by Arlin Fehr
‘We came as swiftly as we could. It was fortunate this fortress had its own archway.’
‘It is a left over relic of the glory days of this place... and one I chose to keep secret from the Sorcerer, for which we are all fortunate.’
Ahaki frowned, asking, ‘What do you mean?’
Amahl sighed, ‘The sorcerer, Shakla, used some form of Mahgic on the Archway of Jarridon, and used it to steal a girl as they travelled through it. I have never seen such manner of Mahgics. If he could do that to a Archway that he was not even near, then what could he have done with access to his own?'
'How did you keep it hidden from him? Surely he would have detected it's presence,' Ahaki said.
Amhal smiled at that, 'Another secret of this Fortress. It has many such secrets, and few know about them all.'
Ahaki regarded him carefully and changed the subject, 'You said he stole a girl from the Archway... would that have been Princesses Kialandria?'
'Yes, the girl was a Princess of the Kingdom of Minna. Shakla wanted to use her to get a local Baron – whom we’ve never had a quarrel with – to do his dirty work. When he then let her escape – after having caused the death of some of our number – we grew... upset.’
Ahaki walked towards the shattered gateway, and Amahl followed her.
‘And the Sorcerer took some exception to this?’ Ahaki sighed.
‘He treated my kin like slaves!’ Amahl snapped, his face twisted in disgust. ‘We are many things, but we are free. We are no one’s slaves! When he learned of our opinion, he grew angry.’
Amahl and Ahaki came to a stop outside the fortress, and looked out across the sand. There were no signs of tracks.
‘And then?’ Ahaki prompted.
‘And then we decided to be rid of him. He had pushed us too far. We hunted him through the fortress – though I may better say he hunted us. I would love nothing more than to hunt him down, but,’ Amahl gestured to the sand, ‘tracking him would be beyond our means.’
Ahaki closed her eyes and was quiet. She raised an arm and opened it, palm outward. After a moment, Amahl watched as glowing spots began to form on the sand, standing out in the darkness. They resolved themselves into prints.
Ahaki opened her eyes and looked at Amahl with a grin. ‘There is more than one way to catch a snake.’
Amahl nodded. ‘So there is. I’ll gather my men and we can go after him immediately.’
He turned to go back into the fortress, but Ahaki grabbed his arm. He looked at her irritably, and growled, ‘What is the meaning of this?’
‘The Zharin have never turned to the Mahgic council for help. You’ve never turned to anyone for help. Why now?’
‘This devil is dangerous. He wields powers the likes of which this world has not seen yet. He speaks of places and people we have never known. He plans and plots like a Warlord, but moves as an assassin. He is here for a purpose, and the whole world will suffer if he is not stopped.’
‘I see.’ Ahaki thought for a moment, then said, ‘As much as I’m sure this will be unpleasant too you, we stand more to gain from him by taking him alive. Let me capture him, and I will take him back to the Mahgic council for answers.’
‘He is ours,’ Amahl said coldly.
Ahaki looked at him carefully, and offered, ‘When we are done with him, you can have him back.’
Amahl nodded, but warned, ‘See that you do not back out of your promise. We have more secrets than just a long forgotten Archway. We are the children of the Zhakim! The Zharin have a birthright of power. Now... can I gather my men?’
‘No need Amahl, I brought my own.’ With that, Ahaki raised her hand again, and fifteen white robed figures – their faces covered, with only their eyes visible – materialized out of the air.
Amahl just nodded, covered his face, and started along the path of glowing steps.
Ahaki and her band fell in behind him.
*
BAZRA DESERT – HALLI
A muddled dream, full of violence and instinct, was woken by a loud shuddering growl.
Shakla opened his eyes and looked towards the sound. His mount was crouched, growling at the mouth of the cave. The sun was rising, and light was shining in through the door. Shakla crawled forward, unable to stand due to the cramped confines of the cave. He crawled towards the entrance, and stopped just short of the shaft of light. He looked outside, tasting the air with his tongue as he did.
There were new scents on the air, and a figure standing in the harsh sunlight, wearing a blue robe and holding a staff. The figure was a human woman. She was clearly quite old. Something in the back of Shakla’s mind told him she was not alone, but he would not wait for his fate like some trapped animal.
Crawling out into the light, Shakla stood up to his fullest height. His mount squeezed out behind him, and stood to his side, still crouched low.
‘Woman, who are you?’ Shakla called out.
‘I am Ahaki Dahn, a member of the Mahgic council of the world of Antia. The better question, Sorcerer, is who are you?’
Shakla smiled, bearing his row of teeth. ‘I am Ssshakla, ssservant of Massster Valt.’ Ahaki’s face betrayed her surprise. ‘Ahhh, I ssssee you have heard of him.’
‘There isn’t a Mahgic user alive who has not heard of him. The world of Antia is neutral in your war. Be gone with you and your wicked master.’
Shakla tilted his head and tasted the air again, there were others about.
‘No. I ssshall not go ssso eassily. Why not call your friendsss to help ssstop me?’
Shakla hissed and raised his good arm. Ahaki waved her arm and all around him, figures materialized seemingly out of thin air. Shakla stiffened as he saw the leader of the Raiders standing next to Ahaki.
‘Peasssent, couldn’t finisssh me yourssself?’ Shakla snarled.
‘Amahl called me here because he recognized your danger,’ Ahaki said.
‘This old crow of a woman anssswers for you, peasssent? You could have been a King of thisss world when Massster Valt came in his glory.’
Amahl glared at Shakla, and then looked to Ahaki. ‘Do with him as you please, but know this, he is dangerous, and if we see him walk free, we will blame your council.’
Ahaki nodded. Amahl turned and left, leaving Shakla facing off against Ahaki and her allies.
He scanned the group. There seemed to be fifteen figures around, each of them wearing white robes and face coverings that left only their eyes visible. They each held themselves in different poses, ready to strike. Shakla could feel the build up of Mahgical energy in the air. He let out a hiss as he assessed his situation. In a fight, he was not confident in his chances, not in his injured state.
‘I sssurrender,’ he said.
The white-clad figures seemed to ripple with hesitation and confusion.
Ahaki didn't flinch.
‘Bind him,’ she snapped.
With direction now given, the white figures whipped their arms straight out from their sides, hands closed in fists. A web of light formed, linking from their fists and criss-crossing across the half circle. With a surge of intensity, the web leapt from the figures and snapped towards Shakla. It wrapped around him and his mount, and he felt his connection to his Mahgic dim. His world became fuzzy, and he slipped from consciousness.
Unwavering
‘Bend, but remain strong and adhere to your ideals. If you are too stiff, to unyielding, you will break, and your ideals will shatter with them...’
-Azra teaching Jahnyz
NOLMI – MILLA
The sleek, two mast, ship that had sailed Kia and her friends to the port city of Nolmi, sat moored by a dock behind them. The sky was brightening as the sun climbed higher into the heavens. Gulls were already out, hanging in the sky, catching drafts of wind, squawking loudly. The crew of Vosco’s ship were unloading the meagre amount of supplies that had been brought for their passengers, while Vosco’s right hand man, Ty, stood with Kia on the dock.
Ty was tall, dark
-skinned, with his hair tied in dreadlocks and a little, bristly beard on the end of his chin. He was handsome, with green eyes. He was a confident man, who issued orders that were followed promptly, and never seemed to question himself.
Kia knew why Vosco trusted him so.
Kia looked out at those whom they had ferried to the port.
Jahnyz Kohv, Captain Phips, John Fort, and the soldiers and sailors that had come with them – excluding Cina and ten of her best men – stood facing them.
Kia stepped forward, as did John.
‘Princess, don’t do this,’ John pleaded.
‘I have to find my Uncle,’ Kia replied.
‘I should be the one looking. You should be back at the capital, safe.’
‘I’m not going back. This was the deal for the safety of all of you.’
John shook his head slowly. ‘I do not envy telling the King what happened here.’
‘This is the nature of my agreement.’
‘I’d much prefer Cina be the one to tell the King. She’d be much better suited for it.’
‘Cina refused to leave me unattended,’ Kia pointed out.
Not that there was ever much doubt this would be the case.
‘I know. I know,’ John sighed. ‘None of this has gone the way it was planned.’
Kia let out a harsh laugh in spite of herself, and said, ‘When Azra is involved, nothing goes to plan.’
John nodded. ‘This is true.’
‘John, I want you to promise me you’ll get everyone home again,’ Kia said with forcefulness. ‘Cina and I will come back as quick as we can. I’ll need someone back home to take care of my Father in the meantime.’
‘I think his guards might take precedence over me Princess, but my sword is ever his to command. I’ll get these people back, and we’ll hold thing together long enough for you to get back.’
‘Thank you, John.’
Kia turned to Ty. ‘I’d like to go for a walk with Jahnyz if I may.’
‘I'll accompany you,’ Ty said.
‘I won’t go anywhere.’
‘I’m still going with you, sweetheart,’ Ty assured.
Kia shook her head in exasperation but didn’t protest any further. She began to walk down the dock towards the rest of the harbour and Jahnyz fell in beside her.
‘I won’t try to talk you out of this, Princess,’ Jahnyz said.
Kia let out a short laugh. ‘Really? Why not? Everyone else seems to think I’m being foolish.’
‘You want to know for sure if Azra is gone. There is nothing wrong with wanting closure. If it wasn’t for you, we’d still be in the Vosco’s cave.’
‘My Father is going to want an explanation for why none of you forced me to come back.’
Jahnyz looked thoughtful. ‘If we explain that Cina is still with you, he might not worry as much.’
‘No, he’ll worry. I know my Father.’
‘You’re telling me things I already know, Princess. What’s on your mind?’ Jahnyz asked, stopping.
They were within the harbour now. The hustle and bustle of the marine trade of Nolmi was in full swing. Sailors were moving supplies from the ships and moving them to storage areas. Above them, birds circled, waiting for scraps of fish to be thrown out by fishing vessels. Kia took a moment take it all in, not sure when she’d be back to somewhere civilized. Jahnyz stood by patiently.
‘I need you to protect my family when you get back.’
Jahnyz looked shocked. ‘The king has his entire army, and all his court Wyzards at his disposal. What can I do that they can’t?’
Kia looked at her. ‘You can think like Azra.’
Jahnyz was quiet for a moment. ‘You can’t be serious.’
‘Something hasn’t been right since this whole thing began. Why would the Sorcerer target me? Why would Prince Azam march into our Kingdom and start a war? Where did the Sorcerer come from? Azra was going to answer those questions, but he was pulled away looking for me, and now who knows where he is now. Make no mistake Jahnyz, I know you and Azra didn’t always see eye to eye, but you were his Apprentice, you saw him more than I did. Someone has to answer those questions.’
Jahnyz brushed a hair away from her face, and said, ‘The Kingdom is at risk, yes?’
‘It’s not just the Kingdom. I don’t know what it is, but I feel this is about more than just me and my Father. There is more going on, and if Azra can’t be there to take care of it, someone must... someone with connections within the Mahgic population.’
Jahnyz nodded. ‘I will try, Princess, but I’m still just an Apprentice, not many people will listen to me.’
‘I have faith in you,’ Kia said with a smile.
‘Thank you. Good luck to you.’
‘And to you,’ Kia replied.
*
SALLOCK – BAZRA DESERT – HALLI
Shakla awoke in a cell. He wasn’t sure where he was exactly, but he was alive. He pushed himself upright and leaned on the stone wall behind him. He frowned and felt his shoulder. There was no sign of his arrow wound. He closed his eyes and felt outward with his mind, only to find his perception limited to the room.
He stood and walked to a set of bars keeping him inside the cell. He gripped them with his scaly, clawed, hands. He could feel a tingle in his hands and arms. The bars were enchanted. Concentrating, Shakla discovered they were enchanted with a paralysing spell to strike anyone who attempted to escape. It was of the Energy school of Mahgic.
Shakla tasted the air with his tongue, it had a feeling of age to it, and a hint of power. He heard a door being opened in the distance. He walked back from the bars and faced the wall, putting his back to the hallway leading to the cell.
The steps got closer and then stopped.
‘Shakla.’
He recognized the voice as belonging to the woman Ahaki, his capturer.
He opened his mouth and hissed.
‘Shakla!’ Ahaki said, insistent.
‘Go back to your hovel Whytch,’ Shakla rasped.
‘I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you make no commands here, and you aren’t going anywhere. Maybe we could be convinced to improve your conditions if you co-operated.’
‘I can tassste the liesss upon your breath.’
He heard her sigh. ‘No wonder Amahl had enough of you,’ the old crone growled.
Shakla spun around. With a blur of movement he slammed against the bars, reaching an arm out to grab Ahaki, but she was standing well back already. She still flinched as he swiped at the air and growled. Shakla stepped away from the bars.
‘Amahl had enough of me because he was weak, and my strength made his weakness uncomfortable.’
‘Why are you here, Shakla?’ Ahaki asked, calm again.
‘Because I was wounded by those dogs and captured by you,' Shakla said, with a mirthless smile.
Ahaki frowned. ‘Why are you on this world?’ she growled. ‘Don’t dodge the question.’
Shakla’s grin grew, and he said, ‘Because my Master required it of me. Because you blind foolsss sssit on a sssource of incredible power, but have no desssire or focusss to grab it for yourssselfss.’
‘Why did you attack Jarridon?’
‘Chaos createsss an environment in which I can work.’
‘You kidnapped a Princess.’
‘And ssstarted a war,’ Shakla said, flicking his tongue as a wicked smile formed on his face.
Ahaki looked surprised. ‘The war? That was you?’
‘Let usss sssay that when Prinssse Azssam marched his troopsss acrossss the border, it wasssn’t in his bessst interessst.’
‘What did you do?’
Shakla moved up against the bars again, gripping them with his hands, and glared at Ahaki, sending her another predatory grin. ‘Azam was out of sssortsss. He wasss... of two mindsss in thisss regard.’
‘What manner of Mahgic do you possess?’
‘Who sssaid anything about Mahgic?’
‘I am through playi
ng games with you. I will go before the council. We will decide what to do with you.’
‘Go play with the council then. Play gamesss of leaderssship. Everything isss in motion, and time expiresss quickly.’
Scars
‘You think, becausss of Daddy, you are in control... tiny boy. You think your fool progenitor hasss power over me... but I took you, and your Mummy from him. I took sssomething he thought wasss sssecure in his palacsss. I took from him one thing I ssshouldn’t have been able to take... Daddy hasss no power, boy. I have the power! I am you massster now. You will grovel and beg before me, or I will hurt you. And I will hurt your Mother... Princsssling. Maybe, if you disssplease me too much, I will dine on you, as I did to good Captain Tyrsssyn...’
-The Rodnok, Sarhash, to seven yehv old Dykyn Rahva, after he and his Mother were kidnapped
NOLMI – MILLA
Jahnyz watched as Kia, Cina, and their soldiers, were ushered back onto the ship. Jahnyz waved to Kia who was on the deck of Vosco’s vessel, and the Princess, with a sad look, waved back.
John Fort stood next to Jahnyz. They were in the harbour, but no longer were they being watched by Vosco’s men. For the first time in a while, Jahnyz felt herself relax a little.
‘What was your little talk about?’ John asked.
‘I’ve been given a mission by the Princess,’ Jahnyz replied.
‘Mmm. Then we can’t rest yet. We must find a way home,’ John said.
‘How do we do that? We don’t have anything to trade with except our equipment. That won’t be enough to barter passage to another continent,’ Jahnyz said.
They began to walk away from the harbour, heading up a slopping road. The others were up ahead.
‘Captain Phips said he had some contacts down here. He’s gone on ahead, to some of them. I suppose we’ll just have to wait,’ John said.
‘I’m not fond of waiting.’
‘Given the circumstances, neither am I, but I’ve done my fair share of it,’ John said.
They entered a town square. It was expansive. It was longer in one direction than another, forming a long rectangle. Jahnyz and John had come out on the south end. Across the plaza, on the north stood a large and ornate structure that was clearly important in some way. It had four spires on each of corners, and a large central dome. People were visible going up and down the steps. Lining the sides of the square, were rows upon rows of merchant stalls. The middle was taken up by pack animals that were being loaded and unloaded by merchants from the surrounding regions. A large roadway split off from the east side of the square, and seemed to be the source and destination of the pack animals and their minders.