An Empire in Runes (The Runes of Issalia Book 3)

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Parker nodded and knelt beside Brock, ready to do as she instructed.

  Ashland nodded, took a breath, and pulled the knife free. Blood spurted from the wound before Parker could cover it. He pushed down on Brock’s chest as Ashland closed her eyes. In her panicked state, it took a moment to calm herself enough to find her center, her source of Order. She reached out, searching for Brock’s source of Order through their physical connection. It was weak, the weakest she had ever encountered. He was dying.

  Don’t die on me, Brock. She pleaded through their connection. Fight! Stay alive for me!

  A red spark of Chaos flashed and his source of Order ignited. Ashland seized the life force, using it to mend his punctured heart and cracked skull. Brock’s body shook with a spasm, and he gasped for air. Ashland’s eyes opened and she examined him closely, breathing hard from her exertion. While Brock’s eyes remained closed, his breathing had returned to normal. His face blurred in her vision as moisture clouded her eyes. She gently picked his head up and held it in her lap, crying in relief as her tears dripped upon his forehead.

  CHAPTER 43

  Brock sat upright, and the room spun as spots danced in his vision. He tipped sideways and Ashland caught him.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, clearly concerned.

  “I’ll be fine,” Brock replied. “Now, help me stand.”

  Not appearing happy about it, Ashland put his arm about her shoulders and assisted him to his feet. While hugging his waist, she helped him across the room and out the door. Brock knew he needed more time to recover, but he couldn’t bear another minute in the Infirmary. At this point, those dark cells had become the source of too many bad memories.

  “I’m still trying to get this straight. Tell me again what happened.” Brock asked.

  Ashland glanced at him, her eyes narrowing as she considered her response.

  “Leave me out of it. I’m fine, but what about the others?”

  She shrugged. “Once you freed Cam and Cassius, they went straight to Gort. Backed by Cassius’ reputation, they were able to convince Gort of the truth. Gort commanded the Holy Army to free the others and made for the Hall of Masters. When Cassius, Cam, Budakis, and Gort had the room under control, things began to unravel quickly for The Hand. Nindlerod pledged that he had no involvement with The Hand and had the people’s best interest at heart.” She smiled. “He suggest that everyone in the room repeat the phrase and that anyone who could not do so truthfully should be arrested.”

  Brock nodded at the idea. “So, what happened?”

  “At first, there was resistance, but that changed when Budakis repeated the pledge and approached the table where the other Academy instructors were seated. Budakis began with Kardan, forcing the other Master Paladin to stand while Budakis held his sword to the man’s throat. Surprisingly, Kardan refused to repeat the pledge. He instead stated that The Hand was in the right and it was in the people’s best interest for The Hand to control citizen’s lives.”

  “Kardan?” Brock was shocked at first and then remembered what Tegan had said after attacking Turan, Juran, and Puri.

  “Yes. He wasn’t the only one either,” Ashland replied. “By the time they were finished, half of the faculty was in shackles, including Shim, Tennison, and a few others.”

  Brock whistled at the thought. He then thought of the one master who had made his stay at the Academy difficult. “Pretencia?”

  Ashland shook her head. “No. Not him. In fact, he seemed more appalled by the idea of The Hand than anyone.”

  “Hmm.” Brock mumbled.

  “Vandermark, Eldarro, Ipswitch, and Varius were, of course, found to be members of The Hand. In fact, Varius and Vandermark appear to be leaders within the organization.” Ashland said. “And then, there are the Prelates.”

  “Prelates? Which ones?” Brock asked.

  She shrugged. “All of them. Every single one.”

  Brock sighed. “All of them? That’s going to be a problem. What are they going to do with them?”

  “You’re going to love this.” Ashland grinned.

  Brock rolled his eyes. “Okay, out with it already.”

  She laughed. “The members of The Hand are on their way to the same prison where we freed the Unchosen. They can look forward to many hours working within the mines.”

  Brock stared at her in shock. After a moment, a laugh burst free. “That is certainly ironic. In fact, it’s even a bit poetic.” He shook his head in wonder. “Speaking of the Unchosen, what about them?”

  Ashland shrugged. “Cassius convinced the Academy to empty their vault by giving one gold Imperial to each surviving Arcanist to do as they wish, with the option to live at the school for now. We have a good number of empty rooms after the war, so housing is not an issue. Most opted to stay while the others left this morning. It’s still unclear what will happen with those who remained, but at least they have a roof and food.”

  They reached their destination, stopping outside the door.

  Brock removed his arm from about her shoulder and used his hand to push his hair back. He expected that he looked a wreck, but there was little to do for it. Ashland opened the door, holding it open for Brock as he stepped into the Hall of Masters.

  Brock found a single table in the center of the room, placed on the Truth rune, permanently etched into the stone tiles. Pretencia stood at the end of the table as he addressed the people seated along each side.

  “...takes care of the situation here.”

  The Hierarchy Master stopped speaking when he noticed Brock and Ashland. The others turned toward Brock, watching as Ashland helped him across the room.

  Brock’s mind drifted as he recalled his last visit to the Hall of Masters. On trial before a room of unfriendly faces, the experience had ended with him taking a knife in the heart and almost dying. As a heartwarming contrast to that event, warm smiles appeared on the faces of everyone in the room, appearing happy to see him alive and well.

  Cam, Benny, Parker, Tenzi, Jestin, Elias, and Salina sat along one side of the table while Gort, Cassius, Jake, Julius, and Academy Masters Nindlerod, Mae, Rigli, Budakis, and Ackerson occupied the other side.

  “Are you okay, Brock?” Benny asked.

  “I’ll be fine.” Brock replied as he eased his way into an open seat. “I just need a bit more time…and a bit more food. I’m still making up for the two days of meals I missed.”

  Benny patted Brock on the shoulder as Ashland sat in the open chair beside Brock.

  “It’s good to see you on your feet, Brock.” Pretencia said. “I must…apologize for any mistreatment I have caused you. I’m sorry.”

  Brock was shocked at the Truth he felt from the statement. He simultaneously realized that the effect of the Truth rune remained as strong as ever and that this man, who had appeared pitted against Brock from the start, was sincere in his apology.

  Brock stammered to reply. “Um. Yeah. That’s okay. I guess you were deceived by The Hand, too.”

  Pretencia nodded. Nindlerod laughed and poked Pretencia in the stomach.

  “Ha. They got you, Dalwin.” Nindlerod cackled. “They didn’t fool old Nindlerod but they tricked you, Master of Uptightness.”

  Pretencia frowned at Nindlerod, appearing to consider a retort.

  “Guess what?” Benny said to Brock with a huge grin. “You’re looking at the Academy’s newest Engineering Instructor.”

  “You?” Brock asked, taken aback.

  “Probably among the youngest instructors we’ve ever had, too.” Nindlerod added. “Hedgewick here is going to help me revamp the program.” He cackled in laughter. “Just imagine the amazing things we are goi
ng to do when we combine Infusion with Science.”

  Brock smiled, nodding as he thought about the two genius’ working together. His smile turned to a frown as he considered the implications. “What about how infusing Chaos corrupts people and animals. Look at how Infusion changed Elias and the others.” Brock thought about Wraith. “And how it created bacabra.”

  Elias nodded. “Precisely. That’s why using Infusion on living things will be strictly forbidden and will be a crime punishable by death.”

  Numerous heads about the table nodded in agreement to the statement.

  Pretencia cleared his throat, drawing attention. “When we discovered that numerous faculty members were part of The Hand, a number of positions became open. Mister Hedgewick has agreed to fill one opening while Mister Wykatt has agreed to a position as a Master Ecclesiast.”

  Ashland leaned over and gave Jestin a hug. “That’s wonderful! I’m happy for you, Jestin.” She nodded to Benny. “You too, Benny. You’ll do great, I know it.”

  “What about Vandermark’s position?” Brock asked. “Who’s going to run the school now?”

  “That will be my job,” Ackerson replied. “I’ve been training for it already, despite the fact I often disagreed with Vandermark’s decisions. Now, it appears that those decisions might have been driven by ulterior motives regarding his involvement with The Hand.”

  Brock nodded, thinking that Ackerson would do a good job with the school.

  “We have already agreed that things will change significantly here.” Ackerson glanced about the room. “For instance, Mister Firellus and Miss Shakar have agreed to help build a program to guide our students in the uses and rules of Chaos.”

  Brock glanced at Elias and Salina, who sat beside one another. The man bowed his head at the statement while Salina smiled, appearing excited at the idea. Brock smiled, feeling happy for Salina. He expected that she would do well as an instructor.

  “It’s really happening, then?” Brock turned toward Pretencia. “What does this mean for Unchosen? They’re the ones who can wield Chaos.”

  Pretencia nodded. “Of course things will change for them as well.” He sighed. “The Choosing ceremony was apparently created to filter out Chaos users and to label them as Unchosen. That practice stops now. It will take some time for old prejudices to subside, but we will strive to treat everyone equally, with or without a rune. In addition, citizens will no longer be assigned a vocation, which should help to shift those old ideals. ”

  Brock turned toward Ashland, their eyes meeting as smiles lit their faces.

  “That brings up a larger question. One that we must now address.” Pretencia stated.

  Brock frowned. “What about?”

  Pretencia replied. “The Empire. Or more accurately, what needs to change now that we know what we know.”

  Cassius interjected. “When The Horde attacked Sol Polis, the city and the entire province were ill-suited to protect the people. Having a centrally located army just does not work.”

  “Worse yet,” Nindlerod added, “The Empire is too spread out for efficient communication.”

  Pretencia sighed. “To add fuel to the fire, I’ve come to believe that what is in the best interest of one province might have negative results for another province.”

  Brock frowned. “What are you saying?”

  Pretencia looked around the room before responding. “I’m saying that…we might be better off dissolving the Empire and allowing the provinces to rule themselves. Each province could form its own army, govern its own people, and cultivate its resources the best that they can manage. As it, stands, half the Empire is going to start anew anyway, as a result of the invasion. The other half is now bereft of the corrupt leaders who had been in power. There will never be a better, nor more necessary, time for change. ”

  Brock thought about the situation as he considered what Pretencia proposed. He recalled what he had learned about the kingdoms that existed before the founding of the Empire and the problems they faced.

  “History tells us that the old kingdoms fought over borders and trade issues.” Brock said. “We would need something in place to prevent the same from occurring in the future.”

  “An alliance.” Cassius suggested.

  Budakis nodded. “Yes. One that would position the other kingdoms against any who would break the pact.”

  Pretencia added. “The leaders could meet here once a year to hash-out trade agreements and issues that affect everyone.”

  “We must include the Tantarri.” Cam said.

  Everyone turned toward him, unused to hearing his voice.

  “Yes, I agree.” Brock said.

  “How do you propose we do that?” Pretencia asked. “We’ve never had successful relations with the Tantarri.”

  “I’ll make it work,” Cam replied.

  Brock smiled, thinking of Puri. Even if not selected to lead the Tantarri, she would help make peace. It is what Turan would have wanted.

  “We seem to have a blank slate, but who leads these new nations?” Budakis posed.

  Benny asked, “Can we have the people vote and let them choose a leader?”

  Pretencia scoffed. “It’s a noble idea, Mister Hedgewick. However, what do the people know? How could they possibly make an educated vote? It would be a simple popularity contest, and those who have the most money would seek and seize the role for the power it holds.” He shook his head. “Maybe someday in the future such an idea is possible, but today it is simply not tenable.”

  Parker asked. “Are you suggesting that we pick the new leaders?”

  Pretencia nodded, clearly in his element. “That is exactly what I propose. In fact, I suggest we start by officially dissolving the Empire, which also means that we disband the Holy Army.” He nodded at Captain Gort. “Sorry, Gort. That puts you out of a job.”

  Gort’s face clouded, his mouth forming a frown. Before a retort could form, Pretencia continued.

  “Now, hear me out.” Pretencia said, holding his hands up. “I propose that we send each Paladin to their respective nation to help start a new army, one with a mission to protect their nation and to defend the alliance of nations should a common enemy appear.” He pointed toward Gort. “Where are you from?”

  Gort shrugged. “I grew up in Sol Gier.”

  “Perfect.” Pretencia nodded. “Kalimar needs a lot of help rebuilding. You can help lead the effort by becoming the Duke of Sol Gier.”

  Gort blinked, startled by the concept.

  “Parker, you’ve been involved in politics your whole life.” Pretencia grinned. “How would you like to be the King of Kalimar?”

  Parker appeared taken aback. He looked at Tenzi, who stared back at him without expression. He swallowed hard before turning back toward Pretencia.

  “Sorry, sir,” Parker replied. “I’m going to have to pass. I have…other plans.”

  Again, Brock felt the Truth of the statement. Parker genuinely did not want the position.

  Benny nudged Parker. “Are you kidding? He just asked if you wanted be a King. You don’t want the job?”

  Parker shrugged. “I was thinking that I’d rather sail.”

  Tenzi smiled at Parker, who smiled back.

  Pretencia nodded. “Interesting. Kalimar could also use a Navy. Perhaps you two would like to be co-admirals of the Kalimar Navy?”

  Parker glanced toward Tenzi, who nodded. He smiled and nodded. “That’s a job we might accept.’

  “Perfect!” He glanced about the room. “Since Parker didn’t want to be king of Kalimar, I will take the job. I also grew up in Sol Polis and would like to see t
he city return to its former glory.”

  When nobody objected, Pretencia rubbed his hands together. “Now we are rolling.” He looked about the room with a smile. “Who wants to be King of Torinland?”

  PART V:

  The Hero Inside

  CHAPTER 44

  Lost in thought, Cassius reflected on the events of the past month. His world had shifted dramatically, responsibility once again seeking him out. When he left the Holy Army to settle in Nor Torin, he had hoped to live out his years in relative peace. So much for a quiet retirement.

  The journey from Fallbrandt had provided a brief respite, enabling Cassius to recover from all that had transpired. Blessed with two days of mild weather, he and his retinue made it to Selbin with relative ease. They then spent a day meeting with the officials who governed Selbin, informing them of the change in regime and setting expectations.

  Cassius expected that Harper would have some growing pains in his new role as Duke of Selbin, but monthly meetings between the two of them would help to smooth the bumps. There was only so much he could do. Cassius had his own adjustments to make with his new role.

  “Ouch!” Julius exclaimed. “You’re getting it now.”

  Cassius turned to see Julius shove Jake, who was smiling at some idiotic prank. “Will you two stop?” Cassius turned toward them. “You need to grow up. Remember that you’re no longer dockworkers. Your lives are different,” he thrust an index finger into each of their chests, “and you need to set a good example!”

  “Ow” the two boys said simultaneously, rubbing their chests where Cassius had poked them.

  However, they did have the grace to look guilty, which offered Cassius a glimmer of hope that they might see the gravity of the new role they had eagerly accepted. His gaze shifted, connecting with each of the eleven remaining members of his party. They had been through a lot together in a short period of time. He knew that they could be trusted, and he expected that he would need to lean hard on their trust in the coming months. He gave them a nod and resumed his westward journey.