Spells of Old (Ancient Dreams Book 2)

by Benjamin Medrano

  She halted her horse a hundred paces back, allowing a pair of guards to approach and check the tent. When they confirmed that there wasn’t a trap, she finished her approach with Gavin in tow. Dismounting, she stepped forward and pulled the flap aside to enter the tent, ignoring the guards.

  The tent had three chairs within and a small table set up in the center. In a chair opposite her entrance was a tall, powerfully built human in crimson armor, with a peace-bonded sword at his side. Diane saw a slight flicker of surprise in his eyes, but he stood, nodding as he spoke. “Queen Diane Yisara, I presume. I am Justicar Ivan Hall.”

  “Yes, I am. This is Fatebinder Gavin,” Diane replied unpleasantly. “Are the captives near?”

  “Of course they are. As per your message, all but Princess Jaine have been brought for the exchange, and are under heavy guard,” Justicar Hall replied bluntly, then gestured at the papers in front of him. “All that is needed is for us to finish signing and sealing the treaty, and they will be released to your army.”

  “I see. Then let’s get this farce of a bargain over with,” the queen told him, checking the chair, then taking a seat. From the satchel she’d brought with her, Diane pulled out the copy of the contract, which her scholars had gone over carefully, looking at him as she added, “I will be checking the text of your final version of the treaty against what we agreed on before.”

  “Of course you will,” Hall replied, sitting down and taking a sheet and sliding it across to Diane.

  She took the sheet and began to read it, comparing the wording to her copy. Diane couldn’t help but grow more worried as she found the written statements to be perfectly identical, aside from being written in a different hand, and having no mention of the exchange of Jaine for Beryl. It worried her that they weren’t trying to sneak anything by her. Finally, she nodded, grudgingly saying, “The text is what we have agreed to.”

  “Excellent.” Hall smiled, sliding over two more copies, then glancing over to Gavin. “Fatebinder? If you would take Queen Yisara’s copy and check the copies for accuracy?”

  “Certainly.” Gavin nodded and took the papers, reading through one quickly. He then murmured a spell, causing all of the sheets to glow a faint gold for a moment. Nodding grimly, he announced, “All copies of this agreement are identical and have no hidden conditions. As a representative of Fate, I am presiding over this treaty. State your names and authority for the record, standing before Fate Himself.”

  As Gavin spoke, two of the papers floated in front of Diane and Ivan, settling onto the table delicately as a golden pair of scales appeared in Gavin’s free hand. Diane looked him in the eye as she spoke firmly. “I am Queen Diane Yisara of the Kingdom of Yisara. I have been granted the authority to make this deal, though once signed, I will have willingly abdicated my position as per my previous agreements.”

  The scales tipped toward Diane, and the Fatebinder looked at the Justicar, whose eyebrows rose at her statement. However, he spoke in a deep voice, causing the scales to balance once more. “I am Justicar Ivan Hall of the Kingdom of Kelvanis. I have been granted full authority by the Archon to negotiate on Kelvanis’ behalf.”

  “Witnessed,” Gavin spoke gravely. “Have both of you read and fully understand the treaty which sits before you?”

  “Yes.” Both spoke nearly simultaneously, causing the scales to barely quiver.

  “Witnessed. Queen Diane Yisara. Do you confirm that you are in good health, and that you will allow yourself to be taken captive by Kelvanis immediately, and that you will not attempt to foment any escape or rebellion for a minimum of one month? You also agree not to attempt to kill yourself while in Kelvanis’ custody?” Gavin asked her.

  “To the best of my knowledge, I am healthy and fit. I agree to the terms listed.” Diane spoke more softly this time, an angry glint in her eyes as the scales tilted toward her once more.

  “Justicar Ivan Hall. Do you confirm that Kelvanis will release all captives taken in the raid on Golden Vale save for Princess Jaine Yisara within one hour of this agreement being signed? Do you affirm that a state of peace will persist between Kelvanis and Yisara and that no raids will be allowed by those in Kelvanis’ territory for a period not less than ten years, unless Yisara chooses to declare war?” Gavin’s voice didn’t change as he looked at the man, his own eyes hardening.

  “I agree, and confirm that this will be done.” Ivan seemed far less happy than Diane had expected, but his voice was clear and firm as the scales balanced once more.

  “Witnessed. Do both of you hereby agree to the terms of this agreement in full? If you agree, your bargain will be sealed before the eyes of Fate Himself.” Gavin asked for final confirmation, magic crackling around the scale almost like lightning.

  “Yes.” Once again both spoke, and this time, each of their signatures were etched into their contracts in golden light. Similarly, their names appeared on the contract in Gavin’s hand. A moment later, that contract flared brightly and vanished in motes of light, quickly followed by the scales.

  “Witnessed and sealed. This bargain has been struck before Fate, and destiny itself will turn against those who dare break it,” Gavin finished, lowering his hands. Turning to Diane, he spoke carefully. “Your copy, Lady Diane, that I may return it to your successor?”

  “Of course, Gavin,” Diane replied heavily, feeling the weight of her position lift from her shoulders, even as a heavier one descended upon her. She offered it to Gavin, who nodded and looked to the Justicar.

  “One hour,” Gavin said simply.

  “Of course. It will be done,” Hall replied, nodding, and watching as Gavin left. He didn’t say farewell, but Diane had asked him not to beforehand.

  Looking at the Justicar for a moment, Diane snorted and asked, “What now? Do you chain me up and brand me?”

  “Hardly. You agreed to be taken captive and not attempt to escape. So you will be politely taken back to Westgate, along with your daughter, and transported to Kelvanath. You will be hosted in the palace as honored guests… though from what I am given to understand, any attempted escapes will lead to a branding,” Ivan replied, standing up.

  “That is… unexpected.” Diane slowly rose herself, feeling tiny beside the Justicar. He was more than half a foot taller than her!

  “I agree. But it is what was commanded.” Hall paused, then smiled thinly. “And I don’t know what the catch is either.”

  “Just lovely. Well, get on with it,” Diane muttered, standing and preparing to follow the man. There was no way in all the hells that she was going to risk turning Fate against Yisara.

  Chapter 32

  Looking at the small, whirling array of crystals near the steam engine in the corner, Daniel frowned and asked, “Joseph? Mind if I ask something?”

  “You can ask anything you want,” the priest replied lazily, glancing up from his prayer book. “I won’t guarantee an answer, though.”

  “This is more an idle curiosity. Why haven’t I ever seen you or the others with the little gadgets that Albert has? He’s got that oddball monocle that he uses to examine ingredients, the gauntlet that he uses to pick up hot stuff, and things like that little… crystal swarm,” Daniel asked, gesturing at the set of crystals. Joseph laughed, shaking his head as he sat up.

  “That’s a weather predictor, Daniel. And the reason why we don’t have anything like those is because we can’t maintain them,” Joseph explained, closing the book for the moment. “Most enchanted items are pretty simple. You say a word, the sword catches on fire. But even those enchantments are difficult to craft. Artificers, though? They push their ideas to the very limit of what’s theorized. That monocle can be used for half a dozen different things, including analyzing creatures from other worlds and their auras. They are so complex that even slightly misusing them can cause them to break down, and the wrong conditions in the world around them can break them too. An artificer is trained to use mana on an instinctive level I can’t match, to help keep their gear from blow
ing up in their faces.”

  “Oh. Well, I suppose that makes a lot more sense.” Daniel nodded, a little dazed thinking about the idea of items that could explode. It made his curiosity about artificers recede somewhat, actually. He liked having his face.

  “Nervous about the summoning ritual?” Joseph asked kindly, smiling broadly.

  “More than a little,” Daniel admitted, taking a deep breath. “What if I mess up?”

  “That’s why Albert and I are going to be here, Daniel. He can dismiss or contain any summon you could possibly call, given your mana reserves,” Joseph reassured him, grinning as he added, “And I can heal any damage it could do before Albert manages it.”

  “That’s not terribly comforting,” Daniel replied, his voice turning somewhat dry. “I hoped that I wouldn’t have a chance to get hurt.”

  “Don’t screw up the chant, then,” Joseph told him. At that moment, the door opened and Albert stepped into the room, blinking.

  “Why would he mess up at the chant?” Albert asked, frowning. “Penelope said he wasn’t half bad at it, given his schooling. From her, that’s high praise.”

  “Yes, but we were trying not to make him overconfident. Thanks a lot, Albert,” Joseph retorted, grinning as Daniel blinked in surprise. In answer to his unspoken question, Joseph nodded. “While she wouldn’t say you were worth training to be a mage, Penny does think you’re good enough. Otherwise, we’d never suggest doing this after only a couple of weeks of real training.”

  “Well, that’s comforting. I was starting to get really worried.” Daniel let out a breath of relief, relaxing slightly, only to tense when Albert shook his head.

  “Don’t relax. You might be good enough, but you need to be careful. Magic is a powerful tool, but a tool is only as good as its user,” Albert scolded, smiling despite that. “But even so, don’t be afraid of it, either. Even if it goes badly, we’ll keep you safe. That’s why the guild does all of this, Daniel.”

  “Right. I’ll do my best,” Daniel affirmed, feeling more than a little nervous, but hopeful as well.

  “Good. Let’s go get started, then,” Albert replied with a smile. “I’m curious to see what sort of spirit you end up with.”

  “I thought that your affinities determined that,” Daniel replied, standing up and stretching his back. His lower back was slightly sore, and he frowned. “That’s why Darak sent me to Penelope, wasn’t it?”

  “Darak thinks that because he’s a fiery-tempered, rock-headed dwarf,” Joseph interjected as they opened the door and headed for one of the rooms farthest from the main building. Daniel noticed, and it made him slightly apprehensive, but he also tried to listen to Joseph as the cleric explained. “While your affinities increase the odds of attracting a spirit of a particular type, a larger part of the calculation is your personality. Darak loves stone, and he’s a bit impatient, so his spirits simply lined up with his affinities. Similarly for Penelope, whose mood changes a lot. I have no idea what yours will be, though water seems the most likely to me.”

  “That would make sense based on what I’ve heard,” Albert agreed, opening the door and revealing a broad chamber. An elaborate magical circle was marked in chalk in the center of the room, and two chairs sat on either side of it. “Now then, shall we get started?”

  “Sure. I just step into the circle and go through the spell I memorized, right?” Daniel asked.

  “Technically it’s a ritual… but that’s accurate enough,” Albert agreed, while Joseph took a seat, leaning back as he got comfortable.

  Daniel nodded, swallowing as he carefully stepped over the circle. The last thing he needed was to mess it up and ruin the ritual, before it even started. Settling down into a cross-legged position in the circle, he took a deep breath and asked, “Is there anything I should expect?”

  “It’s hard to say. The ritual is different for everyone, with exceedingly few people having the same experiences,” Joseph told him, shaking his head. “Just… go with the flow of the spell. Do your best, Daniel.”

  “Okay, here I go…” Daniel took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Gingerly, he teased out a thread of the faint warm ‘ball’ he’d come to realize was his mana and guided it downward into the floor. It took almost half of his supply before it reached the floor and began to spread. Around him, the runes of the diagram began to glow.

  As Daniel began to speak the words of his ritual, the remainder of his mana slowly left him, leaving him feeling strangely empty after a few minutes. Almost as empty as he’d felt when he’d lost Sina, in fact. The memory of Sina filled Daniel with sorrow, and his eyes prickled with unshed tears as in the midst of his spell, he remembered her. He barely noticed that he was still mouthing the words of the spell as he fell into introspection and memories.

  Daniel remembered Sina’s first, hesitant smile. He remembered how she had slowly warmed to him. That moment that he’d been forced to leave her would always be with him as well. He’d been so angry, at Sergeant Helm who’d ordered them to retreat, at the dungeon that had killed her, and above all, at himself, for being so useless he couldn’t save her. That rage had persisted for a time, but meeting Darak and the others had cooled it somewhat. He still didn’t like the dungeon, but he’d realized that it hadn’t been necessarily intentional on its part. But even that had been replaced by something else when he’d gone inside and seen Ilmas. No matter how the man had protested, it gave real hope that Sina was still alive. It gave a drive to Daniel’s actions that hadn’t been there before. And that spark… it grew within him, as if a light was within his mind when the words of the ritual came to an end.

  “You called for Hope. You wished for it.” A resonant voice of light and music spoke in Daniel’s mind, and he started, eyes snapping open as he looked at the other two. All around him, the circle glowed with pure white light, and both of the other men watched with stunned expressions. The voice continued, though. “I am called Hope. Do you wish a contract with me?”

  “I…” Daniel swallowed and looked at Joseph in confusion.

  “Daniel, agree. Whatever conditions the spirit may have, just… agree,” Joseph quickly spoke, his eyes wide.

  “I would like to make a contract with you,” Daniel told the voice, wondering what price it would have for him, and why Joseph was so surprised.

  “Then let it be done. So long as you seek Hope, I will answer your call,” the voice spoke to him, and it was like a gentle hand patted his shoulder. With the touch, he felt a strange light grow within him, separate from the tiny ball of mana and much more soothing. All around him, the light from the circle faded.

  “What conditions did it have?” Albert asked, his voice unexpectedly eager.

  “Umm… it just said that as long as I seek hope, it would answer my call,” Daniel replied, taken aback. “What’s the big deal? Why did Joseph tell me to agree?”

  “No conditions?” Albert looked like someone had just hit him in between the eyes. “You lucky little bastard!”

  “Hey!” Daniel protested, taken aback and somewhat outraged by the comment.

  “Daniel, that was a light elemental. Likely an angelic spirit of some kind. I’ve heard of two other people with them in my life,” Joseph interjected, his voice trembling with excitement. “You’ll have access to powers that are incredibly rare, from holy attacks to healing! From everything I’ve heard, most people are simply too selfish to be capable of contracting them.”

  “What? But… that doesn’t make any sense! It just… it just agreed! All I did was cast the spell like I was told to,” Daniel protested, blinking as he looked between them.

  “Shit. I can’t believe that you got a light spirit. I’ve always wanted one myself!” Albert muttered, scowling as he stood up.

  “It’s not like I chose to summon one,” Daniel retorted, then hesitated, slowly getting to his feet as he asked, “How do I summon it, anyway?”

  “You’re going to have to wait until tomorrow when you have some of your mana reserves
back,” Joseph explained, smiling broadly. “Then it’s as simple as mentally calling for your spirit and using your mana to connect to it.”

  “Simple. Right,” Daniel replied, and sighed as he noticed that his mana was essentially gone. “Well, you’re right that I don’t have any mana, so I suppose I’ll go get lunch and sit around. I feel like I was run over by a wagon for some reason.”

  “Heh. Yeah, running out of mana does that to you. It’s not a bad idea to rest, so long as you don’t overdo it,” the cleric replied with a chuckle, grinning. “Now get going, before Albert dies of apoplexy.”

  “I’m not going to die!” Albert shot back, glaring at the cleric.

  “Fine. Let’s let him pout in peace,” Joseph corrected himself, grinning even more as he pushed Daniel toward the door.

  Albert’s growl of annoyance was enough to put a smile on Daniel’s face, and he chuckled quietly as they quickly left.

  Chapter 33

  “What’s Sistina doing?” Phynis asked, frowning as she watched the dryad.

  Sistina was sitting cross-legged, an emerald the size of a joint of Desa’s thumb between two fingers. In her other hand was a long, thin twig that almost looked like a toothpick. The dryad was slowly tracing patterns over the gemstone, and Desa could just barely sense a hint of mana from the twig. The look of intense concentration on Sistina’s face was enough that neither elf was willing to interrupt her, which was likely why Phynis had asked Desa instead.

  “I have no idea. I can tell that she’s drawing magical runes, but that’s all I can tell you. I can’t even see any markings where she’s touched it, though,” Desa replied quietly. “At a guess, it’s for that golem she brought back.”

  “Mm. What is with that golem, anyway? Sistina called it a ‘masterpiece’ when I asked her about it, and had an expression of… I don’t know, respect?” Phynis added, glancing at the golem in question, and Desa looked at it as well, motionless against Sistina Constella’s tomb. Sistina had even given the golem new clothing, which Desa found slightly odd.