"Is he alive?" the smith asked.
"Yes, just spent completely. Find a piece of armor, something old," Hebron said.
The smith produced a piece of rusty chain mail. Hebron said, "Strike the mail with Shad-Ra."
The sword cut the mail in two like a knife to butter. The smith tried it on a sword, and Shad-Ra cut through that as well. "Splendid, Master Hebron. Young Juxta has definitely repaid his debt. Can you wake him?"
"Splash some water on his face…"
The smith grabbed up a bucket of water and drenched Juxta with it.
Not again! Juxta woke with a start, and the smith asked, "How do you feel?"
"Tired and wet!"
"The enchantment worked." The smith seemed to examine the gleam of the sunlight on the blade. "You've more than repaid your debt to me. Thank you, young sir."
"Oh, by the way, whoever uses Shad-Ra must know its name. If the wielder doesn't know its name," Hebron said. "It will act like a normal sword."
"Good to know."
Juxta's nose bled, and a terrible headache started creeping in through his temples. Hebron assured him he'd feel better in a few weeks. The nose bleeds and headaches stopped after a few days, but he didn't feel like practicing magic for a week. Wary at first, he tried a simple lightning bolt to start. In truth, the force of magic flowed more freely than before enchanting the sword. The smith gave the sword to Rollin, and word of Juxta's powers spread through the castle.
*
Two more years passed. Simon and William did indeed face three adult rangers regularly. Cadet life grew mundane for both of them. Juxta learned more and more spells, and he grew in power consistently. He and Hebron were having a late dinner of roast chicken when Hebron said, "Juxta, you're the youngest apprentice I've taught, and you grow in power the fastest…"
Juxta nodded between bites of chicken.
He learned his first ward. A simple protection used for camping. It required little power and created a circle around a campsite, so that any beast crossing over would wake the caster. Hebron made him cast it every night in his room in the castle until it became automatic.
*
Prince William and Simon's life as cadets, while far more boring than they'd hoped, was almost up. They would be rangers at the end of the summer. Their graduation coincided with the summer trials. The last summer they were taught the final page of the Codex, and it tied together all the previous pages into one fluid battle. That summer every day, they practiced the entire Codex from beginning to end. The day of the trials came, and the king held his great feast. Simon hadn't seen Teresa in four years, and they danced once again…
Chapter 5
William and Simon graduated to the full rank of ranger, and their regiment went back to the Tercian front to patrol, but this time, and the boys knew it--they'd get their first taste of combat.
Within a week of their patrol, William caught Simon's eye. "Isn't it about time?"
Simon smiled back at him. "You've waited almost a week since we've had rank, my liege."
William shook his head. "It's William."
"No, my liege,” Simon said. "We're no longer cadets, and this isn't Raleg."
"You're right, my friend. Let's fight."
"With steel? Blood for points?"
William laughed. "You're joking, Simon, and you never joke."
"If we're going to fight, we fight like men."
"I'll have to think about it."
Simon showed his teeth. "There's a Druidic temple near here. Sarge might let us go there and enlist a healer. He would, by the rules, if we were fighting over rank or honor."
"That's what I count on you for, Simon, to know all the rules. Ask him. He would be biased if I asked."
"He's smart enough to know it'll be the two of us fighting."
"I'll ask him, if I decide I want to bleed that badly. It's my place. It's my idea."
"It's my idea too, my prince. I just think we should fight like men."
"Agreed."
William went looking for their sergeants because he needed permission from both of them, and then they would have to take the matter up with the lieutenant of the regiment. What Simon and William planned was within normal ranger practice in truth, and likely other pairs would want to fight, if they went to see a healer.
William's sergeant liked the idea. Then he said, "But, we can't. We just got a report back from one of our Rogue Scouts. He found an ogre trail, a fresh one, and we're going after them."
William's eyes narrowed, and he grinned a tiny grin of malice. "Will you let us go and fight, after we kill these ogres off?"
"Yes, my liege."
William went to Simon's sergeant next. He wholeheartedly agreed, but once again was privy to the knowledge of the ogre trail. William went and found Simon. "One of the Rogue Scouts found us some ogres to kill. Afterwards we're going to see a certain druid."
"Excellent. I've been practicing on the side."
William smiled. "Surely you're joking again, Simon."
"No, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and practice in the courtyard, practicing the moves my pappy taught me."
"Well, I guess it's a good thing that I have time to practice between now and then."
The regiment moved out the next morning in hunt of the ogres. They numbered about thirty and once the rangers caught up to them it was a simple slaughter of flying arrows. They left the dead where they lay although they went through their bags and belt pouches. Any coins they found went to the first church they came across.
On reaching the Druidic temple, William's Sergeant went inside. After a few moments he returned with an ancient druid in tow. The druid was short with a clean white robe and tall staff. The druid looked over the troop. "There's an ancient, derelict bridge near here, over a swift stream. It'll take you some time to rebuild, but it connects two of our villages. It's the fee I ask."
A few of the rangers moaned, but others shouted, "We'll pay!"
The ancient druid nodded and leaned heavily on his staff. "Let the men who will fight step forward."
Simon, William, and six others stepped forward. The druid started a quiet, ancient chant, but the rangers felt nothing. The druid pointed at William. "You're the heir to the throne of Lynken."
William said, "Yes, Master Druid."
The druid waved his finger in front of himself as if telling a child no. "I can't heal you. Your line's magic resistance is too strong. You would resist any healing spell I attempt."
William's eyes went wide, and his head shook back and forth in tiny short motions. "What?"
"The line of Kings of Lynken have inborn magic resistance. We expect it to die out, but it keeps coming back with every generation."
Prince William looked from the druid to Simon to his sergeant and back to the druid. "What?"
Simon said, "You heard him, my liege. We can't fight."
"Damn it, Simon! Screw the healing."
"I won't fight you, if the healer can't work his magic on you."
William sighed.
The other rangers took up their arms, and the troop watched. The druid worked his magic sealing up bleeding cuts as they occurred.
They took to the task of building a bridge…
*
Two years passed while Juxta practiced. Simon and William patrolled the border, cutting down ogre parties every few months. Time came to pass when their regiment returned to the capital to watch over a new ranger trial.
Prince William went to his father in the throne room. "Father, I'd like to talk…"
The king sat forward on his throne and smiled. "Have you met a girl?"
"No. I have questions about other things…"
The king nodded and raised his voice. "Clear the room, all of you, leave us!"
William waited for the scribes and guards to close the doors on them. "Father, there are things you never told me that I've learned of that you should have told me of…"
The king clasped his son on the
shoulder. "So, you've found a girl?"
"No, Father… You never told me of our line's magical defense…"
"Yes, well, the less people who know about that the better."
The prince peered off into the distance. "Why won't the ogres from Tercia respect our border?"
"I wish I knew. All we can do is hunt them."
*
Reports of ogre incursions multiplied. The rogue scouts tracked a massive organized army of ogres on Tercia's side of the border. One night while the king and queen lay next to each other in bed, the king whispered, "Rubie should be married by now…"
Karen rolled over to face the king. "She can't just marry anyone."
"Nork has a prince."
Her eyes opened wide. "You old fool, he's nearly thirty."
"We need Nork. They should have been married years ago."
Karen fixed a strand of hair from over the king's brow. "We should send a messenger to Nork to propose this wedding…"
"Let's send the prince to negotiate this alliance. It's time he earned his keep. Rubie can go with him. She can be her own messenger."
Karen nodded.
The king rolled over away from her. "I dread informing Rubie of all this. It's a hard thing we're asking of her."
She pulled on his shoulder until he lay flat on his back. "It's her duty. She'll show her true spirit in this matter. I'll take it up with her."
In the morning the queen went to Rubie's chambers. She grabbed Rubie by the arms and pulled her close. She kissed her on the left cheek and right cheek. She said, "The wedding is on."
Rubie smiled while Teresa gave off this stench of a glare.
"To whom?" Teresa asked.
Rubie said, "Prince Henry, heir to the throne of Nork."
Teresa's glare got worse.
Karen didn't spare Teresa a glance. "Your brother will escort you to Nork. I expect Juxta will accompany you."
Rubie said, "Great."
"Now, now."
"You know I love traveling with my brother."
Karen kissed Rubie on the forehead and departed.
Teresa raised one eyebrow. "I've never heard of any sort of marriage until now."
Rubie laughed. "Teresa, you have to understand, mother and I have discussed this wedding since I was fourteen. We have been waiting for father to think of it on his own, so it can be his idea."
"Henry's old and fat and bald."
"He's only 30."
Teresa's eyes rolled around. "I just can't believe you'd marry so easily."
"My dear friend, you have to understand. I slept with him when he was here for the last ranger trials, when I sent you away to visit your family."
"You did not!"
Rubie smiled and nodded.
Teresa said, "You realize it gets cold in Nork?"
*
Hebron met with Juxta at the wizard's house and found his apprentice cooking lunch.
"The king has a mission for you," Hebron said.
Juxta dropped the spatula he'd been using to stir eggs. "What is it?"
"You're to help escort Princess Rubie and Teresa to Nork. Princess Rubie is to marry."
Juxta's heart sank. No more bumping into Teresa in the castle. "Excellent, Master. When do we leave?"
"You'll have to coordinate that with the prince and princess. But, I have something I want you to take with you, give me a minute to find it."
Hebron went into the house while Juxta finished cooking his lunch. Hebron returned with his fist closed around something. He dropped a ring into Juxta's palm. It was gold with a red ruby and green emeralds along the band in both directions from the ruby.
"Its name is Dragon's Fire. Its power is incredible. Channel your spells through it, and their power will be amplified."
Juxta smiled. "It's beautiful… But what about casting from the heart?"
"Once you learn that, you won't need the ring. Casting from the heart may take decades for you to learn. Some never do."
"Should I try the ring?"
"Yes."
They set up targets, and with minimal effort Juxta obliterated them. He felt like a true magi for the first time. "Thank you. I'll return the ring when we return from Nork."
"Keep it as long as you need it."
Juxta finished his lunch and returned to the castle to meet with his travel companions. He didn't recognize the prince at first. He stood tall, for he was a full grown man, and he had just a bit of stubble growing on his face. His shoulders were broad, and the leather armor he wore looked like a second skin.
The prince was staring out the window. Juxta interrupted the silence, "Your highness."
The prince turned to look Juxta up and down. He had grown too. His brow wore a firm assuredness. William said, "Welcome, Juxta. I hear you're joining us on the journey to Nork."
"Yes, my lord."
William raised his eyebrows up and then down again in a quick motion. "Has your magic really gotten that good?"
"I believe so."
"Show me…"
Juxta instinctively looked around for something he could destroy and found a small pile of firewood by the fireplace. Selecting a fairly large piece, he set it in the fireplace and backed away from it. Juxta summoned power until it reached his heart, which only took the moment of a few breaths. Then he envisioned a triangle around the firewood and said the word of power. A bolt of lightning splintered the log into dozens of shards with a loud crack.
"Very impressive. Next time I need kindling I'll know where to go." William grabbed Juxta's arm and squeezed. "It's good to see you again, Juxta. You've done well for yourself… Do you know why we're going to Nork?"
Juxta said, "Your sister's going to marry Prince Henry…"
"We need them to help us defend against Tercia. War is looming."
"We've fought off Tercia before. We'll do it again."
"This time is different." The prince shook his head. "There are nearly twenty thousand ogres on the border. I fear the worst."
"All the more reason to hurry to Nork and forge this alliance."
"We leave in the morning. Make sure to bring a decent bedroll."
*
The king and queen met them at the stables in the morning bidding them farewell. William kicked his heels into his horse's rump, and they set out for Nork.
On their second day of riding, they came upon a few wagons with a small fire going. An elderly lady from the wagons shouted, "Hoy there!"
The woman wore a dark blue dress and had wild grey hair.
They stopped their horses, and Prince William asked, "Can we share your fire?"
The lady looked them over. "Certainly young sirs and ladies."
They dismounted and pulled jerky from their packs to warm over the fire. The lady caught Rubie's eyes and motioned towards her wagon. "Would you care to look over my wares, my lady?"
Teresa said, "What do you trade in?"
"I have scents and precious oils from the four corners of the land…"
The princess smiled. "Yes… I'm Rubie."
The lady nodded. "I'd guess Princess Rubie. I'm Sue."
Rubie said, "Let me see your wares."
Sue went to the first wagon and lifted a blanket to display a wooden plank with jars tied to it with names written above each jar. "These are my common scents, and you can find them in most scent shops in Lynken."
Rubie sighed.
The old woman pulled a wooden box from under her wagon seat and opened it to reveal three jars. One labeled cinnamon, one jasmine, and the other lavender. "Try these three, for they're very rare…"
Rubie smelled each jar in turn, smiling wider as each new scent caressed her. "How much do they cost?"
"I only have the one jar of each. I want a gold piece for each one…"
William glared from across the campfire. "Don't you dare spend a whole gold piece on a silly jar of scented oil!"
"I'll spend my money on whatever I wish." Rubie rubbed her palms together. "Teresa can make candles
from the oils."
"One part scent to ten parts wax…" Sue said. "Is there one you prefer over the others?"
"I like all three. If I take all three, will you throw in three jars of rose scent?"
Sue closed her eyes for a moment as if challenged by the math that presented. "I could do that, my lady."
"If we stop at an inn, you better have enough for your own room," William said. "Or you'll be sleeping in the stables!"
"I have plenty of money, brother."
William's face stretched out like all the muscles were pulling tight at the same time. "How much did they give you?"
"Enough that I can spend it!"
*
That night they camped by a lake. In the morning, Juxta and William tried their hand at fishing, hoping to catch some breakfast. Teresa snuck up behind them, which she excelled at.
"You're fishing in the wrong spot, boys," Teresa said.
"What?" William said.
"You'd have more luck at either where the stream feeds the lake or where it exits the lake." She placed her hands on her hips and faced the two men. "Plus, I want to go swimming here."
William waved out towards the lake. "Your swimming won't interfere with our fishing."
"If you say so."
Then she pulled her dress up over her head to reveal her true form. Both men stared. She was a grown woman and had acquired all the right parts to drive a man mad. She dove into the water splashing both of them. She started doing a back stroke and shouted, "Aren't you going to join me?"
Neither male could move or say a word, mesmerized. Then the prince nudged Juxta. "She means you…"
"No, your highness…" Juxta said.
"Sure she did."
"No, I mean. No, I'm not going swimming!"
"Why not?"
"Why don't you join her?" Juxta asked.
"Simple matter, I prefer fishing."
"So do I!"
After swimming about for a bit, Teresa fished herself out of the water. The moisture glistened on her smooth curves and womanly parts. "Chickens."
William and Juxta both stared at her dripping wet, tanned, and smooth skin.
That day they encountered another wagon, and the driver hollered. "Hoy there!"
Juxta, Magi Page 5
