by Wilbur Arron
Following all the festivities, Melina and I spent the better part of a market interval there, helping with the three new infants before we left for home. Laodamus stayed in Cos, and the rest left for Arginnia.
Once we got back to our home, we spent the next few days at the harvest. We managed to gather in an ample amount of wheat and barley. We harvested less rice, but even that was enough to feed two people. We picked apples from our trees and gave most of them to our animal friends who love them. We also harvested many cherries, so I purchased some ceramic-lined storage jars and then boiled them in water. I boiled the apples and cherries, and we put the hot fruits into the jars and sealed the tops with some potter’s clay. We put them in the cool storage room under our house. This was the method from the ancient days to preserve fruit and vegetables. They would last for months.
It was not long after the harvest that the leaves turned their magnificent shades of red and gold and fell to the ground to join the remains from eons past. The air turned cool. It seldom snowed in the forest, but the air temperature made some outside activities harsh, like bathing. I was glad I had the copper tub and a fire to heat the water.
Melina spent more time in Korpolis helping with the babies. I was alone at my house and spent a lot of my free time studying the blue crystal I took off Pentheus. At first, I could hardly charge it like the Speaking Stone. Later, as I experimented, I found out it was not Nature Magik that the crystal responded to, but Life Magik. Once I learned that, then using the crystal became easier. I still could not hide my aura, but my animal friends told me it was harder to sense me if I carried the blue crystal.
One evening I had both the blue crystal and the Speaking Stone together in my study. Malcor’s scrolls mentioned nothing about a blue crystal, so I had little to go on. When I put both crystals close together, I suddenly felt a surge through my body like when I pull power from the realms to do magik. Only I was not doing that. I concentrated on relaxing my mind, and the lights of the many realms appeared before me. As power flowed into my body, I picked up a crystal in each hand. I tried to concentrate on both Nature Magik and Life Magik at the same time. As I did, both crystals warmed in my hand. I let the power flow into each crystal simultaneously. Almost instantly, the power filled my body to overflowing. I felt like Lycos was sitting on my chest. My arms started to shake. I got up and ran to the open window. I knew I had to get rid of this extra energy.
“Kervano,” I shouted and directed the lightning bolt upwards over the trees. What came out of me was huge. It was the strongest lightning bolt I had ever cast, even using the Speaking Stone. The thunderclap sounded like a thousand men all shouting at once. A wave of power flowed back into me. It was like getting hit with a hammer. The impact threw me back into the room. I hit the floor hard and felt nothing afterward.
The next morning, I awoke, still lying on the floor. I got up and looked myself over. I seemed to be unhurt, but my body still tingled all over like when I cast powerful magik. I staggered when I got up. If I did not know any better, I would have said I had drunk too much wine. I was not drunk, however. I looked at both stones on my desk. Both glowed with their blue and purple colors, bright enough to lighten the room even in the day.
Only when Melina was away did I experiment with both crystals together and found that, with even a small effort on my part, my power would be greatly magnified far beyond what I had normally experienced. I concluded that each crystal had properties of its own, yet together, they took on far greater power. I wrote it all down in my private scrolls that I kept locked up in my compartment, hidden in my cave. Other than that, I told no one of my experiments. It surprised me that my animal friends said nothing to me about my experiments. I mentioned nothing about the crystals to them either. This required much more study.
This year, the Mid Winter’s Day Celebrations were not as elaborate. The war was on hiatus, but far from over. One of the acolytes brought us a message saying that I was invited to the Midwinter’s Celebration at the building site of the new mage polis. There was also to be a meeting of all the senior mages. Melina and I accepted and left the forest several days in advance to stop in and see our friends in Korpolis for the celebrations there.
Both Philie and Theresa were both enjoying their new status of motherhood as much as anyone could. Cleon had set up a nursery in the palace, and all three children stayed there. It allowed Philie to resume her duties when not taking care of the children. Both Cleon and Iolaos were enjoying their status as new fathers even more. Cleon had named his son Clytomedes after his father. Iolaos named his son Perseus after his father while Philie named her daughter Diana after her mother. Iolaos was already saying his son would be as strong as Heracles, due to his firm grip for an infant.
After the celebrations, we left. Some functions I did not attend because they were in the temple. In all, it was a nice break from winter’s drudgery.
We traveled to the new polis, about a full day’s ride south of Korpolis just off the main road. Only temporary shelters were ready for us. The work on the other buildings was still ongoing and would be for another one to two years. Melina and I shared a wooden shack with Zila who we found had moved in with Gyras. The next day both Theodoros and Philocrates arrived from Arginnia. Galenus and Carenos were already there. All of the Master Mages were there, even the ones that had broken off with Pentheus. Galenus told me almost all the mages that had sided with Pentheus had returned to the new polis and were helping with the building.
The speed of construction surprised me. The outer stone wall was fully standing, and crude gates protected the entrances. The inner wall was about two thirds complete. A space of about five paces separated the walls. The inner wall had to be built slowly because dirt and other debris were packed tightly in between the two walls. Besides the wall, some temporary housing had been erected that could maybe hold 200 people. The beginnings of three large halls were already started. There were plans for a meeting hall for the Master Mages and the Mage Council members. A well had been dug, and a nearby stream had been diverted to flush the community latrines. A small temple to Apollo was also planned. Zila explained that eventually, the community halls would have private latrines. In one hall, which would become classrooms, a community kitchen was almost complete.
During the next day, the four existing members of the Mage Council met in private. Only Ennomus was present to make notes of the meeting. I wanted to spend the time helping with the building of one of the halls, but soon everyone found out I was useless with tools and they quickly directed me to do other tasks. Melina spent the time helping with weaving curtains. After a simple meal of bread, beans, and some rice, Philocrates stood up and spoke loudly using some magik to make his voice heard by all.
“As senior member of the Mage Council, I am calling a meeting of the Brotherhood to discuss our current condition. We must also choose new Mage Council members, a Megas Mage and a Master of the Academy.”
He lowered his voice. “All of you will be able to hear our discussions, which is usually not done. We will follow our ancient custom that only the Mage Council members and the Master Mages present will be able to talk and vote on these matters. As a consideration to the rest of you, I will allow the other mages to speak, but not to vote. That meeting will start shortly in the courtyard. The acolytes and all of you who are not mages will remain here and clean up after dinner. Thank you all.”
The eight Master Mages including me, and the four Mage Council members gathered around a small campfire a while later. Surrounding us were the other senior and junior mages present. Apollo’s chariot had already disappeared from the sky and the brightest of the three hundred forty-two stars had appeared. I noted at least two of the Master Mages looked at me with scorn. No doubt they were the former followers of Pentheus who they knew I killed. We all sat down and out of consensus and custom, we let Philocrates, the most experienced council member, lead the meeting.
“My Brothers, we live in grave times,” he started. “For
over three hundred years, we lived in Lantia under the protection of various rulers, until recently. Now we find ourselves expelled from our old home, and our numbers greatly reduced thanks to the betrayal of Ethnarch Pytheas. We must now make a new home in a new land. The first order of business is to replenish our numbers. Throughout our history, we have always kept the number of mages to around six hundred for our world, with about thirty new acolytes admitted to our Academy every year. Looking here, I doubt if we have over two hundred present, including the acolytes. We have also lost our library and our archive. We must begin anew, just as the first Megas Mage Adeimanthos did when the Brotherhood was founded in the distant past.”
He stopped to let all that were present take that in. There were murmurings from the crowd, but nothing said out loud. Then Philocrates went on.
“To that end, we must first replenish our council and choose a new Megas Mage. This was the point of our discussion today in my private meeting with the other surviving Mage Council members. The agreement was we must first elect two new Mage Council members. This is a decision only for the four of us. As is custom, only a Master Mage can become a council member. After discussions, we have decided on two members. One is Ennomus who has been our scribe for many years and a mage of great power. The other is Alexio Sopholus, who warned us of the current danger and has constantly fought to preserve Argina and our Brotherhood in its recent troubles.”
I was glad it was dark because no one saw my mouth drop open. I was aghast.
“Before I make this pronouncement official, I ask for comments by the other Master Mages.”
“NO!” one of the other Master Mages said and shot to his feet. “He killed Pentheus. For all I know, he killed him so he could take his place. I agree Ennomus deserves his place on the Mage Council, but not that murderer Alexio. I refuse to accept him.”
“Not Sopholus,” someone called from the other mages.
“Yes, he saved us in Lantia,” another voice called out.
An argument broke out immediately among the assembled mages. There several shouts of the name of Lycus as well as the destruction of the Zilar army. I was glad to hear those yelling against me seemed outnumbered by those that approved of me. I was still trying to take it all in. This nomination was certainly not expected by me.
This went on for a while before Theodoros rose to his feet. “Silence,” he called out. When the voices died down he started to speak.
“I will admit to those of you that oppose this action that Master Mage Sopholus killed Pentheus after that old fool made a deal with the Zilar to kill him and betray us. This former Mage Council member used magik to sneak into Alexio’s forest and tried to kill him with the help of Zilar assassins. Pentheus did succeed in killing two of Master Mage Sopholus’ animal friends who were innocent in these matters. These are not the actions of a Mage Council member, but of a traitor. I myself have questioned the mage who was with Pentheus, and I am convinced he tried to kill Master Mage Sopholus out of spite and jealousy, not because of his actions against Archon Lycus and the Zilar. As for Alexio Sopholus, while his measures were extreme, they were understandable. He is also a powerful mage and has used that power for good. I vote for Master Mage Sopholus.”
Theodoros sat down, and Carenos rose. “I was also suspicious of Master Mage Sopholus, especially after his killing of Archon Lycus. However, time and the facts have borne out that he was correct with what he did. His actions probably saved the lives of thousands according to Polemarch Xanphos. I, along with many of you here, are alive because of him. He is the obvious choice, and I cast my vote for him.”
Galenus did not rise but spoke up loudly. “I was for banning Master Mage Sopholus for his actions of destroying a Zilar army and killing the members of several Zilar patrols. There was also the matter of Archon Lycus. Time has shown all these actions were necessary, saved countless lives, and prevented the devastation of this vasíleio. Although I am reluctant to admit this, he has demonstrated the power and the willingness to do what is necessary to protect those around him. He has been proven right with his actions many more times than he has been proven wrong. He is the obvious choice, and I too vote for him.
“I agree,” Philocrates added. “I was his instructor at the Academy and a more stubborn and determined person you will not find. I see he has learned to harness powers that are, at times, unbelievable even for a mage. Yet, he has done only what he thought was necessary. Many times, he used that power only to protect own life and the lives of his friends. While others would have used that power to dominate this world, he has not. In fact, he has gone out of his way not to become a ruler here in this vasíleio. That fact alone makes him more than suitable for this position; more suitable than anyone I know. I also vote for him. That is four votes for and none against. Master Mages Ennomus and Sopholus, I welcome you to the Mage Council. Please come forward and take your places.”
I almost fell over my robe, but I came up and sat next to Carenos while Ennomus sat next to Theodoros. Then Philocrates reached into his robe and took out two red hoods and handed one to each of us. I looked at mine for a moment wondering if this was such a good idea, but I took off my hood and put the red one on. I was now a member of the Mage Council. There was applause from the crowd around us. Rather than hearing the clapping, all I heard was the sound of the gods laughing hysterically in my ears.
Theodoros spoke up. “Now that we have increased the size of the Mage Council to its regular number of six, we need to choose a new Megas Mage to lead the order. By tradition, this usually goes to the most powerful mage. I think it is certain, that mage is Alexio Sopholus.”
I almost dropped my old black hood into the fire. I shot to my feet and held up both hands.
“No!” I said loudly. “I was reluctant to accept the position of Mage Council member; I will not take the place of the Megas Mage. We need someone in that role who is more adapted at working with ethnarchs and other government officials than I am. All of you know that I am not well-loved by either the governments of Lantia or Argina. I recommend someone with more political experience than me. I suggest Philocrates. He has been an arch-mage and a Mage Council member for years. It is he we should turn to, not me.”
“I agree,” the Master Mage who spoke against me yelled out.
“So do I,” Theodoros said.
The other Mage Council merely nodded. There was louder applause from those around us. I heard not one objection. Therefore, it was proclaimed by a vote of the Mage Council and the other Master Mages that Philocrates became the newest Megas Mage of the Brotherhood of Mages. I just breathed a sigh of relief.
That now left us one council member short since the full Mage Council consisted of the Megas Mage and six Mage Council members. We also needed a new Academy Master: a person to oversee the day-to-day running of the Academy. For the new council member, Carenos suggested Master Mage Timoleon of Lantis, the eldest of the Master Mages and fortunately not the one who spoke out against me. I did not know him except by reputation. He was never rumored to show any interested in any high office. He seemed perfect for what we needed. He accepted and sat down next to us. That left only the Academy Master position to fill. I already knew who I wanted. I decided I would propose a radical solution.
I asked to speak, and that was immediately granted. I stood and spoke so all could hear me. “I wish to propose something different from before. The head of the Academy was always a mage that we trusted, that we knew was worthy, and that was deeply concerned with the future of the Brotherhood. For this reason, I propose Zila, daughter of Zilar.”
I paused and heard many whispers that I had to be joking, or I had lost my mind, or what was I thinking. Other comments made were of such quality that I shall not record them here. I took a breath and went on.
“I know she is the daughter of our mortal enemy and trained in Syrina and not Lantia. This new Academy and the new plan to teach mages not only to use magik, but provide guidance and aid to the others of this world w
as her idea. I think she is perfect for the role.”
There was definite murmuring in the crowd this time. A woman had never been appointed to any senior position in the Brotherhood. I continued to speak. “Remember this new Academy was her idea, I got it from her and made the idea my own. She deserves this position. Besides, it would show those mages in Syrina that there is room for them in our midst. It would also show there is a place in the Brotherhood for sisters.”
I sat down. There had been few women mages in our Brotherhood, yet some had gone on to serve with honor. There was even a female Master Mage a hundred fifty years ago. I waited and looked at the other members of the Mage Council. They looked at each other in bewilderment. I had caught them by surprise with my suggestion.
Finally, Galenus stood up and spoke. “Alexio Sopholus has a point here. While we have never had a female Academy Master, we have also never had to run for our lives either. I feel Council Member Sopholus’ logic is impeccable about appointing a female mage from Syrina to run the Academy. I agree with him.”
“It does make sense,” Philocrates went on. “This new site and the Academy were her ideas. I am willing to give it a try.”
The same Master Mage that denounced me once again rose. Philocrates nodded and invited him to speak.
“No,” he said flatly. “I say no to having a murderer as a Mage Council member and no to having a woman as Academy Master. I will accept neither. We are throwing away our customs; we are making a laughingstock out of our Mage Code. I will not be part of this. I am leaving. I will go my own way.”