Magician In Battle (Power of Poses Book 4)

by Guy Antibes

  “Asem was hurt?” Derit said.

  Valanna nodded. Her head felt like a heavy weight on top of her neck. “Kulara took him to Coffun’s house. There was a Colcanan magician-warrior in that corridor along with some Vashtans. I didn’t know they had such people. He was at least as strong as Nullia, my friend in Santasia and a Purple robe. He was about to kill me…” Valanna looked over at Harl and Puddingfan and decided not to provide any more details. “But I expended most of my magical power, and overcame him before he rammed a sword through my throat.” She put her hand to her neck and came away with a trace of blood. Her eyes widened. “The man had nicked me, after all.”

  Kulara re-appeared. “Asem will be fine, but he is out of this fight,” she said. “You look dead tired.”

  Valanna swiveled her eyes to Kulara. “I’d rather be tired than dead,” she said. She took a deep breath and went to a table that held goblets, and a decanter of wine. Valanna examined the goblets and they had been used, so she drank out of the decanter and then splashed more of the wine on the smoldering padding of the breastplate.

  “That is an unladylike act,” Harl said, evidently recovered from being tied up.

  “I feel especially unladylike, cousin,” she said. “Enjoy life for a little bit, for that is all you’ve got.”

  ~

  Valanna looked at Harl’s guards and thugs manning the castle walls from a balcony connected to King Harl’s apartments. She used the pose for enhanced sound and cleared her throat loudly enough for all of the defenders to turn and look at her.

  “I am Valanna Almond, currently Princess Valanna of Warish, and I am next in line to the Pestlan throne after King Harl.” She nodded, and Ferikan and Kulara brought a bound King Harl out to join her on the balcony.

  “As you can see, I have captured the King after an extensive battle in his apartments. To our knowledge, all of the Court’s Vashtan allies have also been killed.”

  Some of the men cheered from their positions.

  “In addition, a Colcan magician-warrior also met his end defending the king.” Valanna wondered how long it would take for that bit of information to reach the Colcan armies currently invading Warish. “The country of Colcan is at war with Warish and soon-to-be at war with Pestle. This is a different kind of fight than what you have experienced with Warish’s ‘Long War,’ and it will be much more bloody. Colcan has an army of magicians, and Pestle doesn’t, but we do have a few friends from Warish.

  “I don’t want any bloodshed in taking the palace. As you can see, King Harl has already been captured, so you are fighting for yourselves. I have ways of taking the king out of the palace, and will do so. He will be put on trial, and I expect he will be found guilty of treason. He has raised taxes and has colluded, first with Warish in their ‘Long War,’ and then with Colcan and their Vashtan allies. Colcan means to rule over a slave state, and I will not stand for it, will you?”

  She waited for reactions. At least half of the soldiers cheered and began to leave their posts. Valanna noticed that most of the men who remained were un-uniformed and were probably Harl’s thugs. They probably didn’t have any reason to surrender.

  “Open the gates!” Valanna said. She saw a commotion at the gates were locked, but eventually they opened. She took a deep breath as Neel and Danson led citizens, mixed with the rebel soldiers, into the palace courtyard.

  Sporadic fighting broke out on the walls, but the outnumbered thugs were soon taken care of. Valanna stood, shielded by Kulara behind her, but the protection wasn’t needed.

  “We are here,” Neel said from behind her. “We have won the day.”

  Valanna leaned against the wall. “It’s really cold out here. I’m coming in.”

  She sat with most of the leadership in the largest room in Harl’s apartments. Harl remained on the floor along with Puddingfan. Both looked very miserable, and for that Valanna curled one side of her mouth into a smile. Justice would be done.

  “Just as we have decided, you are to set up a transition council to try King Harl,” Valanna said to Danson and Esmera.

  Danson and Esmera nodded their heads. She would represent Pestledown and the citizens, where Danson would represent the rebel forces.

  “I doubted that your plan would succeed. Forgive me, Princess,” Danson said. “There were few killed.”

  “Mostly those who deserved it,” Esmera said. “A triumph for the history books.”

  Valanna blinked wearily. “I really don’t care for history. I only care to save the continent of Pestle. I will suggest that King Harl be tried in two days. He will need a defender.”

  Snively raised his hand. “I propose Horsent Beanmouth, my former superior, as Harl’s defender.”

  “Why doesn’t he choose his own defense?” Danson said.

  Snively looked a little hurt. “It was worth a try.”

  Valanna had to keep from laughing. She enjoyed Snively’s droll wit. “And who will prosecute King Harl? I am too biased, I’m afraid.”

  Coffun raised his hand. “I am biased, but I am not afraid,” he said, winking at Valanna.

  “Then let’s hear from Harl,” Danson said.

  Harl was brought into the room. A gag that had kept him from bothering everyone with his yelling was removed.

  “You will be tried for treason. Who would you like to defend you?” Danson said.

  “Lord Puddingfan,” Harl said.

  “Then who will defend him?”

  “I will, of course.”

  “So be it,” Danson said, slapping the palm of his hand on the table. You have two days. We will try you in the Throne Room. Until then, we will find suitable quarters for the both of you.”

  After guards escorted Harl out, Esmera rose to her feet. “I’d just kill him,” she said.

  “Not a wise choice.” Snively stood as well. “For one, we have a responsibility to citizens throughout Pestle to make Harl’s conviction and execution as fair and as public as possible, so there are no protests when Valanna is given the throne.”

  “I can see that,” Esmera said, sitting back down, obviously mollified by Snively’s words. “But we lose time stopping the Colcanan army.”

  Danson smiled and tapped on the table. “I don’t see any reason why the army can’t begin to head to Balbaam right now?”

  Esmera nodded her head. “Those who can teleport can meet up with you along the way.”

  “I’ll protect Valanna,” Neel said.

  “You won’t have to worry about the citizens. They are behind you, Valanna,” Esmera said.

  “I won’t, then. I am worried about King Marom allowing you into his country.”

  “Asem will take care of that,” Kulara said. “I will travel to Balbaam on a flyer. Everything we have done is in line with his wishes, so far. I will need a Vashtan to help me with the wind.”

  “Take whomever you wish,” Ferikan said, “as long as Derit and I are together.” He beamed at her.

  “Then we are set for now.” Neel nodded to all of them. “What we have accomplished this day has been long sought after. Hail to the Queen!”

  “Hail to the Queen!” they all repeated.

  Valanna stood, her face hardened with an angry look. “Please don’t call me that until I am coronated.” Then her face softened. “But now you can call me Princess all you want.” She broke into a grin. “Magic is now permitted in Pestle, and it will be official in two days.”

  “Assuming Harl doesn’t win his case.”

  Valanna nodded. “I’ve changed my mind. It’s officially permitted from now.”

  Everyone clapped in agreement.

  ~

  Valanna checked on Asem, resting comfortably in Coffun’s house. She had gone to him at her first opportunity. Kulara sat by his side.

  “How are you?”

  Asem smiled and inched his way to a sitting position. “I’m better now that I see the Pestlan Princess standing in front of me.” He narrowed his eyes. “I also see a Warishian Princess.”
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  Valanna slapped him on his shoulder.

  “I am an injured man.” Asem shook his head. “Who was that magician-warrior? I never saw anyone like him in Colcan, ever.”

  “He must have been a secret,” Valanna said. “What would you have thought of Berin if he introduced you to a man like that?”

  “I would say Colcan has designs on Santasia.”

  Valanna nodded her head. “I think you are right about that. I’ve never met a soldier or a magician like him. He reminded me of Riotro.”

  “If Riotro was much taller and had a full head of hair,” Kulara said.

  “They could be brothers,” Valanna said. “And I don’t think it is an impossible thought. He referred to the Vashtans as servants. Maybe Colcan sequestered him in Norland or even Vashta, waiting to conquer Warish and Pestle after Riotro conquered Santasia.”

  “Very good, Valanna. That would make Riotro’s suddenly being accompanied by Vashtans make sense,” Asem said.

  “I think I’ll talk to Derit and Ferikan about it.” She looked at Kulara. “When will your patient be ready to travel?”

  “Tomorrow, says the patient,” Asem said. “I was mostly shaken up and experienced a few burns from shield leakages.” He looked pointedly at Kulara.

  “I’d never leak, my love,” Kulara said.

  “Then Valanna.”

  Valanna laughed. “I’ll accept all the blame.”

  “And all the glory,” Kulara said.

  Asem took Valanna’s hands in his. “How did you really defeat him?”

  “Do you two remember me telling you how Trak saved himself from the shark when he first arrived in Pestledown?”

  They both nodded.

  “I’m convinced he used poseless magic. We talked about it briefly in Balbaam. When the Colcanan’s sword was at my throat, I had no other alternative. I channeled all of my body’s energy into the tip of my sword.” She shrugged.

  “Will you try it again?” Asem said.

  “With much less power. Trak mentioned he could make any spell happen by a force of will, even teleportation, as we saw. I still shiver to think of his attempt in Santasia when we found him out cold in the middle of nowhere. I could have killed myself, but I didn’t have a better choice” She felt the cut from the Colcanan’s sword on her neck.

  “I’ll be around when you practice, if you want,” Kulara said.

  Asem nodded. “We both will, when all of this is over.”

  “I’d rather learn from Trak.” Valanna wondered what Trak was doing at that very minute.

  ~~~

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  ~

  Malkul assembled the guard that would protect Princess Pullia at the parlay scheduled for midday. A few of the men were from the same group as his sparring partner from a few days previous, and that put Trak on edge. He teleported from the parlay site, back into the castle to the room he shared with Tembul.

  He poked his head outside his room and found a guard. “Have you seen Tembul?”

  The man shook his head. “Not since early this morning, Sir Bluntwithe.”

  Sir Bluntwithe. Trak shook his head at the phony title and made his way to the Royal Chambers to go over his expectations of the parlay.

  “You may come in,” a lady-in-waiting said, leading him to a waiting room. “Sit here, and I will call for you when the Queen decides to conference with you.” She sniffed at Trak and walked away.

  After waiting for half of an hour, the woman returned. “The Queen will see you for no more than five minutes.”

  Trak wondered why he had wasted so much time sitting when he had other things to do. He stepped inside, and Queen Pullia sat, adjusting the folds of an elaborate gown.

  “Trak, you may sit in my presence,” she said.

  He gave the queen a bow and sat in front of her. “I’d like to go over our strategy for the negotiations.”

  Pullia looked at him as if he wasn’t really there. “I’ve already done so with Malkul. Do you really think he has missed anything?”

  He looked into her eyes. “Where has Lia gone?”

  The queen blinked with incomprehension. “I’m here as I have always been.”

  Trak shook his head. “No. Lia wouldn’t have me sitting on my bum for half an hour only to say she didn’t need me. You are someone else.”

  The queen’s eyes watered a bit. “I haven’t changed, you have,” she said uncertainly.

  “No. You know better than that. You were nearly ready to go anywhere with me and now? Did we mean so little to each other?”

  “I, I have been distracted.” Trak saw panic in her eyes. She leaned forward to take his hand. “You must be patient with me. I have achieved my goal and, and.” Trak saw nothing but confusion in her eyes.

  “Worry,” he said.

  Lia leaned forward and Trak pulled her across to him, so she wouldn’t fall. He held her tightly for a few moments until she stirred.

  “Trak?”

  He helped her back to her seat. “I’ve been ensorcelled, haven’t I?” she said putting her hand to her neck.

  “You have. Is my Lia back?”

  A tear slid down her cheek. “I think so. The Colcanan woman came to visit me the same day I took the throne.”

  “Leaf Gougepenny?”

  She nodded “She told me that I was the queen, and that I shouldn’t be taking advice from a foreigner.” Tears began to fall in torrents. “Oh, Trak, hold me. I’ve been such a terrible person.”

  Leaf had turned into a true enemy, and that made Trak sad, and the sadness quickly turned into anger. Why had the Colcanans finally cast off their peaceful disguise? He now couldn’t trust anything proposed by the Eastern Toryans, not that he would with Lenis’s father in charge, or the Colcanans.

  “What did Malkul say or do?” Trak said as Lia clutched at him.

  “Nothing you haven’t. He suggested that I hear out all sides and decide what is best for Zamiel and Western Torya. I shouldn’t agree to give any of our lands to Kandanna or consent to marry Lenis of Kizru. Things might change in subsequent meetings.”

  “If nothing more, Malkul is a Separatist, and I have already given you the same advice. Remember those thugs who came to sword practice?”

  Lia nodded.

  “A few of them are in the guard.” Trak looked into Lia’s eyes. “We are in a great deal of danger, and I’ve given you advice about that.”

  “Which I tried to ignore. I am so sorry. Did you hate me?” Lia said.

  “Hate?” Trak shook his head. “Not hate, but I am disappointed, deeply disappointed. We will talk about us after the parlay. Will you let me stand at your side?”

  She looked up at him. “I told you not to, didn’t I? That wasn’t me speaking. I want you right behind me.”

  Trak pulled her closer and gave her a kiss, which she returned with feeling. Lia had come back, and that made Trak hold her even tighter.

  “Have you seen Tembul?”

  Lia looked at him vacantly. “Isn’t he around?”

  “Not since early morning. I’ll go search for him, and I’ll return to teleport you to the parlay. It will be safer that way.”

  “Malkul also suggested that I ride through the streets.”

  “Not this time. This is the most dangerous time for you. Are you sure you want to go through with this? We can leave at any time.” Trak looked into her eyes, seeing a fierce determination.

  She shook her head. “This is something I must do.” She held onto his hand and pulled him back for another kiss, and then let Trak go. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Trak’s mood had brightened when he walked back to his room to change for the parlay. He asked a number of guards if they had seen Tembul recently, but none had. Although Lia had returned, Tembul’s disappearance made him uneasy. He continued to search for Tembul, and gave up as the time of the parlay had finally come. Perhaps Tembul had found things to do at the site.

  ~

  Trak appeared with Malkul and Lia at th
e parlay pavilion, which consisted of a large tent. Carpet was laid on the frozen ground, and braziers were spaced around the tent to provide some heat. Tables had been set up in front of each of the four parties.

  The Kandannans had already arrived and were seated. The Eastern Toryans sent word they would be a few minutes late, just as the Separatists arrived. Sirul wore ornate armor and scowled at Trak when he walked in.

  Trak stood behind Lia, and Malkul sat to her right. Malkul had asked Zamiel’s Castle Guard commander to sit on the other side of Lia. The Chamberlain stood without emotion and said nothing to Trak about standing behind Lia. Was Malkul disappointed about an aborted assassination attempt? The atmosphere in the pavilion gave Trak a very bad feeling.

  Tembul hadn’t appeared at all. Everyone stood when the Eastern Toryans entered. Lenis, and his father Namiul were accompanied by Berin and two other Board members that Trak had remembered from his trial, one being Willing Nomia, Ben’s son.

  “You may be seated,” Malkul said.

  Each party stated their position. Malkul spoke for the queen, but Trak agreed with everything that Malkul said. They had talked enough about what they wanted from the parlay, and Lia’s position sought a reasonable solution. Kandanna wanted one-third of the western edges of Torya, mostly forest. The Separatists wanted Lia to step down as Queen, and they would give her safe passage to Santasia or Kandanna.

  The Eastern Toryans desired a union between Lenis and Lia, leading to a unified Torya. Lenis did the talking, and claimed that the union had already been decided and agreed upon before Trak kidnapped the princess. Trak would have to be treated as a criminal and executed as a condition of their withdrawal.

  Lenis seemed to relish demanding Trak’s death. When he mentioned it, the queen reached back for Trak’s hand. Trak squeezed it and looked at the surprise on Berin’s face. Now the Colcanans would know that they no longer held the Queen in thrall.

  Malkul led the discussions and made sure that all of the various demands were documented.

  “Kandanna’s desire for more land may be negotiated. The Queen is not averse to ceding lands that her people do not actively possess, but the border will have to be precisely defined, since it isn’t currently. The Queen’s abdication is not currently negotiable, but she recognizes that a sacrifice may have to be made. She is not sure whether the sacrifice shall be hers or the Separatist party’s.”