The Aduramis Chronicles: Volumes 1-3: The Definitive Collection

by Harrison Davies

  Coinin glanced sideways at his brother; he was a new man, freed from the burden of denial and anger. He had found a renewed faith in his God, and no-one would take that from him again. Yet inside, Coinin did not think things would be as easy as Marrok thought.

  They turned back to the small bridge that spanned the stream and bisected the land. They headed down the gradient towards it.

  ‘You know something, I’m ravenous all of a sudden. The first thing I’m going to do is find a store cupboard and eat my way through the entire contents.’ Marrok grinned.

  ‘Just like normal then,’ Coinin replied. ‘Now, it’s your turn to carry me across the stream. I still ache from carrying you,’ he said and exaggerated a back injury.

  ‘Fine then, hop on, short stuff!’

  ‘Hey!’

  ‘Just saying.’ Marrok grinned, permitted Coinin to jump on his back, and then carried him across the bridge. ‘Which way?’

  ‘The way we came, I guess. I don’t think there’s another way other than going through the arena.’

  ‘Lead on, dear brother.’

  Coinin shook his head and rolled his eyes. This new Marrok was liable to grate on him. Nevertheless, he directed him to the high wall of foliage that hid behind it a grand arena, where earlier that day he had sacrificed his brother to save Aniol.

  He stepped up to the gate of the arena, to be greeted by a warm smile from Aniol, who was stood just inside the entranceway.

  ‘Hello, Coinin, friend Marrok, welcome back. Please follow me.’ She proudly led them along a short leafy green corridor to a metal door. This one was solid, unlike the previous gate.

  ‘Was this door here the last time we ventured this way?’ Coinin asked.

  ‘Oh no, this is new, today in fact.’ Aniol smiled, and then knocked hard three times on the door with the shaft end of her spear. The sound reverberated loudly, and seconds later long bolts could be heard retracting on the other side. The door opened silently, and immediately a rush of noise hit the trio, of singing and other merriment. Somewhere music was being played.

  They stepped inside to find they had indeed entered the arena, except through a different doorway, and the sight that greeted them was spectacular. Bunting adorned the arena’s high walls and crisscrossed overhead. A large stone fireplace dominated the centre of the gathering, upon which two wild boars crackled as they roasted. Tables lined the sides of the arena, filled to the brim with platefuls of mouth-watering food. Worshippers in cheerfully coloured gowns danced, sang, or clapped to music being played by several wizards on a small podium to the left. Many of the gathered talked excitedly amongst each other.

  Marrok looked to Aniol. ‘How’s this possible?’ he asked. ‘This wasn’t here thirty minutes ago.’

  Aniol smiled sweetly. ‘The door we came through is but one of many that will lead you into a different reality of the arena. Many arenas occupy the same space, though each is accessed by its own door.’

  Marrok shook his head in bewilderment while Coinin smiled; this place had no end of secrets and possibilities. He wondered if he would ever get to explore every one of them during his term in office.

  It was Talina who spotted the newcomers first; she raced to Marrok with teary eyes and wrapped her arms around him. She planted a huge kiss on his forehead to his delight.

  ‘I was so worried,’ she said. ‘Don’t ever do that again.’

  Coinin leant in. ‘Not even married, and she’s already giving you orders,’ he whispered.

  Marrok glared at his brother and then smiled. ‘I actually quite like it. Just don’t tell her that,’ he whispered in return and winked. He turned to Talina. ‘I’m sorry, I promise I won’t do that again. Oh, but wait, where are my manners? Talina Rend, Coinin, my brother, Draken, my uncle, and actually I don’t know who you are.’ His gaze fell on Aniol.

  ‘Aniol, Office of The Curator,’ she responded with a slight bow.

  ‘Marrok, why don’t you take Talina and Uncle to get something to eat? I have a lot to discuss with Laliala,’ said Coinin. He spotted Menin with a group of women at the far side of the arena.

  Marrok smiled. ‘I’m not going to argue with you about that. See you soon.’ He took Talina by the hand and escorted her away, followed by Draken, who appeared less than thrilled at enduring Marrok’s company.

  Coinin watched them go, lost in a renewed happiness. Today had drained him, though now he was able to relax for the evening, confident that he had achieved his objective. He had Marrok on side, and he had pleased Rindor. He turned to Aniol who was dutifully standing beside him.

  ‘Aniol, go and join in the fun. I’ll see you relaxed and refreshed in the morning.’ Coinin smiled at her.

  Aniol appeared lost for words; she looked left and right to check that her garrison commander was not in the vicinity.

  ‘I cannot, I am to guard you at all times,’ she pointedly reminded him.

  ‘Nonsense, I’m in good company, and if you look around, there are guards posted at each entrance.’ Coinin swung his arm to indicate the soldiers on watch. ‘Besides, you must sleep and have breaks for ablutions.’

  Aniol looked away, slightly embarrassed. ‘Well, yes, while you sleep, but my orders stand.’

  Coinin said nothing; instead, he marched silently up to Laliala Menin with Aniol in tow.

  ‘Good evening, Laliala.’

  ‘Coinin, oh, it is so good to see you!’

  ‘I have a question. Whom does Aniol answer to?’

  ‘You, of course. Why do you ask?’

  ‘She stubbornly refuses to do as asked.’

  Menin looked at Aniol and frowned. ‘Perhaps we should replace her with someone more used to following orders.’

  ‘Oh, I think you misunderstand me,’ said Coinin hurriedly upon seeing Aniol’s reaction. ‘She is under the impression that she answers to another, and refuses to leave her post and enjoy the festivities, despite the security around me.’

  ‘Well, that is admirable dedication. We will resolve this now.’ Menin turned to Aniol. ‘Your new master is Coinin; you will do as he asks without question. Henceforth, you will no longer answer to your commander. Do you understand?’

  Aniol nodded, the relief evident on her face. ‘Yes, milady.’

  Coinin shot Menin a secret smile and turned to Aniol. ‘Now that we’ve settled that matter, go and enjoy yourself, I don’t wish to order you.’

  ‘Yes, Sir,’ Aniol nodded, and then marched away, a little too stiffly for someone meant to enjoy the evening.

  Coinin chuckled after her. ‘I fear there’ll be little time for enjoyment over the next years. I think I’m going to take the time to enjoy myself while I can.’

  ‘You took the very words out of my mouth, young man; let’s enjoy the music and wine, for tomorrow is a big day.’ Menin took him by the arm and then led him deeper into the throng.

  ❖

  A cockerel broke Coinin’s sleep the next morning, the deepest, most satisfying sleep he had ever experienced. He felt refreshed and alert almost immediately upon waking, surprising really, considering he had not entered his chambers till gone two in the morning.

  He had thoroughly enjoyed himself, dancing and feasting on delicious foods he had only ever dreamt about before. He particularly enjoyed singing old songs his father used to sing on the way home from the village inn. Most of all he enjoyed seeing Marrok relax with Talina, happy for the first time in years.

  Someone had entered his chamber while he slept and deposited a new outfit for him on a low table at the foot of his bed. He was a little perturbed by this but understood that this must happen all the time and he would have to get used to it or demand it stop. However, he did not feel eager to put someone out of a job, so the decision was made to ignore it.

  The new outfit was spectacular and consisted of black leggings trimmed with red piping, a clean linen shirt, over which a laced waistcoat would sit, with the whole ensemble topped off with a scarlet hooded robe. Sewn into the fabric was the symb
ol of The Brotherhood in gold thread.

  Coinin washed his hands and face and then knelt and prayed to Rindor for the strength he was sure he would need today. Finished, he dressed in his new outfit.

  He wondered what events would transpire. Menin had been tight-lipped all evening and merely told him to enjoy himself.

  He opened the door to his chambers to see Aniol, who had waited patiently outside his door, stand to attention.

  Coinin smiled and shook his head. ‘Will you relax?

  Aniol nodded and relaxed her posture slightly. ‘Yes, Sir, I mean Coinin, Sir.’

  Coinin chuckled to himself. It was evident she was never going to get out of the habit of addressing him in this way. ‘What is planned for today?’

  ‘I am to take you to the Great Hall; the workers have toiled all night tirelessly to repair the remainder of the damage,’ Aniol replied. ‘Breakfast will be served there this morning.’

  Coinin was thankful for this. His stomach reminded him he was hungry, and he was grateful when Aniol set off. She led him a different route to the Great Hall, via an as yet unexplored section of the temple. A long corridor bypassed several rooms crammed floor to ceiling with bound volumes and scrolls. Scribes in dark cloaks hunkered over wooden writing desks lit by candles and did not stop their work as they passed.

  ‘What are those people doing in there?’ Coinin asked.

  ‘They are the temple scribes; they write our history, amend laws and directives passed down from the gods to the Archmage. It would seem to me that you need a proper tour of the building.’

  Coinin agreed. He could see how quickly he could become lost in the warren of halls, corridors, and rooms of the temple; there just did not seem to be an end to the network of tunnels.

  Finally, they rounded a corner at the end of the long corridor and climbed a long, dark set of stairs. After a short journey along a brightly lit corridor, they entered a rather bland room. No decoration adorned the walls, and there was no furniture of any kind.

  ‘What room is this?’ Coinin asked.

  ‘This is the Archmage’s antechamber. There is a suite of rooms adjoining this that also belong to the Archmage.’

  ‘But it is empty. Why?’

  ‘Well, I think it’s because of a change in Archmage. The new Archmage is free to decorate how they see fit.’

  ‘How do you know about that?’

  ‘I work for the Office of The Curator; there isn’t much I don’t know. Now if you don’t mind, you need fixing up.’

  She began to adjust his robe, smoothed his hair, and all the time muttered. ‘Forgive me. Excuse me. Mind my hands.’

  ‘What are you doing?’ Coinin asked, flustered by the young woman’s fussing.

  ‘Making you presentable of course,’ she replied and smoothed a crease from his leggings. ‘There now, perfect,’ she said and took a step back to look at her handiwork.

  ‘Presentable for what?’

  Aniol seemed to ignore him. ‘Deep breath now.’

  Coinin, utterly perplexed, did as told and filled his lungs.

  ‘Relaxed? Good.’ Aniol smiled, guided Coinin to a doorway and gripped the door handle. ‘Prepare to meet your audience.’

  Coinin’s eyes widened. ‘My what?’ he asked worriedly and turned to look at her.

  Aniol ignored him and opened the door to a hubbub, and then she gently pushed Coinin through it. He stumbled and then stood rigid with fright. Aniol followed him and closed the door.

  Almost immediately the sounds of excited chatter ceased, and then a scrape of boots and an enthusiastic applause began. Coinin saw that hundreds of people had been crammed into the Great Hall. He gulped nervously and had the appearance of a rabbit caught in a trap.

  To his left, Laliala Menin also clapped enthusiastically, stepped over to him and then ushered him to the front of the hall where the raised platform had been reconstructed.

  After a moment she raised her hand for silence. ‘Friends, brothers and sisters, and indeed honoured guests. I welcome you here today for two announcements,’ Menin began. ‘Before that, however, it is with great sadness that we acknowledge Archmage Orodor’s passing, which has left a gaping hole in all our hearts. Please observe with me a moment’s silence for our fallen, and in honour of Archmage Orodor.’

  Around the hall, dozens stood quietly in remembrance, male and female alike, while others comforted each other. At Menin’s behest, each of the assembled knelt on one knee and bowed their heads in honour. Coinin, a little overwhelmed, followed suit, even if a little later than everyone else.

  Several moments later, Menin rose, followed by the gathered onlookers. She proudly gripped Coinin by the shoulder. ‘To the first of the announcements then. We are without spiritual leadership, and as you are aware it has passed to me to take the Office of Archmage, and if all agree by vote, I shall take the oath. Secondly, yesterday a great prophecy rang true. It spoke of a boy who would restore the love of Rindor in the heart of one who despised our heavenly master. This prophecy also spoke of his ascension to Curator of The Brotherhood of The Wulf, and he, alongside his sibling, would lead The Order against the evils of the dark and restore the balance of power that has been lost. It is my belief we have found the prophesied. I give you Coinin Wulf.’

  At her words, the hall erupted into spontaneous cheers and applause, and the assembled stomped their feet in approval. Coinin saw to his right Marrok, who beamed at him heartily from the front row of tables, and then a new ripple rang around the hall. ‘Speech!’ the gathered chanted.

  Coinin had turned beetroot red and wanted to vomit. He had never given a speech, and no-one had prepared him for this. He looked pleadingly to Menin, who sensed his distress, and she whispered to him, ‘Just say what’s in your heart.’

  Easier said than done, he thought. All he wanted to do was run and hide in a corner, not speak to these people. But then he saw her again, Reena Lifor, the young lieutenant who had stolen his heart. She nodded and smiled at him, and a new fire suddenly burnt inside him, strengthening him.

  He still shook, however, like a sapling in the wind, yet he plucked up the courage, stepped forward, and then cleared his throat.

  Immediately a hush enveloped the room, each attendee eager to hear the first words of their new Curator.

  Coinin, emboldened by the fire in his belly, addressed the crowd, albeit haltingly. ‘I am from a humble background, and I am told that this is why I will make an excellent Curator. I do not presume to know what it means to be Curator of this great temple, but with your help, I am sure I will succeed. Therefore, I make you a promise today, that I will hunt down the persons responsible for the attack on our fine temple and bring them to justice. I also vow that I will do my very best to uphold the ideals of the Office of The Curator,’ he finished and was surprised at even himself for offering such a grand speech.

  Again the applause began with intermixed chants of his name. Coinin felt slightly embarrassed, although pleased he had been accepted by The Brotherhood so readily.

  Laliala Menin once more called for silence. ‘I am sure we will all do our utmost to welcome Coinin into The Brotherhood in good time. For now, though, let us eat and then I will ask you all to vote on my ascension to Archmage.’

  A murmur of approval rippled through the room as everyone assembled reached for food or drink and chatted excitedly about Coinin and Marrok. Laliala Menin clapped Coinin on the back and congratulated him quietly on a successful speech, and escorted him to a table set aside on the platform. He nodded to and shook the hands of those seated at the table, as Menin introduced each one. There were two generals, a chief scribe, and several other prominent figures. As he sat down, he noted two empty chairs to his left. He turned to Menin.

  ‘Who sits in the empty chairs?’ he asked.

  ‘One is for your brother, who is heading this way I see, and the other…’ Menin paused briefly and composed herself. ‘The other is reserved for General Dareth Jericho, who is currently missing. It will r
emain empty until he returns, or news of his demise reaches us.’ She looked tearful as she finished.

  Coinin reached out and held her hand. ‘He will return, I am certain of it.’

  Menin smiled thankfully and released her hand from his, and then stood to greet Marrok, who had been told to take a seat at the top table.

  ‘Why must I sit up here? I was enjoying breakfast with Talina,’ Marrok asked.

  ‘General Wulf, protocol requests your presence. Do not worry; there will be plenty of time for love.’ She winked at him. ‘Now please take your seat.’

  Marrok looked gobsmacked. ‘Did she just call me General Wulf?’ he whispered to Coinin as he passed.

  ‘Yes, now will you do as you are told, soldier,’ Coinin smirked.

  Menin returned to her seat and leant in close to Coinin. ‘You didn’t say Marrok had found love,’ she whispered. ‘But this is a good thing, it may well steady his emotions, and if he has someone to come back to of an evening, that should curb any rashness.’

  Coinin merely nodded his agreement and located a chicken leg from a plate in front of him. ‘What you said in your speech about Marrok and me, do you really believe we can restore the balance, and by balance I assume you mean the swords?’

  Menin looked at him and merely smiled.

  ❖

  After everyone had had their fill, Menin again stood and called for order. ‘The time has come, my friends, to declare your unity with Archmage Orodor on his replacement, as is our custom. An Archmage can only be appointed with the overwhelming consent of the majority of The Brotherhood. I, therefore, ask each brother and sister who today represent our outlying temples in other lands to stand.’ She raised her hands in the air as a sign for the assembled to do as asked. Each member of The Order rose silently. ‘Now please, all those in favour of my ascendancy to Archmage please sit. Those against, please remain standing. You may begin.’

  Coinin watched avidly as each brother or sister considered Menin for the most revered position within the temple.