The Wizard Book

by Radu Aldea

  That was the Conclave’s worst nightmare. Because if a senator has somehow managed to take over one sorceress, she could do the same to a second and then a third until the whole Conclave was compromised. Alexandra was fairly confident that their mental block protected them from these two senators as well and the immune sisters were safe. Lena Casta must’ve known this too. She just hoped the fat arrogant bitch was wrong about the others.

  “The Conclave is not compromised. There is no way that could happen,” Tamzin replied.

  “I can think of a few ways that it could, in fact, happen, but Julia doesn’t control any sorceresses. If she did I would be dead. And as you can see, I’m not dead.”

  “I thought you weren’t Julia’s target.” Alexandra couldn’t miss such an opportunity.

  “And indeed I am not. That doesn’t mean that we like each other or that she would ignore a chance to remove one of her opponents,” Lucian explained calmly.

  Alexandra had to admit she was slightly impressed with Lucian’s cool demeanor. The villa could burn around him and he would still act as if it was just a warmer day. The senators she had met until now always gave something away, they betrayed themselves one way or another. These two, however, wouldn’t. The fat, arrogant bitch only revealed something because she wanted to. The same was true for Lucian. Alexandra wondered if this was not some elaborate play performed just for them in an attempt to deceive. She couldn’t see a reason, but senators were more than capable of doing something like this.

  “We can end this now. We could go into the Gap and kill the bitch!”

  Lucian did not agree with Lena’s impulsive reaction. “If I knew for sure she was actually there I would. If I had an inkling of what she is planning, I would. But I know none of these things. Are you forgetting we are dealing with one of the best military minds of our age?”

  “Says who? She’s untested. Until she wins a major battle, refrain from calling her one of the best military minds. You haven’t taken any action because you are afraid.”

  “I think you are confusing me with your family, who were right to be afraid and flee.” Lucian’s chastisement worked and Lena couldn’t find a biting reply quickly. “David is not untested, nor is Marcia. If this is Julia’s plan, and I’m not so sure she’s in charge as she is not the head of the family, they must’ve agreed to it. There are a lot of people in those families who would not just obey her mindlessly only because she is the most powerful. Her strategy is always to strike hard and fast and use the element of surprise. What she’s doing now is slow and futile and I can’t see a purpose. It feels more like Kara than Julia.”

  “You think Kara is not dead and she is behind this attack?” Lena was doubtful.

  That was a difficult question. Alexandra had not questioned the death of the two senators, but apparently Lucian and Lena did. In a way she wished it was true. Apparently Kara was thoroughly disliked by the fat senator and considering her own response of strong antipathy to Lena, she thought they might have something in common. And Alexandra was under the impression they would obtain more by negotiating with Suttland senators. The empress, however, didn’t want Kara alive. Alexandra could read it on her sister’s face.

  “Most likely they had agreed on this plan a while ago or Julia has learned from Kara. Anyway, I don’t want to send any more troops in the Gap. It would make me vulnerable. Maybe that is the opportunity she is waiting for and she has cavalry ready for a quick strike against me. I could take the rest of my troops and go there, but if I’m seen she could order her army to converge on me. Sure, she would sacrifice a few thousand soldiers to kill me. I would do the same to get rid of her. So I’m going to wait for Aaron and your family. Right now we are outnumbered and I’m not sure what is waiting for us there.”

  “Julia’s there. She was seen. We have two confirmed sightings. This is our opportunity to eliminate her. She only knows about you, she is not expecting me.”

  “Yes, we have two sightings, but by the time our scouts got there she was gone. For all I know she is back in Suttland. I’m still not sure who her target is. She could be after your family. She could be after Aaron and Dana. And we haven’t seen any other top senators of the Metteli and the Arvillii there. Something is not right, I’m telling you.”

  Alexandra was not sure what to believe. She sort of agreed with both of them. As a rule, she was in favor of acting not waiting. But if Lucian was right and they would walk right into a trap, well, that wasn’t good either. When dealing with senators, you never knew. During the Great War some of them proved to be brilliant strategists. She had a pretty good idea who David was, since most of the sisters had studied the battles he’d won. Marcia was more of a mystery.

  “Is this Julia as dangerous as you two?” Tamzin was curious.

  Lucian laughed and the sorceresses could taste the bitterness. “She’s more dangerous if rumors are to be believed.” Lena snorted and Lucian felt the need to respond. “You’ve never met the fox, have you? One day we decided to play a game of sorts. These war-games were not new to her, nor me. The odds were heavily in my favor and I couldn’t see how I could lose. But I did… lose, that is. In that moment I understood she is more powerful than I am and I would never win a fair fight against her. That’s why I’m really impressed someone managed to kill her. Believe me, Kara would uncover a conspiracy within her family.”

  “Touching, but that bitch is dead and I don’t see what that has to do with Julia.”

  Alexandra had to agree with Lena, although she didn’t appreciate the sarcasm. Lucian was more than happy to enlighten them. “According to the fox, Julia was the only one who could outthink and defeat her. She has done so on several occasions, although Kara had more victories. Julia is the only one out there who has any experience fighting against one of us. The fox was incredibly cunning, outsmarting her is quite a feat. What I’m trying to convey to you is that even if Aaron and your family come to our aid, victory is not certain.”

  She wondered for the hundredth time who exactly was murdered. Someone who elicited this kind of response from a senator of Lucian’s power – she had read respect, but also fear in his words – was not someone she would ever want as an enemy. And Alexandra knew her sister well enough to understand Kara could’ve become one.

  “Or she was lying. Or you are lying. Didn’t you hear the rumors Julia may not be as powerful as her family claims? They’re all over the place and there are some solid arguments behind them. Could you say for sure how powerful Julia is?”

  Lucian thought for a while before he answered Lena’s question. “I can attest Kara didn’t lie about her powers. As for Julia, I can’t be certain one way or another.”

  “It could be all a ruse. As long as they have two, not just one Circle member we would be reluctant to change the rules. The hypocrites are richer than any of us and they want to stay that way. That’s why they opposed us, not because of some higher moral standard.”

  Alexandra wanted to ask a thousand questions, but she wasn’t sure the two senators would answer. This conversation hinted at a deeper divide between the senatorial houses than she had been previously aware of. She heard a lot of anger, frustration and envy in Lena’s words and was convinced a war was unavoidable because everyone wanted it.

  “Kara’s not richer than you or me and her house doesn’t control more lands than yours. Yes, her family’s income is much higher than ours, but she’s generous with her clients. And the changes they prevented were to a centuries-old senatorial law that worked well.”

  “You know why they are richer. It’s just so happens that the only two provincial capitals under senatorial control are in Suttland. The others are considered imperial land.”

  That was true and Alexandra could see how the division of property might seem unfair to Lena. And she didn’t know exactly how it happened. Hilderfort went to senators immediately after the end of the war and Wennfort a few years later. She was not aware what type of negotiations had been taking place behind c
losed door. Alexandra only saw the effects. Nobody opposed the takeover or did something to stop it.

  “Well, Hilderfort has always been Levilli land, they just used a very inconspicuous way of exerting control. I guess it was necessary while the wizards were still around and they could be more open about it after we won. As for the Metteli, their claim on Wennfort was supported by the law. Nobody’s stopping you from finding a rich consort and adding to your house’s lands.”

  “Taking consorts is not common in Cuttland, you know that. That’s a Suttland custom. By right, Veneguard should be ours and Arenguard yours. We could take them if we come to an understanding. They can’t do anything about it. If they try, we just take Suttland from them.”

  “I just had the most brilliant flash of inspiration,” Lucian said. “I think you should take the emperor as a consort. You can claim all the imperial lands that way.”

  Alexandra was stunned by the course the conversation had taken. The empress, however, was amused. There wasn’t only amusement there, there was something more.

  “I think she might object to it,” Lena said pointing at Tamzin.

  “By all means, I’ll divorce him,” Tamzin laughed, “but I have a few conditions.”

  “What would those be?” Lena was curious, and to be honest, so was she. Tamzin was up to something, that much was obvious, Alexandra just didn’t know what.

  “Well I want Kara’s family and whatever allies they have destroyed. I’m guessing you already want to do that. And I want a senator found and delivered to me.”

  What the hell? Alexandra certainly didn’t expect that. Tamzin’s requests didn’t make any sense. It was more logical to ally themselves with the Arvillii, who actually stopped this megalomaniac bitch. Why didn’t her sister feel the same way?

  “Meaning you want us to do your dirty work while you remain neutral and keep your hands clean.” Tamzin just shrugged at Lena’s accusation.

  “Why do you want Kara’s family destroyed?” It was Lucian’s turn to be curious.

  “We were attacked by some humans under the control of senators and I’m sure they belonged to them. I don’t like being attacked and even less not being able to respond in kind.”

  “Why are you so sure it was the Arvillii who attacked you?”

  “Let’s just say I have my reasons.” Alexandra wanted to know Tamzin’s reasons as well. It was time for the empress to explain some things. She had enough secrets.

  “I wouldn’t be so certain. After all, you’re still alive.” Julian had told them something similar and Tamzin had a problem believing him too. It was pretty clear-cut to her. She had a lot of respect for the abilities of senators. They were proven time and time again during the war.

  “And why do you want to have that senator delivered?” Lena didn’t really care what her reasons were. She was preparing for a war with Suttland anyway.

  “We had some business dealings with her and she cheated us. We want to recover our money.” Tamzin was brilliant this time. It was better if they didn’t reveal why they were looking for that girl-senator. In fact, she didn’t know the reason either. Because the emperor asked them just didn’t sound good enough. The empress had given the two senators a plausible motive, although it didn’t look like they believed her. Yet again, the senators didn’t seem to care, and when they asked for details the sisters gave them. Lena and Lucian looked at each other and shrugged. That was not good news.

  “If she is of medium power she’s a battle senator and we should know about her. I haven’t met anyone like that,” Lucian answered them. Lena nodded as well. “She could’ve lied about the age I guess, but I still don’t know anyone who would fit the description.”

  “I have to talk to my family about your offer,” Lena told the sorceresses. “I don’t have much hope that they will agree. The moment I make a claim for all the imperial lands the other houses would not accept it and would turn against us.”

  “Well, think about it. We would be more than happy to return to our island and you would get Veneguard, as you wanted,” Tamzin replied.

  “I have a solution. You could divide the lands among the other houses and when the Suttland families won’t recognize your claim in the south you will have allies against them. This way everybody gets something except your enemies.” Lucian’s idea was pretty good.

  Chapter thirty-four

  In the end, there was not much she could teach them. If they had any illusions they could become as good as she was, Aleyna quickly dissuaded them of that. Sure, they could be taught to protect themselves or even become acceptable soldiers, although that was a different kind of fighting that entailed becoming a part of something much bigger and relying on those near you, but they would never become masters. As long as they wouldn’t face someone with superior skills, they would be all right. She had debated with herself if teaching the devotees of the Sun God how to fight was actually a good idea and decided there was no harm since they were few, fewer even wanted to be trained by her, and under the control of senators.

  Marcel was her most enthusiastic student, but she was getting a bit annoyed with him. He was following her around like a puppy. She thought his infatuation would fade away when he realized nothing would come of it. Either this epiphany didn’t hit yet or he simply didn’t care. He kept sending her messages to meet him and she mostly did. There was no way she would lose her connection to the priest. She had just received another of Marcel’s messages that it was important to meet him in a tavern. The other times he said it was important it turned out not to be. She considered not indulging him this time, but Thea was curious. The diviner had yet to reach her level of frustration.

  Sarah and Christian, although still in the city, were not with them to tell her what he wanted this time. It was probably something just as trivial as the last time. Somehow, Thea convinced her to go. The young senator found Ilan’s followers extremely entertaining.

  They arrived at the tavern in the middle of a heated argument. She was amazed it didn’t happen sooner, but this one promised to turn violent. Marianna, Marcel and a few other followers had decided to antagonize the patrons. And since both parties had been drinking Aleyna wasn’t sure she could defuse the situation. Thea had brought a few of her guards, but she doubted they were enough. The senator would have to use her power to stop the patrons and Sarah and Christian could do the same with the devotees, which was something Aleyna really didn’t want to happen. She just hoped she didn’t have to kill someone.

  Her short-swords were hidden under her cloak. She wouldn’t go anywhere without them lately. She would’ve liked to wear the armor specially made for her by sorceresses, in fact she had three of those and they cost a fortune, but she had to wear a dress.

  “Why did you come here and create trouble for all of us? Why don’t you just go somewhere else and leave us alone?” The patron was drunk and angry.

  “They rather be obedient and grovel at the feet of senators. They will watch you die and do nothing as long as they are safe. Why don’t you show a little dignity instead of being cowards?”

  That got her attention. The young woman was not someone she had seen before, she was sure of that. Apparently, the devotees had a new addition to their ranks. She looked at Thea hoping the diviner would understand she wanted her to take over the new follower and find out who she was. Sarah or Christian would know to do it without being told.

  Still, one of the patrons didn’t like being called a coward and was about to stand up and show his dissatisfaction by starting a fight and destroying the tavern. Aleyna was ready to intervene when the man was stopped by an older woman. “You’re not from around here, are you, girl?” The old woman was right. She had noticed the slight accent, too, and the stranger was definitely not from Suttland.

  “No, I’m not. I’m from Therburg and that’s why I know what these murdering bastards are like.” That explained everything. Just like everyone else, Aleyna had heard what had happened in Riffland. The woman was probably
not a believer, but a survivor of the massacre. The reaction had been extreme and short-sighted, but nothing she didn’t expect from Nestor.

  “By the goddess, she’s more interesting than Marcel thought. I’m going to come every time he sends for you,” Thea whispered to her.

  “If you have her, keep her,” Aleyna replied in an equally low voice. The diviner was just like any other senator after all and didn’t allow people who hated them so much to be free. Her companion could tell her everything the follower knew, but that wouldn’t stop Aleyna from prodding. That way she didn’t have to explain why she knew things she wasn’t supposed to.

  “Just because a few people in your insignificant town died you think you have the right to judge the rest of us? I have fought in the war and seen scenes more horrible than you can imagine.” Aleyna didn’t doubt that. Although information from Riffland was sketchy, probably no more than a hundred people died in Therburg, which was insignificant compared with the huge loss of life during the Great War. If the man had fought in it, there were some things he most likely wanted to forget and what happened in the west might not impress him. He was on his feet again, however, and getting ready to act. And he was a soldier, the followers weren’t.

  “You may sit down. I would hate to have to kill you, but I will,” Aleyna told him.

  “Are you serious, girl?” The man gave her a look that said he didn’t think much of her.

  “Always!” Aleyna looked around. There were other patrons who might join the fray. Fighting in close quarters with obstacles in her way was not one of her favorite things, but she could do it and it came useful when you might be outnumbered. And if you didn’t consider Thea and her powers she was. The fight would be taken out of most of them the moment the first bodies started to fall. Aleyna was confident she was going to win when the man attempted to grab her. He was stronger, but she was faster and much better trained. She managed to get a hold and twist his arm, a blow to the knee and he was down and before he knew it he was on his knees, his back to her and a sword to his throat. “As I said, we don’t want any trouble. We’re just here to enjoy a drink. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and if the senators have a problem they can come and tell us.” No senator would make an appearance since they were ordered to stay away, but these people didn’t know that. She wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of the patrons would go and look for the senators after this.