‘Your fondness for him. Is he your intended?’
Aniol looked shyly at him. ‘With the deepest respect Curator, I do believe that is my personal life, and I don’t think it’s any of your concern,’ she replied quietly.
Coinin half expected this answer. She was fiery when riled, though she had shown him due respect, and he would do the same. ‘I wholeheartedly agree that it is not my business. However, I merely wanted to wish you well.’
Aniol sighed, and half smiled at him. ‘Sorry, I just thought for a moment you were going to lecture me, and I don’t want you to think that my devotion to your service and that of The Brotherhood will be any different. I love him, and he has agreed to be my husband.’
‘You mean you asked him to marry you?’ Coinin asked. ‘Only you, Aniol, could be so bold,’ he chuckled.
‘Well, I’d be waiting forever for him to ask if I didn’t,’ Aniol replied.
‘The biggest congratulations to you Aniol. I don’t want to dampen the mood, yet I must know why you chose this path. I thought you wanted to be Curator someday? You cannot marry and hold office.’
Aniol looked pained. ‘I hope you aren’t disappointed. However, I don’t believe curatorship is my fate. Archmage Menin told me privately that my strengths lie elsewhere. Oh, don’t think that she dissuaded me from that path,’ she said upon seeing Coinin’s puzzled face. ‘No, instead she asked me to search my heart and truly decide if it was what I wanted. I spent several days considering my life and where it was headed, and it was then that I realised my true love was indeed Axl.’
Coinin slowly nodded and held out his arm to the young woman. ‘I wish you well, Aniol. When we return, we will throw you a wedding the like of which has never been seen before,’ he smiled broadly.
‘That’s very kind of you Coinin, but I’d hoped for a simple affair.’
‘Nonsense, you will do me a great honour by allowing me to do this for you. You do so much for me, and it is high time I thanked you.’
Aniol wiped a tear from her eye and nodded assent. ‘I gratefully accept, just don’t make it too extravagant, please.’
‘When have you ever known The Brotherhood to throw big parties? Oh, wait, just about every week,’ Coinin laughed, and Aniol joined him.
❖
Archmage Menin pondered the question. ‘A ship and crew with a reliable Captain? Is there such a thing?’ She stood and crossed to a wooden cabinet in one corner of her study and washed her hands in a simple wooden bowl. Coinin watched as she dried them and turned back to face him. ‘There may be one such person—it has been many years since I have heard tell of him.’
Coinin shifted forward in his seat a little, eager to learn more.
‘Of course, he could very well be dead by now. It is difficult to know for certain,’ Menin shrugged.
‘Who is this person?’ Coinin asked.
Menin closed her eyes for a few moments and then looked at him with an unwavering stare. ‘My brother,’ she replied plainly.
Coinin saw in her eyes an old pain, and he wondered why she had not mentioned him before now. ‘Your brother?’ he asked gingerly.
Menin pulled herself from her stare and looked away, scowling. ‘Hur’al is an outcast in my village. He was apt to get into trouble from the moment of his birth. He was eventually cast out by the village elders, and lived a hard life of women and thievery until he fell in with pirates,’ she replied. ‘Thankfully he was able to prise himself from that life before he got in too deep, but from that moment the sea was firmly in his blood. He worked hard and made his way from one trading ship to another until he was able to captain a vessel himself. Sadly I have not seen him in many years.’
‘Do you think he would help us?’ Coinin asked.
Menin made a face. ‘It depends if there is enough gold in it for him. Our best option is to head to the Port of Rostha and seek him out,’ she replied. ‘If he is docked there, I am sure I can persuade him to offer aid.’
Coinin smiled; he knew Laliala was bitterly disappointed that she could not join him in his search for the Swords of Cerathil; her role as Archmage prevented such adventures. She provided the guiding light to many hundreds of thousands of worshippers of the gods and therefore needed to remain safe from harm. A little excursion to the Capital City of Rostha would be permitted, yet no further could she venture unless on a diplomatic visit or journey to tour Brotherhood temples in other lands.
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. ‘Come,’ Menin called and stood to await the visitor.
General Dareth Jericho opened the door and entered with a smile. ‘Laliala, Coinin,’ he nodded to each in turn.
Menin invited Jericho to sit next to Coinin and waited while he removed his fur covering and for him to get comfortable. ‘Dareth, welcome. What can we do for you?’
‘I’m here to report that we are prepared and ready to begin our journey,’ Jericho replied. ‘I have discussed our destination with Axl, and believe our chances of locating the tower to be high. It may take months, however.’
‘That’s good news indeed,’ Menin smiled.
Coinin did not consider it good news. Months at sea would feel like a lifetime to him, and the more time that passed, the chances of finding Marrok would lessen.
‘My worry is the weather,’ Jericho continued. ‘It is mid-winter, and I fear we will not find a ship captain with a sufficiently loose mind to take us into the icy waters south of here.’
‘Be reassured Jericho, because that little scenario is already taken care of,’ Menin said, winking at Coinin.
‘How so?’ Jericho asked.
‘Do you remember my brother, Hur’al?’
Jericho screwed up his face and stroked his beard. ‘Hur’al you say? Not that little nightmare child that followed you around all the time?’ He thought back to his youth in the Village of Serin. He had been the son of the tavern owner, Menin, daughter of the blacksmith. They had been firm friends from childhood.
‘That’s the one,’ Menin laughed heartily. ‘He grew to be a ship captain amongst his other faults, and if we can locate him, then he may be our best hope for a sea journey.’
‘Where will we find him?’ Jericho asked.
‘I was just telling Coinin that the likelihood is that he is berthed in Rostha. Trading will be slow this time of year. Trust me, I will find him.’
Jericho raised a brow. ‘He’s captain of a trading ship? We need a fast ship, not a trading vessel.’
‘My brother became acquainted with pirates in his younger days, and if I know him, he will have learnt a few tricks and have a ship that is more than a match for any pirate vessel. Trade is dependent on getting goods safely to port, and speed is essential,’ Menin countered.
‘I guess there is only one way to find out,’ Coinin said. ‘We shall have to find him. You said everything is prepared, so when can we leave?’
‘Tomorrow. A low tide prevents us leaving now,’ Jericho replied.
‘Low tide?’
Menin turned to him. ‘Of course, you do not know, do you? There is so much about our sanctuary left to explore. I have neglected to inform you how we trade goods. There is a hidden dock underneath Sanctuary that we use to transport cargo.’
Coinin looked perplexed. ‘I thought the only way into Sanctuary was via the mountain pass.’
‘Indeed it is, for the uninitiated. There is certain magic that protects the passageway to the dock since this is the easiest way to Sanctuary. There’s no point discussing a route you cannot take if you are not inducted into The Brotherhood. Besides, it is for our protection that certain facts are kept from visitors.’
‘I suppose Prentis will be happy that we can attend his party this evening, Coinin said. We will set off at first light.’
‘We will have no wine left to trade if these impromptu parties continue,’ Menin winked. ‘Not that I am complaining, of course, we have not had an easy time of late, and it is good for morale.’
‘It is settled
then. Till this evening, Laliala.’ Jericho stood, bowed to Menin and turned to Coinin. ‘Curator, would you mind accompanying me?’
‘Not at all, General. Thank you Laliala.’
Out in the Great Hall, Jericho pulled Coinin in close. ‘I wanted to discuss with you the security and safety of the Archmage,’ he whispered. ‘I take it she intends to visit Rostha?’
‘She does indeed,’ Coinin replied.
‘I’m anxious that she should want to join us there. The Brotherhood has many enemies, particularly so now that Lordich has reappeared on the scene. It would be a blow to our order of unimaginable proportions if the Archmage were to be hurt, or worse, killed,’ Jericho said, a note of concern in his voice.
‘I don’t wish to advertise the fact that we are travelling to Rostha, especially with Laliala in tow. Who possesses knowledge of our journey?’
Jericho frowned, and a moment of confusion crossed his face that he was asked such a question. ‘Those who know of our true intent are limited to you, Aniol, Axl, the Archmage, Su’un and myself. The only outsider with any knowledge that could cause us problems is your Uncle Draken,’ he replied.
Coinin scowled. ‘Nonsense, Draken is harmless enough. He will be joining us; he has particular set of tracking skills that may prove useful.’
‘If I may be so bold as to object, we can’t afford to have any loose threads in our plan. If something were to go wrong, the whole thing could unravel. You know of your uncle’s past deeds,’ Jericho warned.
Coinin rounded on the General. ‘My uncle’s past deeds are just that, in the past. I would appreciate it if you left them there so that we can move forward. I have need of his company,’ he said with a determined air.
Jericho pursed his lips and persisted. ‘I am sorry Curator; I must bring to your attention the mysterious hooded figure who gave my wife a cursed silver talisman that Lordich used to control her actions.’
Coinin frowned at Jericho. ‘What are you saying General?’
‘I’m saying that there is a traitor in our midst.’
‘I suppose you accuse Draken of this?’ Coinin said, his voice rising.
‘He never did explain his whereabouts sufficiently. Why are you so blinded by your loyalty to this man?’
‘Because he is the only link I have to my family, aside from Marrok, and I have to believe that he would do me no harm. For all his faults, he paid the price for his evil deeds.’
‘I understand your feelings Curator,’ Jericho continued, ‘though you have to admit that it’s suspicious that the moment he turns up, we have a battle on our hands.’
‘By that same token, you would accuse me of colluding with Lordich. I too had just arrived in Sanctuary, why couldn’t I have broken the spell that guarded the Cliff of Judgement?’
‘Nonsense, no one could believe that,’ Jericho said appalled.
‘The fact is, we don’t know when the spell was broken. Therefore any cloaked figure could have ventured into Sanctuary and bewitched your wife. You blame Draken because of his past deeds and nothing more, and I will hear no more of it,’ Coinin fumed.
Jericho realised the futility in continuing with his accusations. ‘You are correct Curator. I am sorry if I offended you, it was not my intention. I wish only that the safety of the Archmage stays paramount, and the mission goes ahead without a hitch,’ he apologised.
‘As do I. Now please,’ Coinin said, ‘let’s concentrate on the Archmage’s security. What are the usual plans that are put in place should the Archmage need to visit a nearby temple?’
❖
The night had drawn in and with it a stiff breeze that cast swirls of snow in the air. Coinin stood and looked at the sanctuary below him, and realised for the first time that he would miss his new home. He had become so accustomed to his time there that to leave it now would wrench at his heart to be away from the familiar. He was about to embark on what could prove to be the longest journey of his life, far from his homeland, and that worried him. Aside from travelling to the temple all those months ago, the furthest he had travelled was to the village near to Draken’s home.
A crunch of snow behind him disturbed his thoughts, and he turned around to see Aniol, hands on hips. ‘A shil for them,’ she smiled.
Coinin sighed and set his jaw. ‘They aren’t worth that. I was just thinking how I’ve never travelled beyond Rosthagaar, and I’m eager to know what’s out there—it’s scary all the same.’
‘How did you feel when you first came to the temple?’ Aniol asked.
Coinin thought back to his arrival. ‘Nervous, and excited I guess,’ he said.
‘Indeed, so was I. It is the way with all things that are new. You should look upon this as an adventure, and don’t worry so much. You do enough of that for all of us here.’
‘I know what you say is correct, but what if something were to happen to the temple while I was gone. I couldn’t live with myself.’
‘You forget that Archmage Menin would never allow The Brotherhood to topple. She is a skilled defender of the faith.’
‘That’s the problem,’ Coinin confessed. ‘She cannot become involved in warfare or defence of the temple; her position prevents such action.’
‘You mean she has to stand by and allow an attacker to sack the temple?’ Aniol looked horrified.
‘Well, it’s not as if she wants to, it’s the position she holds. As spiritual head of The Brotherhood, she cannot be seen to be engaging in activities that go against the God of Love’s decrees.’
‘Yet she has an army that protects her.’
‘Incorrect,’ Coinin said. ‘The military protects the temple and faith by maintaining order and balance in the land. They will defend the temple from attack if needed. Her protection is by default, not by design. Besides, she is coming with us.’
‘I see now why you worry so. Without her guidance, can the temple truly be safe?’
‘General Jonjo will remain behind, but—’ Coinin began.
‘You don’t think he’s up to the task since Marrok was captured while under his care,’ Aniol finished.
Coinin nodded solemnly. ‘I confess that I’m torn between finding Marrok, and remaining here.’
‘Don’t be. The Brotherhood has been around for thousands of years, and has suffered attacks many times, and survived. The quicker you find Marrok, the sooner we can have the Curator back at the helm,’ Aniol said wisely.
‘Perhaps I’m worrying too much.’
‘It’s your job to worry, and that’s enough for tonight, that’s order,’ Aniol winked. ‘Prentis is expecting you.’
Coinin rolled his eyes and scratched at an itchy eyebrow with a fingernail. ‘I’d forgotten about that.’
‘That’s why I was sent to collect you,’ she said. ‘Ready?’
Coinin playfully held out his arm for Aniol to take and together they strolled into his study on the way to the Great Hall.
❖
Coinin arrived at the Great Hall shortly thereafter, with Aniol acting as protector behind him. He had expected to find it bustling and full of activity, though only a handful of wizards and witches stood to one side. No music or decoration adorned the room. The supplies that had been gathered in the centre of the hall now occupied the spaces between great pillars that held a rotunda that ran full circle around the room. The light well in the middle of the room still cast its great column of blue and red light to the heavens. He spied Archmage Menin talking with Prentis, and ventured towards them with a wave.
‘Greetings Archmage, Prentis, how goes it?’
‘Welcome Curator. I am sorry, the party seems to be a little quiet,’ Menin apologised.
‘It is fine, I am not really in the mood for it anyway,’ Coinin replied, and deliberately avoided Prentis’s eye. ‘Though why so few people?’
Menin excused herself and caught Coinin by the arm, and then escorted him out of earshot. They sat down on a long bench and watched the activity while Aniol stood a few feet away.
&
nbsp; ‘It seems the return of Lordich has brought about a state of anxiety within the brethren. At the height of his power, his reach was extensive, and people do not easily forget. Many of their family and friends died at his hands, and now they prefer to remain in the temple village with loved ones of an evening,’ Menin said in hushed tones.
‘The way Jericho describes him, he is an old man. Can he really have so much power?’ Menin raised a finger and wagged it. ‘Do not underestimate Lordich Secracar. He may appear old, but in reality, he is younger than Jericho. Regardless, he is equal in power to the darkest of wizards, if not infinitely more powerful,’ she replied solemnly. ‘And remember this, he has Death on his side.’
‘That’s what worries me most. I will be leaving the temple defenceless when we set off tomorrow.’ Menin frowned and took a deep breath. ‘The temple is not vulnerable Coinin, there are still a few defences at our disposal, and General Jonjo will be here.’
Coinin coughed lightly and looked away. ‘Yes, I know, it just feels as if I’m deserting my post,’ he said.
‘The way I see it, Curator,’ Menin began, ‘it’s either the temple or the world. If we don’t get Marrok back, or find the Swords of Cerathil, then we are doomed. There is little point in having a temple if in four years time all this is destroyed. So you go out there and find Marrok, and bring him back safe.’
Coinin looked into the warm eyes of Archmage Menin and felt his own well with tears of gratitude. He nodded slowly and a smile of relief spread across his face. She always knew the best thing to say.
THE FIRST LEG
Coinin had woken early, even before the cockcrow. Eager to get underway, he had beaten Aniol to her post. She was surprised to see him outside her quarters.
‘Oh, Coinin, this is unexpected,’ she said.
‘I thought I’d save you a trip. We’ve much to accomplish today and little time in which to do it.’
‘That’s a fair observation. What’s our first task?’ she asked, reaching for a parchment and quill tucked away in her belt pouch.
The Aduramis Chronicles: Volumes 1-3: The Definitive Collection Page 42