Here, Micah was not just a rich eccentric uncle that had taken in an orphan. Here, he was a mighty warrior whose mere presence evoked respect, if not fear, in all those around him. On this world, Micah did not hide his age or his ability. All on this world knew his name and knew he commanded the greatest warriors ever seen.
“I am honored to meet one of the legendary Avari,” Joshua said bowing as well.
“Micah, my friend, I think Joshua is star struck,” Bastise laughed.
“Aye. To hear stories of this world is entirely different than seeing it firsthand. And I seem to recall a certain amount of awe on your face not so long ago,” Micah said with a knowing smirk.
“I was merely recovering from the sickness of how you people get around on this world,” Bastise replied with mock indignation.
“Forgive me, Colonel. I must have been mistaken,” Micah said drolly.
Joshua and Michael both laughed at hearing the banter between Micah and Bastise. Seeing his uncle act this way allowed Joshua to rein in his mind so he was not so overwhelmed with awe.
He looked back up at the statue. “This is a wondrous piece. Who carved it?”
As Joshua finished his question, two men suddenly materialized before him. He recognized the other Avari, therefore, the man with him had to be Merric. Joshua also recognized Merric from descriptions Micah had given him over the years.
“I believe I will allow Headmaster Merric to answer that question, but I am afraid you will have to wait for that answer. We have pressing business at the moment. Reek, Branik, would you please escort my nephew to the dining hall and see if any food can be found? I am sure he must be hungry after his confinement. We will come find you when we are finished,” Micah said as he squeezed Joshua’s shoulder gently in affection.
“Aye, Lord Micah,” Branik replied. Branik turned and gestured for Joshua to follow him. The three walked around the statue and through the archway in the opposite side of the hall.
Joshua's gaze lingered on the statue until he was passed it.
Merric had noticed the white haired man immediately. Seeing him standing there in nothing but a loin cloth made Merric pretty sure he was looking at a Were. They tended to be the only ones that dressed that minimally or in nothing at all. Such attire was bred from necessity, of course. When Weres changed form, any clothing worn tended to be destroyed. Knowing Micah would never bring an enemy, unbound, into Kantwell caused Merric to wonder at the reason for this man’s presence.
Micah, seeing Merric scrutinizing Rein, introduced him. “Headmaster Merric, this is Prince Rein of the House of Felinius. Prince Rein, this is Merric, Headmaster of Kantwell.”
Merric’s eyes widened at hearing the man’s lineage. Merric bowed to Rein as Rein returned the gesture. “Welcome to Kantwell, Prince Rein. It is an honor to again meet someone from the House of Felinius,” Merric said formally.
Rein bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Your reputation is well known to the Royal House, Headmaster. It is I who am honored,” Rein replied with a smile.
Micah looked over and saw Colonel Bastise and Michael standing off a bit by themselves, talking quietly.
“Michael, Colonel, please forgive me for not introducing you sooner. I was preoccupied with the safe return of my nephew and forgot my manners.”
Rein turned to the two men and inclined his head.
Michael and Colonel Bastise walked over to rejoin them.
“Prince Rein, this is Wizard Michael. Wizard Michael, this is Prince Rein.”
“Myrkron, actually,” Michael corrected Micah, bowing to Rein.
Rein’s facial expression, which had been passively genial, suddenly changed to awe, and he kneeled before Michael.
Michael was taken aback by the display and looked to Merric and Micah for answers. Micah merely shrugged, but Merric eyed Rein’s kneeling form more critically.
Colonel Bastise looked over at Michael with a puzzled expression. This man, Rein, was a prince. He had bowed graciously to Micah and Wizard Merric but he kneels before Michael. Colonel Bastise wondered what he'd missed.
“Please get up Prince Rein,” Michael instructed him hesitantly.
Rein rose to his feet.
“You obviously know what I am. My question is; how do you know? Merric says there is no record of the Myrkron anywhere that he can find.”
“Wizard Merric is correct. There is no written record of the Myrkron in Kantwell,” Rein informed him. “As to how I know, my family tells stories of a great magi with a golden sash that healed an ancestor of mine. Without that magi’s aid, our line would have ended. That magi called himself a Myrkron.”
“Did this Myrkron give his name?” Michael asked.
“He did indeed. It is a name we have guarded and treasured throughout time,” Rein stated.
“Would you name him?”
“If you are truly Myrkron, I would prefer you told me,” Rein said,
Michael looked at Rein and nodded. “His name was Mason, wasn’t it?”
Rein’s answering smile was all the confirmation Michael needed.
“What else can you tell me about the Myrkron, Prince Rein?” Michael asked, hoping to gain further insight into his abilities.
“I’m afraid little else is known to us,” Rein told him apologetically.
Michael sighed in disappointment.
“My family would be extremely honored to meet you, Myrkron Michael. Perhaps one day you would come to our land and dine with us.”
“If I live through this damn war, I certainly shall. And please, it’s just Michael.”
Michael suddenly remembered Colonel Bastise and that he still had not been introduced. Michael looked at Bastise and then to Micah, who'd been watching the exchange between Rein and Michael with interest.
Micah caught the look and smoothly continued the introductions. “Prince Rein, this Colonel Rimel Bastise. Colonel, this is Prince Rein.”
Rein inclined his head to Colonel Bastise in acknowledgement.
“It is an honor to meet you, Prince Rein. Please forgive me, but I have not the courtly grace of these fine gentlemen,” Bastise said bowing to Rein.
Rein smiled at Bastise in amusement. “A soldier’s grace is a thing apart from the protocols of court, but is not lessened by that fact nor, is it to be taken lightly. I may be a prince in title, but I am a warrior among my people. Please Colonel, be at ease in my presence. There is no need to stand on ceremony with me.”
Bastise threw his head back and roared with laughter. “Ah, Micah! I like this man. You truly are a soldier, Prince Rein,” Bastise said with a huge smile.
“Now that introductions have been made, please tell us what brings you to Kantwell, Prince Rein.” Merric inquired politely.
“To be literal, Mael, but I bring news of the High Caste. Though my people live in seclusion, we have been following recent events,” Rein started to explain.
“Merric, I think this discussion would be better suited to a more comfortable setting, the library perhaps?” Micah suggested.
“Yes, of course. And I could loan you a robe, Prince Rein, if you would like. The stone of Kantwell carries a chill this time of year that even the hearths cannot drive away,” Merric offered.
“That will not be necessary, Headmaster Merric, though I understand the dual meaning in your offer,” Rein assured him. Rein passed an open hand up smoothly in front of his body and the loin cloth shimmered and began to flow. It expanded up to cover his chest and arms and down, covering his legs to his ankles. He stood before them clothed in a shimmering white robe that matched his hair.
Michael and Colonel Bastise watched in fascination.
Merric and Micah were both taken by surprise.
“Are you a magi as well, Prince Rein?” Michael asked before Micah or Merric could recover from their shock.
Rein smoothed the front of his robe. “No, Myrkron. Every so often, one is born within my House that has command of our ancestral druidic powers. I have been blessed by
the Great One to be among them. Unlike the Lower Caste, we have not forgotten the past nor have we abandoned our humanity,” Rein explained.
Colonel Bastise looked a little puzzled by the last part of the statement.
“Sorry, Colonel. I sometimes forget you are new to this world,” Micah apologized.
“Prince Rein is a High Caste Were. The ones that attacked the manor and abducted Joshua were of the Lower Caste. Unlike the High Caste, they give themselves over to their animal side, preferring it. They only take human form when absolutely necessary,” Micah informed him.
“I would be most interested in learning about the druids,” Michael interjected.
“When time permits, I would be glad to tell you about us.”
“As interesting as all of this is, I believe we should get to the main reason Prince Rein is here. Let us adjourn to the library where we can all be seated,” Merric said. Without waiting for any reply, he spoke the words of transport, taking them to the smaller, teaching library on the fourth floor, just down the hall from his study. “Please, be seated gentlemen. I will have refreshments brought up.”
Merric sat at the head of a large rectangular table. The dark surface was well worn but polished; and the twenty one chairs, ten on each side and one at the head, were padded in rich, dark blue velvet. The head chair, in which Merric sat, had a slightly higher back than the others. The lack of a chair at the foot of the table allowed anyone seated at the head to have an unobstructed view of the only door leading into the library. Eight bookcases ran perpendicular to the table, on each side of the room, set a comfortable distance from the table. The far ends of the bookcases extended to the walls. Light globes at the far ends of each row, mounted to small sconces on the end of each case, provided light for those at the table.
Merric rang a small crystal bell placed near his right hand. “I hope you will forgive my abruptness, Prince Rein, but our time grows short. What news have you for us?” Merric’s voice held a ring of authority that brought a faint smile to Micah’s lips.
“I understand, Headmaster Merric. I understand, better than most how short our time runs. I must, however, provide a bit of background first,” Rein explained.
Merric nodded and patiently leaned back in his chair.
Rein looked around at the seated men and folded his hands together before him on the table. He then turned his eye to Merric and began. “A few years ago, it came to our attention that the Lower Caste was in an unusual uproar. They engaged in many contests among themselves for dominance. This happens often enough as a younger male strives for leadership of his particular group; but this was different. It was happening in every group almost simultaneously. We observed them for a few weeks as these challenges continued. Then one day, they just ceased. The leaders of the groups came together and met. I don’t have to tell you how unprecedented an event this was. We were intrigued and kept constant vigil. The meeting lasted a day, and the only thing discussed was of an upcoming war. All of the leaders were to report to Gratton to pledge their loyalty to a very powerful wizard that promised them the destruction of their enemies, the elves.”
Rein paused only long enough to permit those gathered to digest the first part of his story. “It was decided that I would follow them since my druidic abilities would allow me to remain concealed from both sight and scent. A day into the journey, they were met by a small wizard. She informed them that Mortow was greatly pleased at their decision to be a part of his plans and eagerly awaited their arrival. Such malice I felt from her that, even though she was pleasing to the eye, she left a blight on the earth everywhere she stepped. Since the wizards had always been a source of good will, I realized all was not well in the world around us. I continued spying for many months, following one wizard or another, but keeping my distance from Mortow himself. The one time I did get close to him, he sensed something. It was not safe for me near him, but the others didn’t seem to notice me as I became root, rock or bush around them.”
No one stirred during Rein's next pause. Each face around the table bore a rapt look of interest.
“One day, I was following a small wizard named Mael. He intrigued me the most among all the wizards. He was completely devoid of all emotion. I put myself into a stone he carried. What I felt from this stone greatly saddened me, and then I realized what it truly was, a Hy stone.”
At mention of the stone, Micah closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly. Intent on Rein’s story, the others did not see Micah’s distress.
“Mael has a Hy stone?” Merric demanded in anger.
“Aye, Mael possess one. How he came by it, I do not know. They are exceedingly rare,” Rein confirmed.
Micah spoke up. “I gave it to him.”
All eyes turned to Micah.
Merric looked at Micah questioningly. “Why would you give such a thing to one such as Mael, Micah?”
“It was a way to assure his cooperation. Mortow commands great power. The only way to sway Mael’s loyalty was to give him something I knew Mortow could not provide. By giving him the stone, he knew I had command of powers beyond anything he had ever seen,” Micah explained.
“Such a stone is evil, Micah. Where did you ever find it?” Merric asked.
“Nay, the stone itself is neither evil nor good. It is the act of creating such a stone that is evil. I acquired the stone on the other world. It had been in my possession for many years.”
“What is a Hy stone?” Michael asked puzzled.
Micah looked to Merric and saw him nod.
“A Hy stone is thought to be the heart of a redeemed Seph.” Seeing Michael’s blank look, Micah continued. “The Seph are a race of winged beings. I believe it is where the legend of angels came from. They are explorers and scholars for the most part. Sephs have powers even we would consider strange. They are invisible most of the time, yet are extremely benevolent. They have been known to help others if the need is great; hence the angelic legend. Occasionally, one will fall. I have no idea how it happens or why; but when it does, the other Seph strip him of his powers. The fallen one is forced to live as a normal human being until he can redeem himself in the eyes of his brethren. If he can achieve this goal, his powers are returned. A Hy stone is the heart of such a being. It is a tremendously powerful focus item for magical and psychic energy.”
Colonel Bastise chuckled and shook his head. “If I did not sit where I now sit, I would think you all had lost your minds. As it is, I wonder if it is not me who has.”
“I know how you feel, Colonel,” Michael told him smiling.
Micah forced a smile for their benefit and addressed Rein. “Please continue, Prince Rein.”
“As I was saying, this stone greatly saddened me, and the fact that a wizard carried it was cause for distress. I was about to leave the stone when Mael teleported. He met with you, Lord Micah. I learned he was working for you and against Mortow. I thought perhaps I had misjudged Mael.”
“Not likely,” Merric intoned flatly.
“When you departed, I decided to take a chance and reveal myself to Mael. I told him of my mission and asked if he would help me. In what I have since learned to be typical of Mael, he asked what I had to trade for such assistance. After a bit of negotiating, we came to an agreement.”
“I hate to think what that agreement cost you,” Merric stated angrily.
“Despite what you think of Mael, Headmaster Merric, and contrary to my own initial feelings about him, he has kept his word. He may be devoid of emotion, but he does have a sense of honor. I had to entrust my life to him in order to get into Gratton where I could move about freely. It was Mael who arranged for me to be assigned as guard to your nephew, Lord Micah. And it was Mael who delivered us from that seat of tyranny,” Rein informed them.
“Mael only looks after himself. The fact that he aided you, Prince Rein, tells me he was merely protecting his investment. I do not trust the man. The instant your debt to him is paid in full, he would watch you die without lifting a finger
,” Merric replied.
“I think you judge him too harshly. I paid that debt before he even got me into Gratton. He kept his end of the bargain, as he seems to have done with Lord Micah.”
“Aye, I cannot fault the man on his word. He has supplied intelligence to me throughout his tenure at Gratton, and he delivered Joshua from Mortow’s clutches,” Micah agreed.
“All of what you say may be true, but I watched the man grow up. I taught him, and I saw him turn against us. Just because he says he held back during the Purging does not make me believe it was so.”
“Nevertheless, I told him I would petition on his behalf to be allowed admittance to Kantwell. He cannot return to Gratton. Mortow would kill him for what he has done,” Micah informed Merric.
“And what if this has been pretense for Mortow placing another spy among us? Or worse, an assassin,” Merric demanded.
“Restrict his access. Do not give him knowledge of our plans. If it is all a trick, then we are forewarned and on guard. If his position is genuine, we have yet another powerful ally. I have done what I said I would. I have asked. The decision is yours, Merric. Think on this, though. Is it not better to have him close so you can keep an eye on him?”
Merric stared at Micah with a sour look on his face. Finally he sighed. “I will consider your petition, Micah.” Looking once again at Rein, Merric brought the conversation back to the main topic. “Please continue, Prince Rein.”
“The news I bring is that my House and many of my people have decided to ally themselves with you, Headmaster Merric. The High Caste will fight once again. This has all the makings of yet another race war, and we feel our lower caste brethren need to be taught a lesson. Hopefully, it is one they will learn this time.”
Chapter Eighteen
Mathis sat behind the desk at the head of the classroom watching Miles shakily levitate a book above his desk. He tried to remind himself that everyone had to learn in their own way, but he just wasn’t cut out to teach. Once he mastered something it was difficult for him to have patience with anyone that could not display competence in that area. He knew these young magi deserved better than having to endure him in their studies. Damn Mieka for what she'd done. He wasn’t sure if he was angrier at her for her betrayal or at himself for not seeing her for what she truly was. The students had been crushed when they learned that she had been working for Mortow, especially little Miles, who had come to look at her as a surrogate mother. No, he was angrier at her. She turned against all of them.
Myrkron (Volume Two of The Chronicles of the Myrkron) Page 17
