Chronicles of Aurderia: The Balance

by J. Steven Young

“Dur!” Moona scowled back.

  “As a sanctioned weaver, I have privileges to the Academy library,” he said.

  “You had privileges. We have no knowledge of what has transpired in New Draven and the Academy. Word is they have closed the city walls!” Orian said.

  “Well, that won’ be a problem. I know a certain smuggler who has ways between the walls,” Codger said.

  “And what may this smuggler extort for payment this time?” Moona asked.

  “You know he did not get all the plans for the Mellamu Nanna,” Codger implied.

  “That is your plan, you want to hand over the full plans on building magurmu over to a dwarf pirate?” Shuran asked.

  “I was not planning on givin’ ‘im the means to power it!” Codger added.

  “And if he were to hold you until you did?” Shuran asked.

  “Hey, perhaps he would hold you instead Shuran. You could become a pirate. They could call you Shin’ARRRGH!” Mallick joked.

  Even Shuran laughed this time.

  ***

  They boarded the Mellamu Nanna early the next day. Since they planned on flying her down to smugglers cove, they needed to make certain the ship would be warded against multiple threats.

  The night before Mallick accessed the Library, searching for spells of protection they could imbue upon the magurmu, flying boat. They used the knowledge gained to add a cloaking spell, a shield, fireproofing, and spelling the sails against damage.

  Codger suggested the fire proofing, remembering the accident Shuran had that scorched the main deck and mast. Runes etched into the control panel on the pilot’s deck would trigger the spells. The shield and cloaking spell could be triggered with a spelled charm as well. They packed only essentials so to keep the load light for speed.

  Shuran could call forth anything they needed.

  They settled aboard the vessel and with the aid of the recharged Abnu Emuq, they lifted into the air and headed South. They engaged the cloak before clearing the trees as not to attract notice by anyone that would be near enough to see a boat flying through the sky.

  Rather than head out to fly over the Great Sea, Mallick suggested they fly low over the land to get a sense of what might me happening. They headed southeast toward Birchshire and would fly along a path that would take them near the largest settlements and villages. Using spyglasses, they were able to see well enough to determine the state of the realm.

  As they traveled past Birchshire, they could tell that thus far it remained untouched. Perhaps, having been visited by the Inquisitors and Royal Guard already, the need for the town being sacked was overlooked. Of course there was no reasoning for what the Order was up to. The death walkers were rampaging across the realm, destroying everything in their path.

  Further east they flew past Elmwood. They already heard of the devastation, this was a chance to both confirm and appraise the damage. Elmwood was a burnt out shell of a village. Little was left of the town square. Every building was burnt down or blown to pieces. Here and there, a stray animal ran about, but there was no sign of the villagers that once lived here. Those who had escaped were not likely to return any time soon.

  Traveling the countryside by magurmu, would normally be exciting and an adventure. Seeing the realm is such a state of upheaval sapped the joy out of the trip for everyone except for Avrank.

  He jumped and ran from side to side of the deck looking at everything there was to see. “I have never been this far south. I am also unaccustomed to this warmer air,” he said.

  As much as Orian and Avrank teased each other, they were becoming best of friends. Orian moved some crates to create steps and a platform for Avrank to reach the rail and see over the sides.

  “Signs of the death walker army and ogre movements are nonexistent as they must travel by some dark magic,” Mallick said.

  “There is no ‘dark’ magic Mallick.” Codger said.

  “Weaving is all about intent. If you intend something dark then the working is dark and the opposite if you intend good,” Mallick said in a trance-like state.

  Shuran looked at him sideways.

  Mallick held up his hand and wiggled his ring finger.

  “How could resurrecting the dead ever be anything but dark? The shi has left the body,” Shuran asked.

  “A shi can be anchored to or trapped in an object. You would need to bring the body back to life and reverse the damage of rot, but you could put the soul back,” Orian said. “I read something about it in the library as well,” he added.

  Shuran assumed that Mallick had shared their conversation about Bastien.

  They continued south along the Napalkua River where they passed the Zig’Mada falls. It was an unnatural break in the river that formed into a waterfall when the ground rose up.

  Shuran took a moment to feel out with the Essence. He had sensed the falls a few days earlier when searching the Emmuku’Gu to find a place to drop the ogres. When he felt the falls, there was something there he could not take the time to explore.

  “Codger can you move us a bit lower and closer to the falls? I would like to check on something,” Shuran asked. When he reached out to feel for the oddness of the falls, he explored what first drew his curiosity. There were tunnels behind the falls and they were lined with deposits and something else.

  “We will have to come back here when there is time. Beside gug and crystal deposits there is a full tunnel system that is not natural. The gug is preventing me probing deeper,” Shuran shared.

  New Draven crept into view over the horizon soon after they passed Two Bridges and Castleton.

  Codger took the ship a bit higher making certain to clear the turrets and towers of the buildings and castle.

  “Codge, engage the shield,” Shuran said.

  “Are you expecting trouble Shuran?” Orian asked.

  “No, I plan to avoid it, the shield will block out any spells designed to detect intrusion. Unless someone knows to look for a shielded vessel they will not sense us. If someone looks close enough they might see a ripple in the sky, but if we are higher it is unlikely to be detected.”

  Shuran took out a spyglass and began examining the goings on in the Aurderian capital city. “There are Royal Guard everywhere. And the gates are sealed shut.”

  “It is not but two hours before Utu sets below the horizon, why would they close up the gates?” Mallick asked.

  “Because they are under order to keep everyone out,” Codger said. “We’re off to see the smuggler,” Codger said as he turned the Mellammu Nanna west toward the coast.

  ***

  The site before everyone’s eyes was surprising. The once nearly empty bay of smuggler’s cove was full with ships that were a near double to the Mellamu Nanna.

  “That sneaky little bastard!” Codger spat.

  “What did you expect scat for brains!” Moona whispered. “Time for a laugh!” She continued as she released both the shield and cloak spells.

  The ship glided over the docks to the nearest slip available. Luckily there was one near the office. A crowd of dockworkers and smugglers gathered after they gained their senses. More than a few had wet their breeches.

  Codger began the decent into the available slip. The wings folded in and tucked up along side the ship as the vessel came to rest in the water. The dock was crowded with onlookers but they cleared quickly when the smuggler’s guild leader came barreling down from his office.

  “What is the meaning of this? Who are you and what is this…” he stopped in mid bark when he saw Codger standing ready to disembark the vessel, now docked in Aknrad’s personal slip.

  “Codger you old bastard, I knew you left something out of those plans but I had no idea!” Aknard said.

  Codger stood staring at the dwarven guild leader as the Zidu’Si set out the gangplank. He wore a grin from ear to ear as he headed down to meet his old friend.

  “Of course I didn’ give up all her secrets, fool! I only left out an important bit or two,” Codger s
aid.

  “I should think you left a bit more off the list than that you scoundrel,” Aknard replied.

  “All right, you two dullards shut it and get up to that office. We got business, and time is shorter than Avrank!” Moona yelled as she pushed past them.

  Shuran, Mallick, and the Zidu’Si followed behind. As the last member passed he nodded.

  “Hello Uncle!” Avrank said to Aknard as he scrambled up the pier chasing after the others.

  “What is going on here? And why is my nephew out of the Orenthal and among the likes of you? He is royalty for Damkianna’s sake!” Aknard scowled.

  “I am Zidu’Si now Uncle, my brother sits as heir apparent,” Avrank said as his uncle took him into a huge embrace.

  “Oh how I have missed you, my little turd!” Aknard said.

  “TURD?” Orian, Mallick, and Shuran all said in unison.

  “That was my little name for him when he was young. Being so small people got to calling him ‘tur’ meaning small in ancient tongue. He always acted the little mischievous shit as well. So I began calling him turd!” Aknard said.

  “HA! You are a little shit! Bumping into arses!” Orian laughed.

  “REGARDLESS!” Moona said. “We have a need, and you have the means, Aknard. Let us get to business!” she took charge.

  “So let me get this through my mind, you want to break into the city or you want to get into the Library of the Academy?” Aknard said.

  “Ultimately we only need access to the Academy,” Shuran interjected before Moona could continue bullying Aknard.

  Aknard was somewhat relieved. “You want to break into the most secure magical institution on all of Ersetu?” he asked.

  “Not the most secure, but yes,” Moona said.

  Shuran shot her a glance and she immediately understood her misstep. This was not lost on Aknard.

  “We hope to use Codger’s right as a sanctioned mage to gain access,” Mallick said.

  “Well, that will not work alone. You would only get audience if you submit an apprentice for sanctioning consideration, to even get in the doors these days,” Aknard replied.

  “Why?” Codger asked.

  “Because they need weavers to help with those dead things popping up all over the realm,” Aknard answered.

  “So they attack here as well?” Shuran asked.

  “I would not say they attack here yet, but they have been seen about,” Aknard answered.

  The implication was not lost on everyone. Somehow the Academy was involved with the Order.

  “Take me to the Academy!” Shuran said.

  Codger started to object.

  “It only makes sense, if there is trouble I can get us out,” Shuran said.

  “They will separate us likely, and put you to test before I can locate what we need Shuran,” Codger said.

  “Let me worry about that, you forget what I am now,” he answered.

  “Wait just a… is this the young babe in arms that you secreted away all those harvests ago?” Aknard asked.

  “Aye, he is something more than he appears,” Codger admitted.

  Aknard looked at Avrank remembering the comment about being Zidu’Si and added it together. He bowed. “Shin’Ar reborn, your need is my duty to provide,” he said.

  “That’ll be ‘nough, all o’ ya!” Moona said. “We got things to do and people to find. Get on with it already. Aknard as adopted mother of the Shin’Ar, I command you to find me something to smoke!” Moona screeched as she poked him with her pipe stem.

  “It is gonna cost you!” Aknard said looking back at the Mellamu Nanna.

  Shuran engaged the shield.

  ***

  Aknard got them into the grounds and near the entrance to the academy. They approached the guards at the doors and presented themselves.

  “I am here to present my apprentice before the grand masters,” Codger stuttered out.

  The guards glanced at him then Shuran. They ignored them. Shuran lifted his hand and sent fire to the ground before them then water to extinguish it.

  After their shock wore off they opened the gates and sent a page to announce them to the council. The page returned to meet them in the gallery and escorted them to the council chambers. They entered to find the Great Council in session.

  “Who presents a candidate to the council this day?” the center member asked.

  “Codger, sanctioned mage of the second order. My papers are up to date,” he added as the guard moved toward him.

  “We will see to your apprentice,” the councilman said. “You may wait outside.”

  “Might I be permitted the library while I wait? I have been testing a theory on the collapse of a re-animation spell?” Codger said working in a bit about the undead army hoping to help his request.

  “By all means!” the oldest looking councilman replied quickly.

  Shuran and Codger were sent separate ways. Shuran nodded at Codger and they parted.

  Shuran was taken to a room not far from the chamber he has just left. Inside he was instructed to sit down and wait. “You will be tested young abisu. You will be placed if you pass,” a voice called out.

  “And if I do not pass?” Shuran asked.

  “Then you shall be placed… elsewhere,” the voice returned.

  From a door behind Shuran a figure entered. Shuran had his shields up and could feel his approach. Shuran was not surprised by the initial attack. His shield deflected the fireball thrown.

  “You will have to do better than that,” Shuran said. He planned on keeping the testers busy, allowing Codger enough time. He would wait until he received a signal.

  Codger entered the Library and walked up to the desk of the Librarian. “I am looking for some information on spells on giant metallurgy.”

  “Aisle seventy-four, row one hundred fifty-four, on lower level seven,” the librarian replied.

  ‘Holy yak scat’ Codger thought to himself. “Stairs or is there a lift?” Codger asked.

  “We do not allow elemental powers or conveniences here, you will find the main stair case to your left. NEXT!” the Librarian said, even though there was no one else waiting.

  Codger made his way to the stairs and recited the location in his head over and over so he did not forget.

  “Impressive!” The attacker said. “You can shield, that is advanced. How are you at offense I wonder?” The tester asked. “Throw me a ball of fire!” he ordered.

  “What kind?” Shuran asked.

  The tester hesitated.

  “What do you mean ‘what kind’? There is only fire.”

  “What are they teaching here?” Shuran asked, “Witch fire, hell fire, earth fire, iron fire… you see there are multiple ways to defend,” Shuran replied. “Is there someone more… experienced to test me?” Shuran asked hoping to stall for time. He gained only one hour before someone new entered the room.

  “I hear you are over confident in your abilities. I shall stub your ego boy!” the new tester exclaimed.

  “Give me your best!” Shuran said.

  Codger worked his way through book after book, leaving a mess behind him. He finally came upon a section that was roped off and held a closed case with a single book enclosed. He signaled to Shuran, “I will raise an alarm!”

  “Only if you are certain,” Shuran replied.

  “What did you say initiate?” the tester said.

  “Get on with it, unless you are frightened?” Shuran prodded.

  The new tester prepared a volley of various fires from different directions.

  Shuran was well prepared for the attack. One by one the balls of fire flew toward him from different directions. Shuran met each with a spell of opposite force. The test went on with attack after attack until finally someone else entered the room.

  “I will take over,” the new figure said.

  Codger broke the charm protecting the ancient tome. As soon as it happened an audible alarm was raised. Codger hit his charm and alerted Shuran.
<
br />   “I will send you to the Mellamu Nanna,” Shuran said and then Codger moved through the lines to the vessel.

  “Who were you talking to?” the new tester asked.

  Shuran was still unable to see anyone else in the room, but he could feel them.

  “I was just wondering what lackey they have sent now. Why not just set me against the death walkers?” Shuran asked.

  “What do you know of the death walkers?” came the response.

  “They are an abomination to the face of Ersetu!” Shuran called out.

  There was a long pause and then a response.

  “It takes one to recognize another does it not…ANZILLU!“

  Codger made it back to the Mellamu Nanna with the book from the library. He sat there for nearly an hour before realizing that Shuran was not to follow.

  “Moona is going to kill me!” he said aloud. Codger stowed the book in the ship before heading back to Aknard’s office. “Shuran is in trouble!”

  Immediately Mallick reached out to Shuran mentally through the link of the Zidu’Si. “Shuran what is happening?”

  “I will be there soon. I taunt them to see what they truly know about the threat to Aurderia. I suspect collusion,” Shuran replied.

  “What? I do not understand?” Shuran said to the new tester.

  “You thwarted that last test without the aid of a spell. Either you wove the spell without spoken word, which is highly unlikely, or you worked elemental magic. You are either not a human man or anzillu because you do not have the look of a Drakkian,” he said.

  “You think it impossible that I could wield without a word? Speaking a spell is the true weakness. If you cannot control your thoughts you should not be a weaver,” Shuran said.

  “ANZILLU! I will see you destroyed. It is likely you, who sends these undead creatures to our peaceful settlements, destroying everything in sight!” the man said.

  “Prove your claim and I will submit, otherwise you will regret your accusation,” Shuran threatened.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “We are ready!” The ancient kashshaptu croaked from the cauldron. “For too long we have been forced to live in this wretched swampland!” she continued. “No longer will we be forced to stay within the borders of the misty swamps, lest the rotting curse set in.”