Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

"Beverly is a grown woman," said Albreda, "and has no concern for idle gossip. Now stop making excuses, will you accept my conditions or not?"

  He reached across the table, placing his hand over hers. "I will," he said. "It would, in truth, make me very happy to do so."

  "Good," said Albreda, breaking into a smile. "Then we can start right after we eat."

  "I beg your pardon?" said the baron.

  Albreda laughed, "Taking down those decorations, I mean. Did you think I was talking of bed?"

  "Well, I..."

  "That," she said, "is for later tonight!"

  A quiet knock announced the arrival of the servants. They cleared away the plates, refilling the goblets as well. They were just exiting when the baron's head servant entered.

  "Something wrong, Lucas?" asked the baron.

  "There is a foreigner here to see Mistress Albreda, my lord."

  "A foreigner, you say?

  "Yes, one of the Kurathians, I believe," replied Lucas.

  "That would likely be Kiren-Jool," said Albreda, "the Enchanter."

  "Very well," said the baron, "send him in."

  "As you wish, my lord," the man replied. He bowed deeply, then left the room.

  Baron Fitzwilliam took a sip of wine. "I wonder what he wants?" he mused.

  "Likely, he has some news about the mirror," said Albreda.

  "You think they might have cracked its secrets?"

  "Perhaps," she replied, "either that or they need my help with something."

  The door opened to admit Kiren-Jool.

  "Greetings, my lord," said the Enchanter, bowing to Richard, "and to you, Mistress Albreda."

  "Never mind the formalities, Kiren. Have you something to report?"

  "I have," the Kurathian answered. "I think we might have determined how the mirror works. Aldus has gone to Hawksburg to fetch Kraloch."

  "When is he due back?" she asked.

  "Shortly," the Enchanter replied. "We thought you might want to be present when he examines the mirror."

  "I think that a splendid idea." Albreda turned to the baron, "What about you, Richard? Have you anything on your schedule?"

  "I was thinking of redecorating," he said with a smile.

  "Would you care to accompany us?"

  "I would be delighted. Shall I summon some soldiers to help in case of trouble?"

  "I doubt that will be necessary," she said, "but you might want to bring your sword, just in case."

  "I shall fetch it immediately," he said, "then we can make our way to Master Bloom's house."

  * * *

  They arrived in time to see Gretchen Harwell standing at Revi's front door. The Enchantress had been summoned from the Weldwyn embassy where she had been staying and looked like she had just woken up. She smiled as she recognized Albreda, and the two embraced like old friends.

  "Gretchen," said Albreda, "might I introduce Lord Richard Fitzwilliam, Baron of Bodden? I don't think you two have met. He's Dame Beverly's father."

  "Well met," the mage replied. "I am Gretchen Harwell, Enchantress to the court of Weldwyn."

  The baron bowed respectfully. "Good evening," he said, "it is a pleasure to finally meet, I've heard so much about you."

  Kiren-Jool opened the door, beckoning them in.

  "It's up this way," said Albreda, leading the others to the stairs. They ascended quickly, the sound of voices growing closer as they did. Through the open door at the top of the stairs, they could see Kraloch standing before the mirror, examining its frame while Aldus Hearn sat at a small table, carefully making notes.

  "How are we doing?" asked Albreda as she entered.

  Kraloch turned to face her. "These runes have much in common with ancient stone circles," he said. "I believe I can decipher them."

  "Stone circles?" said Albreda. "What do you know of such things? Have you such constructs in the Artisan Hills?"

  "No," said Kraloch, "but the Ancestors tell us that long ago, the Meghara built many, scattered across this land."

  "Your Ancestors?" said Fitz.

  "Yes," explained Aldus Hearn, "the Orcs can communicate with their Ancestors using magic."

  "Does that help us?" asked the baron.

  "We shall see," said Kraloch. "If you would stand to the side, I shall attempt to activate the mirror."

  "Should we draw weapons?" asked Fitz.

  "I doubt that will be necessary," said Hearn. "We've been able to view the other end of the mirror for a while, and there's nothing dangerous visible."

  Kraloch waited until everyone was in place then started casting. He called forth the magic words, glancing from time to time at a paper he held. The surface of the mirror began to ripple, and then the image shifted to reveal a distant room.

  "It worked," said the baron.

  "That is only the first step," warned Albreda. "It's what comes next that's important."

  Kraloch halted his spell, glancing at the image in the mirror. "I shall attempt the next step," he said, "but I don't know how it will manifest. I might disappear, only to reappear in the mirror, or I might have to step through it. Regardless, Master Hearn will write down the sequence." He turned to his companion, "Are you ready, Aldus?"

  "I am," said Hearn. "You may proceed when ready."

  Kraloch turned his attention back to the mirror and its glowing runes. He closed his eyes, summoning forth words of power. As they trickled from his lips, more runes began to glow, and then the entire frame lit up as if a thousand fireflies had landed upon it.

  The Orc opened his eyes in time to see the light shift in the distant room, the magic bathing it in a soft glow.

  "I think we are ready," he said.

  "Wait," said the baron, "how do we come back?"

  "By using the same words," said Kraloch. "I shall go first."

  He stepped forward, touching the mirrored surface with a finger. The Orc appeared to dissolve into dust and then reappeared on the other side of the mirror, in the distant room, his pose turned around by one hundred and eighty degrees.

  "Remarkable," he said, though his voice sounded distant, as though he were talking through a door.

  "Come along," said Albreda, grasping Richard's hand. She touched the surface, and the baron felt a surge of energy as if his whole body was enveloped in pins and needles. Moments later, he was looking out from the mirror, though to his view, it was Revi's room that looked back at him.

  "That was remarkable," he said, "and, I must admit, somewhat unsettling."

  Kraloch stepped to the side, examining the frame. The mirror was identical to that at their point of origin, as was the stand that held it, allowing it to rotate.

  Baron Fitzwilliam moved to the window, still grasping Albreda's hand, and pushed it open. He peered out, feeling the cold blast of air on his face.

  "We're high up," he said, "but I see nothing that might indicate our position."

  Albreda took in the view. "I would surmise we are somewhere northeast of Wincaster," she said. "Likely somewhere in the Artisan Hills."

  "Surely not," said the baron, pointing at a distant peak, "that is definitely a mountain, not a hill."

  "The window faces east," explained Albreda, "you can tell from the sun. Those peaks you see are the edge of the mountains, so we are likely close to Eastwood."

  "How can you be so sure?" he asked.

  "Revi's notes on the Saurian gates were quite detailed, though difficult to read."

  Aldus Hearn, who had just stepped through the mirror, looked at her in surprise. "You read them?"

  "Of course," she replied. "After all, I can't rely on others to keep me informed of such things."

  "That's a little harsh, isn't it?" said Hearn. "We have been quite occupied trying to figure out the mirror."

  "I'm not saying you didn't do a good job of it, Aldus, merely that things often get missed in explanations. When Aubrey told me you were reading through Revi's notes, I knew I must also do so myself."

  "But they were in his house," said H
earn.

  "His older notes, perhaps, but Aubrey had been digging through his more recent scribblings."

  "Tell me, Albreda," said the baron, "what leads you to conclude that we're in the Artisan Hills?"

  "I believe we're on a confluence of ley lines," she said.

  "I'm afraid I don't understand," said Fitz.

  "Nor would I expect you to, Richard, you're not a mage. There are lines of power that run all across the land."

  "I've heard of those," said the baron, "but don't they run north and south?"

  "Yes," Albreda replied, "but there have been theories that there are secondary lines that run roughly east and west. Where these lines meet, there is a powerful node where great magical forces can be tapped. I believe this is just such a location."

  "How can you be sure?" he asked.

  "I can feel the magic of this place," she said, "and this is no ordinary tower."

  Kraloch had moved to the wall and was examining the stone as Kiren-Jool stepped through the mirror. Moments later, there was a flash and then the glow of the mirror ebbed, leaving them in a room lit only by the open window.

  "It appears," said the Kurathian, "that I made it just in time." He waved his hands in the air, uttering words of power and then a glowing orb of light materialized before him, bathing the room in a yellow glow. "That's better."

  "This room could use a good cleaning," noted Albreda. "It doesn't look like anyone's been here for some time."

  "That makes sense," noted Hearn. "Andronicus did die years ago, and this place has been empty ever since."

  "Uninhabited certainly," said Albreda, "but likely not empty."

  "What are you suggesting?" said Fitz. "Do you think something is alive here?"

  "Hopefully, Revi," noted Albreda, "but I was referring to artifacts."

  "Artifacts?" asked the baron.

  "Yes, notes, books, all sorts of things. Andronicus must have hidden his greatest secrets here. I met him once, you know, many years ago."

  "You met Andronicus?" said Fitz. "Astounding. Where?"

  "He helped save my life in Shrewesdale," said Albreda, "but that's an entirely different story."

  "You must tell me all about it some time," the baron replied.

  She smiled at him, "I would be delighted to, but we should continue our investigation here first."

  "I see markings on the floor," interrupted Kiren-Jool.

  The baron looked down at the stone bricks beneath their feet. "I think you're correct," he said, "but they somehow look familiar."

  "They should," noted Albreda, "they form a magic circle, much like the one in the Palace."

  "A Life Circle?" asked Fitz.

  "Of course," said Albreda, "that was his chosen realm of magic, after all."

  "How powerful is it?" the baron asked.

  "Not as powerful as the one at the Palace," said Albreda.

  "Wouldn't it have been easier for Revi to use it to travel back and forth?" asked the baron.

  "He hasn't yet learned the spell of recall," Albreda explained.

  "It might be a good idea to commit this one to memory," suggested the baron.

  Albreda smiled, "An excellent suggestion, Richard. Would you mind guarding me while I begin the examination? It will take some time, and I would value the company."

  "Of course," he said, "I would be delighted."

  "Good," she said. "The rest of you should begin examining the rest of this place.

  "There are stairs over here," said Hearn, "leading down."

  "A good place to start, then," she replied.

  "Won't you need some light?" asked Kiren-Jool.

  In answer, Albreda moved to the middle of the casting circle then began an incantation. The air started to tingle with energy, and then small vines crept through the window and crawled along the wall. Albreda's words continued to flow, and the baron watched in fascination as the vines began to sprout flowers with glowing petals, illuminating the room with a pale green light.

  "Astounding," said Fitz. "You never cease to amaze me with your magic."

  "Where did the vines come from?" asked Hearn. "You can't just conjure them from nothing!"

  Fitz moved to the window, poking his head outside to peer downward.

  "Here's your answer, Master Hearn, she's had the vines climb up the outside of the tower. Your theories of magic are still intact."

  "How high up are we?" asked Hearn.

  "At least a hundred feet, if I'm any judge of distance," said Fitz, "but it looks like the tower's made from solid rock. How is that even possible?"

  "Earth Magic," said Hearn, "though manipulating stone is not my specialty. I suspect the influence of a Dwarven mage."

  Albreda had lowered herself to the floor and was now crawling about on her hands and knees, examining the magic circle in greater detail.

  "You lot had best get a move on," said Fitz, "and let Albreda continue committing this circle to memory."

  Kraloch began descending the steps which were curved to match the tower. The inside wall of the stairwell was made of wood, and he soon found himself facing an interior door at the base of the stairs. This he opened, then waited as Kiren-Jool and Aldus Hearn joined him, the magical globe of light illuminating their way.

  "What have we here?" said Hearn.

  "It looks like a bedroom," said Kraloch, peering into the shadows.

  "I can't see a thing," muttered Hearn.

  "I have to get the light through the door," said Kiren-Jool. He motioned with his hand, waving the orb into the room, revealing the interior.

  "It appears you are correct," said Hearn, "your eyesight is obviously better than mine."

  "Orcs see better in dim light," explained Kraloch.

  The room was circular, matching the outside perimeter of the tower. A large bed, complete with curtained posts, sat against the northern wall with a small shuttered window visible against the south. The stairs opened up on the west while a similar portal was visible to the east.

  The Orc shaman made straight for the bed. "This has been slept in," he noted, "the blankets are disturbed, though I suppose that could have been ages ago."

  Kiren-Jool remained by the door while Hearn made his way to the shutters, unlatching them and throwing them open. Daylight flooded the room, along with a welcome breath of fresh air.

  "There's something here, on the floor," said Kraloch, crouching low. "It looks like a book."

  The news caught Kiren-Jool's attention. The Kurathian Enchanter made his way to Kraloch's side to watch as the Orc lifted the object of his attention.

  "It looks like a journal of some sort," said Kraloch, flipping through the pages.

  "That's not Master Bloom's hand," noted the Kurathian, "we've been reading through his notes for days."

  "Were they made by Andronicus?" suggested the Orc.

  "I'm not familiar with the man's work," said Kiren-Jool, "but it's as good a guess as any."

  "Would you like to peruse it?" asked Kraloch.

  "You should probably be the one to read it. It likely concerns Life Magic, and that's your specialty."

  "Very well," said Kraloch, "but I shan't read it in depth just yet, we still have a mage to find."

  Aldus Hearn opened the other door, revealing another set of descending stairs. "It occurs to me," he said, "that this layout is very similar to his house, you know, casting room on top, bedroom below."

  "If that's the case," said Kiren-Jool, "I would think the next level will be the library, followed by the kitchen and storage areas."

  "We shall likely have to make our way to the lowest level to find Revi," said Kraloch.

  "What makes you say that?" asked Hearn.

  "Revi was always infatuated with the Saurian gates," Kraloch continued. "Lady Aubrey would often talk of it. I believe that he was consumed by the flame."

  "You fear he was burnt alive?" asked Hearn.

  "No," said Kraloch, "rather, I suspect his mind was consumed by his quest for knowledge. My p
eople have known of the flames for generations, though we never harnessed them. Even our ancient shamans warned that pale skins can become obsessed with the green flame."

  "But your people weren't?" asked Hearn.

  "No," said Kraloch, "and I would suspect the Saurians were unaffected as well."

  "Very interesting," said Kiren-Jool. "Perhaps whatever it is that gives you green skin protects you from its effects?"

  "That is a possibility," said Kraloch, "for the ancient Saurians were also green in colour."

  "I'm getting a very uncomfortable feeling," said Hearn. "I doubt I shall ever step through a Saurian portal again."

  "You have no need now," said Kraloch, "for Albreda has taught us how to recall. A remarkable achievement."

  "If what you say is true," said Hearn, "then Revi, wherever he is, might be dangerous, his mind acting irrationally. Should we fetch the baron and his sword?"

  "All three of us are mages," said Kiren-Jool. "Surely one Revi Bloom will not be beyond our ability to cope."

  "Let us hurry," said Hearn, "for the longer we wait, the more nervous I become."

  He led them down the stairs, emerging into a room that was jam-packed with shelves of books. In the centre was a cleared space with a pair of well-padded chairs between which sat a small table holding an oil lamp. Hearn stepped forward quickly, lifting it, only to find it empty.

  Kiren-Jool manoeuvered his orb of light across the room, the shelves casting sinister-looking shadows.

  "No sign of a window," he said, "but more stairs leading down, this time with no door."

  Aldus Hearn stood a moment, letting the sheer number of volumes sink in. "We'll have to come back to this later," he said, "our first priority must be to find Revi."

  Down they went, each floor slightly larger than the one above as the tower widened at its base.

  * * *

  Albreda stood, groaning as she did, and wiped the dust from her hands. "I'm getting old."

  "Aren't we all," the baron replied. "All done?"

  "Let's see, shall we?" she said, moving to the window. She held out her hands and closed her eyes, calling forth the magic of the earth. A wind whipped up from nowhere, whirling around her and then she vanished only to re-appear, a moment later, in the centre of the circle.

  "There," she said, "I have now committed this Life Circle to memory. We may return whenever we wish."