“Savia has found it rough going,” Gerald said. “It only took three weeks to get magic users trained up and then we sent them with a lot of magestone to face down Savia when we realized we had enough to hold out. Savia has been pushed back into Savia and we have started fighting inside their borders but can't do too much. We don't want to be open to counter attack but a plan has been hatched.”
“Well out with it,” Devin said.
“Our King is in talks with Formia,” Gerald said. “If they help his side, then he would split the magestone he finds in Savia down the middle. He said he doesn't care if they continue sieging us or not. In fact he said they should probably continue to ensure they leave with some magic.”
“That would be rough on Savia if Formia joins in,” Devin said.
“And if the assassinations are successful I think they would cave,” Gerald said. “All we have to do is keep hitting the nobles. Eventually they will be on high alert and stay on high alert. In the dark it would still be difficult to stop a Wizard attack when you aren't even sure if you are next. Formia would also cave if they hear how bad Savia is getting beaten. No one expected this place to hold out as long as it did.”
“So there are two plans of action,” Devin said. “How long do you think this place can hold out?”
“Hard to say,” Tasha said. “They breached the walls but coming here is difficult. This place is hard to reach with trebuchets and there is the fact that they are not trying to destroy the Fortress. I think we have at least a month on the low end and four on the high end. The assassinations haven't really been felt yet so who knows.”
“I think my part in whatever this is has to be put on hold,” Devin said.
“I know you have your family you want to check on,” Gerald said.
“I am happy you lasted with us this long,” Tasha said.
“I’ll be back through here regardless,” Devin said. “I have a family to look after and questions I need answered from my Da.”
“Safe journeys Devin,” Gerald said.
EPILOGUE
Devin could see his home up ahead, he hadn't gotten any letters or anything from his father so he wasn't sure where the man was. Devin knew that Ms. Martha might and would get information from either her or Mr. Darcy. Devin was travelling in the full uniform of the Wizards and hadn't been stopped, searched or accused of being a deserter since he had crossed over into Hatos. Devin had a decent amount of coin but Wizards normally didn't pay for their stay anywhere anyway. The crown of whatever kingdom they were in footed the bill.
Walking up to the estate felt weird to Devin, he had never felt warmth from Ms. Martha and wondered if he even belonged there. Devin briefly thought about knocking but decided to just open the front door. He wasn't sure what he would find since the war was still raging, on the way here he had heard decent news but knew everything was far from over. Not every woman was taken to the war effort, only those who already had kids and didn't have the money to buy their way out of serving. That really wasn't the information Devin was told before but it didn't matter. The big news is that all of the new Hatosian Wizards joined in the battle and immediately made their presence known and had helped push the Savians far into Savia. Devin thought the Kingdom was holding out hope its allies would take the Fortress. Devin didn't think the news was that great because the Savians eventually would do the same thing. They would put the majority of their populace through spell casting to fight off the enemy.
“Devin?” Troy said as he turned a corner and ran into his brother.
“Troy!” Devin said as he gave his brother a hug.
“What are you uh, doing here Devin?” Troy asked suspiciously. “And why are you dressed like that?”
“I made it through Wizard training,” Devin said. “I can do magic.”
“You can?” Troy said surprised. “I came to find out what became of you all, what became of our Da. Why are you here?”
“I am hiding,” Troy whispered. “War is not for me. I was rounded up with the rest even after paying my way out. Me and Damon were separated and were going to be put through for a commission to lead men. I found a poor commoner before I made it there and convinced him to take my place. He thought it sounded better than being on the front line with a pike.”
“What if he tells?” Devin asked.
“I hid out for a week just to see,” Troy said. “He went through with it and I know he will never tell a soul.”
“How do you know?” Devin asked.
“Because his body arrived here a month ago,” Troy said. “It said he was killed in his sleep by an assassin. Mother told everyone it was one of our new servants who had the same first name.”
“So you hiding in here until everything calms down?” Devin asked.
“Are you going to turn me in?” Troy said, fearfully. “I know you hate me. You hate me for staying inside while you and father break your backs doing hard work.”
“I don't hate you Troy,” Devin said. “I just think you are lazy. No I am not going to turn you in. You got out of it and I just hope you stay safe. Where is Damon?”
“Still fighting,” Troy said. “He is still out there and still fighting.”
“And our Da?” Devin asked.
“He is supposed to be coming here soon,” Troy said.
“He is?” Devin asked.
“Not much he can do anymore,” Troy said. “More than enough weapons have been made and if any is needed they can be salvaged from the dead. His part in the war is over unless they need more smiths. I should have learned to smith.”
“You should have,” Devin said. “I was on the frontlines for a bit and was even a Squire like I wanted.”
“You made it?” Troy asked surprised.
“I did,” Devin said. “And from there I became an Acolyte. This war and killing business is not for everyone, I will never judge you. I am worried about what would happen if you are discovered here. Who all knows you are here?”
“Just mother and she has been a horrible pain,” Troy said. “She had to send most of our servants away. At least those that work in the home but many of them were snatched up for war anyway. She hates cleaning after herself and you know I hate it as well. We have been forced to make our own food, do our own laundry and many other things servants usually handle. She blames me for ruining her easy life and maybe she should. She has briefly thought about hiring them back and forbidding anyone to go to the top floor. It may be the only plan that would work, we have also thought of putting up a wall to block off an entire part of the upstairs. I think something will have to happen, I am too soft to go without servants and so is mother. We also have other issues between each other.”
“What is that?” Devin asked.
“She has been secretly seeing Lord Paramount,” Troy said. “When I first came back I caught them together in an argument. When Da comes back, it will really be bad.”
“Maybe not as bad as you think,” Devin said.
“How can it not be?” Troy said. “She was seeing another man who already has a wife. Why she would cheat on our Da with a man like Lord Paramount I do not understand. Da is tall, handsome and he has a lot of muscle. You have been out with him, women stare at him whether he notices it or not.”
“Da knows,” Devin said. “If you spent more time around him then you would know that as well.”
“What do you mean he knows?” Troy snapped. “Why would he stay with her?”
“Because she has money and Da needed help raising me,” Devin said. “That is why he stayed and has let your grandfather interject in how you and Damon should be raised. I know you and Damon think it is nice not going outside and doing any work with your hands or learning things. Just think about it, what Da would let their boys get off that easy? Da doesn't really need Mr. Darcy’s money or Ms. Martha’s. He needed a place for me to stay and now I don't think he needs that, I don't see them staying together.”
“I don't see anyway they can stay together,” Troy
said. “She went out and got pregnant.”
“What?!?” Devin practically yelled.
“Yes and she is showing,” Troy said. “That is what the fight was about.”
“Your mother always wanted to be with a noble,” Devin said. “True, Lord Paramount is nearly twice her age but she always wanted the title of nobility.”
“She wants him to divorce his wife and marry her,” Troy said. “My grandfather is taking it horribly and has been over here twice to yell.”
“Mr. Darcy knows about it?” Devin asked.
“He found out almost the same time I did,” Troy said. “I still don't know why grandfather doesn't like our Da but he was livid when he found Mother and Lord Paramount arguing. He had noticed she started to show and did the math and came to ask her about it.”
“Pregnant though,” Devin said. “No way to get out of that.”
“And grandfather’s business is set to suffer,” Troy said. “No one would buy from him with my mother tearing apart noble marriages. Even if Lord Paramount divorced Lady Paramount, it wouldn't matter. Grandfather is trying everything he can to keep his things, including having Damon or I open up as a competitor and use Da’s name. That way when everything comes out people would flock to us and keep the money going.”
“People know who you are,” Devin said.
“Maybe manufacture a falling out,” Troy said. “The man is desperate and I know it is not a good plan. My mother may want to yell and berate me secretly about running but she is in no place to do so. I just wish I had learned smithing, I could be back here as a man instead of hiding in this house like a rat. I bet many commoners not as wealthy or well known as I are in hiding.”
“Probably,” Devin said. “If you are in hiding, why did you leave the front door open? I could have been anyone in here and saw you.”
“I was expecting mother,” Troy said. “Follow me up the side stairs. With you here, maybe I can send my clothes out to launder instead of doing it myself.”
Devin turned to follow Troy and could hear straps on the front porch. Devin motioned Troy to hurry as he walked out to the front door. Whoever it was, Devin would stop them before they could discover his brother. Devin could hear Ms. Martha pleading with someone. Devin waited as there was a heavy knock at the front door followed by a heavy boot kicking the door in. Devin had his throwing knife in his hand as he recognized Leftenant Nelson, he came inside with two other men. Ms. Martha was hanging off him and he threw her down and looked at Devin.
“You are going to pay for that door and I want my money now,” Devin said cooly.
“It is the archer?” Leftenant Nelson said. “I knew there was a deserter here. I should have been on this duty all along instead of at the front. Search this place, there are probably two others.”
“I said you better pay for that door,” Devin said as he could see Ms. Martha. “Pay for it now or I will take it your of your ass.”
“Pretending to be a Wizard,” Leftenant Nelson said. “Give him twenty lashes and send him to the front.”
“I am a Wizard,” Devin said. “Now get out of my home, and do it now.”
“I have had enough of you Archer,” Leftenant Nelson said as he drew his sword. The other men with him did the same as they stepped inside.
Devin’s throwing knife left his hand quickly and stuck in the forearm of Leftenant Nelson. The man screamed as the men next to him flew into action. Devin was wearing the normal uniform of a Wizard, he wasn't big on the thin short swords they carried but drew his and went into the fight. The first blade passed over him as Devin stuck the blade through the top of his first opponent’s foot and then spun away and scored a nice hit across the back of the thigh. The man yelled out as Devin was now on his partner who gave a thrust which Devin dodged and gave the man a double shallow cut in the form of an X across his chest. He cried out and dropped his weapons as Devin now had to dodge a blow from Nelson. Devin ducked and caught the man in the stones. Nelson was trying to go downas Devin gave him a headbutt and then pushed him out of the door. Devin turned around to look at the other two, they were wide eyed and scared.
“You two attacked a Wizard in his home for no reason,” Devin said. “You have destroyed my door and drew your weapon. You threw my pregnant mother to the floor. You both should be dead right now along with that idiot outside. Leave my home or I will kill you right now, I do not care about your injuries, if you are too hurt to go then I will kill you here.”
Devin watched them go, the one with the leg needed help and they were bleeding all over the place. Devin saw Nelson on the porch, the man was in rough shape. He slowly got up and Devin could see the forearm that took the throwing knife was bleeding. Someone had known Troy was at home and this was the group sent to grab him. Ms. Martha was surprised to see him home and was probably relieved he was there. Leftenant Nelson crawled and then stood up to leave. Devin watched him go as Ms. Martha walked passed him to get into her home.
“He will be back,” Devin said.
“What are you in my,” Ms. Martha began.
“Save it,” Devin said. “You save it for someone else.”
“Well I didn't give you permission to just…,” Ms. Martha began.
“I already know about Troy,” Devin said. “Just like I already know about you. Just like I said, save whatever you are about to say. Troy needs a safe place and I have plenty of work to do. He is upstairs, get him down here now while I find a suitable hiding spot. Now move.”
“Just who do you think you are talking to?” Ms. Martha said.
“So we are playing it that way,” Devin said. “I am leaving then, good luck cleaning this up.”
“I didn't tell you that you could just leave,” Ms. Martha said as Devin continued walking. “I said come back here!”
Devin didn't turn around and could hear Ms. Martha screaming his name. The woman was always pompous and acted like he was beneath her. Devin figured the woman would soon recognize the predicament she was in and would be more receptive. Devin knew he couldn't just walk out on her on the account of Troy. Devin would make her worry though, Ms. Martha was a stuck up woman who felt Devin and his father was beneath her. Now that she needed him it would give her some humility. Devin thought he would at least get to wherever he was going to stay for the night before Ms. Martha went to find him. Ms. Martha ended up running to catch up to him. Devin could hear she was out of breath and she tugged on his sleeve.
“What?” Devin said as he looked down at her.
“Don't talk to me like that,” Ms. Martha said.
“Look,” Devin said. “I know you don't like me, growing up you made it painfully clear that you were not my mother and treated me the same as you would have done any servant. Once I left here, I have lived life. I don't like you and I don't need your money. Now let go of my sleeve.”
“Troy needs you,” Ms. Martha said.
“He has you,” Devin said. “I am not being talked to like I am a bug or something crawly by you anymore. You are supposed to be married to my father and not only do you treat him like filth, you went out and got pregnant by a married man. You want to be some great lady and think that you are above it all, well now you are.”
“Please,” Ms. Martha said. Devin could see the word hurt her to say it.
“You talk to me like I am beneath you just one more time and I am gone,” Devin said.
Devin followed her back into the house and closed the door. Troy came down stairs and Devin wondered what they could do to hide him. Eventually Devin went to grab some tools and started tearing up the floor. His skill along with his magic would make a nice little area for Troy to hide out in. Devin would have to make it in a way that the floor would have to be torn up to get to Troy, they couldn't risk a trap door being found. Devin worked long into the night, the extra dirt he had he just stacked it by the back door and would get rid of it as soon as Troy had a halfway decent area.
Troy objected to being underground in the dark, Devin told him t
hen to come up with his own plan. Troy didn't have one and just wanted to complain, especially when Devin made him grab a shovel and start digging for himself. There was a secret trapdoor near the hearth, it was only big enough for a small saucer to fit through and Troy had a bucket of dirt that he could hold up to the hole so if it was discovered, they would think it was just dirt. Once everything was complete and Troy was in his new hole, Devin had the job of hiding the dirt. Wind magic helped out a lot and so did earth magic. Devin was able to get it twenty paces away from the house and used his remaining magic to make it seem like he was tilling up a field. Ms. Martha had to clean the inside of the house while he was doing that, dirt in a kitchen would be noticeable. Devin knew she wanted to object but she didn't.
Devin slept good that night, it was nice to be back in his own bed and around his own things. Devin woke up normally and could hear a far off scream. Devin wondered what it was as the scream sounded again. It was a strange sound, like a crack of lightning or something making a sharp crack. Devin slowly woke up as the strange sound and the scream was heard again. Devin went to find the sound, it was coming from in front. Devin went towards the front door, it was still broken. Devin opened it and could see at least twenty men. They were all soldiers and had his father tied to a wagon while someone was beating him with a whip. Leftenant Nelson was there, Devin could see he had four archers with him.
“Come out of the house deserter!” Nelson screamed. “Everyone in there is getting twenty lashes, starting with your father you has helped hide you.” Devin ducked back inside and ran to get his equipment, his father would have to endure as he was hit again. Devin quickly dressed and grabbed his things, he was back outside after a few moments.
“I am going to let you search my home,” Devin said. “I have nothing to hide and the law is clear. Four times the punishment on the perpetrator if nothing is found. That will be forty lashes and they are going to you.”
“I am not getting any lashes, now drop your weapons,” Lefttenant Nelson said.
“I will not,” Devin said now conduct your search.
The Wizard Page 19
