by Aaron Thomas
The statement made Cynthia smile. Mary hoped it would quench the obvious curiosity about her knowledge of their customs. The woman stopped short of a veiled doorway and gave Mary a look that urged her to prepare herself. Walking through, the door gave way to a lingering smoke in the room. Veils on doorways moved in a gentle breeze as men fanned a woman stretched out on a cushioned bench chair.
“Majesty? I would like to present Mary Krape, former council to the Earth Realm,” Cynthia said, before disappearing behind the veiled doorway.
The Queen didn’t stand. Instead, she wafted her hand through the smoke rising from a burning incense. Her elderly hand has blotches of black sunspots amongst the wrinkles of sun-leathered skin. Her gray hair spilled out from underneath a crown of gold and multicolored stones.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Mary. I was wondering why you failed to come and train with us so long ago. The Elders speak pretty highly of you, especially the wind council, Alexander. He said that you would be here when the time was right. I see that he is wise,” the queen said.
“I didn’t know until recently that Alexander was an Elder Wizard. I only knew him as a wind wizard that heard too many voices,” Mary said.
The queen laughed, “Oh young one. Alexander didn’t hear voices. He wanted everyone to think he heard voices so they would see him as an easy target.”
The shock on Mary’s face must have shown because the queen started laughing and motioned Mary over to sit beside her.
The queen said, still laughing,“I have to say that I saw through it at an early age. I forget people who have little experience with wizards don’t know about their detriment. It doesn’t make them crazy, just indecisive. They change their mind frequently, which can make them seem crazy.”
Mary didn’t think it was funny but remembered so many conversations with Alexander that seemed out of place from his regular court appearances. “Things make so much sense now.”
The queen, still giggling, “He had that fool, Mica, so worried he was going to lose his mind one day that he didn’t talk for a week.”
Mary shook her head trying to remember every time Alexander had tricked her into thinking he was out of his mind. She wondered if she had let any information slip that she wouldn’t normally tell someone.
“I’m glad you came when you did. I think I have enough time to teach you all about our land so you can be a great teacher to the new queen,” The old woman said before drinking out of a goblet.
“A new queen?”
“It’s no disillusion that I’m getting to be elderly. I had hopes of seeing the canal completed, but now that Atmos has denied us once again I must prepare for a new queen to take my place. Our forces must be replenished so we can crush Atmos and still convince the new Water Realm king we are strong enough to fight.”
“There’s a new Water Realm king?”
“Yes. The Weapon Bearer, Kilen, has assumed the throne. I do believe you know the queen well, Twilix.”
“I’m sorry, Majesty, did you say Twilix and Kilen?” Mary asked excitedly.
“You may call me, Aris while we’re alone,” the queen corrected. “Yes, your friend Twilix and Kilen were married and brought Leviathan out of the lake. Alexander has given word to our wind wielders that Atmos is on the march to take the city back from them. Your friend struggles to form an army to oppose King Atmos while her husband crosses the countryside trying to recruit.”
“It’s funny, Aris. Twilix confided in me that she had feelings for Kilen. I’m glad she and I were able to both complete part of our dreams,” Mary said.
She was stuck in thought thinking about how much Twilix talked of Kilen. The poor girl thought it was an impossible love because of his station and her desire to be on a council. They both thought of scenarios where they could be together, but neither had thought about this.
Mary looked over to see the queen studying her.
“I’m sorry, I was a bit distracted. Atmos marches on Leviathan?” Mary asked.
“He does, and he has nearly arrived. He seems more eager to crush Kilen than he did my husband. Although, I think this weapon bearer had a large part to play in that.”
“No. No, I don’t believe he did. Twilix told me all the time how Kilen was naive in the ways of politics. I’m sure he was doing exactly what he thought was right. I’m sure if you back him in this war he will see to it that the canal is made.” Mary said.
“Are you speaking on his behalf?”
“No. I just-” She stammered trying to think of the words, “I know the mind of Twilix. She would see that this was done. Even if she had to build it herself.”
The queen wafted her fingers through the incense smoke, taking a minute to close her eyes. She took a deep breath and spoke, “I was hoping to just get to know you better and not have to talk about these matters. Believe me, I understand your want to help your friends. I cannot commit our troops to this fight. Pada is the only leader I have left, and believe me when I say that he is no Elric Rekkan. Pada may be able to rally the troops to defeat the Earth Realm, but he could never defeat Atmos. Especially now that so many of our imbuements have been taken from us. We are weak, Mary. I must do what is best for our people and stand aside during this battle. Perhaps when the war drums stop I will have trained the new queen enough that she will be a help to your friends. If Atmos doesn’t kill them, of course.”
Mary nodded disappointingly, “I will be glad to go to them as an envoy when that day arrives.”
Aris patted Mary on the shoulder, “I’m glad you’re bright enough to see it in this light.”
Mary gave a half smile. She hoped to find a way to help her friends. When a spark crackled on her shoulder, she shook the thoughts from her head. She needed to remain focused. She was here to train.
“I have a room set up here in the castle for you. You’ll be next to Cynth. I think you two will bond quickly. She can teach you things about this land that no other person can. If there’s a potential for a new queen, it would be her,” Aris said smiling.
Mary cleared her throat, “Since the battle, I have found it oddly comforting to be near Pada and the Crimson. Is there a way I may stay with them until I feel more at home here?”
“Absolutely not. It would be improper for a woman to depend on a man to feel safe here. No, you definitely need Cynth to teach you of our ways. I know that now more than ever,” Aris said as she picked up a small bell and rang it.
Cynthia and a servant walked in at the ring. Cynthia curtsied, and the servant went straight to work replenishing the incense and water around the room.
“Cynth, take Mary to her new room. I trust you will get her acquainted to living here,” Aris said.
“Yes, Majesty,” Cynthia replied.
As soon as Cynthia let the veil drop her face changed from pleasant to angry.
“This way Wizard Krape,” Cynthia said as she strode down the hallway.
If it weren't for the two wizard’s healing Mary would have had a hard time keeping up. Anytime she tried to come abreast of Cynthia she would slow or speed up. Mary knew there was definitely something wrong, only moments ago Cynthia was clutching her arm as if they had been best friends.
“Did I do something wrong, Cynth?” Mary asked.
Cynthia stopped in the middle of the hallway. Mary nearly ran into her, but that did not stop Cynthia from putting her face within an inch of Mary’s.
“You would rather bunk with the Crimson than next to me? Do you know how insulting it is to have a woman that would rather spend time with men than with a woman? It’s disgusting. I was hoping that you and I would be friends,” she resumed her march.
Mary gave chase after her, “I’m sorry. I come from a different land. I really meant you no harm or insult. Please, if you don’t teach me how will I ever know the difference?”
Cynthia slowed her pace only slightly before stopping at a veiled doorway. Mary thought that the wizard looked to be trying to find the words but only finding
the inside of her lip to chew on. Mary knew she had clearly angered the woman by the red splotches on her face.
“Please, accept my apologies. I would love to share time with you and learn your culture. Maybe I could teach you a little of the Earth Realms?” Mary offered.
Cynthia’s mood didn’t seem to lighten at all, but the woman spoke while looking away down the hall, “I suppose I should try not to take offense of your ignorance. I’ll teach you, but not right now. I’m too upset to teach you.”
Mary smiled, hoping to regain some confidence, “The Queen spoke highly of you. She said you were a great candidate to be the next one.”
The woman blushed on top of the red splotches of anger. Her shoulders relaxed a little and Mary knew she had plucked the right cord.
“You know, I know a queen wizard already. Perhaps we could travel to meet her someday. Your knowledge of other lands and influence with other rulers could help you gain influence for the throne,” Mary said.
It took a moment, and Cynthia crossed her arms, “Yes, perhaps it would be good to learn about your cultures. Still, I’ll need some time to think. Perhaps start your instruction in the morning?”
Mary nodded, “I think that would be great.”
“Very well. Here’s your room. I’ll see you in the morning,” Cynthia said before she disappeared behind the next curtain.
Mary gave a small smile and was glad that her passion was now under control. Only two months ago she would have made the woman into a sack of ash. The downside of being in control meant she had to learn to talk to everyone again.
Inside her room was a small writing desk, bed, wardrobe, and wash stand. A sweating pitcher of water drew her attention, and she drank its contents greedily. Without attempting to clean herself, Mary threw herself on the bed and listened to the wind blow the curtain to what she assumed was a balcony. She closed her eyes and drifted in and out of sleep.
When she woke, a tray of food had been left for her, and the sun was starting to set. She had slept most of the day only to rise when the others were settling in. Mary picked up the tray and leaned on the balcony watching the work being done around the city below. The food was much like the Earth Realms. The fruit was sweeter and unknown to her, but she ate, only biting into the seed once. The cheese was much the same and strips of dried meat was satisfying enough to fill her stomach.
As the sun began to fail, torches and fires could be seen throughout the city. Then the most wonderful thing happened. A streak of fire trailed its way into the sky. A large explosion followed by a shower of sparks lit the land like day time. Mary had seen this done with magic before but didn’t understand why. For some reason, the moment trapped her mind until another streak crossed her vision. Mary looked to her right and saw Cynthia standing on her balcony.
“The wizards do this to show their presence and fearlessness to our enemies. They did it once to bring daylight to the Dark Army. It’s a tradition to do this at night to show we have no fear,” Cynthia said, gazing out at the explosions.
“I will do this one for you,” Mary said.
Concentrating, Mary gathered her flames into a tightly woven inferno fire. The ball of flame gathered in on itself turning the color white. Releasing the ball of heat, it rocketed into the sky. Mary released her hold and sent a shower of light to cascade down below. She smiled, she could get used to a land where fire was not feared.
“Thank you,” Cynthia said with an appreciative nod before disappearing behind her curtain.
Mary watched as more streaks of light were sent up throughout the city and marveled at its beauty. She knew if she ever made it to Leviathan to see Twilix that this tradition is one she would bring back with her.
As the explosions faded, Mary went back to her room and opened the wardrobe. She couldn’t see inside, so she lit the lamp with her finger and took a closer look. The contents confused her. Only strips of cloth lay in layers hanging over various rails. Peeking out of her room, she saw a servant walking by and waved her inside.
The small woman looked confused, and a bit scared of being in Mary’s room. So she laid a hand on the woman’s arm and hoped she wasn’t offending her.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to look like a fool tomorrow. I don’t know how to dress in these,” She said, pointing at the strips of cloth.
“I would be happy to help you, Wizard Krape,” The small servant girl said closing the curtains and aiding Mary out of her leather armor.
Pulling a strip of red cloth, she reached around Mary’s hips and tied it in a knot letting the excess hang down the side of her leg. The girl then took a second but wider piece of cloth and pulled it tight just below Mary’s armpits tying it in front. The girl then retrieved various colors of cloth and draped them over Mary’s shoulders until she liked the colors. It was full of greens and blues, each more vibrant than the last.
After the colors had been picked, the girl began tucking the draped cloths into the one tied at her waist. Each one was tucked at a different angle and wrapped around to provide coverage of her exposed flesh. The tied sash at her chest was used to keep the silks close to her body and prevent it from flying away from the skin as she moved. The silks were long enough that when tucked and tied in position, they hung to her ankles all around her waist making it look as though she wore a dress.
The only portion of her body that remained exposed was her neck and arms. The free-flowing silks allowed Mary to bend and move without hindrance but would show her lower legs if she moved too quickly.
Mary thanked the girl as she left, then examined herself in a small mirror on the inside of the wardrobe. She liked this dress far better than any she had worn in the castle at Deuterium. She smiled and noticed a shadow on her balcony. By instinct she extinguished the lamp with a thought, plunging the room into darkness.
She crouched low to the ground and tried to find her satchel. She knew somewhere in the bag she had a knife. Trembling, she used flame vision to see the heat in the room. A man had already entered her small room and was standing next to the wall inside the curtain. His chest was nearly bare except for a thin strap holding two blades in place. The weapons made her panic, and she frantically searched to see if he was holding any. His hands were empty except for a rope which swayed back and forth as he searched the bed with his free hand. The swaying of the rope made something else catch her eye.
A piece of fabric hung off the man’s arm just above the bicep. The man was a Crimson, and with a sigh, she knew Pada had sent him to get her for training. She had nearly forgotten and was glad she had recognized him before she plunged a knife into the man. A flick of the finger and the room was filled with light. Pada instantly crouched and shaded his eyes.
When he noticed it was her standing in front of him, he stood and smiled.
“You look to be getting used to our customs,” He said turning towards the balcony.
“A servant girl had to help me put it on. I feel odd without the leather,” She said, placing her hands on the cloth tightly wrapped around her. She followed him to the balcony.
He held up a hand to her and placed one finger on his lips to be silent.
“My men will let me know when it’s clear,” He said, peeking off the balcony. He quickly crossed the room and turned down the wick on the lamp putting out the flame. “Do you still wish to train with us?”
Mary gave a nod and could see him smiling, using her magic vision. Gently, Pada took Mary’s arm and put it over his massive shoulders. He then took her other arm and pulled her onto his back so that her arms hung over his shoulder and crossed his chest. Standing up, he lifted her off the ground and quickly exited the room swinging his leg over the balcony. Mary clung tightly as the warrior shimmied down a rope faster than she could have alone.
Through the silks, she now wore she could feel the warmth of his skin just as she remembered the first night they came out of the mountains. She blushed at the memory and hoped that he wouldn’t notice her red cheeks when they finished t
heir descent.
“Tonight you will begin your trials,” Pada said as their feet touched the ground.
**********
Kilen squatted amongst the tall grass, watching Max and Paul exchange magical blows. Each day was much the same as they crossed the Water Realm. Walk or ride, eat, visit a town, and now Kilen was given some time to train Paul in magic.
Through the last week, Kilen had been able to gather about twenty men to the army. Which was an increase in recruiting and he hoped he could keep up the momentum. Under Brent’s advisement, the men stayed with their group and acquired armor, horses, and weapons as they traveled. The wizard was kept busy by making sure the soldiers learned how to act properly when protecting the new king. Kilen hoped Brent would be able to whip them into shape before they arrived at Ellipse.
The soldiers were trying to form a perimeter at a distance from Kilen as if he needed their protection. Their total combined strength wouldn’t stand against Max, let alone all four of his elementals. However, he knew his real enemies, Atmos and The Dark Army would send more than twenty untrained soldiers at him. He needed to step up Paul’s training.
Kilen stood and pulled a piece of wild wheat out of the ground. He snapped it halfway off and put it in his teeth to chew on. Paul was practicing using the wind as a way to cut like a blade. It was one of the basic ways to use wind magic. Kilen walked in between where Max and Paul were fighting. Jace knocked away attacks that would have otherwise caused harm to Kilen.
“I think it’s time we brought out one of your personalities, Paul,” Kilen said, looking at the horizon.
Jace whispered on the wind, “Do you think it a wise idea?”
Kilen smiled, “I will have you to protect me. Besides, we’re nearing Ellipse, and I may need another wielder.”
“I’m for one ready to see an end to this wager,” Paul said, laughing.
Kilen smiled, “Just because the wager ends it doesn’t mean our business is at an end. Now, concentrate. Normally there would be only one part to summoning an elemental, but for us it’s different. We must choose the spirit we wish to take on the elemental form. For you, we will want you to choose one that we can trust.”
