Red Wizard of Atlantis

by Ravek Hunter

  Less than an hour later, they rode into Andlang, and Qel knew right away that he was in a port city. A blind man would know by the unmistakable scent of salt air combined with the strong stench of freshly cleaned fish. Aelrindel said that the fishermen processed their catch right on the dock to be packed in salt for transport inland. It wasn’t so different in the City of Atlantis, except that the fishermen’s landing and market were on the far side of the outermost segments and too distant for anyone on the inner rings to notice.

  Aelrindel skirted the perimeter around the south of Andlang to enter nearer the docks to save time. It was getting late in the day—the sun had not yet set but was no longer visible—and already groups of loud, rough-talking sailors were making their way toward their favorite taverns.

  “We will stop at the dockmaster’s shack and inquire about the next ship departing for Ys.” Aelrindel seemed to know where he was going, and Qel was more than happy to let him lead the way.

  The dockmaster’s office was not far away. The small wooden building sat just off the boardwalk opposite several moorings designed for the largest ships. Without hesitation, Aelrindel tied his horse to a post and walked inside without bothering to knock. Qel looked at Havacian, shrugged, and quickly followed. Inside, the main room was bigger than he expected, with nautical paraphernalia of every sort hanging on the walls or crammed on sagging shelves. Most of it appeared to have been salvaged from wrecks. Qel knew from the stories he read that there were hundreds of shipwrecks littering the waters around the Emerald Isle. Most were due to bad weather and no few were caused by pirates, especially the Vikja, that hid among the hundreds of small islands, waiting for the right opportunity to sail by.

  In the center of the room sat a skinny human behind an equally small desk. Oddly, the clerk’s clothing appeared completely out of place with his surroundings. He wore a fine, fox fur–lined cloak over a white silk tunic with an upturned collar and thick wool trousers despite the warmth of the fireplace only steps away. It was as if he were sitting out in the unsheltered cold. He stood and bowed to Aelrindel and then separately to both Qel and Havacian when they entered. Strange, thought Qel. He would have expected an elf to be handling the affairs of the dock rather than a human.

  “How can I be of service?” the human asked politely.

  “We came to inquire about the next ship leaving to Ys,” Aelrindel spoke nearly as politely as the human, leaving Qel to wonder at the strange dynamics in Andlang. Not that he expected the elf to be rude, but he knew that most Elves looked upon humans with indifference, more often cold indifference. “One that might include comfortable amenities, if possible.” Aelrindel turned and winked.

  “One moment while I check the register,” the human sat again and began running his hand down what appeared to Qel to be an inventory of ships, where they were from, where they were going, and what sort of trade they carried. “Ah, yes. There is a Moullian merchant called the Wave Breaker that should meet your expectations. It will be leaving at first light tomorrow morning. I suggest that you check with the captain right away. They may have spots available yet.”

  Aelrindel nodded without a word of thanks and turned to leave. Quickly, the human stood from his chair respectfully. The poor man was apparently confused about what he should do when Qel smiled and waved goodbye. The humans might be ignorant, underevolved species, but they responded to kindness, and if there was a difference between the Atlanteans and the Sylvans, it was compassion.

  Fortunately, the Moullian trade vessel was one of the larger ships in port and was docked nearby. Qel knew about the Moullians as a seafaring people from the lands across the Primal Sea and along the southern coasts of the Great Sea, far to the east of the Emerald Isle. Like his people, the Moullians plied the seas in some of the most advanced sailing vessels in the known world. During his lectures at the Enclave, Master Ampher enjoyed discussing any subject having to do with sailing ships and frequently referenced the Moullians as a people born of natural ingenuity.

  Qel marveled at all the ships lined up so close together at the expansive docks. There were at least a hundred vessels of every size and origin docked at the busy port with all manner of goods still being loaded and off-loaded even this late in the day. Of course, Qel was not unfamiliar with many of the ships from faraway ports. He and Havacian saw them often in the City of Atlantis and recognized their flags. The two of them used to sit together on a wall overlooking the docks and watch the ships sail in and out of port when they had a few hours of freedom from their studies. That was when their dreams of traveling the world began, more than a decade ago, and now here they were about to embark on an adventure of their own.

  “Stay here while I find the captain.” Aelrindel dismounted and walked amidships, where planks were laid down to allow for boarding the ship, leaving Qel and Havacian to stare at the towering stern.

  “This is a big ship.” Qel felt small next to it, even mounted on his massive Lambei.

  Havacian smiled at him. “They do look a bit smaller from a distance. Look there! A ship flying the colors of Ys!”

  Thanks to his master, Qel knew all about the ships that came to the Emerald Isle and the treasures they carried. He had seen vessels from Lyonesse laden with copper and tin, from Eriu bearing bronze and sandstone, and from Ys bringing beets, beef, and cereals to market. From the Great Sea came the pirate traders from Tartessos, dealing in precious metals from slave mines, and the Moullians with their exotic dyes and clays. From even farther west came the Nurozieri trading agricultural products and leather, and the Sicans loaded with obsidian, lemons, sardines, and olive oil. Then, of course, his own people with wine, mahiz, and potatoes exported to ports near and far.

  But the most ominous ships, the ones that made Qel’s heart race, were the black-sailed longships of the Vikja. Their ships all flew a gold banner with a red hammer above their sails, indicating that they were heavy with goods from the Dvergr Dwarfs, including various ores, gems, and steel bars. The Dwarfs were not a seafaring people, and although they had a few ships of their own, preferred to contract most of their sea trade to their local neighbors, the Vikja. The Vikja were reputed to be savage raiders that would not hesitate to prey on vulnerable villages along the coasts and deep within the inland waterways. However, when they flew the merchant flag of the Dwarfs, they were under contract and forbidden any acts of aggression. Everyone knew that an attack on a Vikja ship while they flew the Dvergr flag was considered an attack on the Dwarfs themselves and would be met with harsh retribution.

  Even so, Qel heard the rumors about some of the more enterprising Vikja who had tried to use the Dvergr trade colors to their advantage by raiding under its protection without fear of attack themselves when they returned to the sea. And according to Master Ampher, once the Dwarfs caught word of what the Vikja were doing, they sent warriors to round them up and bring them back to Tirnan Yog, where they were subjected to a brief trial, convicted, and sentenced to death. Their execution was a brutal hanging by the neck from the cliffs of the island facing the sea, with their bodies left to rot and be devoured by the carrion birds. From that moment on, the Vikja self-policed their own people and hung any violators themselves. Despite that history, they still struck fear into anyone they encountered on the seas and raided as much as they always did, just never under the banner of the Dvergr Dwarfs.

  “The captain had one room left that he said would fit three mats.” Qel had not heard Aelrindel’s approach and was startled when he spoke. “I took the room rather than wait for the next ship headed to Ys.”

  Recovering quickly, Qel handed the elf back the reins of his horse. “That is aggregable to me. I’m looking forward to seeing Ys.”

  “It’s fine with me as well,” Havacian chimed in.

  “Good, then let’s find an inn away from the stink of the port, but not too far away.” The elf began to chuckle. “The captain made it clear they would be shoving off one hour after dawn with or without us, and I already paid him!”
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br />   Leaving the docks, they rode through the crowded streets toward the center of Andlang to find a decent inn. They passed several along the way without stopping, and Qel decided that Aelrindel must have had a specific one in mind. Already he had learned to look for inns Elves or Atlanteans patronized. They were the best assurance of sanitary accommodations and good food. Although Andlang was technically an Elven city within the boundaries of Avalon, there were far more humans visible in the street than any Elves. Even the patrols of the city guard were formed by humans. Qel made a mental note to ask Aelrindel about the governance of Andlang when they were settled.

  Before long, they arrived at an inn near Andlang’s center. The shingle over the door identified it as the Fickle Sprite with a faded illustration of what appeared to be a winged Fairy. Qel smiled to himself, thinking about his first encounter with one in the Sylvan Forest. It felt like ages ago, but it had only been a few weeks. The interior of the main hall was bright with lanterns and light globes and crowded with Atlanteans, Elves, and a few affluent humans sitting together at round tables or booths. It was loud with so many voices and the music played by a minstrel with a stringed instrument in the corner. Qel wished it was Wodanaz sitting there, knowing what he knew now, although he would not have known what to say.

  Qel found a table and sat with Havacian while Aelrindel rented rooms for the evening. They were all tired from the long day on horseback, and after an excellent meal of mahiz porridge with a thick side of fresh tuna, Qel was ready to retire for the evening. He never could have guessed at the unexpected adventure he and Havacian would experience in Avalon and, knowing this, didn’t dare to hazard a guess as to what might lay ahead in Ys and the Western Kingdoms. And even though he was exhausted, he rested awake in bed for more than an hour thinking about all the possibilities that lay ahead.

  ~~~

  Qel woke before dawn. He could feel the wet chill of the night fading and knew that soon he would be sailing across the Primal Sea for the first time in his life. Up until this moment, he had felt the thrill of excitement at the prospect of adventuring beyond the Emerald Isle. But now he faced the stark reality that he was leaving his home, his family, and the places familiar to him and wondered if he was ready. Yes, he and Havacian had been through a lot in the past weeks and grown a lot because of it. Still, the prospect of leaving everything familiar to him behind suddenly left him questioning his resolve to go forward. In the minutes before dawn, alone and in the dark, staring up at a foreign ceiling, Qel was sure he was making the wrong decision and steeled himself with the words he would say to Havacian. Would his friend go on without him or cower in a blanket of comfortable familiarity beside him? Havacian was not the same as he was when they left the Enclave in Atlantis, and maybe his friend thought the same of him. Would it change their friendship? He prayed to Pontus that it would not. What would he say to Havacian?

  Washed and ready to go, Qel sat on the edge of the bed and waited for the knock at the door he knew would come. He rehearsed his speech over and over in his head, planning rebuttals against the protests he expected and the logical arguments he had prepared to plead his case. No matter what, he would not be crossing the sea with them today. He was not ready.

  The expected knock finally came, and Qel slowly rose with his pack over his shoulder. He opened the door to find a wide-eyed Havacian standing next to a determined-looking Aelrindel. In an instant, Qel knew that Havacian was of the same mind as he, and his heart rejoiced. Then Aelrindel looked him square in the eye, “Are you ready to go?” Qel’s will utterly collapsed.

  “Yes,” was all he could say as he exited his room and followed the elf down to the stables.

  Dawn in Andlang was much colder this time of year than in Atlantis. Qel shivered in the damp air that quickly seemed to pervade the open folds of even the heavy cloak he wore. He hoped Ys would not be so frigid. Otherwise, they would be forced to find a Wizards Tower to withdraw enough money to purchase warmer clothing. That thought made Qel shiver as much as the cold. Their adventure could abruptly end if the word had been sent out to order him and Havacian home.

  They arrived at the Wave Breaker early to board their horses safely and settle themselves into their small cabin. Qel was impressed by the professional conduct of the sailors on board despite their rugged appearance. To a man, they wore colorful, loose-fitting silk blouses with full sleeves, calf-length trousers, and a thick leather belt to hold a cutlass and dagger. Master Ampher described them as the wealthiest men on the sea given the unusually substantial cut of profits the crew traditionally received. The Moullians, once a pirate nation, were now known to be talented seafaring people who traded across the expansive waterways of the world. Master Ampher spoke at length about the exotic goods and animals they brought for trade in Atlantis. He cautioned that although they were merchants, as sailors, they were as fierce as any. The crew always went about their duties fully armed and were trained to perform any onboard task without removing their blades. Even the Vikja and Tartessos pirates tended to avoid the Moullians’ trade vessels when encountered at sea.

  Precisely one hour after dawn, the Wave Breaker departed the port and tacked out against the chill wind to sea. Qel stood with Aelrindel and Havacian at the aft and watched Andlang slowly shrink in the distance. The uncertainty and fear he felt earlier that morning was gone, and he was glad to be on the ship headed into the unknown and the adventure that lay beyond.

  Cast of Characters

  AelrindelRokalyn (Aelrindel). Light elf warrior; master archer. His father is a trusted advisor of the High King.

  Akakios. The TaHiera, High Priest of Kronos and the Fire-Bringer’responsible for dedicating forge and flame in Sesklo.

  Anesidora. Daughter of Kronos and Metis. She is a demigoddess with a wicked curiosity.

  Chaos Demons. There are thirteen in number. The child of gold, Alseid, somehow trapped one that attempted to possess her.

  CrellianRafkarSil. The Watcher. He was an Elven chronicler of the Third Age of the Golden Aspen.

  Dagda-Dana Laghfrin. Tuatha De Wizard Queen of Falias in the North. Founding member of the Five.

  Dhroghan. Legendary hero of the Tuatha De (deceased) and founding member of the Five.

  Emperor Zamfer. Emperor of Atlantis one thousand years ago (deceased). A founding member of the Five that closed the rift between their world and the Infernal Planes and imprisoned the remaining Demons in the pithos that Metis produced.

  Emperor Liltanian of House Atlas, Atlantis. Ruler of Atlantis. Formerly of House Straeter, he is known by most as simply Emperor Liltan.

  Empress Chartria of House Atlas, Atlantis. Wife to Emperor Liltanian. Her older sister, Secria, is the wife of Terrikan of House Elbian, Ambassador to Eridu in Kur-gal.

  Grand Wizard Tochthon. Highest authority of the Imperial Order of Wizards in Atlantis.

  Havaciante of House Talika. Blue Wizard from Atlantis. His closest friend is Qel.

  Hierophant Miltiades. Head Priest of the Temple of Kronos in the city-state of Seklos in Hella.

  High King RalnapianCalithIlon. Ruler of Avalon and the Sylvan (deceased). Founding member of the Five. Grandfather of the current ruler, High King TatharonCalithIlon.

  High King TatharonCalithIlon. “Willow Tree in the Moonlight” of Avalon, the kingdom of the Elves and all of the Sylvan.

  Hy-Brasil. The legendary home of Myrllin and Wodanaz gifted to them by the Tuatha De.

  Kronos. Patron of Sesklo, deity of blacksmiths, artisans, fire, and harvests.

  Master Curatei of House Sevreckly. The Keeper of Records for the Imperial Order of Wizards. Master of Blue Wizards; mentor to Havacian.

  Metis. Goddess of wisdom.

  Mountain King Brak Iron-teeth. Lord of the Dvergr Dwarfs (deceased) and founding member of the Five. Great-grandfather of current ruler Mountain King Sulyen the Breaker

  Mountain King Sulyen the Breaker. Lord of the Dvergr Dwarves in Tirnan Yog.

  Myrllin. The Mad Bard, the Prophet, the Sage, t
he Wizard of Hy-Brasil. Has the ability to foresee the future with varying degrees of clarity. He is a powerful wizard with an obscure past. He lives in a castle on the mystical island of Hy-Brasil, which is not always visible. When he is not needed, he has the ability to hibernate without aging for hundreds of years at a time. He is the son of Dhroghan, a legendary hero of the Tuatha De, and older brother to his twin Wodanaz.

  Niamh. Nature goddess of the Elves.

  Nomios and Agreus. Paein brothers who help Akakios find his way to the shrine of Metis.

  Qellel of House Mekali (Qel). Red Wizard from Atlantis, youngest of three sisters and a brother. Their family is known for their prized production of Mekali wine.

  Senjit. Golden Dragon. Married to the Nymph Queen Lysithea. They have a daughter, a Child of Gold, named Alseid. His mother was a Dragon named Findyl, and his father was the god of light, Aether. Senjit is known by many names throughout the world including—Huanglong by the Huaxia, Culebre by the Astriense, Ladon in Hella, The World Serpent by the Vikja, Usum by the Kur-gal, and the Earth Monster by the Olmec, among others.

  Tephras, Demon of Anger. Possessed the ancient Black Dragon Belthagore.

  The Assembly of Nine. A group of nine of the most powerful being on the planet who come together every few decades to determine the course of world civilizations to maintain peace and resolve significant disputes.

  The Breaking. A civil war that occurred between factions of the Tuatha De who believed in genetically altering life on the planet for use as slaves and controlling humanoid civilizations versus those who believed just the opposite. In the end, a truce was declared only after most of the Tuatha De Blood had been killed, and thousands of commoners died. A bargain was struck to banish all of the creatures they had created to Fomoire, but they would still maintain influence over humanoid civilizations in a very unexpected way.