Grand Redemption (D'Vaire Book 1)

by Kingley, Jessamyn

  “Ayden, come out from behind me so the prism wizard can have speech with you. There is no need to fear him.” Ayden looked at Latarian incredulously as he came to stand next to her; he was most definitely not shy. It was her dictate that demanded he always bow to her authority and rank and stand behind her until she gave him leave to do otherwise.

  “Your eyes do not match that of your witch. They are similar in color, but yours are a darker green. Is that perhaps some blue peeking through?” Prism Wizard Vadimas came to stand directly in Ayden’s face as he asked this.

  “I believe it to be blue, yes. When I cast strong magic the blue sometimes seems to almost take over the green,” Ayden admitted. It made Latarian very angry when his eyes changed to midnight blue, so she rarely allowed him to cast strong magic.

  “Most unusual, but I am glad to see a witch who did not follow the example of the mages and asked Fate to keep her familiar a size smaller than her. Those elementals of theirs are becoming quite ridiculous. It is not like we of magic blood cannot already feel the power of any sorcerer, there is simply no need to summon a familiar the size of a house,” the prism wizard said with a wry shake of his head. It left Ayden feeling quite confused. If it had been Latarian’s choice to ask Fate to make him small, why then did she feel the need to lament the fact that he was not some giant familiar towering over her.

  “Sorcerers can choose the size of their familiars?” Aleksander posed the question, and his face showed the same bewilderment that Ayden felt, clearly he had thought back to Latarian’s apology of Ayden’s small stature.

  “They are not offered a catalog from which to order. But the first cast summoning spell does include words that ask Fate to either make the familiar smaller, the same size as or larger than that of the summoner. I don’t know what words those mages are using these days, as each elemental seems larger than the last. The magus superus really needs to set some boundaries for his people, but considering the size of his own elemental that is unlikely to happen.” Each and every one of the D’Vaires peered at Latarian with bafflement, but it seemed no one wished to question her in front of the prism wizard.

  “I find something else strange, but it is hard to determine if my feeling is correct with the two of you standing in such close proximity. Ayden, would you be so kind as to stand over here near the window?” Vadimas crossed the width of his large, cluttered office and beckoned Ayden to follow him. Ayden quickly complied with his request. Once again, Vadimas was in very close proximity as he peered into his eyes. Ayden could see the brown of the prism wizard’s irises shrink as he squinted in Ayden’s direction.

  “Definitely a blue, a very dark blue nearly black. The green appears almost an overlay of color, like it wishes to mask the blue. Very strange indeed, I have never seen the like and even the elemental familiars have the exact same shade of color to their eyes as that of their summoner. But that is not the reason I have asked you to join me over here, it appears my hunch was correct, the power you hold is stronger that Latarian’s. I have no way to explain such a phenomenon,” the prism wizard looked away from Ayden with those words and cast his inquisitive gaze in the direction of Latarian.

  “Surely you must be mistaken,” Latarian said starchily.

  “I rarely make such mistakes, perhaps you have just recently restored his power, and I am sensing an overflow of magic?” Ayden had no idea what the wizard was speaking of; he had no need to have his magic restored. In truth, he produced more than enough on his own and, before he could think better of it, Ayden informed them all of this fact.

  “That fact simply defies the very foundation of what a familiar is; they are a product of their summoner’s magic. They lack the ability to create their own source of magic that is always provided by the summoner herself. Most odd indeed. I cannot make sense of this.”

  He was not the only one not able to make sense of it; Ayden was mystified about all that the wizard had observed. He had thought himself an ordinary yet uncommonly small familiar. Ayden had known that his magic was stronger than that of Latarian’s, but he had no reason to believe that was not how it was meant to be. Latarian seemed disinclined to offer any explanation as to why he was different and though he wished to question her he knew she would not welcome such a thing. Sheltered from most other warlocks and their familiars before their little trip to the cottage, he had never had the opportunity to compare himself to them.

  “It is assuredly the fault of Ayden himself that he has such oddities. As a familiar I consider him adequate at best, and I have no further wish to speak of it. I wish to speak to you regarding my grandfather,” Latarian said, as she straightened her spine for battle.

  “I see. Of course we can focus on your reason for being here, I can think about why Ayden is different after you depart. We have spent the last few years creating a computerized database of all known magickind living and dead. Let me see what it says about you and your family.” Vadimas took a seat in his desk chair and began typing on the keyboard of his computer. Latarian had not allowed Ayden to use any of the computers in the D’Vaire house, but now that Aleksander was his king Ayden intended to ask him directly if he could have such a privilege. From what he had observed, by watching others on the device, it seemed a most magnificent invention.

  “Ah yes. Latarian. There you are. I am quite grateful your parents were thoughtful enough to give you such a unique name; there is only one record for your name. Carvallius was indeed your grandfather, but you are listed as a novice warlock. Novices do not have the magic to produce familiars, and indeed your magic is quite stronger than that of a novice. You were listed at the age of one hundred and fifty-seven at the time of your presumed death, and your magic rank was last updated at the age of one hundred and fifty. It does not appear to be a clerical error, as you were recorded as a novice at your last three censuses taken by the warlock elders,” the wizard seemed to be thinking aloud as he read from his computer screen.

  “My magic developed later in life than most,” Latarian snapped and Vadimas took his attention away from his task to stare at her in amazement.

  “That is most intriguing; I would certainly love to hear about your magical transformation. Your story might even be an inspiration to those born of little magic.” It was a story Ayden would love to hear as well, he had no idea Latarian was so out of the ordinary.

  “I am afraid I must remain focused on correcting the lies being told of my grandfather. Mayhap, when the world knows the truth, I can inspire those less fortunate than myself.”

  “Yes, well it is my understanding that Carvallius himself left behind the correspondence that explained much of what we know today about the cwylld elven and how they came to be fixated on your race. I have also heard of a journal he left behind; a former prism wizard wrote the history itself and the original writings are all still in England. I am afraid you will need to contact the wizard offices there if you wish to see them for yourself.” His eyes held pity; Ayden realized that Latarian was unlikely to find anything that would please her from her grandfather’s writings.

  “I must see these supposed writings, how would anyone besides his very own granddaughter be able to say if indeed it was his hand that wrote them? He was well envied, and many of those jealous of his abilities may have penned them and left the blame upon his shoulders.”

  “Latarian, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. I must warn you, it will take more than just your word to rewrite centuries of history. Carvallius was not the only one that left behind what we know, and it will take very solid evidence to change the minds of historians like myself.” The prism wizard’s voice was grave. Ayden was unsure what Latarian thought she knew that it seemed everyone else had missed, but she was his granddaughter and surely she knew his true self.

  “I appreciate your counsel, Prism Wizard, and I am prepared to do what needs to be done to clear my grandfather’s name.” They left the Spectra Wizardry shortly after that; Vadimas had requested that they visit again soo
n so he could study their anomalies, but Ayden doubted Latarian would allow that to happen.

  One of the council buildings held a bountiful display of food that Aleksander called a cafeteria, and they decided to have their luncheon meal before returning home. While Ayden stuffed at least a dozen different types of delicious food in this mouth, Latarian had spent all of her time discussing her plans to rewrite history. She wanted the D’Vaires to assist her, but none of them were familiar with the council nor did they know anything about wizards who held the journals and letters she needed to begin her task. Ayden and his new family were headed to the magical area where they had first arrived when he suddenly stumbled over a large object in his path. He barely managed to break his fall, but Ayden was pleased that he had not landed on his face.

  “I’m so sorry,” the object said as it got to its feet and Ayden realized the object was a woman sitting on the floor. She had beautiful dark red hair, and her gray eyes were full of tears.

  “Ayden, mind your feet! Look at what you have done to this poor woman. You must have caused her considerable pain. Just look at her tears! You will certainly be punished when we arrive home, and you will deserve each whip of my lash!” Latarian was incensed, and Ayden was beyond mortified. He felt his face go beet red, and he swore he could already feel the pain of the punishment to come.

  “Oh no, I’m fine really! I-”

  The petite woman had barely begun her sentence before Aleksander cut her off, “Latarian. Ayden tripped over her; it was an accident. We are terribly sorry, ma’am.” Aleksander’s tone was full of apology, and he offered her his hand, but she seemed oblivious to his attempt to help her off the floor. Latarian’s face filled with color, but she did not comment. Ayden knew it was unlikely she would be satisfied with only Ayden’s apology.

  She turned her tear stained cheeks towards Ayden as she spoke, “No, really, it’s my fault. I was totally in the way. I’m sorry, you could have been hurt. I am glad you did not fall.”

  “Please accept my most sincere apology for causing you any harm,” Ayden offered.

  “No harm done, my name is Blodwen, by the way. I really am sorry about being in the way. It’s just, well, I got fired.” The tears began flowing again with this statement.

  “Someone set you ablaze?” Ayden was shocked. From time to time he had envisioned setting Latarian on fire, but he had always managed to curb his temper before casting the spell.

  “No, no, it was my job. They told me I no longer worked there. That’s why I’m sitting here crying. What will I do without a job? It’s my fault; everyone in my necromancer circle hates me because I refuse to summon my sentinel. I have been fired from so many jobs. They always have some excuse, but I know that is why they all hate me.” Blodwen’s sobs wracked her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her face. Ayden simply could not stand to see anyone suffering, so he sat down on the floor next to her and offered her another apology, this one for her misfortune.

  “Thank you, you are really nice, I hope you didn’t hurt yourself tripping over me,” Blodwen replied, as she lifted her head to meet his eyes.

  “I suffered no injury.”

  “You don’t have to sit here and listen to me whining; I will just need to find another job.”

  “Have you always worked here at the council? Are you familiar with all its working?” Aleksander asked.

  “I have worked here within the council for the last three decades. Why?” Blodwen asked, as she craned her head up to look up at Aleksander.

  “Well, this is Latarian, and she needs someone who can help her with a history project, but none of us have any idea how the council works or how to contact anyone really. Maybe you might be interested in working for us. My name is King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis.” Aleksander held out his hand again to Blodwen and this time she allowed him to help her rise to her feet.

  “I would love to work for you!” she exclaimed and Aleksander then introduced her to the rest of the D’Vaire family.

  “I am really sorry I caused you to trip, Ayden.”

  “It is of no consequence,” he assured her. Blodwen and Aleksander then exchanged what they needed to contact each other and Aleksander assured her he would do whatever was needed to secure her employment with them. Moments later they were back in what was now Ayden’s home, and he could not be happier about that fact.

  “Ayden, your punishment awaits. We shall go to your room, so we do not disturb the others.” He had known she would not just allow him to get away with an apology. Ayden hung his head and started to head out of the living room, but was stopped almost immediately by Aleksander’s hand on his arm.

  “Wait a minute, Ayden. Today the emperor made you both official members of my court. I understand that neither of you are familiar with dragon courts, but from this point on there will be no punishments in this house unless I administer them. Tripping over someone is an accident, there is absolutely no need for anyone to be punished for that. Latarian, I think it is best if you give Ayden some space. You both have spent the last six and a half centuries together, and I think it would benefit you both to have some distance from each other. Ayden, feel free to do whatever you want in this house. I will let you know if you are doing something wrong or inappropriate.” Ayden gave Aleksander a grateful smile after his speech. Latarian offered not a word and stormed down the hall to her room, clearly she was not happy about his declaration, but it was not as if she had much choice. For the first time, Ayden felt truly free. He planned on taking Aleksander at his word, there was much he wanted to experience, and he no longer had to stay within the confines of what Latarian allowed him. It was as if his life had finally begun.

  Chapter 3

  Blodwen laid the flowers Dravyn had cut for Ayden’s fallen mate down on the smooth rock of the memorial they had built. Every morning since she moved to Arizona she had joined Ayden on his walks, and they always ended with a few quiet moments to remember all that Ayden had lost so many centuries ago.

  “Fate has been known to match people for a second time. It happens with shifters and fallen knights; they don’t die as one like other magickind. Perhaps you will get another chance to have a mate,” Blodwen said quietly while Ayden kneeled on the ground, she could not stand the idea of her best friend spending his entire life alone.

  “Larissa told me that as well, but it would be very strange to be matched again. I would always know that they were not my true mate. I am not sure how I would feel about that person knowing they were not honestly meant for me. And who could I be matched with? Familiars always mate with one another, and I don’t want to wind up with some creepy elemental mage thing.” She watched Ayden shudder, and they both grossed themselves out with mental images of someone trying to “mate” with an elemental.

  “Races sometimes mix. In fact, I hope my mate is not another necromancer because they will have a sentinel. I don’t want to be near my own, let alone someone else’s.” She looped her arm through Ayden’s as he took to his feet, and they began walking back towards the house.

  “I don’t blame you for not wanting your sentinel around. If those stories you have heard are true, I wouldn’t want some soul bound assassin going crazy and accidentally killing me.” As a necromancer was born, their soul was bound to a resurrected assassin that spent most of their life at some training compound that was not on any map. Once the necromancer summoned their sentinel for the first time, the assassin became attuned to them and whenever their blood spilled, or they lacked air to breathe, their sentinel would appear and eliminate any threat.

  Blodwen had heard tales of necromancers abusing their sentinels and ordering them to kill indiscriminately. While she had no fear of that happening to her, the scariest tale of them all was of the one where the necromancer herself had died at the hand of her very own sentinel. No way was she going to summon the very person who could become consumed with bloodlust and end her life.

  “I wish I had been given a familiar instea
d.”

  She gave Ayden’s shoulder a nudge with this statement and he chuckled, “I am just grateful that my witch is not allowed to treat me as she used to. This past month since we became official members of Aleksander’s court has been the best of my life.”

  “Latarian is a total bitch. Aleksander is a wonderful king; I adore him and the other dragons,” Blodwen said the last with a smile.

  “They are fantastic, aren’t they? It is sad that they have spent so much time alone, they have so much to offer the world. Look what they have done for us, we have a fabulous home, and they spoil us rotten.”

  “Never have I been as happy since I came here to live. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could help others like us? People who are misfits or outcasts and need a place where they can be loved for who they are?” Blodwen did not know how such a thing could be possible. But the D’Vaire dragons had huge hearts, and it was a shame that there were not more people in the world that could benefit from their caring and generosity.

  “Why can’t we just let the council know we have room for people who need a place to fit in?” her friend queried.

  “I don’t think it works that way, sweetie, but there are sanctuaries within the council for those who have special needs. But none of them are available to more than a single race. Dragons stay with dragons and necros stay with necros.”

  “Already we have dragons, a necro, and a witch. Why could we not form a sanctuary for anyone who is an outcast?” Ayden asked, as they approached the back of the house.

  “Well, I suppose we could talk to Aleksander and see what he thinks.” Personally Blodwen loved the idea, but she knew the council was pretty traditional. She was not sure it was something they could ever get permission to do, despite the fact that both the arch lich and the emperor had made her move to Court D’Vaire very easy. She had written an e-mail to the arch lich to explain to him her problems with her sentinel and how a dragon king had offered her a job.