The Elementalist : Next of Kin: The Kothian Chronicles

by Andrew Wood

  Both Mikel and Melia had resumed their lessons, and found that the time they spent apart, made the time they were together all the more satisfying. Mikel, under Katria's tuition had managed to make another link, this time with a small bird. Although she explained the link between Shadow and him was unbreakable and strong, this did not mean he could not have more than one animal. Naturally, Mikel had wanted to make his first link with a bird, with something impressive like an eagle or falcon. Katria however, had told him to start small, and hence the bird with which he shared his mind, was a tiny little robin.

  Mikel had never really paid much attention to birds, and although he knew what a robin looked like, he was surprised by just how tough and hardy the little creatures were. The bird he had linked with also gave him a new perspective on the world around him, seeing the images from up high rather than on the ground, certainly was a revelation. He never actually realised just how territorial the little birds were, or the lengths they would go to, to keep other birds away from its space.

  Mikel had worried that making a second link would detract from the one he held with Shadow, but Katria had explained, that if anything it made them stronger. "Think of the three of you like a team..." She had told him, "All sharing qualities none of the others has," she added. Mikel was actually surprised that he had understood what his teacher had meant, and for one of the few times in his life actually felt quite clever.

  Despite it being highly secret, the arrival of two more Icenians had gotten both the people and magicians of Pitford gossiping. As Zack actually knew the truth of it all, well most of it, he felt a little awkward as he sat for his evening meal with Mikel, Melia and the young Bosarians. "I heard the Kothians are not going to help us," Melia whispered across the table airing her opinions. Zack grimaced, and although he would have loved to tell his friends the truth, he had sworn an oath to Anden, and promised to keep the news quiet for now. As a result, he kept quiet and tried to keep his head low whilst he ate his stew. Of all people, it was actually Connor who noticed him acting a little more oddly than usual, "Do you know any news of my Master Sir?" the youngster asked with a look of hope in his big brown eyes. Zack did not like being untruthful, but for now at least he had no option, "I am sorry Connor," He replied, "I do not."

  Mikel broke a piece of bread and dipped it into his bowl, before popping it in to his mouth, "You must know something Zack," he added, only half covering his mouth as he chewed. "I mean, why else would two more Icenians come to visit today, if not to give news." Zack felt the pressure getting to him, as he realised the others at the table were all looking to him to reply. He had not thought keeping secrets from his friends was part of his job description, yet here he was doing just that. "I am sorry...All I know is they carried a personal letter to the king...As I am not the king...," he gestured with his hands open, and left it at that. The others looked at him, seemingly trying to judge if he were holding something back or telling the whole truth, but one by one, they seemed to be happy with his reply.

  Shadow was sat happily on the dining hall floor, ripping apart a large piece of meat with his powerful jaws. The huge dire wolf was now such a common sight around the keep at least, that many barely gave it a second glance as it wandered the corridors. Of course, nobody actually dare go too close, just in case the creature was not as tame as it appeared, but at least they did not turn and hide in their rooms anymore, as some had done at the start.

  Danton was sat in one of the boys rooms, with one of his latest recruits. The boy Kellan, whom he had discovered on his trip to Eldin had settled in quite well, although as yet had not made any new friends. Danton always liked to pay little visits to the newer members he bought to Pitford, just to make sure everything was going okay. Kellan had been given several sets of new clothes, and now the youngster had bathed and had his hair trimmed, Danton could hardly recognise the same young man he had enrolled.

  Kellan told him, that due to his inability to read and write, he was struggling with some of the tasks being set to him. Danton smiled, remembering that Maxim had been exactly the same when he had discovered him. He thought for a moment, and deciding this would be a good opportunity for Kellan to mix with a few of the others, he suggested the pair of them go visit one of the other rooms. "Come with me Kellan," he asked, "I think a little extra private tuition, to help your reading and writing would do you the world of good," he said heading for the door. Kellan did not argue and dutifully followed him out into the corridor.

  As they walked, it was very soon apparent to Danton, just how shy Kellan was. He noticed the youngster could not hold eye contact with anybody they encountered walking the other way. As soon as someone looked at him, his gaze went immediately to the floor, only looking up again when the person had passed by. Danton knew he needed to find somebody like Zack, who had taken an instant liking to Maxim, and although this was a different person, he thought how similar the two were. Knowing not every student he bought to Pitford was as kind and understanding as Zack, he needed to think carefully on whom to select to help Kellan. He needed someone caring and who could show patience, as well as not be condescending, just because Kellan could not manage anything more than the basics of reading and writing.

  He stopped outside one of the other doors and knocked before waiting for a reply. The door opened and a short boy with short jet-black hair stood there with a smile, "Hello Sir," he said politely to Danton. "Hello Karl," he replied, "I wonder might we come in?" he asked. Karl nodded and held the door open for them to both enter before closing it behind them. Danton noticed how Kellan kept his gaze firmly down at the ground as Karl looked towards him.

  Danton introduced the two boys, before explaining Kellan's situation. He knew Karl was a clever lad, and one who appeared to always be happy and chatty, although preferred to have a room to himself. On the table beside the fireplace, Danton noticed the youngster had been reading quietly before his intrusion, seeing a book opened but turned over to keep the page. Knowing Karl wanted to be a teacher when he was a little older, Danton hoped to utilise this into persuading him to help. "I wonder if you might be able to spare a little time in the evenings to help Kellan with his reading and writing," he suggested.

  Karl grinned, and Danton knew the answer would be a positive one, "Of course ...I would be delighted to help," came the over-excited reply. Danton clapped his hands together, "Wonderful...right I will leave you to boys to get to know each other, and sort out the finer details," he added before leaning forward and whispering into Karl's ear. "Thanks. Kellan is very shy, so you will have your work cut out," he added before checking on Kellan, to see if he was all right with the arrangement. The youngster nodded, although kept his gaze lowered, as Danton placed a hand on his shoulder, "Any problems Kellan, please feel free to come and see me any time," he said hoping to alleviate any doubts the boy might have been having.

  Chapter 31.

  Maxim awoke, excited at the day ahead, so much so he almost leapt from the bed he had been using, before hurriedly getting dressed into one of the red robes worn by the Icenians. He scurried down to the room he could sense his father was in, to discover the man already eating breakfast. Although sliced fruit was not normally the ideal start to the day, Maxim decided to join him nonetheless.

  After exchanging greetings, Maxim had barely started eating before he asked, "Are we ready to go Father?" he asked. Joren smiled, "As soon as we've eaten and allowed a few of the others to do likewise, we shall be off." Maxim nodded with a grin almost as big as his face, as he shoved several slices into his mouth in one go, thinking it would save a few precious seconds more. "Excited are we?" his father enquired, Maxim could not reply in words due to his mouth being so crammed full, but nodded profusely.

  Maxim felt every second feel like minutes as he waited beside his father, impatiently it must be said. "Why do we need so many others with us Father?" he asked noticing they already had at least two dozen in their group. "Just because," came the reply, to which Maxim nodded, before
realising that was no kind of answer at all. He was about to speak, when he felt a hand link into his, "Come on no time for chit-chat," his father told him as they finally headed off.

  Most of the Icenians would remain in Berxsley, for now at least, making use of the empty cities garrison buildings, whilst still flitting back and forth bringing the seemingly endless supply of crates and boxes they had brought with them on the ships. Crossing hills and valleys in the blink of an eye, Maxim still knew the trip would take a while. Whilst he was carried ever further southwards away from the capital city, he decided to try to think of all the things he wanted to ask Zack as a means of passing the time.

  Davan, the deposed leader of the Bosarian forces had little option but to continue his trip eastwards, heading back the way he had spent week s travelling. Each town or village he had conquered had seemingly been liberated by this massive unknown army of robed figures. Despite having a force of several hundred, maybe more, retreating with him, he at no stage thought about turning round and making a stand. Instead, he worked on the principal of getting as many of his men back across the border alive as possible. His king would not be happy, but Davan was smart enough to know whoever these mysterious people were, he had nothing in his arsenal to oppose them.

  His scouts had informed him that his movements were being tracked by the unknown figures, and as such, Davan was left with little choice to keep moving. Stopping only to rest the few horses that they had managed to escape with, the matter of food was now becoming his greatest concern. Having not had time to gather any supplies, there was nothing for him or his men to eat, and knew that starving men would soon become desperate ones. His fear however was soon alleviated, as those walking in front of his horse spotted a dozen or more red robed figures stood beside several crates.

  As the man in charge, he was permitted to advance alone, and ride right up to the robed figures stood in their path. "You are to make use of the supplies we give you and continue back across the border. If you try and cause any trouble on your journey or attempt to return, you will be destroyed," he was told by one of the hooded figures. He tried to peer under the hood to see if he could catch a glance at the face of the person speaking, although he need not have bothered as the man eventually lowered his hood for him.

  Davan was stunned to see a tall man with red ginger hair, and although at first he did not realise the significance of that, he did not argue. "Who are you?" he uttered, feeling cold tired and hungry. "You do not need to know that. Use the supplies we offer you and you will be allowed back to your lands. Alter from this course and you will all be destroyed," he was warned again. Davan nodded his understanding, and although his men outnumbered these strange foreigners by at least fifty-to-one, he did not doubt they could or would carry out their threat.

  He looked at the crates of supplies, and although he did not know what they contained, he knew he had little option other to accept the rules, as they were, "We will go back, and you have my word we shall do so peacefully," he added. He attempted to sound sincere, but whether they actually believed him or not he was unsure. He turned to see his men slowly trudging nearer and before glancing back to the robed men before him, only to see them teleport off into the distance, leaving him alone with the supplies.

  Inside the crates were hundreds of loaves of some kind of bread, although it tasted like none he had eaten before. There was fruit in abundance, and even sacks of grain for the horses, and he was happy at least none of his men would starve on their trip back. It dawned upon him, just how strange these people were, had he had the same power he would surely have obliterated every last one of the men opposing him. Yet here they were being gently coerced back home, and even being fed by this unknown force of magicians. Perhaps he thought the Kothians and these strangers helping them, had different views on how an enemy should be treated, luckily for him he thought, as he took a bite from a juicy apple.

  Maxim felt the level of excitement rise significantly, as the group he was travelling with appeared beside the main gateway to Pitford. Those on guard duty did not stand in their way, and merely stood aside for them to enter, although he did notice a runner being sent, probably to let the king know of their arrival. Although he wished they would just teleport right up to the keep doors, his father insisted in walking along the main street and up to the keep gateway.

  Maxim glanced about, and noticed the people in the streets stop and stare their direction as they passed by. With his hood over his head, he wondered if anybody even knew it was him returning, and sniggered to himself as he thought of how to surprise his friends. As was to be expected, Anden and the other members of the council all stood waiting for them in the foyer of the keep entrance. Maxim had slowly drifted to the back of the group, hoping to remain anonymous, for the time being at least.

  Joren pulled back his hood, and looked to his left where his son had been, only to sense he was several paces further back. He thought about calling his son forward, but realised that the youngster probably wanted to greet his friends in his own way, and left it at that. The young King Anden stepped forward, "My Lord," he said, "You are most welcome back here amongst us." Joren bowed his head just a little, more as a show of respect than as a show of any subservience.

  Zack was stood beside the king, looking a little disappointed, he had hoped Maxim would have travelled down with his father, but it appeared not to be the case. Mikel, Melia and the others had also ventured down, and waited off to one side hoping to see their friend, as Zack had. Anden suggested they talk in more private surroundings than the keep hallway, and gestured for his guests to walk along with him. Although the need to know what had happened was strong, he knew such matters were best discussed in the proper way.

  Zack waited for all the Icenian robed figures to walk by, before glancing over to where Mikel and Melia were stood. He shrugged, as the disappointment on his face was clear for everyone to see, as he turned to follow the others. As his head was hung low, he almost bumped straight into one of the Icenians bringing up the rear. The man turned, and Zack was about to apologise when the figure slowly removed his hood to reveal a most welcome smiling face. "Max," he shouted out far louder than he intended, before leaping forward and wrapping both arms around him. Anden turned to see his cousin and smiled, "I think we'll give them a few minutes. They can catch us up," he said.

  Zack did not want to let his friend go, but thought he probably should let the others welcome him back as well. Melia leaned forward first, "Good to have you back Maxim," she said with a warm smile and a much smaller hug. Mikel was next, "Look at you," he said smiling, "All robed up, and sneaking in," he added giving his own hug. Connor ran towards him, "Master," he shouted, "You have returned for me," he added. Maxim immediately felt the awkwardness of the situation; he did not think of himself as anyone's master, but for some reason the young Bosarian seemed intent on thinking of him as such. He had hoped during his time away Connor would have become accustomed to living a more normal life in Pitford, it was clear that was not the case. Maxim gave the youngster a warm welcome and although he knew he would need to have another talk with him, it was something that would have to wait.

  Zack and Maxim eventually left their other friends, as they were expected to join the others. "I thought you had not come back," Zack said, looking his friend in the eye. Maxim grinned, "They wouldn't have kept me away even if they had wanted to," he replied. Zack said nothing, but walked along with a renewed spring in his step. "Are you going to tell me what has happened Max?" he asked, before realising he probably should not have done so. "I guess we'll all find out in a minute," he added giving his own reply, as he picked up the pace just a little.

  With all the members of the Kothian Council present, they eagerly awaited the High Lord of Icenia to give them the news they wanted to hear. "Berxsley and the other towns and villages in the north have been liberated," Joren told them. Ramon clapped his hands together, "I hope you did not suffer any casualties my Lord," he said sounding sincere i
n his reply. Joren shook his head, "Nothing the Bosarians had, caused us anymore than an inconvenience," he replied, before telling them that the remaining enemy forces were being escorted back to their own country.

  Darion was clearly not quite so impressed, and although the others may have been thinking similar things, it was no surprise when the old man spoke his mind. "You are letting them all live?" he snapped, sounding a little more harshly than he meant. Joren looked over to the oldest man in the room, "Sir...We agreed to help you get your country back, we did not return here to eliminate your enemies," he replied sternly. Anden quickly intervened, "For which we will be ever thankful," he said trying to deflect Darion's words.

  Although it was clear the old man was not particularly happy with the way things had worked out, Joren did tell them that several hundred of the enemy had thrown their lives away in trying to put up some resemblance of a fight. The Icenian lord looked over to the old man to see if that at least satisfied his apparent lust for death. "Those that chose to flee will be allowed to do so, however, I have men following them to make sure they do not decide to cause any more trouble," he added, reassuring them that the force would not be allowed to run amok as the retreated.

  Joren also explained that he had travelled with so many so that if they wished it, the royal family could return to the capital, and once more reside in the palace. "We have enough of my people to take you and your family, as well as a few of your guards and house staff. We can come back and fetch more over the next few days," he said, explaining the reason why more than the necessary number needed, had arrived with him. Maxim sat their grinning; now understanding their purpose, as he sat beside his father listening to what he had to tell them, whilst keeping his eye on Zack to see his reaction. Although a thought suddenly struck him, if Anden went to live in Berxsley, then he would want Zack to go with him. This was something he had not thought of, and was quickly trying to think of scenarios where it would not happen.