Ruby Mage

by Dan Raxor

  “I can try, and it won’t be cheap,” I said, giving a white lie.

  They cared enough to get them here and help them adapt at least. I was handed a list and frowned.

  I wagged a finger, leaving his presence. “I have all this already. Well, most of it.”

  I walked into my vault and pulled out the books on magic. My new collection was far better. The next thing I grabbed was all the rest of the charged gems.

  “We have found others who can see the gems,” Yukio said and for a fraction of a second I worried.

  Then I realized… Earth was no longer my home and I didn’t need to exploit it for riches if they were bringing riches to me.

  I went to my end table grabbing a pen and a notepad. Rapid scribbling had me jotting notes about internal casting and how to be careful about casting on Earth.

  “This will help. Honestly, if you’re hoping for magic to save Earth, I wouldn’t hold your breath,” I said and he nodded. “Anything else?”

  “The samples should help. If… if things go bad here. Expect more refugees,” Yukio said cautiously.

  “Yukio, I need to make this very, very clear. I can maybe help a few people, and yeah I know I owe you. But… there are a thousand plus people down there. I can’t make you all nobles with lavish homes. There is no tractor to harvest the fields or automated warehouse -”

  He held up a hand. “I heard your conversation with your father.” I spun, looking for a camera. “Of course I have the room bugged. That is not what matters. Surviving does.

  “This is Kim, Derek, Theodore, and Rey. These are the ones who you owe and realize life will be drastically different. We also want to win on Earth. We do wish to continue to use your home we bought you as a sanctuary.”

  “Got it, your faces are engrained here,” I tapped my noggin, “and have the home. You’re right, it was never mine anyway. Good luck in your war,” I said sternly.

  He offered a forearm that I clasped. “And you in yours. I will send word if we need items from our other mages.”

  When they left I sighed.

  That had gone better than I thought.

  He probably knew I’d be leaving when I found out Earth was in trouble. I mainly came back for the horses. Which… yeah. Those were going to be hard to get with the world in chaos at the moment.

  Nathanael and Siofra followed me closely to the third floor. I found Krissy decided to stay, including a small staff to help run the transitioning estate. While this upset me I understood and let them be adults.

  Lidia was the last to arrive with Mom and Hanna. I was given mean mugs from both of them. My grimace at them coming had to be let go because it wouldn’t help and I could always take them home. Lidia assured me they would be staying in her care.

  I left Montana with a heavy heart and yet, I knew I was going home to Lornia, where I could hopefully save the realm.

  CHAPTER 47

  Lornia - Trimi

  365th day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign

  My cold shriveled heart was not actually that bad.

  Over the next week, I helped my father transport all the refugees. They arrived into a city that was low on food, in a deep winter, and had very little spare space.

  The good news was everyone paid their taxes. The best news was about a quarter of the families said screw this and went back to America. Yup, and I let them go with their gold but without their horses.

  Trimi was packed with new residents trying their best to blend in. There was a big group who were eager to set out in spring and build a new home in the abandoned Riverten area. My brutal honesty told them spring likely meant war and these were not warriors. Even though I helped them, I tried to ensure their coming plight was not my problem.

  The half eagle-fey I’d hired as a guide had been sent to Norlan in Crimm. She returned back yesterday while I concluded moving refugees. The Dauntless, the name of the ship we were renting, left port already and would make Arenia Harbor in three weeks with good winds, four without.

  I received sweet letters from Libby telling me the amount of folks aboard the ship swelled to seven thousand. There were issues aboard the ship: a rape, a death, and a few fights.

  The problem was, there were a few thousand without my bindings. I could fly out there, but I had all these problems here and decided to let the crew settle it.

  Each evening Libby penned me a lovely letter and surprisingly… I adored them. I never would have figured I’d be a sap for handwritten notes, but I was.

  Who said romance was dead? Not me.

  Aside from knowing my ship was moving, Norlan said training had been initiated. Every cook, cleaner, and well everyone, was taught the bow. After seeing the war on Earth, I felt better knowing he was at least preparing my new arrivals.

  The sound of a giggling little girl playing with her grandmother almost pulled me from my thoughts. Part of the reason I stayed behind was to secure the best horses from the refugees, and the other part was winter’s festival.

  Lornia had a birthday, and it was the only holiday the entire realm embraced.

  The best comparison was to celebrating New Year’s. Everyone, including the realm and newborn babies, gained a plus one to their age. Today was that day and tomorrow I would adopt the native ways and turn twenty-seven.

  I lounged in a gathering room in Count Nathanael’s castle near a blazing fire and my most cherished people. Susanna massaged my feet from the floor while I leaned against Siofra on the couch. Hanna chased Harmony around while Mom and Lidia chatted.

  Across from me Nathanael and Pela shared a couch with Teri and Belma, his other wives. Rivinia was sitting on the bed cross legged chatting with Audry. Those two had become friends and were helping manage my growing load of administrative work.

  There were a few dozen important people in the room enjoying the mid-day fun. Servants carried food to the other nobles who stopped vying for attention after Nathanael told them to leave me alone.

  I was sipping on a brandy wearing a comfy set of gifted robes that felt marvelous. My leg bounced in joy at the moment, when two messengers arrived bringing notes to Nathanael.

  There was laughter from Nathanael and then a big smile. He personally brought over the notes, causing Siofra to shift behind me so the Viscount could sit at my side.

  “There is bad news and good news,” Nathanael said with a big smile. He cleared his throat, putting a fake pout on his face. “My father was hung for failing in his sworn duty to defend the realm. The other bad news is Duke Lacroy declined my provisional promotion, and instead wanted to nominate a…”

  He paused, reading the document. Siofra jabbed a finger down. “A Baron Issa. Hmm… wonder why?” Siofra said.

  “Politics. He nominates the Baron, the King is forced to instate me because of my successful defense, and he wins favor with Issa while knowing I’ll know this. It is a smart and common move. That is where his smart moves end though,” Nathanael said.

  “Wait, I thought I sent documents elevating you to a -” Nathanael nodded, handing me a paper. I read it quickly and said, “This says you’re a Count. Hurray!”

  “Yes, thank you, and that is good news. The bad news is Duke Lacroy is now Count Lacroy. He decided to not be part of the south in this new restructuring. He will answer to Duke Oswald going forward and not be under your jurisdiction,” Nathanael said and I furled my brows.

  “Politics suck. They’re doing this for a reason. What is it?” I asked in an agitated tone.

  “This guy the King wanted you to lead your armies. Well, provisional Count Alexander is now Duke Alexander of Harun Port, making him the twelfth and final Duke,” Nathanael said.

  I gave a long. “Ah…”

  “They’re going to try to control your promotion through him,” Siofra muttered. “The fact he let them do this means they more than likely control Duke Alexander.”

  “Let them?”

  Nathanael nodded. “You can decline promotions. Though, no one declines a duk
edom. Honestly, if you win him to your side, perfect. If not burn him, make me a duke and pick one of these fine folks to be a Count.”

  “You would be a fine general, Nathanael,” I said.

  He smiled. “Thanks. Like you I work hard on earning the respect of my troops and keeping my battle skills honed.”

  “Look, we’re friends and I trust you. The king wants Alexander… not you. But I’m open to the idea,” I said.

  He held up his hands defensively. “Alexander is a renowned champion. He has a harem already. Most nobles do, you included.”

  “Okay. Okay. I concede your point that finding a general that I give power to is going to be difficult. I bet word will get to me about how to react to this development soon enough. For now, we have to take this one day at a time.

  “The important thing is not the politics, it's that the wheels of war are gearing up. Ravens have been sent to every southern city and the populace is not sitting idle,” I said with a sip of my drink. “The northern dukes will have to deal with me after the invasion. Assuming they survive. Anything else?”

  He handed me a second note. I frowned when I read this. “There are three hundred dwarven cavalry, a few hundred tinkers, and their families about a day’s ride north of Trimi.”

  “Doesn’t sound like an invasion, but then it does. That is what? A thousand dwarves?” I asked.

  “A little over by the scouts' guess. And here is the why,” Nathanael said, but paused when there was a knock on the entry door.

  Two guards flanked a happy looking dwarf. This newcomer had a beard that was so orange it looked dyed. There were golden rings that braided the long facial hairs. He wore a robe in my colors of black and red. A staff rested in his hands, and a long dagger on his hip.

  I waved him in and the guards escorting him scoffed as if he were a threat. His robe even had my gem on the chest. No, this was not an assassin.

  His magical power was about half of what Siofra held. We exchanged friendly smiles as he approached.

  “I’ve been warned ta call ya Master over other titles. I’m Jarron, of Jamas, and an Arenia preacher,” he said with a bow.

  “Have a seat,” I said, pointing to the spot in front of Susanna. Susanna hurried to get the dwarf a pillow that he sat on. “I hear you are leading a force into the lands of humans during a fierce winter.”

  “Aye, I certainly am. Arenia had us rush out a gear set fer ya that ya should be a wearin,” he said.

  I smiled, adjusting my robes. “I happen to like these for celebratory occasions but thank you for your concern. Though this new version is a tad itchy.” I scratched at my forearm. “So… why are you here and have you seen any troll-kin?”

  “No trollins an we’re ta follow ya to yer defense an improve it,” Jarron said with a grunt.

  “Uh,” I turned to Nathanael. “Is this common? Do the other races help humans?”

  “Yes and no. Recently in history no. Siofra would know more. Her father frequently aids the other races for a fee. With that said, during trying times the dwarves tend to pick a side they favor and then swear to it.

  “There are dwarves here in Trimi, and even in your army, so it shouldn’t matter much to you,” Nathanael said. “This is a gift to your defenses, should you decide to secure Arenia Harbor over Harun Port.”

  I raised an eyebrow at him. “You think Harun is more defensible?”

  Siofra cleared her throat. “Harun has thick walls, and has withstood sieges from numerous forces over the years, and also has fallen. It is very exposed to the sea and there are old tunnels under the city. Loon Harbor… I don’t know, never been.”

  Nathanael shook his head. “Never been.”

  “Well the plan was to leave tomorrow to inspect both,” I said with a huff. I turned my attention back to Jarron. “What do you need from me at the moment?”

  “Merely orders, Master,” Jarron said and tapped my foot in thought.

  “Harun Port. Go there and await me or a message with this signet on it.” I showed him my ring. “Do you have gold to trade?” I asked and he nodded. “Very well, I want you to have more in case you need anything. Rivinia, escort Jarron to get a few more sacks of gold then return to the festivities. It was nice meeting you, Jarron, and thank you for the armor.”

  “May Arenia keep us warm and the dark at bay,” he said.

  “Yes, that does sound lovely. Safe journeys, Jarron,” I said.

  Nathanael cleared his throat and said, “One moment, Jarron. Master, I was going to convince you tomorrow but now works. All these new horses need a home, and well, so do your residents. I can send a hundred knights to join the dwarven forces for the march west.”

  “Ah, you want to consolidate already?” I asked.

  He bobbed his head left and right as he mulled over how to respond. “A hundred knights is a lot for Trimi to lose and they will be missed. But… I can raise up worthy veteran soldiers. Making a knight revolves around land and horses. Land gifting is free, and you have plenty of horses.”

  “Sure, that works for me and will help free up some space here. I assume their families will go with the dwarven caravan?” I asked and he nodded.

  “And expect a natural migration of others, and same when that caravan passes through Jasmine Shire. A new Hand of the King setting up defenses normally means work, and there are those who will risk the snows in a big camp to get to you,” Nathanael said in a positive manner.

  Siofra tapped my shoulder. “We should visit my father if he is at home. Or the very least Arabel. There will need to be another war discussion and there should be some students available to hire or steal that were supposed to go to the northern dukes. You can divert resources now with your title.”

  “Sparingly. If you start stripping the north of fine bows, furniture, fey, and bovine… expect armies to march. However, even that would take time to muster those armies,” Nathanael said.

  “Okay, change of plans, Jarron. Take your caravan to the north side of town to allow others to join your march. Wait until the third day of the new year to continue marching west,” I said and turned to Nathanael. “I guess tonight the announcement goes out that an official envoy is leaving for Harun Port.”

  “Whatcha plannin once we git there?” Jarron asked.

  “No plan yet. I got… work to do at both locations. Right now, it is easier for you to walk to Harun Port. From there we can adjust by ship or land,” I said.

  After a bit more small talk the celebration went from a serious nature back to casual.

  I played a game of pick up sticks, dice, and even hop scotch versus Harmony. The day was filled with light drinking, lots of laughter, and endless smiles.

  When dusk arrived I had the shits and that damn robe was driving me crazy. Not feeling well, I retired to my balcony.

  By night the entire city was alive in celebration and I watched them while worsening. Day drinking unfortunately led to me being sick. At least that was what I thought.

  That night Siofra saved my life. Realizing I was sicker than I should be, she drank some of my blood to see if I’d been poisoned. Indeed I had.

  The robes were the delivery mechanism and the pain was brutal when the poison finally set in. I roiled in agony. Siofra taught me how to boil my blood to sweat out the poison.

  My first assassination attempt left me in bed for two days after we applied slime to coat my burnt skin. I cursed myself for not bringing Toval to Trimi with me.

  We never found the culprit after careful searches and binding everyone to telling the truth that was near me. Even the dwarven camp was bound while I knew it wasn’t them. It didn’t matter if we found the actual woman who delivered my robes.

  The message they came with was clear. A fine set of silk for the newest spider in our fold. I read the note a thousand times, unable to find an easy rest. Whoever managed to deliver the poison was good, and that scared me.

  To make matters worse, I wasn’t sure if this was the dukes, or someone wanting to blame the
dukes. I did survive, barely, but that may have been the point. These thoughts consumed me for days and then I let them go.

  It was time to meet this Alexander and figure out what I’d do with him.

  CHAPTER 48

  Lornia - Harun Port

  5th day of the 2nd year of King Partel’s Reign

  For four agonizing days I had to wait for Toval. I suffered and endured as he was whisked off The Dauntless to be brought to Trimi.

  I… found that I darkened during this period due to my festering wounds. The poison had been slow, horrific, and incredibly painful. To say my mood was sour would be an understatement.

  Now Toval was under heavy guard with my only trusted ally, Count Nathanael. Yeah, I bound Nathanael to me by making him an eastern general of the south. Nathanael certainly was capable enough. A natural leader and now a trusted ally. And...

  “Master, are you ready?” Siofra asked sternly, breaking my drifting thoughts. After my assassination attempt she became more… gruff. Serious might be a better way to define her tone and demeanor.

  I could tell she wanted to shed the feeling of guilt but struggled.

  We were a mile outside the city with the intent of approaching on foot. My gems were fully charged, and I was in my armor that felt like a second skin. The dwarven forged gear was near a robe, but with a bit of a jerkin leather appearance.

  Strips of red contrasted the black garb and a golden ruby was stitched over my heart. The lining of this outfit was supposed to be filled with an un-melt-able metal. Time would tell if it could withstand my heat.

  “I’m ready,” I said, shaking off the cold of the flight. My teams of eagle-fey departed to go hunting.

  “I don’t like this plan,” Susanna grumbled, stepping in front of me as we walked for the road.

  Rivinia snickered, “What’s not to like? You're with three powerful mages and me.” She toyed with her bow string, ever so slightly letting it twang.

  We had a full dozen of us. A few veteran soldiers, Siofra, Audry, Rivinia, Susanna, and me. I needed to see this Alexander more than I needed to visit Farlake or Arenia Harbor.