Tyler didn’t reply. Asem’s answer raised another forbidding concern in his mind. Another burden added to what I already carry on my shoulders. A nation of mad mages in the mold of Dr. Frankenstein. With magic. No need for lightning. Nope. Scratch that. An empire of would-be Lovecraftian re-animators. I even saw that B-movie. Wait, that fucking mad doctor was named Dr. Herbert West. Fuck them! No relation. At all.
As they neared the temple, Tyler morosely reflected on the day’s unwelcome surprises. Tyndur had already returned to the gathered leaders of the Inka defenders discussing the defense. The mage noted that the group now included Kobu.
Knowing my luck, I doubt if this lousy day is over, he thought with trepidation. The only good thing I could remember about today is that inexplicable surge of energy from my staff. Saved my ass. But then again, I hope there’s no catch to it. If it’s a deity, another tangled web awaits me. With all of those strings tied to the gifts from them, I might as well be a cat puppet. And talking about deities…
“I guess your father knows what’s happening here?” he asked Asem
“He does, sire. For the moment, he is extremely interested in the events of this day. One which is not over yet, I might add,” answered Asem.
“Please don’t remind me of the day not being over yet. Any advice from him? A mighty blast to rid us of the Yahui? A hint?” commented Tyler, not that he was expecting actual help, but one could never tell. Though at this point, he would settle for a hint.
“He didn’t tell me anything. I believe he fears upsetting what the future would be. Active involvement would also mean an open declaration of war by the pantheon of Kemet and a decision about that had not been reached yet.”
“Upsetting the future? Does that mean he could foresee it?”
“To some degree, he could. But such knowledge and skill were carefully kept away from me. Unlike the pursuit of wisdom, prophecy and divination are inherently very dangerous abilities. The pursuit of knowledge, with its attendant dangers, remains a welcome trait but revealing the future is a path most dangerous. The skeins of time and fate could change, and the future will be different. And not necessarily for the better.”
“Not even a hint?” Tyler persisted.
“All he told me was the day is not over yet.”
Shit.
The group entered the temple and Apu Rumi took up his guardian role again. Tyler did notice that a field of radiant energy blocked the entrance. It vanished the moment Apu Rumi arrived. Surprisingly, Loki was not inside the temple. But Wilan was there. The old man looked tired as he sat at the table, but he was smiling when Tyler and his companions arrived.
“Ah. The warriors and the mage return! Come, have your fill and rest!” cried out Wilan.
The air was palpably filled with the release of tension, though the companions didn’t say anything and proceeded to the table. Tyler followed them and took his seat. He didn’t feel hungry but instead took a jug of water. Tyler had lost his appetite contemplating the day’s events.
“I was wondering where you’ve been,” he told Wilan.
“Been busy. Lots of things on my plate,” answered the old man with a smug air of mystery.
“And I guess we have you to thank for our victory over the Aztecah pantheon. It was a stalemate for a while, despite their weakened state. I didn’t expect they would be able to make use of the magical resistance of the Yahui. But when that defense broke, they lost a lot of their minor deities. Their big guys were quick to leave the battle,” the voice of Wilan sounded in his mind.
“Huitzilopochtli nearly got to slice and dice me. Probably after mashing me with that huge club,” replied Tyler.
“You lived through it. That’s what matters. To be honest, I didn’t know their patrons gave the Aztecah the knowledge to create those atrocities. The ability to create the anomalies now roaming in the field beyond was a gift from those Zin worshippers. And don’t say that warrior deity’s name out loud. You know the act calls out to the god involved.”
“You now know more about the Aztecah’s patrons? By the way, Loki is somewhere around here. But not inside your temple.”
“I learned a little more about those patrons of the Aztecah but what is worrying is that I have met their kind before. And the ones I have fought were not of the same calling. Damned complications running around! As if this world doesn’t have enough problems already!” exclaimed the deity. “About Loki, I have enough sense not to invite a trickster god into my sanctum. You saw what Inti had created underneath this temple. Imagine the mayhem he could do with such access to other worlds and dimensions. And that doorway goes both ways. Even I am not prepared to probe into its mysteries. My son was a clever, though not necessarily a wise, god. I suspect he didn’t think things through when the matrix was created. The distortion field around this temple is a sign of that amateurish effort.”
“I have to go out and meet Loki? Somehow, the idea doesn’t appeal to me.”
“Worry-wart. He won’t do anything to you. But I believe he could also sense the field around the temple and suspect the structure is not an ordinary one. Even Huitzilopochtli probably deduced something. At a distance, sensing the anomaly which surrounds the temple is not a concern. But Huitzilopochtli’s appearance at the wall is a problem. He’d be idiotic not to be curious about what he sensed. I guess this forgotten, ruined settlement is going to be the center of attention. I better put up more defenses.”
“I hope your uninvited guests arrive after we leave. I’d hate to be in the middle of a battle between deities,” commented Tyler with apprehension.
“I really can’t promise that. Though for now, deities of the various pantheons involved in this war are busy throughout the length and breadth of the Inkan kingdom. I did hear the Etruscans are having a hard time. That’s probably my next destination,” reflected Wilan.
“You know, you did tell me before you’ve been to the Void Lands. Why don’t you bring us there instead of Loki?” asked Tyler.
The deity didn’t reply and instead looked at Tyler. Around him, the mage’s companions were still busy eating.
“I have my reasons. I have my enemies too, First Mage. I did tell you about my struggle to save this world from dark entities of other dimensions. Hah. Dark would be an understatement. Beings from other realities coming across rips in the dimensional fabric are beyond my understanding. But I found that there are several constants in whatever world or reality one finds himself – the appetite for more power and the insatiable hunger for something, call it an obsession, are two of those traits. My last battle there was a close one. I had to level a few mountains to cover my hasty departure when a few more of their brethren appeared. And some of my enemies there know my energy matrix. The moment I manifest in that land, they’ll be upon us like a pack of rabid dogs. Extremely powerful hunters. Very, very hungry too. Though they can’t stray too far from their portal, unfortunately, the site I told you about is quite near to it,” explained Wilan. “They do have some of their creatures roaming around. But you can handle them. The powerful ones only appear and cross over when they sense a massive energy source near the portal.”
“You just told me we’re going to be piranha bait!”
“No, no. I know about piranhas. It’s not like that. More like a frenzy of sharks. Like I said, you can handle them.
Chapter Thirteen
Trickster in the House
Tyler glowered at the deity.
“A frenzy of sharks? How is that better than piranhas?” the mage shouted.
“Hey, I am being honest here. Sharks you could count but a school of hungry piranhas? Forget it. But you have to go and meet Loki. I could feel him poking around the temple. I could tell him to bugger off, but apparently, somebody still needs to talk to him,” replied Wilan.
Taken aback by the deity’s use of the modern expression, Tyler’s mounting anger gave way to piqued curiosity.
“You do know ‘bugger off’ is a modern expression,” said the mag
e. “Unless you have a portal secreted away, where did you learn that?”
“Short story. Had to see a visitor who just arrived. Somewhere to the west of here. But the fellow believed it was all a dream. Beat me off with a stick. I left him with that phrase ringing in my ears. I supposed he died shortly after. It was Anansi country anyway. Hordes of spiders infest the area where he appeared. Well, if the spiders didn’t get his flesh, other more unpleasant creatures would have both flesh and soul. Nasty place.”
“I guess I have to go and see Loki before he decides to dig tunnels to satisfy his curiosity. Any help from you in dealing with those Yahui? I know, I know. A mortal battle and all those rules,” said Tyler. “But you can’t blame me for hoping. There’s too many of them, for one.”
“Sorry, but rules are rules. Being reduced to nothing is the last thing I need right now. I have to go to Etruscan lands. Battles in this region are but large but still dangerous diversions from the empire’s main effort. If the Etruscan League crumbles, it will enable the Aztecah to roll up the flank of the Inka kingdom. Success there would also bring them closer to Kemet, the Bastjan Lands, and the Cahokia Dependency. Not to mention threatening the sea lanes to the Imperii Romani and the Iotabe Isles. We can’t have that.”
Tyler smiled. Something he deity earlier said finally clicked in his mind.
“Well, I understand. I’ll try to handle Loki and the Yahui. I don’t know which is worse. But you did say this temple is going to attract attention from various deities and similar entities. I guess that includes dark and malevolent ones. But with the news that Huitzilopochtli will be bringing or probably had brought by now to his pantheon, I have no doubt the Aztecah empire will be redoubling its effort to take this area through their prodding. A much larger attacking human army, without pantheon participation, would then preclude intervention by deities, your friends included. And if a human army does succeed in taking these ruins, Apu Rumi would be hard pressed to prevent access to the temple itself. There’s a limit to what one powerful being could do.”
Wilan’s face was an exercise in visible consternation and the realization that somewhere along the ancient and wise pathways of his mind, the deity missed something. He stayed silent for a few seconds, at a loss for words while his thoughts ran through the scenario Tyler mentioned.
Checkmate, concluded Tyler.
“You’re right,” Wilan finally conceded. “Even if your forces do win, the Inka forces will leave, and you’ll continue on your journey. Getting the Inka ruler to send a message to his forces here to stay and defend the temple will take time. Which I don’t have. Not to mention the force is too small for a proper defense. Even with the chasm, that open field makes it easy for an army to attack. But right now, the First Mage has to win this battle. The problems you shoulder me with, lad.”
Me giving him problems? Who got me into this quest thing in the first place? thought Tyler. He was fuming, but he kept his mouth shut.
“Rules are rules, First Mage. I can’t do anything about it. But it might interest you to know that the now-gone Olmec pantheon magically created the ravine separating this area from the field. A futile effort, as you can see. Fascinatingly, when the land was split, creating the ravine, the line of hills, now also gone, thanks to you, was created. Apparently, the substratum on the other side of the hills was solid bedrock.”
“And your point?” asked the mystified Tyler, bewildered by the off-tangent discussion.
Wilan looked up at the ceiling, shaking his head. He stood up and walked towards the exit.
“The ground under the field is riddled with huge cracks, stupid mage! It’s unstable!” came the exasperated parting shot of the deity. “And get those men of Wa! At least I can have some human guards while you’re gone!”
Oh. Like I can do anything about it. Or can I? And he’s telling me to retain Kobu and his men? thought Tyler. Although he’s showing the effects of the unstable energy around the temple on him. On the other hand, it could be stress. Could deities be stressed out?
“Sire.” Somebody called for the mage’s attention. It was Habrok.
“It might be time to bring food to the men outside,” said the ranger.
“Oh. Arrange things with Rumi. I also have to go and talk to Farman,” replied Tyler. I better deal with Loki first before worrying about the rest of my concerns. Bad idea to keep him waiting.
It was already dark when he exited the temple. Loki was not at the entrance. Tyler walked to the back of the temple, grabbing a lit torch from its holder on one of the small pillars lining the stone fence bordering the temple complex.
As he neared the rear of the structure, his surroundings changed. He abruptly found himself walking towards an opened door which led to a large and beautifully wood-paneled room. An extended modern table was in the middle of the room, with two cushioned chairs opposite each other. Loki, in a black suit and tie, was already seated in one.
A freaking boardroom, thought Tyler.
“Ah. The prodigal mage finally arrives!” said Loki as he stood up a hand extended, pointing to the chair opposite him. “Sit down please, and let’s negotiate! I always wanted to do deals this way!”
“You’re in the mood, Farman. But a modern boardroom?” answered Tyler as he took his seat.
This does it. He definitely has a portal somewhere. A viewing one, at least, concluded Tyler.
“Isn’t this how business negotiations are conducted in the First World? Ambiance and the proper setting are important, First Mage,” countered Loki as he took his seat. “The art of the deal! Souls, magic, favors, power, and little love potions! I am after all, and if you remember, a member of the trading guild of Metwold. Wheeling and dealing are part of my job description.”
“But I believe business dealings should be in good faith, tempered by common sense and some degree of social responsibility. At least for mortals, I can’t speak for deities. There’s a religious saying back on the First World about what does it profit a man even if he gains the world but loses his own soul.”
What a situation. Here I am, telling Loki to be a responsible businessman. Quite a material for a comedy skit.
“Ah, the moral compass! No wonder other deities like you. At least to the extent they’re able. You’re a reflection of what they would want to be. As if. They are what they are – powerful yet limited by how and why they were brought into existence,” scoffed Loki. He looked at Tyler and gave the mage a conspiratorial grin.
“A little secret there. Ssshhh. But then again, I do believe that marvelous brain of yours, at times at least, had deduced that already.” Loki commented.
Tyler replied with his own lopsided grin.
“You know, I hate waiting. Took you long enough to deal with that rabble outside. An incomplete solution though, and one sure to bite you in the ass if you don’t resolve it right. And back to waiting, I lied. I have been in Father’s prison for such a long time that waiting is now Loki’s personal martial art,” the deity commented with all seriousness.
Waiting as a martial art?I would take that as a joke but that’s Loki in front of me, Tyler observed with some apprehension. He remembered his first encounter with the deity. It was, as Loki described it, a mere “meet-and-greet” but that meeting gave him the feeling he was playing with a live grenade.
“Though it’s a good thing this temple was such an interesting one, a singular oddity in a world full of peculiar beings and objects,” Loki mused. A square intercom device appeared before him.
“Dear secretary, please remind me to badger Viracocha about letting me explore his quaint little temple,” Loki barked into the device.
“Yes, sir, Your Worshipfulness.” A female voice answered. The device disappeared.
“Your Worshipfulness?” asked Tyler, trying to keep a straight face.
“Of course. A simple ‘sir’ just wouldn’t do,” answered the deity. “Now back to negotiations.” Loki clasped his hands and placed them on the table. “I believe you need someth
ing from me.”
“The Void Lands. You’ve been there. I need to get to that region as fast as possible. Viracocha might have briefed you about it.”
“A nasty, brutish, and devilish land. Not good for the health of any mortal or deity. I guess that request has something to do with what’s happening here. And yes, the old man told me where you want to go. But by Mimir’s head, I don’t know why he doesn’t want to do it himself! He had been there, further inside than I ever ventured. But we wouldn’t be having this discussion otherwise. Now, here’s what I could do for you,” said Loki. The deity straightened up, and his countenance now adopted a business-like bearing.
“I have been to the area where you want to go. Not in the exact place but somewhere on its outskirts. The unbelievable energy emanating from it dissuaded me from any further explorations. I may be a deity obsessively interested in the new and undiscovered, but I know when I am treading on perilous ground. I could bring you to a gully within a comfortable distance from the place you want to go. Good thing Viracocha told me about the flattened mountains, otherwise I would have wondered if I brought you to the right place. Clear so far?”
“Crystal.”
“Good. Now my price.”
“Price?”
“Of course. First Mage, of all mortals, you should know by now that when you deal with deities, nothing is free. There might be a few willing to bestow gifts and such. Apparently, freely and without conditions. Don’t believe it. There’s always a string attached. A long or short one, of varying thickness and even colors, but it is always there. At least, I am upfront about it.”
Hooray. A day for honest deities, thought Tyler sarcastically.
“Yet here I am, doing various pantheons a favor, yours included, by confronting the Aztecah and their patrons. Not that I did it willingly, considering I was sort of pushed into it,” commented the mage, his words adopting an acerbic tone.
The Accidental Archmage Page 14