by Tony Corden
“Indeed she did. Apparently, some of the smaller betting agencies are in trouble because her loss was so unexpected. Some have suggested the contest is rigged in some way. How would you answer the accusation?”
“I doubt it is true. I’ve watched every bout, and from what I’ve looked at in my preparation for today, all of the players played to win. The current regulations allow players to place bets on bouts only if it is for them to win, but never for a loss. I’m sure there are ways to cheat, but I honestly doubt it’s happened at the start of the contest. It’s more likely to appear as the stakes get larger. Having said that, I am also fairly confident that each player still has something they kept back, a spell or a weapon that might have won their bout if they used it. That isn’t cheating, it’s only good planning. This is the first battle in a long war and only a foolish general sends everything she has into the first battle.”
Chéng Shí looked a little shocked, she said, “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard a player admit it’s possible to cheat. How can people have confidence then to place wagers?”
“My mum always said that gambling is a gamble and that nothing was ever a sure thing. She tried to train us never to make wagers. Dad was more flexible. He used to say to never wager what you can’t do without, never wager on a sure thing, and never wager on a stranger’s integrity.”
“Wasn’t your wager with Yuè Fēi betting on the loss? You lose, you get the beer.”
“That's true only if getting a beer is better than the honour of buying him a drink.”
Chéng Shí laughed then said, “On a different note, people are wondering what Lord Namus gave you. Are you willing to tell us?”
“I haven’t looked at it yet. I’ll probably wait until the next time I’m alone in Dunyanin, as enough is going on here at the moment.”
“People are also wondering about this boyfriend. Your statement squashed the gossip about you and Ivan or you and Yuè Fēi. Who is this mystery man?”
“He is someone I met playing in Dunyanin. We haven’t talked about whether or not he wants me to tell the world who he is. My own view is that there are parts of my life I want to keep private. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks and getting to know someone is hard enough without the world watching.”
Chéng Shí wrapped the interview up shortly afterwards, and then Leah talked with one of the American Union reporters about her bout with Noah. When that was over, she headed back to her private area and started working on her diary entries for the day.
Leah’s ponderings were curtailed by the trumpet blast. Leah turned as Ivan and the huge orc, Мастер_Cмерти, appeared. As he had before, Ivan came to attention and lifted his head in acknowledgement of the Orc. Мастер_Cмерти sneered at the display and then pointed at Ivan before bringing his hand back and using his finger to mime, cutting his throat.
Ivan shrugged his shoulders, and then looking at the orc lifted his war axe and peered at it. Looking back at his opponent, he shook his head and unequipped his axe, equipping a two-handed six-foot broad sword instead. Repeating the actions, Ivan unequipped the sword and equipped a katana. As he did this, the trumpet sounded, and the orc started loping in his direction. Ivan ignored him except to look up, shake his head and unequipped the katana.
Мастер_Cмерти was bearing down on him, and he equipped a small hatchet. This time when he raised it up to look at it, Ivan smiled. The orc was ten metres away when Ivan raised the hatchet and threw it hard at the orc with an overhand throw. The orc dodged to the left, only to see the axe curve through the air toward him. He hurriedly swiped upward with his machete, but the axe was too quick and buried itself in his head, almost cutting it in two. As the orc disappeared, Ivan walked over and picked up the small axe before he also disappeared.
Leah sat for a minute, trying to understand what she’d seen. Either the hatchet was enchanted, or Ivan was able to use magic. Nothing she had seen of Ivan suggested his armour or weapons had greater enchantments than usual, and this would have had to be the case as it almost ignored the orc’s magical defences. On the other hand, Ivan had never displayed any skill in magic before this—at least, not obviously.
Leah wondered why he would show his hand now when in all likelihood, he could have defeated the orc by cutting him to pieces slowly. Her only thought was that it sowed uncertainty and doubt in the other players’ minds. Either that or he decided the lack of respect needed to be treated with contempt. Undecided, she checked the list of things she needed to do. Gèng interrupted her and said, “When Peter and the lawyers were talking with Dunyanin this morning, Mage Jonathan was called as an expert witness on magic. He gave Peter a message after the meeting requesting to meet with you. Peter just remembered it then. He apologises for the delay.”
“Do you know where I could find Mage Jonathan?”
“I cannot access that information. The Dunyanin search function limits such searches to employees. Perhaps one of them could help?”
Something in what Gèng said struck Leah as important, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. She said, “Gèng, can you reword your last comment? There is something in it my subconscious says is important, but I can’t figure out which bit.”
“Certainly. Dunyanin only permits employees to use the internal company search engine. Without access, I cannot find out where Mage Jonathan is?”
Leah stood still with her eyes closed and replayed both comments over and over in her head. Finally, she said, “What if you accessed all players with public feeds and did facial recognition? Could you then find Mage Jonathan?”
“There is no public list of players. Without such information, I would need to scan the entire multiverse and test each data stream. It would be both expensive and time-consuming.”
“Could you purchase the information from a metadata facility?”
“Possibly, although I believe the privacy legislation regarding meta-mining is considered draconian and purchasing the permissions would again make that search prohibitive.”
“Could you sift through the metadata if you had sufficient access to processing?”
“Leah, such a discussion is perhaps best left for the privacy of the Tower.”
“Sorry, thank you for the reminder. I’d best go find Jonathan the easier way.”
46
Chapter 46
December 17, 2073 - MERKIZE CONTEST - Part 15
DUNYANIN - CONTEST
Leah left the room and walked into the operations room. Finding an employee, she asked if Emil was available. She had to wait five minutes until he was free. As he approached, she said, “Hi Emil, thanks for coming.”
“No worries, I probably owe you a favour or two. Erol not only knows who I am now, but he asked me to call him ‘Erol’. It looks like I’ve suddenly got good prospects. How can I help?”
“One of the NPCs you called as a consultant this morning, Mage Jonathan, asked my marketing manager if I would meet with him. I wanted to know where he might be and if I could see him now as I have nothing else to do at the moment.”
“I don’t know why I’m surprised, but that is impossible. These days I’m personally advised of every possible quest that involves you or could ever involve you. Nothing in his development would have him give you a quest, and he would not seek you out except for a quest. The quest to visit him is designated ‘player promoted only’. He cannot raise that issue with you.”
“OK. So is that a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’?”
“I don’t know. Wait here for a minute. I need to go check a few things.”
Leah waited, and although several people came to talk with her, there was nothing substantial. Emil was gone much longer than a minute and only returned as the Dunyanin Administrator playing as an Orc announced the last final four players. Leah noted that Herman Weismann wasn’t present at all and it was one of the other judges who stood up and said, “Welcome to the fourth and fifth rounds of today’s competition. Our head judge, Mr Eitan M
alka, has had to deal with some personal business, and I have assumed his role. Nothing in this round is random, although the other judge, along with the Integrity Commissioner, and I will oversee the bouts to ensure it conforms to all regulations. The first bout will begin in fifteen minutes and will be between player Yuè_Fēi_Lóng and player Боевой_молот. This will be followed by player Královna_Kouzel_666 and player Princesa_Amazônica_23. Fifteen minutes after this fight ends, the two winners will do battle to decide the winner of today’s competition.”
Leah looked around but couldn’t see Merideath or Gottes_Kreiger_10. Turning to Emil, she said, “Have some players left?”
“Yes. Players who have been eliminated are free to leave without penalty if they wish. You seem surprised?”
“I am a bit. I know there is nothing really to do here, but it seems, I don’t know, disrespectful.”
“Then it shouldn’t surprise you that all the players who wouldn’t show respect in the arena have left.”
“When you put it like then it doesn’t. Now, what did you find out about Jonathan?”
“I will bring you to him, but I must stay in the room. His AI has been added to the list of those under the highest level of scrutiny. Today we’ve added all the gods and now a mage. The head of our internal AI standards and security department asked me to thank you for ensuring his department gets the increased budget allocation he has been asking for. I’ve also been asked that you not mention the quest to Sihirbazlari.”
Emil led Leah through a doorway and into a room where Jonathan was waiting. Leah walked over and said, “Hello, Mage Jonathan, I apologise for the delay in meeting with you. Mr Emil Riverton works with the creators. He was kind enough to help arrange this meeting. Do you have any concerns if he stays?”
“Not at all. Welcome, Mr Riverton, please call me Jonathan.”
Turning to Atherleah, Jonathan said, “You have come far, Atherleah. You are not only an accomplished mage but also now the Empress of Vatan. Should I call you ‘Empress’?”
“You already know my view on that, Mage Jonathan. Now, how may I help you?”
“If I must forgo due deference because of your egalitarian ways, then you must simply call me Jonathan.”
“As you wish, Jonathan. Please have a seat and speak your mind.”
Jonathan sat down in one of the lounge chairs, with both Leah and Emil opposite. Jonathan said, “As you know I was once third Arch Mage in Sihirbazlari. I received some communication recently from my good friend, Arkadaş. He is currently second mage and has not yet chosen a traveller’s name. Some from the Citadel were travelling through Vatan as part of their training. On their return, they mentioned they had seen a vision of the Fourfold Mage, the one we call Tamamlayınız. She, with her dragon, were heralded by the ringing of the Bell of Ascension, that which we call Nüfuzlu. Apparently, these mages have sworn fealty to her in their hearts. Needless to say, there is much debate in the Citadel. Through the centuries only three mages have ever managed to master, and even then I suggest the term is used loosely, the time magics of the Fae. Each has looked into the future, and each spoke of the coming of the Fourfold Mage. The first spoke of her as the one who uses the magic of the Gods, the magic of the Dragons, the magic of the Fae, and the magic of the mundane. The others say similar things, but we shall leave them unsaid. To say the words can inspire the fulfilment, rather than identifying the one who fulfils them.
“Arkadaş was disturbed for there was evidence that their fealty, though prophesied, had been magically imparted. He asked me to look for evidence that the Tamamlayınız had indeed appeared. Today when I saw you, I saw you covered in the magic of the gods and the magic of the dragons. I know you wield mundane magic. I wanted to ask if you also wield that of the Fae?”
“I do.”
“You have always spoken truly, but forgive me if I ask you to provide evidence?”
Leah concentrated and cast using her newfound understanding of gravity and lifted Jonathan, and his chair, a foot above the ground. She then slowly lowered him back down. He smiled serenely and then stood. He bowed and said, “Tamamlayınız, I Jonathan, known in Sihirbazlari as Müjdeci, freely declare you Doruk, the First Mage of Vatan. My word is binding. The first prophecy is fulfilled.”
As he spoke he cast what Leah knew to be a binding oath because she could see the dark green mana. This was edged with thick bars of silver which she knew was the mana relating to a promise of Dunyanin. It flashed over her and then washed outwards like the ripple in a pond.
Jonathan sat down before Leah could say anything, and he said, “It seems somewhat strange to honour you so. I remember when I gave you your first spell. You don’t seem too surprised at my declaration.”
“I was surprised until you mentioned the ringing of the bell. I rang the bell less than three weeks ago. I knew it would acknowledge me as the one to whom fealty was to be given. When I considered Vatan, I did not think the sound would reach the Citadel as it was outside the bell’s range. When you mentioned travelling mages, then I understood. I had heard nothing of the Fourfold Mage, the prophecies or the Tamamlayınız. How far will your oath travel?”
“Throughout Dunyanin. All the Mages of Vatan will hear the news and rejoice. Well, not all of them, for even among the mages there are malcontents. You should understand that those mages who are travellers may not understand what has transpired, for the prophecies are known only to those who study in Sihirbazlari. There are still several prophecies which must come true. They will be acknowledged as they occur. It will be interesting to see how they reach fulfilment in a Traveller. None will doubt that they will happen though. As of my declaration, you are Doruk, the First Mage of Vatan. What do you wish of me?”
Leah sat forward and said, “Nothing at the moment. I imagine you and the other mages have an effective government already in place. When I visit Sihirbazlari, I shall sit with those in power, and we shall discuss the future. I take my responsibilities as Empress, and now Doruk, seriously. Is there any change that I must make now for the good of Vatan or for the mages? I trust your advice.”
“There is nothing of great importance. The First Arch Mage is a good man who works hard to lead wisely.”
“Then, please pass on my greeting and my promise to visit.”
“Indeed, I shall.”
Emil had been watching the interaction and said, “Atherleah, I doubt you would know, but at Jonathan’s declaration, a golden symbol appeared on your forehead. I believe it is what the mages call The Dörtkat. It is one of their mystical symbols.”
Jonathan looked carefully at Emil then gently shook his head and said, “Forgive the correction, Mr Riverton, but it is the symbol of the Doruk. Among the mages, only she may wear it. It is Fae in origin, and our scholars believe it is one of their ancient runes. Our most competent scribes have suggested it is their symbol for the force we call gravity. This as much as anything convinces me of Atherleah’s identity.”
Leah stood, and the two men came to their feet. She said, “Jonathan, I must apologise for the brief nature of this meeting, but I’ve been reminded that the next section of today’s contest is about to begin. Is there anything else we should discuss before I say goodbye?”
“Nothing of import. I was hoping to ask how you are progressing with the mana manipulation.”
“It is a work in progress. I’ve also learned Ki manipulation. Both have been helpful when learning to control the shrouds.”
“You continue to amaze me, Doruk Atherleah. I look forward to your visit with greater anticipation every time we talk.”
Emil also said goodbye and then led Leah from the room. Once they were outside, he said, “That explains everything. The Overwatch AI was tying up some loose ends. I’ll need to assign someone to check all the changes and make sure we don’t get caught out because of ignorance. Thank you for bringing this to me.”
Leah nodded and then headed for her balcony to look through the messages Gèng had waved away durin
g her talk with Jonathan. As she traversed the operations room, she was hailed by Noah, who said, “Atherleah, I was going to watch the next bout at the bar. Will you join me?”
“Love to. I was heading to the room they provided but watching with company sounds good.”
They had just sat down after ordering drinks and snacks at the bar when the wall in front of them faded, and Ivan and Yuè Fēi appeared at either end of the arena. As had become the custom, they showed respect to each other then waited until the second trumpet blast. Instead of the fight beginning up close as the last time they fought, they began fighting with ranged attacks. Yuè Fēi equipped his bow and started to fire a range of spelled arrows at Ivan.
Ivan either dodged or used his battle axe as a shield for the first few and then started to respond with the first ranged attack Leah had observed from him.
He equipped what looked like frisbees or large dinner plates, but each had a large hole in the centre. They were made of metal and Leah recognised them as chakram. Their outer edge was honed sharp as a blade, and when thrown they spun through the air, their aerodynamic circular shape keeping them aloft. Ivan was obviously an expert. He could easily reach Yuè Fēi with a straight flat throw, or he could send them high in an arc to come in at an angle. Yuè Fēi used his shield on the first one, setting it at an angle to deflect the chakram only to find the disc cut deep into the shield before exploding and blowing him off balance.
Before he could regain his feet, another chakram was spinning in toward him, followed by several more. To protect himself, Yuè Fēi brought both hands together and cast what looked like a light spell. Light shot from his hands and formed a curved shield which deflected the discs, although as each hit, the light dimmed. Getting to his feet, Yuè Fēi somehow locked the shield in place and continued to shoot arrows at Ivan. Yuè Fēi had no difficulty either seeing or firing through the light shield.
