Kellen looked at the certainty in Janus’ eyes and knew that he was not going to be able to send the prince home disappointed.
Chapter 9
Byrn sat at the round table surrounded by the masters of the Collective. The masters were the governing body of the magician group and numbered five people including Byrn. As masters they were deemed to be the most knowledgeable magicians in the rebellion and led the others by consensus.
With the exceptions of Alia and Byrn who were in their twenties, the former in her late years and the latter in his early years, the rest of the masters looked to be in their mid-forties to early sixties. To Byrn's right sat Levak Altermas, a manipulation master. He was in his fifties, but still quite fit and had a mane of red hair tied off in a high rogue's knot and a long mustache that he had assured Byrn was “terribly manly” over drinks when they first met. Next to Levak was Riona Necromas. She was the Collective's master of necromancy and although she was a bit chubby she hid it well under her flowing black robe. Opposite Byrn was Alia Necros who Byrn knew well by now. She took her sir name from her father Xander Necros, but was only an adept at necromancy. Her true mastery was in enchanting. To his left was the man known as Old Father Skynryd, the eldest of the masters and a healer who believed that healing came from within the body rather than the goddess of life. Skynryd found his way to the Collective after he was excommunicated for having a viewpoint counter to the teachings of Ashura and considered heretical by most in the kingdom.
Despite her younger age Alia was considered the head of the Collective, since she was the one who founded the group three years earlier and brought the masters together. She was also skilled at managing the Collective's business from sending magicians on assignments to handling the daily affairs of the castle and the town of Wolfsbane below.
“First, I would like to officially welcome Byrn Firemas to the masters table,” Alia said with a nod and slight smile. Byrn decided to take the name Firemas after some consideration a few weeks earlier. If he was to put forth his full effort into fighting the kingdom and Kenzai, then he needed to embrace this life and though it pained him to do so when he thought of his mother he nevertheless cut all ties to his former life. It was a difficult decision, but now that he understood the lengths the Kenzai were willing to go to subjugate magicians his path was clear.
“Second, I believe it is time that we took the offensive. We have had some fair successes working in secret, but the emergence of the control collars, the hand-cannon weapons, and the total destruction of my mother's school have shown just how much more aggressive our Kenzai adversaries are becoming,” Alia spoke calmly, but passionately, “We can no longer be content to stay hidden while slowly building our numbers or the Kenzai will track us down one by one. We are forty magicians strong now, but most of our numbers are still inexperienced youths. We have to increase our numbers rapidly to meet these growing threats. We need someone to lead us who could also be a symbol of what we can achieve. We need someone that we can rally behind and make our presence known to all in Aurelia and draw in all of the magicians still in hiding to our cause. In short we need my father, Xander Necros.”
Alia paused to let the words sink in. The other masters looked to one another questioningly.
It was Levak Altermas who spoke first. “Alia, your desire to free your father has always been clear to us, but assaulting Baj to free one man is far too risky even with all of the power at our disposal.”
“I understand your concerns, Levak, but things have changed,” Alia replied, “In the weeks since Byrn's arrival he has been very helpful giving us many details about Baj Prison and after some discussion we think we have a way in. Byrn, if you would...”
“Baj Prison is nearly impenetrable in a frontal assault without siege weapons even for magicians,” Byrn began a little hesitantly. He met each of the masters since his arrival, but this was his first time addressing them assembled as the heads of the Collective. “If we did somehow manage to break through, then we would be confronted by dozens upon dozens of Kenzai warriors and the walls inside are covered in magic absorbing runes. In addition the place is a labyrinth, so even if we did make it in, we would become powerless long before we ever got close to finding Xander Necros.”
“You paint a rosy picture,” said Levak Altermas, stroking his lavish mustache with his thumb and forefinger, “It hardly sounds like suicide at all.”
Byrn ignored him and continued, “But there may be another way in. The prisoners are never allowed to leave their cells except under special circumstances. They eat, sleep, and shit in their cells.” Byrn paused to look at his fellow masters. Seeing that the full weight of his words were not obvious to any save Alia whom he devised the plan with he continued, “There is a sewer system that runs out of the prison and, I believe, empties into a large lake nearby. I have been there many times as a boy and to all appearances it is completely unprotected. If we can find the entrance, then we can get into their sewer system and follow it to the cells. From there a sprite can locate Xander and lead us to him. I, or one of our manipulation magicians, would then enlarge the opening leading to Xander Necros' cell. Then we could escape the way we came or using runes, leaving the guards in Baj none the wiser until we are far, far away.”
A minute passed while the masters thought over the idea. Then the master necromancer, Riona, asked with a hint of disbelief, “Do you truly believe this plan will work?”
Without hesitation Byrn replied, “If I did not believe it, then I would not have suggested it. None here more than me know what it is like to be a prisoner in Baj and I would not be willing to risk capture again if I did not believe this would work.”
Again the masters sat in silence for a time as each one carefully weighed their decision. Each wondered if the risk was worth taking and slowly they began to feel a small sense of hope. As a group, the Collective had been fighting the battles that they could, but they lacked the numbers or raw power to have any real chance of a lasting victory, but if they could add a grandmaster to their ranks, then it could be the first big step towards throwing off the kingdom’s shackles.
“Then I will support this endeavor,” Riona told them despite some clear hesitation.
The vote was unanimous among the masters although Skynryd and Levak went along grudgingly. Riona’s backing was enough to give Byrn and Alia a majority. The rest of the meeting was consumed by discussions of possible pitfalls followed by more discussions of who should be included in the breakout attempt. When they finished they decided on a two-person team consisting of Byrn and Alia. The fire magician was adamant that he could rescue Xander without risking anyone else's life, but Alia refused to allow a rescue attempt to take place without her involvement and placing two of the Collective’s five masters in danger was enough of a risk already.
When the meeting ended Alia asked Byrn to stay behind.
“I wanted to thank you for your help,” she told him with a gentle smile, “Saving my father is important to our cause, but it is equally as important to me as a daughter.” She leaned into Byrn and kissed him lightly on the cheek, then hurried off leaving the fire master alone to consider his good fortune.
Chapter 10
Everec Keep was a bustle of activity as the soldiers and miners-turned-militia prepared for the orc siege. The orcs would be upon them within the next day or two and the two highest ranking nobles, Lady Marian and the knight-magician Byrn Lightfoot, were nowhere to be seen. Following their disappearances a month earlier, Sari and a handful of delegates were left to coordinate the city’s defenses.
Donovan restlessly watched the southern pass that the orcs would have to take to reach Everec. He hoped the elf would finish with her war meeting soon and return to brief the troops that grew more restless with each day of waiting, and if pressed he would be forced to admit that he was drawn to her. There was something about Sari that Donovan found comforting. It was more than just her elven beauty; her very presence filled him with a sense of calm. Dono
van laughed to himself. Considering the danger they would soon be facing from the war-hungry orcs, the scout leader needed all of the feelings of calm and well being he could find no matter the source.
“By the goddess’ girdle! Did you see that?” shouted one of the guardsmen patrolling the wall. Donovan reached for his bow and began surveying the horizon for signs of trouble when he realized the man was pointing at something within the city’s walls instead of beyond them as he had expected.
Donovan followed the guardsman’s finger, but saw nothing amiss. The man was pointing at Byrn Lightfoot’s tower where an old man and a woman stood in the yard. The tower had been empty except for the house butler who kept the tower maintained for the last few weeks in the magician’s absence. Still there was nothing terribly surprising about two people standing in the courtyard.
Then a moment of recognition caused a smile to pass over Donovan’s lips. The people there meant little to him. He did not recognize the man at all, but he knew the woman was of some importance and would matter to someone he cared for. It was Dame Marian Lightfoot.
“They just appeared out of thin air!” the guardsman continued.
“At ease, soldier. Everything is fine,” Donovan assured the man. “Eyes back on the wall,” he said even as he left his position and nimbly raced down the wall’s stone staircase to greet the newcomers, fearing they might vanish like mist in the sun.
The tower was within the manor grounds and Donovan had to race through the temporary shelters set up for the mountain land’s refugees fleeing the advancing orc army to get there. The shelters were filled with mostly women, children, and the elderly. Most of the men and some of the women more inclined to the warrior’s path chose to join up with Everec’s guard. Every able-bodied sword arm would be needed for there to be any hope of overcoming the orcs.
Several minutes later Donovan reached the pair near the tower who was already being greeted by several of the guard captains. He was gratified to see that his guess about the new arrival was correct. He did not know the middle-aged brunette well, but he was familiar enough with the lady of the manor to recognize her on site. “Welcome home, Lady Lightfoot,” Donovan said with a short bow, “You have been sorely missed.”
“Thank you, soldier…”
“Pardon me, my lady. I am Donovan Surefoot, one of your scout squad leaders.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Marian assured him, “and this is… Sane.” The elder man nodded to Donovan, but said nothing. Marian continued, “The guard captains tell me that the orc threat is far greater than we first thought before I left. Do you know where we can find Sarianna?”
“Yes, my lady, she is in discussions concerning the city’s defenses as we speak,” Donovan told her. Seeing the shocked look on Lady Marian’s face, Donovan added apologetically, “I am certain she meant no disrespect, Lady Lightfoot. No one knew where you went or how to get in contact with you and our situation is quite desperate. I can assure you that Sari- Lady Sarianna- has been beside herself with worry for you.”
“No, Donovan, you misunderstand,” Marian sighed regretfully, “I should have been here instead of attending to a personal matter.”
“Do not judge your actions too harshly,” came an older man’s voice from behind Donovan. He turned to see one of the city council leaders, Aldyd Grailsaber, coming up behind him along with Sari and several other city officials. “We are just happy that you have returned in our time of need... and brought a powerful ally with you. His strength will be needed.” Aldyd nodded to Sane who appeared not to acknowledge the compliment.
Sari extended her hand and when Marian took it the elf pulled her in to embrace her friend. “It is good to have you back with us,” Sari told her, “and you as well, Sane.” She hugged the decidedly older man as well and Donovan had to fight back a surge of jealousy. Sari pushed the old man away so she could get a better look at his face. “Did something happen?” she asked with deep concern.
Sane looked to Marian who turned her head and appeared very interested in something Aldyd was telling her. To Sari, Sane whispered, “We have much to discuss. The kingdom…” He faltered noticing Donovan’s gaze upon him and simply promised, “Later, when we have some time alone.”
Oblivious to their conversation Aldyd declared nearly beaming, “With the king’s own magician on our side, those orcs stand little chance against us now.” Donovan took a step back in surprise. A magician? His mother told him stories when he was young about the deadly magicians and how they ruled the world with an iron fist. The scary thing was that no matter how hard the Kenzai tried there were always more magicians out there, hiding in the shadows and plotting ways to take back the land that they once ruled.
He regarded the old man with Lady Lightfoot in a new light- a harsher light. How could he have failed to recognize the man’s sinister nature before? Under Sane’s green cloak he wore simple garb similar to that of a merchant or another profession used to city living, but at his side was strapped a small staff. Yes, it was definitely a staff. At first glance Donovan thought the old man was carrying a cudgel, but he was clearly mistaken.
Then he remembered something the guard on the wall had said when he first spotted the pair. It was something about them appearing out of the air- magic!
Donovan looked from Sari to Aldyd to Lady Marian and he was surprised to see that none of them cared that a magician was standing in their midst. They even seemed to welcome his presence! The scout made a quick excuse about returning to his watch on the wall and hurried away.
Hours passed as Donovan stewed over the unexpected arrival of the magician. It made sense that Lady Marian would not mind the magician’s presence. Her son was one as well. She probably got her position by cavorting with secret magicians of influence. Sari was the Lady’s friend. Did she know these magical miscreants as well? He wondered. She must.
The sun was dipping below the horizon when his relief from the watch came. It was another of the scout leaders- Lechance Swiftstride.
“Well met,” said Donovan as Chance cleared the stony stairway to the top of the wall.
“Well met, indeed,” Chance said in return clasping his replacement at the wrist in greeting. “Have you heard that Lady Lightfoot has returned to lead us?”
Donovan nodded, “Yes. In fact, I had the pleasure of greeting her upon her arrival… and her friend too.”
“Is it true?” Chance whispered conspiratorially, “Is he…?”
“A magician?” guessed Donovan. “Yes.”
“It makes me nervous,” admitted Chance. “I guess we should be happy to have a magician on our side especially if Sari’s estimation of the orcs is accurate, but I am unsure. What if he turns on us?”
Donovan thought on it for a minute, but could come up with no solution. “There is little that we can do except to be vigilant from threats from within as well as without.”
Chance added, “Vigilant… and ready to act if need be.”
***
It was late that night when Sari rendezvoused with Sane in Byrn’s tower. The tower remained empty since Byrn vanished making it the perfect place for the elf and sorcerer to meet privately. When Sari arrived she found the old sorcerer staring out a window overlooking Everec. Campfires dotted the refugee camp illuminating the dark streets and making shadows dance with the wind.
“It is a chill night,” Sane remarked as he surveyed the mountain city. The stone of the window frame was cold to the touch. “Winter will be upon us soon.”
Sari pulled her cloak tighter to hold off the cold of the night wind. She joined Sane by the window. It reminded her of the time they watched over Colum as the ogres attacked the city. Many lives were lost that night, but the ogres were defeated. She hoped that Everec would fare as well though the threat was much greater.
“You are in a dark mood tonight,” she observed.
“My thoughts have been dark for some time now,” he admitted. His voice was tinged with a hint of sadness. Howe
ver, even Sane was unsure if his sadness stemmed from the loss of his sister or the realization that he wasted half his life in service of a kingdom that would never truly accept him.
“Marian told me that you have renounced your fealty to the king… and that you killed someone.” She slipped her hand into Sane’s icy palm. “Tell me what happened,” she told him, not unkindly.
Sane released a breath he did not realize he had been holding and let the wall he had carefully erected around himself fall away. For nearly forty years, he regarded Sari as a companion, a true friend, and at times in their long history as something more. He could hide nothing from her, nor would he ever consider trying. “It began a month ago when I heard a report of a cell of magicians being discovered and eradicated near Lion’s Landing,” Sane told the elf. He explained how he came to Everec looking for Byrn and found Marian Lightfoot mourning her son. Then Sane told her of his resolution to break ties with the kingdom and how he murdered the assassin who killed his sister. “I have been fooling myself for a long time, thinking that my obedience would mean a brighter future for other magicians somewhere down the road, but it is not true,” Sane said by way of an explanation for his actions, “Avelice knew it was a lie and so did her students that were murdered, only I was foolish enough not to see it. Marian thinks I was wrong for killing the man who murdered my sister, but I feel like I am only now just starting to see things as they truly are.
“I was motivated by grief and revenge at the time, but I do not regret killing Bertran even now. If I had nothing, then instead of being punished for his crimes, the assassin would have been rewarded for the deaths he caused, and to add insult to injury the reward would come from the man who will one day become king of Aurelia, and who I will one day be expected to bend my knee to. I could not allow that injustice to stand and I cannot allow Janus to become the next king.”
Fallen Magician (The Magician Rebellion) Page 7