by David Wells
Alexander was alarmed. He’d read stories about the Gates, but they hadn’t worked in so long that he didn’t even consider the possibility that they might come into play. If Phane gained control of them, he would be unstoppable.
“Where’s the Gate on Ruatha?” he asked.
Jack pointed southwest. “It’s about a day’s ride from here, several miles west of the road we traveled. It stands on a stone platform in the middle of the open plains.”
“Can it be destroyed?” Isabel asked.
“Doubtful,” Jack answered. “The old stories say that the people of Ruatha tried to destroy it after the Reishi War but failed. Perhaps Kelvin will have some insight or magic that could help. But even if the Gates don’t pose a problem, the Sovereign Stone must not fall into Phane’s hands. It contains the secret of Wizard’s Dust, and with that knowledge, he’ll be able to build an army of wizards. Alexander, we must stop him from getting the Stone at all costs.”
“I’m afraid I agree with Jack,” Lucky said. “I don’t know how Phane plans to get the Stone out of the aether, but I suspect he has a few ideas. I’d like to hear what Kelvin has to say. He may be able to shed some light on the matter.”
“I sure hope so,” Alexander said. “Isabel, I think it’s time to send Slyder out with a message for the Guild Mage.”
Isabel tipped her head back and closed her eyes for a moment.
Jack took out his tablet. “What do you want to tell them?”
“Blackstone Keep is ours. Phane has sent a scourgling to guard the entrance platform. Approach with caution. It is imperative that we speak as soon as possible. Signed, Alexander Ruatha.”
When Jack finished writing the message, he rolled the parchment and handed it to Isabel.
Moments later Slyder landed in the middle of the table and looked up at Isabel curiously. She fastened the note to his leg and sent him on his way. The small-framed forest hawk flew low until he passed over the wall, then tipped his wings back into a dive to gain speed for his flight toward the advancing army.
***
Late that evening, Slyder returned with a note from Kelvin: “Understood. Will arrive tomorrow morning. KG.”
Alexander read the little note and felt a bit of his anxiety fade. Kelvin might know how to interfere with Phane. The idea of the Reishi Gate suddenly coming to life and thousands of enemy soldiers pouring forth was more than Alexander wanted to contemplate.
He set his mind to the scourgling. Lucky didn’t think his remaining potions would have any effect on the creature. And normal weapons were clearly useless against the otherworldly hardness of the beast’s oily black skin. If Kelvin didn’t have a way to defeat it, Alexander knew he would have to test the Thinblade against it. He was certain that his new sword could cut through anything of natural origin but less sure about things unnatural. If the Thinblade didn’t work against the beast, then facing it would probably be the last thing he would ever do.
Later that night, he walked with Isabel back to their quarters.
“I’m worried about tomorrow,” she said when they came to her door.
“Hopefully, Kelvin will have something powerful enough to deal with that thing. If not, maybe I can lure it out onto the bridge again and at least get some of our people into the Keep without a fight. Eventually, we’re going to have to deal with it though.”
She looked up at him. “I just wish there was a way to know if your sword will work against it.”
“Me too, but I think there’s only one way to find out.” Before she could protest, he gently pulled her to him and kissed her. She held on tightly and responded with gentle passion.
“Alexander, this is killing me. I know we agreed to wait, but I don’t want to wait any longer,” she said.
He smiled down at her. “Me neither, but I think it’s important that we do.”
“I know,” she said. “When do you think our parents will get here?”
“Not as soon as I’d like,” he said with a smile and kissed her again. “Good night, Isabel. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she said before she reluctantly released him and opened the door to the room right next to his.
It had been a challenge for them both, spending their nights with nothing but a wall and their agreement between them. With every passing day, Alexander felt his love and desire for her grow stronger and his resolve to wait for their wedding weaken, but he knew that they should be wed first and that meant waiting for their families to arrive. Of all his concerns, this one was the least urgent yet the most distracting.
The next morning, he stood watching the scourgling while awaiting Kelvin’s arrival. He could see the army camped below. It looked like a small force from this altitude. They’d arrived just after dark and made camp by the light of torches and fires. Alexander knew that Kelvin would take time to make preparations for the scourgling before he made his way to the top of the bridge platform, but he was impatient for the Guild Mage to arrive nonetheless.
Two hours after dawn, the bridge sentries reported movement on the spur road below. Isabel sent Slyder for a closer look and reported that Mage Gamaliel was approaching and he had six wizards with him. Clearly, Kelvin took the threat posed by the netherworld beast very seriously. Half an hour later, Kelvin and his six wizards cautiously and slowly came into view. They quietly moved onto the bridge platform and spread out behind the scourgling. The netherworld beast was oblivious to them; it stood stone-still, waiting for an opportunity to get to Alexander.
Alexander and his companions watched as the wizards advanced on the demon. When he saw Kelvin and the others, Alexander made up his mind that the risk to them might be too great. He hoped that once safely inside the Keep, they would be able to discover a means of killing the beast.
He reached into the Keep Master’s ring and brought the bridge into existence. All seven of the wizards stopped and waited for the beast to make the next move. It held still for just a moment as if it expected the bridge to disappear, but then started charging across it toward Alexander.
“At least it’s stupid,” Alexander said with a sidelong glance at Isabel. A moment later the bridge vanished and the scourgling tumbled silently toward the spur road below.
Alexander brought the bridge back into existence and called out for Kelvin and his wizards to cross. He scrutinized the colors of each man as he passed under the arch into the paddock and found each to be honorable, dedicated—and very powerful.
Alexander felt much better having them at the Keep. They could begin exploring some of the areas devoted to the study and creation of magic. He’d left the shields guarding those areas in place to protect both those doing the exploring and the areas being explored. Alexander didn’t know enough about magic to make sense out of what he was likely to find in those places.
He clasped Kelvin’s hand. “I’m happy to see you alive and well. I feared the worst when the north wing of the palace collapsed.”
“I took precautions to protect myself and the men who stood with me. Unfortunately, Commander P’Tal also survived,” Kelvin said as he shook Alexander’s hand with a firm grip.
Alexander nodded. “P’Tal was here until a few days ago. He left just after Phane sent the scourgling to take his place.”
Alexander sent the bridge away before he turned to address the other wizards.
“Welcome to Blackstone Keep. We’ve taken up residence in the barracks on the north side of the paddock. Captain Alaric’s Second will see to your quarters. We’ve done some preliminary exploration of the Keep’s interior, but I’ve restricted access to the areas once used for the study of magic. I’m hoping to enlist your assistance in the exploration of those areas,” Alexander said with a smile.
The wizards all nodded eagerly. This was a place of legend and they were excited by the prospect of discovering its secrets.
“This is a place of wonder,” Alexander said. “But before we can begin exploring, I need your counsel and assistance on a number of importa
nt matters. First, of course, is the scourgling. It seems immune to blunt force—Abigail’s arrow shattered on its chest without effect.
“Fortunately, it isn’t very smart. Twice I’ve lured it onto the bridge and let it fall. The first time, it returned to its post within the hour, and I expect it’ll be back on the bridge abutment within a few minutes. I’ve considered facing it with the Thinblade, but I’d rather exhaust all other options before I take that risk.”
All eyes snapped to the sword on his belt at the mention of the Thinblade.
Kelvin spoke excitedly, “You’ve recovered the Sword of Kings? This is the best of news. Lord Alexander, may we see the blade?”
The wizards looked on like a group of children seeing a new toy for the first time. Alexander drew the blade and held it up for their inspection. All seven leaned in and looked closely, moving their heads to see the edge and murmuring to one another about the magic of it.
“We must get word of the Thinblade out as soon as possible. More than anything else, it will rally the territories of Ruatha to your cause,” Kelvin said.
“I agree, but there’s much more to discuss before we take any action,” Alexander said as he led them to a big table set up in the middle of the paddock for an impromptu King’s Council.
Chapter 4
All were present, including Erik and Chase. Many of the Rangers looked on as they went about their duties. Decisions of importance would be made at this table, decisions that could well determine the fate of Ruatha.
“There are many important items we must discuss, so I’ll lay them all out for us to consider and then I hope we can make plans to deal with each in turn.”
Alexander spoke at length. He talked about the scourgling and the little demon that had brought it to Blackstone Keep. He discussed the need to explore the Keep and look for anything of power that could be used in the coming war. He spoke of Headwater and the army Jataan P’Tal would raise.
He told them about his clairvoyant experience with Phane and recounted every word the Reishi Prince had uttered. He told them about Karth, Tyr, and Andalia. He told them how Phane claimed that he could train Alexander; told of his offer to let Alexander rule Ruatha if he surrendered; and told them how Phane had scattered Alexander’s awareness into the firmament.
He saved the most important news for last, revealing that Phane was heading to the Reishi Isle to retrieve the Sovereign Stone and that the Reishi Gates may come into play if the Prince was successful. When Alexander finished, the newcomers to the table sat in stunned silence for several long moments.
“It seems that we do indeed have much to consider,” Kelvin said. “Let us set aside those things we can do little about. Have you considered his offer of alliance?”
Alexander nodded. “I have—and I reject it outright. Phane cannot be permitted to rule the Seven Isles under any circumstances.”
Kelvin nodded. “I agree completely. His claim that he can train you is interesting but beyond our ability to verify. His apparent ability to attack you when you send your awareness into his presence is troubling but easy enough to avoid.”
Alexander nodded and Kelvin continued. “Karth and Andalia are beyond our influence at the moment. The exploration of the Keep requires little discussion. Headwater’s alliance with Phane is of great importance and will require substantial troops and preparations to defend against. They will most likely attack New Ruatha as soon as they can assemble their army. We must take immediate action to organize and field our own army or risk losing the Glittering City.”
“I recommend we get word to Glen Morillian to send what troops they have to New Ruatha as quickly as possible,” Anatoly said.
“I agree,” Alexander said. “Headwater will move quickly and they have Commander P’Tal to lead them. How can we get word to Glen Morillian?”
“Lord Alexander, if I may?” one of the wizards asked.
Alexander nodded. “Of course, I want to hear any suggestions.”
“I am Wizard Hax. I believe I have a spell that may accomplish this task. In my conversations with Mage Gamaliel, he recounted Wizard Kallentera’s use of a dream-whisper spell. I was intrigued by the concept, so I have very recently studied this magic. I can send your message to Wizard Kallentera tonight.”
“Excellent,” Alexander said. “Tell him to send all the troops they can spare to New Ruatha, while maintaining sufficient forces to hold the forest road and defend Glen Morillian. Next, we need to get word to New Ruatha and the Wizards Guild.”
“Lord Alexander, I am Wizard Sark. I can return to your forces on the plains below and accompany riders to New Ruatha with instructions for the army and the Wizards Guild to make ready for war.”
“How will you get past the scourgling?” Alexander asked.
“My focus of magical study is the manipulation of air. I can float safely to the ground without using the bridge.”
Alexander smiled. “Magic never ceases to amaze me. Tell the assembled force to hold their position. I’ll want most of them to help explore and secure the Keep. Have Regent Cery keep the rest of the army in New Ruatha.”
“I would also have you supervise the moving of the Wizards Guild to Blackstone Keep,” Kelvin said to Wizard Sark. “There are many items and books within the Guild that cannot be permitted to fall into enemy hands. I’d feel much better if those items were secured here beyond the enemy’s reach.”
“I agree,” Alexander replied, “and the more wizards we have here, the faster we can determine if there’s anything within these walls that can help us win the war or at least win the coming battle with Headwater.”
Alexander looked around for more input before moving on. “I’m satisfied with our plan for defending against Headwater. Does anyone have anything else on this subject?”
Jack cleared his throat to gently draw everyone’s attention. “Wizard Sark, may I ask you to deliver a letter for my apprentice Owen at the Bards Guild? I have a couple of songs that will tell the story of Alexander and the Thinblade, the conquest of Blackstone Keep, and the murderous indifference of Phane and his netherworld minions. Owen will get these stories into circulation to begin forming the opinion of the masses.”
“Of course, I will deliver them to the Bards Guild myself,” Sark said.
“Very good.” Alexander was anxious to get to the more pressing matter. “My biggest concern is the Sovereign Stone. As I understand it, the Stone is in the aether and beyond reach. Any idea how Phane expects to retrieve it?”
“That’s hard to say,” Kelvin said. “I suspect he plans to use the powersink built into the Reishi Keep. The stories of the Reishi War say that a great deal of power was stored in the Reishi Keep. If Phane can access that stored magical energy, he’ll be able to use it to reach into the aether and draw the Stone back into the world of time and substance.”
“What’s a powersink?” Isabel asked.
“The name is a bit of a misnomer,” Kelvin said. “A powersink is usually incorporated into a structure, and the mechanics are quite complex but the result is simple. Essentially, a wizard can access the firmament through a powersink, and the link will remain open and dormant for later use by another wizard. In this way many wizards can access the firmament through a single powersink. The wizard controlling the powersink can wield a much greater connection to the firmament than any wizard could ever hope to command on his own. With a working powersink at his disposal, Phane will be able to cast a spiritwalk spell, even though such magic is beyond him otherwise.”
A quintessential-looking wizard, with long white hair, a white goatee, and simple grey robes said, “There is one story from the Reishi War that says the powersink in the Reishi Keep was tainted by a very powerful witch who was allied with Mage Cedric. If that story is true, then Phane will most likely fail in his attempt to retrieve the Sovereign Stone.”
“Is there any way to determine the truth of that story?” Alexander asked.
“Perhaps,” Wizard Ely said. “I will need to m
ake some preparations, but I believe I can discover if the Reishi Keep is tainted or not.”
“What you’re considering carries great risk, does it not?” Kelvin asked.
“The risk is great, but the knowledge is worth the risk,” Wizard Ely replied.
“What exactly is the risk?” Alexander asked.
“If the Keep is tainted, then the witch’s spell could spread to my connection with the firmament through the divination spell I would cast. If it does, I could lose my magic permanently,” Wizard Ely said simply.
“What are the chances of you gaining the information we need without harm?” Alexander asked.
“Even odds,” Ely said.
“That’s too great a risk. Let’s hold off on that and explore other options,” Alexander said. “I would not risk you if we can find another way.”
“As you wish, Lord Alexander,” Wizard Ely said with a nod to his authority. “I will study the problem and see if I can find an alternative.”
“What’s the worst case if Phane gets the Stone?” Abigail asked.
“If Phane retrieves the Sovereign Stone, he will subjugate the Seven Isles. He will learn the ancient secret of Wizard’s Dust, and he’ll have the Reishi Gates to move his armies. For myself, I will fight his tyranny with my last breath,” Kelvin said, shaking his head, “but with the Stone, Phane will win.”
“If he can’t make the Reishi powersink work, is there another way for him to get the Stone?” Abigail asked.
Kelvin took a deep breath as he thought about the question. “Possibly. There are other powersink structures in the Seven Isles. He may be able to find one that he can use to cast a spiritwalk spell. But without a powersink, such a spell is beyond all but a naturally born and well-trained spiritwalker. To my knowledge, such a wizard has not been born in over three thousand years. They are most rare. Other than that, I doubt there is any way for him to reach it.”
