The Laws Of Elios (Book 2)

by R N Skye

  After nearly thirty more minutes of ultimatums and regulatory emphasis Golan smiled smugly and took his seat.

  Shew was the next to stand. “Monsieur Golan. I appreciate your sense of humor. That part about the cease our use of magetech was hilarious. As for the paper work, we’ll get right on that.” Turning to the Admiral he added. “I can see why you bring him to these meetings. I bet he’s a hoot at parties.”

  “Monsieur Shew,” retorted Golan, “you mock me but if you do not comply I will have you arrested for war crimes,” the minister smugly replied as he leaned back and folded his arms across his chest.

  Shew looked at Ari. “You better start filling out some paper work, I’m about ready kill somebody.”

  Ari laughed, “Just give your brief and I’ll address Monsieur Golan’s Concerns.”

  “It’s okay, I’ve got this. This upstart isn’t the first bureaucrat I’ve had to educate.” Shew responded to Ari as he aimed one of his crusty looks toward Minister Golan. “General D’Mere I will be working with you and the Army. I will need to meet with you first thing in the morning to discuss how I will be getting intelligence to you and improving your current organization. I have already met with a number of your personnel prior to this but that has been mostly on extraction of refugees and only a few minor intelligence missions. We have a number of ideas and I look forward to setting up a small intelligence company with the proper chain of command that will allow you to make better battlefield and overall theater of operations decisions. I will let you know what magical support you will have available and Monsieur Oiseau will provide you with the logistics necessary to obtain that support. I hope you understand that due to the secrecy required I will only provide you and a few select officers this information personally outside of a meeting of this nature.”

  Turning to face Minister Golan, “As far as paper work and legality, I will provide intelligence within the parameters of the Code of the Infin-Luion Alliance of Five ten. Also within that code I will not reveal or report any activities to any ministry or individual outside the Prime Minister or the operatives involved. Within that code you can feel free to press charges through appropriate channels and I will answer them if they are presented as outlined in the Code. To be clear neither you nor your office will have anything to do with my activities.

  You should realize that I have been doing this job for over forty years and I’m exceptionally good at it. I am not your enemy I am your ally and I am also an asset that you need.

  I think the thing that you are missing in all that has gone on in the last couple of weeks is that Luion has been the gentle neighbor to the north to Infin for years; they are not the least bit afraid of you or your army or navy. You may not have been preparing for war against your southern neighbor, but I know of a surety that they have been preparing for you. I know this because I was the one that prepared them. The reason that I am here today is because the current king has lost his mind. Now if you want to live in your little world of self-importance by minimizing the defense needs of this country by making demands that do nothing but inhibit the ability of everyone to move forward at the speed necessary to protect this country then you go ahead. My recommendation is that you take your resources and instead of trying to prosecute those that are fighting the war, you look for ways of defending them and opening the doors necessary to conduct a theater of operations without having to expose yourself to security leaks and communications delays.” Turning to D’Mere, he ended his briefing, “General, I’ll see you in the morning regarding the next steps in the plan.”

  As Shew sat down, all eyes turned to Shane who simply smiled and nodded to Ari indicating that he should go next. Ari stood and scooted his chair up to the table and stood behind it with his hands resting comfortably on the top of the back of the chair with a glance around the conference room he addressed the crowd. “My remarks are primarily for the Admiral. Like my associate, Monsieur Shew my mission will be the same with the exception that I will be working with the navy. Admiral Cyrado, I will be briefing you on artifacts that have been designed and tested specifically for naval operations that will allow you many abilities; from stealth to navigation to propulsion. I’ll elaborate on these devices in the morning when we meet.”

  Clearing his throat and standing to his full height with an aura of a master addressing a group of students Ari’s voice took on an unmistakable authoritative tone. “Gentlemen, we are here to help. There is a danger involved with this war that you do not at this time comprehend. We do. You will soon be facing magic that hasn’t been seen in over a thousand years. We are here to assist because the enemy you face has access to an evil magic that only the magic of the Elios can counter. Our goals run parallel with each other but I need to express that our purpose is not only to protect you from the Infin, but to also protect the Infin from Luion and most of all from themselves.

  Some of you possibly feel that we may have ulterior motives and might be asking yourselves what is in it for us. Most of our group is unique. We are headed by the rightful heir of Coholo and a true descendant of the Elios. Our leader is the protector of not just Coholo but of Luion, Infin, and any of the undiscovered island nations scattered around the entire world of Eliom.

  Many of us are Glyph Mages and Glyph Masters; something that hasn’t been seen on this world since the fall of Luion Our leader is much more than that and without his aid Luion would have been swept aside already.

  What we have to offer you is probably most likely not what you want in the way you want it and it will most often be not what you expect. Our mission, as we have outlined with the Prime Minister is not to fight your battles but to allow you to able to defend yourselves.

  Monsieur Golan did not mince words as he has dictated his passion for the law. I will now speak with the same candor. Know without a doubt that we are subject to The Law. We live and operate as students, practitioners, and masters, governed by the greatest of all laws. In order to become a mage and bare the magic of the Elios we accept the wisdom and governing foundation of the Elios. We live the Laws of the Elios. So if you are concerned whether or not the battles that will be fought, the magic employed, and the purposes behind them, are in violation to the law, you can rest assured that the mage that exercises the misuse of Lumen will suffer a far greater consequence than that of someone who crosses a border illegally or claims a city without parliamentary approval.”

  The room was silent as Ari concluded. “Monsieur Golan, if you would like to begin learning the Laws of Elios I will arrange for a manuscript to be provided for you. You do not need to concern yourself with our conduct as we are capable of governing ourselves. If we detect any abuse to the enemy or refugees by either side we will bring it to your attention. If you have further questions regarding this issue I invite you to take it up with the Prime Minister; unfortunately the mages of Yllyan do not have the time. Thank you,” he concluded as he pulled out his char and retook his seat.

  Shane stood and looked at the quiet room. It would do no good adding anything to Ari’s inspired and informative presentation so after a brief pause he opened up the room to questions.

  “I’d like to thank you all for listening to our presentations and trust that as we move forward with the various implementations of the plans touched on today that you will feel a bit more comfortable as you see them grow into fruition.” Shane paused and the image of an unfamiliar glyph formed in his mind and he seemed hear a whisper of the word harmony. Cocking his head slightly as if trying to understand his daydream it evaporated away like a cool mirage. The room back in focus he continued. I’d like to open up the floor to questions and answers. I only ask that you keep it to the topics discussed today and try not to delve too deeply beyond the secrecy that has been conveyed.”

  General D’Mere’s hand went up.

  “General,” Shane acknowledged.

  “Monsieur Chason, will the Army be receiving similar magetech that will be provided to the Navy?”

  “Y
es and no,” Shane answered. “Due to the different missions of the two armed forces the devices and functionality will be different. As to the differences I will need to have you wait until Monsieur Shew meets with you tomorrow.”

  Admiral Cyrado’s hand that had been raised moments before lowered as it appeared that his question was along the same lines.

  Minister Golan raised his hand. “Monsieur Golan, you have a question?” asked Shane.

  “Yes,” the minister said as if demanding an answer. “I can’t help but wonder about the leadership of the Mages of Yllyan. Who is this man and how can we know he has the best interests of Luion in mind, and when will we be able to meet him?”

  Shane smiled and Shew nearly fell out of his chair as he laughed out loud; calming only after a warning glare from Ari.

  Once more the peaceful glyph ushered its way to the forefront of Shane’s thoughts. This time Shane mimicked it and using glyph mastery drew the glyph in his mind and imbued it with lumen. As if a fresh breeze had entered the room everyone smiled and seemed to visible relax as if the stress of the war had suddenly melted away. This time an image of the Arc of Wisdom filled his thoughts – Unify with harmony teach do not compel, treat them as your brothers.

  Shane reshaped his thoughts and with an understanding that he had not imagined addressed the stern minister. “Minister Golan, I am the youngest here therefore I am the most inexperienced. Before the war started the most important thing going on in my life was winning the Warball Championship between U of J and Wonstrowd. Now due to the talents and education that I have, I find myself in a meeting with some of the most professional and dedicated men and women I have ever met; hopefully providing answers, tools, and experience that will see us through a very difficult time. But for one exception this has been true. You are that exception, minister Golan.

  Please do not take offense. I see your heart is loyal to Luion. You are worried for your family both here and in Infin. Like all of us you are under considerable strain for both your family and your country.

  I look at you and I have hope.”

  Shane ignored the look of perplexed surprised that Shew gave to Ari.

  “I look at you, monsieur Golan, and behold a leader with vast experience and knowledge in the rules and order required in guiding those tasked with protecting this nation. I also see that the persona of a man that continually condescends to those around him, ostracizing those that are not among his perceived class. To me this is nothing but a façade covering up the fears that we all share. Monsieur Golan due to the professionalism of those in this room I know that what I am about to say will not be repeated. Please bear in mind that I’m an unpolished warball player and I don’t know how to speak any other way.

  You need to change your attitude immediately. You are being divisive at a time when unity is paramount. I have no doubt that you know the laws of Luion; probably better than anyone. It is not my intent to diminish that expertise. You are an intelligent man who has obviously worked hard to obtain your degree of expertise. I ask that you talk to the Prime Minister regarding the time that I had a similar topic of discussion with him. Please think about this: There is going to be an incredible influx of refugees and there will be many injured soldiers and civilians before this war is over. Many families will be disrupted and the inevitable sorrow of war will be more damaging than any destruction or loss of property. They are going to need someone that can teach them the laws of their new country in a manner that is comforting not threatening. That is your job. I can think of no greater responsibility or honor than to be the man that steers a grateful band of people seeking the peace that this country affords, toward a patriotic appreciation of the law; rather than be the man that creates an environment of frustration and a feeling of regret that they ever came here in the first place.

  Ponder this: Are you up to the challenge or are you not the man I think you are? I believe you are.

  As to your last question, the leader of our group will introduce him-self when he feels it is necessary; not because he is above doing so, but mostly because at this time he is in need of anonymity and even more to the point he is extremely busy. If you could speak with him what would you have me relay?”

  The Minister of Law and Order was silent for a moment then with a stern expression he stood and addressed the room. “I would like to apologize for my behavior to this room and to the young man that has addressed me as none have since my grandmother. You were correct to address me as you have. If all the mages of Yllyan have the wisdom that you have shown to me then my worries are not with those in this room. I would like to revise my earlier statements by saying that I will meet with my ministry and prepare what should have been obvious to me all along; and prepare for the right way to welcome our new citizens that are pouring across our borders.

  As to a message to the leader of the mages I will bide my time and will meet him when it is a time of his choosing.”

  The minister sat down – suddenly the room seemed a bit livelier as if everyone had been holding their breath.

  With a mental sigh now that the contention had been eliminated Shane resumed answering questions; some he answered himself others he referred to Ari and Shew or deferring to when Shew and or Ari would explain in detail at a later time. Looking at his time piece Shane glanced at Admiral Cyrado who nodded back. “It’s getting late and I think that is about all the time we have,” Shane said at last. “Thank you for your questions and it has been a privilege to meet you all. I turn the time back to you Admiral.”

  Admiral Cyrado stood and glanced around the room. “Thank you everyone. I think this has been a most productive meeting. Secretary Jacques will schedule our next meeting through my office and that of Monsieur Oiseau. I encourage you to introduce yourself to my staff on the way out as I will be relying on their organizational expertise throughout the duration of this conflict. Meeting dismissed.

  After several minutes of hand shaking and light conversations of looking forward to their next meeting, Minister Golan walked up to Shane and Shew who were conversing with General D’Mere and held out his hand. Taking it and giving it a hearty shake Shane greeted the minister with an open smile, hoping for the best.

  “Young man,” Golan opened with a blank expression,” for a Wonstrowd Wizard you have a pretty good head on your shoulders.”

  Taken back Shane grasped for something to say fearing for a moment that the unity that he had hoped for had been almost lost. With a large grin Golan slapped him on the back and laughed. “Luion Aggies of twenty three. I was a handler and kicker. I was hoping Wonstrowd would win. Mostly because they beat us to get to the finals; you played amazingly.”

  “You saw the game?” Shane almost blurted reeling from the unexpected topic from the previously antagonistic minister.” Shane’s expression brightened as the topic of the sport he loved and diverted the conversation away from the war.

  “I didn’t just see it I was there with my grandson. Wait until I tell him that I met Shane Chason; he wants to play just like you. I suppose now that you are a mage you are giving up the sport?”

  Shane frowned. He hadn’t thought about that. The thought of giving up something that had consumed so much of his life was a bit disheartening. “I might not play anymore but maybe after this war I can do a little coaching.”

  “I wish I had something for you to sign. Perhaps one day when things settle down I will be able to invite you over for dinner and introduce you to your biggest fan,” the minister said enthusiastically.

  Shane thought for moment and then with glyph mastery produced a small plate of brass approximately a hand square. Taking out his scribe he wrote a few glyphs then imbued them with lumen. Depressing an activation glyph he held it up and spoke clearly. “The three ‘H’s of a warball winner are: Play hard, Play with heart, Play with honor.” Using his scribe he sealed the actuator so the message wouldn’t erase and he handed the metal plate to the minister. “Here, give him this. Tell him that as long as this is h
ow he plays he will always succeed in the end.” Shane showed him a glyph to push, “Press here,” he demonstrated and a projection of the words of the phrase that he had spoken appeared in large glowing letters above the plate. “Press again and they go away.”

  “This is incredible, he’ll love it.” The minister was almost acting like a young boy. Shane wasn’t sure if the grandfather would have more fun with the device than the grandson.

  “Monsieur Golan, I’m sorry to cut our conversation short but a number of our team hasn’t had any sleep, or a good bath, for the last two days and we need to see to a few more tasks before we can call it a day. That and I haven’t seen my fiancé in several days and need to give her a hug before she forgets who I am.”

  Golan smiled, “I understand. There’s an old saying in my family: ‘Happy Wife Happy Life’. I know said that she’s not your wife yet but as she is your fiancée you may as well get started.” The older man laughed seemingly at a memory.

  Shaking his hand in parting Shane said before heading for the door, “I look forward our next meeting. If you don’t mind I’d like to introduce you to some of the relocation team and see if there is any collaboration that we can join in helping each other naturalize the refugees that are being accepted from Infin.”

  Shane moved toward the door followed by Ari, Roger, Shew, and Lieutenant Arvada. The other ministers and staff of the Luion government remained behind still discussing various items. When the group was in the hall Shane asked Ari, “the sloop?”

  Ari shook his head in the affirmative. After looking through the hand held viewer to make sure he wouldn’t interfere with Nuekirk, Shane opened a portal to the boat’s store room and the group walked through; the portal closing behind them.

  Tired and hungry the group regrouped in the galley which seemed to be the ad hock meeting place when aboard the boat, and reviewed their next tasks at hand. In his anxiousness to go see how Leslie was faring, Ari hurried through the most urgent items.