The Accidental Archmage

by Edmund A. M. Batara

  A freaking nuclear reaction? thought the dumbfounded Tyler.

  “Wait. Rumi could have told me how to do the spell properly?” exclaimed the mage as Viracocha’s comment struck home.

  “He uses the same principles for his shape-shifting. Rumi could have given you some pointers – like first creating the form you want in your mind and then allowing the energy to fill it out. Allow. Not force it. As I said, your mistake was in trying to compel the energy itself to produce the shape you want.”

  “Why didn’t Rumi tell me?” asked the baffled mage. “If he thought I was doing it wrong, why didn’t he correct me?”

  “He’s too polite to venture an opinion unless asked,” answered Viracocha.

  Polite? He was already laughing his guts out from the time I started! For God’s sake, he swallows people he doesn’t like, the outraged and greatly annoyed thoughts crossed Tyler’s mind.

  “Well, I do have to leave. My temple complex is going to be a war zone again. The Aztecah pantheon finally found their balls. I really can’t understand why they blame me for that disaster. It could have been an interesting experience for you. The Keltoi and Incan pantheons against the Aztecah. Though some deities from Kemet and other adventurous gods have promised to step in if the battle gets rough for us. But I see you’re going to be busy here,” said the formidable Incan god. Then Viracocha gazed for a few seconds in the direction of the open field beyond the stone bridge.

  “Hmmm. Yahui. A lot of them. Well, you know now how to deal with them. I might have made a mistake in my count. Or maybe I got distracted. I could have been referring to the number of deities and similar spirits the Aztecah pantheon was bringing against us. Kindly pardon this old man, ancient age you see.”

  “More than thirty-four! I am starting to believe we’re screwed. You do remember one Yahui nearly got me back in Akrotiri,” reminded Tyler. “Though speaking of battles, considering there’s going to be one on your doorstep, mind lending some aid? You’re already here, and I believe the mighty Viracocha need only move a tiny muscle in his pinkie to resolve the problem.”

  “Flattery won’t get you anything from me,” laughed the deity. “At least this time. But they’re just ordinary Yahuis. The one back in Dionysus’s temple was a Greater Yahui.”

  “With an army and their numbers, would it make a difference? Why don’t you act? They’re a threat to your temple too,” Tyler remarked.

  “No, they’re not. Unless one of the major Aztecah powerhouses come here. Even then, that’s not a guarantee. Some of my son’s power remained in the stones and foundations of that temple. The might of a former head of a pantheon which I can add to my own if and when the need arises. He’s of my bloodline after all. Still, even with that added power, a lot of other factors could swing the balance in a fight. But remember that army is here for that expeditionary force and incidentally, your group, as they’ve got you entangled in their problem. More importantly, the rules forbid me to take direct and active participation in a purely human conflict. They don’t have a deity with them, and that ties my hands. I wouldn’t want to experience again that tell-tale fiery tingle warning me of an impending breach of the rules,” explained Viracocha.

  “But Ares got involved in the Akrotiri battle!” insisted Tyler.

  “Only to get at you, First Mage. True, that buffoon killed a lot of soldiers along the way, but the intention was to confront you.”

  “Huh? Killing those men didn’t count?”

  “They were in his way. In the matter of the rules, the intent matters. Impossible to hide it when Adar’s energy is around and in us. Unfortunately, arrogance and conceit are given enormous leeway. Not that I agree with that contemptuous dispensation. Regrettably, that’s how the game is played,” replied Viracocha. “The fact that I have repeatedly said that I do mind how I act out my plans should have told you something.”

  Tyler threw out his hands in exasperation and resignedly sat down on the ground. He looked at the deity who was again floating above the ground. The young man could feel the tiredness and despair in his being.

  “I am tired, Viracocha. It’s been a crazy time in this world for me. Call it culture shock, ignorance, or even stupidity, but I am only human. I can’t remember everything you told me or even what well-meaning people have tried to teach me. Most of the time, it’s limited to wracking my brains to make it through a bad situation. Hell, sometimes I don’t even remember the abilities I can use. I don’t even know the limitations of such capabilities, much less the dangers inherent in magical energy as you have pointed out,” despondently answered the young mage.

  “I do understand, First Mage. You may not believe me, but I know what you’re experiencing. Hell through a grindstone would be a fair comparison. Mortals, despite their potential, do have their limitations. Well, in your case, that exploding construct could be you if you’re not careful. Too much pressure and this world could lose a First Mage. Learn to take things in stride.”

  “That’s easier said than done. What do I do now? Those bastards on the other side of the bridge won’t quit, and I still have the Void Lands to consider,” asked Tyler.

  “I did send a message to Loki telling him you’re looking for him. As for your uninvited guests, you’ll manage. But why the practice with forming shapes out of matter? You could be out there already wreaking havoc,” observed Viracocha.

  “I can’t win this battle by myself. If you noticed, almost all the structures on this side facing the field have been destroyed. There’s no cover for the men, and the enemy is bringing up ballistae. I can’t allow the Aztecah to cross the ravine and muster their forces on this side. We’re heavily outnumbered as it is. Moreover, our forces should be able to deploy in the appropriate formation quickly. Formations are important in this sort of battle. Higher morale, better defense and attack, compact area for magical protective wards. No cover also means the Aztecah could see them and use their scorpions. The men will be forced to retreat to the surviving structures further back, leaving the crossing open. And they would be scattered, making assembly for formations very difficult, if not impossible,” explained the mage.

  “Excellent and valid warfare considerations. But there’s one thing you forgot,” said Viracocha with a smile, as he started fading away.

  At the remark, Tyler looked up from where he sat, his face an open expression of surprise at the last comment.

  “You could win the battle by yourself. If you know how,” Viracocha said, his voice now reduced to a mere whisper as he disappeared.

  Tyler shakily stood up. Even his leg muscles felt depressed as they achingly reminded him.

  If I know how? What did I tell him about my knowledge of my abilities? I swear these damned deities act as if I am not made of flesh and blood! thought the irate Tyler. Abilities, huh? I can’t even magically build a freaking crate!

  He turned his attention to Apu Rumi. The being stayed quiet during the entire conversation with the deity.

  “We have to go to the bridge in a while. But I intend to try the spell again. Tell me when you think I am doing something wrong,” Tyler told the entity.

  “Only one thing I need to say, First Mage.”

  “And that is?”

  “Your will determines all. Even the explosion would not have happened if you wished it not to occur.”

  “Don’t go Yoda on me, Rumi. Just speak up if you have to tell me about anything. But plain and direct language please.”

  “Not familiar with term Yoda. But will watch what you do. Remember what the lord Viracocha said. Start small.”

  Tyler eyed the pristine countryside in front of him. Calming himself down, he thought of a small stone container, the size of a shoebox, approximately twenty feet away.

  I believe that’s small enough, he considered as his imagination started to picture the desired object in a wireframe matrix. Then he carefully gathered the magical energy around the area where the small box was to appear and willed it to flow into the envisioned s
tructure.

  Stone, his mind instructed the energy slowly filling out the form. He could now see the tendrils of magic drawing rock from the earth and transferring it to the intended shape. It was slow going, but Tyler knew the time would come when he could do it instantly. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Apu Rumi intently observing him.

  It’s a lot different from creating figures of light, he noted. More like getting the energy to do manual labor and manipulating its stream like a faucet.

  Just as he could see the stone structure materialize, loud shouts at his back broke his concentration. The partially sculpted object immediately crumbled into gravel.

  “Sire! Sire! The Aztecah have started their assault!

  Chapter Six

  Bessie

  Tyler stopped and stared at the crumbled pile of rocks.

  Just like my life here. I finally stopped whining, got an ability going well, and I get interrupted. Wonder if it would be like that on my honeymoon? Nope, I really hope not. No telling what I would do. And if it’s Eira, she’s more volatile than me. Not a good combination. Though I’m already starting to get mad now, he concluded. Now used to the peculiar temperamental flows his stormy experiences on Adar engendered, the mage could sense the swelling irritation in his being. He forced himself to calm down and faced the newcomer. It was Habrok, and the ranger was running towards him.

  “Calm down, Habrok. Get your breath back first,” he told the man as Habrok reached him.

  “The Aztecah have started with their scorpions, and warrior groups have positioned themselves near the bridge. I guess they’re not happy about our mages tearing down their magical crossings. But the assembly of their army is not yet complete. We could see more coming,” briefed Habrok after several deep breaths.

  “An eager commander with initiative,” observed Tyler. “Well, back to work, my friend.”

  Habrok just nodded and followed the mage as Tyler walked at a fast clip towards the bridge. Apu Rumi followed. The trio quickly proceeded along the low stone fence enclosing the interior grounds of the temple and turned left to the main road.

  “Only scorpions, Habrok? How many men has the enemy organized so far? The Yahui?” he asked as the ranger caught up and positioned himself on his right side.

  “Scorpion ballistae so far, sire. For numbers, my estimate is around five to six thousand men with mages. The bizarre creatures are in a separate group but at the front. There’s another group of larger creatures further back, but I am not familiar with them. I was not able to ask Lady Asem about that kind. She’s near the bridge with the mages. Very effective deconstruction work. But I fear we will be pushed back further into the ruins if the barrage of bolts continues,” answered the man.

  As they crested a rise in the road, the stone crossing came into view. Tyler stopped. He could see masses of the enemy on the other side. Though arrows from the defenders peppered them, magic and large rectangular shields protected the Aztecah front ranks. Warriors held the large protective screens but behind them were the Yahui. The mage’s enhanced sight could also discern the shimmering signs of a magical field protecting the horde. The arrows broke or bounced off the barrier. The large shields blocked those that were able to pass through it during the times the Aztecah mages had to recharge the field.

  On their side, the defenders had taken cover in the remains of the rock wall. Some of the men were in prone positions. The expeditionary force was plainly in disarray though most were still positioned near the bridge. As Tyler continued observing the situation, he was treated to the comical scene of the stone passage magically rebuilt by the enemy and just as quickly demolished by the defending mages. Other small crossings suddenly appeared along the ravine and were just as swiftly destroyed.

  The mage deemed the other attempts at building a bridge mere diversions by the enemy. The secondary passages were narrow and looked to be half-hearted efforts. The main attack will come through the main stone span. But it was clear that it was only a matter of time before the defenders were forced back. In the distance, more scorpions were arriving and being hauled into position.

  “Guys?” Tyler called his AI companions.

  “Yes, Elder?” answered Hal.

  “Time to play again.”

  “They’re persistent. Though desperation does give rise to persistence,” observed X.

  “I believe we’re the ones who are in a desperate situation,” replied Tyler.

  “An order from their emperor or one of their deities would be sufficient to give rise to desperation on their part,” countered the guide.

  “Where’s the other AI?” asked Tyler.

  “Still with us, Elder. We’re trying to reconstruct some of its codes and protocols. Hopefully, it won’t be an idiot for long,” said Hal.

  “Idiot? That’s harsh, Hal,” rebuked the mage.

  “There’s no other way to describe its intelligence level, Elder,” came the answer. “I could use ‘moronic,’ but fortunately, it’s not at that stage.”

  “Anyway, if you noticed, we have a situation on our hands. We can’t allow the enemy to cross,” said the mage.

  “May we suggest focusing on the scorpions first,” offered X. “They appear to be the biggest threat as of now.”

  “A quake spell?” asked Tyler.

  “A quake spell with those fiery eruptions that god of volcanoes taught you,” answered X.

  “Good suggestion. The flowers of Hephaestus. We need time to determine how to deal with this lot,” said Tyler.

  From his vantage point, the mage closely inspected the positioning of the enemy ballistae. The heavy weapons were positioned in three groups, each battery with an open field of fire. Each scorpion appeared to have a spotter.

  A minor mage or a ranger. One with heightened eyesight, he observed as magical energy started to gather around him. Tyler decided to deal with the scorpions one group at a time. He cast the quake spell, followed by the ground fire invocation. With luck, the magical attacks will either burn the scorpions or break them, the mage concluded.

  Tyler could feel the spells swiftly fly forward, one after the other, going towards the group nearest the bridge. Abruptly, they violently struck an invisible obstacle as they crossed the ravine. The magical energy dissolved. He sensed the chaotic vibrations of the sudden destruction of the spells. Then painful waves passed through his body.

  “What the?” exclaimed the mage, greatly shocked at the turn of events. His muscles hurt from the unwelcome experience. Habrok and Apu Rumi quizzically looked at him. His sudden reaction caught them by surprise.

  “It appears they have a High Mage with them. Only such mortals could cast a blocking spell that strong,” commented X.

  “I thought High Mages were uncommon. Even perhaps non-existent!” protested Tyler.

  “Well, they have one with them,” countered Hal calmly.

  “Son of a bitch!” Tyler cursed loudly, shocked and upset beyond belief at the startling discovery. “Fuck me sideways and call me Bessie!” Habrok’s eyebrows lifted at the bizarre comment coming from the mage.

  “Bessie,” said X, surprising the mage with the immediate retort.

  Tyler stood silent for a while, frantically thinking about what happened. Encountering a High Mage was upsettingly unexpected and the possibility of a duel between him and the magical practitioner, who will be more experienced, greatly worried the young mage. He knew his limitations, and so far, Tyler knew he had been lucky. Even his tentative and often disastrous forays into magical experimentation show that fact.

  He tried to remember what he had been told about the mages of Adar. So far, his education had come from Jorund, and sadly, the warrior was not around anymore. But one thing stuck in his memory – that mages in this world need to focus their power through an arcane medium such as runes. As his mind dwelt on Jorund’s comments, Tyler remembered the embattled hill near Scarburg as he practiced the lightning spell, though from what he had seen, the warrior could be mistaken about the
spell being the exclusive domain of the adherents of Thor or Odin. But the lesson Jorund imparted about the limitations of mages was learned during the man’s formal training with battle magic. There could be something right in those observations. The words came back to the mage as though the warrior, now dead and an einherjar, was whispering beside him.

  Mages need a little time between spells for their bodies to recover from the use of magical energy. A High Mage can probably manage three major spells and two minor ones in one casting session, but even that is a draining exercise.

  Tyler calmed down as a feeling of relief washed over him.

  I have a chance against such an experienced mage. A weak point in his or her magical capabilities. And the enemy still don’t know I don’t need runes or that the rules of Adar’s magic do not limit me, considered the mage.

  I better remember to keep my abilities hidden for the time being and play within what they know as the limitations of magic. But first, I have to find that piece of work, Tyler concluded grimly.

  “Hal? X? Try to determine where and who that mage is. It wouldn’t do to give him or her free rein over the battlefield,” he asked his hidden companions.

  “We will, Elder. If you want, we can try to eliminate the problem with our abilities once we flush the High Mage out,” said Hal.

  “That would be best. Thanks, guys. But advise me first. We could try to overload his defenses and force magical exhaustion,” pointed out the mage.

  “We will, Elder. In the meantime, we have already strengthened your defenses.”

  Tyler perfunctorily nodded, his attention now on the movements on the field ahead. He let loose a blanket of magical energy towards the Aztecah, trying to find out if more surprises are hiding among the enemy. With luck, he could also determine the High Mage’s location.

  Then he sensed it. A giant ball of magical fire being lobbed through the air directly at his location.

  Shit. I should have expected this! Dumbass! Tyler chastised himself as he quickly flung a force barrier in the path of the incoming strike. He could survive the attack, but Habrok and Apu Rumi were with him. The mage couldn’t risk any of them dying or being injured.