The Wizards' War

by Angela Holder

  Down in the dining hall earlier she’d been laughing and chatting with Braon and Avnal as usual. He might as well give up hope that she’d ever do anything else. If she were going to get over finding out about Ledah, she would have done it already.

  Josiah went over that scene in his mind for the thousandth time, but he still couldn’t think of anything he could have done differently. Lying to Kevessa might have smoothed things over for a short time, but she’d have eventually found out, and then things would have been even worse.

  He still didn’t understand why she was so upset. Yes, things were different in Ramunna, but she couldn’t expect him to act like a Ramunnan when he wasn’t. Apprentices paired up and broke up all the time, and everyone went back to being friends afterward. Holding a grudge was childish. If it interfered with your work, your master would give you a stern warning to get over it, and if you didn’t, would mediate between the estranged parties until the problem was worked out.

  He’d toyed with the idea of asking Elkan to meet with him and Kevessa, but his master would probably say there was no reason. Josiah and Kevessa could work together well enough when the occasion demanded it. And even if he agreed, Josiah doubted it would help. Kevessa just wasn’t interested in him anymore. Elkan would firmly tell him that was entirely her choice, whether or not he could understand her reasons.

  He sighed and looked over the parapet to the city far below. One of the Faithful ships that had arrived back in Elathir a few days ago was moored at the dock. As he watched, workers heaved, ropes ran through pulleys, and one of the new weapons the Smiths’ Guild had forged for the Matriarch rose into the air. The long arm supporting it swiveled ponderously until the massive iron tube hovered over the deck of the Faithful ship.

  How long until the Matriarch took her newly enlarged fleet and sailed for Ramunna? Probably not long. Her baby was a week old, by all accounts thriving and charming the handful of people the Matriarch allowed to see her. Elkan said she planned to leave her heir in Tevenar when she left. It made sense that she wouldn’t want to expose her child to the dangers of battle, but surely she could have found somewhere closer to Ramunna to drop her off before the fighting started. She’d waited so long and worked so hard for this baby, he didn’t understand how she could turn around and leave her behind for months. There must really be a fundamental difference in how Ramunnan parents felt about their children.

  Hundreds of masts bristled on the horizon. He would be looking forward to the day when the ocean was once again empty, except for one thing. Kevessa intended to be aboard one of those ships when they left.

  If Elkan won the election, Josiah wouldn’t be able to accompany her. While if he lost, there was a good chance Hanion would exile them to Ramunna. Elkan had promised to obey.

  He hated to think it might be better if Elkan lost, but maybe it would. Elkan would be happier serving the people of the Beggar’s Quarter than trying to maintain Tevenar’s isolation against his own inclination and the people’s desires. Josiah desperately wanted to remain near Kevessa in case she ever changed her mind. Even if she never did, he’d enjoy laboring alongside her, Vigorre, and Borlen to build the Ramunnan Wizards’ Guild. And he’d welcome the chance to resume his work with Gevan and Nalini. He loved Tevenar, but it was such a small part of the world. He’d hate to be cut off from all the fascinating, exciting things Ravanetha held for the rest of his life.

  Nevertheless, he was bound to do everything in his power to help Elkan win this election. From the look of the lists, it was going to happen no matter what. Although he wouldn’t put it past Hanion to prepare some sneaky, underhanded trick to spring at the last moment.

  Among the bare masts he spotted some with sails unfurled. Three ships were moving up the coast, not far from the mouth of the river. They were too big to be Tevenaran fishing or trading vessels. Probably more Faithful ships moving in to be loaded with weapons and supplies. Although the next two in line were already anchored in the river waiting for the current one to be finished.

  He kept sneaking looks at the ships between writing the notes Elkan dictated. They looked subtly different from either Armada ships or Faithful ones. Their hulls were a slightly different shape, and their sails made a different pattern against the sky. He squinted at the peaks of their tallest masts, where Ravanethan vessels flew identifying banners. Only after the three ships turned into the mouth of the river and drew near the place where Prison Point had once been was he was finally sure of what he saw.

  “Um, Elkan?”

  His master scowled. “What is it, Josiah? Couldn’t you at least wait for a break in the discussion?”

  Josiah scrambled from his chair and went to lean over the parapet, pointing. “Those ships are flying white flags.”

  Elkan came to stand beside him, brow creasing. “Why…”

  “And see? Under the white ones are blue flags with a picture of a white wall. Except the one in front, the colors are backward, a white background and blue wall.” He was pretty sure he knew what that meant, but he wanted to see if Elkan drew the same conclusion.

  Elkan stared for a long moment, his hands gripping the edge of the parapet. “Smash it,” he whispered under his breath.

  He turned to face the others and spoke in a calm voice with an undertone of irony. “I’d have to ask Vigorre to be sure, but I think those are Marvannan flags. Which means the Autarch has come to visit us.”

  “The Autarch?” Todira exclaimed over the gasps and startled murmurs. “Why would he come here?”

  “I suppose he didn’t want to miss the fun.” Elkan ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “We’ll find out soon enough. He’s headed for the dock.” He strode for the stairs. Tobi leapt up from where she’d been sprawled in the sun and fell in at his side. Josiah scrambled to follow. Sar, wake up!

  “Shouldn’t Hanion be the one to meet him?” Orine said worriedly. “He’s still officially the leader of Tevenar.”

  Elkan hesitated. “I suppose the Autarch might take it as an insult to be greeted by anyone else. Hanion would certainly take it as a challenge, although I don’t much care at this point. But we shouldn’t put our internal divisions on display. The Autarch may be flying a truce flag, but he’ll still be watching for any weakness he can exploit.” He pushed the door open and hurried down the stairs.

  Sar clattered behind Josiah, closely followed by the rest of the wizards and their familiars. Flight after flight switched back and forth until they reached the ground floor. Elkan headed for the Guildmaster’s office. Josiah crowded close behind him as he shoved the door open.

  Hanion looked up from the desk. Several other master wizards were seated on the couches and in chairs surrounding them. They’ve been having their own strategy meeting.

  What did you expect?

  Elkan said, “Three Marvannan ships are headed for the docks. The flags they’re flying indicate that the Autarch is aboard the first. I’m going to the dock to meet him when he lands. I expect you’ll want to do the same.”

  Hanion gaped in astonishment before rising. “Of course I do.” He eyed Elkan appraisingly, but apparently decided not to take objection to his presence. “What are you waiting for?”

  Elkan turned and hurried down the corridor. Josiah scrambled out of the way as Hanion burst through the door. Side by side the two wizards and their familiars strode across the Hall and out the big front doors. Josiah ran to catch up. Behind him voices rose in agitated questions and explanations.

  “Where are you going?” someone called. “You’re on duty!”

  Elkan ignored him, so Josiah did too. His place was with his master. The other wizards on duty could handle anything that came up. Clearly Elkan considered this a sufficiently important emergency to warrant leaving the Hall.

  They reached the dock as the big ship nosed alongside. Elkan stopped so suddenly Josiah almost ran into him. “Gevan?”

  Kevessa’s father stood at the rail. As soon as the sailors extended a plank to the dock he
disembarked, his sharp eyes taking in the two wizards facing him. He executed an elaborate bow, sweeping his plumed hat in front of him. “Greetings, Master Elkan, Master Hanion. Allow me to introduce Tane Voreen, the Autarch of Marvanna.”

  Josiah would have known the man who stepped onto the dock was a ruler even without the introduction and the fancy purple cloak and gold helm he wore. He carried himself with even more authority than the Matriarch exuded.

  The Autarch inclined his head stiffly. “Do you accept my offer of truce?” He spoke Tevenaran with an accent different than what Josiah was used to from Ramunnans.

  Hanion stepped forward. “Tell me why you’re here, first. Then I’ll consider it.”

  The Autarch looked at Gevan. Gevan hesitated an instant, then said, “Master Hanion Watchkin Wizard, Guildmaster of the Wizards’ Guild and leader of Tevenar’s Council of Guildmasters.”

  The Autarch nodded. “My business here is personal, not official. I seek healing from those I have been told wield the Mother’s power as the ancient wizards did.”

  It wasn’t just inherent dignity that made his posture so rigid and his movements so precise, Josiah realized. The man was in severe pain and doing his best to conceal it.

  Hanion’s eyes narrowed. “When the Matriarch of Ramunna sought similar aid, she paid generously for it.”

  “If you are able to cure my malady, I will gladly recompense you. The manner and amount of payment can be negotiated.”

  Hanion looked doubtful. Elkan said, “The Mother’s Law requires us to make her power available to all without regard for station. Only degree of need.”

  Hanion glared at him, then arranged his features into a more diplomatic expression. “Exactly. We can’t give you priority merely because of who you are. You’ll have to take your place in line with everyone else, depending on the severity of your illness.”

  The Autarch’s mouth stretched into a bitter smile. “That will not be an issue. My physicians assure me I am on the brink of death. You may, of course, make your own determination of my condition, but I expect it will accord with theirs.”

  Hanion’s expression wavered for a moment, but when he glanced at the docked ship and the two which remained in the river, it darkened again. He looked at Elkan. “What’s your opinion, Master Elkan?”

  Elkan fondled Tobi’s ears and sighed. “I think we have no choice but to grant his request.”

  Hanion nodded slowly. “On this we agree.” He turned back to the Autarch. “If you’ll accompany us to the Mother’s Hall, we’ll examine you. On Restday we’re only allowed to deal with emergencies, but it’s possible the severity of your condition meets that criteria.”

  “Or if you’d prefer,” Elkan put in quickly, “one of us can attend you on your ship. I suspect your discomfort would make traveling to the Hall difficult.”

  “Yes, please. I appreciate the consideration.” The Autarch glanced up at where the Hall rose over the buildings of the city. His taut shoulders eased a fraction.

  “Josiah and I are on emergency duty today, Hanion,” Elkan said. “We’ll be happy to take care of him.”

  Hanion clearly didn’t like the idea. He looked back and forth from Elkan to the Autarch, but finally said, “Very well.” To the Autarch, he said, “We can negotiate the particulars of the settlement after you’re no longer in pain. I expect a modest sum paid to the Wizards’ Guild will be satisfactory. Perhaps in conjunction with a formal agreement between Marvanna and Tevenar.”

  “That consideration, also, I appreciate,” the Autarch said. His tone and expression shifted slightly toward wariness. “I might be open to some sort of treaty, although the terms would have to be carefully worked out to protect both our interests.”

  “Of course.” Hanion waved at Elkan. “I’ll let you get to work. Report to me when you’re finished.” He nodded to the Autarch and turned.

  Gevan cleared his throat. “If you don’t mind, Guildmaster, may I accompany you to the Hall? I would very much like to see my daughter.” He turned back to the Autarch. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  “Go on,” the Autarch said. “Your lessons in the ways Tevenaran differs from Ancient Marvannan seem to have prepared me well to communicate.”

  “Of course,” Hanion said. “Kevessa will be happy to see you. Come along.”

  Gevan joined the guildmaster and they walked down the dock. Elkan beckoned Josiah and they headed to the ship. The Autarch preceded them, carefully maneuvering across the plank. He was making less effort now to conceal how much every movement hurt.

  “Come to my cabin. We’ll have privacy there.” The Autarch eyed Tobi, then turned to examine Josiah and Sar. “Gevan has told me much about you. This is your apprentice, I take it. And these animals are your familiars. The ones who allow you to access the Mother’s power.”

  “That’s right.” Elkan paused for a moment, then spoke cautiously. “I’m under the impression that Purifier doctrine is dominant in Marvanna. I’m sure Gevan has told you about the difficulties Yoran Lirolla and the Purifiers caused us in Ramunna. Do you share his conviction that our familiars are demons?”

  “My Keepers tell me they are.” The Autarch headed toward the high stern of the ship, where a door opened into the area beneath the upper deck. “I reserve judgement.”

  “So you have no objection if we use the powers the Mother has granted us on your body?”

  “I’d hardly have traveled all this way if I did.”

  “Understood. But the Mother doesn’t allow us to use her power on those who refuse it. When there’s any question I find it safest to secure explicit permission.”

  “You have it.” The Autarch opened the door and led them into a richly furnished sitting room. He sank into a chair and gestured for them to do the same. Josiah took the seat next to the one Elkan chose. Sar crowded in behind him.

  “May my apprentice observe, and assist if necessary?” Elkan jerked his head at Josiah.

  Suddenly the Autarch’s intense gaze scrutinized Josiah. “Do you trust his skill?”

  “Yes,” Elkan said without hesitation.

  “Very well, then.” After a final piercing look that surely saw into the depths of Josiah’s most secret thoughts, the Autarch looked away. Josiah sucked in a shaky breath. And he’d thought the Matriarch had a commanding presence! He wondered what would happen if you put the two of them in a room together. Either they’d understand each other perfectly, or they’d generate explosions to rival those produced by the blasting powder. He wasn’t sure which prospect was more frightening. The conflict between them was tearing the world apart. How dramatically could they reshape it if they ever chose to work together?

  Josiah froze, pulse pounding in his ears. That was it. The answer to everything.

  He nearly blurted his revelation to Elkan, but pressed his lips shut just in time. They needed to work through all the ramifications of his idea before the Autarch found out about it. Instead, he poured out a jumbled burst of half-formed thoughts to Sar. What do you think? Will it work?

  The donkey considered for a long moment, switching one ear back and forth. Finally, thoughtfully, he said, It might.

  From Sar, that was as good as a ringing endorsement. Josiah’s thoughts churned furiously, creating and discarding strategies.

  Before he could reach any conclusion, Elkan’s voice interrupted him. Its grim tone snapped Josiah’s attention back to the immediate situation. “Take a look. We’re going to need your help.”

  Josiah put a hand on Sar’s neck and stretched the other toward the Autarch. Golden light poured out to join that spilling from Elkan’s hand.

  Horror assaulted his senses. Shrieking discord, foul stench, chokingly bitter taste, gnawing pain, violently clashing colors. He floundered under the deluge, struggling to make sense of the confusion. How could a body that had gone so badly wrong still be alive?

  Gradually, with Sar’s help, he pieced together a picture of the Autarch’s condition. Tumors riddled his body. Most were smal
ler than grapes, but some were the size of apples, and one, in his lower abdomen, was nearly as big as a melon. All his organs were affected, fighting to carry out some semblance of their normal functions while being devoured by the invaders. One kidney had failed completely, his liver was half eaten away, and his lungs were so choked with tumors Josiah didn’t understand how he could still breathe. His bones were like lace in places. As yet his brain was only lightly touched, but the tumors there were growing fast. They would incapacitate him soon, if the others didn’t finish him off first.

  He dragged his awareness back to the surface, panting. The Autarch was looking at him gravely, unsurprised by his reaction. Elkan grimaced and took his hand off Tobi to rub his forehead, his strained breath easing as the golden light winked out. Gratefully Josiah directed Sar to stop the flow of the Mother’s power. Even a moment’s break was welcome.

  In a flat voice, completely devoid of hope or fear or any other emotion, the Autarch asked, “Can you do anything?”

  “Yes.” Elkan’s voice strengthened as he spoke, moving from shaken dread toward his normal professionalism. “Your illness is as advanced as any I’ve seen, but you’re still alive, so we’ve got something to work with. We can get rid of the tumors, although there are so many it will take a great deal of time and energy. We won’t be able to restore everything they’ve destroyed, but your body can be induced to rebuild some of it.”

  “I spoke to a Girodan healer of your acquaintance, Nalini Oba. She said if she performed surgery on me, it would cause me to become impotent and incontinent. Will your treatment do the same?”

  “We won’t cause any more damage than the disease already has, the way surgery would, but I don’t know if you’ll regain full function. All your systems have severely deteriorated.”

  The Autarch nodded slowly. He took a deep breath, but his voice remained neutral. “Will I live?”