“But you see, I’m not finished with my questions for you.” Master Holoron’s face hardened as he stared down the solder. “If you want to hear my story, you will answer. What have you discovered in the ancient archives?”
When the soldier was silent and seething, Nikulo thought that a fight might ensure between the wizard and the man. But they remained unmoving and quiet, and to Nikulo’s surprise, the tapestry on the far wall was moved aside and a short, bald man entered the room. His face held the nonchalant but very confident expression of a king, or perhaps even of an emperor. Something about his eyes exuded power and inner strength. And unlike the other soldiers who averted their eyes every time Nikulo looked at them, this man locked eyes with him until it was Nikulo who turned away in a cold flush of fear.
“Even with your best mentalist tricks you were only able to infuriate the apprentice.” The bald man waved a hand and dismissed the soldiers, and the three men left the room. Did Master Holoron possess mastery over controlling the minds of others? Then why did he ask Nikulo to control the captain’s mind?
“I’d say my apprentice passed the test for someone of the second level, and I will allow him to hold his rank for now. Though I’d expect more from him if he hopes to advance.”
Nikulo noted the frustration in the departing soldier’s eyes for failing to keep his calm, though the bald man still kept a degree of humor on his face.
“Allow me to introduce you to Master Varghul,” said Secretary Mazgen, and he flourished a hand in the direction of the bald man.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Varghul.” Holoron bowed in an elegant arc that Nikulo thought was a bit too much for the plainness of the room.
A tremor of wonder rippled across Varghul’s face as he studied Holoron. And to Nikulo’s surprise, the man returned the bow in exactly the same movement. “Tis rare to see a practitioner of the old formalities. I welcome your gesture of respect. Why don’t you have a seat and I will have some tea brought in?”
As the man nodded to Secretary Mazgen, Master Holoron and Nikulo sat at the two simple chairs in front of the desk and waited for Master Varghul to speak.
“In the archives we’ve found evidence of a surviving enclave of dragons in the far north, within the Islands of Tarasen.” Varghul paused as Nikulo opened his mouth to speak.
“But that’s where Master Palarian was from. Do you know of him?” Nikulo wondered if it was such a good idea to mention the fact.
“We know very well of Master Palarian, and his islands have long been the study of our Order. His existence and strong-handed rule of the Islands of Tarasen were the prime reasons why we focused our search there. He went there before the last of the dragons were slain, so we suspected that dragons might still exist there. So you see, although you’ve informed my secretary that dragons exist on Lord Aurellia’s world, we have no desire to infringe on his proclaimed territory. We have a kind of a truce between us. And now that Master Palarian has relinquished his rulership of Tarasen, we plan to soon travel up north.”
Master Holoron ran a hand across his mouth and knitted his brows in deep thought. “A very interesting revelation. And would you be interested in extending that same truce with the people of Naru? It seems that your group might be distancing themselves from the Emperor.”
“The Jiserian Empire is in downfall and Emperor Ghaalis has surrounded himself with advisors and wizards who insulate him from the harsh realities of the Empire. If he bothered to send scouts to Ishur and to other smaller cities he would know the truth: his Empire is in shambles.” Master Varghul waved a hand in a light flourish. “But none of that matters to me. Coming to Onair was just a chance for my group to leave Carvina and prove our worth to the Emperor. He’s rewarded us handsomely for solving a very difficult situation against the Order of Songs. A fine, beautiful Order that I regret with all my heart that I had to put down.”
When the man spoke the words put down, Nikulo pictured the time his father had killed a rabid dog on the outskirts of the city. He shuddered at the painful memory of the dog’s howls and whining as it died under his father’s blade.
“Are those the wizards’ bones and skulls in front of the temple?” Master Holoron accepted a cup of tea from Secretary Mazgen and nodded in thanks.
Varghul cleared his throat and shook his head. “Merely a display of power to dissuade further revolt. Those are the skeletal remains of many who were injured in the tidal wave. A foolish assault done by the first wave of sorcerers to invade Onair. After that the wizards of Onair obliterated the sorcerers in retaliation, and the Emperor called in my group to control the city. You need not worry, we plan to leave as soon as the ships arrive to take us up north to the Islands of Tarasen.”
“You will leave the city to the Jiserian soldiers that remain here?”
“No, we have arranged for them to return to Carvina by ship.” A rare smile crossed Master Varghul’s face. “You see, the Order of the Dragons worships power and beauty, and the discipline of the artist. We could never bear to destroy the culture and high art displayed in Onair. And from our study of history knew that the City of Onair owed much of its art and refinement and civilization to the Order of Songs. How could we defile such an Order?”
“What are you saying?” Master Holoron leaned forward in his chair, his eyes wild and excited. “Is the Order—”
“Let me continue my story, wizard. Before we arrived at the docks of Onair we sent word to the Songs with a detailed plan of our temporary occupation in order to fool the Emperor and his advisors into thinking that Onair had been conquered and the wizards of the Order of Songs obliterated. We had no desire to fight with the wizards and knew it would have been extremely difficult to beat them. There would have been grave losses on both sides. However, we also clearly delimitated in our message that the Emperor would not stop sending forces against them until Onair was completely conquered. They agreed with our plan and we alleviated the people of Onair of suffering and bloodshed and prevented the destruction of this beautiful city.”
“So the wizards of the Order are still alive?”
Master Varghul nodded, a pleased expression slowly appearing on his face. “They’re living under temporary house arrest until the time of our departure when we will return the rule of the city to them. The Order of Songs will once again sing and pour forth their music across this great and sacred city.”
26. THE EMPEROR'S COURT
Talis could still picture the look of disgust and self-righteous rage in Mara’s eyes as she stormed out of his room. Even though they now stood at the entrance to the Emperor’s Palace, a grand marble building that looked as if it were the entire size of the upper part of Naru, he still thought about Mara and what was going on inside her mind. She still held the same cold, rigid determination on her face, and every time he tried to catch her attention, she ignored him with that provincial gaze of hers fixed forward as the royal attendants streamed down the expansive hallway.
The beautiful, billowy silk dress she wore was white and pristine, and wrapped her figure tightly, revealing sensuous lines that Talis realized he had often overlooked. What had shocked him the most was when she’d strolled down the stairs into the grand foyer, the area above her eyes painted in glittering royal red accents that shimmered in a magical light of their own. Her lips also held a trace amount of the red glitter, but her face was still natural and beautiful, with only the lightest hint of rouge on her cheeks. The overall effect stunned Talis and sent his heart racing at her aloof, indifferent expression and the chilly fixation of her eyes on some place far off in the distance. He recognized the expression as that of Lady Malvia, Mara’s mother, when she arrived at court looking as if ice steeled her eyes.
Had he lost Mara? In his stupid staring at Princess Devonia and his inability to deny that he was attracted to her, had he lost the affection of the girl he cared for the most?
“Introducing Her Royal Highness Princess Mara of the Lei Family of Naru.” The royal announce
r swept his hand as Mara strode ahead, ignoring Talis’s previous offer of escort into the Palace. He tried to overlook the intentional slight, but he could feel his face flush with embarrassment as he was left alone at the stairs, waiting for the announcer to introduce him.
The old man frowned at the card, and glanced up at Talis, giving him a puzzled look of disgust. “Introducing Talis Storm of Naru, Child of the Sun and Most Hated Enemy of our Empire.” The royal announcer said the last words with venomous spite and Talis was worried that the man might spit at him as he treaded into the imposing palace.
Never did he feel more alone, but the feeling was similar to the last time he’d entered the Order of the Dawn, with Master Viridian’s accusing eyes scowling at him. The lines of royalty gathered in the palace whispered at him with glowering and frightened eyes, lips spewing accusations and warnings of mistrust. No doubt his stupid display of magic in the square had fueled the rumors concerning his arrival, and put the royals on edge at his presence here. Master Goleth was taking the greatest risk by asking the Emperor’s permission for Talis and Mara’s entry, a risk not only for his own safety, but also for his family.
But the gaudily dressed members of the Royal Court only smiled and fawned in adoration of Mara, treating her as a new and attractive arrival, and the girls and young men gossiped and waved to her as she strode past. Mara invited their attention by casting pretty glances at the young men, and quick waves at the girls, both of whom flowered at her notice. Several of the brazen stares by boys his age enraged Talis and caused him to crave the release of flames into their wanton eyes.
The march down to the end of the long chamber seemed endless and filled Talis with tortured feelings of animosity against the Jiserians of the Royal Court. He wanted nothing more than to strike a treaty of peace with Emperor Ghaalis and leave this place and never return. But what was the point of leverage that he could use to ensure their safety? Even if the Empire was in a convoluted mess, the capitol was bustling and organized and oozed riches and stability. Talis guessed that there was enough wealth here to build several powerful empires. What was it that Emperor Ghaalis wanted?
At the end of the long line to greet the Royal Family, Talis could see the Emperor on the Ebony Throne, and Princess Devonia and her princeling brother sat at either side, without an Empress present. Talis felt embarrassed wearing his ostentatious clothing, though his indignation against the harsh stares and glowering eyes caused him to stubbornly stride past, allowing his anger to fuel his movement.
Once again a royal announcer called out his name and condescending title, and Talis was knocked sideways as a heavy, wet object struck him on the side of his face. From the stinking smell, he thought that someone had thrown a mound of shit at him, but looking down at the yellow, viscous liquid gelling down his face he realized someone had tossed a large piece of some strange fruit.
Laughter exploded across the chamber, and Talis could see that even the Emperor and Princess joined in the merriment, with the crowd waiting expectantly for his reaction. Mara searched the crowd where the fruit had been thrown, her eyes furious. Talis shook his head at her, not wanting to give their enemies any fuel for their hatred. They were here for one reason alone, to bargain for peace with Naru.
“This is the fabled Child of the Sun?” Emperor Ghaalis boomed out, his tone mocking. “Talis Storm, bane of the Jiserian forces, felled by a foul fruit?”
The crowd once again broke out into muffled laughter and derisive chortles, and the eyes of those around Talis fell heavily on him as if wanting a show, and perhaps some of the nobility gather here—like Princess Devonia—had witnessed his display of magic at the square. He wasn’t about to invoke the wrath of the wizards and sorcerers no doubt assembled in anticipation of such a foolish outburst of power. And Talis reminded himself of the strange runic spell that had made his strikes useless against the three sorcerers.
“We’ve come this long way here to Carvina,” Mara said, her voice loud and confident, “not to find ourselves mocked and disrespected by the Royal Jiserian Court, but to sue for peace and to put an end to this bloody stupid war. Your people enjoy peace and privilege, while your Empire is crumbling outside the capitol city. You’ve gone to great lengths to demolish Naru, my home city, and to infect my people with an undead plague.”
She aimed an angry finger accusingly at the Emperor. “No more!” she shouted, and let her words echo across the chamber. “No more will we stand for your sorcerers and necromancers subjecting our people to violence and war and terror. Or we will bring violence ourselves against this beautiful city, and pour a torrent of fire and death across your pristine streets, unmarred by the war you yourself have commanded.”
The Emperor stood, face red and eyes furious. “You dare come to my court and threaten me and my people? I heard from Master Goleth that you came with an offer of peace, and instead you dare say these words? Your father was a great diplomat, however I can see none of his finesse rubbed off on his daughter—”
“My father was a traitor to his people and a fool. How much gold did you pay him for his betrayal? What offers of power and rulership did you use to seduce him to turn against his own family and people?” As Mara’s words hung thick in the silence that followed, Talis knew she was treading on dangerous ground and like her erratic actions towards him before, he could see some destabilizing force was acting on her mind. He moved up to stand beside her, and searched the crowd for danger.
The Emperor was about to speak again when Mara’s cutting voice stopped him. “You weaklings of the Royal Court all bear the pathetic countenance of those who’ve never known death and war. How many of you have fought in the wars against Onair or Ursula or Naru? Did a single one of you send your sons to fight for the Empire? Or did this pathetic excuse for an Emperor send your slaves as chattel for the necromancers, to push their siege engines across the Nalgoran Desert until they died from exhaustion, only to be summoned back to a nefarious state of existence as an undead soldier?”
Mara studied the shocked crowd, an angry, taunting look on her face. “No one? Not one of you knows of the horrors inflicted by this Emperor of yours? You fail to realize the cost of your luxurious lifestyle and blissful, ignorant existence?” She laughed a mad, mocking laugh that caused the crowd to shrink back in fear. “You will know soon, I promise you, you will know of the coppery smell of blood painting your streets red, of the fetid smell of bodies festering under the hot sun, of the horrific sight of wild dogs tearing away at the flesh of your children. All this you will soon know.”
Talis cringed at her words and froze as he glanced at her. She was glowing green like when Princess Minoweth’s dagger had tainted her mind and filled her with a dark power. The crowd close to them had noticed this too. Knights protecting the Emperor tensed and brandished weapons as Mara slowly strode towards the throne, and to Talis’s horror, she retrieved from her purse two daggers of identical appearance and gripped them in her hands.
“So what would you have, Emperor Ghaalis, a signed peace treaty with Naru, granting the freedom of Onair and Ursula, and a favorable trade agreement with House Storm, or would you prefer my dagger thrust deep into your heart?”
A look of sheer terror froze the Emperor’s face. He tried to open his mouth in either laughter or a scream, but the blood seemed to drain from his cheeks and his skin turned bone white. To Talis’s surprise, a frightened-looking guard thrust his sword at Mara as she climbed the steps towards the throne, but she just sidestepped and stabbed the dagger through his chain mail armor into the soft part of the back of his head. He fell face first and his sword clattered against the marble floor as his body thudded onto the ground.
The area around the throne exploded with screams and people shrieking as they fled. Guards and knights charged towards them and more knights went to shield the Emperor. But to Talis’s dismay, no sorcerers appeared to challenge them, although his hands were stretched out and ready for any attack. And the Emperor, instead of standing brave and
indignant, cowered behind his guards like a little boy scared from a bad dream. Mara laughed at him.
“Afraid of a girl and her little daggers?” Mara peered around a nervous, trembling guard. “And where is the Empress? Or does the Emperor prefer men?”
By now Talis could sense no magical resistance or interference in the area, and was more scared of a sword harming Mara. He aimed his hands at the knights in front of him, and released many tendrils of flame, causing their eyes to widen in horror and they turned away as the fire blackened their armor. As the soldiers broke rank from flames only hot enough to singe and scald, Talis was surprised to see that the Emperor was guarded by only a few of his loyal knights, and they were trying to get him to leave the throne. Clearly they had not expected any resistance.
“Please, don’t kill me!” Emperor Ghaalis wailed. “I never ordered any of those assaults…it was all the doings of the magical Orders in Ishur, and that madmen Lord Aurellia. I wanted to stop them but I was warned against interfering.”
“So you’re just a puppet, then?” Talis said. “A figurehead Emperor that keeps the people of Carvina placated while the sorcerers and necromancers wreak havoc on the world outside?”
“They were desperate to find sources of power to aid them in their dark cause.” The Emperor relaxed a bit as he could see that Talis and Mara had calmed their stance. “But you never should have come here, you’ll only invoke the wrath of the Dragons.”
“The Dragons?” Talis looked perplexed as he studied the Emperor’s eyes.
Behind him, Talis could hear footsteps approach, and glancing back, Master Goleth strode up alongside them and frowned at the situation. “Why have you done this? You claimed to come seeking peace and you make such a move against our Emperor? He is the weak piece in the game, and the Empress awaits, and her children, and the Dragons. They want you to kill him and free his claim over the power of the throne. Do not give in to their wishes.”
Star Mage (Book 5) Page 17
