FARRELL MET an anxious Miceral when he returned with Rothdin. Everyone found an excuse to leave, most likely at his father’s suggestion. Once they were alone, Miceral relaxed.
“Rothdin said he found you on the peregrine aerie atop Honorus’s temple.” Miceral handed him a goblet of watered-down wine. “Why do you like heights so much?”
Farrell laughed and then took a sip. “When I was younger, it was something I could do that set me apart. None of Heminaltose’s other students were able to fly, and they were all much older than I.”
“Really? None of them?”
“None. Flying is one of those things that a wizard either can or can’t do. No one can explain it. Did you know Sanduval—the great and powerful Grand Master Sanduval—couldn’t fly?”
“Nope, didn’t know that.” Miceral drained his cup and set it aside. “How many other students did Heminaltose have when you were there?”
“When I arrived, Haven was still what it was created to be—a place to train wizards. Heminaltose never had more than four or five students at a time, and he tried to stagger their ages so he could rely on the older ones to train the younger ones.”
A smile stretched his lips as he remembered his master’s school. It hadn’t been a carefree or even fun childhood, but remembering his master at the dinner table telling of his adventures, or watching him perform some complex magic like it was the simplest spell, were the memories he clung to most.
Miceral refilled their cups. “What happened to them?”
“One by one they moved on to other pursuits. The eldest I barely remember. He left when I was five. He went to Yar-del and died defending Heminaltose and my mother. Two others never achieved master status, and they left to find work with some noble family or merchant. The two closest in age to me were Samruel and Quonus. I think Heminaltose accepted Samruel when I was three or four. Quonus I remember coming when I was nine. He was three years older than me and a bully by nature. He didn’t like being told what to do and figured that since I was the youngest, whatever he didn’t want to do, he’d pass on to me.”
“Heminaltose allowed that?”
“Of course not. The first time he noticed I was doing something Quonus had been assigned was the last time Quonus passed off his chores to me. Heminaltose made it clear if he did it again, he’d be sent home, and I was under orders to report it.”
Miceral snorted. “Sounds like your master didn’t think he could trust Quonus.”
“In hindsight he trusted him too much, but I suspect he assumed we were boys, and what child loves chores?” He hadn’t remembered these events in years. “The first time Quonus tried, I told him no and if he asked again, I’d tell our master. He never tried again, but that’s about the time he started to try to bully me. Samruel protected me for a few years, but after he left, Quonus seemed Neblor-bent on making up for lost time.
“I was thirteen when Samruel left and already strong enough to stand up to Quonus, despite him being three years older than me. But I lacked his cruel streak, so I learned to fly to avoid him. It infuriated him beyond words that he couldn’t find me when I flew off into the mountains. He’d send seeking spells, saying our master wanted me back. I never believed him, but the last time it happened, Heminaltose really did want me back.”
Miceral shifted so he faced Farrell. “What happened?”
“Heminaltose came looking for me. He was not happy with Quonus or me when he found out the reason I’d ignored all his summons.”
“Why was he mad at you?”
“Quonus showed the potential to become a fairly powerful wizard—midlevel master class, at least. Meglar’s threat distracted Heminaltose so much that he never noticed Quonus’s mean streak. By failing to tell my master what I knew about Quonus, I allowed Heminaltose to train someone likely to become an easy recruit for Meglar.
“After that day, Heminaltose kept a closer eye on Quonus. Eventually, Quonus got tired of the constant surveillance and tried to take it out on me.”
“How did that go?”
“Badly for Quonus.” Farrell’s mouth felt dry, so he took a long drink. “The instant Quonus attacked me, Heminaltose sensed the assault and came to find us. Quonus must have hoped he’d kill me quickly and then make good his escape. He was such a fool. He’d mistaken my lack of interest in fighting him as weakness on my part. Had he taken the time, he’d have known that even at fourteen, I was already more powerful than he’d ever become.”
Farrell closed his eyes. Thinking about the day sent a chill through his body. It had been the first time he’d ever hated someone enough to try to kill them. “He must have thought himself clever, but his constant sniping taught me to wear my shields at all times. Even taken unaware, I easily withstood his assault. When I turned to counter, for the first time since he’d started to torment me, I saw fear in his eyes.”
He hated that he’d reveled in that moment. All the times he’d done as Samruel said and not retaliated, he’d felt weak. Seeing Quonus scared of him, however, made Farrell feel powerful. He’d never told anyone how much he’d enjoyed the feeling that day.
“Did you kill him?” Farrell heard the fear in Miceral’s question
He looked over and quickly turned away, unable to face his life partner. Miceral was a true warrior, one who fought only when needed and didn’t take pleasure in killing. Farrell couldn’t say the same. He had wanted to kill Quonus.
“No. Not that I didn’t try.” He shook his head, still ashamed of what had happened. “I wanted to, tried even, but Heminaltose arrived just as I prepared to deliver a killing strike. He… he stopped me—barely.”
Heminaltose had told him later that even he felt a twinge of fear when he saw Farrell about to attack his fellow student.
“You never had the opportunity to meet my master, but Heminaltose was without peer. Our shields might have been tissue paper to him that day. He shouted his anger at us and in a heartbeat, he locked us both in a stasis spell so powerful I could barely breathe.” Farrell swallowed loudly.
“I’ll bet Heminaltose wasn’t happy.”
Farrell snorted softly. “That’s an understatement. To that point in my life, I’d never seen him that angry.”
“What happened to Quonus?”
“Heminaltose expelled him with bindings on his powers.” Farrell sighed. “None of that really answered your question. Once I learned to fly, I discovered I enjoyed the peace of sitting where no one could intrude on me. This proved especially true when I went to Yar-del or other big cities. Over time it has become a habit.”
Miceral didn’t say anything, and Farrell began to worry he’d said too much. “Sorry you asked?” He tried to make it sound like a joke, but he heard the fear in his voice.
Rather than answer, Miceral reached over. Farrell jumped at first from the contact but let Miceral lace their fingers together.
“No, I’m not sorry I asked.” He bent forward and kissed Farrell’s fingers. “As ridiculous as this sounds, I’m sorry I couldn’t have been there to stop Quonus from making your life so miserable.”
Farrell started to chuckle. “You being there is about the only thing that could have made it worse. If I’m skinny now, you should have seen me then. I did too much magic too soon, and it showed. One of the tailors used to say if I didn’t gain some weight soon, I’d blow away with the next good breeze.”
Miceral smiled, but before he answered, his eyes darted over Farrell’s shoulder. Turning, Farrell saw a priestess of Seritia coming their way, escorted by Marisa.
“Farrell, Miceral”—Marissa motioned toward them—“this is Mother Mergrania, High Priestess of Seritia for Dumbarten. She has asked to speak to you both.”
Marissa turned and left. The middle-aged priestess watched their host walk away before she turned to face them. Her graying brown hair moved slightly in the gentle breeze.
“Greetings, Chosen.” She bowed toward Farrell. “The high priestess in Agloth has denied your request to use a temple Door.
All pilgrimages, even from Seritia’s Chosen, must be made over land.”
“Pilgrimage?” Farrell turned to Miceral and saw the same confusion he felt etched on his partner’s face. “We… I’m not coming to ask for her blessing, Mother. Grand Master Kel left something for me in the city.”
The priestess smiled. “I can see our Holy Mother has blessed you and Khron’s Chosen, but if you come to Agloth seeking anything, you are a pilgrim.”
Farrell resisted the urge to throw up his hands. “Mother, I’m not going Agloth for my own purposes. As the champion of the Six, I’m going to Agloth to fulfill Their will. Can you ask the high priestess to reconsider? Anything that makes my task harder can’t be the will of the Six.”
Mother Mergrania gave him a sympathetic shrug. “The denial came from Seritia Herself. Mother Joella was inclined to agree to your request, but the Holy Mother made Her will known.”
It felt like Master Thomas just knocked him on his arse. The Six were trying to make it more difficult?
“There is more.” The priestess sounded almost embarrassed as she drew Farrell’s attention back to her. “In order to gain admittance to the city, you must bring with you a devotee of each of Seritia’s five siblings.”
“What?” Kel told him he had to go, but that was before he knew Seritia would make it so difficult. “Did She say why?”
“No.” She shook her head. “At least not to me.”
“This makes no sense.” He turned to Miceral and threw up his hands. “Why not tell me to bring Her Meglar’s head as well?”
“It’s not that bad.” Miceral pulled Farrell’s hands into his. “Whatever Seritia’s reasons, She wouldn’t impose these conditions if She didn’t think they were important.”
“Your life partner speaks the truth, Chosen,” the priestess said. “Though we might not see the wisdom in Her words, that doesn’t mean they are frivolous.”
Farrell nodded several times and pulled his hands free. “I understand. Thank you for coming by to give me the message personally.”
“Of course, Chosen.” She bowed her head politely. “The blessings of Seritia be with you both.”
As he watched her leave, he felt his frustration build. He didn’t have the time to waste riding across half of Loudria to reach Agloth. Of course, before he could do that, he needed to assemble the right people. Something told him that Seritia had some very specific ideas on who She wanted him to bring with him to Agloth. The trick would be finding them.
“What now?” Miceral asked, breaking the downward spiral his thoughts created.
“Now? We figure out how to get to Agloth.”
Somehow.
Index of People, Places, and Things
GODS OF NENDOR
Arritisa—Goddess of the Sea.
Falcron—God of Wisdom. He and his sister, Seritia, are sometimes referred to as the “The Twins.”
Honorus—Eldest and king of the gods. Often referred to as the Sky Father and Lord of the Sky. The patron god of the peregrines.
Khron—God of War. Closely associated with dwarves.
Lenore—Goddess of the Earth. Often referred to as the Mother of Us All. Closely associated with Honorus. The patron goddess of unicorns and Muchari.
Neldin—God of the Underworld. Sometimes referred to as the God of Death or God of Evil. Ruler of Neblor, the netherworld where his worshippers go after death.
Seritia—Goddess of Love. She and her brother, Falcron, are sometimes referred to as “The Twins.”
PEOPLE
Aderic—Captain of the wizard constables of Belsport. Master wizard.
Alicia—Princess of Belsport.
Bartholomew—Master wizard residing at Northhelm who assisted Farrell in evacuating the city.
Baylec—Muchari weapons master who trained Miceral and later Farrell.
Beatrice—Legendary grand master wizard often mentioned in the same breath as Kel. Helped hide Northhelm from the world at large. One time teacher of Grand Master Heminaltose.
Bren and Gena—Parents of Kel and Hevnor. They lived in Kentar and the island of Dumbarten over three thousand years before Farrell was born.
Bren—Last King of Yar-del, descendant of Kel, father of Zenora.
Christian—King of Honal and father of Prince Kerstand.
Clement—Last King of Endor. Helped Farrell lead the resistance before his death.
Covis—King of Respital.
Cylinda—Master wizard who resides at Haven.
Darius—Master wizard and chief wizard of Belsport.
Erstad—Master wizard, mentor and teacher to Farrell.
Farrell—Birth name Halloran. Grand master wizard and Prince of Haven. Son of Queen Zenora of Yar-del and King Meglar of Zargon. Descendant of Grand Master Kel. Was sent from Yar-del at the age of two and rumor spread that he’d been killed to keep Meglar from kidnapping him. Champion of the Six and Chosen of Honorus. Life partner of Miceral.
Glaus—Baron of Honal and cousin of Prince Kerstand. Sent along with Kerstand to secure aid from Haven.
Glendora—Wizard priestess of Lenore who came with the Muchari to Haven.
Grohl—Peregrine. Son of Rothdin, brother of Takala, adoptive brother to Farrell.
Heldin—King of Pelipan.
Heminaltose—Grand master wizard and first teacher to Farrell. Considered the greatest wizard of his age. Founded Haven. Died along with Queen Zenora fighting Meglar at Yar-del City.
Horgon—Father of Miceral, leader of the Muchari and first minister of Haven.
Jameson—Master wizard residing at Northhelm when the city was evacuated.
Jursten—Prince of Endor. Refused to be crowned king until Endor is restored.
Kel—Grand master wizard. Considered the greatest wizard of all time by many. Ended the first war of the gods. First Champion of the Six. Founder of Yar-del.
Kerstand—Prince of Honal. Sent to Haven to ensure the line of Honal survived the coming war.
Klissmor—Unicorn. Mate to Queen Nerti. Allows Miceral to ride him.
Lilian—Muchari wife of Ostert. Pregnant when her husband died at the battle of Belsport.
Lisle—Housekeeper and surrogate mother to Farrell.
Miceral—Muchari warrior. Son of Horgon, leader of the Muchari. Life partner of Farrell.
Nerti—Unicorn queen. One of the oldest beings on Nendor. Mate to Klissmor. She allows Farrell to ride her to aid in the fight against Neldin.
Ostert—Friend of Miceral and Farrell’s. Died at the Battle of Belsport.
Peter—Prince of Belsport.
Reinhard—Captain of the constables of Belsport.
Rothdin—King of the peregrines. Father of Grohl and Takala. Adopted father of Farrell. One of the oldest beings on Nendor.
Sanduval—Grand master wizard. Friend of Heminaltose. Assumed leadership of Haven after Heminaltose died. Mentor and teacher to Farrell. Killed by Meglar defending Endor.
Takala—Peregrine. Son of Rothdin, brother of Grohl, adoptive brother to Farrell.
Thomas—Weapons master of Yar-del.
Wesfazial—Master wizard, mentor and teacher to Farrell.
Wilhelm—Prince and sovereign of Belsport. Father of Peter and Alicia. Ally of Haven.
Zenora—Queen of Yar-del, Halloran’s mother, and descendant of Kel. Married Prince Meglar of Zargon in an attempt to combine the two kingdoms. Betrayed by Meglar soon after the birth of their son. Died with Heminaltose fighting Meglar.
PLACES
Ardus—Smallest of the three main continents of Nendor. Home of the Seven Kingdoms as well as Haven. Last of the three major landmasses to be settled and developed.
Arvendia—One of the Seven Kingdoms. Third kingdom to be conquered by Meglar.
Belsport—A Free City of the West. Wealthiest and most northern of the Free Cities.
Blue Marlin—Upscale Inn where Farrell and Miceral spent their postunion trip.
Celtan—A Free City of the West.
Colograd—One of the thr
ee dwarf kingdoms. Located in Lourdria.
Cytus Wood—Tree native to Nendor. Its dense white wood is favored by wizards for its ability to store and channel large amounts of magical energy.
Dagur—A Free City of the West.
Dumbarten—Large island off the western coast of Lourdria. Birthplace of Kel.
Eight Gates of Neblor—Mythical gates that bar the dark creatures of the underworld from invading the world. Often used as a curse or to express surprise.
Endor—One of the Seven Kingdoms. Ally of Yar-del. Second of the Seven Kingdoms to be conquered by Meglar.
Erd—Northern continent. Home to the dwarf kingdom of Fracturn and Falcron’s city of Bowient.
Free Cities of the West—A collection of city-states on the Delmun Sea on the west coast of Ardus. No formal association among the cities.
Fracturn—One of the three dwarf kingdoms. Located in Erd.
Glaston—A Northern Free City.
Hamble—A Free City of the West.
Haven—Hidden sanctuary originally founded as a school for wizards. Built inside the Trellham Mountains. Expanded by Heminaltose as a place of refuge in anticipation of Meglar’s goal of conquering the Seven Kingdoms.
Honal—Southwestern-most of the Seven Kingdoms.
Kelse—A Northern Free City.
Kentar—One of the three original kingdoms of Dumbarten. Home of Kel and his brother Hevnor, who became King of Dumbarten.
Lourdria—Largest of the three main continents. Home of Seritia’s city of Agloth and dwarf kingdom of Colograd.
Merchant Union City-States—A collection of small city-states on the Kessan Ocean on the east coast of Ardus.
Nagden—A Free City of the West.
Neblor—Underworld. Home of Neldin and his dark legions.
Nendor—Name given to the world by the gods.
Northern Free Cities—Collection of city-states on the north coast of Ardus.
Pelipan—Northwestern-most of the Seven Kingdoms.
Pelth—A Free City of the West.
Plains of Gharaha—Grasslands that abut the Trellham Mountains in the valley where Haven is located.
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