The Wizards' War

by Angela Holder

  Tenorran stuck close to Benarre’s elbow as the captains rose and headed toward the exits of the Hall. “One more thing, sir,” he said urgently.

  Benarre turned to him, frowning. “What?”

  “You can’t let Guildmaster Hanion find out what you’re doing. He’s getting messages out somehow. Several times I heard them refer to things he’d told them about your activities.”

  Benarre shook his head wearily. “That confirms what we suspected. I haven’t told him anything important for weeks. But I suppose he’s bound to hear something if we keep him here while the work is going on.”

  “And he’s not the only one. From what I heard, I think they have at least one other wizard in the city. He’ll be able to see what you’re doing through windows, if he suspects there’s something worth watching.”

  “It shouldn’t be too hard to either keep the work hidden or disguise it as ordinary activity.”

  “True. But it might be possible to draw out the spy and deal with Hanion at the same time. As well as feed the Tevenarans false information and create dissension among their leadership.”

  Tenorran outlined his second plan to Benarre. It wasn’t as well thought out, because it had occurred to him late in his journey, and he’d spent most of his time refining his main idea. But Benarre received it with a gratifying amount of enthusiasm. “That’s perfect. The resistance in the city is growing worse every day. Constant acts of sabotage and outbreaks of violence. I need to make an example of someone, but we haven’t been able to capture any of their leaders. We’ll make the announcement now, and schedule it for late afternoon. That way they’ll have a few hours for news to reach them, but not long enough to plan anything more complicated than a direct rescue.”

  Tenorran nodded, his mouth dry. Benarre was staking a great deal on Tenorran’s advice. If all went as he envisioned, Benarre would have new cause to trust Tenorran’s loyalty. But if things went wrong, and the Tevenarans benefitted in some way he hadn’t been able to predict, Benarre would have even more reason to believe Tenorran a traitor.

  Benarre clapped a heavy hand on Tenorran’s shoulder. “Join me at the midday meal. Since the Sinvanna and all your former officers are gone, I’d like you to serve directly under me. You can help Mirlen with his duties.”

  Tenorran saluted. “Yes, sir. I’d be honored.” It was better than being thrown in the brig. But Benarre would be watching him every moment. He’d have to be very careful not to give the commander any chance to misinterpret his actions.

  Twenty-Nine

  Tenorran stood beside Commander Benarre on a hastily erected wooden platform in the plaza outside the Mother’s Hall. Throngs of Tevenarans packed the square, staring up at them with sullen expressions. Hundreds of Armada soldiers kept order, acting quickly to silence the offenders whenever angry shouts or defiant chants threatened to break out.

  Two soldiers dragged a disheveled, battered Hanion onto the platform. The Guildmaster faced the crowd with a straight back and raised chin, despite his fresh bruises and bleeding lip. Ragged cheers rose from scattered throats, soon dying as the guards dealt with those they could find and the rest fell silent from fear.

  Benarre stepped to Hanion’s side and addressed the crowd. “Your former leader surrendered when we arrived. He signed documents relinquishing control of Tevenar to Ramunna and swore loyalty to the Matriarch in the Mother’s name. We accepted his word and treated him with honor.

  “Now we have proof that everything he told us was a lie. He concealed the fact that large numbers of Tevenarans were preparing to resist our conquest. He told us that most of the wizards had died when actually they had escaped. He passed information to those attempting to disrupt our rule. His oath was false from the beginning.”

  Benarre turned to Hanion, so smug and arrogant Tenorran almost believed him. “Your ploy failed. We know the wizards are upriver, trying to gather enough peasants and farmers to threaten us. In a few days we’re taking an overwhelming force to destroy them. Your death will be the first of many.” He gestured, and the soldiers forced Hanion to his knees. “Witness how Ramunna deals with traitors and oathbreakers.”

  Lieutenant Mirlen strode forward. He carried one of the many-tailed whips used to discipline disobedient sailors. The soldiers stripped off Hanion’s tunic and tossed it aside. Mirlen raised the whip and brought it down with vicious force across Hanion’s bare back.

  Tenorran clenched his fists as the scourging continued. Hanion bore it as stoically as any young Armada officer, but the old man’s body couldn’t take such abuse for long. If the hidden wizard didn’t act soon, Hanion might not make it to the gallows that waited on the far side of the platform.

  Just as Tenorran became sickly certain his plan would fail, a man pushed his way to the front of the crowd, a dog pressed to his side. Golden light poured from his upraised hand, surrounding Mirlen and the two soldiers and freezing them in place. Hanion staggered to the edge of the platform, blood dripping from his deeply scored back, and tumbled into the wizard’s arms.

  “Stop them!” Benarre bellowed. The soldiers scattered throughout the crowd made a dramatic show of surging toward the wizard and Guildmaster, but the Tevenarans fought back just as anticipated. The soldiers stuck them down with swords and spears while the wizard put an arm around Hanion and hustled him through the throng. Gold light haloed the Guildmaster’s back, sealing the slashes even as they fled.

  Tenorran watched grimly as the soldiers indiscriminately slaughtered members of the crowd. As ordered, they pursued Hanion and the wizard, but failed to catch them before they reached the edge of the plaza and disappeared down a narrow street. Tenorran’s last glimpse of them showed Hanion fully healed and running beside his rescuer.

  The gold light around the three on the stage winked out. Mirlen cursed and slashed his whip through the air. “After them, you incompetent fools!”

  Benarre stepped forward and spoke softly to him. “Calm down, Mirlen. We meant for this to happen.”

  Mirlen whirled on him, raising his whip. “What?” He glared at Tenorran. “Did that traitor trick you into freeing him?”

  “It was Tenorran’s plan, yes, but no trick. Hanion will carry the information we gave him to the Tevenarans. Tenorran tells me the man leading the Tevenaran force, a wizard named Elkan, was Hanion’s rival for the position of Guildmaster less than a year ago. When Hanion shows up, Elkan’s leadership will be thrown into question. With any luck, the two of them will wrangle for command, putting the enemy forces in disarray. Meanwhile, the wizard who’s been leading the resistance in Elathir has exposed himself. If he tries to stay in the city we’ll be able to hunt him down.” Benarre eyed Mirlen’s whip, still poised to strike. “I’ll pretend I didn’t see that. I’m sure being seized by the demon’s power was disorienting, but that’s no excuse for threatening your commanding officer.”

  Mirlen slowly lowered the whip, still scowling. “You’ll be sorry for trusting him.” He turned hate-filled eyes on Tenorran. “You think because you’re the Matriarch’s brat you can do as you please without consequence. But you don’t fool me. I’ll be watching you.”

  Benarre gestured in dismissal. “No one’s trusting Tenorran blindly. We’ll watch for any sign of treachery. But we won’t dismiss his useful ideas. Now clean that whip and put it away. Tenorran, come with me. We’ll get the men started on the rest of your plan.”

  * * *

  Wildly agitated barking, followed by many voices raised in excited confusion, broke through Elkan’s concentration. He dropped his pen and hurried to the door of the office. “What in the Mother’s name?”

  Tobi, who’d been napping in a patch of sun, sprang to her feet and reached his side as he pushed the door open. Sounds like Mavke.

  Elkan had never heard such strident sounds from the placid bulldog, but he didn’t question Tobi’s judgement. They emerged into the main hall. All the children and the adults in charge of them were clustered around the main doors. Elkan threaded his way
between them.

  Sika, the third-year apprentice he’d entrusted with the care of the Guildmaster’s familiar, was sitting on the floor before the big double doors, her arms wrapped around Mavke. The bulldog struggled to get free, never ceasing his frantic barking. Sika turned grateful eyes to Elkan. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” she shouted over the noise. “He was playing with the children like we do every day, when all of a sudden he went crazy.”

  Elkan suspected he knew what had prompted Mavke’s outburst. With a mix of hope and dread, he opened one of the doors a crack. “Let him go.”

  The girl frowned but obeyed. Mavke shot through the gap as fast as his stubby legs could propel him. Tobi bounded right behind. Elkan followed, letting Sika slip through, but closing the door before any of the children could escape. Sika ran after the dog. Unsurprised, Elkan saw Mavke heading toward the road from Elathir. He hurried after.

  Elkan emerged from Korisan’s buildings just in time to see Mavke launch himself at a wearily trudging figure. They sprawled in a heap, the man returning the dog’s joyous greeting with equal enthusiasm. Elkan swallowed hard against the tightness in his throat. He took his time walking through the meadow so Hanion and Mavke would have plenty of time for each other before he arrived to demand the Guildmaster’s attention.

  Sika watched the reunion from well back, a fixed smile on her face, her eyes bright. Elkan stopped to put a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve taken good care of Mavke. Thank you. I’m sure Guildmaster Hanion will be as grateful as I am.”

  She nodded, blinking. “He’s so happy.” Her voice trembled. “I promise, I never forgot he was bonded. I only thought, if something happened to the Guildmaster, he’d need a new partner, someone who could comfort him. I mean, I’ll be bonding with someone next Springtide…”

  That’s why Elkan had introduced Mavke to all the third-year apprentices and chosen the one who seemed to connect with him most. “Hanion took a great risk, staying behind and surrendering to the Ramunnans. We all feared he’d be killed. Mavke, too, I’m sure. You were a good companion to him when he needed one.”

  She sniffed and nodded. Elkan patted her shoulder and stepped away. Maybe he should assure Sika that the Mother would send her the perfect familiar in time, but such well-meaning words would give little comfort. Nor would it be helpful to remind her that Hanion, like all of them, was still in danger. The future was so unpredictable Elkan barely dared plan for next month, let alone Springtide.

  Hanion scooped Mavke into his arms, laid his cheek against the bulldog’s head for a long moment, then scrambled to his feet and strode to meet Elkan. Elkan embraced him as best he could without crushing Mavke between them. “Thank the Mother you’re safe. What happened?”

  Hanion grimaced. “Benarre finally figured out I was deceiving him. He was going to execute me, so Savir and Music had to intervene. I wanted them to come with me, but they insisted on going back to the city. I don’t know what Savir hopes to accomplish. They won’t be able to do much now the Ramunnans have seen what they look like.”

  “He’s been organizing a resistance. I’m sure he didn’t want to abandon them.” Elkan led him back toward town, waving to disperse the many curious onlookers who’d been drawn to the commotion. He raised his voice. “Guildmaster Hanion will make a public address after he’s rested from his journey.”

  His words sent a buzz of excited speculation through the rapidly growing crowd. Hanion blinked at the mass of people, then turned to survey the acres of tents blanketing the fields. “You really have gathered all of Tevenar.”

  “A big chunk of it, anyway.”

  “What about the rest of your plans?” Hanion asked urgently. “Savir said you’d made progress on the weapons, but there were difficulties?”

  “We’ve worked them out.” Elkan gestured to the row of long iron tubes outside the smithy. “The smiths will finish the last one tomorrow. Meira will need to fire it a few times to be sure it’s sound. After that we can march on Elathir as soon as we’re ready. I’m planning to set out Thirdday morning unless something unexpected happens.”

  “You can’t.” Hanion grabbed Elkan’s arm. “They’re planning to attack Korisan. Benarre said so.” Hanion closed his eyes for a moment and shuddered. “We have to stay here and defend the town.”

  Elkan frowned. “If we meet them on the road, we’ll have the advantage. We’ve already beaten them once that way. And I’m planning on leaving a defensive force behind.”

  “It won’t be enough.” Hanion clenched his fists, his voice roughening. “They’re ruthless, Elkan. And strong. I don’t see how we can hope to prevail against them.”

  Elkan forced a smile onto his face and glanced pointedly around. “We can discuss strategy later, after you rest and eat. You must be ravenous.”

  “Yes,” Hanion admitted. “I foraged a little, but mostly I tried to get here as fast as I could.”

  “The cooks should have the midday meal almost ready. I’m sure they can be persuaded to part with a plate early.” Elkan dropped his voice. “I think it would be wiser not to air any disagreements we may have in public.”

  “Oh. Of course.” Hanion looked around. He bent to set Mavke on the ground and straightened, rubbing his eyes. “It’s been a long few days. I haven’t gotten much sleep.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Elkan said sympathetically. “Tell me more about what happened.”

  Hanion poured out the whole story as they walked to the Mother’s Hall. Elkan listened intently for any new information about the Ramunnans, but a portion of his mind was distracted, considering what Hanion’s presence in Korisan meant for his leadership. He’d used the Guildmaster’s name shamelessly, drawing authority for everything he did from the fact that Hanion had delegated responsibility for Tevenar’s defense to him. If Hanion now sought to take back that authority—as was his right—it could undermine all Elkan’s careful preparations. He couldn’t wish the Guildmaster back in captivity, and he was certainly glad Savir had saved him from execution, but Hanion could hardly have picked a worse time to escape.

  * * *

  Elkan studied the faces of the Council as they listened to Meira’s glowing report on the weapons. He’d worked hard to earn each guildmaster’s trust and build a strong base of support for his policies. The recent meetings had gone smoothly, with everyone’s opinions heard and concerns addressed. Consensus had been reached easily. Elkan had stopped worrying that internal strife would disrupt his efforts.

  Now Hanion had churned the old rivalries back to life. Elkan didn’t think he’d done it on purpose, but the effect was the same as if he had.

  “Thank you, Master Meira.” Hanion waved Meira from the room. Elkan berated himself again for failing to pursue formal recognition of the Blasters’ Guild. It had seemed prudent to wait until everyone had seen the blasting powder in action. But it would have been invaluable to have one guildmaster, at least, firmly on his side. Meira shrugged at him and grinned ruefully as she left the crowded courtroom.

  “We all owe Master Meira and Master Elkan immense gratitude for their remarkable work developing these weapons. Please join me in giving them a round of applause.”

  Elkan tried to look modestly pleased as the room echoed with enthusiastic clapping, but inside he was fuming. Meira and Josiah deserved the accolade far more than he did, but Hanion had made sure neither of them were present to hear it.

  Hanion beamed as the room fell quiet again. “Our possession of these weapons gives us the opportunity to choose where and how we meet the Ramunnans. Master Elkan has thoroughly briefed me on the preparations he’s made to lead our forces to Elathir and expel the invaders from the city. I’m sure that course of action would have a strong chance of success. But in response to new information I learned while held prisoner by Commander Benarre, I propose a different strategy. The Ramunnans are poised to launch an attack on Korisan. They might be on their way already. If we position the weapons where they can fire on each of the roads the
Ramunnans may use to approach and organize our fighters in a deep perimeter around the town, it will be impossible for our enemies to break through. We’ll wipe out their forces with minimal danger to our own.”

  Doubt assailed Elkan. If Hanion was right, and Benarre was about to send his soldiers to Korisan, fighting defensively would be a good strategy. Now that the weapons were complete, he was confident they could repel a Ramunnan attack. Their numbers could easily overwhelm the Ramunnans. Casualties would certainly be lower than what they could expect to take during an assault on Elathir. The Tevenarans would have a strong advantage over their enemy.

  Which was why Elkan had a hard time believing Benarre would pursue such a path. The Ramunnan commander didn’t know about the weapons, but even without taking them into consideration, Elkan had come to see that it didn’t make sense for Benarre to move in force against Korisan. The soldiers who’d fled the battle on the road must have brought him word of what they’d seen. Benarre could no longer believe that he faced only a handful of untrained peasants. Why would he leave behind his ships with their deadly Secret and venture inland? Tenorran had said the weapons were never taken off the ships. That might have been just another lie, but it fit with everything Elkan had observed about the fanatic way the Secret was kept.

  In Benarre’s place, Elkan would sit and wait for the enemy to come to him. Which meant something was wrong. It could be that Benarre was simply a better strategist than Elkan, and his information and experience led him to calculate the odds differently. But it was also possible that Benarre had lied about his intentions.

  Elkan signaled his desire to speak. When Hanion acknowledged him, he rose. “I agree that the Guildmaster’s plan will work as he described if the Ramunnans attack Korisan. But what if we wait here as he advises and the Ramunnans change their plans and remain in Elathir? This stalemate will go on as it has for months. Tevenar will continue to suffer chaos and disruption. Thousands of people will be unable to return to their homes or resume their normal work. We’ll be abandoning the people who risked their lives to stay behind in Elathir and work against the Ramunnans.”