Ized- the Ancestors

by Esther Barvar

  Befen had noticed the potential of the young lord. A rough diamond slumbered in Adar, and the Administrator cut a jewel out of it. His assistant, who always thought only of the best for the country, observed and formed the man. He prepared a hopeful magician for Ized’s highest position.

  The determination and foresight of Befen was the reason why Lord Sangen had so emphatically wished him to succeed him. Sangen had recognized the strengths of Befen. Sangen had also known that Befen always wanted only the best for the country and the people. Befen would also make a good Supreme Lord. But Sangen had decided to make Befen the Administrator of the country. He was pleasantly surprised by the wisdom of his former Administrator. Abarta made a decision. He would have to go to Carbacan and discuss the matter with him in private. This one was a matter for the magicians. Better still, it was a matter between Befen and him. The king would accept the decision he had just made for Ized’s future.

  »No! Lord Adar, it should not be necessary for you to leave our country. I understand why Befen stands by you to this degree and what he sees in you. He is right. I can follow him, and he has my fullest support in his project. Ized must not lose a magician of your kind. Lady Maioshan can stay with you as she is. But my lady, I implore you not to use your power. For your safety. Do not be provoked. Since no seeker can perceive your magic, no one will notice. I will take care of your protection. My granddaughter will leave Farsie. I will send her to one of the provinces where her aunt lives. When are you planning your wedding?«

  »In five days, I’ve reserved us a room in a tavern. One of those who are set up for the wedding period. We will go there immediately after the ceremony so that no one gets into danger,« Adar explained. Abarta nodded. »Lady Maioshan, have you already decided on a best man,« he asked the young woman.

  She shook her head. »What is the best man? Do I need a best man?« she asked, slightly disturbed, looking from one to the other.

  Lord Abarta bowed before her and smiled encouragingly. »That’s the way it is with us. A witness to a marriage is a person whom you know and who testifies to your voluntariness and honesty at the ceremony. You have just shown me very clearly how honest you are. For despite the danger of losing your magic, you have not denied it. If it is in your sense, it would be an honor for me to vouch for you.«

  Maioshan got big eyes. »Thank you, Supreme Lord,« she breathed embarrassedly. »It would be a great honor for me.«

  »As I have heard, do you want a small frame, Lord Adar? How many guests did you think of?«

  Befen smiled at the Supreme Lord’s question because he knew Adar and knew only too well what the warrior would answer.

  »I would like to include our witnesses, that is, you, my father, and Lord Befen, who holds the ceremony.«

  The ceremony couldn’t be any smaller. Abarta nodded in amazement. »Well, then please be in my residence in five days with Lord Kairos, your best man. We will silently perform your marriage there in my office. Would the ninth hour be convenient for you?«

  Now it was up to Adar to agree in astonishment. He had not expected such a development.

  Abarta and Befen said goodbye. Together they left the premises of the young lord. Befen seemed thoughtful since Lord Abarta had declared to send his granddaughter away in favor of Adar. That was a tremendous step he wanted to take for Adar. Why did the Supreme Lord do this? He took a suspicious look at the older man. What had so suddenly changed his mind, and why did his eyes sparkle when he looked at him? As they stepped out of the building, Abarta mumbled quietly and shook his head. Befen pricked his ears, but couldn’t understand what the man was mumbling.

  »What about you, my lord?«

  »What about me, Befen?« he asked back innocently.

  He took a few more steps, but then turned to the Administrator, who had stopped. He grinned at Befen. Bluntly and with sparkling eyes, he confronted him. »I have seen through you, Befen. So that’s him, isn’t it?«

  Befen stared at him in amazement. »What do you mean by that? Who is what?«

  »I mean Adar. He is supposed to be my successor, isn’t he? Am I right? You have him in mind for the post of the future Supreme Lord. Am I right?« Abarta wanted to know with a raised eyebrow and shining eyes.

  Befen first became red and then suddenly pale. »Forgive me, Lord Abarta, but please do not misunderstand my intentions. I have no negative thoughts in me. But the young man struck me years ago at university. I got to know him right at the beginning of his training and was fascinated by the way he behaved from the beginning … He was so refreshingly different from all the other warriors I trained. He seemed earnest, thoughtful, always in the background, but he observed with a clear gaze. He was more mature than the warriors of his age are. The injustice he could never endure. Again and again, I experienced how he stood up for the weak. Adar has potential«. Befen cleared his throat. »But whether he will ever be suitable for your position, I don’t know. But I put a lot of hope in him. He is outstanding. And I confess, so far he has not disappointed me.«

  Abarta put an arm around Befen’s shoulder. »With this, you have spoken right words. He is extraordinary. I think like you now. This man has incredible potential. He is suitable, my friend. How he behaved towards Mehit impressed me. If he were someone else, Mehit would died because of her reaction. It shows excellent character to put the well-being of others above one’s own. It seems that he always has the thought of other people. The man can become a perfect Supreme Lord. I consider myself fortunate to have you as my assistant. You have a vision that is good for our country. I am pleased that you are already providing a suitable successor. Who of the former Supreme Lords can claim to have met his potential successor? When my life clock has expired, I know our country and the people we have to protect through your work alone in good hands. But is he strong enough to withstand the cruel battles?«

  »He is,« Befen confirmed and shifted his hand through his short hair. Thoughtfully he continued: »But that’s not the problem.«

  Befen’s tone made Lord Abarta sit up and take notice. »So, what is the problem?«

  »Not the fights. There is currently no stronger magician in Ized, only two that are similarly strong. One would be Lord Rory and the other Lord Reito. Reito is harder, more brutal than Rory, but Rory has a better character and much more experience in combat.«

  »That’s good, Befen, that’s very good. I’ll keep an eye on him now as well if you don’t mind, my friend. Would he also be willing to take that position?« Befen growled immediately and hesitated a moment because Abarta had addressed the real problem. Then he shook his head. »That’s the point. He is not ready for that. At least not at the moment. He is not in the least striving for a position of authority. He also has a great dislike for the brutal fights.«

  Abarta laughed into himself and remarked: »I understand precisely why he thinks like that.« Befen gave him a stunned look. »I know him quite well by now. He doesn’t want the position, but he would do it if you could explain to him why it is essential. If our country were to fall into hands that would harm all Ized’s inhabitants, then he would certainly be ready. He cannot bear injustice.«

  Abarta nodded thoughtfully. He understand the young man well. He had even reluctantly agreed to take part in the fights. How long had Lord Sangen talked sense into him at that time until he had been willing to put his own needs aside? At some point, he had realized how necessary it was to take this responsibility for Ized.

  So it would take a lot of hard work to get the man to make himself available.

  »Someone explained to me how important good, moderate leadership was. Putting their interests aside and living for the country is a considerable step,« he quietly admitted.

  Befen looked at him from the side, impressed and admiring.

  Abarta smiled thoughtfully. »Well, at least it’s not hopeless. The man seems to be open to reasonable arguments,« he said.

  Befen breathed a sigh of relief. He was content to know the Supreme Lord on his side. Aba
rta approved of his motives and wanted to support him in his work. Befen was glad to be on the right track.

  Lord Abarta went directly to his daughter’s quarters. Naunet opened the door and let him in.

  »Have a good day, Naunet.«

  »To you as well, father. But what about you, you seem agitated?«

  »I am worried, daughter. It is about Mehit. She is in great danger.«

  Naunet looked up attentively. Her father didn’t come by because of trivialities. »Mehit? What did she do? How did she put herself in danger?«

  »Is a magician named Adar known to you?« he asked back.

  She thought for a moment, then hesitantly shook her head. »No, I do not know the man yet.«

  »It looks as if Mehit has fallen in love with him. But that’s where the problem begins. The man is a warrior. A very young warrior. You know what that means. She increases herself into her feelings. Meanwhile, she even tried to force him into marriage with a faked pregnancy.«

  His daughter put both hands in front of her mouth. »No, by the Waves, no! How can she do such a thing?«

  »All the young girls adore him. Probably she, like many others, fell in love with him. With it, she is in danger of her life if she does not stop her little machinations immediately. Today she has even attacked the Lord’s guest, only to cause the man problems and attract his attention. That is against every law of hospitality. We must do something, and do it quickly before Lord Adar falls into a bloodlust and kills her.«

  »What do you suggest, father? What can we do? Mehit is not very accessible at the moment. She often roams around with her friends, and we don’t even know where she is. When we ask, she answers evasively or withdraws into her room in silence.«

  »You should discuss it with your husband. But I would advise you to send her to your sister in the province for some time. There are few magicians in the regions. Mehit could find herself again and think about her behavior. She is no longer safe here.«

  Naunet nodded pale. »I’ll talk to Serapis. I think your suggestion makes sense. He will agree.«

  Already the next day, Lord Abarta sent his granddaughter Mehit away. Mehit was not asked what she thinks about it. The mother had packed her things and brought them into the carriage. Lord Abarta dragged Mehit himself to the vehicle. Before he closed the door, he talked to her once more. Mehit crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked outraged in another direction.

  »With what you have done, you have gone too far, Mehit. Be glad how well this warrior can control himself because with another warrior, you would already be dead. Please think about my words.« He said goodbye to her and then closed the door. Abarta gave the driver a sign, and he drove off. He had the order to deliver the young lady directly to her aunt and not to stop anywhere before.

  Abarta was looking behind Mehit. As soon as she was out through the gate, the Supreme Lord set out to appear at the king’s audience.

  Carbacan had been astonished because the Supreme Lord wanted to speak him out of turn. That did not happen often. He complied with his wish, however.

  When Abarta entered the throne room, Carbacan and his son Belenus were there. Some time ago, the king had begun to introduce his son to the official business. As a human, he felt the years and wanted to know his heir well prepared if he took over the reign. Abarta bent his knee before the king, with his hand on his heart, as was customary.

  »Rise, Supreme Lord Abarta. What has happened that cannot wait until our regular audience?« Carbacan wanted to know. He approached him to gave him a hand.

  As Abarta rose again, Carbacan noticed the magician’s frowned forehead. It seemed urgent, and something disturbed the magician. The king became serious as he accompanied the lord to the seats. The three men took their seats, and Abarta cleared his throat.

  »Your Majesty, I would like to have this conversation with you in private.« He gave Belenus an apologetic look. »Forgive me, my prince.«

  Carbacan hesitated. »If it affected the country and our future, my son should know about it.« Abarta breathed deeply. The less informed about this matter, the better it would be. But Belenus was the future king. So it was probably good to involve him right away. »So be it. I had to decide about the future of our country. The effect, however, violates one of the most important laws of our magic,« he began with his explanation.

  Belenus flinched, while his father remained calm. Carbacan only raised one eyebrow. In a quiet voice, he asked the Supreme Lord to declare himself, while at the same time calming his son by putting his hand on his arm. »Please explain it to me, Abarta. You would never approve or grant a violation of the laws of magic without good reason. What has happened?«

  Abarta noticed the prince’s restlessness and cleared his throat again. »During the hunt at the ceremony to appoint the new Administrator and the new High Lord of Warriors, Lord Adar found a severely wounded woman. He cherished her and assumed the duty of hospitality.«

  Carbacan tilted his head to the sign of being able to remember. »I am informed about it. Befen told me about it in the hunting lodge. I was with the young lord and saw her. I gave him the order to fulfill the duty of hospitality. Our new Administrator had asked for it,« he confirmed.

  Abarta nodded. This statement was consistent with that of Befen.

  »The matter took an unexpected turn. The young warrior, Lord Adar, has fallen in love with the woman and intends to marry her. He loves her very much and, although he is so young, it has been his free and unquestionable decision to take this step.«

  Carbacan leaned back, thought for a moment. »Lord Adar is very young, too young for a vow,« the king pondered. Thoughtfully he looked at his son. »He must be about your age, my son.«

  Understanding Belenus nodded. Of course, he knew about the peculiarities of magicians. »If he thinks she is the right choice, age should not be an obstacle. It is not anchored in law,« he presented agreeably.

  »That is true. There is no law against it, only experience. So like you, I see no obstacle,« the king confirmed, nodding as he turned back to the Supreme Lord. »How do you think about the matter?«

  Abarta whispered in the air. »I don’t want to keep the young man from marriage. I have seen how he cares for the woman. He found something extraordinary in her at a very early age. But that is not the problem. Maioshan, the woman, is a priestess in her country and controls a kind of magic that we do not know. We discovered it only by chance.«

  Now Carbacan sat upright and lurked a little. Abarta had his full attention. »She can do magic?« he asked, and tension could also be heard in his voice. »Do you see a problem in that?«

  Abarta swayed his head and noticed how the king and his son changed looks. Both looked worried. »As I said before, we only find out about it by coincidence. None of the seekers can fathom her magic. She gets attacked by my granddaughter and used her magic to defend herself. So far, however, there has been no further danger.«

  »The law demands that her powers must be diverted into the Sphere of Powers,« Belenus pointed out.

  »Well, she’s not ready to let it happen, and Adar doesn’t want it either. He has threatened to leave the community of Izeds magicians if we stick to it. He will take her back to her land to protect her from losing her magic. Well, you could now say he decides to leave his country. But Lord Befen sees excellent potential in the young magician, and I want to support him in his endeavor. He would be an outstanding Supreme Lord once I’m gone. Adar has a noble character.«

  Carbacan rose, paced thoughtfully up and down. Abarta also stood up and watched the king. »So, she’s magician, and she masters magic we don’t know. Maybe her magic won’t be black then? You say her magic can’t be discovered until she uses it?«

  Abarta confirmed it: »Yes, Your Majesty. She has been cared for by Lord Adar for weeks without him or Lord Sors and Lord Befen noticing. All three magicians were very close to her during the time of care. Still, no one noticed anything. There was nothing to indicate it. She didn’t become
dangerous to anyone either, except for the thing about the attack on her. And here I would say that everyone had resisted at that moment.«

  Carbacan interrupted his walk. He stared at the Supreme Lord with his eyes narrowed. »How important is Lord Adar in your eyes, Lord Abarta?« he now wanted to know.

  »I used to think of him as a pretty boy. However, in the last few weeks, I have completely revised my opinion. If Befen gets the opportunity and continues to shape him, then he would be the perfect successor for my post. With him in the office of Supreme Lord, I know our country is in good hands. I am convinced of this and will support Lord Befen in his efforts to protect the man if you support my decision. Otherwise, we will lose him. A loss of this magician would not be suitable for Ized. Magicians of his kind are very rare. Few put the good of another above their own well-being. Moreover, he does not have the ambition to assume a position of power. The best condition for not abusing authority associated with this position.«

  Carbacan walked another few meters into the room, came back, and stopped in front of Abarta. The Supreme Lord was about half a head taller than the King. He laid his hands on his back and looked up at him.

  »It is a decision for the magicians and the land. If you are sure that her magic is no danger to the inhabitants of Ized, I am willing to tolerate it. I support you.«

  Abarta bowed to Carbacan and Belenus. »I am sure. Your Majesty, Prince.« Then he left the two.

  After he had disappeared through the door, Carbacan sat down thoughtfully. With one finger, he stroked his lips, lost in thought.

  »Father, do you think it’s the right decision?« Belenus interrupted his brooding.

  Carbacan looked at his son for a long time. »Belenus, my son, it is Lord Abarta’s decision for the magicians. We are humans. These beings are different than we are. They live by different rules than we do. We live together, and they protect us with their skills, but they have always been a secret to me. Sometimes I think there are two souls in each of them. If the Supreme Lord is sure that his decision is right for our country, then I will tolerate it. I think it is incredible that there are different kinds of magic. Well, anyway, I’d love to meet the young couple.«