The Eynan

by L. S. Gibson

  "I'd still like to hear what Amired thinks about all of this. At least he's an experienced captain," Ninian said.

  "All of what exactly?" A voice spoke up from behind them, and the two men turned to find Captain Amired behind them. Jhond had just reached the top of the ladder leading from the small boat bobbing in the water below. So, they had come to shore in the conventional way.

  "Saw you bring the ship into the bay, son," Girau said, a proud smile on his face. "That was quite the display."

  Jhond shrugged. "Amired wanted to get his ship back here as soon as he could. He's determined to help with the armada." He grinned at the captain. "He has the grand notion of taking you and your senior officers over to Buchern on the Horologue."

  "Jhond!" Amired flushed as he glanced at Girau. "I want to make a difference and it would be an honor to carry you over to meet up with the prince and finalize your plans."

  "Captain, the pleasure would be mine. I've heard nothing but praise from my wayward son and Ninian here."

  Amired flushed again, not with embarrassment this time, but with satisfaction. "You know, you never did answer my question," Amired said. "What exactly was it you wanted my opinion on?"

  * * * *

  Now everything was in place and Girau knew the time had come. He called for a meeting with the generals and the admiral and told them what he was going to announce to the army before they set out on their mission. He asked the admiral to pass on his words to his sailors and the general overseeing the battalions embarking from Craiten to make the announcement to the men there. The senior officers took the news in pretty much the state Girau expected the soldiers would: initial disbelief followed by excitement and an increase in confidence. The salute they offered him was crisp and accompanied by wide smiles.

  An hour later, Girau stood on a small raised platform in front of the battalions set to leave from Tsarn. He lifted his hands and called for silence. In one hand he held a rolled up parchment.

  "I have an important announcement, and I tell you these words come directly from King Corianus. I speak as if he were standing here."

  There were mutterings among the men, although they soon quieted under threat from their sergeants and officers.

  Girau made a show of breaking the seal on the parchment. He unrolled it and began to read aloud. "I know there have been rumors circulating for some days now and I admit I have been keeping the truth from you, from my country, on purpose, so our enemy is not forewarned. Now, the time has come for the truth. You deserve to know when you go to face the might of the Illurian Empire that you do not go alone. What you hoped for has come to pass, my friends. It is true! The Eynan has emerged! He is among us. I ask that Lord Girau of Reeve now introduce him to you."

  The murmurings had started again during the speech, rising in waves, and falling almost to silence when Girau came to the climax of his address. Now, he took a step back, turned a little and lifted a hand. Jhond walked forward to stand beside him. "This is my son, Jhond of the House of Reeve and I am proud to tell you he has also proven to be the long awaited one, the Eynan!"

  A voice called out, "Convenient that he's your son!"

  Another called, "How do we know it's not a lie?"

  Other voices called out, some doubtful, others full of hope.

  Jhond raised a hand and silence fell. "No one was more surprised than my father when I was sealed as the Eynan, except perhaps for me! But proved and sealed I was by the ancient rights. I am the Eynan!" To confirm his words, Jhond lifted a hand and from his index finger a bolt of green energy shot high above until it disappeared into the sky.

  There was a shocked silence abruptly broken by shouts and cheers. The men had seen enough, backed by the announcement from their king, to believe the odds had turned in their favor.

  Girau decided to add a little more to the pot. He had to shout to make himself heard. "And we have another powerful mage who will fight alongside the Eynan." He pulled Ninian forward, giving him a pointed look as he did so. "Here we have Ninian, the mage who uncovered the Eynan."

  Ninian sighed, but copied Jhond's demonstration and a bolt of blue flame shot into the sky this time.

  The cheers erupted again, and Jhond said to Girau, "I can feel it." Girau raised an eyebrow and Jhond continued, "Their excitement is flowing all around."

  "Yes, and their confidence is building," added Ninian. "This was a good time to make the announcement, Girau."

  Girau had to agree things could not have gone better. Now they needed to get the soldiers underway.

  Girau was nominally in charge of the invasion by the king's command, but he knew from experience it was best to leave the professionals to use their expertise, and when he saw how efficient the general was in arranging the boarding of the soldiers onto the ships in Tsarn, he knew he'd made the right choice. He had no doubt the same level of organization was at work in Craiten. Girau had finally met with the Admiral of the Fleet when he'd arrived in Tsarn that morning.

  Admiral Theton, visiting one of the northern ports when the orders had been issued, travelled south, calling in at Craiten on the way. He confirmed the opinion of the Tsarn port officials that it wouldn't be possible to transport the whole army in one sailing. There were just too many men, so some of the vessels would have to make a second trip.

  During the meeting, Girau had voiced his wish for his party to travel on the Horologue under Captain Amired. The admiral didn't know Amired, though he had heard of his vessel, but he was quite happy to acquiesce. Only half the fleet presently under Admiral Theton's command belonged to the official navy. The rest were merchant ships seconded to the navy to help with this mission. The admiral also agreed Girau should go with the first sailing, accompanied by one of the senior generals of the army. Girau was King Corianus' representative and needed to be among the first to step foot on foreign land. Girau might not be leading an actual invasion of Irobi, but he had no idea what Patinus might have arranged and needed to assure the Irobans the empire was Timendra's enemy and not Irobi.

  Another senior officer, General Philus, would remain behind in Tsarn to make certain that every soldier had a place in the second sailing. If everything went according to plan, the whole army would be in Irobi in less than four days.

  * * * *

  The armada was sighted when it was still half an hour's sail from Iroban shores. Patinus was excited that the mission could get underway. The port of Buchern was only a short distance from Robat and if he left right away, he should be there when the first ship tied up.

  "Is it true?" Gallia said, as she hurried into the audience chamber, which was presently empty except for her husband.

  "Yes, they're coming."

  "And you don't know whether to cheer or beg the Lords for help?" she asked, with a knowing smile.

  Patinus laughed. "It's not an either or, my love. I'm silently doing both."

  "Come...let's get to the harbor to greet them."

  "Yes, that should--"

  Commissioner Oldget hurried in, closely followed by Senthor and Carbery. "You've heard, Your Highness?" Oldget asked.

  "Indeed. Lady Gallia and I were just about to head to the harbor to greet our visitors." Patinus began to walk past them as he spoke.

  "Visitors, Your Highness?" Senthor's sharp tone brought them to a sudden halt. "You're sure that's how they see themselves? Not as an invading army?"

  "Yes, Senthor, I'm sure. I discussed this plan in detail before I left Timendra. And, yes, that army out there is invading, but it's not invading us. It's invading the Illurian Empire. I--we--are just giving them a foothold on this continent from which to strike out and free us all from the strangling grip of a couple of madmen. If you wish to join us and offer your greeting, gentlemen"--Patinus allowed his gaze to encompass each commissioner--"then you are more than welcome."

  "It would be an honor, Your Highness," Carbery said. "I just wish those two madmen did not have a vast army at their back."

  * * * *

  Th
e Horologue tied up at the dock, the other ships staying out beyond the bay on Girau's orders. He wanted to make sure they were welcome before he brought the armada into Buchern. Girau, Jhond and Ninian still waited aboard ship by the gangplank, which Amired had ordered pushed out on to the quayside, where there was a large crowd of curious, nervous people. Word of the armada anchored so close had swept through the port.

  Suddenly, the sound of multiple horses could be heard thundering over the granite slabs leading to the quay from the main road. Girau stepped on the gangplank and moved partway down, Jhond and Ninian following.

  A group of about ten riders rounded the corner and bore down on the Horologue. Girau was relieved to see Patinus and Gallia were at the head of the party. Of the others, three of them looked to be officials of some kind. Two were generals and the others wore the dress uniform of palace guards. Girau continued down the gangplank onto the dock, watching as Patinus leapt from his horse and strode over to him, his guards struggling to keep up with him.

  Much to Girau's surprise, Patinus gripped his shoulders and pulled him into a hug. "It is so good to see you here," he said. Releasing him, Patinus shook hands with Jhond and Ninian. "Thank you for coming to our assistance."

  "May I signal the fleet to enter your harbor?" Girau asked formally.

  "With pleasure," Patinus said, "though I don't think they will all fit." He smiled.

  Girau turned and lifted a hand to signal Amired, who nodded. Immediately, a flag was hoisted to the top of the main mast in the pre-arranged signal.

  Gallia had followed more slowly, but her smile of welcome was just as wide. However, Patinus cut any conversation short when he said, "We need to talk. I have what I think is a good plan." He indicated those waiting close by and watching avidly. "They have doubts. I'd really like your reaction."

  "Of course. Where would you like us to go?"

  Patinus looked thoughtful. "We could use the port officials' office, but I prefer to guarantee privacy. If you would come back to the palace?"

  "Of course, but we need horses."

  "No problem." Patinus turned to his guard. "Procure three mounts. Now."

  "Highness." One of the guards ran off, and Patinus took the opportunity to introduce the officials and the two generals to them. There were some raised eyebrows on hearing Jhond's name, but his cool response seemed to deter them from asking him any questions. Within a very short time, the guard returned leading three horses.

  On the ride back to Robat, Patinus decided he wanted to talk to Girau and the others without his commissioners present. He knew they would only question and argue over his plan and he wanted Girau to hear it without interference. He knew it wouldn't be a popular decision and, although the commissioners were his advisors, the final decision was his. The generals might also wish to be present, but they understood the hierarchy of command.

  When he marched into his palace, Patinus led the way to his private office. He opened the door so Girau, Jhond and Ninian could enter. Gallia glanced at him as she, too, walked inside. He turned to the others and said, "I will call a meeting when I have discussed the situation with Lord Girau." He turned his back to preclude any comments and closed the door on them.

  * * * *

  Jhond listened to Patinus' suggestion in silence, allowing Girau and Ninian to ask their pertinent questions. Gallia also listened, her gaze travelling from person to person as each one spoke. Abruptly, she glanced at him.

  "I wonder at your silence, Jhond. You were never one to keep an opinion to yourself and now...perhaps now your thoughts have more value than ever."

  Jhond smiled. "I forget sometimes how well you know me. I wanted to hear other points of view first, that's all." He looked at Girau. "You asked, Father, if Patinus had reason to believe Suvran was definitely at Rugarold and, though he couldn't be sure, Patinus believed the mage to be there. I can attest that he is at the castle stronghold. He returned yesterday in answer to the emperor's command. Bardius has been hearing rumors and wants Suvran to tell him how true they are.

  "One of them concerned your possible return to Irobi, Patinus and, based on previous experience, I'd imagine they both now know exactly where you are. Whether or not Suvran knows all the answers Bardius wants, I'm not sure." He frowned and wandered over to look out a window at the gardens below. "There are times I have difficulty seeing what Suvran is doing. On occasion, it's like looking through a torrent of water trying to see the mage. I'm not sure why."

  "Perhaps we were right in our assumption he has some of the strands of time and if, by chance, you're both using them at the same time, they could...interfere with each other," Ninian hypothesized.

  "I don't understand how he could have any strands," Gallia said. "I thought there was only one container, and you have that, Jhond."

  "I was under the same impression," Ninian admitted, "but Suvran seems to have information he couldn't possibly be aware of without the use of powerful magic, and the strands are the only source of that kind of power I'm aware of."

  "Which doesn't mean there isn't another such magic," Gallia said.

  "True," Jhond said, "but I don't think the method matters as much as the fact Suvran does have a way to watch people and has done so for some time."

  "So he could be watching us now, for all we know?" Girau said, looking far from happy at the idea. "Lords, he could be privy to all our plans."

  "No," Jhond said. "I keep a permanent concealment shield in place wherever I go. I have done since we escaped from the Isle of Truth. I extend it to cover a larger area when necessary. This room is shielded."

  Girau sighed with relief. "So to recap, we know Bardius and Suvran are both at Rugarold. It is a fortress, but one which together we think we can breach. Our best angle of attack is secrecy, which Jhond can help us with. We take as few ships as possible and allow the generals to lead the army inland to engage the empire's force as they see fit. Jhond and Ninian will concentrate on Suvran, while the rest of us go after Bardius--"

  "And," Patinus interrupted, "I cut off the head of the beast." He glanced around.

  "Would not King Corianus prefer to put Bardius on trial? Show the world he is no more than an ordinary man?" Gallia queried.

  "He might wish for such an outcome, but he'll understand if we have no choice but to take the emperor's life."

  "Whatever proves necessary," Patinus said. "If all goes according to plan, once those two are gone, the empire should fall apart."

  "That doesn't mean the army won't continue to fight," Girau said.

  "True," Ninian said, "but when word spreads that the emperor is no more, the odds are other states will join the fight and, once that happens, it should only be a matter of time."

  "A minute can seem like an eternity when fighting for one's life," Gallia said softly.

  "I still have a problem with not knowing the extent of Suvran's talent. The energy he displayed on the Isle of Truth was a shock," Ninian admitted. "We already know he has the use of one very powerful artifact. Who knows what else he might be able to resort to."

  "Surely anything he can do will pale before the power of the Eynan?" Patinus queried.

  "In theory, yes, but it helps to be prepared and that means knowing what resources our enemy has. I have no idea how he got hold of a portion of the strands."

  "If it's strands he used," Jhond pondered. He turned to Ninian. "Is it possible there's some other way he can watch me?"

  "I can't categorically state that it's impossible, but I've spent a long time studying everything I could find about being a mage--the incantations, sigils, protection circles, different kinds of talent, energy levels, artifacts and their uses."

  "Different kinds of talent?" Girau asked. "I thought if you were a mage and knew the spells, you could do whatever you wanted."

  Ninian smiled. "No. There are many levels of talent and energy conversion. It doesn't matter what powerful incantations you use if you don't have the energy to convert the spell. For example, I can pick up the
strands cylinder without anything happening; Jhond has to be very careful where he touches it. Even without an incantation, if he touches the cylinder in the correct way he'll activate the power immediately."

  "Even without a power circle and sigils?" Patinus asked.

  "Yes."

  "From what I understand, Suvran always needs to use a power circle, draw sigils and chant spells. Does that mean it can't be the strands he uses then?" Patinus queried.

  Ninian looked thoughtful for a few seconds before he answered. "Not necessarily. It could be his level of talent is not sufficient without the added energy of the sigils and incantations."

  "Will you keep trying to see what he is up to, Jhond?" Gallia queried. "Perhaps you'll discover the truth by chance if luck is on our side."

  "Don't think we ought to rely on luck," Girau said. "I doubt we'll know for sure until we face him in his own domain at Rugarold."

  Chapter 36

  Amired was delighted to find his ship was to take part in the planned attack on the emperor and his mage at Rugarold. Amired may have tried to leave his past behind to become a sea captain whose only responsibility was to his ship and crew, but the man inside the captain still had ties to the land that had birthed him. It came as something of a surprise just how much he longed for his country to be free again, owing allegiance only to its prince.

  When Amired discovered Patinus hadn't changed, hadn't simply bowed down before the threat of Bardius and Suvran, but was still fighting in any way he could to protect his people and fight the evil the empire represented, it fired Amired's own desire to help. He'd originally gone along with Ninian and Jhond partly out of curiosity and partly out of a need for a cause to follow--something he hadn't even realized he needed until that moment. That it led him back to fight beside the prince he'd left only proved this was where he was meant to be.