by Rick Field
Amy frowned harshly. “That is most unbecoming of him,” she said diplomatically, trying to reign herself in and obviously regretting her earlier outburst.
Liane gave a snort that was almost a sob. “This is me, Amy. You can speak freely.”
“The absolute bastard,” the younger woman stated with conviction. “Not only did he take everything you worked for, but he tried to blame it on you. After all you did, and all the sacrifices you made.”
“He and this country can go to Hell,” Liane said, strongly. Suddenly, her voice broke again. “I'm scared of what's to happen next, Amy. I have nowhere to go.”
“Don't be silly. Of course you do,” the young Mage replied firmly.
“I do?”
“Yes, you do. You're coming with me. And since Lord Milor took back the house he gave you, I'm going to buy it off him, and invite you to stay. So you can't own it – that doesn't mean you can't live in it.”
Liane felt her throat close up. “Thanks, Amy,” she whispered.
“I would say it's my pleasure, but that's a pretty wretched sentiment. After everything you've done for me, it's the least I can do.”
They fell into silence, both staring out the window, lost in their own thoughts. Despite Amy's reassurance, Liane felt scared, still, lost and adrift without magic and the certainty of her future. She had no skills outside of magic, no trade to fall back on. She had quite a bit of money saved, but without income, she would deplete her savings eventually. Once again, her thoughts drifted to her earlier realizations.
“Why did he do it?” Liane asked, not really expecting an answer. “I gave everything I had, and he abandoned me when I needed him most.”
Amy sighed. “I think it's because of politics,” she stated calmly.
“Amy?” the former Mage asked.
“I believe the reason you were abandoned is political, Liane. I know you hated politics back at the Academy, and that you never engaged in it, despite being the Magus of the Student Council. Unfortunately, it seems politics is the reason for your current situation.”
“I don't understand,” Liane answered, staring out the window. “Power lies with the Emperor and the Crown Prince as his replacement. There is no real politics to speak of.”
“And that is where you are mistaken,” Amy said. “True, absolute power lies with the Imperial Seat, however, the Emperor and his son are but two people. In order to govern a nation, one must have more than two people. As such, the Ruling Council of Kiria has a lot of delegated authority to act in the Emperor's stead to maintain the daily functions of the island. In high profile or important cases such as this, they are the ones who act as counsellors and advisors to the Imperial Seat.”
Liane nodded, this wasn't news to her. “So why do you believe politics to be the basis for my... exile?”
“The Council is made up of old men and women. People with power, people with important families behind them. When you were made a Mage, they saw it as kindness – give the poor orphan girl a chance to become an Assistant or an Apprentice somewhere. Then, you started to excel. You became one of the top students, reaching the highest levels of academic excellence. When you saved Lord Milor, and were given a high profile position before you even graduated as a Master Mage, jealousy reared its head. From what I have been able to gather, subtle pressure was put upon the Pillar Service to offer you increasingly difficult assignments. Unfortunately for the Council, you have kept completing them successfully. So, when the chance came, they poisoned the ear of the Emperor by inventing possible civil unrest should he allow a Commoner into the Nobility.”
The younger Mage sighed again. “Unfortunately, we both know that Lord Milor will always chose his duty over his friends. No doubt his father is the same way, and when the possibility was raised, he no doubt took it immediately. At least, that's my conjecture, based on what I've been told and have been able to find out when I was trying to help you.”
Liane just nodded sadly, feeling fresh tears prick at the corners of her eyes. “Thanks, Amy.”
Amy gave a crooked grin. “You're welcome, Liane.”
They remained silent, staring out the window.
“What's going to happen to me now?” Liane wondered. “I have no skills to live as a Commoner, and my savings will not last indefinitely.”
“I will hire you in some capacity,” Amy answered calmly. “Hiring you should keep you safe from those that would try to arrange for some accident or invite some Noble to take offense to you now that you are no longer protected by Noble status. Besides, we already established that I will be buying your home from Milor.”
Liane felt a stone drop into her stomach. She hadn't considered the fact that she had made a lot of people very angry during her time as a Pillar. Without her status, she would be unprotected. She couldn't defend herself, even if she were to use the weapon she had built for Steve. Did she really want to stay here?
Her decision was swift, as her decisions almost always were.
“Amy?”
“Yes, Liane?”
“Thanks. For everything. But I'm afraid that I can't stay.”
The younger Mage sighed. “I can't say I blame you,” she replied.
They were silent for a few moments, before Liane spoke once more. “If you would tolerate me imposing on your hospitality, I will need to make arrangements.”
Amy dipped her head. “Of course, Liane. For as long as you need, I will shelter you behind my walls and under my wards.”
Liane smiled in return, the formulaic acceptance of sanctuary somehow making her feel better, despite the situation.
