.
“Are you certain?” Rosul asked.
“I spoke with him. Carif hadn’t expected that. When we were inside the blocking cell, but still separated by the bars, I motioned one of the strangers over. He and the older prisoner came. I asked where they were from, not really expecting any response, but he replied quite clearly that he was from across the Wastelands. He called them the Ruins, but I knew what he meant.”
“I want to meet with him,” Rosul said. “If he can speak, that changes everything. I thought there would be a barrier that we couldn’t overcome, but now, perhaps there is a way forward.” Perhaps her dream of meeting and forming a bond with those from another land could still be realized.
“I don’t think you should go to the Guild. We will have to be very careful around Carif from this time forward. She is going to be a problem. The fact she is temporarily constrained doesn’t mean she isn’t plotting.”
“You wonder if I revealed too much, don’t you?”
Kall nodded. “They will be more diligent now. She will put forth every effort to learn how we managed to accomplish what we have, and who is supporting us. It might have been best to stay in the shadows longer.”
“I understand your worry, but something about this situation is unique. My intuition tells me it is worth the risk. They have the inherent magic, Kall. They are like Lyes and the others, but far, far more capable. I can’t help but wonder if they hold the answer, and the key that our secret group has hoped for. It has to be worth the risk if they could show us the way.”
“I hope you are right. We risk more than just ourselves.”
Rosul nodded knowingly. Then she said. “I want the prisoner who speaks to be brought here to me.”
“Do you think that is wise?”
“He is banded, and even Carif has admitted that whatever the source of his magic, the bands have cut him off. He should be less of a danger than Carif at this point.”
Chapter 44
Nals
It had taken time for Carif to pull together all eight of her Specialists. More than a day had passed since the surprise confrontation with Rosul. The time had given her an opportunity to think, and she was now less inclined to react and strike back. Rosul had been correct. Such an action would not sit well with the people of Sedfair. Rosul was far too well liked, one of the reasons Carif had been eager to see her replaced. That meant they had to consider carefully any actions they might take. High on the list was to discover just what links Rosul had formed with members of the Casting community. Who was helping her? Those with the abilities required were not that great in number.
Carif let her eyes wander across the Eight who had served her well over the years. She didn’t believe the traitor to their cause was one of them. The prospects of each were too closely linked to her own well being. Still, one would be foolish to ignore the possibility. She had already begun certain investigations that would reveal more about her staff, and if one was involved with Rosul in any way, she would know before too much longer. For now, she would have to trust her instincts and beliefs that all still stood behind her. There was far too much to be done for her to delay until she could be absolutely positive.
“What is Rosul up to?” Juli asked after Carif had briefed the group on the showdown that the Queen had forced upon her the other day.
“I don’t know,” Carif replied thoughtfully. “Obviously this situation was precipitated by her discovery of the outsiders and her anger at not being informed. I had hoped she was too wrapped up in her last days and seeing to her people before being replaced to pick up on the current situation. I was careless. By now I should have known the woman has an instinct for anything out of normal. But there is more going on that we didn’t suspect. She didn’t bring a capable Caster to her cause in a matter of a few days to support her concerns. She obviously had prepared the room where she blocked me some time ago, which means whoever is working with her has done so for a long time. I have been lax and have underestimated her. We need to watch her, her consort, and those close to her far more carefully.”
“Do we have any idea who might have switched allegiance?” Rynm asked.
“We have no idea how many she might have swayed to her cause,” Carif replied truthfully. “As of this moment, there is one name that looks suspicious.” The Saltique glanced at Delril.
Delril looked around the room at the others. “The Saltique approached me yesterday regarding this matter. Unfortunately a great many of those in the University are away during the break. That means we don’t always know where they are, and those who supposedly went home, could well be here in Nals. It will take time to sort through all of the student body. A small number are here over the break, and of those, one has gone mysteriously missing.”
“Who?” Ensay asked.
“A scholar beginning his senior year. A man, of course. His names is Lyes.”
“I’ve heard of him,” Shym said. “He’s been one of the brightest in the current class.”
“He had already been selected for inclusion in the Guild,” Delril admitted. “His performance has been nothing short of outstanding, and there was every reason to expect him to excel during his final year.”
“He’s missing?” Yathi asked. “We’re certain that he didn’t just take a few days off. During the break, students are free to follow their own schedules.”
“He’s been working on a project, and according to several fellows who know him well, he abruptly dropped out of sight. There are other factors that are suggestive as well.”
“Other factors?” Kimm asked.
“The young apprentice named Fen,” Carif said. “I’ve had another talk with him. He’s one who is new to our community, and while I spoke with him about the need for discretion, he is young and might have been our leak.”
“Was he?” Kimm asked.
“Actually, I think so. He was quite nervous, and when I pressed he admitted he had spoken to another student before I’d warned him about mentioning the events that took place in his village. He swears he hasn’t spoken to anyone since and that he’d been afraid to admit he’d already revealed the existence of the outsiders the first time I spoke with him.”
“The student he spoke with was Lyes,” Delril added unnecessarily.
“Do you believe this Fen is being truthful?” Kimm asked.
“I am certain of it,” Carif replied. “He is not a trained liar, and he was mostly concerned what his omission would do to his prospects here at the University.”
“So it is likely that Lyes is the source of the leak. He learns of the outsiders, soon thereafter the Queen knows of them, and then Lyes disappears. The evidence is circumstantial, but compelling.”
“Does this Lyes have the ability to create a Doorway?” Bonn asked. “From what we know, someone working for the Queen has that ability, otherwise the rapid visit to the village could not have taken place.”
“He has never demonstrated such a talent,” Delril answered. “That is one of the Casting specialties that are attempted during the final year, as those who have progressed properly are taught the basic spells built into each staff. There would be ample opportunity for him to be exposed to the spell. Many of the students talk with their elder counterparts in hopes of learning as much as possible in advance of formal training. The positions are competitive, and any advantage could mean the difference of being selected to the Guild and not. The higher level classmen are willing to help the lower level, because they are a year apart, and don’t compete against one another.”
“For now let us assume that Lyes is involved,” Carif said. “He is likely not the only one. We must carefully review the activities and abilities of each student. We’ll start with the men. They are here mostly because of Rosul’s meddling in our charter, and have the most reason to be loyal to her. We can’t neglect the possibility that she has turned a woman, so examine each possibility carefully.”<
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“The traitor doesn’t have to be a student,” Juli said. “In fact, given the abilities demonstrated, it is likely an established Caster has aligned with the Queen.”
“Unfortunately that is true,” Carif agreed. “All members of the Guild must be considered as possible traitors. Such people are spread throughout the land, and while it is likely the individual is someone who resides in Nals, given the ability to make a Doorway, they could be anywhere. It will take months to carefully sort through our colleagues to be certain they are loyal. The task I want to place upon all of you is to come up with a means of expediting the checking of our members.”
“Can’t we simply stand up to this Queen?” Kimm argued. “We have power she cannot resist. The Guild should not be taking direction from her. The real power has always been with us.”
Carif shook her head. “The timing would be poor. A new election is close, and we will soon be rid of her. The people would not accept any break between the Guild and the Crown. We would initiate a civil war, which we cannot afford. Currently we are fighting the Chulls and the Baldari, and possibly another land with powers that rival our own. We cannot afford an internal fight for control at the same time. Most importantly, we have no idea how strong the Queen’s forces might be. Perhaps she had been cleverly positioning herself against us. For her to reveal her ability as she has done, suggests she is confident in her ability to resist us. Knowledge is missing. We need to know what we are up against. I will not be surprised again.”
“What of Suline and Kirin?” Yathi asked. “They were both involved and know more than anyone else. They have actually traveled into the Wastelands, and both can make the required Doorways.”
“Both have reason to be loyal, but the Queen appeared totally unaware of our travels into the Wastelands. She might be a better actress than I give her credit for, but I believe she is unaware of the ill-fated trips. That would seem to rule out the two Casters you mentioned, but check them out carefully. Do them first. I would hope to be able to continue to use them, so I must know they can be trusted.”
“What of this Fen?” Delril asked. “Will he be silent from this point on? What is his future?”
“I believe he understands the immensity of his disclosure, and he has seen my displeasure. He won’t be discussing the outsiders again.”
“Will you allow him to stay at the University?” Delril asked. “I thought . . .”
“It will be as we discussed,” Carif said, interrupting her. “Once a new Queen has been chosen and settled in, the Guild will announce its return to traditional values and all men will be turned out of the University. Those with ability will be allowed to become commercial Casters, but no longer will they be trained as Rosul has insisted.”
Delril nodded happily. This was something she had been pushing Carif toward for a long time.
“What about the outsiders?” Kimm asked. “With the Queen showing interest, we won’t be able to proceed as planned.”
“Unfortunately, that is true,” Carif agreed. “The King has already viewed the prisoners, twice now. When he learned that one could communicate, he returned the following day after informing Rosul. Now she has insisted that the one named Rigo be brought to the Castle for discussions.”
“Doesn’t she realize the risks?” Kimm asked.
“I tried that approach,” Carif replied wryly. “Rosul is not stupid, and she knows the bands have prevented the outsiders from accessing their magic. She has probably been informed as much by whomever is helping her. Rigo is no more threat than any normal prisoner while banded, and she has sufficient guards to restrain him. Unfortunately there is little we can do to prevent her wishes without initiating the conflict we are not yet prepared for. Rosul has agreed that the Guild may be represented at these discussions, at least for now. One of the Eight will be there, since I refuse to be in the presence of that woman anymore than necessary for the present.”
“What are our priorities?” Ensay asked.
“Spend the morning planning. I want a means of verifying our people’s loyalties. Find Lyes, and whoever is helping him. Try and monitor any unexplained Doorways within Nals. Any that are unexplained, I want to know about and where they go. Continue the work on the outsider’s staffs. I want to know how they use them to circumvent the blockages in the Wastelands, and increase the watch for more of the strangers. We have four in captivity, I guess three now, but they must have friends. They could come looking. I want to know immediately if more are sighted.”
“Do we try and capture them,” Kimm asked.
“If possible, but I want to know of their presence immediately.”
“Will we inform the Queen if more arrive?” Ensay asked.
“I think we will have to. I’m trying to think of a way to make this her problem in case it evolves poorly,” Carif said. “We must make certain the secrets of the magic used by these outsiders is not something that falls into the hands of the Queen and her supporters. What we have witnessed already is disconcerting, and we have no idea of what other powers they can call upon.”
The Saltique pointed to Kimm. “You will escort the one named Rigo after lunch when he is taken to meet the Queen,” she said.
Chapter 45
The Outpost
Eastern Lopal
The heavy rain pounded the rocky hillsides that formed the Outpost. This was the second day of the continuous downpour. It wasn’t typical for this kind of weather so close to the Ruins, but eastern Lopal had been subjected to unusual weather the past couple of weeks. The skies were dark with towering thunderclouds, and there seemed little hope of the weather clearing up for another day or two.
“Never thought we’d want a boat out here,” Jeen said as she walked into Nycoh’s greeting room.
“I kind of like it,” Nycoh said with a smile. “It cools everything down and makes it seem so fresh afterwards.”
“Do you know what he wants?” Jeen asked, referring to Daim who had asked they be available for a private discussion.
“He wouldn’t say,” Nycoh admitted with a sigh.
“He’s not pushing to take charge of the Outpost again, is he?”
“No, I doubt that. He has finally realized we won’t agree to such a change. He also has come to accept that he isn’t the wizard he recalls himself to be. I think the gaps in his memory disturb him the most. Of course, he is appalled at the reduction in his magical skills.”
Daim had been difficult to integrate into the wizard community. Within a day of being transferred into Brice’s brain, the Master Wizard had adapted to his new situation and had become more like the demanding and imperious person that Jeen remembered from the short time the ancient wizard had controlled Rigo’s body. At first Uona had been thrilled by the change in her former lover, but after a day or so of meeting Daim’s demands, she realized that this wasn’t Brice any longer. She finally was able to force herself to accept he was truly gone, and broken hearted, she had fled the Outpost to be away from the sight of Brice’s form moving around, reminding her it wasn’t him any longer.
The wizard community was initially captivated by the miracle that had transferred Daim’s personality and memories into the inert frame that had once been Brice. While many mourned the loss of a friend, he had been deemed lost a long time ago, so the greater reaction was curiosity about the long dead wizard. The Rigo-Daim pairing had been a matter of much interest and speculation, and a number of those at the Outpost had lived through the days when Rigo had made his first appearance at the Outpost. Many had questions about the distant past, and hoped to learn magical skills that the previous version of Daim had not passed along. They soon learned that this Daim was not tempered with Rigo’s more social personality, and Daim’s frustration with being constantly bothered by such questions showed itself by his curt dismissal of their interest.
For his own part, Brice-Daim was extremely interested in the Rigo-Daim who had preceded him. For days he pestered Nycoh with questions about the match up, an
d what they had managed to accomplish. Brice-Daim had been appalled to learn that both of his staffs had failed to complete the task he’d set for them. While he could guess what might have happened with the first staff, he was unable to understand what might have taken place with the second and why Rigo hadn’t been transferred to the Hideaway as planned. He was also annoyed that neither staff was available for examination. How they could have carelessly allowed them to be taken into the Ruins by Rigo was a subject he frequently returned to, even though Nycoh had made it clear that was the only way the team had been able to make the discoveries they had.
Daim was partially mollified when Nycoh and Jeen took him deep into the Ruins to allow him to have a closer look at what had been found. Daim was surprised that the staff he had built for a totally different purpose had succeeded in allowing penetration in the vast desert much farther than anyone had in his own time. They showed him the vast chasm, where he explained that no one in his time had been known to go farther.
“In my own time it had been more than four hundred years since anyone had made an attempt. The old records indicated several wizards had been lost at this very place, attempting to cross. I never ventured anywhere near this far into the Ruins, but it was recognized in my time this was the limit that one could go. Those who Bypassed across, never returned. Several different parties recorded that some of their party made the attempt, but never came back to report what was on the far side. Eventually everyone accepted that no one could go farther.”
Daim had also been impressed by their discovery of the Hoplani Farms. Like the others, he tried to come up with a means of destroying the creation modules, but to no avail. He was shocked at the Morvane, and wondered why they had not been seen in his own time, nor recorded in any of the literature going back hundreds of years.
Closer to home, he had been disturbed by the state of the barrier towers. Initially pleased by Nycoh’s recounting the effort that had resulted in bringing the system back to full operation, he could see that the towers were now ragged and patched.
