by Ben Hale
This was news to the Swordsman, but he feigned understanding. "Of course she did. What did you expect her to do?"
"So I killed a few aurens," Titus growled. "It's not like they mean anything to her."
"The Harbingers slaughter with purpose. You drink too much, and then kill for fun." The Swordsman's words caused Titus's eyes to narrow.
"Did she send you to kill me?"
"In point of fact, it was a friend of someone you killed."
He raised his chin. "If you are going to kill me, get it over with."
The Swordsman shrugged. He'd gotten all he needed anyway. "If you insist."
"Wait, I—"
The stone of the wall burst out and wrapped around Titus, causing the Swordsman's weapon to glance off to the side. Recognizing the hand of another mage, the Swordsman went on the defensive. His caution proved unnecessary.
Titus was yelling inside the stone shroud as a doorway opened in the rusted steel wall. Rook stepped into the opening and leaned against the side. He gestured to the stone wrap and it began to tighten, eliciting shrieks of pain that continued to heighten until Titus's life was extinguished.
The Swordsman kept his sword out. Rook may have been another member of the guild, but that didn't make them allies. Rook began to laugh at his wariness.
"You and I shared the same target today," he said. "The Harbingers didn't like certain choices he made."
"She's a killer as much as he was," the Swordsman replied. "How many has the Dark already taken?"
"True," he conceded, "but as you said, she has purpose when she kills, much like us, actually."
"I don't slaughter," the Swordsman said.
"Tell that to the trail of bodies you left on your way in here."
"We both know what type of men they were," the Swordsman said.
Rook motioned to one of the bodies. "You judge them unworthy of life, and yet they never seem to stop, do they? There are always more killers, and criminals. Don't you ever get tired of putting the dogs down just to see more appear in their place?"
The Swordsman remained silent, but Rook took that as agreement.
"You see? Alice is merely trying to eradicate the same type of people you so willingly judge."
The Swordsman sheathed his sword. "I don't slaughter innocents."
Rook snorted. "You and your principles will get you killed someday, but until then I'll just have to make do with taking your kill. Better luck next time, mate."
With that he stepped back into the hole and the gap closed. The blanket of stone that had crushed the target disintegrated as Rook departed, allowing Titus's broken body to sink to the floor.
The Swordsman stared at the corpse, and then turned his steps toward the exit. He didn't really care that Rook had eliminated the target. He was dead, so the Swordsman would get paid. Still, the ramifications of the conversation with Rook left him brooding.
He reached the surface and activated his air board once he was clear of the compound. Rising into the night he realized that for the first time his heart wasn't really into his occupation. He'd taken his first kill at the age of nineteen as a new battlemage officer. It had been just a year after his brother had left forever.
The next eight years of his life he'd spent tracking down and killing people that deserved it. That he'd been dismissed from the battlemage corps. Bereft of occupation, his skill set had led him to become an assassin, and within a year he'd been invited to join the guild. As a highly paid assassin he'd continued to hunt those that deserved to die. But now he wondered what good he'd really done. It irritated him to discover that Rook's words had hit home.
He banked his board back and looked at the village in the distance. His entry had been as skillful as ever, and yet he'd done it with a certain sense of apathy. Annoyed at the realization, he jerked his board away and soared into the night.
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt a familiar tug on his shoulder. Gliding to a halt, he turned to find his own shadow standing beside him, its hand extended with an envelope. The Swordsman sighed and accepted the note, whereupon his shadow returned to normal. The note shifted from black nothingness to tangible paper in his hand, and he opened it to reveal the message. In flowing script, the message read:
One Week
Kulldye Dreg
He released the note and it disintegrated. Then he shifted direction and flew east. A formal invitation from the Assassins Guild was not a request, but the timing of this could not be ignored. With Alice, the Dark, and magic revealed to the world, Indigo would want to gather the assassins.
But to what end?
Chapter 12: Gathering the Guild
Hawk flew through the night sky far above the mountains of Japan. Spotting his destination between a gap in the storm clouds, he folded his wings and plummeted downward. Icy rain bombarded him the instant he pierced the clouds, but it turned into currents of steam that trailed behind him. The storm pulled at his wings and body with a fury, but he continued to accelerate until he'd neared the cliff. Then he opened his wings and angled his path toward the castle.
At one time the cliff had extended in either direction for miles, but time and erosion had decimated all but a small section. Maintained by the Guild, the shard of rock stubbornly refused to be pulled down. The ancient structure gripped the summit of the cliff as rain and sleet pummeled it, undeterred by the force of the storm.
Invisible to any not wearing the right charms, the fortress had been relegated to legend by even the mages. When the cliff had begun to crumble the Magtherian had deemed the city unsalvageable, and had ordered it to be abandoned and destroyed. They had taken the relics and other pieces of importance and departed. It had taken a great deal of effort for Hawk to ensure it was not demolished—while also ensuring that the records showed it was destroyed. The Guild had placed hundreds of secrelian charms on it, and let time erase it from memory.
A sadness crept over him as he imagined the parts of the fortress that had long since fallen away—great towers reaching into the sky, carrying the banner of the elves, enormous rivers pouring on either side, and the massive living tree that dominated the center. All had been taken by time. To Hawk it remained the last piece of his past.
Azertorn.
Even after a sentenium he felt a chill at the name. The entire population of Earth had gathered here to defend their lives against Draeken's innumerable horde. Only supreme sacrifice had allowed them to survive. Now after ten thousand years Draeken's evil was being used by another.
He alighted on the wide balcony near the top. Scored by thousands of his landings, the gouges from his claws ended ten feet from the edge where he'd fully transformed to human. He strode inside and wiped the rain from his face. Then he descended the curving set of stairs until he'd reached the enormous great hall.
The crest of the House of Runya remained above the door, but the magic that filled the ceiling had long since expired. Although the space could have accommodated many, only two people sat near the fire. Upon his entry both turned.
"Guildmaster," Rivena exclaimed, rising to her feet. "We did not expect you."
"Are you hungry? There's soup and bread in the kitchen," Azami said, and took half a step in that direction.
"No," he said hastily. "But I could use some help accessing the gatherial."
"Of course," Azami said, and the two of them joined him as they worked their way to the top of the structure.
"How are your boys?" Hawk asked Rivena.
She sighed. "Hard to contain. Since Breaker moved us from the Brazilian guildhall all they want to do is explore the catacombs of this city."
"That would be unwise," he replied. "There are still enchantments down there that could harm them."
Azami laughed. "I put a tracking charm on them when they weren't looking. So far they've steered clear of any dangerous areas."
"They're just like their sister," Hawk said.
"Except in magic," Rivena said, and then her face grew serious. "I
s the auren news correct about the Dark?"
Hawk nodded. "They are tracking its growth as much as we are."
"Has anyone given in to Alice's demands?" Azami asked.
"Not to my knowledge," he replied. "But then, I have been involved in other matters."
They reached the gatherial, and Hawk strode to one of the eight pedestals. Azami was not greatly talented with her techno magic, but anyone with the skill could activate the orb floating in the center of the chamber. She touched it, and it began to glow with distinct runes. Only six of the pedestals lit up with white and purple light.
"So it's true," Rivena exclaimed in shock. "The Brazilian guildhall is also gone?"
"It's why Breaker moved you," Hawk said.
There was an intake of breath, but Hawk had his focus on the other pedestals. "Ladies, you have been very helpful. Could you please give me the room?"
They nodded in unison and departed, whispering to each other in subdued tones. Hawk sighed once he was alone. So many were depending on him, and yet he felt like he had failed them. Weariness washed over him as he waited, but within a few minutes a figure coalesced into shape across from him. And then one by one the others appeared.
Unused since techno mages had developed much more efficient charms, the gatherial had been one of the first attempts at communicating across distances. As long as the occupants stood on the charm anchored to their respective guildhall, they were visible to the others.
"My friends," Hawk began, "the Brazilian guildhall has fallen. Fortunately we saw it coming, and evacuated everyone in time."
"Forgive me for asking," Laurent asked, "but why did we not prepare and fight?"
Hawk shook his head. "The time to fight will come, and it's imperative that we gather our forces. Now that Harbingers are public, the Magtherian will be searching for them. We must seek to ally with the mage government.
"The time has come for us to fulfill the purpose of our Guild's creation. Each of you leads a hall that has been strategically located. If the Dark proves unstoppable, our only weapon will be time. It will be up to you to aid in the evacuation of your respective regions. Auren and mage alike will need to retreat before the Dark overpowers them and turns billions into Twisted."
"But Guildmaster," Silva said, "many will not listen. They still believe that our existence is a lie. Those who do believe are fearful of us."
"Use prudence in who you reveal yourselves to," Hawk cautioned. "Those who will listen will come. Those who do not will perish. Simply providing an avenue of escape will be sufficient for many. It will also be the first step in gaining the aurens’ trust. Remember that at one time we were one people. Becoming so again will not be without challenge, particularly with the impending war."
Allessandra and Dimitri exchanged a look, and then nodded. The others did as well. "What else would you have us do?" Dimitri asked.
"Did you fulfill the assignment I requested?" Hawk asked. Dimitri nodded, and Hawk gestured to the gathered leaders. "Please share what you have learned."
"As the closest hall to Mt. Elbrus," Dimitri began, "I was tasked with tracking the Dark's progress, and testing different magics on it. We have attempted every known magic . . . and have seen our strongest spells fail repeatedly. It truly absorbs all energy."
Someone released an audible groan. Hawk bowed his head at the news. "It was to be expected. Thank you, Dimitri."
"None of our magic works on it?" Allessandra demanded. "Then how are we supposed to fight it?"
"We don't," Hawk said. "We prepare to fight Alice. The war that Ianna prophesied is upon us, and the thread of life hangs over the fire."
"What about the Magtherian?" Darren asked. "Are they not protecting the people?"
Hawk released a long breath. "Our government is divided, with many wishing to place blame and judgment. Those will seek to manipulate the oracle, or silence her. They have already taken measures against her, and myself."
Laurent raised his eyebrow. "What has happened?"
"I have been summoned to a hearing by the Mage High Council. They wish to see me stand trial for my hand in bringing magic public."
"At least that can be avoided," Laurent said.
"I plan on attending."
Their eyes widened in surprise. "You can't be serious," Silva said.
Darren was aghast. "What would you have to gain?"
"It is important that the Magtherian learns we are on their side," Hawk said. "If I do not appear it will be a tacit admission of guilt. Speaking to them will allow them to see who we are, and our purpose. In addition, the oracle has received an equal summons. Together we stand a better chance of convincing the Magtherian that what Tess did was in everyone's best interest."
"But what if they try to strip you of your magic?" Zeph asked.
"They would not succeed," Hawk replied. "No matter what precautions they take, I am still a phoenix."
"What else would you have us do?" Laurent asked. "Surely retreating is not all?"
"No," Hawk said, "the time will come when we will strike against Alice with our whole force, and you will need greater magic to ensure victory. You are all aware of the vaults I placed in your halls? Open them, and train your forces to perform the spells within. As soon as you are ready, we assault the Harbingers at the right moment."
Allessandra swallowed. "You said the vaults were not to be opened, that what was inside was too dangerous."
"They contain instructions for old, forgotten magic," Hawk said. "They will give us the advantage we need when we strike back."
"What about the Dark?" Laurent asked. "Are we supposed to wait until the oracle finds some way to fight it? She's just a teenage girl."
"She is wise beyond her years," Hawk said, "and she needs our faith."
"Are you so willing to rest the lives of billions on her shoulders?" Dimitri asked. "What if she dies?"
"She will not," Hawk replied.
"But what if she falls?" Laurent pressed.
Hawk looked between his friends. Their worry had merit, but he could not bring himself to soften the truth.
"Then we all fall."
Chapter 13: Emissary
In the days leading up to her hearing Tess spent every spare moment scanning through the archives for cases to back up her decision. Twice she received notes from Hawk giving suggestions, and from them she got the best information. Iris tried to teach her how to fashion a techno reservoir to help her keep it memorized, but as distracted as Tess was she couldn't seem to master the spell. Oddly, Iris didn't have the patience to keep helping.
Tess tried to ask what was bothering her, but Iris waved it off. Tess didn't push it, but her gaze lingered on her roommate. More than once she caught Iris staring at the memory frame of her mom.
Derek became Tess’s best asset. In between classes and meals he pored over records with her and helped devise statements and strategies for her hearing. His near constant proximity helped her ignore the animosity of the other students, but it had its drawbacks. Tess found the cram sessions to be two parts distracting and one part studying. More than once their hands touched, and by the night before the hearing their hands lingered against each other.
The contact was electrifying, and shoved even thoughts about the Dark out of her mind. His sidelong glances had the same impact. Only the thought that tomorrow she would be on trial kept her focused. Long after midnight they parted. He embraced her, and then hesitated. Then he leaned in and kissed her soundly.
When he pulled away he flashed his characteristic grin. "I know you'll be alright, and once you get through this we can focus on stopping her."
"Goodnight, Derek," she said as he left.
Her heart thumped in her chest as she took off toward her room. How could she feel so young when she was around Derek, and so old as the oracle? It was a quandary she would have to solve after her hearing. Reluctantly she shook off the euphoria of their budding relationship and landed on her balcony. She eased the door open and tiptoed into th
e darkened room. Then she heard Iris.
"Mom? Please answer," Iris plead in a whisper. "I haven't heard from you in days. You've never been silent for so long . . ."
"Iris?" Tess asked. "What's going on?"
"I'm fine," Iris said, overly loud, and rolled over in her bed.
Tess sank onto her bed. "I know I've been busy, but if you need to talk I'm here."
"I said I'm fine," Iris grunted. "You've got bigger things to worry about."
Iris’s tone dissuaded further conversation, so Tess reclined fully dressed. In minutes she was asleep. The next morning she woke early, her uncertainty driving her from her bed. Changing quickly, she exited her room with the intention of studying before breakfast. Instead she found the gold cat once again outside her door.
"Tess Oliver, you will accompany me."
"But my hearing isn't until this afternoon."
"Lack of compliance will be seen as an effort to void your rights of refusal."
"Can you give me a moment?"
"That will not be possible." The golden cat turned and stalked down the stairs.
Confusion washed across Tess, but she doubted she had a choice. Dodging after the cat, she tried to wake up Iris to tell her what was going on, but her ability to use techno magic was still weak. On impulse she nudged Stel, who had been sleeping around her neck.
"Go tell Iris what's going on," she murmured. "Then come find me."
The steel grend morphed into a large, toothy yawn, and then dropped to the ground. Landing in the shape of a metallic squirrel, he bounded up the stairs and disappeared. Tess stepped into the air and glided after the golden cat, which had picked up the pace.
"Why do I need to come so early?" Tess asked.
"Your inquiry will be answered upon arrival," the cat replied.
"Did the time of my hearing change?"
"Your inquiry will be answered upon arrival."
"Did Mallian send you?"
"Your inquiry will be answered upon arrival."
The lack of answers added to her worry. It seemed they wanted her off balance and ill prepared. No doubt they hoped that she had procrastinated her preparation, as many her age were prone to do. Resigning herself to wait, she remained in the air and glided behind the golden feline. The predawn glow had just touched the horizon by the time they reached the ground, and its dim light guided their path. If the cat noticed how dark it was she gave no sign.
