“Some,” I answered. “What did you have in mind?”
“There is a family of merchants who run caravans. They are looking for investors to make a run to Central Plains City for grain.”
“Have you worked with them before?”
“I have many times; they are a good investment.”
I nodded. “Finance them, the whole caravan.” I dropped a bag of gold on his desk. “Will that cover it?”
He nodded, “I'll take care of it right away, Sir Wizard.”
“If they are a good investment, keep them going.”
“I will, Sir Wizard.”
I went down to the harbor and found a tavern to have a drink. I sat, nursing my ale and listening to the talk. Here, I heard talk of trouble on the high seas—not all out war, but trouble. Midway ships were fair game, and the Crown was giving letters of Marque against them. That would get expensive, or should I say more expensive. I guess the letters of Marque were my fault; they had no gold and needed some. They probably thought this was the easiest way.
I left the tavern and walked to their shipyard. They had several ships being built; they were warships, not cargo ships. I ported home and had dinner with Pam. I told her about the letters of Marque, but not to worry, because it would just cost them more ships.
After midnight, I ported back to North Landing. I went under the shipyards; no one was working, and there were only a few guards. I set fire to the shipyards, the ships they were building, and their lumberyards. I made the fire so hot that everything was a total loss before they could even come close enough to put out the blaze. That would slow them down. I ported home and got some sleep.
***
“You were up late last night. Anything interesting going on?” Pam asked.
“I was looking in on North Landing, keeping tabs on them. Seems there was a fire in their shipyard and lumberyard.”
“That's too bad. Did they lose much?” she asked, smiling.
“They say both were total losses.”
“That will keep them busy for a while; maybe now they'll leave us alone.”
“For a time anyway. I will check with our spies this morning and see what others may be planning.”
“Don't forget we need to talk about the Summer's End Festival.”
“Do we have to?” I asked.
“Yes, as bad as we don't want to, we need to. We need to see what the other Royals are up to. They've had a year to plan, so I'm sure it will get interesting.”
“You know someone will press you for a marriage,” I said.
“Yes, but I'm already betrothed,” she said, smiling.
“Yes, but they don't know that.”
“Then we shall tell them.”
“I'm sure that’s when the excitement will start. They will want you to marry a Royal, in order to form some alliance. A wizard, in their eyes, is not an alliance.”
“I don't really care if they don't like it. It's my life and my Kingdom.”
“Good enough. We'll think of something,” I said, smiling.
“What are you up too?”
“Me?”
“I know that smile; you are up to something.”
“I'm wounded that you would think that of me.”
“Whatever. Just remember you can't kill them all. Well, you could, but that would be messy,” she chuckled.
“Yes, my Queen.”
***
I ported to the back steps of the temple overlooking the grounds. I was a regular visitor, so everyone carried on as if I wasn’t there. As usual, on nice days, the Master Priest was under his apple tree.
“Good morning, Master Priest.”
“Good morning, Sir Wizard.”
“All is well with the temple?”
“It is. Thank you for asking.”
“And our Kingdom?”
“Your stronger ships have turned the tide on the open seas, but like jackals, they await an opportunity. North Landing is in disarray; they have had several setbacks. They lack siege supplies, and fire has destroyed their shipyard and lumber yards.” I nodded, and he continued.
“Dissension is stirring within the Kingdom. The Royal Houses fear the Queen is becoming too popular with the people. It takes away their power to influence her decisions and steer her in the direction they want her to go. They fear your presence because your backing emboldens her. All the Royal Houses have hired their own wizards to counter your influence.”
“How many Royal Houses, and are they united in this? Is this a coup attempt in the making?”
“There are twelve major houses and twenty-four minor ones. They are not united; it's more a case of matching the other houses in case fighting breaks out. As usual, there are always alliances between smaller houses; they stick together as to not be swept away by the larger ones.”
“Who is pushing the hardest, and who is the strongest?”
“That would be Sir Westly of House Southdale. He has hired four Red Wizards. The other houses have also hired Red Wizards, but only one for each house.”
I nodded. “No surprise there. It's normal to hire Reds; they are usually the fighters. I just don't understand why they feel the need to do so. I have made no move against any of them.”
“You changed the balance of power, and the Queen leans on you for help and advice. In the past, it was their counsel that she relied on. They could always steer the Kingdom in the direction they wanted it to go. Inevitably, they ensured the Kingdom went in the direction that made them richer.”
“Is the Magic User's Guild involved in this? Pushing one side or the other?”
“Not as such, they make money from both sides in conflicts. One side usually hires magic users when the other one does. It's a win-win for them.”
“I would like more information about Sir Westly's dealings. What businesses he owns, who he owes money to, and anything else I can use as leverage.” He nodded. “What about the Western Kingdoms. Are they involved?”
“So far they have remained neutral. They have their spies keeping an eye on things, but that's all. They watch and report.”
“Contact them. See what their feelings are about an alliance with us. Not to go to war against anyone, but for mutual protection, trade, and other benefits.”
“We will do so; I think they will see the benefit in such an alliance,” he said.
“Good, if you need anything, you know where to find me.”
“Yes, Sir Wizard,” he said, bowing. I returned his bow and ported away.
Chapter 26
“Oh yes, I know exactly who Sir Westly is,” Pam answered. “It’s funny you should ask; I just received a letter from him. He wishes to enter negotiations for marriage and seems to have the backing of the council of Royals. They say the Kingdom needs a King to produce an heir to the throne.”
“They have hired Red Wizards to put pressure behind their request,” I said.
“Whatever they are planning, it’s Sir Westly who is behind it. None of the others have the ambition to try anything like this. We must be careful. Westly is a viper, charming you with his smooth gaze, and then striking when you least expect it.”
“We'll increase the guard presence, and ensure they have their own wizards to augment them. In the meantime, we'll keep a close watch on them.”
***
I sat in the back of a rented carriage, looking at the estates as we drove past. I had never been to the rich part of the city; this was where all the wealthy merchants and the Royals lived. The estates were walled and well guarded. I could sense the presence of enchantments and magic users within the Royal estates. The merchants had enchantment to guard their wealth. The Royals were definitely up to something, or at least they seemed to be. I dare not get any closer, for fear of tipping off my presence.
I found out that Sir Westly had mortgaged everything he owned and borrowed as much gold as possible, no doubt to pay for the wizards and finance the coup attempt. I felt sure that was what he was doing. He was going all in on
this and would either become King or die in the attempt. I voted for the second outcome.
***
Preparations for the Festival Ball continued. I tried to plan for every eventuality I could think of. We had increased the guards and added wizards to their rosters. We announced that, because of the number of guests, no one would stay in the castle overnight. No one could come armed, except with a dagger. Personal guard retinues would not be allowed—only two bodyguards and two wizards per Royal House.
The inns were excited to hear this. The Royals and their retinues would have to stay somewhere close by, so the inns and taverns would do a booming business. The Royals, on the other hand, were not happy. They would have to pay for their own food and lodging. In the past, the Crown had footed the bill.
The guests began arriving late in the afternoon. The minor houses arrived first, as the major houses wanted to make their grand entrance. The Major Domo announced each house as they entered. This was the first night of the Festival Ball, which was the dance. Tomorrow night would be the feast. I didn't expect much to happen the first night. I assumed alliances were being made and deals struck; the feast is where I felt trouble would start.
Finger foods and punch were on side tables, and the center floor was left open for the dance. Everything was in full swing. The Queen and I did not dance, but everyone else seemed to enjoy themselves. The walls were lined with wizards, as every house had brought two. That was more than I had expected, but so far, everyone was minding their manners. Our guard presence was just as obvious. With this many family members in the mix, I doubted anyone would start anything.
Everyone with a daughter was shopping them around for a possible husband, trying to make the best deal for their family. If they had saved the money they had spent on new clothes, their families would have been better off to start with.
Suddenly, the emergency gong from my alley sounded in my head.
°There is an emergency in my alley; I must go. If anything happens, stick to the plan. I'll leave my image here beside you and be back as soon as I can.°
°Go, see to the children; I know what to do. Just be careful.°
°You too.° And with that, I ported to my alley.
***
As soon as I arrived, multiple lightning bolts struck me. One made it through my shields, ripping into my side. Time slowed, and I felt the impact against my shields like hearing a distant sound. My vision was tunneling and my conscious slipping. The impact of a fireball helped me focus.
Seeing my enemy, I lashed out. It was not as effective as I had hoped, but it gave them something to think about other than hitting me. I called my staff to my hand, bringing it into action. My wound was keeping me from moving as I usually did, but I pushed through.
Red Wizards were attacking the temple, and my wards had joined the fight. The Reds had turned on them, and my wards had never fought against magic before. They suffered for it. The temple guards and wizards had counterattacked with a vengeance. Attacking guards was one thing, but attacking children was an abomination to the priest.
The Reds were determined, and it quickly became obvious I was their target. Everything else was collateral damage. Seeing my wards lying dead at the entrance of our alley sent me into a black rage. Time stopped. I saw those who had killed my wards—those under my protection—and my restraint evaporated.
I sank my feet into the earth, drawing power from it. From the darkest depths of my soul, my wrath erupted. I was a being of purple fire. I became death and feasted on my enemies. My purple flame consumed the Red Wizards. Screaming, they withered. Their flesh melted from their bones like wax. My flame was so hot it seared the dirt street into glass. Buildings lining the street burst into flames, and I squelched them with a thought. Seeing no other enemies before me, I walked toward my alley. The pain in my side dropped me to my knees, and blackness claimed me.
***
I knew the moment Hue left. Even though I was in a room full of people, I felt completely alone. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the wizard illusion was still there, but that was of little comfort.
"Just remain calm; he'll be right back. I hope the children are ok."
I continued to act as if I was enjoying the dance. Trying to act my part, I sipped my punch and patted my hand in time with the music. I felt along my finger, reassuring myself that my shield and teleportation rings were still in place. Time seemed to stand still. The song had not ended since Hue had left, but I knew that was just my imagination.
The song finally ended, and partners changed. I noticed that two of our temple wizards had moved closer to me. I was grateful for the company. Still, time seemed to drag along. The next song ended, and the moment I feared arrived.
“Your Highness,” Sir Westly said, stepping forward.
“Yes?”
“Perhaps you and your Royal Wizard would care to dance.”
I could see movement among the Red Wizards and my guards. “I think not, Sir Westly, but please, everyone continue to enjoy yourselves.”
“Well, in that case, perhaps the Royal Wizard would entertain us with a magic show.”
I locked eyes with him. “Sir Westly, you begin to bore us. Perhaps you've had too much to drink.”
“Can't your wizard answer for himself?”
“If you do not remove yourself, I'll have the guards do it,” I threatened.
The crowd had moved back against the walls. No one made a sound, and my guards moved to place themselves between Sir Westly and me.
“In that case, I'll show myself out.” He turned and started toward the door. As he stepped off the dance floor, one of the Red Wizards threw a lightning bolt, striking one of my guards posted in front of me.
“Protect the Queen,” one of the priest's wizards shouted.
Lightning bolts, fireballs, and ice shards impacted on us. Our shields stopped most of the attacks, but not all. Just as I was about to port out, an explosion threw me and my throne against the wall. I felt my arm snap and almost passed out from the pain. I gripped my teleportation ring: "Sanctum."
I was lying on the floor in the Wizard's Sanctum. Tears of pain and anger ran down my face. I screamed out my anger: “I have had enough of people trying to kill me!” I said through gritted teeth. “Sanctum?”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“The castle is under attack.”
He looked to the side. “I will keep you safe as long as I can. Where is your wizard?”
“Fighting on another front, I'm guessing.” I felt vibrations through the floor and heard muffled explosions.
“They will overwhelm your guard shortly, and then they will head for your palace,” Sanctum said.
I nodded. “That's the plan, but this place is warded. Hopefully, they won't notice me here. If they do, I have another place to port to.”
“Good, but when I tell you to go, do not hesitate. Port out immediately.”
I nodded. “I will. I need something to make a sling for my arm; I'm pretty sure it's broken.” A large triangular bandage appeared on the table.
‘It is broken; there is something for pain over there,” he said, pointing to a shelf. “Take little. You just want to dull the pain, not go to sleep.”
I nodded, putting a pinch of the powder in a cup of water. I drank it and knotted two corners of the bandage, making a sling for my arm. It was not perfect, but it would do for now.
“I need to change out of this ball gown and slippers. Are there any clothes and weapons here?”
“Yes, in the other room.” He led the way.
It was slow and painful changing my clothes. I had to stop several times, and I was covered in sweat before I was finished. I now wore dark, nondescript pants, a shirt, vest, and low-topped boots. They all shrank to fit me, thank God. I moved to the weapons racks. My only experience with weapons was what Hue had taught me, and that was mostly the staff.
“Any suggestions, Sanctum?”
“Yes, Your Highness. The first thing yo
u should do is put on that cloak. It will hide you from anyone using magic to find you. It will also change colors to match your surroundings, helping to hide you as well.”
I put the cloak on with the hood up.
“As to weapons, I know your wizard has been working with you, so I suggest we start with those gloves—the fingerless ones.”
The fingerless gloves were made of what looked like fine gold chain mail. The inside was padded and lined to protect the hand. The fingers were covered up to the first knuckle. The back of the hand was armor plated; and although thin, it was very strong. In the center of the armor plate was a small sunstone. I pulled them on, which was easier said than done. My broken arm made doing so painful.
“When you strike an opponent, those gloves will harden and multiply the power of your strike exponentially. They also act as shields and work in conjunction with those daggers and that staff,” he said, pointing. “The staff is warded, charmed, and has sunstones embedded in it.”
I nodded. Taking it, I could feel the difference right away. This was no ordinary staff.
“The staff will shorten to any length you need, even down to just a striking stick. When you don't need it, think the command, ‘Sheath,’ and it will disappear into the gloves. To bring it back, command, ‘Staff.’”
I thought, “Sheath,” and the staff disappeared.
I thought, “Staff,” and it reappeared in my hand.
“The daggers work the same way with the commands, ‘Sheath’ and ‘Daggers.’” I picked them up and tried them, with the same results.
“These are wonderful.”
“Put your hands together and think, 'Hide gloves.’ No one will be able to see them, but they will work just the same.”
I carefully put my hands together and thought, “Hide gloves.” They faded from sight. “Staff,” and it appeared in my hand. “Sheath,” and it was gone.
“Let's go to the dining room.” I followed him there. “These are military rations and water. There is enough here for two people for a week. There is also a purse of gold, silver, and copper coins. Put all of this in the left, inside pocket of your cloak. It is a charmed pocket and it will all fit, and you won't feel the weight.” I packed the food and water away, and the cloak felt no different. “To retrieve anything from the pocket, put your hand in and think of the item you want. It will come to your hand.”
Wizard's Alley Page 25
