Emerald Fire

by Kathryn Blade

  Kaegan took a step closer. “I said tell the archmage he has a visitor.”

  The thinly veiled threat presented by the young lady’s companion was clear. “Just a moment, sir...errm...my lady…” He darted up the stairs to the second floor of the keep. A few moments later he returned, followed by a tall, slender man with long grey hair and a beard. The man wore a black robe with a strange brooch pinned near the collar. He walked with the assistance of a twisted staff of dark, polished wood.

  “Ebin tells me I have a visitor,” the man remarked. “I am Archmage Orizahr. And you are?”

  "Loriann Astus," she whispered with a curtsey. The archmage carried himself with the air of a man who understood his place and power. She did not wish to offend him within the keep.

  The archmage stepped forward. A wrinkled blue-veined hand came to rest on Loriann's arm. His eyes twinkled as he spoke. "I have been waiting for you, Loriann Astus. Your visit here was foretold several eras before my time." He nodded in Kaegan's direction. "I take it this is your companion?"

  “Kaegan Vaith, at your service, Archmage,” the young man introduced himself with a low bow.

  “And so you are,” the archmage remarked with a slight bow of his head. “Please, join me in my library. Ebin, please bring some refreshments.” He beckoned toward the stairs, leading on with the slow walk of an older, dignified gentleman.

  The archmage led them down a dimly lit hallway. A dark wood door opened to reveal the library. It was a large room filled with shelves from ceiling to floor. The shelves were filled with thick, ancient tomes. A long table sat near the only open window, rolled scrolls and maps lay scattered across its top. Several chairs covered in red leather sat in a circular fashion in front of the massive fireplace. A small table sat within arm's reach in the center of the arranged chairs.

  The archmage beckoned for them to sit. They sat in silence for a moment until Ebin appeared bearing a tray. “Just put it there, Ebin,” the archmage beckoned to the low table. “Please close the door as you leave. See that we are not disturbed.” The young acolyte bowed as he left the room.

  “Now, young Loriann, please tell me what brings you here to see an old man?” the archmage remarked with a smile. He poured each of his visitors a glass of wine which they accepted. “You must try one of Ebin’s crumpets. He really is quite the cook.”

  “You said my arrival was foretold,” Loriann stated as she took a sip of the heady red wine. “How did you know?”

  “Ah, child, so impatient to learn the secrets of the past, are we?” the archmage said with a smile. “You are a special one to be sure. None of us are certain of the exact nature of your power. Perhaps you will enlighten us one day soon.”

  “You know about my power?”

  “Only a small amount of information was written in the prophecy. We are certain that there is more. I would expect you want to join us here, gain access to the library, learn how to create potions. Learn some spells or incantations perhaps.” The archmage sat back with a smile, leisurely taking a sip of his wine. “I suspect there is much more to you than any of us now know.”

  "I want to learn more about my power. I want to learn how to control it," Loriann replied. "Will you show me?"

  “I cannot show you that which I do not know.”

  She moved, sitting on the edge of the seat. A hint of desperation tinged her voice. “If you do not know, then how can I learn?”

  "There are others here. Great wizards, even a psion or two. I expect you will enjoy their company a great deal. Will you join us here tomorrow morning? Ebin will be expecting you. Your companion will not be able to join you, though." The archmage waved in Kaegan's direction, "A strapping young lad such as you should find work easily at the docks. There is always a need for someone to help unload the ships."

  “That’s it? I come back tomorrow morning?” Loriann asked with a smile.

  The archmage stood, beckoning toward the door, “And you, young man, make sure to tell the harbormaster that Archmage Orizahr sent you.” He clapped Kaegan on the back as the two stood to leave.

  Ebin waited in the hallway. He escorted them from the entrance to the courtyard. With a bow, he remarked, "Please make sure to be here just after sunrise. The archmage expects us all to be punctual."

  Loriann ran all the way back to the inn with Kaegan at her heels. She laughed, giddy as a schoolgirl, as they raced up the steps to their room. She twirled on one foot before announcing, "The archmage! I met the archmage!" Tomorrow the journey would begin.

  ***

  Loriann

  They settled into a rhythmic routine. Kaegan rose each morning to work at the docks. The archmage’s suggestion had helped him find work. It appeared Orizahr’s name seemed to carry an ample weight in Astor.

  Loriann rose each day before dawn to ensure she would arrive at the keep for the day’s lessons. She promptly rose through the ranks to adept. The art of potion making came as second nature. The keep allowed her to use their supply of herbs and ingredients. They only required her to reimburse them for the cost. It led to a steady income as she sold the potions at the local market on the days when she was not studying at the keep.

  After achieving the rank of an adept, they provided her access to the library housed in the Eikyriun Tower. The archmage commented on the ease with which she absorbed arcane knowledge. She devoured the ancient tomes, often staying late each evening to read.

  On one evening it was well after sunset when she arrived at the inn. Kaegan was not there to meet her nor did he return as the innkeeper served the evening meal. She inquired if he had seen her companion. The innkeeper had shrugged before making a hasty retreat to the kitchen.

  Several hours later Kaegan had not returned. Loriann paced the floor of their room, worry building to a feverish pitch. Fears, one after the other, ran through her mind. Someone could have robbed or injured him. The worst thought of all, what if he had left her?

  Loriann left the room, moving through the streets in search of Kaegan. Not far from the inn in the center of the city sat the Grunting Boar tavern. She stepped inside, eyes darting around the dimly lit interior. Kaegan was nowhere to be found.

  With a sigh, she settled at a table in a corner of the tavern. She accepted a mug of ale from a tavern wench in exchange for a copper. The bitter liquid was one she was not fond of.

  The hubbub of numerous ongoing conversations did not distract her from the purpose of her visit into Astor’s streets in the dark of night. A door slammed on the second floor of the tavern. Her attention was drawn to the stairs as a tavern wench staggered down the steps with a man in tow. The faint light revealed the man’s face as the couple neared the last steps. Loriann froze as Kaegan’s face became visible. His eyes met hers.

  She fled, blindly finding the door as tears filled her eyes. A pain unlike any she had experienced filled her chest. The breath caught in her throat as she staggered down the street, leaning heavily against the rough stone exterior of a building.

  “Loriann! Wait!”

  Kaegan’s voice stopped her flight momentarily. She turned to see him running toward her. The rage receded as the pain of a broken heart ripped through her. A wall of wind came from nowhere, whistling and howling as it carried dust and debris skyward. Kaegan covered his face with an arm, leaning low to the ground as he fought against the wind.

  She stood still as the pain ebbed and flowed through her body. The wind nearly knocked him down. It was gone as quickly as it came. Kaegan caught up with her, reaching for her hand. Loriann pulled away, eyes smoldering as the rage ignited.

  “Do not touch me!” she hissed.

  “It’s not what you think, Loriann.”

  “Isn’t it? The picture was fairly clear. Go back to your whore.” She turned to walk away as his hand caught her arm. The fight for control began as she pulled free again. Then the tavern wench staggered into the street, calling Kaegan’s name.

  “Come back, Kaegan. You promised me some ale,” the tavern wench c
alled out.

  Loriann confronted the woman, shoulders raised as she pulled the dagger from its sheath. “Don’t say his name again or I’ll cut the tongue from your whorish mouth.” The words came in a hiss of enraged breath.

  “I’ll say whatever I want,” the woman sneered. “Nobody tells me what to do!”

  A wall of emerald flames encircled the woman. Kaegan grabbed Loriann’s arm, hauling her away, down the alley before she could strike again. They made it back to their room at the inn without incident. “Gods! What were you thinking?”

  “What were you thinking, Kaegan Vaith?” Her eyes flashed, the emerald depths glinting as light on a sword’s edge. “You would consort with a common whore while I wait for you here? Worrying that the king’s men harmed you?”

  “It wasn’t like that, Loriann. I thought about it, but I couldn’t. All I could think about was you.” His voice was hoarse. He caught her hands, holding tight as she tried to pull free. “I made a mistake. I can admit it. Give me a chance to make it right.”

  “I gave you a part of me that no one has known. And then this?” She pulled free, moving away to stand at the fireplace.

  “Loriann, there has been no one but you. I swear it. Give me a chance to show you.”

  “Prove me wrong, Kaegan. Show me you are not like the other miserable bastards in this world who only wish to hurt others.” She looked up, a light flaring in the emerald eyes before meeting his gaze. “Only my love for you holds the fire at bay.”

  ***

  Chapter 5

  Bounty

  Loriann became acquainted with two psions at Baeliton Keep. Under their tutelage, she learned how to access and manipulate new powers. The psions developed a healthy respect for one who they instinctively knew had greater power than their own.

  Archmage Orizahr came to the alchemy laboratory as she ground a crimson mushroom in a mortar and pestle. He watched closely as she expertly crafted a strong poison before storing it in a tiny crystal vial. She secreted the vial in a hidden pocket sewn inside the folds of her cloak.

  “My child, you amaze me!” he exclaimed. “I fear you have surpassed my mastery of potions and poisons. You make a formidable foe.” he clasped her hands gently in his own.

  “You didn’t come to tell me how skilled I am, archmage. What troubles you?”

  His brow furrowed as he realized the child was more insightful than he suspected. The psions were excellent teachers. “As much as it pains me, I must ask you to leave.”

  Loriann pulled her hands from his grasp, shocked at the request. “But I’ve broken no rules! I’ve done all you have asked of me.”

  “I do not ask that you leave for violating rules, Loriann. Your life is in danger. King Cedric has placed a hefty bounty on your head. His assassins near Astor. You must leave immediately. Ebin has fetched your beloved. Horses wait for you at the north gate.” The archmage cupped Loriann’s face in his hands. “I love you as my child,” he pronounced before placing a fatherly kiss on her forehead.

  ***

  Cedric

  “How is it possible for one girl to escape the finest members of my guard?” King Cedric paced the marble floor of the throne room. His jowls shook as he screamed at those present. The king was a portly man of over twenty stone. The Olde World knew he loved food and wine and had little patience.

  Several members of the royal court were present. The grand meister of coin, grand meister of the king’s guard, keeper of the seals, the grand seneschal, a royal scribe, and other lesser advisors stood at the ready. None spoke or dared look up as the king continued to rant about the ineptitude of his guard.

  King Cedric stopped in front of Willem Jarin, grand meister of the king’s guard, after a few tense moments. His voice rose an octave. “Perhaps you can give me the answer, Grand Meister Jarin? Are you not responsible for the training of my men?”

  “I am not sure, your grace.” Willem kept his eyes averted. He dared not look the king directly in the eyes. The king could consider it a direct challenge. Few members of the court had seen him this angry.

  “You are not sure? Perhaps I should put one of the city’s whores in charge of the guard! At least the whores seem to know more about the guard than their grand meister!” Spittle clung to Cedric’s lips as he screamed into Willem’s face.

  Cedric ascended the raised dais as the tirade sapped his energy. His ample bulk settled hard into the depths of the gilded throne. A servant appeared with a tray bearing a cup of wine. Cedric snatched the proffered cup before drinking heavily.

  Petyr Reimfred cleared his throat nervously as he spoke. A thin, balding man with an effeminate manner, he had served King Cedric for the past year as Grand Seneschal. His predecessor had lost his head after not fulfilling the king’s wishes. He did not wish to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps. “Permission to speak, your grace.”

  “Speak, but mind your tongue,” Cedric warned.

  “Your council has discussed the matter at length before gathering here. I..” he glanced nervously about the room, coughed, then “erm, we ask that you place a bounty on the girl’s head. This might encourage the loyal masses to assist in this matter.”

  “Excellent idea!” Cedric agreed. “Fetch a quill, ink, and parchment.”

  Several servants returned moments later with a small, heavy oak table. The royal scribe stepped forward, bowed, then wrote the decree. “My lord king and commander, what do you set the bounty at?” the man inquired.

  “Five hundred gold! That should more than encourage every man, woman, and child to assist in this endeavor.”

  The amount was hefty. An amount this large would capture the attention of many loyal followers. The scribe added it without hesitation. The scribe blotted the ink then held a flickering taper near the bottom of the parchment to deposit crimson wax. Gregry Wauter, Keeper of the Seals, stepped forward. He imprinted the king’s seal into the wax. King Cedric dipped a quill into the inkwell before adding his signature at the bottom of the document. “See that someone carries the word to all the holds, Petyr.”

  The man bowed deeply before rolling the parchment, tucking it tightly into one hand, then departing the room. The servants removed the table. Cedric dismissed the remaining men.

  A dull ache throbbed in Cedric’s temples. He rubbed tiredly to ease the pain. In all his years sitting on the throne, no one had challenged him as the girl did. He would have her head before being made a laughingstock in his own kingdom.

  ***

  Willem

  Grand Meister Jarin left the throne room immediately after Cedric set the bounty. He had no desire to remain there, more pressing matters called for his attention. Displeasing Cedric had led to several deaths. He shuddered as he remembered what had happened to his predecessor.

  The matter made him more determined to find the girl. The page had his horse saddled and ready. He mounted and rode from the courtyard toward the south. Peasants spread rumors of events that could only involve the girl.

  With each township he visited, he gleaned more valuable information. Hunger for gold coins brought news to his ears. It was easy, really, following close on the girl’s heels. Several weeks of hard riding led him to Astor. The commoners and low born were no different here. For a few coppers, he had more than enough information. He was confident she had fled the city. Perhaps a gold or two could fetch the location.

  The innkeeper looked up as Grand Meister Jarin entered. He was an impressive man, clad in the gilded armor of the king’s guard, the lion and eagle symbol visible on the plackert. He removed his helmet while approaching the innkeeper.

  “Evening, my lord,” the innkeeper bowed. He had no desire to insult a member of the king’s guard. Just having the man here made him nervous.

  “I have come for information. I will communicate your cooperation to King Cedric. I am sure he will reward you.” Jarin rubbed a few gold coins between his fingers as he leaned closer to the innkeeper’s ear. “Was there a girl here? Fetching, with emeral
d eyes. She may have had a young man in her company, a large fellow.”

  The innkeeper licked his lips nervously, eyes darting to the coins. It was more than he would earn in a fortnight. “She was here but left a few days ago.”

  “Do you know where they traveled?”

  “No, my lord, honest I don’t. That’s all I know.” The innkeeper grinned as the gold coins dropped into his open hand.

  “See that you tell no others about this,” Jarin said in warning. He turned and left the inn.

  He navigated the city effortlessly. It had been his first home before he had worked his way through the ranks of the royal court. His prowess with a sword and barbaric nature had won a place in the king’s guard. The subtle lies he and his followers had told combined with a solitary act of savagery had easily earned him the rank of Grand Meister.

  The old docks had fallen into disrepair. He was certain an abandoned building housed the person he sought. The door creaked as it opened. Ghedrii lay in a hammock slung from the rafters. “Jarin! You come visit me again so soon!” the man said in greeting.

  “I have work for you, Ghedrii, if you’re interested.”

  “Ghedrii always interested in work and coin. What work you have for Ghedrii?” the dark-skinned man asked as he rose from the hammock.

  Jarin placed a silk satchel filled with coins in Ghedrii’s outstretched hand. The man was always hungry for more gold.

  Glancing around at the squalor in which the man lived, he wondered where the gold went. Ghedrii did not spend it on clean living quarters. He kicked a rat away as it ran across his foot. “A girl, moving south. Black hair, green eyes, perhaps seventeen years. She has a companion with her, a large fellow, perhaps nineteen years. End her swiftly. Keep it quiet and clean. Understood?”

  Ghedrii poured gold coins into his hand. His eyes gleamed maliciously. “Perhaps Ghedrii try something new. No knives, an accident? Ah! Poison.”