by Naomi Lane
Harcourt sighed. “Mr. Mallory, since the news has come out, could you finally explain what you know about the Rahtani mages?”
Peter took awhile before responding. “It’s hard to speak of it.” He looked at her. “I’ve wanted to tell you for awhile, but Father was adamant. He hit me, Jenna, as well as threatened me with disinheritance.”
Jenna was appalled by her father’s behavior. He was not prone to physical violence.
She took Peter’s hand as he began to explain. “My Lord, Jenna is what the Rahtani call a gharzir. Have you ever heard this term?”
“No,” said the high mage.
“They are the only native mages among the Rahtani. It is different from Sevalia. There are only ten of them, well Jenna makes eleven.”
“And what do they do?”
“They are traditionally mercenaries, a law unto themselves, except it is slightly different among the Hadast, our grandfather’s tribe. He is also a gharzir, as is our uncle and some others that serve him. I’m not clear on all the details, but it is one of the reasons he is powerful among the Rahtani.”
“But how does their magic function?” asked Lord Harcourt. “Do they all have magic like Jenna’s?”
“Well yes and no,” said Peter. “They all have the same regenerative power, and they all carry magic weapons, and they all have enhanced endurance and strength. It’s why you don’t need that much sleep, Jenna.”
She nodded. “But they don’t all communicate with horses?” she guessed.
“No, that’s a special power. You see each weapon is unique and the holder also has one special magical power that comes along with it.”
“Wait,” said Jenna. “I read that each gharzir typically has only one weapon.”
“That’s true,” said Peter. “Jenna, you are the only one who carries two. But where did you read this? Mother’s letter?”
“No…” They both looked at her quizzically. She addressed the high mage. “When I got that book on mind magic from the restricted section of the library I also found a text written by a Rahtani scribe.”
“Really?” said Lord Harcourt. “I had no idea such a text existed.”
“It surprised me too,” said Jenna. “Unfortunately, I had trouble reading it. Maybe you could help, Peter.”
“I doubt it, if you had trouble,” he replied. “But I can try later. Anyway, to the crux of the matter: Jenna, you’re very special among the Rahtani. Usually each gharzir trains an heir to take up his… or her weapon. But the weapons you wield have not been used in centuries. The brief story I heard was that two prior owners of the weapons had a son who became the heir to both. He was a great leader of the Hadast tribe, but he put his weapons up before he died and never trained an heir. There was a prophecy that said they would be taken up again by a great warrior in perilous times.” Peter’s words were met with stunned silence. “I think that’s mainly what Father worried about. He didn’t want you used by Grandfather, Jenna.”
“Used how?” asked the high mage. “I still don’t fully understand your father’s reaction to Jenna’s magic.”
Peter sighed. “Well, there’s the obvious: that being a mercenary wasn’t exactly what my parents wanted for their little girl. They just wanted her to live a normal life, to marry, have a family, and so on. The life of a gharzir is perilous and often short. But Father was especially worried because Jenna was so special. I don’t understand all the power struggles among the Rahtani, but I know my grandfather is ambitious in his plans for Hadast. Jenna would be a powerful ally.”
She could only sit in shock at the news that she was considered that important.
“I see,” said Lord Harcourt, “and returning to the earlier subject of Jenna’s magic, if I understand correctly, this uniqueness you refer to is in regard not only to the fact that she has two weapons, but that she would also carry two unique magic powers?”
“Yes,” said Peter. “Jenna’s ability to communicate with horses comes with her bow. I’m not sure what ability comes with the sword. I’m sorry.”
“That’s all right,” said the high mage. “This has been extremely revealing. Do you also know if when the… gharzir are trained they are also trained in magic?”
“Not from what I understand. I believe they are just trained to fight.”
“Very well,” he said, staring in wonder at the weapons in front of him. “I have just never heard of magic associated with objects like this.”
“It’s not all associated with the objects,” said Peter. “As I said earlier, the weapons are inherited by candidates, but not every candidate born with the added strength gets a weapon. Only the ones deemed worthy prevail.”
“But people are born with magic?” continued Lord Harcourt. “How is it inherited?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” said Peter. “The Rahtani act as if it strikes people randomly, but it seems in Hadast there have been some patterns of inheritance.”
They all sat in silence for a few moments. Jenna stared down at her weapons. How could this have been kept from her for so long? She blamed her father. “Uncle!” said Jenna.
“What?” asked the high mage.
“I wrote to my mother for information, and she said she contacted Uncle Rafid. He is coming this summer to train me, if that’s acceptable?” She was worried what the high mage might think about her being trained to fight.
“No. I think that’s a good thing. I haven’t met your uncle, of course, but, Jenna, I always advocate for mages to properly learn to use their abilities, no matter what.”
She nodded.
“You should be warned that our uncle will want to take Jenna back to the desert for her training,” said Peter. Jenna hadn’t had confirmation of this, but it made sense.
“I understand his wishes,” replied the high mage. “However, Jenna is also undergoing important mage training here with me.” He sighed. “I’ll see what I can work out.” He paused again. “Let me reiterate this has been most helpful. Is there anymore information you have? Anymore at all?”
Peter sighed. “That’s about it.”
“All right. Then, Jenna, I have some more questions for you about the night of the attack.”
“Yes?” she asked.
“I heard from the Queen that you killed two men with your bow.”
“Yes. I did when they chased after me.”
“What?” said Peter. “Why didn’t you say something?”
Jenna just shrugged. “I wanted to, but everything was so hectic. I figured I’d just talk to Mama about it when I got home.”
“I’m sorry,” said Peter. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“It gets worse,” she said.
“The Dark Mage?” inquired Harcourt.
“Yes,” said Jenna. “It was me who wounded him.” Peter looked even more shocked. “I ran him through with my sword. He said some things first. He said he still wanted me to join him, but that his father wouldn’t let him take me. Then he pulled out a dagger while I was kept in his thrall. He used his voice to control me.”
“It’s called command voice,” said Harcourt. “It is a powerful mind mage technique. But what is this about his father? A child born of an illicit union raised by his father? That would be unusual.”
“Maybe he wasn’t raised by the man?” she added. “Or maybe it was his adopted father. Unfortunately, I don’t have details. All I know is this father of his wanted me dead, but the Dark Mage hesitated to actually kill me.”
Harcourt sighed. “Let’s hope it doesn’t matter now that the Dark Mage is likely dead and the assassination plot foiled. How were you able to break his thrall?”
“With the sword’s help,” she added.
He nodded. “Well, that explains what happened after you broke contact with us, but I guess I’m still not entirely clear how you were able to avoid the magic sleep either,” said the high mage.
Jenna thought a bit before responding. “When I observed the Dark Mage with the other attackers he
said he had trouble with the Ladies’ dormitory because it was so strongly warded. I also had heavy shielding, which was bolstered when I stopped inside the Arcanum.”
“Arcanum? The chamber below the central courtyard?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“What are you talking about?” asked Peter.
“The Arcanum is a magic ritual chamber I had thought to have been sealed for decades,” explained Harcourt. “How did you get in?”
“Um, Sebastian showed it to me. His magic seemed to awaken it. The rota are glowing.”
Lord Harcourt’s eyes went wide. “Glowing!”
“I’m sure Sebastian would be happy to show it to you, My Lord.”
The high mage just nodded and sighed. “Jenna,” he said wearily, “are there any more secrets you haven’t shared? I need to be sure.”
Jenna winced. “No, I swear that is everything I know about my magic, and I apologize again for not speaking up earlier.” Harcourt nodded. “But I have a question,” she continued. “How did the magic sleep affect you in the Tower? The wards are so strong here.”
He sighed. “It was the drawing.”
“What?” said Jenna, appalled that she had assisted the attack.
“Don’t worry. You didn’t know. You did the right thing to give it to me, and I should have known better. I brought it through the wards, and it allowed the Dark Mage a way inside.” Jenna nodded, but still felt awful. She was also growing tired again. The high mage paused and rubbed his forehead, looking exhausted as well. “You have both given me much to think about. I would appreciate some time alone to do so.”
Jenna nodded and stood with her brother. They picked the weapons back up. “We can talk some more later,” she said.
“Yes,” he said. “The Queen can let you know when our training will begin again.”
She nodded. “I look forward to it, My Lord.” She managed a small smile as she and Peter left the Tower.
As they walked back to the palace, Jenna remembered there was one secret she didn’t share with the high mage. “Alex knew I was a gharzir didn’t he?” she said.
“Yes,” said Peter. “He argued with Father constantly to let Uncle Rafid train you. Before he left, he told me all he knew about your powers and encouraged me to take up the cause. I suppose I didn’t do too well.”
“No,” she said. “You were under a lot of stress. I understand your reluctance to get the Crown involved.”
He just nodded, and they continued walking.
“Peter?” she asked. She had one last question for her brother. “He never went to Khazaran did he? He joined the rebellion.”
Peter sighed. “Yes. Father didn’t like it. Said he’d get killed. Father was right.”
“But even though Alex and others in our family supported the rebel cause, you would have fought them. Why? Just to look good for the magistrate?”
“No, Jenna I…” He took a deep breath. “I thought if they would align themselves with that horrible mage who wanted to hurt you, then Alex was wrong to support them. He would never have supported a republic that would have hurt you, and neither would I.”
Jenna hugged her brother fiercely.
The rest of the day proceeded quietly. She talked to Sebastian briefly over their mind-link. He was busy helping secure the exiled Tenarrans with his magic until they could all be questioned. He was surprised about everything, but happy not to have to go to war. He still awaited his father’s decision about entering a Tower, but remained hopeful. She promised to catch up with him some more on the following Sevday. Constance and Aurelia returned to the palace that evening, but Jenna still slept in her private room that night.
The next morning things almost seemed back to normal. She woke late, and the Ladies were gossiping about Durand. Apparently he had been released. The rumor was that the King was so disgusted by Nigen’s actions that he actually wanted to pursue peace talks and trade negotiations with the northerners. Jenna wasn’t sure about whether that would happen, but the Queen confirmed Durand’s release at breakfast. He was also being given his old position back, training the knights. Jenna was happy for him and thought about going to the stables to see him if possible, but the Queen found her first.
“Your Majesty,” Jenna curtsied.
“Miss Mallory, the King wishes to see you. Is now a decent time?”
“Of course,” she replied and followed the Queen into the Central Tower. The King awaited her inside an office. He was sitting at a desk, looking over papers, but smiled when Jenna walked in and curtsied. The Queen left them alone.
“Please, Miss Mallory, have a seat.” She pulled up a chair and faced the King from across the desk. “Do you know why you have been summoned?”
“No, Majesty.” Jenna wasn’t sure, but thought it would have something to do with her magic.
“I have been informed by Lord Harcourt about the full nature of your magic. He has indicated your uncle wishes to train you, but that he would prefer you stay here, so you can complete your magic training with him. Therefore, as a compromise he proposes you be trained as a knight.”
“I see,” said Jenna. She did her best to keep calm, but inwardly was thrilled by the prospect.
“Given that Lord Fyrian, Master Durand, all of my three sons, and my wife support this proposal and also given that you have saved my son’s life, my life, and perhaps even my entire Kingdom, I am also inclined to favor this idea. This is assuming that it is what you want?”
Jenna smiled. “Your Majesty, I can assure you that nothing would please me more.”
“Then trained you will be, with a few caveats.”
She held her breath.
“My wife insists you still receive music, dance, and protocol instruction with the Ladies.”
Jenna nodded. “That would be fine with me, Your Majesty.” She always enjoyed learning music. The protocol instruction would be less pleasant, but she could understand the Queen’s desire for her to continue the lessons.
“Now, the high mage is also wondering if it would be possible to have someone come from the desert to help in your training. Considering you use foreign weapons and carry this magic we still have questions about, there may be training needs we don’t anticipate.”
“I’m not sure,” said Jenna. “We should write to my mother and uncle. They may know someone who would be willing to travel to Sevalia.”
“Very well. We will pursue this. We have some time. I suggest you not begin your formal knight training until this summer, when the new crop of boys arrives.”
Jenna wondered who she would be trained with and if they would ever come around to accepting her. Given her brother’s success, she had hope. “That sounds like an ideal plan, Your Majesty.”
“Good. Now, since you have done so much for my family, is there anything else I can do for you?”
A favor directly from the monarch was something Jenna didn’t think she would be given often. She wanted to take advantage, but she was already being given so much. She did have one idea. “I wouldn’t presume too much, considering how much you have already offered, Your Majesty, but I do humbly ask one thing: that you consider Prince Sebastian’s request to enter Harcourt Tower. I believe he belongs there.”
The King raised an eyebrow. “I see. I promise you I will give it due consideration.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.” Jenna curtsied once more before heading out.
Since she was already near the West Wing, she decided to complete her journey to the stables and maybe take Kedar out for a ride. When she arrived, she saw Durand there and waved.
“Jenna!” he said and came over to her. “I’m glad you stopped by. I can’t stay long because I promised my wife I’d be back shortly, but I wanted to thank you.”
“For what?”
“Well, for believing in me for a start, but not just that. You have helped me keep my sanity these past few months when I’ve been kept from my desired profession.” Jenna smiled. “It has been
a true joy to work with you.”
“Then you will be glad to hear that I have accepted the King’s offer to start knight training this summer.”
“Excellent!” he replied and stuck out his hand. “Then I will be training you again soon.” Jenna clasped his hand firmly before he left to return to his family.
Jenna could then turn her full attention to Kedar, who was thrilled to see her. She patted his head. “Hi there,” she said. “Guess what?” She sent him her emotions of excitement and also an image of herself astride him, bow in hand, alongside the boys being trained as knights. He nudged her in approval and sent an image back of her dressed as a knight riding into battle with him. She laughed. “Let’s ride!”
Appendices
Glossary
People (in order of appearance or mention):
Jenna Mallory – Daughter of a wealthy Salaran merchant and a Rahtani princess. First commoner to be invited to become a Queen’s Lady.
Peter Mallory – Jenna’s older brother. First commoner to be invited to become a knight trainee.
Alexander Mallory – Jenna and Peter’s father. A wealthy Salaran merchant.
Johara Mallory – Jenna’s mother. A Rahtani princess born of the leader of the Hadast tribe and his favorite concubine.
Ana Mallory – Jenna’s younger sister who dreams of becoming a Queen’s Lady.
Alex Mallory (deceased) – Jenna’s older half-brother. Recently deceased in a boating accident in Khazaran, though had been estranged from his family for some years.
Queen Mirella – Sevalian Queen and Master healer mage.
Lord Fyrian – Head of the Sevalian military and ultimately responsible for the knight trainees.
Mrs. Hawes – Head proctor in charge of the Queen’s Ladies.
King Maximilian (myth) – First Sevalian King who united six lands and their peoples to form the nation. Had seven daughters, each with a different magical gift.