Lore of Sanctum Omnibus

by Elaina J Davidson

  Gods, no, it was bad. “Of course, but you are young; enjoy the sunshine and long lazy summer days for now.” Tingast touched his son’s cheek again. “Do not grow up too fast. Give your father some more time with you, hmm?”

  Another one of those brilliant smiles erupted. “Does that mean we can go to the festival tonight?”

  His father laughed and playfully cuffed him one. “All night!”

  LATER HE SAT BEFORE his ledger again.

  Elianas went off to find costumes for the two of them, and hopefully Ari would help him choose something fitting.

  Facts and figures were far from his thoughts.

  Tingast thought of the dwelling that was part of a mountain, and Nemisin’s jealousy. Nemisin paid one visit to Avaelyn and came away thunderous. All knew of the ‘favour’ that uncovered a thief and put a mistress in the background, and all knew in return Nemisin deeded that world to his rival. That, or political suicide, but Nemisin had never seen Avaelyn, and signed the deed without bothering to visit it first, until he had need of Lord Sorcerer’s services again, a little issue of blueprints for the mountain city to the east.

  Nemisin and Lord Sorcerer would go head to head one day soon, and now his son dreamed about Avaelyn.

  Gods, what lay in store for Elianas?

  Chapter 27

  We are of the City of Light.

  ~ Kalgaia Verse ~

  Kalgaia

  Five years later

  THE DANAE GUILD HALL was huge, and with the patronage of Lord Sorcerer went from strength to strength year after year.

  In fact it was due to Lord Sorcerer that the hall was built in the first instance. He believed, as did the Danae, magic should be respected and studied, and those younglings of talent should be granted every opportunity to shine.

  Elianas began to shine, and his father was truly proud.

  At fifteen the lad showed promise of greatness, and even Nemisin was taking an interest. Of course, Elianas was betrothed to his daughter, a political match for the benefit of Danae and Lorin, but the Valleur ruler was becoming personally interested now.

  Tingast and Valeri - Nemisin’s wife - laughed just the other day over it. Nemisin needed a clout in the back of the head before his interest was piqued, and Elianas offered that clout when he conjured doves at the anniversary ball, causing them to flutter around Valeri’s head in homage, a romantic gesture.

  Of course, that was fuel also for Nemisin’s jealousy. The stupid man believed Tingast had set it up to woo Valeri.

  In the spirit of pride, Tingast now walked the halls to find Elianas in the greater chamber, but it was also in the spirit of disquiet. He was afraid Nemisin would curtail Elianas to strike at him. Valeri was a dear friend, no more, but the man saw threat behind every word and gesture.

  When he reached the chamber, the students were dispersing for the afternoon. Most first went to the central fountain to discuss the day’s lessons, among them Elianas.

  He called out and his son came over.

  The lad had filled out in five years. He was tall, his shoulders broader, but his cheeks were hollowing slightly; the planes of Danae nobility. His dark hair was straight and swung around his shoulders as he walked. He was much like his father, but his beauty was gifted by his mother.

  He smiled. “We are ready for our testing, I think.”

  Tingast smiled also. “Yuri is a good teacher.”

  “We have to specify an area of expertise by Gaia Day …” and Elianas grimaced.

  “You are uncertain?”

  They started walking from the study chamber and Elianas waved greetings over his shoulder to his friends. “No, I know what I want.”

  “But?”

  Another grimace. “I need your help, father.”

  They wandered slowly through the great inner corridor, heading for the massive outer doors. Underfoot the floor was polished black and the walls on both sides were dressed stone. Arches led into other chambers, most now unoccupied. Their footsteps echoed.

  “How can I help?”

  Elianas drew breath, lifted a shoulder, and said nothing.

  A father smiled indulgently. “I cannot help if you do not tell me.”

  It came out in a rush and caused Tingast’s blood to run cold.

  “I want to study further with Lord Sorcerer.” Elianas came to a dead stop. “Father, I want to go to Avaelyn.”

  Tingast forced himself to walk nonchalantly on, and eventually Elianas fell in beside him again. “That decision isn’t mine to make, son.”

  “But you can speak to Nemisin. You can even speak to Lord Sorcerer himself. Please.”

  A deep breath followed. Nemisin would love to hurt him, and this request could be the leverage needed. “Why, Elianas? Avaelyn is far away.”

  Elianas was silent as they passed through the doors. Outside rain threatened. And then, “I hear the music all the time. I need to go there to hear it for real.”

  Ah, he still had that dream, and he had not said anything for years. “We can go together, visit there. I can ask Lord Sorcerer permission to do so.”

  A set profile answered him. “I can learn no more here. I want to study with him.” Elianas turned his head. “Have you seen him recently? Is he someone who would take an apprentice, can he teach, is he kind? Do you think he would say yes?”

  “I have no idea, he has not taken an apprentice before - maybe, maybe not. Is he kind? He would be to a lad like you, but you must understand Nemisin fears him, dislikes him …”

  “Why?”

  “Because he is the greater sorcerer and because many believe he loves the Danae more than the Lorin. You know this, Elianas; you have heard the guild masters speak of a potential divide. Placing you under his tutelage may set Nemisin off.”

  A slow nod. “I see that, but I am betrothed to Cassiopin; I am Nemisin’s future son-in-law. This could forge connections that enables a potential divide to narrow, maybe even go away.”

  Clearly the lad had been thinking.

  “Rock and stone can sing, father, and I need to hear it. Must I wait until I am of age? I would not then hear it as I do now. Any teacher I go to next will fetter imagination.”

  He had been thinking hard.

  Tingast loved his son. He sighed volubly. “I shall test the waters …”

  Elianas smiled.

  “… test only, Elianas. Do not get your hopes up. One must be circumspect.”

  “Gaia Day is six days hence.”

  Tingast spluttered on a laugh. “So hasty! Yes, yes, I am due in court on the morrow and I shall have a word here and there.”

  Elianas gripped his father in a quick embrace. “Thank you.”

  “Do not thank me yet. Now go and get rid of that energy somewhere.”

  Elianas grinned and hastened forward, no doubt heading to the common where a ball game of some kind could be had at any time of day.

  “Wait! I came to tell you we have guests for dinner tonight - don’t be late!” Tingast called out.

  “I’ll be there!” And the lad ran off punching the air.

  Tingast stared after him. He was not at all happy with this turn of events.

  Akhavar

  Mountain City

  BIRDS FLITTED AMID THE vines overhead and sunlight filtered down to cause geometric patterns on many heads.

  The throne-room was full, and most heads were the golden of the Lorin. Nemisin, being Lorin, surrounded himself with his own kind.

  Yes, one day soon there would be a divide, unless Nemisin stepped away from rulership. Then again, his sons were not much better in underlying prejudice. Perhaps Elianas was right. Perhaps studying with Lord Sorcerer could forge connections to narrow the divide, and marrying Cassiopin could close it completely.

  It meant, however, Elianas had power, future power, political power, and that was dangerous for him.

  Last night, after the lad went to bed, the silversmith said as much when Tingast mentioned Elianas’ wish to study with Lord Sorcerer, but the
man also said it could be exactly what the Danae required.

  He did not want to use his son as a tool, and yet he foresaw others impressing the need upon him.

  Valeri was at his elbow. “Deep in thought, my friend?”

  He smiled down at her. “Thinking about Elianas. He has handed me quite a conundrum.”

  She linked her arm to his and drew him nearer the Throne and Nemisin. “And what is that beautiful boy up to?”

  “After his testing, he wants to continue his studies with Torrullin.”

  She came to a stop. “Is that wise?”

  He made a sound in his throat. “And there is the conundrum.”

  “Ah. Will Torrullin take on an apprentice?”

  “If Nemisin insists.”

  “Ah again. And why would Nemisin insist?”

  He drew her forward, for he noticed the Vallorin glaring in their direction. “There are political issues.”

  She glanced at her husband and smiled sweetly for his benefit, well aware how jealous he could be. “But for you it’s not about politics.”

  “No.”

  “Elianas has the potential of becoming a great sorcerer, Tingast. It might be a disservice to deny him the opportunity to try for an apprenticeship.”

  “I know,” Tingast sighed.

  She patted his arm and let go. Making her way to her husband’s side, she whispered, “I will think on it some, and put it to him in the best way possible. Don’t leave court, though; he might want to speak with you.”

  Tingast smiled his appreciation and moved off in another direction.

  He could feel Nemisin glare on him.

  THE SUMMONS TO THE royal chambers came long after the enclave had settled in for the night.

  Nemisin paced the formal antechamber where he generally met guests, wearing an informal robe. Valeri was nowhere in sight. When Tingast was shown in, Nemisin came to a stop and stared balefully.

  “What is this I hear about your boy and Lord Sorcerer?”

  “It is a wish expressed only, my Lord Vallorin.” Tingast bowed.

  Nemisin swung away, muttering, and then, “The boy will one day be family and we could use eyes and ears in Lord Sorcerer’s space.”

  Tingast grit his teeth. “Elianas is not a spy … my Lord.”

  He swung back, eyes glittering. “Of course he isn’t. I was not suggesting he do so, but as he gets older, his loyalty will be to the Vallas. All I need from him is truth.”

  Tingast did not dare respond.

  Nemisin paced. “At first I was angry that Valeri would mention this, but now I am thinking there is long term advantage. Family must work together.” He speared Tingast with tawny eyes. “Elianas has the means to marry Lorin and Danae, Tingast, and that is good, is it not?”

  “Of course.”

  “We would be family, you and I, and if Torrullin already respects your kind, he might look more kindly upon mine, and that, too, would be good, not so?”

  Damn it. Of course it would be. “Agreed, my Lord.”

  Nemisin nodded. “Then we must put it to him in those terms. We must convince him this is for the health of the Valleur as a whole and we would not be lying, thus he will hear only sincerity. Yes, despite my initial reservations, this could work out well for all of us. But …” and the bloody man swung again, “Elianas needs be very good. Lord Sorcerer will not take on someone of mediocre talent.”

  “He is very good,” Tingast said.

  Nemisin sighed theatrically. “And you are his father, somewhat biased. Bring the lad to court the day after tomorrow for the hunting banners. We shall test him first.”

  “My Lord.”

  “Tingast, if he passes he will be placed on Avaelyn, I assure you, but I need to know without doubt he has the mettle.” Nemisin was grim.

  To say more could cost his son his future. Tingast bowed. “As my Lord Vallorin commands.”

  Nemisin waved an airy hand and Tingast withdrew, heart beating unevenly.

  It felt as if he was about to throw his son to monsters.

  Chapter 28

  For the feel of the sun upon a face a Danae will sing in tune.

  ~ Kalgaia Verse ~

  Kalgaia

  NATURALLY ELIANAS WAS elated with the news and could not stop talking about it. He flew into his wardrobe to check his clothes and demanded new shoes. The testing at the guild was complete, and successful, and he was in high spirit. His father watched it all sadly. Not only could this be the biggest mistake a father could make, but Elianas had not yet realised parting was upon them.

  Then that was proven wrong.

  On the morning before transport to the throne-room, Elianas entered his father’s bedchamber and sat on the bed. “I’ll visit often.”

  Tingast smiled. “Of course you will, or I will come to see you.”

  Elianas was silent, and then, “I shall miss you.”

  “As I shall you, but we shall certainly have much to talk about when we get together.”

  A smile. “There is that.”

  “Stay true to yourself, Elianas, that is all I ask.”

  Dark eyes were unfathomable. “I shall do what is right for me, I swear.”

  A nod. “It is time.”

  Elianas rose and gripped his father to him.

  Mountain City

  NEMISIN STUDIED HIM CRITICALLY.

  The boy was beautiful. He would make waves in court before he wed Cassiopin - that was a certainty. But beauty was an aside right now; did this boy have the determination to cope with Lord Sorcerer?

  Torrullin would not accept coercion unless the boy was as good as his father claimed. Granted, few could conjure doves at his age, but he might have studied and perfected that particular feat for months … and Nemisin glared at Tingast and then at his wife. It would soon be time to sort that problem to his satisfaction.

  “Transport across this space,” he said.

  Elianas did as bid.

  “A retainer waits at these coordinates,” and Nemisin supplied them. “Transport to him and return.”

  Elianas glanced at his father, who was expressionless, and then vanished. He was back an instant later and on his heels was the retainer, who confirmed success.

  Nemisin put his hands together. “Very well, you have no problems there. Fetch my ceremonial dagger from my chambers … no, boy, do it from here.”

  Elianas had moved to make his way to the royal suite, and now paused. Ah, he had to think only in terms of sorcery. This was quite a demand; he had never seen the inside of the royal suite, or the ceremonial dagger for that matter.

  This time he did not glance at his father, although he noticed Nemisin’s wife paling. In the Throne-room for this testing there was only himself, Nemisin, Valeri and his father, and two Elders as witnesses. The retainer was already dismissed.

  The silence was unnerving, and he wondered if a crowd would not have been preferable. Well, maybe not.

  He closed his eyes and concentrated. An instant later a clear view of the dagger was before him, and then he could see also where it was. In a velvet-lined box on Nemisin’s massive desk. Carefully he extricated the weapon, and opened his eyes. He held his hand out. Upon his palm the dagger balanced.

  Tingast relaxed and Valeri clapped her hands.

  Nemisin approached and took the dagger from him. “Very good, my boy,” he said, his eyes glittering.

  Elianas remained stoic and calm.

  “Well done,” Nemisin said again. “And you are good under pressure.” He swung away. “Send doves into the vines!”

  Elianas released an explosive breath. He had imagined Nemisin was less than impressed with that feat, as if it was learned by rote. Well, fine. He lifted his hand and waved in a half circle, and doves erupted fluttering in the air above.

  “Add a hawk!”

  Gods. He waved his hand again and a beautiful hawk swooped through the crowd of doves. A moment later it sank talons into one, and feathers scattered and floated down.

  Eli
anas stared up, fascinated, and Nemisin clapped his hands in delight.

  “Very well done, my boy!”

  Tingast winced, hearing possessiveness enter that tone.

  “Now rid us of them.”

  Elianas licked his lips, and did as bid.

  Nemisin approached again. “A sorcerer delves into the unknown, would you not agree, Elianas? Of course you do. I am assuming therefore you have a few thoughts on something new … something fresh.”

  “My Lord, an untried spell is dangerous,” one of the Elders remonstrated.

  Nemisin waved an airy hand. “There are enough of us to quell it. Elianas, a new enchantment, please.”

  Now the lad did look at his father, who nodded imperceptibly. He squared his shoulders.

  “My Lord, I have often discovered my father cursing over ledgers and to end his frustration I came up with a means for calculations to function automatically - a list of figures receives an automatic total, and so forth.”

  “Truly?” The Elder paced forward. “I know I could use something like that.”

  Nemisin glared at him. “Send for your ledgers, Elder.”

  The man bowed, and swiftly a hefty tome balanced in two hands. He laid it on a nearby surface and pointed. A list of a hundred figures awaited a total.

  Nemisin had a look, and nodded. He indicated the ledger significantly.

  Elianas said, “I will say the chant aloud, for you to use it after, Elder Selassi.”

  The Elder smiled in anticipation.

  Elianas murmured, “Hala sertis, Moravia lent, hala rovia … mor.”

  Upon the last word, a new figure scribbled into the ledger.

  The total.

  “It is correct,” Elianas said, “but feel free to validate.”

  “Check!” Nemisin commanded.

  Selassi muttered under his breath and started adding in the laborious manner. Everyone waited in silence as he muttered more, conjuring a quill and parchment to scribble guiding figures on, and then muttering and scribbling more. A few minutes later he looked up.