Branded Mage

by D. W.

  Thad looked at the guard confused. It was an interesting story, but he couldn’t see the reason for it. He tried to ask Bren but the burly man just ignored his question and continued on.

  “Around the age of sixteen she had blossomed into a fine young woman, and the country was doing great, but she had no true friends. At that time I was the only one who she would speak her mind to. Over the years I had not only gotten used to her little quirks, a part of me had grown to love her. When she was nineteen she had planned on marrying me but there was such an outcry from the ladies of the court that Serena ended up calling it off. Shortly after Maria was born, the assassination attempts started again. We learned that Serena’s Aunt had married the King of Abla and was once again after the throne, this time with a supporter. That’s when she changed. She became cold with everyone except Maria. She only saw everyone else as pawns. She only saw how they could best serve her, not as individuals. Now she is at a point where her country is in civil unrest and one of her most valuable assets has refused her. For the first time in her life she is at a loss as to what to do. At first she believed you would come around and join her willingly, but she is not so sure now. Maria has told her that if she gave you your freedom, you would willingly support her, but if she did that the ladies of her court would perceive that as a weakness and work to undermine her authority in an attempt to seize control. So, what is she to do? I don’t doubt that she will visit you soon. Most likely alone, I only ask that you listen to her and try and work with her, or at the very least not against her.”

  Thad rubbed the sides of his temples as he tried to work through everything Bren had said. “I can understand what you mean about the ladies of the court, but why tell me the rest?”

  For the first time he could recall Bren gave a slight smile. “I have always believed the more you understand someone’s situation, the easier it is to look at things from their perspective and are often more inclined to help. Now I must attend to the queen’s protection. I hope you will consider everything I have said.”

  Alone again with only his thoughts, Thad mulled over everything Bren had said. He didn’t want to be a slave, but was he being selfish? To answer his question he was not being unreasonably selfish, but selfish all the same. He didn’t feel that he should have to give up all his freedom. Maybe the queen would be willing to come to an agreement. If he were to take on the mantle of a slave, he would do everything in his power to support the throne and provide free magical items to the queen and her household. He could do that, as long as he kept his freedom to continue his partnership with Monique, and the ability to travel as long as he was not needed for a Queendom specific task.

  Shortly after nightfall Bren’s prediction came true. He was awakened by a gentle taping on his arm. The queen stood next to his bed wearing a light pink nightgown that hung loosely on her body giving out only barest hint of what lie underneath. Her touch was soft and in the pale moonlight that drifted through the small window of his room, her alabaster skin almost glowed. It reminded him of the tales of fairies he had enjoyed as a young boy. Sitting lightly on the edge of the bed folding her hands neatly in her lap she let out a barely audible sigh.

  “For such a young man you have become a very large thorn in my side. Is working in the palace so deplorable that you would rather die?” She said cocking her head, frowning slightly.

  “No it’s just that …. No matter how hard it was … I was free.” His words even sounded childish to himself but at fourteen maybe fifteen depending on how long he had been in the dungeon he figured he was entitled to a little childishness.

  Something akin to sympathy appeared on her face. “I know it doesn’t seem fair and you would be right, but there are some benefits to be had. Under our protection you would have a much easier time when you traveled though the Queendom. Not even one of the peerages would dare harm or hinder you without fear of consequences. And I can honestly promise you would never want for anything.”

  “Will I be allowed to travel, or will I be forced to spend my days trailing behind the princess?”

  “Is that what you want, the freedom to travel within the Queendom?”

  Thad rubbed his hands over his face letting out a grunt. “It’s not just that. I have a partnership with Monique and the Rose Trading Company. I want to pursue my magic no matter where that takes me. I don’t mind helping out the Queendom, but I just want the freedom to do what feels right.”

  “What feels right?” The queen asked laying a comforting hand on his arm.

  Thad shook his head slowly. “I don’t know. If I didn’t know the princess, I might have joined with the people who attacked the palace, but having dealt with the bloodthirsty earlier in the year I was sure it was just another Ablaian plot. I doubted we would be treated any better under their militant rule.”

  The queen’s grip tightened on his arm and a small frown replaced her typical stoic demeanor. “Yes that is something that needs to be addressed before it turns into a full rebellion. As for your problem, as long as I reign I will allow you full freedom that would be allowed to any female born, with the exception that when called upon you must present yourself before the throne in a reasonable period of time. I would also request that when in the capital you take residence within the palace, and before you leave I ask that you advise us of the expected location and duration of your journey.”

  Thad tried vainly to hide the smile from his face. She was offering much more than he had even considered. It wasn’t actually true freedom, but it was close. “I agree to your terms Your Majesty.”

  “May we drop the Your Majesty and my queen, at least when alone? I have so few people who call me by name, and if it is possible I would like you to be one of them. It’s Serena by the way.” She didn’t wait for an answer but gingerly left the room leaving him in quite contemplation of the night’s events.

  CHAPTER II

  Thad walked through the early morning snow and throng of carpenters and stone masons looking for Millie, the builder who the queen had hired to build him a workshop in the southern corner of the palace grounds. She was a well-built lady with a body that spoke of hours of physical labor alongside her workers and slaves. She was a tad overbearing, demanding he call her, “my lady” and often commenting on how he was just a “mere male.” A few times she even threatened to take a lash to him for requesting changes in the architectural designs. Even with all that he couldn’t bring himself to hate her.

  He found Millie studying the building designs while flipping through a small stack of parchment. She was chewing on one of the many beaded braids of brown hair that seemed to sprout from her head. He knew that meant she was in a sour mood and he should try and stay as far away from her as he could, but for some reason he found it enjoyable to pester her when she was in a foul mood.

  “My Lady, how does this fine morning find you?” He tried to make his tone as light and cheerful as possible knowing it would grate on her nerves all the more.

  “As if my day wasn’t bad enough, you might just want to scurry away before I bend you over my knee and beat my frustrations out on you. I told the queen that working in cold weather would be slow, but she still demands that we hurry! I’ll be damned if I’m going to build something that will fall down in the first stiff wind. Why don’t you go on about your magical nonsense, I could care less.”

  Her words were clipped and harsh and her face even more so, as if daring him to contradict her. Thad liked to get under her skin, but he didn’t fancy the idea of being publicly whipped. He didn’t doubt for a second that she would carry through on her threat. Mage or not, she only saw him as a spoiled fifteen year old male.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Millie let out a loud humph. “Unless you can change the season and make it warm enough that my men don’t freeze and the mortar cures right, I doubt it.”

  The question intrigued him and he was soon lost to Millie’s mad ramblings as he made his way back to his room in the pal
ace. Could he affect the temperature in a set space? Fire wouldn’t work it was too unpredictable and used up vast amounts of magic to keep it burning without proper fuel.

  It wouldn’t be simple but if he could figure out how to transfer heat, he could make something like a shield that trapped heat in a confined space, but where would he get the heat from? He started thinking of everything that he knew of that could produce heat. He experimented with different ideas for a little while. Time flew by and he was dimly aware of people visiting his room. In his focused state, he barely registered anyone until the Princess rather rudely jabbed him in the ribs.

  “Yes?” He asked his voice slightly pained from his tender ribs and a pounding headache that came to bear, an unwelcomed side effect from his extended use of magic.

  “It’s time for dinner, and mother wants you to come. She has invited a few people who will be useful in dealing with the current civil upheaval. She wants your input as well.” She jumped off of his bed and raced toward the door with a mischievous grin on her face. “Oh, and Bren is looking for you. He is not happy that you missed your combat training today.”

  Thad let out a loud groan. Ever since he had been allowed out of bed, Bren had started a rigorous training routine to, “get him back in shape.” Growing up in the academy he had always enjoyed combat training, but Bren seemed to enjoy taking all the pleasure out of it by continuing to beat him senseless. That coupled with the queens near insane attempts to make sure he had everything he needed kept him so busy he hadn’t even had the time to get word to Shariel of his release.

  After washing his face and hands in a small basin one of the servants had graciously brought to his room, he dressed in one of the outfits the queen had sent him as “approved” attire for formal occasions. It was a dark green doublet with a slightly lighter green lace adorning the cuffs and neckline, as well as a pair of hose so tight that he feared one wrong move would expose his manhood.

  As he entered the dining hall Thad noticed half a dozen women of varying ages idly chatting with the queen. Bren’s eyes cut to him as soon as he entered the room. Thad could tell the man was none too pleased with him at the moment. Thad didn’t understand how the Guard could convey so many feeling with only his eyes, while the rest of his body remained motionless as he stood behind the queen.

  Noticing his presence the queen greeted him warmly. “Thaddeus, so glad you could join us.” The ladies gathered around the queen studied him intently. While most of the ladies faces showed interest, the youngest looking of the group, somewhere in her late teens or early twenties with mahogany brown hair, face showed nothing but utter disgust at his presence.

  “It will still be awhile until the meal is ready, and the princess should be down shortly. Why don’t you join us while we wait?” The queen’s voice was kind and gentle but it held a strong commanding undertone.

  At the queen’s command, he found an empty seat next to a motherly looking woman with light brown hair with just a hint of silver streaks running through it. The lady gave him a gentle smile. Her light green eyes sparkled, making her seem years younger suddenly. Looking around, he noticed that all eyes, both friendly and not, were on him. Embarrassed from the attention he was receiving, he ducked his head blushing furiously.

  “This is the mighty mage you’ve been telling us about Serena? He is just a baby; I bet he can still count his hairs on one hand.” The younger lady who had been eyeing him fiercely said. Her tone was harsh and mocking.

  “Yes he does look quite young, and I see it as a reason to expect great things. I am not one to count worthiness on age or gender. If I did, then you would fall in the same category. It wasn’t that long ago I remember you tailing behind your mother crying about your lost doll.” The motherly lady next to him said in a jokingly manner.

  The room soon erupted in what could only be described as polite chaos as the ladies tore into each other with thinly veiled insults and heavy handed sarcasm. This went on for a few minutes until the queen interceded.

  “Now that were all introduced, let’s get down to business. What are we to do about the current unrest of out male population?”

  The ladies popped in with a range of solutions, but few of them actually addressed the problem as he saw it. It wasn’t just their rights, but the overall attitude of the females toward them that had caused the situation. Thad stayed quiet, listening to the women talk and argue about what would be best for the Queendom.

  “Thaddeus, you’re being awfully quiet. What would you do to address the current situation?” The queen’s voice was light but carried well. Silencing the ladies and drawing their attention back to him.

  “I don’t really know. It wouldn’t hurt to pass a few laws protect their basic rights, but you would have to do more. I understand the reason for property to be passed down through the female line, but not allowing men to buy property is one of the larger problems. The idea works for the upper class, but when you get to the common person all you’re doing is caging them into perpetual slavery, marked or not.”

  The lady next to him patted his arm reassuringly. “He’s got a point Serena, without the ability to even buy or own property, their forced to rent at high prices. Many of the best craftsmen have to work for little or nothing because they cannot own a business. While I believe the peerage should remain with the female line, I don’t believe it works as well with the peasants.”

  “What about our slaves? You don’t expect us to give them all up do you? There are plenty of laws in place to ensure they are well taken care of.” A sandy-haired woman with a hawk like nose said, sounding affronted by the idea.

  This started a whole new round of verbal combat. At some point during the discussion the princess made her way into the room wearing a white dress that seemed to float around her, almost like a cloud. Thad was glad for the distraction and smiled warmly at the princess as she took a seat next to her mother.

  Shortly before the food arrived, the ladies and the queen outlined an agreement they could all support. A royal decree would be given that would give men back the right to purchase property, but would have to declare an inheritor or it would revert to the property of the Queendom. Slavery would continue, but with the added condition that a slave could buy their freedom if they paid double the amount of their purchase.

  The decision seemed like too large of a step to Thad. While he wanted his fellow men to have the rights they deserved, he was afraid that going too far to fast could be disastrous. He wasn’t sure what would happen, but he hoped it all went well.

  When the meal arrived, the conversation turned polite, and the barbs and verbal attacks disappeared. To say he was confused was an understatement. He couldn’t understand how the women could seem like the best of friends and the bitterest enemies at the same time.

  The meal continued without too much fanfare. Alysia, the older lady who had championed him earlier, turned out to be the Duchess of Calisaren. When he learned who she was he inquired on Eloen, the young captain of her army that he had met in Avael. Remembering his last meeting with the captain made Thad’s cheeks to burn a brilliant shade of red.

  “Oh yes, Eloen is my niece, and one of my best officers. She has spoken very highly of your skills on the battlefield. I am very grateful for your help at the battle of Avael. From what I have learned, the town would have been razed if you had not interceded when you did.”

  Unused to such praise Thad ducked his head to hide his blushing face. Alysia moved the conversation along and they began talking of his interests and hobbies, which were few. While academic study was not her strongest area of expertise, she did give him an excellent idea. She suggested he seek out the dean of the Royal School. Who she claimed was one of the foremost scholars in all of Kurt.

  After the meal, the princess kindly pulled him from the room as the ladies started another series of verbal wars. She led him to her favorite spot, a small balcony that overlooked the palace garden. Since his release, they had spent almost every night on the
balcony talking under the moonlight. He always enjoyed the relaxing and beautiful sight of the garden in the pale moonlight.

  The queen employed dozens of slaves just to tend the small garden. To make sure the rare and difficult to cultivate Moon Lilies stayed healthy. They filled the garden, and while during the day they looked like a simple white lily, they shimmered and cast a faint glow that lit up surrounding area in the moonlight. Adding to the enchantment, fireflies were drawn to the flowers, and seemed to dance in the air around them.

  Their late night talks were never serious, but usually fancy of what would be or could be. Tonight she had brought a simple deck of Honeth cards. He knew it was a bit childish to play games when he should be working, but the princess seemed to enjoy what little time she had to just act her age.

  He had to admit, he even enjoyed the time he spent with her. She never expected him to perform magic for her, or be a master scholar as many of the nobles did. She oohed and awed when he performed some new bit of magic he had learned, but mainly she just let him be him without the fear of ridicule.

  Back in his room after being thoroughly beaten in four straight games of Honeth, Thad kicked back on his bed, silently vowing to himself to learn how to play the game better. He didn’t mind losing, but the little princess loved to goad him about it. The worst part was that she was so cute when doing it that he couldn’t even force himself to get mad at her.

  Clearing his mind of the day’s events, he concentrated back on the problem of heating. There were plenty of things that gave off heat, but without knowing how the heat was created or traveled, there was no way to reproduce the effect through magic. Slightly annoyed at his own incompetence, he decided tomorrow would be a good time to visit the Royal School and Shariel.

  CHAPTER III

  The Royal School was a large group of buildings on the edge of the capital. The school had been built shortly after the creation of Farlan. Just after the collapse of the great empire. It had originally been built outside of the city, but over the decades the capital had expanded and formed around the school.