Spirit of Magik (The Dothranan Chronicles Book 1)

by Richard Cluff

  Thorel had a look of painful understanding in his eyes.

  “Thank you Milady,” he said gratefully.

  “You are welcome,” she said.

  “Isn't Fenel Siri's family name?” Thorel asked.

  “Yes. Her father was the Lord of House Fenel. He was killed that day,” Ari said, impressed he'd caught that. He is observant. She noted with growing appreciation for his mind.

  “Then why isn't she a Lady, too?” He asked.

  “I will not discuss her affairs, except as historically noted. You may ask her if you wish though,” Ari replied.

  Thorel nodded respectfully at that. “But the Kryss are mad, aren't they, Milady? How could they have done something like this?”

  You are becoming more impressive with each question. She thought, but said, “That is the one question that is still unanswered. All the attempts to do so have been flawed. It would have required clear planning, which would be impossible due to the insanity the disease inflicts.”

  Thorel wore a contemplative look.

  “I have one more thing to teach you tonight. I will show you how to draw on a spirit's power and how to put the power back, unused. Watch closely,” she instructed.

  “Of course, Milady.” He watched intently.

  * * *

  Eliel heard a knock at the door of her inn room. She looked through the peephole and saw Nigel there. It looked like he was alone.

  How the hell did he find me? She wondered. He seemed like a nice enough man, but she wasn't going to take any chances. She grabbed her dagger off of the stand by her bed and put it in her left hand. She stood to the side, unlocked the bolt and flung it open.

  She reached out and grabbed him by the collar with her strong arm and yanked him inside, slamming the door shut. She locked it as quick as she could and turned to him with her dagger in hand.

  “WOAH!!!” Nigel said holding his hands up defensively from his spot on the rough wood floor. He stood quickly and obviously picked the nearest window for his escape.

  “How the fuck did you find me, little man?” She demanded quietly. “Were you followed? What the hell do you want?”

  “Um, you're popular with the well-off sort, I noticed,” he said quickly.

  “Just the way I like it, little man. Now, how the fuck did you find me?” She hissed with the dagger's point circling as she stepped forward.

  “Well, I went to a few pubs and asked around. When I got a bite, I bought the guy a few drinks and tipped him for info on the prettiest young red-headed whore with big freckled tits that I saw around once,” he replied backing up onto the bed watching her dagger.

  “I haven't even had a fucking customer here! HOW THE FUCK DID YOU FIND ME???” She hopped forward onto the end of the bed where she could just punt this little bastard through the window if she decided to. Her green eyes blazed fiercely.

  He stepped back towards the other end of the bed, which didn't help him a great deal he knew. “I talked to a woman that was there... and she said she knew, but it was going to cost me a silver. I made some coin today, so I gave it to her.”

  “What did she look like?” Eliel asked, growing even angrier now.

  “A little plump, older, with freckles and red hair..,” Nigel felt instantly stupid for not recognizing the woman as Eliel's mother.

  “I TOLD THE OLD BAT PEOPLE WERE FOLLOWING ME!!!” Eliel cried, her blade going down.

  “Um... yes... they are. That made it even easier to find you,” Nigel said seriously.

  “Fuck!!!” Eliel hissed. “What did you see, man?”

  “Your girlfriend from the Academy is watching from one of the alleys with a few of her friends... they stopped me to have a little chat,” Nigel said nervously.

  “I don't have any girlfriends at the Academy,” she dropped to the bed limply.

  “Well, the little blonde girl you stoned told me to tell you that you might as well come out and take your beating, or drop out of the Academy. She said she isn't going anywhere, and she won't forgive you for the scar she'll have,” Nigel said with a serious look.

  Eliel's shoulders slumped, and she looked at the bed. “Shit. How many?”

  “Four,” Nigel said lowering himself cautiously on the other end of the bed.

  “Do you think you can take two of them?” Eliel asked quietly.

  “Me? I run away when people want to beat me; I'm good at that,” he said seriously, seating himself on her pillows.

  She chuckled at the irony and let go of her blade. “Think you can carry me and still run fast enough?”

  Nigel smiled sadly and shook his head no.

  “But I think I can get you out of here, at least,” he said, brightening a bit.

  “What's the point? The man of my dreams is being stolen by a Noble cunt I can't touch. My mom sold me out for a silver, and I have a determined little bitch that wants to make me ugly,” Eliel said in despair.

  “What? No way. Lady Dothranan is the coldest woman I've ever met. She could use a good fucking I think, but would likely want it from a woman, like that Miss Fenel. I'm sure she'd be willing to give it to her,” Nigel said with a grin.

  She laughed, releasing some tension from the last few nights. “She has to get married, little man, and Thorel's the best looking man I've ever seen. She'd want him, and he's got the Wizards sight? Give him rank right there, bang.”

  “What do you mean, she has to get married?” He asked, curious.

  “I asked around about her. Her parents died, and she's unmarried. By law, she has to get married to someone with rank, or she'll lose her title,” Eliel met Nigel's eyes.

  “I've never heard of that. How'd you find out?” He returned her gaze suspiciously.

  “Like you said, little man, I'm popular with the well-off sort. A little pillow talk goes a long way. A man will tell me anything I want after I make his eyes roll back,” she grinned darkly.

  Nigel said: “Eliel, I was at a feast with her and Thorel last night and had lunch with them today. She is the most conservative woman I have ever seen; she doesn't show any skin except her hands and face. She says I'm going to give the High Lord a head. The same way we say Wanna get a round? She isn't like us at all, Eliel.”

  “You're getting pretty chummy with her there, what the hell?” Eliel asked looking at him suspiciously.

  “I told her I was going to be a Chef, so she invited me to make a meal. I did, and she liked it. I got paid a gold coin for it even,” Nigel smiled at that.

  “I don't suppose I could talk you into poisoning her, could I?” Eliel asked glumly.

  “Hell no! They check everything for it and hang people who try,” Nigel said with a look of horror on his face.

  “Hmmph. Well, I know she wants him,” Eliel replied.

  “Well, we can ask Thorel on Monday. He's staying the weekend so she can tutor him in Magik,” Nigel said thoughtfully.

  “She's going to tutor him!?!” Eliel cried. “I'll bet she's gonna show him all the ways to make her eyes roll back too!”

  Nigel started laughing so hard he couldn't sit straight.

  * * *

  A light wind whipped through Eliel's hair, and she tried not to look down. She had all of her belongings in a backpack on her back and a bag over her shoulder. “I don't think I like this idea much anymore, little man,” she said swaying slightly.

  Backing away from the edge of the three-story drop she shook her head. She said shakily; “I think I'm gonna go back in, drink a few pints and try to catch a carriage rolling in front of the door come morning.”

  Nigel called across the two-yard span from the neighboring roof. “C'mon! It's easy! You gotta be quick though, Legion is going to call us out if they see us!” He swept his gaze around looking for the inevitable patrol.

  Eliel hated heights. Just do it like anything else that scares you, she thought. Forget what might happen.

  She pulled the bag off of her shoulder and threw it across the gulf. Nigel grabbed it before it rolled far.
/>
  She ran to the edge and jumped, and went a lot further then she thought she would.

  “Nice jump!” Nigel complimented.

  “Heh, yeah, thanks,” she panted, trying to hold her pounding heart in her chest.

  “Ok, it looks like we can get down right over there,” Nigel looked over the side of the building they were on without fear. There was a small balcony coming out below him.

  “You're fucking nuts, little man!” Eliel said terrified of the height, even though she was nowhere near the edge.

  “You never had a curfew, did you?” Nigel asked with humor.

  “No, can't say that I have,” she replied shakily.

  “I did... and my room was on the third floor,” he said with a wink. “Alright, not much more, and we'll hit the ground.”

  “If we hit the ground without me breaking something, I'll kiss you,” Eliel said seriously.

  Sunday May 5th 1624th year of the First Great City

  Retaliation

  Thorel was led into The Great Lady's dining room after waiting outside for a time. It was just after the seventh hour, but it was about the time he would have been feeding animals on the farm. He'd stayed up late talking to the Great Lady last night, and was more tired than he would have been. He stifled a drowsy yawn. He walked past the guards and entered the room with Ari and Siri waiting for him.

  Siri addressed the guardswoman escorting Thorel, “Wait outside.”

  “Yes ma'am,” she saluted and left, closing the door behind her.

  Ari wore a white robe with a red flowered scarf around her neck tucked into the robe to preserve her modesty. She looked at him and said, “I am satisfied with what I have seen of you. I will accept your oath now.”

  “Um, I vow to serve you, Mistress,” Thorel said seriously, with a bow.

  Siri spoke, “This paper has the oath that must be made,” and handed it to him.

  Thorel took a look at it. It looked simple the way it was written.

  I “your proper name” do vow to protect the Great Hold of House Dothranan, its people, property, and honor.

  I vow to obey those with authority over me.

  I will care for the property given to me to serve the hold.

  I will uphold the law, and behave with honor.

  I swear my life to serve the Mistress's wishes in all things.

  If I no longer wish to serve the Mistress, I will announce it and leave her service immediately.

  “If I did wish to leave your service, Milady, why must I announce it?” Thorel asked.

  “That prevents spies who would work against me in theory. In practice, it is a simple justification to execute a traitor,” Ari said seriously.

  “I see Milady,” Thorel breathed. “I am ready.”

  Mistress Dothranan rose from her seat and pointed to the floor in front of her. “Then kneel, and speak your oath.”

  Siri stepped beside her.

  He knelt, seeing her feet in their white slippers and stockings.

  Thorel took a deep breath and looked into Ari Dothranan's eyes without fear.

  “I, Thorel Tangarth, do vow to protect the Great Hold of House Dothranan, its people, property, and honor.

  I vow to obey those with authority over me.

  I will care for the property given to me to serve the hold.

  I will uphold the law, and behave with honor.

  I swear my life to serve the Mistress's wishes in all things.

  If I no longer wish to serve the Mistress, I will announce it and leave her service immediately.”

  “Then rise, Thorel Tangarth. I accept your service,” the Mistress said with a light in her blue eyes, even though her beautiful face was still lacking expression.

  He rose, and Siri presented him with papers. “You need to sign these, then I will take you to the Head of Household in order to get you settled in.”

  He signed the papers and saw that his new Mistress had done so already.

  Siri took them one by one and signed as a witness.

  The Mistress said: “I do pledge to protect you, and help you become a superior Wizard. To that end, unless you are attending a formal function, do not bear the sigil of our House openly.”

  “Why is that, Mistress?” Thorel asked.

  “I wish for you to remain anonymous for as long as possible. Our enemies may try to eliminate a young apprentice before he learns to use his power,” Ari said with certainty.

  Thorel was again reminded that this choice had a cost. He wondered how high it would be.

  “Siri, I will be in my Laboratory until I am ready for the midday meal. I am not to be disturbed, under pain of death, by anyone. Including you,” Ari said with a deadly serious tone, meeting Siri's eyes.

  “Yes Mistress,” Siri bowed to her.

  “I will see you both here for the midday meal,” she nodded to them both and went out the door that led to the small library she had taught him in yesterday.

  Thorel watched her leave. “Ma'am, why would she say something like that to you? Aren't you friends?” He asked.

  “It would please me to think of myself as a friend to the Mistress. But she is the Mistress first, ever and always, Mr. Tangarth,” Siri said simply.

  That statement gave Thorel a much better idea about the depth of the commitment he'd just made.

  * * *

  Eliel and Nigel got out of the Carriage in the courtyard of Dothranan Manor. She had never passed through the gates to one of Vallad's four massive Manors before.

  They had decided to come see Thorel today instead of waiting for tomorrow. Or more accurately, Eliel decided they would.

  She had stayed at Nigel's home last night above the bakery his parent's owned. It was on the main street from the west gate.

  Nigel's mother was obviously in charge, and one look at his father told Eliel where he got his small frame. They had been warm and welcoming. Nigel's mother had curtly ordered him to make breakfast for Eliel when she had wandered down the stairs bleary-eyed.

  She had also said that he had better do a good job and show this beautiful young lady why she should have his babies. Nigel had groaned at that.

  She had to give the little man one thing: he could cook.

  His mother had demanded he make several trays of goods for the ovens before they could leave since she hadn't given him permission to have a guest. Eliel tried to help him with it but found that it was a lot harder than it looked.

  Nigel soon said, “Just stay out of it, I'll get it done faster,” and he did.

  His Father had jested then, “It looks like she's going to need you, son!” With a wink at Nigel.

  Eliel smiled at that. She had never imagined a home like this. This is the kind of home she wanted her babies to have. Not like hers was; living above different inns and taverns throughout Vallad her whole life.

  The Gate Guards at Dothranan Manor inquired as to their business. They told them they were here to see Thorel Tangarth; it took nearly ten minutes before they were passed through. The Guards dealt with other traffic until they got word.

  Nigel and Eliel were told to proceed to the west yard. They said he was in the militia practice area. They got out of the carriage they had caught in West Vallad and split the two silver coins it had cost to cross the tens of miles between.

  The guard they had spoken with told them that Thorel was in the militia training area, about halfway between the west and south entrances.

  So they walked where they were directed. Eliel whispered, “This place is fucking huge!”

  Nigel said, “It looks even bigger on the inside.”

  “So are you going to become the Lady's cook then?” She asked.

  “I want to know what Thorel's seen first. He's seen a lot more of her than I have now,” he said.

  “I'll bet he has,” Eliel said sourly.

  Nigel just shook his head with a wry smile.

  They walked on for what seemed like miles and saw Thorel finally.

  He was in a di
rt circle with a quarterstaff facing off against another man. They made a few strikes at each other, and Thorel took the man's feet out from under him unexpectedly. He kicked the staff out of his grasp and waited, his staff comfortably held. He watched his opponent, who got up and bowed rubbing his head. Thorel bowed as well.

  “Man, other than your sword work, there isn't much I can teach you. What trade are you?” The militia instructor asked.

  “Apprentice Wizard, sir,” Thorel replied.

  “I ain't gonna make fun of a Wizard again after seeing that, man. But your sword work stinks,” the older man said seriously.

  “I never used one before today, sir. But wrestling, the bow, dagger, sling, and staff my guardian taught me,” he said seriously.

  “Not bad for the first time then. Alright, I know where you'll be at when we have to drill each month, but you're always welcome in my circle man,” the grizzled instructor nodded seriously.

  “Thank you sir,” Thorel said.

  Nigel ran up to him; Eliel walked nervously behind him.

  “Hey, man!” Nigel called.

  “Nigel! How was your night?” He asked cheerfully.

  “It was an adventure; I'll have to tell you all about it later,” Nigel replied.

  “Eliel, what's wrong?” Thorel asked, looking over Nigel at her.

  Eliel started to say something, and Nigel cut in. “Maybe we should go for a walk?” He gave a meaningful look at the idle people who were waiting for their turn in the circle listening.

  “Alright,” Thorel put his staff in a rack with others like it and began walking with them away from the curious onlookers.

  “I'll hang back,” Nigel said quietly.

  Eliel looked at him gratefully.

  “What's been going on with you? It looked like you were mad the other day, but I don't know why,” Thorel said quietly, keeping Nigel's hearing in mind.

  “You really don't understand how beautiful you are, do you man?” Eliel said quietly.