"So what can we do?" asked Nikki. "Beef up the town watch?"
"That will only give us away," said Hayley, "and I can't trust the watch. They're too susceptible to bribery."
"We have to do something!" Nikki urged.
"And so we shall. I will bring some rangers to the Palace."
"Won't that raise suspicions? We can't just increase the number of guards, that will tip our hands as surely as increasing the watch."
"Not if we do it surreptitiously," said Hayley.
"You're starting to sound like Revi."
"I'll take that as a compliment," said the ranger.
"By the way," said Nikki, "how is the search for him going?"
"The last I heard, they were still trying to decipher that magical mirror of his. I haven't heard from them for some time."
"You should keep our mages close," said Nikki. "We may have need of them soon if this plot goes any further."
"A valid point," said Hayley, "but that gives me an idea. I shall have to speak with Kraloch."
"He's in Hawksburg, isn't he?" asked Nikki.
"No, he was brought here to help in the search for Revi."
"Shall I find him for you?"
"No, I'll send Gorath. I need you to get back in touch with Harry. Have him notify you as soon as he hears they're assembling."
"And if riots break out?"
"Then we'll respond as the crown always has," said Hayley, "and let them think we're unprepared."
* * *
Runes began to illuminate as distant magic called, and then the entire circle began to glow brightly. A wall of light shot towards the ceiling, obscuring the centre and then it dissipated, revealing a group of mages.
Kraloch carried Revi's thin form as Albreda strode before him. Aldus Hearn, Kiren-Jool and the Weldwyn Enchanter, Gretchen Harwell, all fell in behind as the druid opened the door, drawing the attention of two surprised guards.
"Mistress Albreda, we weren't expecting you!"
"Nevertheless, here I am," she said in response. "We have recovered Master Revi Bloom."
The guard looked at the sickly form of Revi. "Is he alive?"
"For the time being," snapped Albreda, "but he is very weak."
The guard moved to the bell that hung beside the door. It was designed to give warning that someone was attempting to gain entry to the circle, but he thought it best to alert the other guards in the vicinity of the mages' unexpected arrival.
Aldus Hearn turned to the limp form of Revi. "He doesn't look good, are you sure there is nothing further you can do?"
"I have healed him," said Kraloch, "and his physical form is restored, but he is malnourished. He has likely not eaten or drunk anything for days."
"Can't you regenerate him?" asked Hearn.
Albreda turned on her fellow druid. "For Saxnor's sake, Aldus, he can mend damaged flesh, not cure hunger. Do you see any physical injury on Revi?"
"Well...no," said Hearn.
"Then you must trust that Master Kraloch knows what he is about."
Sir Preston arrived with half a dozen soldiers. "Mistress Albreda," said the knight, "you've found Master Bloom!"
"We have," said the Mistress of the Woods. "Now, will you escort us to his quarters? He needs rest and send someone to the kitchen, for he shall need sustenance."
"Food?" asked Sir Preston.
"Yes," said Albreda, "a broth would be best. He shouldn't have anything solid for a while."
Sir Preston dispatched a man, then turned his attention to Kraloch. "Can we help carry him?"
"He is no burden," said Kraloch, "and I can manage well enough. Where shall we take him?"
"This way," said Sir Preston. He turned, barking out an order, "Brenton, send word to Baroness Hayley."
"Aye, sir," the soldier replied.
Evard Brenton had served the Royal House of Merceria for years, first in service to King Andred, and then his son, Henry. He prided himself on his devotion to duty, a duty that had resulted in him being injured last year as he helped search for one of the shapeshifters. Knowing the Palace intimately, he ran off, determined to reach the office of the high ranger as quickly as possible.
* * *
Gorath sat at his desk, examining the wooden construction. As an Orc, he thought it unusual that these Humans relied so heavily on paper. So much so that they constructed these strange tables to be able to deal with it. Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing an out of breath guardsman.
"Is something wrong?" asked Gorath.
"It's Revi Bloom," stammered out Evard Brenton, "they've found him."
Gorath stood, crossing to the door to the high ranger's office. He knocked politely, waiting for the call to enter, then opened the door.
"What is it?" called out Hayley.
"A messenger has just arrived," said Gorath. "It seems they found Master Bloom."
"Revi?" said Hayley, rising from her chair. "Where is he?"
"They've taken him to some rooms in the guest wing," offered Brenton.
Hayley pushed her way past Gorath. "Take me there immediately," she said, turning to her aide. "Come along, Gorath, you're with me."
"Right this way, my lady," said Brenton.
"Who found him?" asked Hayley, following closely.
"He was brought in by Mistress Albreda," Evard explained. "They used the Palace circle."
"Was there anyone else with her?"
"I saw the Orc shaman, and three others," he replied. "One of them was the old druid."
"You mean Aldus Hearn?" said Hayley.
"That's him," he replied, "but I don't know the other two. One was a foreign-looking man, and the other was an older woman."
"I take it you don't regularly guard the circle," said Hayley.
"No, ma'am, I serve under Sir Preston. Our duty is to react to any emergency."
"I thought that was Beverly's responsibility?" said Hayley.
"It is, normally, but she's in the north, with the queen."
They rounded a corner and began making their way up a set of stairs.
"How did he look?" she asked.
"Sickly," said Brenton, "but he was alive. Very thin, I thought, as if he'd been starved."
"Oh, Revi," said Hayley, "what have you gotten yourself into?"
"Pardon?" said the guard.
"Nothing," snapped Hayley, "I was just thinking out loud."
Finally, they reached the top of the stairs and passed down another hallway. They were close by now, a fact that was soon obvious from the discussion drifting down the hall. They turned the corner to see Kiren-Jool and Aldus Hearn standing in front of an open door, deep in conversation.
"Aldus," said Hayley, "what news have you?"
"He is alive," said Hearn, "and in the care of Kraloch."
"Where was he?" asked the ranger.
"We found him in the tower of Andronicus," explained Hearn. "He was in the very bottom, collapsed near a fissure."
"A fissure?"
"Yes, one that was emitting magical flames."
"Like those of the Saurian temples?" asked Hayley.
"Yes, he had likely been there for some time."
"Can I see him?"
"I wouldn't suggest that until Kraloch says he's ready," said Aldus. "Revi's been through an ordeal, and is very weak."
A noise erupted from the room, followed by the sound of someone falling onto the floor. Hayley pushed past Hearn to see Gretchen Harwell lying prone, while on the bed lay Revi, mouthing words of power. Hayley could feel the air buzzing with magical energy.
Kraloch was casting a spell as well, calling forth his power even as Revi cast again. Hayley staggered as an invisible wall of energy hit her and then felt fatigued as if she had been active all day.
When the Orc released his magic, Revi fell eerily quiet. Albreda, standing to one side, moved forward to kneel by the unconscious form of Gretchen Harwell.
"It's all right," she said, "she's been put to sleep, nothing more. Luckily, she didn'
t hit her head when she fell."
"What happened?" said Hayley, staggering into the room.
Kraloch placed his hand upon her forearm. "Easy now," he soothed, "you must sit, you are weak."
The Orc led her to a chair, and she sat, thankful to be off her feet.
"I don't understand," said Hayley, "are you saying he attacked us?"
"He's not in his right mind," said Albreda. "I fear he is loosing uncontrolled magic."
"I have slept him for now," said Kraloch, "but further measures must be taken."
"Such as?" asked Hayley.
"Magebane," said Albreda.
"Will that hurt him?" asked Hayley.
"No, but it will make it impossible for him to cast magic. Fear not, it is only a temporary measure."
"How long will he need it?" the ranger asked.
"Until he is once again in control of his mind," said Albreda, "but I'm afraid we have no idea how long that might be."
"Indeed," said Hearn, "or, in fact, if he'll ever recover at all."
Albreda shot the Earth Mage a nasty glare. "We know nothing of his condition at present," she said. "Let us leave it to the healer to make that assessment."
"I have never known a man to regain his mind after losing it," added Hearn.
"Nor have I ever heard of someone collapsing by a fissure while staring into a magical flame," snapped Albreda. "We are treading new ground here, Aldus, let us not jump to conclusions."
Gretchen Harwell staggered to her feet with the help of Albreda. "That was...intense," she said.
"I fear Master Bloom is not in control of his faculties," admitted Albreda.
"Luckily, he is not operating at full power," said the Enchanter, "or else I'd be out for much longer."
Albreda looked at Kraloch. "Have you any idea how this might be rectified, Master Shaman?"
"It is beyond my skill," admitted Kraloch, "but once he is dosed with magebane, I shall consult the Ancestors. Hopefully, they can give us some guidance."
"What about Roxanne?" asked Gretchen. "She's the most gifted Life Mage in Weldwyn, maybe she might have some ideas of how to proceed."
"It's worth a try," said Hayley. "Can you fetch her?"
"I will recall to Summersgate tomorrow morning," said Albreda, "but we need to ensure that Revi is safe first."
"And the magebane?" Hayley added.
"I believe I can help with that," said Hearn. "It is, after all, brewed from plants, a particular specialty of mine."
Hayley rose, moving to sit on the end of Revi's bed to look down at him. His face was gaunt, his skin sickly pale, and tears came unbidden to her eyes. She caressed his cheek, feeling the coldness of it.
"What have you done?" she whispered.
"He was lying prone when he was found," said Kraloch. "We have no idea how long he was there before we discovered him."
"This flame," said Hayley, "you say it was coming out of a crack in the ground?"
"Yes," said Kraloch. "It was a green flame, much the same as that in the temple, though perhaps more powerful."
"Gorath tells me the Orcs can talk to spirits," she said.
"That's true," said Kraloch, "but I doubt that would work on someone who is unconscious."
"We must send word to all temple locations," insisted Hayley. "All further use of them will be put on hold until we can determine the cause of Revi's condition."
"That will mean cutting off direct communication with Queenston," warned Aldus Hearn, "not to mention the Orcs in the Artisan Hills."
"Our Ancestors tell us we are unaffected by the flame," offered Kraloch, "as were the Saurians. We have spent years examining the one in our home with no signs of illness, but until you Humans arrived, we had not unlocked its secrets."
"Then, as we have no Saurians here in Wincaster," said Hayley, "I shall decree that for the foreseeable future, only Orcs are permitted to use the temples."
"Are you sure you wish to do that?" asked Hearn. "It would mean placing a heavy burden on the Orcs."
"A burden we can well bear," offered Kraloch. "We shall keep the lines of communication open for you."
"How long will he remain unconscious?" asked Hayley.
"At least till noon," said Kraloch, "though I can administer the spell again, should the need arise."
"Good," said Hayley. "In the meantime, Master Hearn, seek out what herbs you may and prepare the magebane while Albreda travels to Summersgate."
Seventeen
King Halfan
Fall 964 MC
* * *
Aubrey stood in the doorway. "Are you sure, Your Majesty?"
"Quite," said Anna. "King Halfan insisted on meeting privately. I'm sure you and Gerald will be more than sufficient to keep me safe."
"But surely Beverly would be better suited," Aubrey protested.
"Beverly is an excellent warrior," said Anna, "but Gerald is more than capable of protecting me. I also need someone to help with diplomacy, and you're better suited to that."
"Me? Whatever gave you that idea?"
"I'm well aware of your efforts in Hawksburg," Anna explained, "and you've worked with the Orcs, not only that but with the rangers as well. You're quite adept at dealing with people, and that's why you're one of my advisors."
"If you say so," the mage replied.
"I do," said Anna, "and so I'll brook no more argument. Where's Gerald?"
"He'll be along shortly," answered Sophie. "He was just going over a few things with Beverly."
Tempus sat up quite unexpectedly, his tail wagging.
"I think that's him now," said Anna.
Aubrey turned to see the old marshal walking towards her.
"Everything set?" he asked.
Aubrey moved out into the hallway. "We're ready. The queen was just waiting for you."
Gerald halted, waiting as Anna exited. "You look quite regal," he noted.
"Thank you, Gerald," said Anna. "Now, shall we go and see King Halfan?"
"By all means."
Anna took his proffered arm, and they moved down the corridor while Aubrey followed.
Gerald had spent the morning familiarizing himself with the castle, at least as much of it that he was allowed to see. He led them through a series of confusing corridors and across an open courtyard to an inner keep. Along the way, they were observed by Norland guards, but none blocked their path.
They went up a grand set of stairs to a larger, more palatial room, where King Halfan sat waiting.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," said Anna, bowing.
"Queen Anna," the man replied, "so good of you to visit. Will you come and sit with me?"
"Certainly," said Anna, moving to a solid wooden chair with pillows opposite him. Gerald stood behind her while Aubrey moved to her side.
"Come now," said the king, "we can't have your advisors standing while we sit. We have plenty of chairs. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Gerald sat, though he certainly didn't look comfortable. Aubrey, on the other hand, was a vision of grace and elegance as she took a seat to Anna's left.
"Some wine?" asked the king.
"No, thank you," said Anna, "but feel free to have some, if you wish."
King Halfan held out a goblet while a servant moved up to fill his cup. "Tell me," said the king, "what did you make of our nobles?"
"They seem a dedicated lot," said Anna.
The king laughed, almost spilling his wine. "A very diplomatic answer. Dedicated they are, if only to enriching their own pockets. Tell me, is it the same way in Merceria?"
Anna smiled, "There are some with that attitude, though thankfully, not many."
"You are a young queen," said Halfan, "with many years ahead of you, Saxnor willing. Make sure you pick advisors you can trust, for they are few and far between."
"I have already surrounded myself with those I can trust," said Anna. "It is a lesson I learned very early."
"Good, then I propose that we talk more openly if we are to make prog
ress."
"I would agree with you," said Anna, looking around the room, "and yet there are many ears here, perhaps a smaller venue might be more appropriate for a frank discussion?"
Halfan smiled, though he grimaced afterward, as if in pain.
"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?
"Nothing but age," said the king.
"Something my marshal is well acquainted with," said Anna, bringing another smile to the old king's face.
"Let us retire to the reading room," suggested the king, as he leaned forward, struggling to stand. Aubrey stepped forward, offering her hand.
"May I help, Your Majesty?" she asked.
He took her arm. "Yes, thank you. Lady Aubrey, isn't it?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"You were quite impressive with your magic yesterday. Might I ask how long you have been studying it?"
"I apprenticed under the Royal Life Mage, Revi Bloom," said Aubrey.
"The baroness began her studies only four years ago," added Anna.
"Four years?" said the king. "Most impressive. I was led to understand that mages needed years to master even the basics of the arcane arts."
"It runs in my family," said Aubrey.
"So your mother was a mage?"
"No, but my great grandmother was, and she left substantial notes on the subject."
"You must have a sharp mind," said Halfan. "Do you read?"
"Extensively," said Aubrey, "though not as much as the queen."
Halfan turned to Anna in surprise. "Well then, let me show you my library, we can talk there." He pointed to a side door. "It's this way. Will you be my cane, Lady Aubrey?"
"I would be delighted, Your Majesty," she replied.
He led them across the room as a servant, anticipating their destination, opened the door. The king paused, looking at one of his servants, a fairly short, balding man. "Bring the wine, Harcourt, then leave us in peace."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the servant replied.
They passed through the doorway into a smaller room where one wall was full of bookshelves, though they were sparsely populated. The king selected a wide-backed stuffed chair before the fire, which was burning low. He looked over at Gerald, "Be a good fellow and put another log on the fire, will you?"
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