by Blink, Bob
Two days after Roit had returned, the messenger that Captain Turton had dispatched as a follow-up to his messenger bird’s missives arrived. The longer and more detailed report did nothing to modify the tone of the earlier reports. Turton clearly was saying a mysterious force, called magic by the man who was behind it, had been the means by which the Lopal forces had been defeated and driven back across the river. What Cordale would have normally labeled fanciful descriptions of sheets of bright fire, and arrows forced to alter their direction while in flight were confirmed. The wizard was said to have come and gone via doorways created in the very air itself.
Cordale had questioned Roit about these claims, but the man had not been present to personally substantiate them. He did indicate that men he had known for years told the same story, so something unusual and as yet unexplained had taken place. One thing was certain. Something powerful enough to force Lopal to withdraw from a battle Roit had concluded they would surely win had transpired. No good descriptions of the supposed wizard had been provided, leaving them without any ideas what the man might look like beyond the fact he was said to be young.
What Roit had personally observed worried Cordale nearly as much. The man was unwavering in his claim that he had seen the Kalabhoot speaking with the young fighter who had escaped from his castle. In some manner both had survived and were linked. Since both had reason to hate him, Cordale was certain their partnership was somehow directed toward himself.
King Cordale pushed aside the plate with his morning meal and took a long pull at the mug of ale. Normally he enjoyed his early mornings, the one time of day he wasn’t bothered by aides and messengers or other nobles. He had forbidden any state business before mid morning to give him time to think and plan. Since receiving the first of the messages from the front he had found the times unsettling. The most recent message from the front had confirmed that Lopal had completely withdrawn, and no attacks or raids had taken place in well over a week.
“How do we follow up on these claims the former heir to the throne has been seen?” Cordale asked, feeling his own grip on power threatened by what he hoped was mere rumor.
Roit was about to respond when a discrete knock was heard at the door, followed by the creaking as it was pushed open. Cordale looked up annoyed, wondering who would have been able to convince the guards outside to allow the man to pass. The man who hurried across the room toward them was one of his oldest retainers, and one who had always served him well.
“I’m sorry your Lordship,” the man stumbled, his words uncertain. Many of the men still had trouble thinking of him as the King and insisted on referring to him by the titles he had carried for years.
“What is it Hindly?” Cordale asked sharply.
“Lady Usaya has disappeared. So has Lady Mos’pera,” Hindly stammered out.
“What do you mean disappeared?” Cordale demanded. “Where could they go?”
“I don’t know your Grace. They started their day as usual, taking breakfast early in the common room, then retiring upstairs to the sitting room where they usually read and talked between themselves. No one thought anything about it. Only a glass later the ashes of her stepson Rhog were brought to the estate to be turned over to her as you requested. When the courier was escorted upstairs for an audience with her, she was nowhere to be found.”
Rhog had finally been disposed of along with his friend the bishop just a few days earlier. A public hanging had rid Cordale of the pair, with the standard cremation of the bodies performed privately afterward. While Cordale would have been satisfied if the ashes of the now all but forgotten Prince had simply been swept out of the crematorium ovens, he wanted all sense of propriety to be observed because of the number of citizens who still regarded the former Queen so highly. Personally he’d also decided he liked rubbing her face in the fact her stepson had paid for a crime he was aware she blamed him for.
“There is no way they could have escaped the grounds,” Cordale objected. “Have the estate searched carefully.”
“That has been done already, and is being repeated as we speak. There is no reasonable way they could have gotten out of the house itself, and the grounds have only the front gate that is heavily watched. We were certain they were hiding, but the opportunities for such a deceit are very limited. I don’t know how, but I’m certain they are no longer on the grounds.”
Hindly waited uncomfortably for the King’s reaction. Cordale was not known for his patience or understanding, and as the messenger and the man in charge, he was afraid of what would be the result of his bringing such unwelcome news.
Cordale was about to explode in anger when Roit caught his eye. “Go back and personally search the estate yourself,” Cordale demanded.
After Hindly had left and closed the sturdy door behind him, Roit stood and frowned. “The young fighter and his friend disappeared from our dungeon mysteriously. You tell me that Lord Sooz and his daughter did the same, and they have not yet to be found. Now, with rumors of Prince Rhory circulating, his stepmother and wife are suddenly not to be found. Captain Turton claimed the wizard traveled via doorways he could form in the very air. Do you suppose . . ?”
“The Crown owes you a debt it can never fully repay,” Prince Rhory said to Rigo after Jeen had returned with the former Queen and his wife. The two women had insisted on staying at the estate until this morning when the surprise march on the castle was scheduled to take place. They hadn’t wanted any advance word of their disappearance to reach Cordale’s ears. Now they were safely at the inn, far from Sulen where Cordale would never think of looking for them.
Prince Rhory looked more like himself once again. Several days of solid nourishing food had helped fill in the hollows and add meat to his bones. He was still thin, but his energy had returned. Today he was dressed as he often had before, wearing armor that was his own. Captain Loum had provided his old set that was often used for sparring since his best fighting armor had been sacrificed to the fire by Lopal when he had been captured.
In a few moments, Rigo, the Prince and twenty of the wizards from the Outpost would return to Sulen, where Loum waited with more than two hundred fiercely loyal guardsmen. Kaler and Daria were present as well. Daria eagerly awaited meeting the former Duke once again, even if it meant her identity might be revealed. The force planned to march through the streets of Sulen toward the castle, where Rhory would confront Lord Cordale with his claims of treason. Rigo had suggested that they simply transfer inside the castle and arrest the bastard, throwing him in the dungeons he liked to overuse. Rhory had nixed the idea. He wanted to walk the streets, let the people realize he was alive, and then see how the guard at the castle reacted to his return. Since Rigo had assured him that no matter what resistance they found, taking the castle could be done easily enough, he felt this was the better way.
That was why Rigo had tapped the fighting might of the Outpost’s wizards. He was determined that no harm would come to the Prince or his supporters. This was a chance to repay the former Duke for his treachery and to reveal to the people of Sulen that wizards and magic existed, and stood behind the rightful heir to the throne. He would need the Prince’s support to spread the word that magic was real and a force for good if his plans to quickly locate more with the gift were to be realized.
“Are the men ready?” Rhory asked Loum when they had jumped to the staging area in Sulen. Loum and Rhory had been reunited several days ago and together had formulated the plan for today. Loum had tapped the men he knew beyond a doubt would support Rhory and had no liking of the new King.
“Ready and eager,” Loum shouted back. “Many are anxious to see the bastard in the dungeons. He has made few friends since being chosen King.”
Signaling it was time to advance, Rhory and Loum stepped out of the courtyard of the barracks where they had assembled, followed by ranks of armored guardsmen four abreast as they turned down the thoroughfare headed toward the castle. It would take half a glass to make the walk, during whic
h time Rhory hoped the word of his return would spread through the city. He walked with his head held high, sans helmet making it easy to be recognized. He waved to his subjects, earning stares of shock and surprise as some realized who he must be.
They had only walked several blocks when they could see that word had preceded them and that small crowds were starting to form.
“It is him,” someone was overheard as they passed one group waiting at one of the intersections.
“Prince Rhory lives!” shouted another.
Rigo and the other wizards kept careful watch for trouble, ready to meet any force with whatever level of response required. Thus far, everyone who noticed them appeared pleased by the return of the heir.
By the time the castle came into view, the number of people following along behind them had swollen to a very large number. Rhory and Loum marched unwaveringly toward the castle. Word had apparently finally reached those manning the walls, as shouting and running could be detected, and as they approached the massive front gates the clanking of heavy chain as the drawbridge was being raised.
Without breaking stride, Rigo and Burke released bolts of magical energy that severed the chains causing the drawbridge to crash back into place. The force led by the Prince continued to advance.
The release of the bolts of power caused many of the castle’s defenders to look toward Rigo and Burke. Some of these men had been at the front and had seen what Rigo had done there.
“It’s him,” someone shouted. “It’s that wizard that defeated Lopal. He’s here.”
Others who had witnessed the kind of power that Rigo controlled looked and verified for themselves that they were being approached by a man they couldn’t hope to resist. More than one lay down his weapon and backed away.
“Halt!” shouted the older guardsman who was in charge of the castle’s defenses. “If you advance any closer we will fire upon you. Put down your weapons and surrender.”
“I am Prince Rhory, rightful heir to the throne,” shouted the Prince. “My rights were taken by the man you made King when he plotted to have me killed and took advantage of the erroneous reports of my death. I order you to stand down and permit me to enter.”
Those who hadn’t recognized the Prince before, now took time for a closer look. All recognized their Prince. He had long been a favorite of the people.
“It is him,” a guardsman shouted, and let out a whoop of joy. “The Prince returns!”
“Release your arrows,” ordered the older guardsman who sensed he was losing control of the situation. King Cordale himself had given him orders how to handle this situation and he wasn’t about to fail knowing what fate awaited those who didn’t deliver. “Shoot them now!”
“He’s one of Cordale’s men,” Loum shouted. “Now we’ll see what happens.”
Rigo and the wizards stood ready, but it was unnecessary. The men were Rhory’s. Only some of the leaders were Cordale’s, replaced when he became King.
When no one fired, the elder guardsman grabbed the bow from a nearby archer intending to try to shoot the Prince himself. He hadn’t even fitted the arrow when Burke slammed him against the stone wall, then with a pull of magic launched him over the waist high barricade where he fell screaming to the hard ground below. He landed badly, the crunch of fragile bones audible to all nearby. It wasn’t clear if he was alive. The man had struck his head solidly against the stone and lay still.
Bows and swords were thrown down, and the men who were tasked with guarding the castle cheered as Rhory led his small force through the gate and into the castle.
“Secure the exits,” he told his men, and with the wizards marched purposefully toward the King’s quarters where he expected to find the former Duke.
“He’s not here,” Captain Loum reported back to Rhory in the throne room after more than two glass had passed. “It looks as if he was warned somehow. Cordale, Roit and a dozen of his personal guard are all missing. The stable master says a group of the guard left earlier. He didn’t see who and Cordale could have been among them.”
“Gather the nobles,” Rhory ordered. “I will hold court with my wife and stepmother and all will learn what treachery Cordale has visited upon the people of Branid. He may have run, but he will not escape. I order a bounty of five hundred golds on his head.”
Daria pulled Kaler’s arm and they walked over to Rigo. “We will find him,” she said.
“I’ll send someone with you,” Rigo offered, meaning one of the wizards.
Daria shook her head. “This is what I do. I look forward to dealing with the bastard.”
Rigo watched as his two friends left quietly while Rhory continued to give instructions to the guard. While he worried about them, this was probably a good thing. For too long now they had stood by his side, their abilities not really utilized as magic overpowered and carried the day. Now they would have a chance to apply their special skills and do something no one else was nearly as suited to.
Cordale’s lands were forfeit to the crown, and he stood accused of treason. Word would be sent to the Duke’s former castle with a large enough number of guardsmen to enforce the edict and to ensure the man hadn’t returned there.
Matters here were rapidly coming under control. Except for the escape of Cordale, everything had gone smoother than Rigo had expected. In a bit, he would return to the Prancing Pony for Lady Usaya and Rhory’s wife so they could be present and add their stories to that which Rhory would tell the nobles. Once Rhory had settled in and was declared King, Rigo would remind him that he had agreed to visit Kellmore’s leaders and explain what had transpired as well as urge his support for the wizards. All needed to know about the Hoplani threat, even though it would be years before it could reach either Branid or Kellmore. Rigo would ask Jeen to provide the means of travel and support the meetings.
Burke and his team would return shortly to the Outpost to control the efforts in the Ruins. Meanwhile, Rigo needed to go in search of I’Vorris. Lopal was still very much an unknown, and they would be facing the first wave of Hoplani making their way out of the wilderness. Despite what he had said, Lopal could not be left to fend for itself. Rigo hoped that the former Lamane could bring a stabilizing influence back to the land.
Chapter 86
The unnatural heat of the Ruins shimmered in the near distance as the three figures stepped out of nothingness onto the dry rolling hills of eastern Lopal. Rigo led the way, Ash’urn following, and finally Shara, the young wizard from the Outpost who had volunteered for the search. While not strong in combat magic, Shara had exceptional healing skills and if I’Vorris was seeking the Hoplani those skills might be required. She could also make the largest Bypass that Rigo had ever seen, and that included memories he had tapped from Daim. Ash’urn had volunteered as well, in part because he had traveled most of the length of the eastern border and therefore could help Rigo choose locations, and partially for reasons he hadn’t revealed. He had been essential for the first jump out here, but now that they were following a systematic path from the north towards the south, Rigo could have managed by leaping from location to location by sighting on a landmark in the distance.
Each of the travelers carried a sturdy backpack that contained food, water, and basic camping gear. They had considered horses, but the animals would have been more trouble than they were worth. While they could have carried more supplies and they might have aided somewhat in searching out a specific location for tracks, the simple truth was it was usually more efficient to open a Bypass and jump from spot to spot than to ride a horse any distance. They weren’t really limited by what they could carry since it was a simple matter to jump back if they found themselves lacking any item. As it was, they had agreed on a simple routine. While they could have jumped back to civilization at the end of each day, Rigo and Ash’urn had found a certain peace by camping out once again, so they camped two nights, returning to the Prancing Pony on the third night to re-supply and bathe.
Rigo found the inn
somewhat uncomfortable now that Kaler and Daria were off on their own, and he couldn’t help but wonder how their search was going. He had tapped some of Daim’s ancient knowledge to create something akin to the tracker necklaces. The device he created using his magical skills driven by the Master Wizard’s knowledge was in the form of a simple bracelet that Daria could activate by snapping the band. That would trigger a signal that would both let Rigo know where they were but also that they needed help. He was concerned they would trigger it, and also that they wouldn’t.
Rigo had spent much of the last few days thinking as they searched. He was concerned at what remained to be done and the lack of the most essential ingredient to final success, a sufficient number of trained wizards. In a way, the speed at which events had unfolded since he had been infused with Daim’s knowledge bordered on the phenomenal, yet the events they couldn’t control were proceeding faster than he was prepared for. Jeen was now a lady of the court, having been accepted by Lady Mos’pera and the former Queen as Branid’s representative from the wizard community. Every effort was being made to spread the word and seek out those with any touch of the gift. Rhory, now formally declared the new King, had made it a Royal Decree. Within a few days Rigo knew Jeen would be taking the former Queen and a number of nobles to Kellmore to reveal what had caused Lopal to withdraw and to seek further support in finding those with magic. Kellmore needed to learn of the Hoplani and the risks they posed to Kellmore.
Shara had stayed in the women’s room at the inn the previous night, which meant the location of the Prancing Pony was no longer a secret, but Rigo didn’t feel that was an important concern. Since the attack of the huge herd of Hoplani, no one, not even Februus, could deny the importance and correctness of what Rigo wanted to accomplish. Everyone at the Outpost was dedicated to the task, and with the developing skills, Rigo had all the following he could wish for. The Elders lead the community in name only.