by L. S. Gibson
One voice shouted over the others, "I know this man. He is of the Reeve household, the one who ran away!"
Jhond glanced at the king, who inclined his head. Jhond stepped forward. "I am, indeed, Jhond of Reeve, but I did not run away. I went seeking the truth of the old legends I had heard all my life. My path took me to many places and I met those who became my greatest friends and my staunchest allies. I also met evil incarnate. My journey brought me back home to find the final piece of a puzzle I didn't know I was part of. Now I know all the questions and all the answers for I am he who has been long awaited. I am the Eynan!"
"Easy words to say!"
"Proof, the king said. What proof?"
"I have seen the proof for myself," Corianus declared. "Do you doubt my word?"
There was silence for a minute or so before a man stepped forward. "Gracious king, I do not doubt your word, but even a king can be fooled, lied to. And, if I may ask, who is this other man, this stranger?"
"He is a stranger to these shores, Lord Gorlees. Come forward, Ninian of the House of Hartees. Ninian is a mage who has been assisting and training Jhond in his newly discovered talent. His family's duty, as laid down at the time of the Withdrawal, was to help bring forth the Eynan."
Ninian stepped forward, but before he could say anything, a voice called out, "All we've heard is talk and high promises. Where is this proof?"
"If I may, Your Majesty," Ninian said, with a quick smile at Jhond.
"As you wish," Corianus said, stepping back.
Ninian lifted an arm, drawing a sigil in the air. Then he lowered his arm, his hand now a closed fist. He murmured a few words under his breath and opened his fist. A circle of about half a dozen tiny pinpricks of light circled above his fist before moving off over the gathering in the middle of the hall. As they spread out, the pinpricks grew in size until it became clear they were each tiny flames, increasing in size. By the time they reached their destination, they were each the size of a small fire.
The men below looked uncomfortable, not only from fear and uncertainty, but also from the rising heat. The fires' intensity increased until they began to spit out sparks and tiny flames. A man screamed as one of the sparks hit his cheek; another yelled as a minute flame caught his cloak on fire. It was soon brushed out, but the others tried to get out of the way, stumbling into each other in their panic and confusion.
Jhond called out one word and then blew out a breath. Everyone stilled, nervously watching. The tiny breath that had left Jhond's lips grew as it moved swiftly across the room to settle over the small fires. The breath swirled and darkened until, like the thunderclouds it now resembled, it dispatched torrents of rain onto the floor below. The fires were quenched in an instant, and the men were drenched. Abruptly, the rain stopped and the clouds disappeared as if they had never been.
"A summer storm," Jhond said quietly.
Many of the men were grumbling, one or two very vocally, when all of a sudden, the king laughed.
"A very gentle lesson, my friends," Corianus said.
Lord Gorlees stepped forward, his clothes dripping over the stone floor to run off along the dips between the stone blocks. He looked puzzled. "A summer storm? Why phrase it that way?"
"Because that was what it was: a very small, short, summer storm. Among my other talents, I can reproduce the elements, gentleman, including the wind and the rain."
Chapter 30
Girau pulled at his bonds. Even though he knew it was useless, he had to try something. He found it hard to believe they'd been trapped so easily. Sitting there in front of the minister, no weapons with which to defend themselves, he and Amired had been easy targets. Narivin had been as shocked as they were when he was dragged from his seat, his protests going unheeded as he was shoved over his desk while he was searched and then his were hands tied.
They were marched out of the office, through the gawking clerks in the outer area and out the front door. Girau had glanced as carefully as he could toward the park, not wishing to give away the location of the rest of their party. The three sailors had been there, watching with shocked faces as they were led away. They hadn't been the only observers; people in the square had stopped to stare as they were taken away. Narivin's status was easily recognizable to the populace as he was wearing his badge of office on his jacket.
Girau wanted to ask Amired what he thought his men might do, but he had to keep his curiosity to himself. Perhaps he might get the chance for a private conversation later, but he wasn't sure if he would risk it even then. Who knew who might be listening? He would, however, still be able to check if a mage were around because he still had the tiny disc Ninian had given him to identify those who were using mage talent. Of course, there was no way of knowing if he would be able to retain the disc once they reached wherever they were being taken. They had been roughly searched in the minister's office, but he expected a more thorough search later.
Just as he wondered how much longer he would have to walk with his hands tied behind him, they turned a corner and were faced with what was obviously a military compound.
They were led in past a guarded gate, with high walls rising above them and more guards patrolling up there. They crossed a large yard where soldiers were drilling with various weapons, against each other or against targets, while other troops were marching in battle formation. Opposite the yard from the main gate was a large building with many small windows, some of them barred. On the right side of the square stood a large stable block; on the left side, another building, perhaps a barracks or a weapons store. It was difficult to tell. Then, all too soon, they were taken inside the large building. Most of their escort stayed outside; only four men accompanied them. They crossed a square hall, then turned right down a long corridor and were taken to a room at the end, where they were unceremoniously shoved inside.
Girau was trying to regain his balance when a deep voice said, "I suppose I should welcome you to the Illurian Empire, Lord Girau, but I think I prefer answers to a few questions instead. First question"--the man looked at Amired--"who is your companion? Second question is why take such an incredibly stupid risk to come here?"
Girau didn't look at Amired. Instead, he studied the man seated behind the table. He was a colonel in the Illurian army and his uniform was very neat, each crease smartly pressed. His lips were thin and compressed, his eyes hard and unforgiving, the overall impression meant to intimidate. Which it probably did to a lesser man not used to dealing with men of his type, but Girau had dealt with his kind all his life and he simply relaxed and looked bored.
* * * *
"So you claim," Lord Gorlees said. "And what about him?" He pointed at Ninian. "He created and controlled fire. Does that make him an Eynan, too?"
"There is only one Eynan," Ninian snapped. "I am a mage, reasonably powerful, I admit, but there is no other mage alive today who can remotely compare to the Eynan. I didn't create fire, as you termed it. I used my power to change a tiny piece of crystal in the palm of my hand and I split it into six specks of light, which I then transmuted into fire with the help of a spell. I have the ability to use the elements in small ways, but I cannot replicate them or control them. That is beyond my ability."
"So the proclaimed Eynan performed a small...trick," another voice declared.
Jhond sighed. "Very well. If I may, Your Majesty?" The king nodded his approval, and Jhond continued, "If Your Majesty would lead the way to the terrace?" Jhond asked.
Corianus rose and led the way to the doors, which opened on to a large terrace running the length of the audience chamber, followed closely by Jhond and Ninian. After a few frowns and shrugs, everyone traipsed after them.
Outside, the sun shone brightly from a cloudless blue sky. It was so warm, one might wish for a slight breeze. Below them, a large formal garden was laid out. In the center of the myriad flowerbeds, bushes in full bud, lawns and hedges was a large fountain, the spray shooting high and falling back in a huge arc.
Th
e king sat on one of the seats overlooking the gardens, the ministers standing around him. Jhond stepped forward onto the top step leading down into the gardens, while Ninian purposely leaned against a balustrade, giving a very clear air of being relaxed and simply watching.
Jhond looked up at the sky and then down at the garden. There was no gesture and Jhond was silent.
"Look," a voice whispered from the assembly as the bushes dotted around the fountain increased in size and their buds burst into full flower.
The water in the fountain abruptly stopped, only to restart within moments, but this time, the water didn't shoot out in one sweeping arc, but rose in six different directions, each one a second behind the others so it formed a rippling pattern. Even as they watched, the pattern changed and the water plumes darted and swirled around each other in an ever-increasing dance.
The heat of the day was eased by a welcome breeze that drifted across the terrace and then all eyes were drawn upward as small clouds appeared in the sky, only to be moved in lazy patterns across the vista. Until all the small clouds gathered together to form one large one that drifted in front of the sun, its rays blocked as the cloud turned dark and angry. There were sharp gasps of shock from those watching as specks of snow began to drift down from the ominous cloud, increasing in strength and volume to fall directly onto the fountain and the surrounding bushes until the whole scene was like something from deep winter. It stood out in stark contrast to the surrounding gardens untouched by the unnatural snowstorm.
Jhond turned to face his audience. "Is that sufficient or do you wish more proof?"
Corianus rose and said, "I have seen enough. Do any of my ministers still doubt the Eynan?"
The only answer was silence.
Jhond turned his back on them again, looked into the sky, then back at the gardens and, in the blink of eye, everything had returned to normal.
"I believe the rise of the Eynan is a sign that cannot be ignored," Corianus declared. "Now is the time to stop talking and set in motion those plans we have discussed ad infinitum."
* * * *
Ninian flopped down on a chair in the Reeve reception room, Jhond sitting opposite him. "Lords, I'm glad that's over with. I was ready to knock a couple of those idiots over the head," Ninian said. He frowned as he looked at Jhond. "Though, I did wonder why you concentrated on your reproduction of the elements and never mentioned the pendant and the ring or the strands of time."
"Because reproducing the elements is something easier for them to understand, something they can see and be astounded by. The others... Well, I think it wise to keep some secrets."
"Yes, I understand." Ninian paused. "You look tired. Are you all right? Your demonstration was very impressive, but did it take too much of you?"
"No, indeed. I feel fine, though I wish I felt more confident about the plans being made at the palace right now."
"What do you mean?"
"The king talked about setting in motion plans already devised, which I imagine means taking an army across the Estan Sea and going into battle against the Illurian forces."
"Yes, I suppose so. I think the only reason they hadn't already followed through was the lack of manpower, but once the word spreads about you, the smaller neighboring states will assuredly add their forces to those of Timendra."
"But still the Illurians will outnumber our men."
Ninian frowned. "Probably, but I don't understand why it matters. We have you, and I'll help, too. You know that. A small force with high morale can defeat a larger army."
"True, but there is also Suvran to consider. We already have proof of his abilities and has the thought not occurred that we have no idea if Bardius or Suvran have other mages they can call on?"
"Actually, no. I've encountered very few mages in my travels, though I do know there are others out there who, like you when we first met, are unaware of their latent talent."
"But, if I understand correctly, at the time of the Withdrawal, there were ten families with great power, who were left with duties to perform in awaiting the return of the Eynan. Is it not possible members of those families are out there somewhere? That at least some of them may be practicing mages? What if Suvran has drawn some of them into his circle? Or is it possible that now prophecy has been fulfilled, those latent mages might have come into their own, but lack the control you taught me?"
"To be honest, I don't know the answer to your questions." Ninian was troubled. "My duty was to search for the man who might potentially become the Eynan. I admit I was very focused on that, and I concede it's possible other mages might exist. After all, it was never possible for me to travel to every corner of our world, and my travels took many years. Who knows what might have transpired after I left a particular location. It's certainly feasible other mages exist. I cannot even say yes or no to your question about latent mages and the rise of the Eynan. So much knowledge from the old time has been lost. If there is no mention of it in the secret archive, then I know not where an answer can be found."
"Then we must act on the assumption Suvran may have other mages to call upon. We have to be prepared for anything, as impossible as that might be."
"Perhaps, but still I have faith in the power of the Eynan. Don't lose that, Jhond."
"I'm not, Ninian. Such thoughts didn't occur before, so it's likely these concerns are those of the Eynan."
"You don't doubt you are more powerful than any mage out there, imaginary or real?" They couldn't afford for Jhond to lose faith in himself.
"No." Jhond smiled. "I just wish to consider all options and be prepared. Is that not what a good leader does?"
"Of course." Ninian paused. "On another matter, it would help to know what was happening with your father."
"His last message indicated he was near the Colyon capital. We should receive another message soon after he has met with Narivin."
"In some ways, the journey seems unnecessary now the king has decided to invade. I imagine those seeking freedom will rise and join us as soon as the fighting starts," Ninian said.
Just then, the door opened and Gallia entered, followed by Patinus.
"What happened?" Patinus asked without delay.
"The usual," Ninian said. "They were reluctant to believe, so we put on a small demonstration. They accepted we are mages, but still they doubted Jhond is the Eynan, so he gave them another demonstration." He shrugged. "Odd to see snow falling in high summer."
Patinus laughed. "That convinced them, eh?"
"When we left, they were discussing plans for the invasion," Jhond said.
"I don't know whether to be relieved or horrified," Gallia said.
"Going to war is always horrific, but being free from such monsters as Bardius and Suvran has to be worth fighting for," Ninian said.
"And if all goes according to plan, having the Eynan on our side should guarantee our success," Patinus commented.
"I can only hope the Lords of Light agree with you," Jhond said.
"Again with the doubt, Jhond. Trust that all is as it should be," Ninian said.
Jhond didn't say anything. Patinus and Gallia looked at each other, but didn't comment on what appeared to be a difference of opinion between Jhond and Ninian.
After a pause, Gallia said, "Whatever you two have planned, we want to accompany you."
"Yes," Patinus added. "As we hope to launch the attack through my country, I must be there and I'm certain the best place to be is by your side." He drew Gallia to him as he spoke.
"We'll know more after the king has approved the final details, then we can make plans."
* * * *
"What about them messenger birds?" Ekin queried. "Could we steal one of them and send a note to Jhond?" They were riding toward one of the smaller city gates, in the direction of the Paynor Forest. They had studied the map carefully and discovered the most direct route also happened to be the safest, providing they didn't mind travelling through one of the denser forests in the region. And as the Paynor
Forest stretched both sides of the Colyon/Irobi border they hoped they could slip through. Not that the forest border wasn't patrolled, but with the help of the Lords, they might just make it.
"Won't work," Tulier said. "Messenger birds are trained to fly to one particular destination. Even if we dare approach a handler, how we would ever get a message sent from here to the Reeve household in Timen? Impossible."
"Worth attempting, though, surely. Faster than us trying to get back to the port and sail home."
"Sure. You can ask any bird handler you see and risk him turning you in to the soldiers," Tulier said snidely.
"Quiet down." Mathias growled, his eyes darting to two Illurian soldiers, lolling against the wall of an inn drinking.
They rode past in silence, and Mathias was relieved the soldiers were too busy talking to pay them any attention. They passed through the city gate, and once clear, Mathias said, "I've been wondering if maybe Jhond might be able to sense something's gone wrong with the mission. Or at least know something bad has happened to his father."
"You really believe he's that powerful?" Ekin queried. "I know what the captain told us when he said we was to accompany them, about Jhond being this all powerful mage and all that, but--"
"Yes, I do," Mathias interrupted. "I saw close hand how much talent Jhond had when he was still new to it all. I saw Ninian perform some real strong spells and he says Jhond is much more powerful than he is and that was even before Ninian carried out this ceremony of his."
"The Eynan, eh? Can't say I ever believed in all that mumbo jumbo stuff until the captain took them two on board, but I've seen stuff I never thought possible. Think I'll believe in anything now," Tulier said.
"Come on," Mathias urged. "Let's just stick to the plan. Ride like the wind when we can and skirt past any threat when we have to." His horse surged ahead, the others riding hard to catch up.
* * * *
Girau lay on the floor, hugging his chest, hoping the bastard hadn't broken his ribs. Lords, did they hurt!