by Jon Bender
Hearing him enter, she looked up. “What can I do for you, Alimar?”
“We must leave for Ale’adar today,” he said.
She laid the paper down, settling her full attention on him. “What’s happened?”
“I just spoke to Jaxom. He thinks something may have happened to your cousin. He is flying to the capital now and wants us to meet him there. He wants me to begin inquiring into the king’s whereabouts before he arrives.”
“Did he say anything else?” she asked agitated.
“Just that King Corin has not contacted him in some time. He hopes that whomever the king left in charge will have answers. If not, he plans to head south into Azuria to track him down.”
“I guess we will be taking the durgen,” she said, not sounding enthused about the idea.
“It is the fastest way,” he said, smiling at her discomfort.
“I will be ready in an hour. I need to make some arrangements. Will we bring all the apprentices?”
“I can’t leave them here alone. There is no telling the kind of trouble they would get into, especially the twins.”
She nodded. “One hour.”
Alimar left the office and head for the vault. Laiden was sure to be there. Passing through the outer room, Alimar commanded the risen guards to open the door as he approached. The apprentice must have heard him come in, but he was so engrossed that he did not look up from the book.
“Pack your things and have Kasric and the twins do so as well. We leave for Ale’adar within the hour.”
Laiden’s head jerked up. “We are leaving Terika?”
He had not left the city since he had arrived, and he disliked the fact that Lexa had been allowed to use her abilities in the world. She would now be bounds ahead of him toward achieving mage status. “King Corin may be in trouble, and Jaxom wants me there. You will all be coming with me. Meet me at the durgen stables.”
“Yes, Magus. What should I do with the book?” he asked, indicating the open tomb.
“Bring it.”
Laiden closed the book and tucked it under his arm, then left to gather the other apprentices. Walking over to the weapons racks, Alimar found three swords that were similar in length and weight to the one Jaxom had created. He always found it odd that a mage of Jaxom’s power used such a barbaric weapon, though admitted he was skilled with it. Returning to the desk, Alimar opened the book containing the descriptions of the items he had cataloged so far. The first blade could inspire courage in the wielder and any nearby allies. An interesting enchantment, but from Jaxom’s previous exploits in battle, Alimar did not think he would have much use for it. He remembered the next blade specifically, and felt a bit of annoyance thinking about it. The sword held an enchantment, but after days of using the weapon, Alimar had been unable to determine what it did. Giving Jaxom a sword with unknown properties could just as likely harm him as anyone he faced. The final option was one even he could appreciate. With every blow, the enchantment saved a portion of the energy used to swing it, which could then be released in one powerful strike. The sword itself was clean and sharp thanks to the twins who had done their best to restore all the items in the vault. The cross guard was shaped like upwards-facing claws, beneath which a leather-wrapped grip led to a clawed fist, forming the pommel. There was no scabbard, so Alimar hefted the blade over his shoulder. He could only imagine how awkward he must look.
Directing a soldier outside the vault to find a suitable replacement sheath, Alimar returned to his chambers to pack for the journey. As he carried the sword and his bags out to the stable, he saw Laiden and the twins securing their bags to the durgen. Celia was speaking to Kasric, and both approached Alimar when they saw him arrive.
“Magus, I would like to stay behind,” the older apprentice said.
“You are knowledgeable enough in your casting, but you have not left Terika since coming here. It would be good for you to take what you learned and use it in practical situations.”
“I do not mean indefinitely, Magus. I would follow behind once I am finished with my construct. If something has happened to King Corin, it may be of help.”
Alimar could hear the excitement in his voice. “Do not forget that shades attacked when the others made the trip. The same could happen to you if you travel alone.”
“Jaxom will not be in Ale’adar for several days after you arrive. I will wait until Kasric has finished his project and travel with him,” Celia offered.
Alimar considered it for a moment and nodded. “Laiden, go to the vault and retrieve a set of the whispering stones. Be quick.”
The apprentice took off at a run. Several minutes later, he reemerged and handed two rings to Alimar. Alimar handed one to Celia and placed the other on his finger. “Be careful,” he said to Kasric.
“Of course, Magus,” Kasric said.
Alimar entered the stables, tied his bags onto the mount, and commanded the risen to follow him out. Once in the yard, they climbed into the saddles. The animal unfurled its wings, kicking up snow as it lifted from the ground, heading south.
Chapter 28
Jaxom flew in low over the palace walls as the sun neared its zenith. He landed in the large yard next to the durgen stables and was stepping down from his saddle before his friends even touched the ground. Alimar was waiting for them along with Laiden and two new apprentices he did not know.
Handing the reigns to a stable hand, Jaxom walked over to the older death mage. “Where is Celia?”
“She stayed behind with Kasric but should be here before dark,” Alimar said.
“How do you know?”
Alimar raised a hand, displaying the small stone ring.
“Why would she stay behind? You told her that Corin is missing?” “Kasric was close to finishing his project. Celia volunteered to travel with him once he was done.”
Jaxom stared hard into his eyes, reminding himself that Alimar was not his subordinate. The man could make whatever decisions he wished regarding the apprentices, and Celia would do whatever she thought necessary. “Do you think it wise to let Kasric continue with his diversion while there are more pressing issues?”
Alimar met his stare with an unflinching one of his own. “The apprentice felt that his diversion may be of help. I understand that you are worried for your brother, but do not let that fear prevent you from thinking clearly.”
Jaxom realized he was right. During the journey, he had spoken into the whispering stone many times, hoping in vain that Corin would respond. His apprehension increased every time he did not receive a response. His friends had kept their distance as he his mood deteriorated. Even Adriana had been walking on eggshells.
“Have you been able to find anything out?” Jaxom asked, forcing his voice to take on a calmer tone.
“General Nelix has returned with news. You were right. Something has happened to the king.”
“Where is Corin?”
“He was taken by King Alexar during their meeting.”
“How? Where was Nelix?”
Alimar held up a hand to stave off more questions. “It would be best if you spoke to the general directly. He killed three horses getting back here to deliver the news.”
Jaxom nodded and headed into the palace without even looking to see if his friends were following. He barely noticed the servants who stopped to bow or members of the Guard who saluted as he passed. In Corin’s map room, he found Nelix speaking to Danika, one of the three members of the Mage’s Council, besides Darian and Tamrick, her brother. His friends filed in behind, but he hardly noticed their presence.
Placing himself on the opposite end of the large map table, he looked Nelix in the eye. “Where is my brother?”
“The king was meeting with Alexar to discuss Bruxa’s inclusion in the alliance. Alexar had set a condition for the meeting that they were each to bring only twenty personal guards.”
“You agreed to this?” Jaxom demanded.
“I did not, but the king insisted. In t
he end, we agreed that I would follow at a distance with a larger force. Everything at first appeared to be going as planned. Then a group of what looked like merchant wagons approached. They turned out to be filled with Bruxan soldiers. By the time I got to the meeting place, they had the king and were moving quickly east.”
“Did you pursue them?” Jaxom yelled.
Nelix slammed his hand down on the table. “Of course, I did! I took five hundred men against three-thousand. Every one of ours that fell took two with him. In the end, I had no choice but to retreat. If not for the fact that they already had their prize, I would not be standing here for you to rail at like a child.”
Jaxom had never seen the man lose control before. The long scar that ran down the general’s face had turned red with anger. Jaxom flushed with shame. He should have been with Corin. He was so angry with himself that he was lashing out at anyone nearby, even the woman he loved.
“Forgive me, Nelix. I know you would have given your life to get him back.”
The red hue in his scar faded as Nelix regained his composure. “You are only speaking words that I have thought myself a thousand times over. We must concentrate on how we get him back.”
“Which is what we were discussing before you arrived,” Danika cut in.
“What have you come up with?” Darian asked, walking around the table to hug the woman and place a light kiss on her lips.
Turning back toward the table, Danika spoke. “The general approached King Rupert about sending people to offer ransom, but the man put him off. Both he and Queen Sanra intended to wait and see what happens.
“What about King Dillion?” Nelix said.
Jaxom shook his head. “He is busy restoring both Denra and his own kingdom.”
“We have no choice but to get him back on our own,” Darian said.
“Danika has already agreed that the Mages’ Castle will be a part of any plan to rescue the king,” Nelix said.
“I support that decision,” Darian added, smiling at the woman.
“Do we even know what Alexar wants?” Jaxom asked.
Nelix slid a piece of blood-stained parchment to Jaxom. “This was stabbed into one of the Guard who was with Corin.”
Jaxom unfolded the paper and began reading the elegant script.
Your King is now the extended guest of Bruxa. To ensure his safety, a monthly gift is expected with the first thaw. Those responsible for delivery will have the opportunity to speak with King Corin and verify his health. When the world has once again come to order, he will be released. Any effort to liberate him by force will be responsible for his immediate execution.
Eternal King of Bruxa,
Alexar Lagarith
Beneath the message was a list of supplies that were to be handed over to keep Corin alive. Alexar wanted weapons, armor, clothing, and many other things. From the items listed, Jaxom judged that the king of Bruxa intended to begin a campaign of conquest.
“He is going to war and wants us to fund it,” Jaxom said, passing the letter to Darian.
“With Corin as his prisoner, we have no choice but to help him,” Danika said.
“Do we attempt a rescue and hope that he is bluffing about killing such a valuable hostage?” Adriana asked.
“That is not a decision we can make without Celia,” Nelix said. “I have sent word to her father who is next in line for the throne, but his steward returned a message saying that his condition had worsened. If he cannot lead Ale’adaria in the interim, the duty falls to her.”
“If her father is that ill, she will want to see him after she arrives,” Adriana said.
“She will have time to do that. The plan I have in mind will take time to coordinate,” Jaxom said. After reading the demands, he already knew that no matter what they gave Alexar, the king of Bruxa would not release his brother. Corin would be a threat to whatever he planned. They had no choice but to get him back.
“Do you intend to let the rest of us know what this plan is? Or are you going to make yourself a hero again and rescue the king alone?” Darian asked.
Jaxom looked around the room. “I haven’t worked out all the details yet, and I don’t want to start until Celia arrives.”
Nelix nodded. “Then I suggest we convene for now.”
“A good idea,” Darian said, giving a Danika a meaningful look.
After leaving the map room, Jaxom and Adriana retrieved their saddlebags before heading to the bathing chamber. They were both tired from the long flight and mutually agreed to bathe separately. The room he had used as his own had been occupied since he had moved to Terika, so they used the one near Corin’s chambers where Jaxom had recovered after being injured. Adriana had already flopped on the comfortable bed when there was a knock at the door. Opening it, Jaxom found Laiden standing there holding a sheathed sword.
“Magus Alimar wanted me to give this to you,” the apprentice said, offering the blade.
Jaxom took the sword, admiring the fine craftsmanship as he slid several inches of the blade free. “Thank you, Laiden. Did he happen to tell you what the enchantment does?”
Laiden reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “Magus Alimar said this would explain it.”
Jaxom took the note and read. He was impressed. He would still prefer to have his own, but this would do until he had the time to create a replacement. He was not even sure he could reproduce the complicated enchantment. A lot of luck and instinct had been involved in the creation of the first.
“Thank you, Laiden. It’s good to see you again, but I would really like to rest,” he said, patting the young man’s shoulder. The apprentice nodded and gave a small bow before leaving. Leaning his new sword against the wall, he climbed into the bed next to Adriana.
She looked over at him as he lay down next to her. “We have not discussed what you intend to do about your sister.”
“I have not given it much thought,” he admitted.
“There is a chance she could still be in Kilreth” Adriana rolled onto her side to face him.
“I intend to look for her, but it seems hopeless.”
“That doesn’t matter. When we get Corin back, we should at least try,” she said.
“Do I have the right to run off looking for my sister while so many others are fighting?” he asked, looking up to the ceiling.
“Yes, you do. If she is also a mage, would it not be better to have her with us?
“What about Or’Keer, and the alliance Corin is building to confront him?”
“Alimar and Warin will be able to handle anything that happens while you are gone. I am not saying that we search the fifteen kingdoms, but let us go to Kilreth. If she is not there, we can continue to search for her as Corin marches east.”
“You are assuming that I will take you with me,” he said grinning.
“And just how do you intended to stop me?” she asked, sitting up on an elbow.
“I would never dream of trying,” he said, leaning in for a kiss.
She grunted and lay back down. “It is not me you need to worry about in any case. I wonder how you will stop anyone else from coming along.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, confused.
“Our friends will want to go with you, and I can guarantee that the soldiers of Terika and my riders will not be happy about their lord running off without protection.”
“I may consider bringing Da’san, if he is willing, but everyone else will be needed here,” he said.
“We will see. Now, I would like a few hours’ sleep before Celia arrives,” she said.
Jaxom lay awake, thinking of Corin and his sister Vaniece, of whom he knew nothing except her name. He wondered what she was like. Was she a mage? Not all children of mages developed the ability to cast. What if she had a life she did not want to leave? Thoughts of her led back to Corin and then to how they would get him back. Several hours passed without his notice until the too familiar sound of alarm bells sounded. Adriana jerked upright, bel
ting on her mace and picking up her bow and quiver. Jaxom did not move for a moment. Why did something terrible
happen every time he was in this palace?
“Don’t worry. I am sure whatever threat is out there will wait for you to get a few more minutes of sleep,” she said, slipping into her boots. Jaxom sighed and belted on his new sword. By the time he had pulled his own boots on, Adriana had gone, leaving the door open on her way out.
Word had spread that a large flying creature was approaching the palace. In the main courtyard, he found all his friends gathered with hundreds of men standing on the wall. At first Jaxom thought that perhaps someone had mistaken a durgen for a shadow creature in the failing light, but he quickly saw that it was not one of the risen mounts. The flying creature was easily five times the size of a durgen. Those around him readied themselves.
As the massive creature approached, Jaxom saw something smaller flying at its side. “Hold!” he yelled.
Everyone looked at him with hesitation, but none let loose a cast or arrow. The smaller of the two increased its speed and took on the shape of a durgen, a blond haired rider astride it. Celia landed in the courtyard, leaping to the ground and yelling for those gathered to clear a large space at the center of the courtyard. While she shuffled people out of the way, Jaxom watched as the beast came closer.
Two giant wings spanning twenty-five feet carried a creature with an angular horned head and long thick tail. It hovered above for a moment, flapping its powerful wings, then lowered into the space Celia had cleared. When the clawed feet settled on the ground, Jaxom noticed the white glow emanating from its large eyes. In the mythical stories about dragons, they were covered in scales. This one, however, had a hairless hide, similar to that of a horse or cow--not as tough as scales, but very durable. Its long snout contained rows of sharp teeth.
The creature lay down, allowing Kasric to dismount. He approached Jaxom wearing a large grin. “I hope you are pleased, Magus,” the older apprentice said.
Jaxom regarded him with a mock look of boredom. “If all it can do is fly, we have durgen for that.”
