The Flames of Deception - A Horizon of Storms: Book 1

by AJ Martin

  “Where do you come from?” Josephine continued to ask.

  “We live far to the east in small communities we call S’aals. I come from Tovem S’aal. As I said, my people don’t like to get out much. Except, that is, for me! So I will let you off for calling me an elf Thadius. Not many people know we ansuwan exist. Save for wizards, who know where to look for us.”

  “And how exactly did you two meet?” Thadius asked.

  Luccius opened his mouth but Matthias cut him off. “Perhaps that is a story for another time,” he said. “The pottage is getting cold.”

  “Well, it is a sincere pleasure to meet one of your kind!” Josephine smiled.

  Luccius grinned, and nodded. “The pleasure is all mine.” Josephine flushed.

  “I can see you haven’t changed that much in these last few years,” Matthias retorted, shaking his head.

  Luccius shrugged his shoulders. “I’m just being polite to a very pretty young lady!” he said.

  “Well just as well remember you’re almost seventy! It wouldn’t work Luccius!”

  “He’s seventy?” Thadius exclaimed. “He doesn’t look any older than you do!”

  “And how old am I?” Matthias asked, smiling.

  “Well you’re … you’re… I don’t know!” Thadius shrugged.

  Matthias smiled, and raised his brows. “Exactly.”

  “Ansuwan age differently to humans,” Luccius answered. Then he looked at Matthias. “Most humans.”

  Thadius shook his head. “My grandfather died when he was forty! That seemed long – lived!”

  “I’m curious,” Matthias interrupted. “Where are you travelling to now, my old friend?”

  “I haven’t decided yet,” Luccius replied. “I’ve been here for three days.” He shook his head. “I was going to leave yesterday, but then something told me I should stay for one more night. I’m glad I did now!”

  Matthias smiled and nodded. “Undoubtedly.”

  “You never answered my question Matthias,” Luccius pressed. “Where are you three off to?”

  Thadius stopped with a spoonful of pottage halfway to this mouth and stared at Matthias, mouth open.

  Matthias took a deep intake of air as he leaned back in his chair. “We’re travelling to Olindia.”

  The smile on Luccius’ face faded. “Olindia,” he chewed over the word. “Things I have picked up on my journey suggest that Olindia may not be the safest of places to go sightseeing right now.”

  Matthias leaned forward, in spite of the emptiness of the inn, save for the one known as Weasel. “What do you know?” he asked.

  “I know a great many things,” Luccius replied. “I know how to win at dice nearly every time and come out of a bar fight with barely a bruise.”

  “Don’t play games with me Luccius. I haven’t the time.”

  The Ansuwan nodded. “It isn’t anything specific. You know I can sense when people use energy. Whenever you used the earth power in the past, I might not have been able to see it, but I could feel it. I have felt the same thing here, but much, much larger. There’s... something, the further north - west you go. A pulsing.” Luccius sighed. “I’ve tried to ignore it if I’m honest. What could I do, after all? But you’re involved in it, aren’t you?

  Matthias nodded. “Aren’t I always?” He looked to the sleeping man Weasel, with his hat propped over his head. “I think maybe we should go somewhere a little more private to talk, don’t you? He may be as drunk as a skunk, but I’d rather not take any more chances.”

  “We can talk in my room,” Luccius nodded. “Follow me,” The Ansuwan said and made his way around the back.

  An Old Friend

  115th Day of the Cycle, 495 N.E. (New Era)

  The four of them crowded into the small room of the tavern, Josephine perched on the side of the small and creaky bed, and Thadius propped up on its frame. Matthias closed the door, making sure there was no one in the hallway as he did so, and leaned his palms against its course wood. His eyes flickered, and there was a faint breeze for a moment, accompanied by a sucking sound. Then he lifted his hands.

  “The room’s sealed. No one outside can hear us, even if they wanted to.”

  “First thing’s first,” Thadius said, squaring up to Luccius. “How do I know what you say can be trusted? Why should we trust you with our secrets?”

  “Luccius is a very old friend of mine Thadius,” Matthias interjected.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” the knight grimaced.

  “I see that these people’s distrust of your kind runs deeper than most,” Luccius said, brow raised.

  “With good reason!” Thadius exclaimed.

  “There is no one I trust more than Luccius, Thadius. Which is precisely why he is here.”

  Luccius looked surprised. “You knew I would be here?” he asked.

  “No,” Matthias replied, as if it was answer enough on its own. “I’ll explain later.”

  Luccius nodded. “To continue our discussion from downstairs, I’ve kept away from Olindia myself. I was going to visit, but as I say, something doesn’t feel right that far north - west.”

  Matthias nodded. “Your instincts are spot on as always. I’ve been sent to Olindia. It’s the dragon, Sikaris. He’s being freed.”

  Luccius’s eyes widened. “You are sure?” Matthias nodded and the ansuwan rubbed the back of his neck. “Well that would about do it,” he nodded. “These pulses were strong enough to keep me awake at night sometimes. But how could anyone break the dragon free?”

  “I’m not sure how, or why, for that matter. All we know is we have to stop it from happening. The gods themselves have warned Mahalia of this.”

  Luccius looked at Josephine and Thadius for a moment. “But on your own? No other wizards? I don’t understand. With such a threat, why are you travelling to Olindia with only a woman and a knight by your side?” He bowed to Josephine. “No offence meant.”

  Matthias shook his head. “The situation is complicated. Not even the combined power of all of Mahalia’s best wizards would stand any hope of blocking the forces that weaken Sikaris’s prison. We would barely scratch the surface of what they are trying. It’s a force beyond the knowledge of Mahalia: an old, unknown mix of energy and weavings.”

  “Then... what difference can you three alone make?” Luccius continued to question. “Who are these people? Do you intend to fight the dragon alone? You’ve been known to leap before you look Matthias, but this is danger on a completely different scale!”

  “I’m not the one who is going to try and stop the Dragon. This time, I’m just an escort.”

  Luccius looked confused, but then, after a pause, he followed Matthias’ gaze to Josephine. He started forward, his tall frame overpowering Josephine’s own, and stared intensely into her eyes for a moment.

  “May I?” he asked, as he moved to hold her hand, and gripped it gently as she nodded. He lifted it and placed it on his chest, his own hand covering hers, and closed his eyes.

  “What’s he doing?” Thadius asked warily.

  Matthias shrugged. “You’re asking me? The ways of the ansuwan are still a mystery to me, even after knowing Luccius for so long.”

  Suddenly Luccius gasped, and let the hand drop. Josephine jumped on the spot.

  “You are a sorceress?” he asked, uncertain. “No,” he corrected himself. “There is a purity in your gift. I...” he turned to Matthias. “What is it? I have never felt any power like it. I could not even sense it around her it is so foreign to me. Had you not pointed it out...” He paused, and turned back to Josephine again, grabbed her face in his hands, and analysed her as if he were looking for some hidden markings. Finally, after a moment, he gasped again.

  “You’re an Akari! Or, at least, your energy, it... tastes heavenly. Angelic.” He grew more excited as he spoke. “You are an angel!”

  Josephine nodded. “Thank you, I think. And you are correct. I appear to possess their power. Though do not ask me where in the w
orld I have inherited it from! According to your wizard friend here, I have been ‘chosen.’ Whatever that means.” She sighed.

  Luccius sat, or more accurately, he fell back onto the bed. “That’s impossible! How can you exist?” He turned to Matthias? “She is not possible!”

  “She is still standing here,” Josephine added, and raised a brow. Luccius blushed slightly at the remark.

  “And yet,” Matthias replied, and indicated to the princess. “I know it doesn’t make sense, Luccius, but it’s true. That’s why I’m here. I’m helping to realise her abilities. I’m taking her, together with Thadius, to Crystal Ember. She has the power to seal the dragon’s prison, once and for all. The gods have chosen her to do this. It has been written, in a seeing stone, that she can stop them.”

  Luccius seemed surprised at the comment. “A stone? But if the gods have seen fit to send a message then...” he looked awkward, and stopped mid-sentence.

  “Then we are all in very grave danger,” Josephine finished, for him. “You needn’t mind your words around me. I am growing aware of the implications. Which is precisely why we are on our way to stop this from happening. Believe me, I wouldn’t be going for anything less!”

  Luccius shook his head. “Forgive me Lady Josephine. It is just you are so young. It is difficult to perceive you wielding such power. And you of all people Matthias, to get swept up in all of this.” Then he stopped, and chuckled. “Actually, now I come to think on it, it makes perfect sense that you are in on all of this.” Thadius’s face creased with worry at the remark. Matthias shook his head again and shrugged.

  “You know me, Luccius. I wish there was time for you to get your head around this, but we’re in a lot of danger,” Matthias said. “Events have been set in motion. There are creatures following us. Demons sent by the people weakening the dragon’s prison, whoever they are. They know what is happening.”

  “They seem intent on killing me and anyone that stands in their way,” Josephine said. “We were attacked last night.”

  “We need to get to Olindia as quickly as possible," Matthias added.

  Luccius nodded. “Would another companion help you to reach Olindia faster?” he interrupted, before Matthias could even ask.

  “You’re sure?”

  “I wouldn’t have bothered offering if I wasn’t sincere!” Luccius said, a smile returning to his face.

  “You want to come with us?” Thadius exclaimed. “Why in the gods would you volunteer for this?”

  “I’ve never been one to walk away from an adventure. Have I Matthias?”

  “No, you haven’t at that,” Matthias shrugged. “But this is different from anything we’ve ever encountered before Luccius. It’s causing the world itself to bend and the gods to call upon every piece they need to fight their cause. And if you think I’m being overdramatic, then ask yourself why you and I are standing here now face to face after so long? I believe you have been nudged here by the gods Luccius, whether you know it or not. They may be physically weak but they have other means of touching the world. Small things can build up.”

  Luccius nodded. “There has been something in the air around me for a while now, a feeling of... unfinished business. I had thought it was to do with travelling or... well, other matters. But it seems it may have been someone trying to get me here.” He nodded. “You can count me in on your journey.” He stood up. “Besides, I was getting a little bored travelling on my own all the time.”

  Josephine smiled. “I will feel a lot better with you by my side as well, Mister Luccius. You have certainly brightened up the room! I would be grateful for your company on this trip.”

  The ansuwan bowed his head. “It would be my pleasure to escort you to Olindia. But one thing. Please don’t call me Mister. It’s just Luccius.”

  She thought about it, and nodded with a smile. “Very well, but I will extend the same courtesy to you. Please, just call me Josephine.”

  “Alright Josephine. You have yourself a deal!”

  The princess laughed. Then she turned to Matthias. “Not you though, ambassador. You can call me by my full title.” She looked pleased with herself.

  “You two got off on the wrong foot, did you?” Luccius asked.

  “You could say that,” added Thadius, kicking off from the bed frame and unfolding his arms. “Matthias tried to kidnap Josephine a few days ago.”

  Luccius looked to Matthias. “Kidnap?” he asked in disbelief. “You have been a great many things Matthias, but a thief and abductor is not one of them.”

  “I had my orders, Luccius. Orders I regret trying to follow,” he added. “But enough of debating the past,” he said dismissively. “If you are coming Luccius, we have to leave now. It’s a long way still to Olindia, and time is not our friend.” He made for the door. "I think it's high time we found some horses, don't you? Thadius, do you know where we can find any?"

  Thadius nodded. "Elmthorn Mews is a few minutes walk away. They should be able to provide us with some."

  Matthias nodded. "Well then, shall we get this journey started properly?"

  Their group left the inn shortly after, paying for their meals and leaving Renna to tend to her bar and her husband. When they arrived at the stable, Luccius knew the woman who tended to the horses and managed to charm her into providing four well-bred horses at a reasonable price.

  “I won’t ask how you became so familiar with that woman that she would offer us four palfreys at such low cost,” Matthias said as they ambled along on the top of their horses.

  “It’s best not to perhaps, when we are in the company of a lady,” Luccius smiled.

  They left Emalin Noire along a wide, well-trodden dusty pathway. Matthias took the lead, whilst Thadius fell behind to guard their rear. Josephine and Luccius engaged in conversation.

  “I have always wanted to visit the Sea Port of Tekri,” the princess mused.

  “There is nowhere I have ever been that quite compares,” Luccius said. “They have buildings that soar up to the clouds, built of metals that shimmer in the sunlight! Ships line the docks for miles and miles along the shoreline.”

  The princess shook her head in wonderment. “My father has always feared and admired the Letan Empire in an almost equal measure.”

  “It sounds as if he has an important role in Rina?” Luccius commented.

  Josephine blinked in surprise. “My goodness!” She held a hand up to her mouth. “In all our conversations my position was never brought up, was it?” Luccius looked confused. “I am Princess Josephine Arwell. My father is King Joseph Arwell of Aralia.”

  “You’re the heir to the throne of Aralia?” he exclaimed.

  Josephine nodded. “I did not realise that we hadn’t told you that until now!” she grinned.

  “Princess Josephine,” Luccius whispered the title.

  “I told you to just call me Josephine!” she advised.

  “That was before I knew you were royalty! It seems there is still quite a bit you have to fill me in on, Matthias!” he called in front.

  “All in good time my friend. All in good time,” Matthias called back. He was enjoying riding further ahead, the feel of the wind blowing through his hair. Explanations could wait until later. There was a long way to go.

  “Oh my Gods, I flirted with the Princess of Aralia!” Luccius said, smacking his forehead with a hand.

  Josephine laughed and leant forward to him. “Well I shall let you in on a secret: the princess quite enjoyed it!” Luccius went bright red and his ears twitched. “Anyway, I feel I have embarrassed you quite enough for one day. Let us discuss other matters. Perhaps about your home. Are you homesick, being so far away?”

  Luccius shrugged. “I suppose, in a way. I miss the place. But not the people.”

  “Why not the people?” she asked.

  “Ansuwan are... different from humans in many ways. They do not place the same value on exploration and invention. It is a world away from the one your kind has built. I have always fe
lt more at home in the company of man.”

  Josephine nodded. “I see. But your home itself, it is a pleasant land?” she asked.

  Luccius smiled and his deep hazel eyes gleamed. “Oh yes. Streams of pure, dazzlingly clear water run past houses made of the finest, most magnificent materials you will ever see. Platinum, diamonds, minerals of all sorts are plentiful in Tovem S’aal. When the sun shines down through the crystalline trees, it lights up the lands with a sparkling glow. It’s a little piece of paradise, unaffected by the rules of the rest of the world. Time works differently there. A day in your land can be a week in Tovem S’aal, and a week can be a month. It’s all because of an energy fountain.”

  “A what?” Josephine asked, entranced.

  “Our people built our community around it. They’re breakages in the ground, where energy pours out from the centre of the world. It changes the landscape around it. There are only three in all of the Triskan Continent, and all of them have been colonized by the ansuwan. I think it’s why we have such an affinity for sensing the powers. We are raised around them in such concentrations, it’s in our blood.”

  “But you cannot use them?”

  Luccius shook his head. “No. We’ve never been able to. It’s probably a good thing. But it does extend our lives quite considerably as the powers often do with others who wield them.”

  “I would very much like to visit your world some day,” Josephine said. “If I escape from this,” she said, and her voice became sad.

  “You’ll be just fine, princess,” Luccius said. “Matthias won’t let anything happen to you,” he whispered.

  Josephine snorted. “I’m not so sure about that,” she sighed.

  “Matthias is a good man,” Luccius said. “I’ve known him for a long time. He might seem a little rude sometimes, but that’s because of his people. He doesn’t agree with them a lot of the time, but he loves his country. He’s torn between his own morality and the will of his people, and more often than not it gets him into trouble. But I know he’ll get you back from all of this. Because he cares about what happens to you.”