With a flick of his hand, he unfroze the others. The constable raised an eyebrow but otherwise didn’t react.
“He speaks the truth, good constables.” Jarvis moved forward to come between the officers and Farrell. “Had he not arrived when he did, those two would have roasted me alive.”
Showing him the burned sleeve, he pointed to the dead wizards. “They showed up and demanded I give them, not rent, but give them the suite that overlooked the Citadel. Not only did that make me suspicious, it was also out of the question. I told them it was rented already, but we had other very nice accommodations they could have for the appropriate fee. The older one sneered at me and demanded the key to the Prince’s Suite. When I refused, he set me on fire.”
Intentionally or not, Jarvis rubbed the newly healed skin. “It only lasted a few seconds, but then he said if I didn’t want to burn to death, I’d give him the keys. To my shame, I did. Little did I know Master Halloran was a powerful wizard. He added his own magic to the protective spells we put on all our rooms.
“Master Halloran had healed my burn when they came back and threatened to finish what they started. The gray-haired wizard attacked Master Halloran without warning.”
The constable nodded as if listening, but Farrell heard the soft noise of magic. Scanning the pair, he felt the head constable directing energy through his amulet.
“We need to go, Miceral. They’re calling someone. Probably reinforcements.” Staring at the pair, he shook his head. “Join me so I can shield you in case this turns into a fight.”
“Do you think it’ll come to that?” Miceral moved closer, drawing the attention of the officers.
“It may, but I’ll do my best not to hurt them.” Before either of the officers could react, Farrell extended his shields around Miceral. “I can send a diplomatic mission once we’re home to explain it to Prince Wilhelm.”
Moving to the left of Jarvis, Miceral and Farrell angled toward the stairs.
“Master Jarvis.” The man turned to face Farrell. “The constables don’t believe you; they’ve called for backup.”
“Stay where you are!” the one on Farrell’s right said. “You’re a suspect in the death of these two men. The prince will want to question you.” Keeping their staves pointed at him and Miceral, the pair looked nervously at each other.
“You know you can’t stop me from leaving.” Farrell moved closer to the stairs. “I’d rather not reduce the ranks of the prince’s constables, so you’d be wise not to attack me while you wait for Darius to arrive.”
Again the constables exchanged uncertain looks. Using the distraction, Farrell pointed to the stairs. “Go ahead. I’ll make sure they don’t follow.”
“Understood.” Miceral moved as Farrell directed. Before they could leave, several constables entered the inn, followed by an older wizard with an ornate staff. He had his steel-gray hair pulled back in a ponytail, keeping it from his weathered, tan skin. A spark of recognition flashed in the older man’s sea-green eyes.
“Go, I’ll handle this.” Farrell motioned with his left hand for Miceral to continue.
“Are you sure you’ll be safe?” Miceral stopped two steps ahead of Farrell.
“Yes, that’s Darius, the prince’s chief wizard. We know each other. I doubt he’ll do anything, knowing who I am, at least not without consulting Prince Wilhelm first.”
“Prince Farrell,” Darius said, using his hand to stay the other constables. “No one knew you were in Belsport. You should have informed us of your visit.”
“This was strictly a personal trip. Miceral and I are celebrating our union. Had we announced our arrival, Prince Wilhelm would’ve turned it into a state visit.” Noting how Darius’s gaze kept moving toward the dead wizards, Farrell bolstered his shields, keeping an offensive spell ready.
Darius finally turned toward Jarvis. “What happened here, sir?”
Jarvis quickly recounted the same story he’d told the constables. The frown on Darius’s face did little to ease Farrell’s tension. Outnumbered, he needed to be cautious or people, Darius among them, could end up dead.
“Here for vacation, and it just happens to end in a fight that kills two of Meglar’s wizards.” Darius pointed to the dead bodies. “The same Meglar you are mortal enemies with. Do you see where I’m going with this?” Darius’s words and body language told Farrell to leave.
“If you mean to suggest this was an amazing coincidence, then I do. But if you mean to suggest I came to Belsport to pick a fight with Meglar’s wizards so I could kill them, then you’re a fool. Perhaps I misjudged you and Belsport. I thought you recognized the grave danger Meglar represents, but you allow them free run of the city.”
The older man’s eyes narrowed and his lips pinched tight. “You have no idea what’s happening, so mind your tongue. No one invited these wizards to our city, but Prince Wilhelm treads carefully to avoid Meglar’s wrath.”
“Then the prince is a fool.” One of the constables moved to his left, but Darius grabbed his arm to keep him in place. “You cannot appease Meglar. There is capitulation or defeat, nothing else.”
“Your view is clouded where Meglar is concerned. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Biased or not, my words are true.” One of the constables looked expectantly back toward the door. “As nice as it is to chat with you, I’m going now.”
“Wait.” The urgency in Darius’s voice confirmed Farrell’s suspicions. “I have a few more questions.”
Laughing, Farrell shook his head. “You think me that much a fool, Darius? You’re stalling until you get the numbers on your side. No, I’m leaving. Perhaps we’ll meet again, though I doubt I’ll return again without an army behind me to ensure my freedom.”
“You know I can’t let you go.” Darius motioned for the other wizards to fan out. “This incident requires an inquiry. Prince Wilhelm will not be happy if I let you leave.”
“What pleases Wilhelm has no bearing on my decision.” Farrell’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the older man. “We both know you can’t stop me.”
“And we both know I have to try.” Despite his words, Darius made no overt move to stop Farrell.
“I do.” Farrell increased his shield further and anchored it to the stairway wall. “But as I said, you can’t stop me from leaving.”
“My lord,” one of the constables spoke, drawing Darius’s attention.
“Be silent, Constable.” The older wizard never took his eyes from Farrell.
“Darius, you would be wise to remind Wilhelm that there are two forces on this continent worth fearing: Meglar and myself. My army is far closer to Belsport than Meglar’s. At some point, I might be the only thing standing between Belsport and Meglar. It would be unwise, to say the least, to make me your enemy. I suggest you speak to Wilhelm before you raise a finger against me and start what I promise will end in Belsport’s destruction.”
Darius maintained eye contact for a moment more, then turned to the constable closest to him. “Do nothing while I’m gone.” He opened a Door and stepped through, closing the portal behind him.
Farrell further reinforced the shield across the stairway. It wouldn’t deter Darius and the constables for long, but they couldn’t charge after him, either.
Miceral had everything packed when Farrell returned. Ignoring his partner, Farrell moved toward a blank wall and began opening a Door home.
“Things went that well?” Miceral brought their saddlebags to where Farrell stood.
“Belsport has taken the tack of appeasing Meglar.” He kept his eyes on the Door. “Darius expects me to submit to questioning regarding the death of Meglar’s wizards. I let him know that wouldn’t happen and any attempt to take me into custody would be considered an act of war. He left right after I said that, presumably to speak with Prince Wilhelm. I think we’re better served to go home and let the diplomats deal with this.”
He was just locking the third point of the Door when he felt magic wash over the room. “Farre
ll, this is Darius. I have Prince Wilhelm with me. He wants to talk with you. Please lower your barrier so we can come up.”
Farrell ignored the request, locking in the fourth point. He pushed out with his will until the foyer of their personal suite shimmered into focus. Spinning away from the Door, he put his left hand under his chin and whispered a spell. Opening his fingers, he said, “Darius, you and Wilhelm may come up. Bring anyone else, and I’ll be gone before you get here.”
He closed his fist and turned to Miceral. “Go now. I’m staying only long enough to tell them they can come to Haven if they want to speak with me. Have Klissmor alert Horgon, Erstad, and Wesfazial.”
“Farrell—”
“Please, don’t argue.” Using magic, Farrell sent the bags through the Door. “I’ll be fine. With the Door open, I can get away before Darius can launch a spell. If you stay, he could try to attack you to get to me.”
Miceral continued to frown but nodded and walked through. Alone, Farrell raised a shield around himself and the Door, making sure not to mask his efforts. If Darius thought to catch him off guard, Farrell had just shouted his readiness for a fight.
A loud rap on the door announced the prince’s arrival. “Come in.”
Slowly, the door opened, and Darius and Prince Wilhelm cautiously entered. On his previous visits, Farrell had only met Darius. His first impression of Wilhelm confirmed what he’d expected: middle-aged, tall, lanky, a touch of gray in his brown hair. A long nose and thin lips offset the piercing gray eyes that seemed to take in every detail.
“Gentlemen.” He gave his “guests” the barest of bows. “Given the less than welcoming reception I received downstairs, I’m going home. If you want to speak to me, come to Haven, where you have my personal guarantee you’ll be safe. That’s more than I enjoy in Belsport.”
Darius’s gaze swept across the room. “How did you open a Door? Belsport is sealed and bound to my will. How did you circumvent my ward?”
“You don’t really expect me to stick around and explain how, do you?” Farrell shook his head. “I must be going.”
“Farrell, wait. We really only wish to talk,” Darius said. “Prince Wilhelm has no desire to make you his enemy.”
“Would giving you my personal guarantee really change your mind, Farrell?” Wilhelm gave him the barest of smirks. “It appears to me you’re going no matter what I say.”
“Had it been given before I made the decision to go home, yes. Your word would’ve been sufficient. But, as my partner and our belongings are back in Haven, I’ll be joining them. The offer stands. You may come to Haven if you wish to speak further.”
Darius raised a hand when Farrell took a sidestep toward the Door. Bringing his staff around, he pointed it at the pair. “Even attempt a spell, Darius, and Belsport will be without its chief wizard and its prince.”
Palms pressed against his chest in a sign of nonaggression, Darius shook his head. “As a sign of our good faith, I haven’t even raised a shield around us. We only wish to talk, but you cannot expect us to walk through your Door on a whim like this.”
“And after what you said downstairs, you can’t expect I would stay here to discuss anything. I’m no enemy of Belsport, and I haven’t done or said anything to suggest I am. But for now, I shall take my leave. Come to Haven or stay here. Either way, you know how to reach me in the future. The Door will remain open for as long as you remain in these rooms.”
Without waiting for an answer, Farrell returned to Haven. The room was empty when he arrived.
“Do you think they’re coming?” Miceral entered from their bedroom, sword in hand.
Farrell smiled, shaking his head. “You won’t need that. If they decide to come, there won’t be any violence.”
“Never hurts to let them know we’re prepared.” Miceral took a step back and put the sword in the hallway to their private rooms. “You never answered if you think they’re coming.”
“Difficult to say. Were the situation reversed, I doubt I’d accept the impromptu invitation.”
Darius and Wilhelm were discussing something on the other side of the still-open Door. With a word, Farrell could have listened in, but decided against it.
“I didn’t, however, expect Darius to bring Wilhelm when he returned. That the prince came, alone no less, tells me he wants something.”
Wilhelm inclined his head slightly, earning a nod from his chief wizard. Whatever they’d said, the pair walked toward the Door.
“Welcome to Haven, Prince Wilhelm.” Farrell bowed, gesturing toward Miceral. “This is Miceral, my life partner.”
Letting Miceral handle things for a moment, Farrell reached out for Nerti.
“Nerti?”
Miceral led them to the formal sitting room.
“If you’re going to inform me we have guests, I’m aware of their arrival.”
It took some effort not to smirk at her tone. “Actually, my queen, I was wondering if you could listen in on things. I have the feeling Wilhelm’s going to try to eat me for lunch with his negotiating skills.”
“Horgon will handle Wilhelm. He’s on his way, but until then, I can stay with you.”
He opened his mind when he felt Nerti’s touch. “Prince Wilhelm, as I assume this visit is about more than just the death of Meglar’s wizards, I’ve asked my first minister and a senior wizard to join us. They should be here shortly.”
Wilhelm’s right eyebrow moved up fractionally. “You think your killing two of Meglar’s wizards, guests in my city, isn’t what I’ve come to discuss?”
Farrell snorted. “I see you think me simple. If that’s how this meeting will go, perhaps you might want to go back to Belsport. I don’t feel disposed to waste my time.”
“Not very subtle.” Farrell nearly turned at the sound of Miceral’s voice.
“Wasn’t trying to be. If he wants to play games, I’ve got better things to do.” Keeping his eyes on Wilhelm, Farrell tried not to give away that he and Miceral were speaking mind to mind. “I’m more than a bit annoyed we had to cancel our trip early.”
“There’ll be others, so try to be civil.”
“Not exactly the welcome I expected.” Wilhelm’s voice gave away very little.
“Prince Wilhelm.” Farrell paused to keep his composure. “We both know you don’t expect me to answer for the deaths of those two maggots. Not only am I considerably more powerful than your chief wizard, we’re in Haven, and the only way for you to return to Belsport is through a Door that answers to me. You’re shrewd enough to know better than to antagonize me in my own home.
“Since you’re not here to discuss my being held accountable for their deaths, you must want something else.” Staring at the older man, Farrell thought he saw a hint of a smile.
“Rather sure of yourself, are you?” Wilhelm’s light tone belied how carefully he seemed to choose his words. “You are that sure you can best Darius and avoid my judgment?”
“Yes.” Realizing Wilhelm sought something from the exchange, Farrell refused to explain himself.
The two princes kept their eyes on each other, almost staring each other down. Farrell had nearly turned away when Wilhelm smiled. “Not going to help me out by rambling, are you?”
Farrell returned the smirk. “Not if I can help it.”
“Then I can see I didn’t waste my time with this visit.” Wilhelm’s body appeared to relax for the first time since he arrived. “Darius said you were no fool, and as usual, he is correct.”
“Flattery won’t work, either.” Farrell turned to the gray-haired wizard. “But I thank you for the compliment.”
“As you surmised, my purpose isn’t to bring you to justice for the death of those wizards.” Wilhelm drew Farrell’s attention back to him. “Meglar has no respect for me or my people, but we suspected this before his people arrived. When Meglar’s ambassador requested we permit his wizards to visit, we were told they were agents of the crown. Normally, this would be an absurd statement, but there are
only a select few Meglar trusts to act on his behalf. My staff tells me that Meglar only sends wizards to other places to act as his factors.
“Of course, we didn’t believe they were what they purported to be, but it was impossible to deny the request without insulting Zargon’s king. Given Belsport is no better able to fend off Meglar than any of the other kingdoms he conquered, you can appreciate the position I was in.”
“Indeed, I understand all too well the danger Meglar represents.” Farrell tried to keep the “told you so” tone from his voice. “He is the reason Haven exists.”
Wilhelm kept his eyes on Farrell, as if looking for something. After a moment, he nodded. “Haven is something of a mystery. I understand in principle what it is, but beyond a sanctuary for those who fled Meglar, we know very little about it.”
Staring back, Farrell couldn’t decide if Wilhelm really knew so little about Haven. “That is by design, Prince Wilhelm. We wouldn’t want Meglar to find us.”
“Of course.” Wilhelm’s smile looked forced. “According to Darius, not only are you a grand master wizard, you’ve managed to cobble together the survivors into some semblance of a very large army.”
“What’s his game?” Farrell asked Nerti.
“I sense anxiety, anticipation, and hope, but no deception,” she answered.
“The first part is correct. I was Heminaltose’s last student.” He saw no harm in admitting what Darius already knew. “As for the size of Haven’s army, I need to politely decline to answer that.”
A small chuckle escaped Wilhelm’s lips. “Respectfully understood.”
Before Farrell could respond, Nerti’s voice stopped him. “Horgon is almost to your suite, little one.”
“Thank you.” Armed with the new information, Farrell decided to stall. “Prince Wilhelm, forgive me if I’m blunt, but I feel we’ve moved to the real purpose of your visit. If you would indulge me and hold on to those thoughts a bit longer, my first minister will be here shortly.”
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