Welcome To The Age of Magic

by C M Raymond et al.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Think about it. Bronson was lazy, but he was popular. His occupation was drinking mead and seducing women. Killing him accomplishes nothing but outrage at the person who committed the crime. I believe the person who did this was only interested in framing Benjamin.”

  Abbey nodded slowly. That made sense to her, too. “Okay. How’s that help us?”

  “Your father and I have long believed something isn’t right in Holdgate. As much as the Magistrate and the Storm Captains try to hide it, things aren’t going well in our efforts to drive back the Barskall. But the problems aren’t coming in the battles themselves. They’re happening at home.”

  Abbey scratched her chin and thought about that. “You think someone in Holdgate is working with the Barskall?”

  Jarvi nodded. “Your father had set up an appointment to discuss the matter with the Magistrate, but it looks like he won’t be keeping it.”

  “They set him up to discredit him,” Abbey said.

  “Yes.”

  “So how do we find the traitor?”

  “I believe whoever it was will want to report back to their bosses. There are ships leaving for the north tomorrow.”

  Abbey chuckled. “You’re strangely informed for a man who lives in the woods.”

  Jarvi smiled. “I have my sources. I believe our traitor will be on one of those ships tomorrow.”

  “Then so will I.” She waited a moment for Jarvi’s response, but none came. “What, you’re not going to try to talk me out of it?”

  He shook his head. “You’re a grown woman. You can make your own choices. And if I were in jail and could pick someone to have fighting to clear my name, you would be at the top of the list.”

  Abbey swallowed hard, a lump suddenly in her throat. “Thanks, Jarvi.”

  He nodded toward the shocker. “You want to take that with you?”

  She considered it for a moment. “No. Honestly, it kind of felt like cheating. I prefer my sword.” She glanced at the unconscious guards. “What are you going to do when these guys wake up?”

  He shrugged. “I’ll say you broke into my house and attacked all of us. Don’t worry about me. They may haul me off to jail for the night, but I have enough iron to bribe the jailers. I’ll be out in a day or two.”

  “Thank you, Jarvi. For everything. I’ll be back before you know it, and I’ll bring proof of my father’s innocence.”

  Jarvi smiled. “I expect nothing less.”

  10

  Dustin placed his final set of clothing into the small trunk and closed the lid. Then he paused, opened it again, and pawed around inside, making sure he had everything he’d need. He was always like this the night before he departed. Once he got out on the open water in the morning, he’d be fine. But for tonight, he was a bundle of nerves. Knowing he’d be out at sea for an indeterminate amount of time with only the items he brought in this trunk only made it worse.

  In truth, he wouldn’t need much. As long as he provided the winds to send the ship on its way, the rest would take care of itself.

  But this wasn’t just any trip. They’d be facing Barskall Warriors.

  The four captains and Storm Callers who would be sailing out in the morning had met together that afternoon. The members of the other three ships had a camaraderie. It was clear they sailed together often. Dustin also knew none of them really wanted The Foggy Day along on their trip. Not that he blamed them. They were highly effective at what they did. Why did they need a smaller ship along with them? But the Magistrates and the other captains had insisted, so here they were.

  At the end of the day, Dustin didn’t care if the other ships wanted him there or not. He’d prove his worth.

  Captain Tor of Thunderclap had made it clear what he wanted The Foggy Day’s role to be: hang back and provide support. He’d said it in a kind way—at least for a stormship captain—but his words left no room for doubt.

  Dustin sighed and closed the trunk again. The things he’d brought would be fine, just like they always were. As long as he didn’t forget his staff, he’d be okay.

  He saw something out of the corner of his eye—a blur of motion. He grabbed his staff and spun toward it. Not that he could use storm magic without seawater present, but the staff would make a mighty fine club if the need arose.

  There was no one there. It must have been his imagination. Everything was happening so fast, it was making him jumpy.

  He started to relax, then he saw something. The shadows next to his wardrobe seemed to fall strangely. He squinted into the darkness, and after a moment, he spotted the unmistakable shape of a person crouching.

  He clutched his staff. “Who’s there? Show yourself, damn you, or you’ll see what a Storm Caller can do.”

  A female voice came from the shadows. “Not much without seawater, from what I hear.”

  She stood up, and Dustin gasped.

  It was Abbey.

  Abbey stood next to the wardrobe, still partially draped in shadows as Dustin stared at her, mouth agape.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” Dustin’s voice was a harsh whisper. “Everyone’s looking for you.”

  Abbey grimaced. “You think you’re going to get in trouble? You’re a damn Storm Caller. Act like it. Stop being so afraid.”

  “It’s not that.” He took a step forward, and she was surprised to see what looked like genuine concern on his face. “You should be miles away from here by now. I saw you leaving the city.”

  “I saw you, too. You were helping the guards, looking for me like the rest of them.”

  “I was trying to help you!” He sighed, exasperated. “I know those charges against your father are bullshit. And I know you didn’t have anything to do with Bronson’s death. You may not want to believe it, but I’m your friend.”

  “Really? You haven’t done much lately to support that claim.”

  He looked away. Was it possible he was actually ashamed of his actions? “You’re right. I’ve been a real dick, and I’m sorry. But that changes now. I’ll help you get away from the city. You can run and never come back. Start a new life somewhere they won’t look down on you just because of where you’re from.”

  Abbey paused. She’d intended to approach this very differently. She hadn’t expected Dustin to be so nice. Still, nice or not, she didn’t think he’d like what she was going to say next, and she was ready to get tough if needed.

  “I do need your help to get away from Holdgate, but not like you’re thinking. I want a ride.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I mean, I can borrow a cart and a horse. You hide in the back under some blankets. The city guard will wave me right through the gates when they see my blue cloak.”

  He still wasn’t getting it.

  “I need a ride on your ship.”

  There was a long moment before he responded. “Sorry, you want to come aboard The Foggy Day? You’re a storm rider now?”

  “I don’t want a job; I want you to smuggle me aboard. I have reason to believe whoever framed my father is aboard one of the four ships heading north tomorrow morning. I need to go with you so I can figure out who it is.”

  Dustin walked over to the table on the far side of the room and slowly sank into a chair. “Have you ever been aboard a ship? It’s not exactly spacious. What you’re asking isn’t easy.”

  “You telling me the Storm Caller doesn’t have his own quarters?”

  “Of course, I do. But if you think this apartment is small, wait until you see my quarters on the ship. There would barely be room for you to sleep on the floor.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “I’m not sleeping on the floor. You are.”

  “Hold on, Abbey. We’re getting a little ahead of ourselves.”

  She stepped out of the shadows and marched toward him. “Is that so? Remember what you told me at the festival last night? What they would do if they found out you had help passing the Testing?”

  He sat up a bit straighter at that. “
Shit, Abbey, are you really threatening me?”

  “I’m just saying it’s in your best interest I don’t get caught. The way I see it, the only way I don’t get caught is if I leave Holdgate. And the only way I’m leaving Holdgate is aboard your ship.”

  Dustin scratched at his chin for a moment, deep in thought. “You know, when I came looking for you this morning, I made myself a promise. I know I’ve been shitty to you, and I promised to make it right. To help you if I could. I have no idea how we’re going to pull this off. And it’s going to look really bad for both of us if we’re caught. But if you want to ride north on The Foggy Day, I’ll take you.”

  Abbey smiled. “Thanks, Dustin.”

  He nodded. “You’d better get a good night’s sleep. We leave at sunrise.”

  11

  Dustin stood on the deck of The Foggy Day, nervously clutching his staff. The sun was beginning to peek over the buildings of Holdgate to the east of him, and the crew shuffled onto the ship. Though he had met them yesterday, he felt differently about them today. They were his men now, his crew. More than that, they were his responsibility. Without his storm magic, they’d be subject to whatever winds and currents the sea in all her fickle glory deemed to give them.

  He stifled a yawn, hiding it with his arm as he pretended to scratch an ear. Despite his warnings to Abbey to get a good night sleep, he’d failed to do just that. It wasn’t that he hadn’t tried. He’d gone to bed early—well, floor actually; he’d given Abbey his bed. But the excitement and concerns about what the following day would bring swirled in his head, making sleep impossible. It seemed like he’d only just managed to drift off when he felt Abbey shaking him, telling him it was time to get going.

  Even if not for Abbey, he would have wanted to arrive on the ship before the men. Abbey’s presence made it a necessity.

  He still thought the plan was insane. There was no way they’d be able to hide her aboard the ship for any significant period of time. But he was willing to try. He had promised himself he’d do anything he could to help her after all.

  Captain Roy walked up the gangplank and stumbled onto the ship. His eyes were red and blurry as if maybe he’d spent the previous night at a brothel downing mead instead of at home in bed. Dustin couldn’t help but shake his head. It was no wonder The Foggy Day held so little esteem among the fleet with a captain like this. Roy’s men didn’t even stand at attention or salute as he came aboard. They just shook his hand and clapped him on the back as if he were just another one of the boys.

  It was like Captain Tor had said: it would be up to Dustin to bring some much needed glory to The Foggy Day.

  After Roy was finished greeting the crew, he shuffled over to Dustin. “Well, my good man, you ready to begin the voyage?”

  “I am, captain. I only hope we’re ready to capture our share of the glory when we face the Barskall.”

  Roy chuckled. “Spoken like a man who’s never seen a battle.” He took in Dustin’s expression, then said, “No offense. It ain’t like in the stories. You ever meet a Barskall that isn’t drunk on their draught, they are as reasonable as you or me. But once they swig on their seiderdrek, it’s a whole different situation. I once saw a Barskall woman barely as tall as my shoulder rip a man’s arm clean off his body.”

  Dustin was taken aback. “Seriously?”

  Roy nodded. “Worse, too. Thing’s I rather not mention at the moment, lest I accidentally curse our voyage.”

  Great, Dustin thought. He’s superstitious, too.

  “Point is, the best thing that could happen on this voyage is we don’t encounter any of those draught-addled bastards. Make no mistake, we’ll fight them if we have to, and we’ll win or die trying. But I ain’t about to go wishing for a battle. And neither should you be.”

  Roy clapped him on the back again, then walked away.

  The next hour was spent preparing the ship for departure. Dustin did his best to stay out of everyone’s way, but wherever he went, it seemed he was standing exactly where one of the crew needed to go. So he stayed in his place at the prow, waiting for the signal that they were ready to depart.

  Even though his position was arguably the most important on the ship, he didn’t have many official duties other than making sure the weather was cooperative. His mentor, Harald, had taught him only the weakest of Storm Callers spent more time than they needed to with the crew. Familiarity would take away the mystique of their station. A good Storm Caller needed to be aloof in his attitude and firm in his orders. Or so Harald always said.

  A few crew members came up to say hello, but he brushed them off. He didn’t have time for that now. He needed to concentrate.

  These qualities came easily to Dustin. His skills had set him apart from his peers. Not just Abbey, but also the other Storm Caller apprentices. His experience at the Testing had shaken his confidence a little, but it was time to get it back. It was time to be the Storm Caller Harald had trained him to be.

  Roy cupped his hand to his mouth and called across the deck. “Syd, we ready?”

  Syd was the first mate of The Foggy Day. She stood over six feet tall, just a bit taller than Dustin. Her head was shaved, and she wore two broadswords on her back. As much as Dustin intended to be firm with the crew, he’d think twice before crossing her.

  Syd looked around the deck, giving it one last check before answering. “We’re ready, captain.”

  Roy nodded, then turned to Dustin. “Storm Caller, please bring the winds.”

  Dustin took a deep breath and stepped to his place at the bow of the ship. A small iron cup was set into the deck. It was just wider than his staff, and it was filled with seawater. He took his staff in both hands and placed it in the iron cup.

  He closed his eyes and focused. The noise of the crew and the city behind him fell away. After a moment of concentration, all he heard were the waves slapping gently against the ship. Nothing existed except for him and the sea.

  He emptied himself of everything but a small, tiny ball of grim determination in his belly. The sea needed to be approached gently, but it also needed to know you wouldn’t submit to its will. It needed to know you were worthy of its respect before it lent you its power.

  Dustin knew he was worthy. Any doubts he’d had after the Testing were gone. He let the power of the sea flow into him, and then he grabbed it with a mighty grip. Now that he had it, he would not let go.

  He began to shape the power.

  A sudden stiff wind pressed against his back, and The Foggy Day glided forward, away from Holdgate and toward the north.

  Abbey paced back and forth in Dustin’s quarters, wanting nothing more than to be on the deck in the open air. The pacing didn’t take long as two steps took her from one bulkhead to the other. She knew they were underway by the motion of the ship, but there were no portholes for her to see through. It was beginning to sink in that she’d be spending the next two days down here. She wouldn’t see daylight again until they reached the city of Bode where the Barskall were rumored to have invaded.

  And what then? She’d have to go ashore with the Holdgate fighters and try to figure out who was secretly slipping away to conspire with the enemy. It would be no easy task, especially with four ships. The Foggy Day was the smallest of them by far, with only fifty crew members. The other three were a larger class. Each sported close to one hundred crew. So, how was one person supposed to watch all those people and find the one traitor amongst them?

  She didn’t know, but she vowed she’d accomplish her goal. Nothing would stop her from finding the real murderer and clearing her father’s name.

  She was wearing a warrior’s leather shirt so she’d be able to blend in better when she went ashore with the warriors. She’d had to go back to her father’s shop to get it, a risky move, but a necessary one. She looked like any other Holdgate warrior in this outfit.

  The door of the quarters opened just wide enough for a person to slip through, and Dustin rushed inside, then quickly closed the doo
r behind him.

  “Oh, thank the sea,” she said.

  Dustin spoke in a harsh whisper. “Would you keep your voice down, please?”

  “Like anyone can hear me over the noise of the water hitting the ship. I didn’t expect it to be so loud.”

  “I’m sure there are plenty of things you didn’t expect. Just be glad I’m a Storm Caller. Only me and the captain have private quarters. If I were crew, you’d have to hide down in cargo.”

  Abbey sighed. “I’ve been going nuts down here by myself.”

  “Seriously? It’s only been three hours.”

  Abbey’s eyes went wide. “I thought it had been at least six.”

  Dustin raised an eyebrow.

  “What can I say? I’m an outdoor kind of girl.” She cleared her throat, wanting to change the subject. “Your virgin Storm Calling went well?”

  Dustin smiled. “You know it. We’re cruising at a faster than expected clip. Not as fast as Thunderclap, but faster than the other two.”

  “Uh huh. Let me ask you something. We’ve got four Storm Callers conjuring wind in the direction we need to go, right?”

  Dustin’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah. So what?”

  “I’m just wondering how you know it’s your wind that’s driving us forward and not wind from one of the others.”

  His face reddened. “I know my own wind.”

  Abbey was starting to enjoy this. “So, there’s no combining of the efforts? It’s a different wind in each ship’s sail.”

  “No, of course not. And yes, our efforts do combine to build a stronger wind.”

  “Uh huh. So, how do you know you’re even contributing to the cause? What if it’s Dahlia’s wind that we’re using?”

  Dustin stammered for a moment before answering. “It’s impossible to explain it to someone who doesn’t use storm magic. I just know, okay?”

  Abbey couldn’t hold it in any longer; she broke out in a laugh. “Relax, man, I’m just giving you shit. I’m sure your wind is mighty.”