Bones of the Earth (The Equilibrium Cycle Book 1)

by Jason A. Gilbert

  "Who did you hear this information from?" asked Alain.

  "My young assistant, Casus. He heard a group of merchants discussing the man's odd appearance while running errands for me in the market."

  "So, even Casus did not see him firsthand?"

  "No. But if the rumors are true, we must act. Their kind cannot be tolerated in Terus. We set an example for all the other cities in the Confederacy. If word got out that we had not dealt with this one quickly, the other cities would see that as a weakness. They might try and assert their authority over us.”

  "I understand your frustration, friend. But I think you are overstating the impact of the Magi. Especially a single wandering Magus."

  "Don't brush this aside, Alain."

  "I'm not. But you don't even know that this Magus is even real. It's just rumor. If you get more proof, or see him yourself, then you will have my full support with the Consulari. Until then, it is getting late, and we have one last session to attend."

  Alain nodded in Laila's direction briefly.

  Torin's frustration was still evident, but he bowed his head in acceptance and stood.

  "Thank you for your time, Consul," he said, formally.

  "And yours, Consul," Alain responded.

  With that, Torin swept past Laila and out the door.

  "He seemed...very angry," said Laila.

  Alain smiled at his daughter. "Torin holds to a very strict sense of purpose and believes dearly in the structure of our city. He finds it difficult to accept change, especially change that doesn't make logical sense to him."

  "And this Magus threatens that?" she asked.

  Alain looked at his daughter proudly. "That is a good question. I think you have the makings of a Consul in you. And, yes, Torin likely sees the appearance of the Magus as a threat. Though it happened long ago, it was a conflict between his ancestors and the Magi that began the Purge."

  "Why?"

  "Now, I know Clara's teachings are not that lacking. You should know the answer to that."

  "Well, I know the old stories. But, weren't they just priests? I don't see how one priest can be a bad thing in the city."

  "They were priests, of a sort," Alain said, "but a lot of people think they were much more than that. Torin was not incorrect when he said they worshipped, or appeared to, the fundamental elements." He stopped, a smile crossing his face again. "And those are?"

  Laila sat up in response, reciting as though she were working with Clara. "Earth, water, fire, and wind."

  "Yes, good. The Magi, however, also believed in a fifth element."

  "A fifth? What was it?" Laila's curiosity was increasing; she did not know that her father knew so much about these old stories.

  "Only the Magi really know what it is. People have made guesses, but I think that you'd probably have to speak to one of them yourself to get that answer."

  "Maybe I'll meet the one in the city."

  Alain shook his head. "I'm sorry, Laila, but that probably won't happen. If it's even true that there is a Magus here, the Consulari will send Guardians to find him and remove him. There's a reason why the Magi have not been seen in the Confederacy. The cities were not...kind to them in the past, when the Consulates reasserted their power.

  “If you’d like, you may accompany me to the last session of the day. There won’t be much in the way of politics, but it will be a good chance for you to see more of the Consulate.”

  “Really?”

  “Certainly.”

  Laila had only seen a few sessions, and those were usually attended with her mother when something had pertained to the Guardians. Her father had never asked her to attend with him before, though he was within his rights to do so. His confidence in her was surprising.

  “Thank you, Father. I’d like that.”

  Alain nodded and stood, making his way out of the office. They fell into step with a number of other Consuls making their way down the hallways toward the main hall.

  Laila followed her father back through the corridors of the Consulate. Anyone could sit in on an open session of the Consulate, but few actually did, unless they had business to address or had been called by the Consuls specifically. Within a few minutes, they entered the Consulate Hall. Alain led her down into the small, inverted dome, directing her to have a seat on one of the tiered benches. Other Consuls were filing into the Hall from other hallways. A few looked at her questioningly, but they did not say anything when they saw her sitting with Alain.

  “Is there something important you wanted me to see, Father?” she asked as the Consuls continued to gather.

  Alain leaned toward her, keeping his eyes on the Hall floor. “Not specifically, but I thought it would be good for you to see this. You’ll be doing a lot of this when you’re a Consul.”

  “I haven’t passed yet, Father. And even if I do, there’s no guarantee I’ll be a Consul.”

  “I know, Laila-sa,” he answered, his tone dismissive.

  Laila let the issue drop. Finally, the Consuls finished filing in. Terus was a large city, the largest in the Confederacy. Due to its size, it also had a large number of Consuls. From her studies, she knew that there were close to one thousand. Not all of them were gathered here. Some would have duties outside of the city, among the smaller towns and villages that were considered to be under Terus’ influence. Others were younger Consuls, still acting as assistants to the older, higher-placed Consuls such as her father. All told, that meant there were about four hundred full Consuls in Terus.

  Last to enter the Hall was the Consulari. Haden Grier was an older man, twenty or more years past Laila’s father. He had been Consulari for nearly a decade, and many believed his time was coming to an end. Most Consulari did not stay in office as long as Haden, but he was well-liked and had helped Terus reach new heights of prosperity. He moved to a seat on the bottom row of the Hall, facing the center. Torin followed closely behind him, taking a seat next to the older Consulari.

  “Looks like Torin’s trying to make his presence known,” said a Consul on the other side of Alain, leaning in to speak to her father. Damian Skeatus, an old friend of Alain’s.

  “He tries, yes,” her father answered.

  “Not worried about him taking your place, Alain?” Damian continued.

  “If Torin feels the need to play politics with the Consulari, so be it. I have no desire to be Consulari once Haden steps down unless the Consulate wishes it,” Alain answered.

  Laila saw the other Consul nod his head respectfully. “That’s why you’d make a better Consulari.”

  “We shall see,” Alain said.

  Conversations throughout ended as a Consul stood and strode to the center of the Hall.

  “The Consulate is hereby called to session,” the Consul stated, his words echoing through the Hall. “Consul Torin, I believe you have our first order of business this evening.”

  Torin stood, nodding to the other Consul and making his way to the center of the Hall.

  “It has come to my attention,” Torin began, and Laila felt her father tense slightly at her side, “that there may be a Magus in our city.”

  A murmur went through the gathered Consuls. Laila heard her father groan under his breath briefly.

  “What’s wrong?” Laila whispered to her father.

  “You heard our conversation. I had hoped Torin would wait to address this issue. But even this he sees as an opportunity for political gain.”

  Laila did not understand, but she turned back to watch Torin.

  “I know that seems unlikely. But, even so, I would like to address the issue before the Consulate and the honorable Consulari.”

  “What proof do you have of this, Consul?” asked a Consul from behind Laila.

  “Nothing yet.” Another murmur went through the gathering, this time laced with frustration. “However, I intend to find out who this Xenos in our city is and make sure he is not a threat.”

  “Why do you bring this before the Consulate, then?” asked
Haden. His voice was deep and echoed powerfully through the Hall despite his age.

  “I bring it before the Consulate to ask permission to seek out this alleged Magus in order to protect our city. We cannot have the Magi walking freely amongst the Confederacy once again.” There was a buzz of agreement.

  Haden considered for a moment as the other Consuls began to talk amongst themselves. Laila could hear whispers of assent. Two of the Consuls in front of her leaned together, speaking softly.

  “He’s right. The Magi cannot be allowed in Terus,” said one.

  “Why does the Consulari hesitate? A sign of his old age perhaps. Growing slower,” said the other.

  Damien leaned in toward Alain again. “What game is he playing at?”

  “I do not know,” answered Alain, “but he seems to have some support.”

  “True. I just wish some of our younger members had longer memories. Torin is able to rile them up too easily.”

  “We were all that fervent, once. Torin knows what he is doing. Let us see how the Consulari responds.”

  Damian shook his head. “If only you’d play the game a little more, friend.”

  Alain ignored the comment.

  Finally, the Consulari raised his hand. “If it is as simple as that, Consul Torin, then you may conduct your search. Discreetly. Unless there are any objections?” Haden turned, encompassing the Hall in his gaze, waiting for someone to speak up.

  Despite the whispers of disagreement, no one spoke against Torin. He turned to Haden and bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, Consulari. I will be as discreet as possible, unless the Magus acts against us, of course.”

  Haden nodded in return, ignoring the slight retort at the end.

  Torin took his seat next to Haden. A few more Consuls stood to address the Consulate, mostly on mundane items that pertained to the Testing tomorrow. After a half hour, the items had been dealt with, and the Consulate dispersed.

  “Thank you, Father,” Laila said as they climbed the steps out of the Hall.

  "You’re welcome, child. Now, I think it's time for you to head home. Tomorrow is a big day, and you need to get some rest."

  "Walk with me?" Laila said as they reached the top of the stairs.

  Alain stopped and faced his daughter. He put his hands on either side of her head and kissed her forehead. For all his formality and pride, her father did have a gentler side, even if he did not show it often.

  "I still have a few things to finish here. I will send Nia with you. She will give you some company," he said, removing his hands.

  They walked toward the entrance to the Consulate as many of the other Consuls made their way out, headed home to their own families. From a distance, Alain spotted his young assistant, calling to her through the thin crowd.

  The young woman, only four years older than Laila herself, rushed over when she saw that it was Alain calling her. Nia had been Alain's assistant for two years, and she was on her own path to becoming a Consul. She doted on Laila as an older sister. When Nia noticed Laila standing with Alain, she smiled broadly.

  "Good evening, Laila. Are you ready for tomorrow?" she asked. Her short blonde hair was pulled back tightly, exposing the sharp lines of her jaw and her crisp blue eyes.

  Laila sighed; she was tired of the same question. "Yes."

  Nia looked put off by the short response, but she turned to Alain and asked, "Did you need something, Consul?"

  "Yes. Would you accompany Laila back to my estate? It is getting late, and I would prefer if she had some company on the way."

  "Of course, Consul." She bowed her head slightly.

  Alain gave Laila's shoulder one final squeeze and walked back to his office. Nia motioned toward the exit of the main hall and let Laila lead the way, falling into step next to her. They passed out back into the city center, where only a few merchants were left, trying to sell off the little that was left of their wares before turning in for the night.

  "How is your mother doing?" asked Nia, forcing conversation on Laila, who would have been content to walk the whole way home without it.

  "She's well. Busy, much like Father," Laila answered.

  "It must be so interesting, being a Guardian. All those weapons and marching around. I wonder what it'd be like to be in a real battle."

  There had not been a real battle for the Guardians in a long time. Laila's mother spent most of her time roaming around the outskirts of the city, rooting out small groups of bandits and other unmentionables. History informed her that the Guardians were once a true force, something to be feared, something that had kept other, sometimes larger, countries at bay, and that they helped forge the Confederacy itself. But now they were, like many things, simply a shadow of what they had once been.

  "Does your mother ever talk about it?" continued Nia.

  Her father had told her that Nia would be an exceptional Consul one day. Laila had a hard time seeing it.

  "No."

  "Really? Huh? I'd think she'd talk about it all the time. Chasing bandits, protecting the city and all that."

  Laila turned and gave Nia a half-hearted smile, hoping that she would let the topic drop. They had passed out of the city center and were nearing the avenue that her father's estate was on. Laila quickened her pace.

  Finally, they reached her avenue.

  "I can make it from here," said Laila.

  "Your father asked me to walk you all the way home," said Nia.

  "I know, but I can see the gate from here. I'm sure I'll be fine. Thank you, Nia."

  Nia looked like she wanted to question her, but the sun was almost down and the shadows had become long. Laila could see her internal debate.

  "I promise. I'll be fine, and I'll say nothing to Father." Laila did her best to give Nia a convincing smile.

  Nia gave one more glance down the street and then looked back to Laila.

  "Alright. Take care. And good luck tomorrow!"

  She quickly spun and walked off, not waiting for Laila's response. Laila sighed thankfully and turned to finish the walk home.

  The torchlights hanging along the avenue had been lit, casting odd shadows with the setting sun. There was no one else on the street as Laila walked to her gate. She could feel her nerves begin to set in about her Test tomorrow. Would she perform as well as her parents desired? What if she were not offered Citizenship? Would she stay and become one of the Togati, a servant to those who had once served her? Or would she leave to seek her own fortune? She knew little of life outside of Terus. The Confederacy seemed to encompass her whole world. But she knew, if only through stories, that there were lands beyond the Confederacy.

  "A copper for your thoughts, young one."

  The voice snapped Laila out of her reverie. She looked around, searching for the speaker. There was no one in front of her. She spun quickly, slamming into a man standing behind her. He was wearing heavy robes with a large cowl... the old man from earlier.

  "What...? What do you want?" stammered Laila, slowly backing away from the robed man.

  He raised his hands. "I'm sorry, young one, I did not mean to frighten you."

  Laila watched him carefully, debating on whether or not she could make it to her house if she ran. The man had not made any moves toward her, yet. She took another step backwards, being sure to clear enough space if she needed to run.

  "I mean no harm. Just wandering the streets. I find it helps me think also."

  "I wasn't wandering, I was going home," Laila explained.

  "Oh yes, to the fine house down the street, I remember."

  "Yes, so, if you don't mind, I'll be going now..."

  Laila turned to walk away. She took a few steps before the old man spoke again. "May I ask how your father is before you go? Consul Wardein?"

  He knew who her father was. So he was not just some beggar from outside the city. But then who was he? A thought struck her. Could this be the Magus? She turned, studying the old man again. No. The Magi were supposed to be decadent priests wh
o usurped power and forced others under their religion. This old man did not look like he could force anyone to do anything, let alone an entire city.

  "How do you know my father?" Laila finally said in response.

  "Oh, it's been a very long time. He likely does not remember me, being so busy all the time. But I remember him, and I remember the beautiful baby he had the last time I saw him. I'm to assume that was you." He smiled and his teeth were clean and white, somewhat in contrast to the dirty condition of his hair and robes.

  "He's well. He should be home soon. If you wait, you might be able to see him."

  "That's okay, child. I would just be imposing. I was merely curious as to how he was. May I walk with you to your gate?"

  Laila considered for a moment. She looked up and down the street. A young couple had appeared, walking home from the city center, and an older craftsman was heading toward the main road. Seeing more people around, she felt a little better.

  "I guess." She turned again and started back to her house, not waiting for his response.

  "Thank you," he said, falling into step next to her.

  His robes had a thick layer of dirt covering them, as though he were well-traveled. But the dirt did not seem out of place or...dirty. It just seemed to fit with his persona. Something about him was disarming. Laila knew she should feel more trepidation addressing a Xenos, but he seemed harmless. And there was something else, something she could not articulate. It sparked her curiosity.

  "So, who are you?" Laila finally asked.

  The old man laughed, "A simple question, yet not a simple answer. So much goes into who we are. Beyond just a name. But, if you want to know that, I am Icarus."

  "I'm Laila," she said.