Coran recognized the story. It was usually reserved for holidays or times of spiritual reflection. It was supposed to be a tale of how his people came to be here and why.
“Long did the dark God seek a means to break free, and he finally did. He found a new source of power, an evil power that made him strong enough to break his bonds. He opened a gateway to Hel. With his new powers the dark God continued his work of conquest. The other Gods once again faced him and a desperate struggle began.
“The details are long lost to time, but in the end the dark God was defeated, not killed or imprisoned for he was too strong for that, but he and his people could no longer continue to fight.
“The destruction that had been wrought by a war between the Gods themselves was so great that they knew it could never happen again. Most of the Ancients had been killed, and many a god with them. So by agreement the fate of mankind would be decided by men, and by Champions chosen of the Gods themselves. These Champions would be picked from the new race that had emerged from the Ancient’s seed, the third race of men.
“Now in a new age, the Third Age, the remaining Gods took it upon themselves to guide the races of man, so they each chose a people with which to be joined. Nortia of the white hair chose the Northmen, Dios of the sun the Midians, Ithan chose the Ithanians, She’al and Sha’elt, the twins, each chose half the Karands, and the one now known as the Destroyer chose the Makkurans. The Gods, all save the leader of the Makkurans, led their people west, across the great sea to new lands untouched by the shadow of the Destroyer. Ever since that time the Destroyer has sought to conquer these new lands, and complete his dreams of domination. He bides his time beyond Makkura, the land of Shadows, at the heart of his power. He waits in Morrindor, near the gate itself.”
At the mention of Makkura, Coran recognized the name. Not from the tales that everyone knew, but from the dream. For some reason the part where he was Gethmon came back to him, and the attackers were called Makkurans. He was sure of it. How could I possibly know that? What did that man do to me?
“Are you all right?” Katelyn was leaning towards him and talking softly, so as not to disturb the others who sat in worried silence. It was one thing to hear the tales of the past, where details could not always be believed, it was another to know that some of them might be true and about to reappear in the present.
He was grateful for her discretion. “I am okay. I just remembered something, that is all.”
She frowned. She didn’t believe him, but at least she did not make an issue of it here.
“Why is everyone so stunned?” Stemis chided them all. “Have none of you heard the talk in the streets? The people are whispering of the return of the darkness. They believe. If anything else happens they will start thinking that the Destroyer himself is coming for us all.”
His statement was greeted with silence. Even Stemis seemed to realize what he had said. No one wanted to ask Gelarus if the Destroyer was real or part of the tales. That would be too much for anyone to deal with right now.
Thankfully, Devon broke the uneasy silence with his usual casualness. “I would like to know who this Ra Maji character is. It might help if we are going to kill him.” He glanced around the table. “I take it we will have to kill him, won’t we? I mean you seem to be saying that he will be in charge of any attack, if there is one.”
“Ra Majin,” Gelarus corrected him. “Yes, he will be their leader, but he will not be easily handled.”
“Fine, I will take Coran with me.” Devon smiled and everyone chuckled at his attempt at a jibe. It even elicited a small smile from Gelarus, before the wizard’s face became serious once more.
“This is all very interesting,” Stemis said from the head of the table. “But we still have no proof to take to the others. We also need to know what we will be facing, and how many. We must find out when he will attack. Will it be before winter or will he wait until spring?” No one commented as he continued. “Then there are the other nations. Some will not believe without proof. We must send someone to find out more.”
Coran had the feeling that Stemis was getting to the part that concerned him. A quick glance at his father’s disapproving face told him that he was correct. The seat was starting to feel very uncomfortable. He could sense Katelyn’s tension beside him. She knew too.
“Coran,” Stemis spoke to him, “I need you to go.”
Oran cut in, but he did not look like he agreed with what he was saying. “No one can get past the patrols. No one will try. I have an old friend who owes me a debt. He is a Western Karand. The risk is great so he will only help me or...my son.” He broke off and looked away. It must have been hard for him to say that with Coran, still weakened, in the room.
“Will you do it?” Stemis asked.
Coran could feel Katelyn readying herself to speak. He put a hand on hers to stop her. “I still need to recover fully. So I will think on it.”
“I understand,” the King nodded. “Keep in mind that there is not much time.” He turned to the white haired wizard. “Do you have any advice for him?”
Gelarus glared back. “You know I will not guide him.” He turned to face Coran. “I will say one thing to you though. You must do what you feel is right.”
Katelyn tightened her grip on his hand. She knew what the Lady in white had told him. It was exactly what Gelarus just said. “I will. That is a certainty.” The seriousness in his tone made the wizard look thoughtful. “If. I say, if I go, I will need more information, about Daes Shael, and about those Easterners.”
“I believe Lord Oran's friend will know about the Karands,” Gelarus suggested. “As for the others, there is little else I can tell you.”
“A name,” Coran countered. He was determined to get something out of the old wizard. “If you know so much about these Maji you must be able to tell me something.”
“From my time in Herrinhall I was able to find out that the current Ra Majin is named Elthzidor.”
“And I suppose that he is a powerful wizard since he leads those Maji?”
“Very.”
“So is there any way to defeat him, or is he unstoppable? I am just asking in case I happen to run into him.” Coran’s tone held sarcasm, and the others were looking away from him uncomfortably. He was upset, and tired, and unsure of his future.
“Someone will stop him,” Gelarus replied calmly, “when the time is right.”
“You sound sure of that?” questioned Anne.
“No, but I can hope.”
Anaaris waited for the large, brown skinned guard to open the two perforated doors. The Karand wore a sleeveless, red shirt of silk, and baggy white pants of the same material. His dark hair was cut short, and his dark eyes held little in the way of intelligence. Those types made the best guards. No thoughts beyond the duty they were assigned. Much simpler for everyone.
Anaaris entered, and the guard closed the doors behind him. The walls were white, and golden columns ran from floor to ceiling at each of the four corners. A great, arched window set in the opposite wall, let in a generous amount of sunlight. It allowed the room to be filled with potted plants. In the center of the room sat a low table. So low that no one could have used it in the traditional sense. Cushions were arranged around the polished wood instead of chairs.
“Finally,” said the man with the hood of his black robe pulled back to reveal his face. His hair was black and slightly curly. A thin goatee framed his mouth. His skin was pale as if he did not spend much time in the sun. Elthzidor was completely recognizable to all who met him, unlike himself.
Besides Anaaris’ height he was unremarkable. His hair was a medium brown, and his face clean shaven. He was just good looking enough to be happy with his face, but not so handsome that he would be remembered.
They were not alone in the room. Seated upon one of the cushions next to the Ra Majin was a very beautiful, and very dangerous, woman. Selisk was tall for a woman, and thin, with long, dark brown hair and pale skin. Her narrow
face was flawless, and her dark brown eyes, almost black really, held a certain look of cruelty in them.
“Now we can get started,” Elthzidor stated. “Is everything progressing as planned?”
“Yes,” Anaaris replied as he sat on one of the red cushions, crossing his legs so they would fit under the table. A silver chalice was on the table in front of him. The other two had one as well. “Our supporters are positioned in the right places. I can move in and take over whenever you wish.”
“Very good,” Elthzidor said excitedly. There was a peculiar light in his eyes. Anaaris had seen madmen before, and although he knew Elthzidor was not mad, the man was showing some signs of it. More so now that they were in the lands of the Westerners. Elthzidor raised his chalice and looked at it in the light. “Fine workmanship. The former Zahr had good tastes.”
“Former?” he asked, ignoring Selisk’s warning look. Elthzidor frowned at him. “Azevido proved unfaithful. You do not approve?” he said it innocently, but Anaaris knew better. The Ra Majin expected complete cooperation.
“I do not approve, or disapprove. I only wonder if it was wise. We need the Karands to bolster our numbers. To get them they must be rounded up in an orderly fashion. The Zahr would be the best one to accomplish that.”
“I see. Your worry for our cause is admirable,” Elthzidor complimented him, but he detected the underlining threat. “But I have taken care of the situation. Helimey, his son, understands his duties perfectly. We will have the Karands, at least the Eastern ones.”
“That is good to know,” Anaaris said carefully. Then he glanced around the room to make sure no one else was there. “I do not see Kere. I thought this was a meeting of the Majin?”
“Kere is overseeing the arrival of our forces in T’loth.”
Anaaris nodded. Someone had to do it. “I was wondering about your plan. If I am going to help, I should know all that I can.”
Elthzidor smiled. “Selisk?”
“The fleet will be ready by the beginning of autumn,” she informed them. “The Etrani Karands are being gathered in Lornth to help build, and then sail that fleet.”
“Another fleet?” questioned Anaaris. Then it became clearer as he recalled the map of the West with which he had familiarized himself. “You are going to sail through the narrows?”
“They will be taken completely by surprise, Elthzidor stated happily. “Selisk? How are the other preparations in the West coming along, will they be ready in time?” His voice echoed slightly in the chamber.
“All will be ready," she answered. “When the fleet sails the distractions will begin. We will be on them before they know what is happening.”
“Excellent. Then I have a task for Maji Jeshon,” he said to Selisk. “I want him to find Coran Tyelin and kill him.
“Are you sure he is the one to do it?” questioned Selisk.
“He has made it clear that he wishes to prove his worth. Now is his chance.”
“As you wish,” Selisk inclined her head.
“Anything else?” Elthzidor glanced at each of them.
“One thing,” stated Selisk. “In closing all the ports, I believe that the Northmen have become intrigued with Daes Shael. Their ships have been spotted moving further east. They could pose a threat to our transports coming over.”
“The Northmen? Ah, yes. Reputed to be fierce warriors, especially at sea,” the Ra Majin mused. “Some of the Maji will have to travel with our ships to protect them. Send word to Bedalsh. Have Aemei and Akuma assigned to the fleet. Anything else?” Neither of them spoke. “Then the meeting is over. I have much to do.” Elthzidor rose from his cushion and walked purposefully out of the room, his black robes flowing out behind him.
Selisk sipped from her cup, but Anaaris had not touched his yet.
“I think we should be ready in case our esteemed leader should fail,” she said, setting down her chalice.
“I hope you are not suggesting we help in making that come about?”
“Of course not. I would never go against our Master’s wishes.”
“Nor I. So what are you saying?”
“The Master does not want to wait another thousand years. He is tired of waiting. If Elthzidor should fail it will be up to the rest of us to carry out his wishes. I am only suggesting that we keep in touch so if something does happen, we will be in a better position to do just that.”
It made good sense. Of course he didn’t trust her either. If Elthzidor fell, than she would want to be the next Ra Majin. He would have to be careful with this. “I think that is a sensible precaution,” he agreed. “But do you really think the boy is a match for Elthzidor?”
“No. But who would have thought Eryk or Soros a match for the great Zir’Thenn?”
“Point taken.” He had to concede to her logic. Rising up off the soft pillow, he spoke. “I must go and do the bidding of the Ra Majin. Until I see you again?”
She inclined her head slightly. Anaaris left her sipping her drink in quiet contemplation.
Chapter 14
A Promise
Stemis watched Gelarus enter his study and stand before his sturdy, dark stained desk. He heard Oran cough from where he stood to one side of the small room. Books were stuffed onto tall shelves that lined almost all of the wall space.
He knew he was tired. He had his suspicions confirmed that the Great War was coming. It was time for the West to prepare for the fight and the Voltians, Grendins and those other lords who shared their views were playing at politics. He questioned whether he was the one to lead the Alliance in this time of danger. He questioned his own abilities as King.
Before he dealt with that, there were other things to attend to first. “Gelarus, you have avoided me, ignored me, and refused me. I want a straight answer. Why will you not advise me, especially now when I need it the most?” He was still upset over the whole sphere of influence nonsense.
The wizard appeared to consider whether he should answer. Stemis scowled, and seeing the set features of the High King, Gelarus made the right decision. The only one as far as Stemis was concerned. “I will try and explain it.” He locked his hands behind his back. “Soros decided to go and fight in defense of Mon Vusaar while his father tried to rally the Western kings. Some of those who went with him were the sons of lords as well. When Soros’ father and the Western leaders were killed at the Field of Despair, Soros and those who followed him became the new leaders. Because of the bond they shared in fighting the enemy together, the Alliance was formed and Summerhall came to be.”
“Why do you tell me what everyone learns as a child and call it an explanation?” Stemis asked, trying to rein in his impatience.
“Because, what if someone else had advised Soros in his decisions? What if that advice had affected his actions? What if someone who knew some of what was to come told Soros that he would be the one to rally the people? Would he have gone off to fight, or would he have tried to rally the West with his father? Would he have died along with him? If he had, we would not be here.”
Stemis tossed that around in his mind. “I think I understand, but can you clarify your point?”
“I think,” Oran began, “that the point is you have to put your trust in others, or maybe in fate.”
“Close,” Gelarus said, “but it will do.”
“Wait.” Stemis thought he understood something. “Are you saying that I have to trust in those who are fated to make the choices?” That wasn’t it exactly. “Are you saying...?” He was close to something that was just out of reach, but he couldn’t grab on to it.
“I am saying that advisers must know when it is best not to advise at all,” Gelarus stated in true wizardly fashion. “Or that those who command must know when it is time not to give orders.”
There was still something about it that Gelarus was not telling. The wizard wouldn’t give advice when it came to the coming war, or the possibility of Coran’s leaving. He was also saying that he should not be ordering Coran around. What did it
mean? What was he missing? He knew the old man knew more than he was saying. “So what you are saying is you will not give me any advice concerning the possible upcoming war?”
“I will tell you that you should keep in constant contact with the other kingdoms, especially Westland and Taragon. They are the closest to Summerhall. I would also advise you to watch out for spies. The enemy will have recruited as many as he can to his cause. But if you are looking for some grand strategy for winning I would not tell you even if I knew of one,” Gelarus finished and he stood, daring the King to do his worst if he didn’t like it.
Stemis thought about it, but decided to let it go. “Do you have any advice to give on Coran going into Daes Shael?”
“On that I will not speak.”
“Why not?” Oran asked him, not entirely pleased by the refusal. It concerned his son after all.
“Because it must be his decision. No one else can make it for him.” The last was clearly meant for Stemis, and he got the message. Let Coran decide.
Coran sat in one of the two chairs that furnished the small outer room of his chambers. The stone fireplace was empty. The days were hot, so there was no use for the additional heat. He was looking over the single scrap of paper he had used to copy down parts of the scroll he had found in the library. He found another scroll in the King’s personal library, and he had not exactly asked permission to look there. Since Gratus of Ithan was supposed to have predicted the Great Wars, he reasoned that there might be some clues in his writings. Unfortunately, Summerhall did not contain a whole copy. Only things written by others concerning Gratus’ work.
The first part was not a passage really, but just a couple of lines that had jumped out at him:
He must choose his fate,
Fire And Ice (Book 1) Page 19
