Ruby Mage

by Dan Raxor

  The hundred or so people in my force buzzed with activity. While Siofra was fixated in thought, I went to visit the wounded.

  An inspection tendril was shot from my core to my rubies. They brimmed with power and were almost bursting. I sure hoped whatever noble thought of attacking me next was foolish enough to give me warning again.

  This was my second battle, and another victory. Granted, I may have died without Siofra building that stone wall, and that fact gave me another reality check. I rounded the wagon where the wounded groaned from the side of the road.

  The collection point had added two more injured. A fire was already going and a poker was heated to cauterize extracted arrow wounds. The mother whom I accepted into our caravan was holding the metal rod with a mitten.

  I smiled at her, proud of my decision. The man who’d been screaming earlier was silent, his eyes glazed over. The rest would be screaming here soon enough.

  Two dead, was two too many.

  The question that rattled in my heart was - could I save them all?

  And I knew the answer was unfortunately no.

  I’d likely see death the entire way through Lornia.

  Hopefully after Crimm, that would slow down or stop. Somehow I found that thought fallacy.

  “Master!” Siofra said, alerting me of something.

  I turned Tsar back to the front, seeing Siofra and a young half-fox boy standing side by side.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “A messenger,” Siofra said, flicking the lad’s second ear. “Out with it.”

  The lad gulped, eyeing me with fright. “A silver for each weapon recovered. None for the wounded. Payable when you skirt Novi City.”

  “And if I take Novi?” I asked and the young man looked like I’d stabbed his mother with that statement.

  “Law dictates that -”

  “The baron is hyped from the battle,” Siofra said. While true, that wasn’t the point. “We decline your lord's offer.”

  “Thank you, Master Mage,” the lad said, bolting for Novi.

  “Just a War Mage!” Siofra shouted at his back.

  “You ready to learn about who I really am?” I asked Siofra.

  She nodded. “I - I - I could never dream of the power you exude. Even Father would struggle to have fireballs sear through four ranks. And you get more powerful as the battle goes.”

  “Perks of being a ruby mage.”

  “No, Master. You’re no ruby mage. Arenia’s demigod. That is much more likely. We will visit her temple in Crimm. After this display, Renfry will not understand. I do,” Siofra said with a wicked grin.

  “What do you understand?” I asked in a sharp tone.

  “That I serve what is likely the most powerful mage in Lornia. A Master who exudes power but lacks excellence and knowledge of the land,” Siofra said, her beautiful face grinning with pride.

  “She has a point, Master,” Susanna said, arriving in a pant. “My heart stopped when that mage cast a spell and you didn’t react. Thank you, Siofra. I… I would have had to abandon the left flank and jump in front of that lightning. A feat not possible as I rallied the troops.”

  “Ladies, Ladies. You flatter me. I promise you each a reward when we're in Crimm. For now, ensure my caravan is protected. I need to study earth magic,” I said, leaving them to brag to each other about their battle prowess.

  I was glad they were getting along so well. Apparently, the glowseed supply was already out and that was with us avoiding extra risks.

  Else I’d do wonderful things to those women now, instead of later. Libby helped me off Tsar, kissing my cheek before I retired to study. Four more days and the capital would be a whole new adventure.

  CHAPTER 37

  Lornia - Outside Crimm

  352nd day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign

  I sat on Tsar’s back waiting for the big reveal, knowing I’d see through the busy tree limbs any second. Already I could see smoke stacks in the thousands, telling me we were close to finally arriving.

  When we exited the woods, the sight was marvelous, and yet, not. Being a badass baron in a medieval fantasy society certainly had its perks. One of the downsides was a tug at feeling responsible or even just hating the world at times.

  The grandeur of the castle on the horizon was lost to me because of what I discovered right outside the woods. A clump of frozen dead were huddled on the side of the road.

  A mother and child survived, sobbing quietly over the losses of the group. Their fire must have extinguished early in the night with the cold killing as it was known to do.

  I fished out a few gold coins, tossing them at the survivors’ feet. The duo would last the winter now, able to afford a room, and that was assuming the guards didn’t steal the mother’s coins.

  I sighed, returning to focus on the city.

  Farming, so much farming. I’d seen a lot of plowed fields, but never realized how much cities relied on these farmers. Trimi held their farming to the south, out of city view.

  Crimm clearly needed a lot of food to support the mound of a city in the distance. As far as the eye could see trees had been cleared to make room for crops.

  Little hovels dotted the landscape with storage sheds in odd spots. Small cart paths split the fields that even in winter were planted. Farmers huffed big misting clouds of hot air as they cleared winter growths of snow.

  Sporadic fires warmed those who survived the night. I saw something different when my gaze lingered on those groups. A sense of community that relied on each other to make it to sunrise.

  Of course, some would fail their duty at stoking the fire due to selfish desires for sleep and I’d cross sights like the one we saw. Then, I’d see this.

  I clearly was not a farmer but I knew one. “Libby,” I said to my bundled up bearish babe who drove my carriage. Her small bear ears were adorable with their frosted tips.

  “Yes, Master.”

  “What are they growing?”

  Libby smiled warmly at me. She was in a good mood, and we all were with the concept of warm beds inside heated buildings.

  The cart smoothly rolled over the icy road as she said, “Hardy vegetables, Master. Broccoli, radishes, orci, zeebbeans, peas, and such. There really is no winter off season for a farming serf around the big cities. Spring sure, but then summer pruning, fall harvesting, and winter rotation.”

  “The road… I expected it to be in disrepair. They are in big cities in Pangea,” I said, trying to relate. “Well, they are certainly not as smooth as this road.”

  Siofra chuckled from my side. “A smooth travel is a point of pride to a Lornian King. His collected taxes creating quality roads is something the masses can enjoy, and it’s easy to achieve a quantitative result.”

  Susanna walked her horse closer to chat. “Quality roads are a great way for any leader to avoid complaints. Wagons break down less, people stub toes less, and goods transition faster. Grandma loved to teach us about being a noble.”

  I could understand how roads were important simply by going from Riverten to Trimi. I dropped thoughts of that vile town to keep inspecting Crimm.

  The white bubbling of a rapid river cutting east to west originated out of the mountains. The water hit the city before curving around the massive stone walls to create a moat. The banks of the river were different from the farm fields in the fact that life settled here in big numbers outside the walls.

  A strip of humanity used the water's flow to spin river wheels for all sorts of purposes. Smoke billowed away from the city all the way into the woods for miles. That river proved in that single glimpse that it was the lifeline to this mighty city.

  The walls didn’t shine on the mostly gloomy day. Nor would they ever. They were gnarled in their age, rugged in their creation, and in some sections clearly rebuilt. While the city may look ancient, Crimm took its defenses seriously.

  High archer towers were the first line of defense, stationed every dozen paces. Beside those were sligh
tly taller towers that held ballistae or catapults. The walls bristled with spikes, traps, and archer pits. Mage towers stood the tallest, with wizards rotating their balconies.

  The interior of the city behind the walls was obscured. Only when the city rose in the distance could you make out the big estates behind a second wall. At the very pinnacle of the hill rested a mighty fortification with a black banner with a golden crown.

  Birds filled the sky over the city, smoke billowed north with the wind, and smaller banners fluttered from poles high in the air. To say it was majestic would be an understatement. The city added the goosebumps to my chilly arms because of its sheer scale.

  The sudden arrival of our large caravan in the middle of winter had not gone unnoticed. As we neared the city, at least a dozen flights of eagle-fey carrying scouts inspected us.

  Hence, I was not surprised in the slightest when a procession of knights rode out to greet us. Knights was an incorrect term.

  The hundred or so men, and a few women, were mages. Less powerful than Siofra, but far more powerful than Renfry. Likely, they trained as a unit in war too. This message Crimm was sending arrived loud and clear. They saw me for what I was - a threat to the city and wanted to greet me with a show of force.

  I held a hand up, pausing the caravan behind me. Siofra and Norlan rode forward with me, flanking my sides. I gulped at the might of this greeting. This was not some small force I could fling fire at and defeat with ease.

  Three riders broke from the group to meet us. Their leader looked like an aged version of Siofra, and I must admit, he aged well. This one had no fey aspects with a big bushy beard. The two who flanked him were equally powerful, but not children of Farlake if I were to guess due to the blond hair and blue eyes.

  “These horses,” the leader said, dismounting. Siofra followed his lead, guiding her mount to the man on the road. She offered what was likely her brother my stallion to ride. “Oh, a rare treat. You sure?”

  “The Baron has promised them to no one and merely allows me to ride this magnificent stallion,” Siofra said in a proud tone.

  “I’m War Mage Varin. Baron Trevor, welcome to Crimm,” he said, getting into the saddle of the Clydesdale. “Ha!” He scoffed playfully at his allies. “You look so small over there on your puny stallions!”

  He let out a cackle, sending the mount into a run over the forest field.

  “Uh… Did I get horse jacked?” I asked, looking around to see big smiles. “Oh, you guys really love horses that much.”

  “I’m War Mage Legi, and this is War Mage Nard. Yes, when you bring a rare breed of stallions to a city of warriors where the prized possession is horses… Well, this is the result,” Legi said pointing to Varin.

  The stallion tore across the fields with Varin, jumping irrigation ditches, and executing tight turns. Clods of crops were flung in his reckless abandon as he shouted like he was a young boy with a new toy.

  I felt Tsar stirring under me wondering why he couldn’t open up and destroy farm fields in a glorious run. No thanks, I felt like I had to pee anyway.

  “Why are you out here in such force?” I asked.

  Legi shrugged. “Why do you glow brighter than a master mage?”

  “Apparently so I can burn wolf-kin and stupid nobles who challenge me,” I said in a sassy tone that elicited laughs.

  “Yeah, there is a dwarven delegation up at the court kissing the king’s ass, asking for forgiveness. Also, we’re here to escort you to the bank. This many mages is to inform you that our city can handle threats far greater than you, and that we are able to secure your funds in transit. The advisors would rather your wealth arrived safely to the vaults,” Legi said in a happy tone as Varin continued to have fun in the background.

  “I’d be challenged in the streets?” I asked, somewhat concerned.

  Varin returned with a huge grin, having the horse prance the final distance. “All it takes is one street gang stealing a single chest and we have a pissed off mage torching the slums. No thanks. Easier to just bring you into the city where we can safely stick your riches into the undervault.”

  I blew hot air into my chilly hands while I processed this. “Varin, right?” He nodded. “Do I have to use a title?” I asked.

  “You do not, since you outrank me both in magical status and title. These two… guards would,” Varin said with a shrug. “Not that I care. So. We got word you want magical items, to purchase a healer, and to buy a castle.”

  “I need those flying fey things too. Oh, and to hire all the excessive people you have. Assuming there are those desperate for work,” I said.

  “Eagle-fey are available for sale, they breed slowly in captivity but there are always parties in the mountain hunting them for their value. No healers are available. There is a three Duke queue right now. To the rest, hell yeah. Come spend your riches in Crimm. Would make the crown ecstatic,” Varin said, returning the mount to Siofra.

  “Speaking of the crown,” I said.

  “A summons? Likely. The crown has the ability to summon you and then hold you for a week, and yes we know you’re not from around here. If you are not seen after a week of arriving for your summons you’re free to leave,” Varin said, trying to pet Tsar and almost getting bitten. “I’m so jealous, sister.”

  “She is marvelous,” Siofra said of the horse and then added, “He isn’t bad either.”

  She mentioning me, and Varin didn’t catch on because he was too enthralled in the horses. He ducked down to verify Tsar had a penis.

  He laughed and I rolled my eyes. Boys and these horses.

  “These… I wish I were rich. May I ride this one to the King’s Stables? There will be a reward if you let him… you know,” Varin said with animated hand gestures. Well, mostly a finger going into a hand hole.

  “Make babies?” I asked with a raised brow.

  “Uh, yeah! Hell, the King’s wives will go nuts. Ladies love to look down upon others when mounted,” he said and everyone, but me snickered.

  “I swear you Lornians are little crazy over horses. Deal, take Tsar, he will wow them the most. And Varin,” I said with a warning tone. He gave me his full attention. “Tsar is invaluable to me. I can literally burst into flame when enraged and I have fully charged magical stones. Do not piss me off.”

  “How about I take this one. And that is why you’re given an escort and special treatment. Even the king can’t shift his duties suddenly to meet you. For that I apologize,” Varin said sincerely and I almost believed him.

  Norlan raised a hand and Varin nodded. “Where can we stay when -?”

  “Father owns an inn of sorts called Madames of Crimm. Run by Lady Juniper. Once the gold is offloaded, the carts go to a warehouse, the horses to stables, and then your party has closed the inn down for you to recover in,” Varin said and Norlan smiled in relief.

  That had been a dilemma of ours, finding a central place to stick everyone. Even if the King was busy, it seemed his advisors were going out of their way to ensure I was greeted properly.

  “Are you ready to see Crimm?” Varin asked with a welcoming smile.

  I shivered from the cold before saying, “Indeed, War Mage Varin, show me the wonders the capital of Lornia holds.”

  CHAPTER 38

  Lornia - Crimm

  352nd day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign

  I let Siofra ride Tsar while I sat between Libby and Susanna on the front of the lead carriage. There was a short piss break of me pissing on the carriage wheel. The ladies spilled a bucket. Yeah, it happens, and yeah, I’d even welcome a stinky privy at this point.

  The carriage rolled under the massive wall, making the gloomy space feel daunting. The stone permeated a winter’s cold, chilling the tunneled underway because of what was likely a constant wind. I pulled my bulky men closer to fight the biting wind that howled.

  We slowly jostled beyond a moat, gates, portcullis, a second bridge with spikes at the bottom, and more gates. Torches lit the tunnel, disp
laying years of mold, and a lingering stench of urine hung in the air.

  Guards by the hundreds lined the sides, pointing at the horses. Tsar would forever alter the lineage of the Lornian horse if the locals had their way. I ignored them as we exited the wall for the city proper. Some generals must have rallied the troops in preparation for my arrival.

  The road was cleared, every intersection was blocked, and guards covered the alleyways. Even archers were up high strategically.

  “I - I - I’m shocked,” Susanna said in a stunned tone.

  I was starting to understand that my arrival was being taken extremely seriously.

  “Even Father does not garner this much attention,” Varin said, trotting the stallion beside us. “Then again, you’re bringing in more gold than some dukes own.”

  “There are gems and rare minerals too,” I said just loud enough for him to hear.

  He rode forward, whispering to another mage who sent his horse into a run.

  “Figured as much, but more appraisers will be present for our arrival,” he said with a snort. “This is the noble road. You can’t even come in this entrance without a signet ring or an escort. You get to miss the beggars, vendors, and ruffians. The southwestern entrance is a commoner entry that you can use. Surprisingly some want to take a look at all the bustle of the city, and I’d show you if we weren’t escorting all this gold.”

  The wheels creaked, birds chirped, and the sound of hooves on the cobble road were loud. We transited by a nice section of three story stone homes, lining a fancy road with lamp posts every ten feet. Residents in nice garb and friendly smiles opened shutters to view our procession. Children waved, and there was additional gawking at the massive stallions.

  The street was clean with grates steaming foul stenches. The sound of running water told me there was some form of flushing human waste in this section of the city. I realized this was a private road meant to impress visitors. That didn’t mean I wasn’t impressed. Lidia would have loved this, the ride here, not so much.