The Magus (A Chronicle of Rebirth Book 1)

by J. M. Fletcher

  “Magus?” The stable master grew nervous and fearful. “I’ll have my son deliver it to ensure its safe arrival.”

  Ru’ark turned to walk back to Nelina as she finished rubbing down the horse she had ridden for the day, a task she enjoyed and chose not to leave for one of the waiting stable hands.

  “The horses will be well tended to Sweetling,” He took her hand leading her away. “Are you ready to go to the Inn we’ll be staying at?”

  “I am,” she gave him a lingering kiss.

  He held out his arm for her. “Come we can find a boat to take us to the Inn.”

  Nelina linked her arm with his. The large braziers marking the length of the Grand Canal were being lit for the evening. The dock in comparison to Danthamore’s was not near as crude or crass. Kiffet did lack the deep harbor of Danthamore and because of it the larger trading vessels were anchored further out and used the large flat bottom skiff to bring goods to and from the city. On the edge of the canal and next to the submerged posts was a dozen or more small, elongated flat-bottom boats tied off with a boatman offering his services.

  “Some are prettier than the others.” Nelina noticed how some of the boats were ornate in their workmanship while others were stark and plain.

  “Indeed” A light smile touched his face as Ru’ark pulled several gold coins from the coin purse tied beneath his robes at his waist. “Let me take you on one of these pretty boats you like.” He walked past the line of boats finally stopping at a black polished boat with gold engraving down its side of what appeared to be a water scene, yet was hard to make out from the angle it was docked. It held a large basket and seating for two, Ru’ark had seen these types of boat on previous visits and knew the basket would hold light food and wine for patrons.

  The boatman ran a hand through his slicked back brown hair. He had witnessed Ru’ark before take out coins from the pocket of the odd blue garment he was wearing. His finger caressed his thin mustache as he pondered whether the man was a strange priest. It did not matter to him, he cared about his profit. “G’Day Milord, will you and the woman need a ride somewhere this evening?”

  “We are going to the Blue Water Inn.” Ru’ark handed the man one of the gold coins as the rest disappeared up his sleeve. He then reached out his hand to Nelina to help her into the boat.

  The boatman pocketed what the Magus had given him while giving a sidelong glance to Nelina. “Yes, Milord I invite you and your passenger to enjoy all that my humble boat has to offer.”

  “This is so beautiful,” Nelina sat comfortably in the boat next to Ru’ark. She knew and saw how no one treated her as though she were supposed to be with him. If she was wearing one of her finer dresses they would not behave that way.

  “It is, and if you want some food and drink there seems to be some there.” He motioned to the covered tray and a bottle of wine with two cups.

  The boatman, after clearing the view of the other boats brought them out into the middle of a wide waterway with the majesty of the city come into view. Farther up, several large marble spires flanked by cupola towers came into view and were part of a single gold and marble building which was the Sacred temple to the God of All.

  “Magus, is the whole city like this?” Nelina found the city structure intriguing.

  Ru’ark slipped his arm around her. “Kiffet, Sweetling, is made up of several large sections of stable ground with buildings connected to one another. The canals and bridges connect the city from one section to another and at times even home-to-home.”

  “Oh, alright” Nelina leaned against Ru’ark’s firm chest as the boat grew closer she could see there was a long line of people holding a small lit candle as the line disappeared from sight. They one by one walked up the temple’s massive marble steps to receive the priest’s blessing and then placed their candle into a lantern sending it off into the Grand Canal. “I think we’ve come at a time of celebration.”

  “You have, it is a favorite time of year here known as the festival of Lights. The priests of the God of All spend the entire night giving their blessing to anyone repenting from their sins of the prior year.” The boatman using his oar-part pole continued pushing through the canal. “On the morrow the Priests will journey to all of the Ten Kingdoms to bless this year's crops for LeapSeed.” Numerous floating lanterns casting a glow of light dotted the waters of the Grand Canal as he navigated his boat. “Are the two of you staying for the festival or visit with friends?”

  “While our trip wasn’t planned around the festival, I have stayed at the Blue Water Inn before.” He had stayed in the city often is the past in order to study the Clasu'trum but it had been quite a few years since Ru’ark had last visited.

  “An excellent place Milord,” The boatman knew of the Blue Water Inn, it was an upscale establishment, one with well paying guests.

  Nelina sat up straighter, when the boat turned off the Grand Canal to go down the side canal. The smaller canal opened into a larger pool of water surrounded by the single building. Several other boats remained moored as the boatman gravitated to the waiting dock. Even spaced pillars appeared raised out of the water as if piercing the dock as they reached up to the high ceiling of the of the open sheltered area of the dock. Two men stood ready at the dock to help any of the respected important guests with their belongings as the boats. Their boatman steered the boat up to the dock as one man jumped to pull them closer.

  “It has pillars.” It was elegant, refined and extravagant. “I’d never be able to stay at a place like this if it wasn’t for you.”

  “You’ll like it here and I wanted to share it with you, since I happen to know the man who owns it.” It had changed little in the last several years to him except for flowers, trestles, and other minor details.

  The boat stopped and Nelina stepped out of the boat with no offer of help from the man standing on the ledge. She tried to give the man a quick smile, but he was not having any of it as his attention stayed on Ru’ark.

  Ru’ark handed the boatman the promised gold crown and a small pouch of silver coins containing far more than their boat ride had cost.

  “Milord is generous, thank you.” With deep bow, he slipped the coin with the small pouch into the larger purse on his belt.

  The man on the dock offered his hand to Ru’ark to help him off the boat. “Milord, welcome to the Blue Water Inn.”

  “It’s Magus,” Ru’ark ignored the man’s outstretched hand as he stepped up on the dock.

  The man bowed. “Magus, your servant may enter through the door to the left and meet back with you after you have signed in for your stay this evening.”

  “Servant is quite a presumption.” His eyes narrowed with a touch of anger playing in his icy blue stare. “She is the Magus’s consort, my consort.”

  His heart beat faster as he was filled with anxiety at the realization of who the man standing in front of him was. “Forgive me,” He held out his hand for Nelina to take. “Madame and Consort of the Magus welcome to the Blue Water Inn”

  Nelina humbled by Ru’ark, accepted the man’s hand and allowed him to help her up. “It’s fine, there’s no harm done,”

  “Good, since that’s settled, I’ll speak to Rueben and sign for our stay.” Ru’ark offered her his arm. Without looking back Ru’ark addressed the dock’s host. “A boy from the stables will arrive with our belongings be sure it finds its way to our rooms.”

  “Yes Magus,” the dock host intended to deal with it himself after his own recent mistakes.

  Ru’ark and Nelina paused as a man opened the heavy doors for them to enter the Inn. The polished marble of the outer dockside continued inside and into the Inn’s spacious greeting room for guest. The room boasted a high ceiling and was lit from several large low hanging candelabrums above couches and soft cushioned chairs. Nelina felt distinctly out of place as none of the other guests wore armor. The men donning armor were standing alongside people who were important or nobility.

  Nelina kept her voice
low. “Do we really get to stay here tonight?”

  “Yes,” In truth it, his original plan did not entail staying there, yet it was obvious she would enjoy something such as this.

  Rueben the Inn’s owner strolled over, almost as tall as Ru’ark with gray peppered hair and a wide grin. “Magus, it’s always an honor,” he cocked his head, bewildered “By the God of All, you look no older than when you brought Elian to my sister as a small child.”

  “Indeed, it’s one of my many gifts.” He smiled over to Nelina.

  “My sister sent word you would be staying over and I’ve prepared you and your lady friend the best accommodations that the Blue Water Inn has to offer.” Rueben had also made sure his staff was aware of the Magus’s impending stay.

  “I appreciate it. This is my consort, Nelina.” He took Nelina’s hand to bring her forward.

  Rueben bowed. “A pleasure to meet you Madame Nelina.”

  “It’s wonderful to meet you as well Rueben.” Nelina was still unaccustomed to being Ru’ark’s consort.

  “Rueben, in regard to the arrangements does it require being done on the morrow’s eve?” Ru’ark would rather spend the day with Nelina since it could be a while before they would return.

  Rueben paused before answering. “Yes, of course, it will not be a problem.”

  “Good, I’ll be going with Nelina to the water gardens during the day tomorrow.” Ru’ark knew Nelina would be captivated by the water gardens given her enjoyment of the royal gardens.

  Rueben waved over a youthful girl nearby. “Violet, please take Madame Nelina, the Magus’s consort, to one of the private baths she’s had a tiring day of riding.” Rueben inclined his head to Nelina. “Violet will also help you to find any gown of your choosing from the ones we keep here.”

  “Thank you, Rueben.” Nelina then turned to Ru’ark and hugged him with an affectionate kiss. “I love you, Magus.”

  He held her body tight, pressing her hard against him before letting her go. “I’m glad these little things please you Sweetling.”

  Violet stepped forward and Nelina went off with her leaving Ru’ark and Rueben alone.

  “Magus, if you’ll be kind enough to follow me.” Rueben walked over to a podium with an open book, quill, and ink. “Here is our guest book, for you to sign.”

  Ru’ark stepped up and picked up the quill signing naught more than his title ‘Magus.’ “Were you perchance able to prepare the room with what I requested?”

  Rueben clasped his hands together. “The final preparations are being made as we speak. Perhaps you might be interested in a fluesta or a bath yourself?”

  “Yes, a fluesta will do,” the fluesta was like the devices he had back in Aghadine, which was accessible to the nobility or wealthy; it was a wall with fountains across its face and one above that would pour out water as you stood underneath allowing one to rinse away the filth of the day. Ru’ark preferred to be done before Nelina finished her bath.

  It was well past dark with the moon high above the horizon, when Nelina arrived to dine Ru’ark. He stood up as she approached the table, which was off to the side and apart from the greeting area of the Inn. The dining room itself formed a veranda half inside and half out, Ru’ark had chosen one of the tables outside providing a wide view of the of the speckled lights in the city canals floating to the open Southern ocean. The low light emanating from the candles set on the Spartan tables throughout the room, gave a glow to Nelina as it was caught in her golden locks and reflected in her piercing green eyes. “You’re as always a vision of loveliness.” The dress was not the quality of the ones at Danthamore, it held tight at her waist and held frills across its trimming at her neck leaving just above her breasts bare, but she wore this one well.

  She blushed from his compliment. “Thank you, I’m glad you find it fetching on me.” The bath and change of clothes had done wonders for her spirit after the hard days of travel.

  Watching her cheeks flush a deeper his lips curved into a devilish smile. “Indeed, if I did not think you needed to eat, I’d already be having my way with you upstairs in our room.”

  Her eyes shot downward, then rose up to meet his. “I- well, I want to be pleasing to you.”

  “Without question you’ve achieved that endeavor.” Ru’ark made sure there would be a variety of food for them. He held out the chair for her as he then after seating himself and lifted the cover off the platter displaying in its center a small roasted duck dressed and encircled by different local delicacies consisting of shelled mussels, oysters and steamed snails. Small open blows of butter and sauces off to the side of the platter allowed for easy access. A basket of warm bread was also left for them. “I figured we could both use a good meal.”

  “My stomach has been rumbling for food.” Nelina did not care for the appearance of the crustaceans or mollusks. Instead, she chose the duck to start with.

  Ru’ark on the other hand took a smattering of everything “Only the duck?”

  She stared hard at the tray. “Yes, the duck will be fine on its own,” she took a bite of the duck from her plate. “It isn’t too bad,” she tried to hide her distaste of the oily greasy meat duck. Still, it was more palatable than what she saw on the tray.

  He took a piece of a crustacean, and dipped it in the melted butter sauce. “This is really good,”

  Nelina head bobbed in acknowledgement. “I’m glad you like it,”

  “Will you try it?” He put the piece he had been holding in his mouth.

  “Do I have to?” her big emerald eyes locked with his.

  He knitted his brows together in mock upset. “Oh yes, as your Magus I demand your obedience in this.” he picked up another piece of the crustacean meat drenching it in the buttery sauce.

  She gave a light laugh at his gentle teasing. “As you command my dear Magus,” she leaned in towards him ready to taste it with her a slight part of her lips.

  Ru’ark took the food and with his fingers brought it to her mouth. Her mouth accepted the succulent morsel while her lips sensually went around his finger for the lingering butter that remained. “I’ll have to get you to try more things I see.”

  She blushed and finished the piece of food.

  Nelina afterward was enthusiastic in trying the variety of the other mollusks yet she only found two them to her liking. Her favorite was what Ru’ark had introduced her to.

  Ru’ark enjoyed watching her explore and try new things. When they returned, they would have the time they lacked now. He wished the trip were under better circumstances.

  One of the Inn servants stopped in front of their table to replenish their wine, “Good Eve Magus, Rueben would like you to know your room is prepared.” He set down an iron key. “He instructed me to give this to you.”

  “Ah, good,” he took the key and after the servant left, and pulled out a few silvers to leave on the table as gratuity.

  When they both could not eat anymore, the two headed back to the open greeting room where they had first arrived and then took the smaller stairs up to the third floor and to their room.

  Ru’ark went to the last door, which led to the Blue Inn’s best room and turned the key. “Here we are Sweetling.”

  Nelina walked into the room. The center of the room held an oversized bed its large polished wooden frame glinting in the light from the candles filling the room. A small table holding a pitcher of wine and two glasses stood next to a dresser with their belongings neatly place in front of it with her armor and sword on top. A thin sheen nightdress lay folded on a nearby stool which she changed into. She was struck by the glimpse out the window she caught and when she was done, she walked over to the window. The festival of lights was in full swing as the numerous bobbing lights speckled the water.

  He approached her from behind with his muscular arms encircling her waist while his lips found her neck with a gentle kiss, gazing at the spectacular view of the lantern candles illuminating the water from their window.

  She brought he
r arms on top of his hugging him closer to her. “Ru’ark, may I ask you something?”

  “You may,” he kissed her shoulder. “What is it you want to know?”

  “Have you loved another woman, perhaps when you were in your homeland?” she blurted out the question almost wishing she could take it back.

  His base answer was simple. “No, I haven’t,” the detailed explanation was another matter. “I was raised in the belief that sexual needs were met through my father’s household’s pleasure slaves. The slaves tend to be shared between myself and brother, along with my father. I’ve never shown favor to any as doing so creates the headaches of favoritism.”

  “Marriage in Aghadine is not done as it is here, there is no marriage for love, and there is only marriage for status and power.”

  His lips pressed another kiss right below her ear. “I’ve marked you as my concubine, and as a show of my commitment, I will never take a wife in Aghadine; and here in these lands we will rule and be husband and wife.”

  “I am blessed to be loved by you.” She leaned her head against him.

  He waited a few moments before stepping back to turn her around to face him. “I have a concern that we need to discuss. When I accepted the Waraeu into my flesh as a child, I had years of preparation to endure the bonding, and it was painful. You will face the same.”

  “I’ll endure it with strength.” her eyes were set in her determination. “Caleb came close to killing me, and it was excruciating pain. If I survived that, I will survive this.”

  “I have no doubt you will but you must be prepared for it will be a different kind of pain, and each person’s experience is different.” He admired her strength and force of will. “The trick is to not panic, when it is unbearable focus on being with me and what we share.”

  “I love you, I’ll do that.” slow tears trickled down her cheeks. “Besides, if I perish, I’ll die thinking of you.”

  With a light brush from his fingertips, he wiped her tears away. “I’d never risk your life if I thought it would mean your death, we would find another way.” His hand cupped her face and her green eyes rose up to meet his blue ones. “I would sooner let my life be forfeit than to risk yours with uncertainty.”