With all of his tasks complete, he made one last stop outside the fortress island. Isabel and Abigail were in their room sitting comfortably and talking over a cup of tea. Alexander floated there for a time just taking strength from the knowledge that his wife and sister were alive and well. When he returned to his body, Chloe was sitting on his knee watching him, and Jataan was sitting at the table watching as well.
Alexander winked at Chloe, then touched the Sovereign Stone. A few moments later he was in the Reishi Council Chamber. He took his seat and apprised the Reishi Sovereigns of the events that had passed since the last council meeting.
“You are wise to enlist the aid of Ithilian,” Balthazar said. “They have excellent resources and will be an invaluable ally, especially if you can ensure that Phane doesn’t gain a foothold on the island.”
“I need information about another one of Malachi’s creations,” Alexander said. “A creature called a revenant.” He turned to Malachi. “Tell me all you know of these creatures.”
Malachi smiled. “I’m glad to see my works are still alive in the world. I created the first revenant by breeding a demon with a virgin witch. She died during childbirth, of course. Probably for the best,” he said smiling. “I’m sure she would not have appreciated the beauty of her offspring. It feeds on the life force of dying creatures. Any who survive the bite slowly transform into a revenant themselves. As I recall, the one I created developed a taste for blood, which I thought was odd since it didn’t need to eat for sustenance. They’re very strong and frighteningly quick. As they get older, their power increases. Eventually, they can read the mind of a human within a few dozen feet and even project images into the mind’s eye. They seem to enjoy feeding on those who are feeling fear, so they tend to play with their prey before they eat. Feeding gives them the ability to quickly regenerate any injuries, so the more life force they’ve recently consumed, the more difficult they are to wound.”
“How do I kill it?” Alexander asked.
“Cut off its head or pierce its heart,” Malachi said. “Although, the latter option won’t actually kill it, just render it helpless. I found that decapitation followed by burning its entire body is the only sure way to permanently destroy a revenant.”
“Why would you create such a creature?” Demetrius asked.
Malachi shrugged. “Because I could. And because they served my purpose of punishing those who betrayed me.”
“What about those bitten but not killed?” Alexander asked. “How do I cure their affliction?”
“Kill the revenant that bit them before the transformation is complete,” Malachi said offhandedly. “Once they fully transform, they cannot be saved.”
Alexander left the Reishi Council and found Chloe and Jataan exactly where he’d left them. He stood and stretched. It was late and he was tired, so he went to his room without a word. Chloe followed him and curled up on the pillow near his head.
Chapter 10
He woke just after dawn the next morning with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Today would set in motion a number of important plans that would decide the fate of many. He reviewed the plans he and Abel had agreed upon and emerged from his bedchamber to a sitting room full of Rangers and his friends.
“A valet delivered an invitation for you and your companions to attend a late breakfast to be followed by a King’s Council meeting,” Jack said. “It seems that there will be a number of important people in attendance. Perhaps your finery would be in order.”
Alexander grimaced. He’d put on his riding clothes as a matter of habit and went back to his room to change into the more formal attire that he wore when he needed to impress people who thought they were important.
When they entered the dining hall, all eyes turned to him. The room was full of people that Alexander didn’t know. He’d brought Anatoly, Lucky, Jack, Jataan, and Lieutenant Wyatt with him. Chloe remained out of sight. Jataan had sent Boaberous on an unspecified errand. Alexander guessed it had something to do with the Reishi Protectorate. Wyatt had sent his Rangers to visit with the Ithilian military to learn what they could about their tactics and weapons.
Alexander stopped just inside the door and scanned the room with his second sight. He saw a mixture of colors from the clear and bright hues of King Abel and his son to the expansive auras of three wizards to the muddy and guileful colors of the delegates and the Chancellor.
Before he moved any farther, Jack stepped up on his right side. “Lords and Ladies, Chancellor and Delegates, Wizards and Generals, King Abel and Queen Sofia, it is my privilege and honor to announce Lord Alexander Reishi, Seventh Sovereign of the Seven Isles,” he said in a clear voice that carried to every corner of the room.
Alexander smiled inwardly at the introduction. Not six months ago he was a cattle rancher. He still had more ties to that life than he would ever have to this one.
The reaction to the announcement was mixed. Abel and his family smiled warmly, the wizards and generals showed reserved respect, while the more self-important of the delegates could barely disguise their envy and contempt. Whatever the reaction, Jack’s announcement put everyone on notice that Alexander had claimed the position of master of the room.
Lady Sofia raised a glass and tapped it with a spoon to draw everyone’s attention. Once the room fell silent, she said, “Please be seated and breakfast will be served.”
There was a general commotion as everyone found their place at the long table. Abel motioned to Alexander to sit at the head of the table, which drew looks from some of the delegates. Once everyone was seated, a flurry of servants entered from all sides like a well-coordinated attack. They brought platters of bacon, sausages, and sliced ham, large porcelain serving bowls heaping with scrambled eggs and hash browned potatoes, baskets filled with biscuits, sweet rolls, and crusty loaves of bread, pitchers of fresh juice, and kettles of steaming hot tea.
Alexander enjoyed the meal. It was warm and hearty and well prepared. After the dishes were cleared, Abel stood and looked to him for permission to proceed. Alexander nodded.
“The King’s Council will come to order,” Abel said before he sat back down.
Everyone’s attention turned to the head of the table.
“I have invited you all here to apprise you of the situation faced by the Seven Isles,” Abel said. “Prince Phane has conquered Karth by force and rules Andalia by proxy. He has invaded Ruatha where even now battle rages and innocent lives are being destroyed. He has seduced the Governor of Grafton Province and is landing troops on the mainland of Ithilian. Yet our troubles don’t end there. Fellenden has been invaded by a massive army from Zuhl. All of the Seven Isles is at war or soon will be. Lord Reishi has risen to stand against those who would trample the Old Law. He is a natural ally for our people, and so I have decided to throw the weight of the House of Ithilian behind his cause without reservation.
“Lord Reishi and I spoke late into the night. After careful consideration, we have determined our course of action. Lord Reishi will depart for the Gate tomorrow accompanied by Prince Conner. They will make the Gate legions ready for battle and then travel through the Gate to assault the Reishi Army Regency on Ruatha.
“General Kishor, you will assemble your three legions to the west of the city and prepare to move north to join the Gate legions as soon as possible. We will send out a call to arms to all provinces of Ithilian. All will be expected to contribute to this struggle. I will stay here and negotiate a settlement with Grafton Province. I am prepared to acknowledge their sovereignty in exchange for the safe and immediate return of Princess Evelyn and assurances that they will not assemble any more than one legion of soldiers.
“The battle on Ruatha will be fierce, but with the aid of Ithilian’s soldiers, Lord Reishi assures me that victory is certain. Once the enemy has been routed from Ruatha, we will consolidate our forces and pour into Fellenden to destroy the invaders from Zuhl and restore security within the mainland of our most important trading partner.�
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Abel stopped talking and the table fell dead silent for several moments. Alexander appraised the colors of the men in the room. The wizards and soldiers were all clearly willing to do what they could to stand against the enemy, but the colors of the delegates and the Chancellor reflected schooled rage and indignation.
“Surely you don’t mean to form an alliance with Lord Reishi without the consent of the assembly,” Chancellor Cassius said with a little more rancor than even he wanted to display.
Abel responded with the smooth and easy delivery of one skilled in the art of political infighting. “Cassius, you assured me that you would place your full support behind an alliance with Lord Reishi against our common enemy. Has the assembly rejected your counsel?”
The room again fell silent. Alexander watched the colors of the Chancellor twist and contort as he fought to maintain his composure.
“As I’m sure you well understand, Lord Abel, these things take time. Surely you don’t want to act without giving the voice of the people a full hearing.”
“I’m afraid that this is a matter of war more than one of alliance,” Abel said. “While I fully agree that any formal declaration of alliance should only be made once the people have had a full hearing, the domain of war is mine alone. Swift action is necessary or we will quickly find ourselves surrounded on all sides by conquered lands with nowhere to turn for aid.”
“A few days are all we need for a thorough debate,” Cassius said. “Surely the world will not fall for the delay of a few days.” His tone was now completely in control and he spoke with almost syrupy condescension.
“Time is of the essence,” Abel said. “Our legions will attack the Reishi Army Regency forces on Ruatha in seven days.” He stood to punctuate the end of the meeting. “Mage Jalal, Lord Reishi has requested a private meeting to consult with you on a point of magic. General Kishor, I need to discuss the details of your troop movements.”
Mage Jalal stood and bowed formally to Alexander. “Lord Reishi, I am at your service.”
Some of the delegates were hotly discussing the sudden change in circumstances. They were alarmed at the speed with which events were moving and their apparent lack of input into important decisions. Alexander watched the Chancellor slip out of the room in the commotion of the meeting’s adjournment.
Everyone in the chamber froze when an alarm bell tolled high overhead in one of the towers.
The doors burst open and a squad of palace guards hurried in and made a straight line to King Abel.
“Lord Abel, there’s a dragon!” the squad leader said breathlessly, his face pale white. “It’s landed on the outer battlements.”
“Do not attack!” Alexander commanded. “Take me there at once.”
The squad leader looked to Abel.
He nodded. “Take us there quickly.”
A procession of soldiers and wizards strung out down the hall following Alexander as he ran through the keep with the palace guard. Jataan was a step behind and to the left. When they emerged into the morning breeze, Alexander surveyed the scene. It wasn’t a dragon—it was a wyvern. It had landed on a round corner tower of the outer wall of the family keep. There was a wide pathway along the top of one outer wall that led to the corner tower and then away along another wall. Soldiers were arrayed on both walls facing the wyvern and its dismounted rider.
“Hold!” Alexander called out to the soldiers. They stopped their slow advance and held their positions a good fifty feet from the intruder.
“Jack, Abel, please come with me,” Alexander said. Jataan fell in behind him without a word.
“Stay hidden and stay close, Little One,” he said to Chloe without speaking.
“I am here always, My Love,” Chloe replied within his mind.
Alexander scrutinized the rider, who was standing calmly at the foot of her steed. She looked middle-aged and beautiful, with strawberry-blond hair and an unmistakable air of authority. More than that, her colors radiated power with the same intensity of a mage, yet somehow different.
The cluster of soldiers parted to allow them through. Jataan put a hand on Alexander’s shoulder and brought him to a stop.
“This is unwise, Lord Reishi,” Jataan said. “Her name is Magda. She is the first triumvir of the Reishi Coven. I have had dealings with her in the past. Her power is not to be underestimated.”
“I understand,” Alexander said. “She’s the one who took Isabel and Abigail.” He turned and strode toward her with the confidence of a king.
From somewhere behind him, he heard Jataan say, “There’s another high in the sky.”
Alexander cataloged the piece of information and brought his full focus to bear on the moment. He surveyed his surroundings through his all around sight. Mage Jalal and Mage Lenox had moved to stand with the cluster of soldiers on the wall. Magda stood still and proud, wearing riding leather that made her look more like a soldier than a witch.
Alexander stopped ten feet from her. “You abducted my wife and sister. Return them and I will spare your home.” Alexander felt rage boiling within him. He reminded himself to be ruled by reason but driven by emotion. The old refrain taught to him by his father so many years ago schooled his desire to strike her down and reminded him that battlefields come in all forms.
She surveyed Alexander calmly and then turned to Jataan P’Tal. “Commander P’Tal, it’s good to see you again. You’re looking well.”
“As are you, Mistress Magda,” Jataan said politely. “Lord Reishi has spoken. You would do well to accede to his demands.”
“I must say, Jataan, I was surprised to learn that you have chosen to serve young Alexander here,” she said like an elder speaking about a wayward child.
“Lord Reishi is bonded with the Sovereign Stone,” Jataan said. “His age is of no consequence.”
“Did you help him steal it?” Magda asked.
“No. In fact, I was sent by Phane to kill him the moment he retrieved it from the aether,” Jataan said. “When I witnessed Lord Reishi bond with the Sovereign Stone, I realized I was serving the wrong master and my duty became clear.”
She turned back to Alexander with a little smile. He could see in her colors that she had a certain arrogance about her, no doubt the product of leading a powerful coven of witches and an army of Sky Knights. More importantly, he saw a basic goodness and respect for life tempered by a fierce loyalty to her duty.
Magda then turned to Abel. “You are the King of Ithilian and bearer of the Thinblade.”
“I am,” Abel responded.
“Do you stand with young Alexander?” she asked.
“I do,” Abel said. “I have only known Lord Reishi for a short time, but I have come to think of him as a friend. What’s more, my daughter was recently abducted by forces in league with Phane, so I understand with intimate clarity the pain you’ve caused him by taking his wife and sister. Your tactics are akin to those of Phane.”
“Perhaps, but sometimes the stakes are so high that distasteful things must be done for the good of all,” Magda said.
“Sounds like the rationalization of someone who believes they’re morally superior to other people,” Abel said. “You would do better to obey the Old Law.”
She turned back to Alexander. “Isabel and Abigail think very highly of you,” she said. “They are both formidable women. You should be proud of them.”
“I am. Now bring them back to me,” Alexander said calmly but firmly.
“I give you my word that they are both alive and well,” Magda said. “We’re treating them with appropriate respect and have provided them with comfortable quarters.”
“I know,” Alexander said. “I looked in on them just last night.”
“Impossible,” Magda said with a tinge of ire mixed with worry.
Alexander described their room in detail. He told her where it was within the fortress island, how it was furnished, and commented on the young waifish-looking girl who’d been sharing a meal with them the firs
t time he’d used his clairvoyance to find them.
Magda’s eyes widened a bit and some of the color drained from her face. Her colors showed just a hint of fear. “How can this be? The fortress islands are shielded against magical vision.”
Alexander smiled and tapped the Sovereign Stone glowing softly as it rested against his chest. “I also had a conversation with Dominic Reishi the other night. He was the Second Sovereign, as you may recall. He built the fortress islands, so he had a few very interesting things to say about them. For example, did you know that the holder of the Sovereign Stone has the power to destroy any of the fortress islands on command?”
“That can’t be,” Magda said with rising alarm.
“I have no desire to destroy your home and everyone you know and love,” Alexander said. “But if you harm either Isabel or Abigail, I will.”
“Enough of this! I will not be threatened by a child,” Magda said. “I have come to offer you a trade. Give us the Sovereign Stone so we can ensure that it will never fall into Phane’s hands and we will return Isabel and Abigail unharmed.”
Alexander regarded her calmly in spite of the rage boiling up within his soul. “Your offer is rejected,” he said firmly. “But I have a counterproposal. Join with me in service to the Old Law and help me destroy Phane. Those who stand against him must work together or we will all fall.”
“Surrender the Stone and we will help you against Phane,” Magda said.
“Why do you want the Stone? You have no one who can use it and no way to guarantee that Phane can’t take it from you,” Alexander said. “Could it be that you and yours have stood watch over it for so long that your egos are bruised at having lost it to a child?”
Her face flushed, but Alexander was watching her colors more closely. There was something there in the background of her consciousness that he didn’t quite understand. Then it hit him, and everything made more sense. She was delivering a message that she didn’t fully believe in.
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