“How is hiding rape and other brutal conduct by the College’s students for the betterment of the Society, Tauron?” Gavin asked. “Explain that to me.”
“I refuse. I refuse to admit or accept that you have any authority over me,” Tauron raged. “Do we even know that Bellos named you to be Archmagister? I didn’t witness it. For all I know, you’re nothing but a fraud.”
A blinding flash of gold-colored light heralded the arrival of Bellos. Gavin regarded the God of Magic for a moment and leaned back to look at the pedestal that supported the statue of Bellos, only to find it vacant; it held no statue.
“You challenge my authority, Tauron?” Bellos asked.
Tauron gaped at Bellos, his jaw moving but without sound.
“I do not appreciate my choice being questioned,” Bellos remarked. “I would have thought the sconces within the College and the streetlamps and braziers atop the walls of the province capitals to be plenty of proof that I made my choice. Apparently, I was mistaken.”
Bellos paused for a moment and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, every person present felt a raw power filling the room.
“People of Tel,” Bellos said, his voice now possessing an eerie resonance, “as some have already dared question my choice of Archmagister, I speak to you all now to verify and affirm that I have chosen Gavin Cross of House Kirloth to assume the office that has been vacant for so long. That is all.”
Bellos closed his eyes once more and took a deep breath. The raw power filling the hall faded, and when he opened his eyes again, Bellos looked straight at Gavin.
“I know far more about Tauron and his transgressions than I would like, and I do not feel he is fit to hold any office or position of responsibility. That being said, I shall trust your judgment in this and all matters, as you have earned. Thank you once again, Gavin, for your sacrifice. They need you more than they know.”
Another bright flash of gold-colored light filled the Chamber. When it faded, Bellos was gone, and the pedestal supported a statue once more.
Gavin turned back to the Council of Magisters, his eyes focusing on Tauron. “Well, will you confess at least? I would prefer that your associates on the Council understand why I’ve decided what I have.”
“Do what you will, Kirloth,” Tauron growled. “I have no interest in participating in your circus any longer.”
Gavin sighed. “So be it. As of this moment, you are hereby stripped of all rank and authority within the Society of the Arcane.” Gavin focused his mind on his intent, then invoked a composite effect, “Zaenos-Zyrhaek.”
Those wizards present felt the resonance of Gavin’s power slam the ambient magic as Tauron screamed and clutched at his head. He collapsed back into his seat, and when he pulled his hands away from his head, everyone present could see blood trickling from his nostrils and ears.
“Any and all knowledge of the Art has just been ripped from your mind,” Gavin said. “You will never be able to re-learn what you have lost. Your days as an arcanist are over. Reyna, per the authority vested in me as Archmagister of Tel, I hereby confer upon you the title and authority of Chief Inquisitor. Do you accept the position I have offered?”
Reyna gaped at Gavin for several moments before nodding. “Yes, Milord. I-I do not have the words for how much I value and appreciate your trust in me. I will strive to prove your trust each and every day.”
“In that case,” Gavin replied, “your first order of business is to work with the Guardians in conducting a full review of all Inquisitors. Bring any to me who do not exemplify the ideals all Inquisitors should uphold. Nathrac!”
A column of fire erupted from the floor not six feet from Gavin, delivering the Chief of the Guard.
“You called, Milord?”
“Thank you, Nathrac. Please deliver those eight people I asked you to collect.”
Nathrac snapped his fingers, and eight additional columns of fire delivered those who had attacked Alanna Veldin all those years ago.
“Chief Inquisitor,” Gavin began, “would you be so kind as to bring that young man to stand by his father? I’ll pass judgment on them both at the same time.” Reyna almost jumped to her feet and nearly dragged the student to stand by his father. “The eight of you committed a rather heinous crime against this woman while all of you were students. It is a gross miscarriage of justice that nothing was ever done, but I will now correct that.” Gavin produced a piece of parchment from inside his robe and read the names of seven of the eight adults. “For your participation in the attack on Alanna Veldin, I hereby revoke your status in the Society of the Arcane and seize any assets you have amassed since that time. Zaenos-Zyrhaek.” The seven men screamed and collapsed to the floor, clutching their heads before ultimately falling unconscious. “Never again shall you wield the Art.”
Gavin turned to the man standing beside his son. “You, sir, were the ringleader of the group, and you perpetuated the mindset that such conduct was acceptable to your son. I do not have the words for how much I want to burn the both of you to ash where you stand. I feel very strongly that your son has already internalized this mindset to such a degree that he is irredeemable. But while I am many things, I am no killer of children, even when they probably deserve it. Your family hereby forfeits all worldly possessions and wealth. The both of you forfeit any and all standing in the Society of the Arcane, both now and in perpetuity. Zaenos-Zyrhaek-Uhnrys.”
Both the father and the son fell to the ground, screaming and clutching at their heads. They, too, soon fell unconscious.
Gavin turned to Reyna. “Remove the lot of them from College grounds. Go to the student’s room and secure any personal possessions; those are forfeit as well. You will see to it that all forfeitures declared here today pass to Alanna Veldin as reparations for their crimes.” Gavin turned to Veldin. “Alanna Veldin, you attacked a student, someone entrusted to your care, but I find that you did so as the result of significant provocation that surpassed anything one could reasonably expect an instructor to face. Still, I would not want our instructors thinking that they can attack students wholesale, and so, I fine you one month of your instructor’s pay. Please, inform Magister Valera when you feel ready to resume your class schedule.”
Alanna Veldin gaped at Gavin as he turned to face the Council.
“Valera, please make whatever notifications are appropriate that the selection of a new Magister of Evocation is to begin.” Gavin’s eyes fell on Tauron who was now slumped in the seat his former position, looking comatose. “Reyna, see that Tauron is removed from the College as well, and delegate someone to box up his personal effects and leave them with him…wherever you decide he should be put.”
“Yes, Milord,” Reyna responded.
Gavin scanned the faces practically staring at him in silence. “Right then. I do believe our work here is finished. Session adjourned.”
Chapter 31
In the days that followed their departure from Pretty Rock, Lillian and Mariana headed north to Stonehearth, the dwarven capital. The dwarves divided their society into two clans with convoluted family structures branching out from there. Clan Stone devoted their efforts to mastering the material of stone in all its types and forms; carving, masonry, and any other endeavor involving working with stone was their domain. As one might expect, Clan Metal pursued similar mastery over metals.
The dwarves were also unique of the races of the old alliance in that the position of king—or queen—alternated between the two clans. It was a life appointment, but the monarch could choose to retire at any time. No matter what the reason might be for needing a new monarch, the heads of each family within the clan would gather and decide who would serve from their clan. Ideally, they always chose the best person, but politics and family feuds did often play a role.
Clan Metal currently held the monarchy.
* * *
Lillian and Mariana approached the massive entrance to Stonehearth. A slight breeze carried the chill of mountain air and the f
aint scent of forges and charcoal delivered by the smokestacks jutting up through the mountainside. The entrance was a pair of massive stone doors under a portico, and a squad of dwarven soldiers conducted searches of any wagons or travelers they deemed suspect.
“Welcome to Stonehearth,” said a grizzled dwarf with stringy, silver hair and beard. “Please, state your names and reason of travel.”
“I am Lillian of House Mivar, and my associate is Mariana of House Cothos. We seek entry to Stonehearth and an audience with the king as credentialed ambassadors of Gavin Cross of House Kirloth, the Archmagister of Tel.”
The dwarf stopped scribbling on his parchment and looked up at Lillian, giving her the squint eye. “Did you say Archmagister of Tel? You’ll have to do better than that, girlie. Tel hasn’t had an Archmagister since my grandfather’s time.”
“May I get our papers from my saddlebag?” Lillian asked.
“Oh, aye. I’m very interested to see whatever papers you have.”
Lillian leaned back just far enough to access the left saddlebag and withdrew the folio containing the documents proving their status. Folio in hand, she dismounted and offered it to the dwarf. The dwarf accepted the folio and opened it, taking the time to read through everything contained therein. After several moments, he closed the folio and offered it back to Lillian.
“My apologies,” the dwarf said. “News that Bellos has named a new Archmagister hasn’t reached us as yet, at least not me.” He pulled out a blank sheet of parchment and jotted a message, before stamping the document with his seal and offering it to Lillian. “That will get you through Monarch Gate, and you’ll be able to speak with someone there about scheduling an audience.”
“Thank you, sir,” Lillian replied, inserting the document into the folio before returning it to her saddlebag.
Lillian and Mariana merged into the traffic flow as they entered Stonehearth. Cobblestones paved the streets, and carts and wagons drawn by rock wolves, or possibly a distant cousin, creaked and clattered along on their journeys. The city overall was dark, the streets lit by pitch lamps. Even though the space occupied by the city was cavernous, the dark and gloom contributed to a closed-in feel that weighed upon them as they traveled deeper into the city.
“I think I’m glad we saved the High Forest for last,” Mariana whispered.
Lillian grinned. “There’s a reason not many non-dwarves visit Stonehearth. It certainly isn’t for everyone.”
“Qar’Zhosk wasn’t bad,” Mariana responded, “but this is just oppressive.”
“Qar’Zhosk had a different feel to it, especially after we fixed their sky,” Lillian countered. “This is altogether different.”
They fell into a companionable silence as they made their way through the city to the gate that protected the government buildings. An arched stone sign above the gate read ‘Monarch Gate’ in dwarven script, and the guards here had much more ornate equipment.
“State your business,” a dwarf growled when Lillian and Mariana stopped at the gate.
Lillian withdrew the folio from her saddlebag and said, “I am Lillian of House Mivar, and my associate is Mariana of House Cothos. We are accredited ambassadors from Gavin Cross of House Kirloth, who is now the Archmagister of Tel. This folio contains our papers and a pass provided by the guard at the entrance to the city.”
Lillian stepped down from her horse and offered the folio to the dwarf. He accepted it and read through its documents, finally settling on the note provided by the entrance guard. After reading through everything, he nodded.
“Very well,” the dwarf said. “You’ll want to present yourselves to the king. I don’t know what the schedule is like, but he may just grant your audience when you present yourselves. Go through the gate, and a groom will see to your mounts. Anyone in Government House can direct you to the king.”
Lillian accepted the folio from the guard and decided to lead her horse instead of re-mounting. Mariana stepped down to lead her horse as well, and soon, they handed off the reins to an eager young dwarf who said he’d take them to the stables and see to their care.
Lillian and Mariana entered Government House, and the well-lit, functional ambiance struck them as a sharp contrast to the oppressive, closed-in feeling the city as a whole gave them. Dwarves moved hither and yon on various tasks, and it wasn’t long before they encountered a middle-aged dwarf who gave them directions to reach the king.
Lillian and Mariana finally found themselves standing in an outer office where several dwarves carried out their tasks with silent efficiency. As they entered, one looked up and smiled.
“Oh, hello,” the dwarf said, the voice sounding female. “I’m Agara. How can we help you?”
Lillian presented the folio and once more introduced herself and Mariana.
Agara blinked. “Archmagister? Really? Oh, my…Gildar will want to meet you right away.”
Lillian and Mariana shared a look before Lillian asked, “Gildar? Who’s that?”
“Why, he’s the king; you two are so precious. Is this your first time in Stonehearth, dears?”
“You address the king by name?” Mariana asked.
Agara grinned. “Well, of course, I do. He’s my brother, and I’m not about to let him be taking on airs. Every time he gets even a little uppity with me, I remind him and anyone in hearing that I changed his diapers. That always brings him back to ground. He’s an excellent king, though. Done a lot of good for us, he has, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.”
Lillian and Mariana shared a look as they fought to keep a straight face.
“Now then, come along,” Agara continued. “I’ll introduce you to him.”
Agara stood from her desk and led Lillian and Mariana through a door and into an office almost the size of the Conclave meeting room back home. A massive desk dominated the room, behind which sat a dwarf who looked to be not quite middle-aged. He looked up when the door opened and quirked an eyebrow at the two humans Agara was leading into his office.
“Gildar, these ladies come from Tel Mivar; the new Archmagister sent them,” Agara said before she turned and left, closing the door on her way out.
The dwarf rose from his seat and stumped around the desk, extending his hand. “Pleasure to meet ye. I am Gildar, King of Stonehearth.”
“Lillian Mivar,” Lillian said as Gildar shook her hand.
“Mariana Cothos,” Mariana said when Gildar turned to shake her hand.
Pleasantries concluded, Gildar gestured to a couple chairs before returning to his own. Once everyone was seated, he smiled and said, “So, the new Archmagister sent ye? And just how is Gavin these days?”
Both Lillian and Mariana gaped, Mariana overcoming the shock first to say, “You know Gavin?”
Gildar shrugged. “Well, I can’t say as I’ve ever laid eyes on him meself, but I do know of him.”
“Hakamri,” Lillian said.
Gildar nodded once. “Aye. He’s my…well, let’s say uncle. Humans seem to get lost a bit when they try to sort out our family relationships. He’s had quite a few things to say about the boy.”
Mariana’s lips quirked. “He isn’t exactly a boy, Your Majesty.”
“Call me Gildar,” he replied, waving off the honorific, “and lass, I’m a hundred and thirty years old. All of ye are boys or girls to me. So, what brings ye to Stonehearth?”
“Well,” Lillian began, “Gavin asked us to visit the giants, you, and the elves to start the process of rebuilding the friendships our peoples once enjoyed. I can say the giants were very receptive and will be sending an ambassador to Tel Mivar.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Gildar remarked. “I’ve been wondering when he would get around to the diplomatic side of things ever since Hakamri sent word about seeing Gavin in gold robes. I have two major areas of concern at present: Skullkeep, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, and the High Forest.”
Mariana nodded. “We’ve heard all might not be well among the elves. They
are our next stop after we conclude our visit here.”
“Well, be careful,” Gildar replied. “They haven’t completely cut off relations with us, but they’re not the friendly neighbors they once were. I’ve heard whispers that the dark elves may be meddling, but no two whispers match or stand up to much scrutiny. Regardless, they may not be happy to see ye. But as for us, tell your boy that I’m inviting him to send an ambassador here. I like what Hakamri has told me, and I think he’ll do good things for the old alliance.”
Lillian smiled. “Thank you, Gildar. Gavin would welcome an ambassador from you as well.”
Gildar grinned. “I’ll send word to Hakamri that he’s getting a promotion. He’s been playing at business too long, anyway.”
* * *
Kiri sighed as she entered her suite. It had been a long day of meetings and negotiations between various groups, and it seemed like everyone wanted a piece of the efforts to rebuild the kingdom after the civil war. It was incredibly tiring. All she wanted now was to soak for a while in a nice, hot bath.
Kiri entered her bedroom and frowned at the empty room. Usually her personal maid was waiting to help with the removal and laundering of her court clothes. Either way, she wanted out of the suffocating attire and walked to her wardrobe.
As she reached for the dress’s ties, a voice said, “Good evening, Princess.”
Kiri spun, her left hand drawing a stiletto from her right sleeve.
A man stood in the corner of her bedroom. He wore dark leather armor that was well-maintained. A thin mustache adorned his upper lip. He regarded Kiri with an almost sardonic grin. Kiri couldn’t shake the feeling she’d seen him somewhere before.
“Oh, you won’t be needing that, I don’t think,” the man said, eyeing Kiri’s stiletto. “I’m not here to hurt you at all. Besides, I’d rather my Guild not have to suffer Gavin’s retribution if I did harm you. I wager his treatment of them would make what Kirloth did to those Temple Guardsmen look rather tame.”
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