by Blink, Bob
“Not so,” objected Burke. “Ask the others who were there with me.” Burke indicated Kela, Tana and the healer who had made the trip, and whom he had brought with him to the meeting although they had not been asked to come by the Trio. “Also, there was no staff to aid him this time. It was the first thing we looked for. It was not to be seen the entire time we were in his company.”
“Then he has discovered a means to tap its power without needing it any longer,” Gagan suggested.
“If that is so, he has also learned many things since we last met,” Burke said. “He has knowledge and powers he should not have.”
“Explain,” demanded Februus.
“Have you spoken with those in the travel area about our return?” Burke asked, knowing there hadn’t been time.
Looking somewhat confused by the question, Februus shook his head. “Why would we be interested. You arrived the usual way, although days earlier than expected. You obviously did not spend much time at your effort.”
“I suggest you speak with someone there to verify what I’m about to tell you. We spent little time, because we had no choice. Our return was not via a travel bubble. The wizard who now occupies Rigo’s body, Master Daim he calls himself, sent us directly back from the site where the necklace was found. He didn’t use a travel bubble, but opened some kind of doorway, a Bypass he called it, that delivered us directly here.”
“Nonsense,” Gagan huffed. “If such a thing were possible you wouldn’t have had to cross the Ruins in the first place.”
“I would have said so as well had I not experienced it. We are back quickly because we did not have to make the arduous trek across the Ruins back to the travel point. He created his own return path. It is also instructive that he knew exactly where to send us. He knows of this place, down to the location of the room from which we begin and end our trips.”
Februus stared at Burke and then let his eyes shift across the other three wizards who had been with him. He could see the small nods of agreement that they were making supporting Burke’s claims.
“That is disturbing news,” Februus said slowly. “How could he have learned of our location?”
“That is something you might ask him yourself,” Burke said gleefully. “He said he will be visiting within a few days.”
“Here? This wizard will be coming here? What does he want?” Nadav asked nervously.
“He claims to be one of the wizards from the distant past, and that he planned for this return over two millennia ago. He will need everyone here to follow his direction if we are to defeat the Razmot. He will show us how to proceed. Oh, and he claimed that we are mistaken. The beasts are really called Hoplani. The Razmot is the ancient name for the strange glowing flowers one sometimes sees growing in isolated areas.”
“He expects to assume control?” Februus said angrily. “Who does he think he is? If he is foolish enough to appear here, we will be ready. We will set a team of our strongest to greet him at the travel room.”
“I think you should hear the whole of our story,” Burke suggested. “You might want to reconsider once you hear of what transpired.”
Februus leaned back. “Continue. Make your report. Then we will consider how to proceed.”
Burke provided a detailed account of everything that had happened. The Trio interrupted him when he told them of the second wizard and how Daim had carelessly and without effort destroyed the tracking necklace that had located the group in the first place. They also were disbelieving of his claim that Brightfire had been pushed aside with equal disdain until the other three verified the story. He was surprised to discover that he was actually pleased that the attempt to kill Rigo, or as it turned out, Daim had failed. He had been uncertain that being ordered to kill was the right thing to do, and given the way things turned out he had been rethinking his role in things.
“This Daim appears to be as powerful as you warned,” Februus said when Burke finished his tale.
“I have seen him perform numerous feats that I would have said impossible. His ability to destroy the necklace and stop Brightfire were only a couple. He was somehow able to cut us off from our magic rendering us as helpless as any Normal, and then the ability to transport from any location by the arch he created. I suspect he has other abilities equally impressive.”
“We have known that others preceded us,” Gagan said finally. “They were the ones who built this outpost and we have guessed were responsible for the towers out in the Ruins. Perhaps he is indeed one of them.”
Nadav scoffed. “A wizard from twenty-five hundred years ago. Come now. There is something else at work here. I still think that this is somehow this Rigo who has tapped the power of the staff. When did Gadil acquire the staff he has?”
“That was nearly fifty years ago,” Februus replied. “But it has never given him such powers.”
“Daim explained there were two of the staffs,” Burke said. “Their purpose was somehow related to bringing him back. He claims the first failed to function as planned and that is why Daim is late in returning.”
“His tale is intriguing,” Februus said. “He seems to have the same concern as we do. The beasts, Hoplani you say he calls them, are a threat to be dealt with. Perhaps the towers were somehow related to their control. We know so little about them. It is difficult and unpleasant to travel through the Ruins to explore.”
“Daim claims there are sixty-four of the towers stretching from the far north to the distant south. Once properly activated they provide a barrier the Hoplani cannot pass. It once held the beasts in the Ruins for centuries.”
“Why didn’t the beasts expand into the populated lands over the centuries the towers have been nonfunctional?” Gagan asked certain he’d found a flaw in the story.
“I explained that,” Burke said, reminding the Elder of Daim’s claim that the numbers of the Hoplani had long been reduced to near extinction by the flowers and they were now making a comeback just as those with ability with magic.”
“I have never heard that the flowers were a concern,” objected Nadav.
“I recall a young wizard a long time ago claiming his illness followed a number of days investigating the flowers. None of the healers could do anything for him. No one credited his story, but perhaps there is something there after all,” Februus said
“Is there no way we can verify these claims with what we have at hand here in the Outpost?” Gagan asked.
“There is an extensive library here, but none can read the texts,” Februus suggested.
“Nycoh can,” Burke said. “She has demonstrated an ability to read the books and scrolls in the library, but there are so many and they meant little so she has not spent much time trying.”
“Send for her,” Februus ordered. “Perhaps she can find something that supports what this Daim, if that’s really his name, claims to be what happened.”
“What would you have me do in the meantime?” Burke asked. “My people indicate there are three new wizards who have been linked to tracking devices that we should be going after.”
“Not now,” Februus ordered. “You appear to have lost one novice to this man already. Jeen you said her name was. Besides, you are the one who has met with this character. I want you on hand in case he is so foolish as to really appear here. He can’t really think to wander in and simply assume control over everything we are doing and have been planning for so many years. I want a team of at least fifteen capable wizards stationed near the travel room at all times. He will find himself outdone if he arrives.”
“That many on a fulltime basis will require almost everyone stand duty. We will have little time for anything else,” Burke objected.
Februus waved his hand. “If what you say is correct it will only be a matter of a few days before this man arrives here. Then we can get back to business.”
“You expect to control him once he arrives?” Burke asked.
“Of course. If he actually appears, which I remain unconvinced will
happen. If we can verify what he claims, he can act as an advisor. If he is really as powerful as you claim, then why would he need us at all? Why doesn’t he simply go and fix these towers and set things right by himself? No, he wants something. He is trying to use a few abilities he might have to impress and assume control. He will find it isn’t going to be that easy.”
Chapter 66
The King pushed aside the plate of food that had been brought to him with a sigh. He was too tired to eat, despite the offering being the output of the finest cooks in the land. Despite his exhaustion, he smiled to himself. He’d done it. He was now King! King Cordale. The sound of the title pleased him greatly. He’d only half believed it was possible until the day a week ago the coronation had been completed. Sadly, he hadn’t yet had time to enjoy the fruits of his efforts. Far too much remained to be done, and too little of what must be seen to were matters that could be entrusted to others. There were those who were loyal to him beyond question, but certain matters were best handled personally.
He now occupied the quarters that had previously belonged to Rupermore. The man had simple tastes, and Cordale found the furnishings less ornate than he had enjoyed in his own quarters back at his former estates. For a King, Rupermore had certainly skimped on the benefits his position should have provided for him. That could be remedied, but the effort would take time. He would also have to decide just how to manage his former lands while serving as the absolute ruler of Branid here in Sulen. He could think of several men who he might select as trustee of his former lands, but he would rotate them through the position so that none was in charge for more than a half a year at a time. He didn’t want them becoming too comfortable in his former castle. For now his daughter was overseeing their care. As a woman she could never hope to inherit or command land for herself, so he was confident she could be trusted for now. The experience would be good for her, but he would need her to come here and become a member of the royal court before too long.
At least most of his personal staff was now in residence and those who had been loyal to the former King and Queen were out of the castle and more than likely seeking some new employment elsewhere. Cordale didn’t particularly care where they went so long as they weren’t anywhere around where they might overhear or observe anything that might be passed on to the former royalty. Servants and staff tended to see far too much. More than any leader wished without doubt, but it was the result of having them on hand to serve. With those who had served him faithfully for years now occupying key positions in the castle, he felt more comfortable. He couldn’t replace everyone, of course. Running a castle this large required a small army of cooks, bakers, cleaners, and all manner of low level workers. He’d augment some of the key staff with his own people, but many of those who served from a distance he would need to keep. At least for now. There were some benefits to this. He’d noticed more than one comely young lass who would be worthy of his consideration once other issues were resolved. Yes, there were certainly any number of privileges awaiting him now that he was King.
Of course he relocated the former royalty out of the castle. There were some who voiced the opinion that he had moved too swiftly in doing so, but he didn’t want any misunderstanding that former Queen Usaya nor Lady Mos’pera had any official voice in running the country now. Fortunately, they had gracefully accepted his offer of the large estate to the north of the castle and had moved without attempting to obstruct his taking over.
Getting rid of the fool Rhog had been even easier. Cordale had amassed more than sufficient evidence of Rhog’s plotting and actions. Most of what Cordale had leaked to the kingdom was even factual. He had embellished the truth in a few places with carefully paid informants, but by the time the whole of the story had been reviewed there had been a unanimous call for Rhog’s imprisonment. He was now resting uncomfortably in the lower levels of the dungeons, well below where Cordale now sat in comfort. A growing call for Rhog’s beheading was festering, and Cordale would allow the wishes of the people to grow until he could no longer “resist” the will of the people. Then Rhog would be eliminated once and for all.
Of course, Rhog’s co-conspirator, Bishop Orano shared a cell with the unfortunate former prince. He’d already had both his hands removed during the interrogation that had been performed to obtain his confession regarding his role in the matter. The officers and leaders of the Order of Risos had suffered a serious blow to their prominence and support by the revelation that one, and possibly more – Cordale had been careful to sow that seed, of their number had been complicit in the death of the former heir. There were those who now wondered if the death of King Rupermore himself might have been instrumented by someone within the Order.
Once the “truth” of the conspiracy had been revealed, the nobles had met as required to elect a new king, there being no member of the previous royal family alive or in a position to assume the throne. It had taken less than a day for Cordale, with his previous maneuvering and blackmailing to amass the required votes. A formal coronation was held in record time, the people feeling that with war on the horizon it was important to have the matter of the leadership of Branid resolved.
The armed forces of the land had fallen into line even more smoothly. Their primary interest had been on avenging the popular Rhory who had been one of them and should have been the next king. Cordale’s part in revealing Rhog’s plans against his brother had won over many of those in uniform, and they were ready to follow his orders. Cordale had replaced certain leaders, but very selectively. He didn’t want to incur the ire of those in uniform by eliminating a popular leader. Nor could he afford to weaken the military, which he’d become aware he was going to need, by removing the best military minds. He had managed to demote a couple of men who he knew opposed him, including Loum who had been a particular favorite of Rhory’s. He pointed Loum’s failure to protect the former Prince as the reason for the demotion.
King Cordale was still mulling matters over when he heard the heavy door to his chambers being opened. He looked up to see Roit stepping into the room. He had hoped that Roit would make it back tonight and had informed his guards to pass the man directly in should he appear. Cordale could see that Roit was dirty and tired from the ride he’d just completed. He must have ridden hard to get here for the man to be in such a state. That foretold of bad news.
Cordale pointed to the brandy sitting on a shelf off to one side, and Roit nodded as he made his way there and poured a healthy shot. He took a large swallow before moving over to where Cordale waited anxiously.
“Well?” Cordale asked expectantly.
“We lost over two thousand men,” Roit said as he dropped heavily into the chair across from Cordale.
“How could that happen?” Cordale asked shocked.
“They were outnumbered more than three to one. Lopal has a large force moving across the river into Branid. They set up an ambush for our men and wiped out the force.”
“What is being done?”
“The army is moving all the troops in the area into place to intercept Lopal’s forces. I’m told nearly twenty thousand men will be in place before the end of the week. I am not certain it will be enough,” Roit said before taking another healthy pull at the brandy.
“I thought you said we had an agreement with Lopal?” Cordale said angrily. “Why is Lopal attacking us? They should be going after Kellmore.”
“I told you Bab’hon said that he was certain I’Vorris would be willing to agree to the plan we outlined.”
“I’Vorris being their king?” Cordale asked. “I have trouble with their leadership.”
“That’s right. He was the King over all the tribal leaders.”
“Was?”
Roit nodded. “That appears to be the heart of the matter. I was able to capture one of their scouts with the help of some of the survivors from the attack. It seems there was a change of leadership not so long ago. I don’t know the details, but one of the tribal leaders, a man named It’
oni, is now their new Lamane or King. He was an equal to Bab’hon until that vote. Now he commands the country. From the man we captured it is apparent that It’oni sees matters differently than I’Vorris and wished to take over all the lands of Branid and Kellmore. I would say he has indicated he is uninterested in your proposal.”
“Risos be damned!” Cordale swore. “I had counted on this matter being settled. I am in no position to fight a war. Matters here in Sulen remain too unsettled.”
“It would appear you have no choice,” Roit replied. “Lopal has already invaded. I would guess that It’oni recognizes your weakness and is of the mind that once Branid falls, Kellmore will be susceptible on two borders and without anyone to come to their aid.”
“What chance does our army have?” Cordale asked.
“A small one at best. The men of Branid are better trained and more disciplined, but they are badly outnumbered from what I have seen. They are also spread along the length of the border and it would take too long to relocate them into the area where Lopal has chosen to make their attack. Time and distance are as much the enemy as Lopal. If what I have heard is accurate, It’oni could be in Sulen before you could call in the outlying troops.”
“You must find this It’oni and negotiate with him,” Cordale insisted. “He must be made to focus on Kellmore. Perhaps we can locate Mydra and give her to him. It would show that we have no plan to honor any agreement with Kellmore and they are open for the taking.”
“I thought you sent a letter reaffirming the treaty shortly after assuming the throne?” Roit asked.
“I did, but that was in hopes the fool King Arotho would believe it and support us if needed. I never intended to risk our troops if Lopal invaded there.”
“It appears that trying to reach this It’oni could be risky. I don’t think he is likely to be deterred.”
“Are you afraid of going there?” Cordale asked with a hint of a sneer.