by Andrew Wood
Zack sighed, and let his shoulders drop just a little, as his thought turned to Maxim. Since his friend's departure, he had felt so lonely, especially now Mikel and Melia were spending more and more time together. He hoped his friend was keeping well, and that finding his father made him happy, but that did not stop the pain Zack felt at him not being there.
Katria had informed them that the tribes from the mountain ranges had now returned to their homelands back across the peaks. Her birds had tracked them, just in case they had decided to make another attack, but the further they moved away from Pitford the less likely that was to ever happen. News that Denley was still clearing the destruction caused by the huge battle there, had reached them a couple of days ago, and Anden had sent them a little aid to help them, as well as two platoons of soldiers to help secure the place, should any further attacks be made against them. Of course, nobody actually thought the token gesture would make any difference if they were attacked, but at least it gave the people of the town the impression, that their new king was doing something to help them.
In Waltham, Gorius was inspecting his latest influx of magicians into his army. As was the norm, it was a mix of young and a few very old, none of whom could do anything particularly exciting or different to what he already had. He greeted them individually and thanked them for their loyalty to his cause, making sure however, that each and everyone knew just who was in charge. His friend Davan had been sending him daily updates from Berxsley by bird, on just how quickly the citizens of the captured enemy capital were becoming accustomed to their new rulers.
Shonna, was still spending most her hours, sifting through every-last piece of parchment for any clues as to the artefact she was studying. She had spent many days working on it, and had now managed to decipher several words that were carved so elegantly into the frame. She was also aware however, that completing anything but the full inscription, would likely prove useless, and as such carried on relentless in her search for any clues. Davan, being the friend of the king had sent a message a few days back that he had unearthed a few books and scrolls in the Kothian palace. The man seemed drawn to anything magic, and had discovered them in an old box, stored deep in the palace basement rooms. Davan had hence despatched the box with all haste back across the border towards Bosaria, and Shonna now awaited them with renewed optimism that they may help her in her task.
Maxim stood atop the deck of the ship that had been his home for the past few days. His father stood beside him pointing out the various places as they approached the island nation of Icenia. The seas were much calmer here, and the waters appeared to look a much brighter blue rather than grey murky colour they had looked back off the coast of Kothia. His father had surprised him that morning by not being dressed in one of the red robes all the Icenians appeared to wear. Instead, he had donned a pair of dark trousers, black shiny leather boots and a dark blue jacket. Maxim was glad his father had seen fit to wear something else; he was beginning to think all they ever wore was red robes.
As the ship slowed and approached the dock area, Maxim watched the people moving about. Strangely, everybody he saw had some variation of the reddish ginger hair that had made him stand out in Kothia. "Welcome home Sir," he heard a man shout up from the dock towards his father, who waved a hand in reply. "Come Max, let us disembark and make our way home."
Maxim nodded, and feeling a little nervous, he joined his father walking down the ramp that had been put into place.
The first noticeable difference was the cleanliness of the place. Maxim could not fail to be impressed, as he noticed even the stone streets upon which he walked were bereft of any sign of dirt or grime. "Do you even wash the streets?" he asked his father walking alongside him. "We like to keep things clean," he replied as he acknowledged yet another person subserviently bowing their head just a little as he passed by. Maxim was just about to enquire if they were going to have any guards escort them through the streets, when he realised that his father probably did not need them.
The main street was unusually wide, and aside from one or two citizens calmly strolling along, it appeared almost deserted. The buildings were all made from some kind of white stone and much larger than any he had ever seen in Kothia. They were all well spaced out and not cluttered together like most he had seen; Icenian cities were certainly very different from what he was accustomed too.
Joren explained that they would walk the short distance to the palace, which was situated just on the outskirts of the city up on a small rise overlooking the rest of the buildings. Other than the lack of people, Maxim also noticed there were no horses, and enquired to his father as to why that was. "We do not have much need for them Max to be honest. We walk the short distances, and usually teleport the longer ones," he replied. Although he did also say that those not blessed with the ability to travel as he was, did use them, "We also have them for transporting goods from place to place, but more usually further inland." Maxim nodded as he listened, but did not stop casting his gaze around as they walked.
As they turned a corner, Maxim could see the road sloping just slightly upwards towards three enormous buildings. "Wow," was the only word he managed to use to express his astonishment. Joren explained each high lord resided in one of them with their family if they had one. "Ours is the one on the right," he added pointing it out. Despite the three palaces neighbouring one another, they were actually quite far apart, and the nearer they got, the bigger that space became apparent. Maxim reiterated how bizarre it was that they had three rulers all next to each other and all living in such opulence. Joren just laughed, "It is just the way it has been for a very long time," he added trying to give an explanation.
None of the palaces had any walls; just as he had also noted neither did the city. "Walls are no use to us," His father told him, "Others use them as a form of defence, but not only do we not need them, they would prove no more than a minor hindrance if they were there," he added. Maxim did notice another handful of robed figures walking slowly down the road toward one of the other palaces.
The area of lawn at the front and side of the magnificent looking home, looked almost like a plush green carpet, so much so he felt the need to lean down and touch the grass, just to prove to himself that it was not. Here and there were small flowerbeds, with blooms the like of which he had never seen before. He paused just slightly before climbing up the five white marble steps that led up to what could only be described as very opulent doors. Even the railings leading up the steps glistened in the sunshine, and were so shiny he could see his reflection within them.
The doors opened with a wave of Joren's hand, and the pair stepped into a huge foyer. A glistening glass chandelier hung from the tall ceiling, although there were no candles upon it. Instead, there were several small globes of brilliant white light, which illuminated the area as if the sun itself was casting its rays indoors. The floor was white, but had small specks of colour within, as if there were small jewels embedded within the stone. The white walls were filled with colourful pictures and tapestries, giving the area a vibrant feeling when you entered.
Two youngsters, a girl and a boy and maybe a year or two younger than Maxim appeared and stopped before them. "Is this him Uncle?" the girl said, as the boy seemed intent on eyeing Maxim up and down as if he were some prize cow. Joren nodded, "Yes Kala, this is my son," he replied keeping a watchful on his nephew walking around Maxim. "Willem, please do not be so rude, perhaps introduce yourself," he finally added noticing the attention was making his son a little uncomfortable.
"Maxim, these are your cousins, Kala and Willem, my younger brother's twins," Joren said deciding to take the initiative. "Hello," Maxim said rather nervously, "Nice to meet you," he added holding a hand out in greeting. Neither of his cousins took his hand, "Likewise I am sure," Willem eventually replied, before turning to his sister suggesting they be on their way. "Stop right there!" Joren snapped, "You will apologise to Maxim now...How dare you be so rude!" Both youngsters froze, bef
ore rather bashfully turning to face their enraged uncle. "Sorry," they both said together. "Welcome Maxim," they both added, hanging their heads low.
Maxim was not too bothered; he was more than used to people being rude to him. He shrugged his shoulders, "No problem," he replied as he realised his father was waiting for him to add something. He looked at his two cousins stood before him, was it respect for his father that made them behave in such a manner, or was it fear? Whatever it was, the pair did not move until told to do so by their uncle.
Joren apologised to his son for the rather rude behaviour shown to him, "They are two very spoilt children, my brother lets them do as they please, and sometimes they forget themselves." Maxim had already all but forgotten the incident, and was far more interested in wanting to see more of the palace.
As they walked slowly along a corridor, where one wall was made completely of glass, allowing them to look out across the lush green garden area, Maxim was told where certain areas were. So many side corridors and rooms, he thought he was certain to get lost when left to his own devices. There were meeting rooms, dining rooms, private dining rooms, studies and even two libraries, to add to the usual bedrooms, staff quarters and kitchen area.
Apparently below them, was also a large communal bathing area, where there were large heated pools for washing or just relaxing in. Maxim quite liked the idea of that and thought he might like to visit there sometime sooner rather than later. He was quite glad when his father suggested they move to one of the dining rooms and get something to eat, "I hope my brother and his wife will be there, so you can meet them also," his father said.
Sure enough, they found both of them sitting at one of the two large tables in one of the private dining rooms. After Joren had greeted both with a warm hug, he introduced his long lost son. "Jak, Lucy, this is my son...Maxim," Joren declared with more than little emotion in his voice. Maxim could tell Jak was clearly his father's brother, not just by the way they both looked, but even by the way they spoke. "Pleased to meet you at long last my lord," he said bowing his head just a little. This naturally made Maxim feel a little uncomfortable, he was not used too people behaving this way before him, and neither did he think it was anything he wanted.
After a rather awkward introduction, it was soon apparent that although Jak, who Maxim had deduced was his uncle, seemed to be polite towards him, Lucy, his aunt was far from it. The woman merely grumbled a greeting, and forced a smile, but Maxim could tell from experience that the woman had taken an instant dislike of him. Even this far away from home, it was apparent people did not always get along. Quite what Maxim had ever done to the woman to make her not like him, he was not sure, and decided he would ask his father when they were next alone.
After having to endure a light meal with his new uncle and aunt sat at the same table, Maxim was glad that the pair finally made excuses to leave. No sooner had they gone, than he thought it best to settle a few nagging problems he was having. "She does not like me," he said looking his father straight in the eye. His father surprisingly agreed, "It is probably because her husband and son will no-longer be inheriting my title and lands." Maxim had never even thought about anything like that. Did his father just presume he would take them and live here in Icenia? Not wanting to cause the man any upset later on, he thought it best to clear the air now. "Father...I am not sure I would want them...You know the High Lord thing and the palace...I am quite happy where I am," he said trying his best not to sound too ungrateful. He could tell the moment the words left his mouth that his father did not like what he had said.
An awkward silence fell as the two looked at each other, "Sorry," Maxim added hoping it made things better. "I understand Max...Perhaps give it a little thought...and a little time, and if you still feel the same...well then that is your choice," his father finally replied. Maxim could sense he had hurt his father's feelings, and as all this was new to him, he was unsure of what to say or do to make things better. He thought the best thing would be change subject, "Perhaps you could show me the baths and introduce me to the other High Lords?" he asked.
Joren nodded, "The baths are not a problem. As for the other High Lords, that will have to wait until tomorrow I'm afraid. Protocol means I have to arrange a meeting and not just go turning up unannounced." The ways of the Icenians were certainly perplexing he thought, and not at all like the picture of utopian society that he had envisaged to be. Yes the place was nice and clean, and the buildings quite something else, but it was already clear the people were just the same. Maxim was unsure as to whether it was just his naivety or lack of sense as to why people could not just get along. One of the things he had hoped for in Icenia, was to see everybody getting on with everybody else, but it was already apparent that was not going to be the case. This thought drew another question from him, "Father...Do you have poor people...perhaps an orphanage or kitchen for the homeless?"
There was another silence before any reply came. Icenia did have varying levels of wealth, just as any nation in the world did. The poorer in society though did not dwell in the cities, but in the smaller towns and villages. Maxim was shocked to hear that anyone found homeless in the capital was removed whether they wanted to or not. As for any orphans, they too were not permitted in the cities but placed in what his father called refuge centres. Here they were apparently fed and clothed, and if they showed any magical ability, they were taught to read and write, to enable them to progress in society when they were older. "What about those who do not show any magical skill father? Are they merely tossed aside?" Maxim asked realising this place was actual no different in the way it treated people.
After a full tour of the palace, and another awkward evening meal with his father, uncle, aunt and cousins present, he was glad when it was time for bed. Although his uncle was clearly trying to at least be civil to him, it was quite clear that neither his aunt nor his cousins felt the need to do likewise. Not wanting to upset his father though, Maxim persevered through the evening, ignoring any snidely comments or dirty looks cast his way.
His bedroom was just like every other room in the palace, in being spotless and very opulent in every detail. The sheets were silken, and like none Maxim had ever seen before; so smooth to the touch, he spent several minutes just rubbing his hand over them. The headboard of the bed was carved wood, with such fine elaborate scrollwork, Maxim was unsure as to how anyone could have done it.
After undressing and slipping into the fine cotton nightclothes that lay neatly folded on the end of his bed, he slipped between the sheets and rested his head onto the softest pillow he had ever felt. Maxim was so comfortable, that the worries of the day merely drifted away as he fell into a calm deep sleep.
Chapter 25.
Danton rode into the town of Eldin, situated nearly a day's ride directly west of Pitford. With it being positioned so far south, it had been fortunate enough to have avoided all the troubles that were currently affecting Kothia. Built with a short wall surrounding its perimeter, it acted as a local hub for the surrounding farming community. The buildings were mainly stone, some of which were still standing since the town put down roots a century or so ago.
Danton had a pre-arranged meeting with the town mayor that evening, with a view to hopefully convincing the man to throw the support of his local community behind the new king. However, Danton had two other more important duties to undertake whilst he was there. Firstly, he was to recruit for the king's new army; any male aged between fourteen and forty years of age could apply to join the ranks. The other task, the one Danton thought most suited his particular skill set, was to discover any potential magicians.
Anden had decreed magic once more legal, providing it was done so under the supervision of the Masters at Pitford. Ramon and the new king had, they hoped, devised a way that made magic legal, but in a way that they were still able to monitor those who wielded it. Each Magician was to report to Pitford and given a licence to practice their skills, providing they renewed the document every thr
ee years. This way they hoped to draw those that felt they had magical ability to help them in their hour of need. To those who felt they did not need to report their particular gift to the offices at Pitford, the possibility of the death penalty was still in effect; although rather than being overseen by the local mayor or landowner in charge, would be done more fairly by a panel of magicians. Such a panel would consist of three senior members from Pitford, who would travel to the town holding any potential wrong doer, to give trial.
However, despite the new laws, one form of magic was still banned, with the death penalty given to anyone found using it. Any person found using the ability to control the will or mind of another by use of magic, would still be put to death. This was a decision agreed upon by all of the new council members present in the meeting; a kind of magic they did not want to see.
The sun was low in the sky, as Danton finally passed his horse over to the stable boy at the inn he was using as his base. Despite wanting to go straight in and have a meal and rest, he knew he needed to seek out the mayor. With tired and weary legs, he walked his way to the man's home, and introduced himself to the house staff working there. He was asked inside, and to wait in the hallway, although he had hoped to be given some kind of light refreshment, he was in fact given nothing.