“Oscar is an old friend of mine. It was his ship that brought us back from Kantor, where he had fortunately been on a business trip. He has quite a fleet of ships on the Targa Sea and could possibly provide transportation for the war effort.”
“You constantly amaze me, Tork. Oscar Dalek is a bit of a legend in western Targa. General Clark was speaking with the King not two days ago about demanding the use of Dalek’s ships. If possible I would like you to introduce me to him and I don’t want you to set up a meeting with your special woman. I’m ready to see her now. Let’s go.”
They met in Oscar’s suite and Colonel Gregor was struck by Oscar’s youth and Jenneva’s beauty. The Colonel’s questions were considerate and non-invasive. Fully understanding the concerns, he came up with a plan. He would arrange a meeting between the King and his advisors and Oscar and his advisors of which Jenneva would be one. He would also schedule a meeting with the King and his Magical Advisor, Lord Habas, immediately following. He would suggest at some point in the meeting that Oscar should meet with the King’s advisors and they could later report to the King. Jenneva would inconspicuously remain behind. Jenneva agreed and Oscar thought it a wonderful plan. The Colonel left to make the arrangements and promised a messenger would call for them.
The Colonel had arranged the two meetings to follow his own report of the Red Sword penetration team. The four remaining members of the team were asked to attend. Duke Nelson and General Clark were again in attendance. The Colonel delivered the entire report including the return voyage on the Dalek ship. He left out only the portion regarding Jenneva. He attributed her mention of a master of magic as the aggressor to a northlands local, which was technically correct. The General brightened up at the mention of Dalek and the Colonel informed the General that Dalek would be at the next meeting. The General also suggested a meeting with Lord Habas. The King smiled and indicated that he had already arranged it. The General appeared slightly deflated.
The King thanked the Red Swords for their courage and bravery and added that he shared their grief at the loss of two of their comrades. As they were leaving, the King indicated that the Colonel and Alex should remain. The General was having a bad day. All of his ideas were being usurped by others and now the King had asked this new Corporal to remain for the next meeting as if he were as important as the General. It was bad enough that he had to suffer the smug Colonel. “Your Highness, shouldn’t the young soldier be exempt from these meetings? After his harrowing plunge into the enemies’ stronghold, he surely deserves some pleasure time.”
“General Clark, it is so refreshing to hear your concerns for the well being of our lowliest soldiers, but I thought you, of all people, were interested in getting the help of this Oscar Dalek?”
“I am, Your Highness. I think it is imperative to the war effort as I stated two days ago. He has the only Targa ships on the Targa Sea. We need them even if we have to seize them. I fail, however, to see the connection between these two items.”
The King almost felt guilty about having so much fun at the General’s expense . . . almost. “Well, General, we could attempt to seize Dalek’s ships, but when your troops got there his ships might happen to be at ports in other countries. That would be most unfortunate for your troops. It would be much better if he were willing to offer their service to the Crown. It is very fortunate that this young soldier whom you sponsored is a personal friend of Oscar Dalek. I think we’ll keep him in the meeting, if the General has no objections.”
The General was frazzled. He supposedly sponsored the boy and didn’t know of his relationship with Oscar Dalek. He looked like a fool. He could barely wait for this meeting to be over.
Oscar, Jenneva, and Captain Hill entered and bowed before the King. Oscar thanked the King for giving an audience to himself and his associates. Oscar went on to offer the use of his ships to the Crown. He also offered the use of his sixty wagons to the Crown for the purpose of moving supplies to the troops. The King spoke. “Duke Whitley has spoken very highly of you, Oscar. He also warned me not to be impressed by your youthful looks. I can see why now. The Crown accepts your gracious offer and declares its indebtedness to your person. I think it is wise for you to meet directly with my advisors to work out the details. That is something I do not need to be involved in and I have another scheduled meeting. I would like you and your advisors to dine with me this evening.”
Oscar, Captain Hill, and the King’s advisors left the room. Alex watched Lord Habas enter the room. Lord Habas was an old man with thin, white hair. His face was wrinkled, but his eyes shone like gems. His long, slender, wrinkled fingers were wrapped around a walking stick, but he walked spryly. The man seemed to be a series of contradictions. When he greeted the King his voice was like a whispered echo in a stone corridor.
“And welcome to you, as well, Lord Habas”, said King Eugene. “I have some friends who require your wisdom. Please share your wealth of information with them. They are to be trusted.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
The King indicated that Jenneva could begin. The Colonel must have told the King of her fears and he was respecting her wishes. “Lord Habas, who are the five greatest magicians alive today?”
“That is a very hard question to answer, not only because I do not know the capabilities of all magicians, but because I also do not know who is alive. I will guess and I think that will satisfy you. Present company excepted, I would list, not necessarily in order mind you, Mustar, Egam, Galdan, Sarac, and Kirsta. Now I must point out that this changes from time to time and no one troubles themselves to keep me up to date.”
“And do you know where these magicians can be found?” Jenneva asked.
“Only Mustar and Galdan, and their locations are only approximate. Mustar resides in the Great Sordoan Desert. Galdan, surely, is in Glendor, Land of the Elves.”
“What of Sarac, Egam, and Kirsta?”
“Sarac is still alive, I am sure. He is everywhere, and nowhere, but his presence is felt from time to time. Kirsta and Egam may be dead. Their presence has not been felt for over twenty years.”
“When you speak of their presence, are you referring to Vibrations?”
Lord Habas’s eyes widened and stared at Jenneva as if seeing her for the first time. He was clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading, but he served the King and would continue. “No, Vibrations are not identifiable to an individual. Presence is a verification of continued existence. Myths and legends do not constitute presence. Sightings, deeds, communications, and conversations are the foundations of presence. For example, Mustar accepted a new student a few years back. That student recently visited a merchant in Trekum whom I also deal with. He made several mentions of his master’s needs. That incident constitutes a segment of presence. Of itself, the incident does not guarantee that Mustar still lives, but a number of incidents put together constitutes a presence.”
Jenneva knew she was stepping close to the abyss, but she had to be certain of Lord Habas. “What of Sarac’s presence?”
“Sarac’s presence is the strongest of all. Sarac used to be a student of Egam. They had a falling out over Sarac’s desire to learn the Dark Side.” His eyes peered into Jenneva’s trying to determine if the phrase held significance to her. “Sarac left and began taking on students of his own. He took on many students, which is not usual for a Master. It was as if he were running a school or building an army. His former students became known as the Black Devils. Each Black Devil was branded on the inside of his left arm with a black skull after attaining a certain level of skill. Some masters adhere to the age-old concept of teaching a student all that he can before releasing the student to be his own Master. Sarac does not conform to this tradition; therefore, the Black Devils are not yet Masters. Were Sarac to die, these former students would be looking for a new Master to finish their training. This has not happened, yet there are many reported sightings of men with the brand. This is why I said Sarac is everywhere, yet nowhere.�
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“This Dark Side that you spoke of, are you conversant with it?”
Lord Habas’s eyes darkened and beads of perspiration began to form upon his brow. “No, the Dark Side is the embodiment of evil. Once the Dark Side is unleashed in a magician’s mind, it attempts to rule. The magician loses perspective of what is right and what is wrong. He looks only upon what is possible. The Masters for centuries past have shunned the Dark Side. It is precisely the reason that Egam threw Sarac out.”
Satisfied with Lord Habas, Jenneva said, “Thank you, Lord Habas. I am sorry to have put you through this. Your allegiance to the King is legendary, but I had to be sure of your allegiance to the Light Side. Sarac is responsible for our current difficulties.”
Looking to King Eugene for permission, Lord Habas asked, “With your permission, Your Highness?” With the King’s nod he continued, “Exactly who are you and how do you know this to be true?”
Jenneva looked around the room before answering. “My name is Jenneva and I am a student of Egam. Sarac has been trying for thirty years to obtain Egam’s library, but he cannot find Egam to challenge him. Sarac knows that Egam would feel impelled to protect the kingdom, so he has created a threat to imperil it. He tried five years ago with the Yaki attack upon the Gordo Region, but Egam was not aware of it until it was over. The current troubles cannot go unnoticed no matter where Egam resides.”
“So, Egam lives. I am glad. He has always been a pillar of those with the talent. It appears that he was also proper in his treatment of Sarac. The Dark Side has subdued Sarac. This does not bode well for the Kingdom. How long have you studied with Egam?”
“I studied under Egam for five years. I now study with Egam.”
“As I thought. Egam would not send a student in his stead. Five years speaks very highly of your abilities, Jenneva. I am honored to know you. Does Sarac know of you and why does Sarac try for so long to gain Egam’s library?”
“Sarac does not know of me and he must not. That is the reason for my unorthodox introduction. Should Sarac discover me, all is in peril. As for Sarac’s interest in the library, he seeks the Origin Scroll.”
“No! He could destroy the very fabric of life! Your Highness, I beg leave for Jenneva and myself. We have much to talk about.”
The King nodded his approval and the two mages left. “Alexander Tork, you have very interesting friends,” he laughed. “Please join your friends this evening at my dinner table. Colonel Gregor, this information will remain with those in this room. Duke Nelson and General Clark do not need to involve themselves with these matters. If you have need for further discussion along these lines, request a private meeting with me. It will be accepted at all times. Before you leave I want to make myself very clear on another matter. General Clark is a pompous, self-inflating baboon, but he is the most skilled general I have ever known. I may treat him roughly from time to time, but that is the right of the Crown. I will not stand for others treating him similarly.”
* * *
Jenneva liked Lord Habas. She discovered that Egam and he had been friends for many years. It pained Habas when Egam no longer kept in touch. Now he understood.
The Royal Magician's Library was very extensive. The majority of books overlapped what she had read at Egam’s hideaway, but here and there were gems that she had never seen. Habas also maintained volumes dedicated to the Dark Side, but Jenneva could tell they had not been used since they were placed on the shelf. Habas and Jenneva discussed the problem of Sarac and how to approach it, but they could not figure an angle into the wizard’s dark realm. Jenneva could sense that Habas longed to see his old friend and Jenneva planned to broach the subject with Egam when she saw him. Jenneva asked about the animals that she had seen at Atar’s Cove without mentioning where she had seen them. Habas pointed out that Tigers were confined to Lanoir, camels to Sordoa, and lemurs to the Isle of Grakus. He could not think of any place where one could find all three unless someone was collecting them. Habas offered to let Jenneva stay at the Palace and use his library while she was in Tagaret. He hoped that they could work together on a plan for defeating Sarac. She heartily accepted and then was off to dinner with the King.
King Eugene sat at the head of the table. On his right were Oscar, Jenneva and Alex. On his left were Duke Whitley, Marta and Captain Hill. The King had given his blessing to the marriage. The Duke wished a small ceremony and the King, himself, would preside over the wedding tomorrow.
“Oscar,” King Eugene began, “How are the preparations for transportation coming?”
“Very well, Your Highness. We will probably need a week to get the exact schedules worked out, but General Clark has a good handle on the troop disposition and the supply wagons should not be too difficult.”
“I assume this interruption in your business will be costly.”
“It will be, Your Highness, but that is of minor import. I have plenty of money and the business is recoverable. My contract gives me three more years of exclusivity on my ship design and that should be time enough. Besides, I have friends and neighbors who will be on the front lines and they mean more to me than wealth. I used to think that I loved wealth. I have since found out that I love the challenge of obtaining it more than the wealth itself.”
“That is a commendable attitude, Oscar. I think I see where Duke Whitley’s request is coming from.” The Duke gave a laugh and Oscar looked puzzled. The King continued. “Oh, now I’ve gone and spilled the beans, haven’t I? Very well. It may not have occurred to you, Oscar, but your mother is becoming a Duchess tomorrow. As such, you will be Duke Whitley’s only son. He has asked the Crown to make the city of Dalek and its surrounding area a barony with his son as Baron. The Crown has agreed. After the wedding tomorrow I will preside over the ceremony of bestowing new Titles of the realm.”
Everyone applauded and congratulated Oscar. Alex laughed as the picture of Oscar when they first met popped into his mind -- the scruffy kid trying to squeeze ten crowns out of the villagers. The King cleared his throat and the room became quiet again. “I would wipe that smirk off your face, Corporal Tork. Your grandfather, Gandy Tork, was once bestowed a similar honor. He never acknowledged the Title, but you will not be so fortunate. You, as tradition demands, will also be titled tomorrow as Baron of Gandy Valley. Unlike your grandfather, you are still in active service in the Army and will not be able to spurn the ceremony.”
After the laughter died down and everyone congratulated Alex, the King finished. “Actually, Alex, the kingdom needs more nobles that display your unselfish dedication to their people. I should think that if I did not have your grandfather’s heroic deed as an excuse to make you a nobleman, I would have to find another reason. I have spent many years in the Royal Palace with stuffy dukes and barons. It makes my heart young again to witness the next generation of Targans picking up their responsibilities. May the gods bless us in the coming months, so that this new generation has a Targa to govern.
As everyone left the room, Jenneva pulled Oscar aside. “Oscar, when is your voyage to Kantor?”
“We have one every week, Jenneva. Why?”
“I was wondering if one of the ships could drop me off at Atar’s Cove and pick me up a month later.”
“That’s a desolate place to spend a month, but if that is what you wish, I will arrange it.”
“It is. Thank you, Baron.”
“Not quite yet,” Oscar laughed.
The next few weeks were busy. Jenneva was reading everything in Habas’s library that she could get her hands on. Oscar had finished his planning with General Clark and returned to Dalek. Alex and the Red Swords were undergoing intensive training of all kinds. Colonel Gregor, General Clark and Duke Nelson were putting the final touches on their plan for the army. All across the country troops were being mobilized and sent to their departure points. Spring was only two months away and the fate of the Kingdom would be decided then.
Chapter 14
Atar's Cove
The s
ails fluttered as the captain brought the bow of the ship into the wind. It was pitch black out and only the skill of the captain kept the ship from running aground. The sky was overcast and the moonshine could not penetrate the cloud cover. The island was only a quarter mile away, but she could not even see it. Captain Hill knew where it was, though. “Are you sure you don’t want to be dropped off in the cove?” he asked.
“No thanks, Captain. I prefer to land on the isolated stretch I picked out on the chart. Are you sure this is it?” queried Jenneva.
The captain laughed. Isolated area? The damn island was uninhabited. “Aye, Jenneva, this is it. Is this where you want to be picked up as well?”
“No, Captain, the cove will be fine for the pickup. I’ll see you one month from today. Calm sea to you and your crew.”
One of the crew was already in the dinghy to take her ashore. Jenneva grabbed her bag and climbed into the small boat. The trip to shore was short.
The sailor got out and pulled the boat onto the beach so she could step ashore. “Good luck, ma’am,” he called as he pushed the dinghy into the surf and scampered aboard.
It was still two hours to sunrise and Jenneva knew she should wait for it before going inland, but she wanted to land undetected. She walked along the edge of the jungle looking for something that might be considered a path. She wasn’t sure what type of creature to expect in a jungle and was slightly frightened. The thought amused her. If her hunch was correct, she was about to encounter the deadliest creature on the planet and she was worried about spiders and snakes. She found a break in the foliage and entered the jungle.
If her sense of direction was any good, she had about a half-mile trek through the jungle. The path, if you could call it that, was anything but straight. Without moon or stars, keeping her direction would not be easy. The jungle was alive with sounds that faded as she approached and picked up again after she had passed. To Jenneva, the sounds were deafening, but she was sure that she was not the only animal on the island that would cause them to fluctuate.
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