Mindbender

by David A. Wells

  “Of course,” Alexander said.

  “Legend says that the Sovereign Stone holds the secret to Wizard’s Dust,” Mage Lenox said. “Is this so?” He sat forward with intense interest.

  With his all around sight, Alexander saw Cassius sit forward a bit as well.

  “It is,” Alexander said. “Unfortunately, the process is difficult and time-consuming. While knowledge of the secret will probably decide the outcome of this war, I’m afraid it will be of no help in the immediate future. Furthermore, I can’t risk allowing Phane to learn the secret, so I’ve decided to share it with no one for the time being.”

  Mage Lenox looked conflicted and deflated at the same time. “I see the wisdom in your decision. Perhaps we could be of assistance. I’m certain that every member of my order would provide any and all support within our power.”

  “I have no doubt,” Alexander said. “In time, the secret will be revealed, but for now it’s simply too dangerous.”

  Mage Lenox sighed. “I understand. Please know that I do not ask for myself. We have many young apprentices of great potential, but it’s been years since we’ve discovered a cache of Wizard’s Dust. I’m afraid our order is aging and shrinking in number.”

  “I sympathize,” Alexander said. “The same is true for the Wizards Guild on Ruatha. All I can offer for now is my word that your order will be revitalized.”

  “Lord Reishi,” Queen Sofia said. “It’s quite clear that you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Many people’s lives depend on your decisions. I ask you to remember that one of those lives is my Evelyn. She’s innocent and full of life. She doesn’t deserve to be used like a piece on a board game.”

  “I understand your heartache,” Alexander said. “I’ll do what I can to help you get your daughter back, but she may have to wait until other matters are resolved.”

  Sofia blinked and a tear slipped down her cheek but she nodded her acceptance and then stood. “Thank you all for sharing a meal with us. The hour is late. Good night.” She spoke clearly but it was plain to all that she was terrified for her daughter and struggling to maintain her composure.

  Chapter 9

  As they left the dining hall, Alexander spoke silently to Chloe. At his request, she had not revealed herself since their arrival in the city. “Little One, please follow Chancellor Cassius and see if he makes any report to our enemies.”

  “Of course, My Love,” she replied within the confines of his mind. “I don’t like him. Even without dirty colors, there’s something about him that makes me uncomfortable.”

  “He values power over all else,” Alexander said. “Don’t let him see you and don’t risk your safety, Little One.”

  Once back in his quarters, Alexander sat down in one of the chairs in the central sitting room that served as the hub for his guest chambers. The Rangers and Boaberous were there and it was clear from the remains of their dinner that they had eaten well. He motioned for everyone else to take seats around the low table.

  “Any thoughts?” Alexander asked.

  “I don’t trust Chancellor Cassius,” Jack said.

  “Yeah, I hope I didn’t reveal too much about the shades and the Nether Gate,” Alexander said. “I don’t know if Cassius is in league with Phane or not. The last thing I want is Phane getting his hands on that Gate.”

  “You didn’t mention anything specific,” Lucky said, “and we might gain some invaluable information from Mage Jalal about the keystones.”

  “I hope so,” Alexander said. “I’d feel a lot better with one of those keystones in our possession. Oh, before I forget, I’d like to give the wizards a gift.” Alexander took the vial of Wizard’s Dust out of his pouch and handed it to Lucky. “Can you separate this into individual vials, each with enough for a mana fast?”

  Lucky carefully took the vial and set it on the table. “Of course,” he said. “I imagine such a gift will create quite a bit of goodwill.” He dug around in his bag and came out with a little wooden box that held over a dozen empty glass vials. Within a minute he had measuring spoons, a small scale, and a little glass funnel arrayed on the table before him. He set to work filling eleven glass vials with Wizard’s Dust and then slipped each vial inside a small metal tube with a fitted screw top. One by one, he assembled eleven doses of Wizard’s Dust sufficient for one mana fast each.

  Alexander told him to keep the small amount of the potent magical dust that was left over. Lucky packaged it carefully and put it back into his bag along with the rest of his equipment. Alexander took the eleven, metal-encased glass vials and slipped them into his potion pouch along with his vial of night-wisp dust, his vial of fairy dust, and a jar of healing salve.

  “Lord Reishi,” Jataan said, “there are many who would kill you for the contents of that pouch. I recommend that you do not reveal what you possess. Nations have gone to war over lesser quantities of Wizard’s Dust.”

  Alexander nodded his agreement.

  “What do you think our chances are of convincing King Abel to loan you a couple of legions?” Anatoly asked. “I’m sure your father could use some help right about now.”

  Alexander nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. When I looked in on them a few days ago, the Reishi Army Regency hadn’t started moving yet, but they might be at the outskirts of New Ruatha by now. We have about the same number of troops north of the Great Forest as they moved through the Gate, but they have that scourgling with them. I just hope the wizards can defend against it or New Ruatha might be in trouble.”

  “I suspect King Abel would be much more willing to lend his soldiers if his daughter was safe,” Jack said.

  “I agree,” Alexander said. “What’s more, I’d like to destroy the army Phane sent before they can gain a foothold here. Ithilian produces a lot of food and I don’t want a prolonged battle to jeopardize their crops. We may need the supplies to survive the winter.”

  There was a knock at the door. Jataan nodded to Boaberous. The giant opened the door to a valet who looked slightly startled at the sheer size of Lieutenant Grudge.

  “Lord Abel sent me to invite Lord Reishi for an evening drink,” he said.

  Alexander stood and headed for the door. “Get some rest,” he said to his friends. “We may have to move tomorrow.”

  Jataan P’Tal followed him without a word. The valet stepped in front of him. “Lord Abel requested only Lord Reishi,” he said.

  Jataan nodded. “I’ll wait in the hall,” he said.

  The valet didn’t quite know what to do with the battle mage but he led the way when Alexander nodded for him to proceed. They wound through the halls of the keep until they came to a nondescript door. The valet knocked, paused for a moment, and then opened the door to a small reading room with a little balcony. The furniture was comfortable but not overly lavish and it looked well used. The shelves were lined with books of all kinds and the lighting was ample for reading. Two comfortable-looking chairs sat on the balcony with a small table between them. A silver tray held a crystal bottle of spirits and two heavy crystal glasses.

  Abel stood in the middle of the room with a grave look on his face. “Please come in,” he said.

  Alexander entered and Jataan took a position in the hall with his back to the wall opposite the door and stood casually with his hands clasped lightly behind his back.

  “I was hoping we could have a private conversation,” Abel said. “The walls have ears and there are precious few whom I trust.”

  “I understand all too well,” Alexander said as Abel led him out onto the balcony.

  “Mage Lenox has spelled this room to prevent others from eavesdropping.”

  Alexander nodded. “A wise precaution,” he said as he took a seat and allowed Abel to pour him a glass of the fine dark liquor.

  The King sat down and sipped from his glass. “This is my favorite blend,” he said before taking a deep breath. “The assembly will not approve of the alliance you propose.” He sighed. “My brother cannot be t
rusted.”

  “I know,” Alexander said.

  Abel looked at him quizzically and nodded. “Your insight is excellent. Cassius is three years older than I, yet our father chose to give me the Thinblade and the throne. Cassius has never forgiven either of us for that. He is ambitious and will turn any situation to his advantage, up to and including jeopardizing the whole of Ithilian if it suits his purpose.”

  “I fear it may be much worse than you know,” Alexander said. When Abel looked him in the eye, he continued. “He may be in league with Phane. I’ve learned from painful experience that Phane often uses bribery and promises of reward to enlist the aid of those who can help him achieve his ends.”

  “It pains me to say so, but I wouldn’t put it past him,” Abel said. “If Phane offered him the Ithilian throne, I have no doubt that Cassius would pay any price.”

  “What is the extent of your power as King?” Alexander asked. “And what powers reside with the assembly and the Chancellor?”

  “As King, I’m responsible for ensuring that all governing bodies adhere to the Old Law and for defending against foreign enemies,” Abel said. “That’s one of the reasons that the abduction of my daughter is so insidious. By using her as a shield, they force me to choose between my child and my duty.

  “The Chancellor is elected by a vote of the assembly from within their ranks. He is responsible for administering the apparatus of government and managing the daily operation of the constables and corps of builders. Laws are enforced by the constables through investigation, apprehension, and detention of criminals. The Chancellor has great latitude as to which laws he chooses to enforce. Through the corps of builders he controls how various construction projects will proceed, who will be hired to perform the work, and from where the materials will be procured. In many ways he has far more power than I do.

  “The assembly is comprised of delegates elected by local communities. They each serve a term of six years per election and are responsible for enacting the laws that the Chancellor is responsible for enforcing.”

  “What about the Old Law?” Alexander asked. “How do you ensure that the laws enacted by the assembly don’t contradict the Old Law?

  “I am responsible for the judiciary,” Abel said. “All crimes are brought before a court presided over by a judge appointed by me. The first duty of a judge is to ensure that the Old Law is enforced. In cases where a law of the assembly is found to contradict the Old Law, the judge has the authority to dismiss the case and refer the law to me for review. If I find the law to be incompatible with the Old Law, I have the power to strike it down.

  “Generally our system of governance works well. There are many factions all vying for power which tends to prevent the concentration of too much power in the hands of any one faction.”

  “I find many aspects of your system appealing,” Alexander said. “On Ruatha, the petty nobles control the majority of the lands through hereditary title. As you might imagine, they often lose sight of the needs of the people in favor of their own pursuit of power. I can see how a system where those who make the laws are beholden to the people would place a limit on abuses.”

  “It does have its advantages, but it’s also difficult to get things done quickly,” Abel said. “The delegates are always looking for a benefit that they can bring back to the people they represent, even to the point of holding the greater good of Ithilian hostage. I’m afraid that’s what will happen with your proposal for an alliance. While I control the army, any formal alliance must be sanctioned by a law passed by the assembly. They will all want something for their vote. Because the matter is so urgent, they will expect to extract a high price for their support. My brother will also be working behind the scenes to ensure that he has enough votes against us to prevent passage until he gets what he wants.”

  “And what is that?” Alexander asked.

  “Control over the judiciary,” Abel said. “In recent years, I’ve struck down a number of laws that would have allowed the government to take property from the people in the name of the greater good. They were little more than thinly disguised schemes to steal from innocent citizens in order to empower and enrich those in government.”

  Alexander shook his head. “The Old Law is more important than a formal alliance.”

  Abel sighed heavily. “I’m greatly relieved to hear you say that.” He looked at Alexander with a little smile. “It’s good to have a friend who understands that being King is far more about duty than privilege.”

  Alexander raised his glass. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  They sat in silence for a few minutes enjoying the late spring evening and their newfound camaraderie when the darkness was shattered by the sudden appearance of Chloe. She buzzed into existence a few feet in front of Alexander in a scintillating ball of white light. Abel’s eyes grew wide. Chloe ignored him and floated up to face Alexander.

  “He’s a bad man, My Love. I followed him. He went straight to a wizard and commanded him to send word to Phane. The wizard crushed a stone and a moment later the imp that serves Phane appeared out of the darkness. He told that noxious little demon that you were here with the Sovereign Stone and he would be able to tell Phane your plans tomorrow.” She buzzed into a ball of light again for a moment. “The imp said it would be back for his report tomorrow evening and then it disappeared in a cloud of darkness.”

  “Thank you, Little One,” Alexander said. “This is Abel. He’s my friend. Abel, this is Chloe, my familiar.”

  Abel blinked a few more times before he found his voice. “I’m most pleased to meet you, Chloe. I’ve read stories about fairies but I never imagined I would have the privilege of actually meeting one of your kind.”

  Chloe smiled and buzzed into a ball of light, then flitted over to Alexander, landed on his knee, and sat down cross-legged.

  “I’m afraid I asked Chloe to see what your brother did after dinner,” Alexander said.

  Abel nodded sadly. “We were friends when we were boys. He used to be a good person, but somewhere he discovered an insatiable ambition. Now, we’re more like rivals than friends.”

  “I hate to suggest the possibility, but Cassius may have been involved in your daughter’s abduction,” Alexander said softly.

  Abel looked at Alexander with a stricken expression. He closed his eyes as sadness, betrayal, and rage flashed across his countenance. When he opened his eyes, he appeared resolute. “Without irrefutable evidence, I have no power to act against him.” He thought for a long moment before shaking his head. “Our law makes no provisions for a situation such as this. The father in me wants to strike him down, but I must be King before father, and as King, I cannot act without proof to present to the constable.”

  “Perhaps there’s a better way,” Alexander said. “He will report to Phane what we decide to do after tomorrow’s discussions. I suggest that you and I decide on our course of action now and tomorrow we put on a show for the benefit of your brother and his new master.”

  Abel smiled. “We’d have to keep things between us until our plans are in motion, otherwise he’ll get wind of it.”

  They talked for another hour, carefully laying plans and choreographing the elaborate deception they’d devised. Alexander walked back to his quarters feeling a bit of mirth at the power he was going to wield against Phane. It wasn’t force or magic or the will of the masses but a simple ruse that might be able to buy Ruatha the time she needed to save her people while at the same time securing Ithilian against Phane’s invasion.

  Before going to bed he took a piece of charcoal from the hearth and drew a magic circle on the stone floor of the balcony. His clairvoyance had become predictable and reliable. He had a process that worked every time he put it to use. Within a few minutes, he found himself floating on the firmament. The cacophony of the music of creation was discordant and fearful. War was engulfing the Seven Isles and people were dying. Alexander shoved the sadness of human tragedy aside and focused his will. His awarenes
s coalesced high over Ithilian.

  He moved with blinding speed until he was hovering over the city of Grafton, which was about the size of Southport. There were encampments on its outskirts. About two thousand Andalian Lancers and another three thousand heavy infantry from Karth were deployed around the city.

  Alexander shifted his perspective. Now he was high over Grafton Island. He could see the ring of lights from the communities that dotted the coastline; the mountainous interior was dark. He searched until he found the ruins. They were broken and crumbling but still somewhat intact. He wanted to explore the place with his clairvoyance but couldn’t in the dark. Even with his magical sight, he still needed light to see by.

  He moved to the south point of Grafton Island and floated slowly around the keep. It was a simple stone structure made from granite blocks. There were three outer towers that formed a triangle with thirty-foot-high walls spanning the distance between them. The southernmost tower served as the lighthouse. The two towers on either end of the north wall faced toward the road and the interior of the island. A gatehouse with a heavy portcullis served as the only entrance to the courtyard and stables within the walls.

  He floated up over the interior of the keep and saw a single large building inside the walls with one high tower that rose above all of the exterior towers. The keep was well manned and well defended. Alexander moved in closer and saw men wearing the distinctive armor of the Reishi Army Regency. Not surprisingly, Princess Evelyn was in the first place he looked for her—the top room of the central tower. She was unharmed but clearly afraid, as well as angry. She stood at the open window looking out to the north. Alexander wished she was sleeping so he could leave a message with her, but he didn’t have time to wait for her to go to bed.

  He shifted his awareness to Ruatha and went straight to Kelvin’s workshop and the message board. There was a single, hastily scrawled message: Enemy moving to assault New Ruatha.

  Alexander went to the sleep room and found one Ranger sound asleep. He entered the man’s dreams and gave him the message he wanted delivered to his father and the Guild Mage.