by Joe Jackson
“So you think this might work? This plan of ours?” Kari asked, honestly curious for a completely outside opinion.
“I see no immediate concerns that would lead me to say no,” Eliza said. “My homeland can be very dangerous, Kari, but it’s not as though you will arrive there and be killed on sight. As much as you want to learn about the kings and their capabilities, they want to learn about you and yours. That’s why they work so hard to plant spies among your people, and why they are eager to entangle you in their plots and schemes. If this world is one the Overking is interested in conquering, then every trip you make to Mehr’Durillia gives him that much more information about you, your Order, and how you do things. It is like a delicate game of chess played with living pieces.”
Kari nodded. That was about as positive an answer as she was likely to get. The best and safest option, she knew, was to simply leave Se'sasha to her fate and remain home. It might make Danilynn and Eli unhappy, but it would also keep them alive – not to mention Kari herself. More than that, though, it meant the Order would still be blind to what was truly going on in the lands and the minds of their…Mehr'Durillian adversaries. With the increased interest in the Temple of Archons, being blind or ignorant were things they could ill afford anymore. In the grand scheme of things, Kari understood, as much as she didn't like it, that three lives weighed in the balance against the millions that could be saved were inconsequential.
“Let me ask you a couple more questions,” Kari said at length, and Eliza nodded. “What can you tell me about a mallasti sorceress named Emma, or…Emmalikas, if I remember right?”
“She's one of the Overking's slaves, but slave casts a shadow over the importance of her position,” Eliza said. “She is his closest and most highly regarded servant. No doubt you will see her when you visit Anthraxis, considering the Council will be in session at the time. I know your Order has been trying to find out about or capture her for some time, but that will be more easily imagined than accomplished. She is the Overking's eyes and ears, and with the amount of time she has spent on Citaria, I imagine she has also been acting as his hands, making certain those under him do not lay claim to anything here before he does.”
“That's what we were starting to suspect,” Kari agreed. “She seems to show up whenever some king or other tries to invade or work some trouble here, and puts a stop to it one way or another.” Eliza nodded again. “So what can you tell me as far as how powerful she is? I heard a wizard say that calling her an archmage would be an understatement. I don't know a lot about the arcane; how many different ranks are there, especially above archmage?”
Eliza put her hand to her chin and cocked her head. “Honestly, Kari, how detailed an answer are you looking for? The nuances of the arcane are many and varied, and understanding them is one of the fundamental building blocks of learning to wield it. If I were to explain it all to you, it would be the equivalent of an apprentice learning the basics from a master. You're not interesting in learning to be a wizard, are you?”
“Gods, no,” Kari said, and the half-succubus chuckled. “I don't think I have the mind for that sort of thing. Education has never exactly been my strength.”
“I think you sell yourself short in that regard,” Eliza countered. “But no matter. To give you a short answer, the term archmage is a title given to recognize mastery of the arcane; it does not necessarily denote strength or power. An archmage is simply one who has mastered the varied theories of the arcane, and can adeptly call upon any and all of them. The assumption that it has to do with power is a common misconception, even among practitioners of the arcane.”
“Are you an archmage yet?” Kari interjected.
The half-succubus nodded. “Yes, I've been considered an archmage for some years now. Myself and the other members of the High Council of Wizardry are all archmages, most of us with scores, if not hundreds of years of experience and mastery in the arts. Much of my power came from my father, but I was tutored by Archmage Percival Cintalas of SouthWind, though my mastery took many more years than it should have because of my decision to marry and have children. I suppose to help answer your question, I could point out that Emmalikas is far, far more practiced and powerful than I am. There are only a couple of my fellow archmages on the High Council who could stand against her in a contest of arcane might, but that would not be a pretty sight, I assure you.”
“So she’s a weapon,” Kari mused.
“Very much so, but one the Overking has not used to full effect yet,” Eliza confirmed. “Don't make the mistake of thinking she is friendly or harmless because she stays in the shadows and works through manipulation. She is exceedingly dangerous, due in no small part to the misconception that she is simply a spy or observer.”
Kari considered that, recalling how Eli always insisted Emma was just an observer and that he considered her a friend. It was a dangerous trap to fall into, and Emma's abilities as a manipulator seemed so much more potent in light of having fooled Eli and his companions. True, there was the mitigating factor of their companion Tor being Emma's child, but that was something they hadn't found out until after their dealings with Emma were complete. The more she was exposed to the schemes of the underworld – Mehr'Durillian, whatever the case may be – kings, the more she understood how easy and how dangerous it was to get wrapped up in them.
It was a lot for Kari to think about, but Eliza's words and her willingness to take Kari and her friends to Mehr'Durillia eased some of the demonhunter's tensions. Such an undertaking was still incredibly dangerous, but on top of everything else she stood to gain, Kari thought of one other thing that urged her toward going. She realized a trip to Mehr'Durillia, during which she learned a lot and from which she returned safely, might make the kings worry about Kari and her Order for a change. All she had to do was give them the impression that she was learning their secrets as quickly as they were learning those of Citaria, and with that thought, Turik Jalar's own seemingly brash actions made a lot more sense. It almost didn't matter what demands he had laid before the Overking – the mere fact that he had done so must have made the kings leery about crossing him.
“Well, thanks so much for coming and agreeing to help,” Kari said, to which Eliza simply bowed her head politely. “You mentioned you were married; how are your husband and kids?”
A strange expression crossed Eliza's face momentarily, and Kari got the impression she had misspoken. “I married a human,” the half-succubus said, no trace of being upset in her even voice. “He died many years ago. My descendants live mainly in and around the city of Solaris on Terrassia, but none of my children or descendants inherited my longevity. It's a strange thing to have gone through…to watch your loved ones die while you remain young.”
“I can believe that,” Kari said quietly, and though Eliza seemed to pick up on what she meant, the half-succubus was too polite to get inquisitive. “Well, I'm sure I've already taken up too much of your time. For the moment, I've made the decision to go. So if you could return ten days from now and take some of us to…Mehr'Durillia, I'd appreciate that. Even if your father did think it would be a bad idea.”
“Father is concerned about doing anything to upset the fragile state of his relationship with the Overking, since some of our family still reside in Sansrigar,” Eliza said. “Try to think of his refusal to help and his advice not to go as a formality, and not his true feelings on the matter. Accordingly, while I'm certain he will not ignore you if you see him in Anthraxis, do not expect to spend time in his presence; he will want to keep up appearances.”
“Understood; thank you,” Kari said. She rose to escort Eliza to the front door, but once they had said their farewells, the archmage rose to her feet and, with a gesture, vanished from sight with a pop.
*****
Kari took the time to relay her conversation with Eliza and her decision to the Council of the Order, as well as most of her family. When she returned to her office, the first thing Kari noticed when she entered
the administrative building was that everyone was on their feet. It took her only moments to realize why when she saw the handsome but weathered face of Duke Christopher Bosimar among them. The Duke had obviously once been a very attractive man, and Kari could remember, even from her brief encounter, that his son, Jason, had inherited those handsome features. The Duke had his black hair cut short with the top in spikey rows. Kari knew he had once been a soldier – a general in his father’s army – but he’d cut his hair short when he ascended to the position of Duke himself. He still had well-defined muscles and only a few age-lines across his snout and cheeks, and his shrewd black eyes took in Kari as she approached.
“Your Grace,” Kari greeted him formally with a respectful bow. Kari had never paid all that much attention to the nobility or etiquette, but now that she was a baroness and landowner, she knew that she might be called to the Duke’s court from time to time. Kari didn’t suspect she would ever become a true “lady” of the court, but at the same time, she was well-respected on account of her position as head of the Demonhunter Order and a hero from the past.
“Lady Vanador,” the Duke returned in warm, even tones. “I had hoped to discuss this new title being afforded to you on account of the Duke of Sutherland. If you have the time…?”
Kari knew that despite the phrasing and the inflection that made it sound like a question, it wasn’t really a request. The Duke was a busy man, and if he was affording Kari his time, then she was expected to drop everything and attend to his agenda. “Yes, of course, Your Grace,” she said, but she was keenly aware of the fact that she was armed and armored. “Should I go get changed into something more presentable?”
The Duke waved off her concerns. “Not at all,” he said. “In fact, as we will be traveling to see your property, it might be best if you come as you are.”
He smiled, and Kari could see a lot of that same charisma that Jason had possessed in the father’s features. Many people disliked or distrusted the Duke because he was unable to get rid of the Blood Order – the assassin’s guild that ran the city’s illegal activities. The majority, on the other hand, felt he did an excellent job keeping the Blood Order relatively under control and also keeping the city prosperous despite the guild’s illicit activities. Kari fell somewhere in the middle. She respected the Duke due to his position and the fact that he was Jason Bosimar’s father, but she certainly felt he could try harder to eliminate the guild. She kept her opinions to herself, though: he was the Duke, and his position was worthy and demanding of respect, and as the head of a world-wide law enforcement agency, she gave it to him implicitly.
“Please let Lord Allerius know I’ll be back on campus in a while,” Kari said to Virginia, one of the secretaries, and the human woman nodded.
Kari gestured toward the door and preceded the Duke outside. “I understand you fought quite a battle in Barcon that drew the attention of the Duke of Sutherland,” he commented as they walked leisurely toward the campus’ main gate. “As a former soldier and general, I have ever been a student of history, Lady Vanador, and your story has always fascinated me. Most are awe-struck by the work of Turik Jalar, and indeed, the Avatar was a fantastic fighter and leader by all accounts. However, I was always more intrigued by your own accomplishments, for what you did, you did in half a lifetime, and without the backing of the entire Order.”
“Turik Jalar threw a list of demands at the feet of the Overking of the underworld, Your Grace,” Kari said with a gentle shake of her head. She didn't bother calling the world by its correct name. “I don’t think I’ll ever manage to do something quite like that.”
The Duke looked around to see if anyone else was in the vicinity, and then kept his voice down. “Yet if what I have heard whispered is true, you are planning to go to the Overking’s very world and pluck something that the demon kings surely do not wish taken from them, no?” he asked with that warm smile again.
Kari couldn’t smile in return; she was already aggravated that word had somehow spread to the Duke himself that she was planning to visit Mehr'Durillia. Damansha seemed the most likely guilty party if word had reached the Duke so quickly, but Kari tried not to get too worked up about it, particularly in the Duke's presence. People finding out about her plans didn't put her in any more danger, really, and only made it more likely that the families of her prisoners were executed by Sekassus. It was something she was trying to avoid, but in all honesty, she wasn't even sure why.
She smiled after a few moments, not because she was happy he knew of her plans or even because of how awestruck he was with her accomplishments, but just because of the way he spoke and treated her. He was a very well-mannered and practiced speaker, and Kari wondered if that had molded him to become Duke, or if becoming Duke had molded those qualities in him. If he’d been a general under his father, she imagined the former was probably the truth. “Well, I’m not sure how that's going to go, Your Grace,” Kari said. “It'd probably make my friends choke to hear me say it, but I think it sounds a little too easy. I’m very suspicious about it all.”
The warm smile disappeared from his features and he nodded. “You are a wise leader, Lady Vanador. That is why you are suspicious when things seem too easy. Your friends may not see it this way, simply being happy with the prospect of surviving and making it home, without considering the possibility that they may be allowed to do so to serve some other end. Believe me when I say to you that I understand what you think and feel regarding this. Any time I manage to negotiate something with one of my Earls, or one of my fellow Dukes, and things go too easily, my first assumption is always that I missed something. It is this diligence that will keep you and, consequently, your Order, safe from the machinations of the demon kings.”
“I certainly hope so,” Kari said, then quickly added, “Your Grace.”
The Duke smiled again, and once they passed through the main gate of the campus, he gestured toward a stately carriage. There was a young rir male sitting in the driver’s seat dressed in a formal garment almost like a tuxedo. His hair was cut meticulously short and brushed into a neat and formal style. He hardly turned to look at what went on around him, but when Kari and the Duke approached, he hopped down quickly, opened the door, and offered his hand to assist Kari in getting up into the back. He bowed low while the Duke climbed up into the carriage, and the Duke ordered him to take them northward to the DeSales Estate. The Duke took a seat with his back to the driver so he could speak face-to-face with Kari.
“You will, of course, be allowed to change the name of the estate to whatever you wish,” he said once the driver got the carriage underway.
“What happened to the previous occupants?” Kari asked, and again she had to amend her question by adding Your Grace to the end of it.
“Sadly, the DeSales family has been wiped out,” the Duke returned. “I understand there was some incident several years back, and those who survived it were unfortunately slain in the War. I have since been running the vineyards and groves as property of the duchy, so that the land did not go to waste, but now it will be yours to do with as you please. If you wish to keep the vineyards and groves producing, I will assign my workers to you at no charge, assuming you pay them a fair wage.”
Kari nodded but didn’t want to think about trying to run a vineyard or an estate right at that moment. It was enough work being a mother and the head of the Demonhunter Order; the last thing she needed was a household and land to run. Workers, wages, income, expenses – it was too much for her to really consider. She supposed it might be something for Aeligos to do while things were quiet; he was shrewd, intelligent, and very good with numbers. That also brought Typhonix to mind, as he was – strangely – a student of economics and might have a lot of pointers on how to run things. She almost laughed as she considered she’d have to pay them a fair wage, too, to run her household for her.
They passed out of the north end of DarkWind and along the wide road that circled the city. The roads were still being repaired
from all the damage and neglect they’d suffered during and shortly after the War, and the walls around the northern estates were also in need of repair. Still, the land itself was recovering, being managed diligently by the landlords and the workers who tended the fields. Even before they entered the DeSales Estate, Kari could see that the land was very well-kept and would be a prosperous holding for her. Its vineyards stretched in rows for what seemed like miles, and only the pocked road leading up to the house gave pause to the endless march of vines.
Kari knew there was something there to be learned about the Duke taking money out of the estate but not putting any back into it, but she kept that thought tucked neatly in the back of her mind. What troubled her about it was that she would have to do the same thing until she had the funds to have the road repaired. As it stood, she still had almost no money to her name: what wages she earned as a demonhunter, she gave to her mother-in-law to help with the upkeep of the house and its pantries. If she was now the baroness of this estate, she would have to find some money somewhere to make sure its workers weren’t just paid, but also taken care of in terms of having a safe and efficient environment in which to work. It seemed running an estate might be similar to commanding the Order, in some regards.
“Your Grace, what are my duties as one of your baronesses?” Kari asked. The carriage was approaching the house at a fair pace, but they had time to chat and she didn’t want the Duke to think she was being closed off to him.
Duke Bosimar waved a hand dismissively. “Normally, a baroness would be expected to keep a standing militia to defend not only her land, but that of the duchy when called upon,” he explained. “However, the baronies here are protected by my own army, which is funded by taxes due and paid by the baronies each year after harvest. You have my ear as a baroness: since this county has no Earl, you may access my court at your leisure to express concerns, or else hear those of your neighbors. To be honest, Lady Vanador, the title is more one to distinguish you from non-landowners. Your mother may own a beautiful home in my city, but you are now a landowner, and will be afforded a good amount of respect on account of it. Of course, you likely will not notice this respect because of that your position already commands.”