“And you allowed them to do that to you?” Tyler’s voice was a bit loud, tinged with outrage. His mind couldn’t conceive of such a hellish, living punishment. True, he grew up in an atmosphere of a heaven and hell dichotomy, but seeing such eternal damnation in the flesh was a shock. Within the mage, his mind was already reeling from what he just heard. Fuck. Adar’s version of the fable of the Wandering Jew. Only worse.
“From what I heard, deities couldn’t do anything to mortals unless they have done something against the god or goddess, or the mortal is a follower,” protested Tyler.
“You’re right. That’s the regime of primal laws now on this world. But among the thousands of men and women I have sent to their deaths, not to mention to the loss of their very souls, who could say with certainty that none were followers of the deities of Egypt. That’s probably why the pantheon of Kemet, and a few other foreign gods, ruled on my fate, not merely the god Thaut.”
“That many?” said Tyler. The number of victims dazed him.
“That many,” confirmed Lumeri. “I believe I got off lightly. My punishment could have been worse. You could even say my fate was decided with compassion.”
“Thousands,” repeated the mage, trying to convince himself that he heard it right. Then he looked at Lumeri. “But how could you agree to be a willing tool of such a dark and cruel entity? Surely, revulsion was there. If not instinctively, then by the actions of such an evil being. It would be impossible for you not to sense that dark, evil aura.”
“Unlike my predecessor, Khamet, I didn’t become his cat’s paw at the beginning. I resisted. After rendering a service to Khamet on his deathbed, a large gift of gold was my reward. Imagine a lowly scribe, with a family and a beloved wife, coming to those riches. I learned to live the good life for a while. Then the money was gone. Misfortunes hounded me. The taste of luxuries had spoiled me and mine. I think you can guess the rest,” replied Lumeri with deep sadness.
“I am not one to judge mistakes made by another, Lumeri. Though I guess that’s what life could be – one error, one mistake, no matter how rational the reason might be, would change everything. Me? For now, it was a wrong turn coming out of an alley. And here I am, in a world unknown to me, with my life and as things went, my very soul, at stake. Shows you what a kind of joker we have as our universe.”
“You’ll grant my request?” asked Lumeri. “I have no choice in the matter. My geas demands I ask you. I could do with second-hand accounts, but those are, at best, worse than leftovers.”
“Let’s cross that bridge when we get there, Lumeri. I am not even sure I’ll be able to reach the finishing line. I seem to pick up the habit of picking up powerful enemies wherever I go.”
“I am not surprised. Being the First Mage, that’s a handicap of the title,” answered the scribe.
“Hah! As if I asked for it. Mind if I ask you what are those energy patterns around you?” inquired Tyler. The mage was getting distracted by the movements of the energy concentrations, more so when the amorphous things had differing colors. The entire scene, with Lumeri in the middle of it all, was like watching a live abstract painting swirling around the scribe.
“You could see them? Impressive. My guardians. From different pantheons. Existing and lost ones too. Though the power of the latter is greatly reduced. But up to now, they follow the order of their masters even if such beings are now long gone,” replied the scribe, with a sad far-off look in his eyes. “I do miss some of those long-gone deities. Some became regular acquaintances and even friends. But the ways of time and ambitions of others change the world we have become accustomed to. Pity.”
“Hold on. Deities talk to you? Confide in you? Give you guardians?” I could go with one. Or twenty.
“I didn’t ask for it. The truth was I was hoping to run into something or somebody powerful enough to make my immortality a moot point,” said Lumeri.
“A death wish. Given your circumstances, I could understand that. But secrets of gods? Why the hell would they do that?”
“Actually, even some dark beings were quite accommodating.”
“Why?” asked the bewildered mage. It was getting quite confusing.
“They might be gods, powerful entities, or even a people at the height of their power. Arrogant, haughty, and full of themselves. But deep inside, they know that nothing is permanent. Only change is immutable. Talking to me, giving some information about themselves, or the history of a people, or even a mere name, ensures that somebody remembers them. That they once existed. Who wouldn’t want that? Like this world’s gods for instance, thousands of deities and dozens of pantheons, with their tribes or nations of believers, once existed on this world. Now, how many are left? Many would be forgotten, except in my mind. One asks me the appropriate question and they live again, if only in the memories of the living.”
“And your guardians?”
“They came with the various geas imposed by a lot of deities, priests, and mages. Of course, after entrusting me with the task of ensuring they won’t be forgotten, some also provided spirit guardians together with the geas imposed on me. Now, I have watchers who won’t let me die. Two troublesome lesser pantheons did meet their end after trying to sacrifice me. A lot of deities and formidable entities were not happy.”
“You’re their guarantee against total oblivion then. Quite the mortal trait. A characteristic of kings and emperors, only on a grander scale.”
Lumeri laughed. “You’re insightful for your age, First Mage.”
“I try my best. It’s just my life and soul at stake,” Tyler deadpanned. “Say, you know anything about the Void Lands? Any information would be welcome.”
“Ah, the one place I am prohibited from entering. I have been to Ymir’s Domain, the Plains of Fire, even to the borders of Sutr’s realm, the land known as Muspellheim. The large islands I have visited at least once. Even those with sinister reputations and the subject of various taboos – Banna, the Sleeping Isle, among others. But that nexus of realities remains a mystery to me. I do know the Dual Monarchy of Akkad and Sumer have a fortress guarding the pass leading to their lands. The formidable bastion of Amelatu guards the Pass of Lost Souls. It had a nice name before, until monstrosities reared their ugly heads in that land of a thousand deaths, as the Zhong Empire calls it. That western realm is fortunate. Tall mountain ranges prevent regular and direct incursions. But they still have a great wall protecting their borders. Battles and skirmishes are a regular occurrence there too, I am told.”
Am I heading to the mother of all battle zones in this world? And nobody told me? thought the stunned mage. On the other hand, they probably know I’ll give them the finger if I knew.
“How would one reach the Void Lands from here?” asked Tyler.
“Quite a long and dangerous journey. Braving the raiders of the Forgotten Edge, running the gauntlet of the monster-infested Death Lands, the blistering expanse of the desert bordering Kemet, not that it doesn’t have its own dangers, and the strange wastes of the Barren Lands. Fortunately, the part of the Void Lands facing the Barrens does not have too many mountains. Ferocious battles between powerful beings have flattened most of the high natural features. But that’s the open area. Approaching from there would enable one free access to the Void Lands. I do hope you’re not planning on going there. It’s not a nice place to visit, much less a place to live.”
Tyler just gave Lumeri a wry grin.
“Ah, First Mage. The nooks and crannies your fate brings you to visit. Quite an interesting life, as one would expect. I do hope you’ll accept my request when the time comes. Anyway, my time here is up, and I have some way to go to my next destination,” said Lumeri as he stood up.
“It was nice to meet you. And I do hope we’ll have more time in the future. There’s a ton of questions on my mind right now,” said Tyler. “My best wishes for a pleasant journey.”
“My next destination, unfortunately, will never be a pleasant one. He’s of that kind. But a requ
est, First Mage. I know the High Priestess of Thaut is with your company. I hope it won’t be too much to ask that you keep our meeting secret. I have my reasons. The least would be not saying hello.”
“You’ve got it. Best of luck, Lumeri. Take care.”
As the scribe walked back the way he came, Tyler noticed a figure sitting on one of the temple steps. It was Kobu. Seeing that the mage’s visitor had left, the saburai walked over.
“Observing?” asked Tyler.
“I would be remiss in my duties if I don’t keep my eyes on you, my lord. Especially in this strange and convoluted land. Life in the lands of Wa is more… structured,” replied Kobu. “But that man is an odd one. A lot of power yet extreme sadness and repentance at his core.”
“You could sense that?” asked Tyler with surprise.
“The energy, yes. But one could tell a lot from the way a person walks, the bearing one has, or even how the arms swing. Though one’s face and eyes do show more. May I ask who that unfortunate person is?”
Tyler sighed.
“A damned son of a bitch. Literally. Not the issue of parentage. That’s figurative.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Barren Lands
Tyler looked at the land before him with distaste. Something about the region gave rise to a vague feeling of disgust. Of aversion. Not that the view encouraged admiration for any feature of natural beauty. The area’s peculiar characteristic reminded the mage of a sick dog with an advanced case of the mange. It was a region best characterized as a broken plain, full of dead and petrified trees, jagged hills, and in isolated spots, patches of green.
“A nearly dead land, sire,” said Asem beside him. “Lore mentions of a great kingdom which once thrived here at the start of the human colonization of this world. Those from the First World who migrated near this area quickly fell under the sway of those who came before them. A dark and evil realm, founded by ancient beings, whose name as a people even the oldest arcane texts do not mention. Or do not know. What they do say is that the foolishness of their rulers created the Void Lands and the Death Lands. They are gone now. But legends mention that some of their artifacts remain in secret guarded places.”
“I have heard of beings called the Hidden Ones. Could it be they’re the same?” asked Tyler.
“No, sire. The Hidden Ones are usually solitary beings of power. Some are powerful entities from nether realms which had been summoned to this plane of reality and found a way to remain. A few have been able to cross over to Adar. Other Hidden Ones are human in origin, usually mages obsessed with the quest for power and dangerous lore. And found more than they bargained for in the process. It could be possible that the beings who once ruled this desolate land had agreements with Hidden Ones. But one could not say with certainty.”
“The Void Lands, I have some idea of that land. What’s the difference between this region and the Death Lands?” asked Tyler.
“What I have read mentioned that the Death Lands was a place where the rulers and mages of that lost realm released their pets and dangerous creations. Beyond that fact, I am not at liberty to disclose further knowledge,” answered the priestess.
“I understand, Asem. I guess that’s part of your geas when your father allowed access to the knowledge,” said Tyler.
Asem nodded.
“Anyway, do me a favor and ask Habrok to arrange our marching order. He’s the ranger after all. And warn them about any dangers you know about this place. Our benefactor who arranged our travel arrangements provided scant information about this region,” said Tyler. “He didn’t even deign to show up when we left. Only a message that we could use the calling rune.”
Tyler sat down when the priestess left, making sure a nearby bush concealed his position. It had been a hectic pace since the moment he came back. Eira didn’t want to wait with him as the time to depart neared. That part he understood. Eira had mentioned that she hated goodbyes. They made the best of his remaining day in the forest and, he had to admit, being in the woodland relaxed him. There, Tyler felt a calm and serenity which sadly he didn’t experience anywhere else.
But the moment he came back, Wilan just looked at him and whispered “congratulations.” Asem and Tyndur also did the same thing, though the einherjar said it with what the mage believed was a smirk. Surprised at the reactions, he pulled Asem to one side and asked how they knew. To his knowledge, Tyler and Eira haven’t told anybody yet. The High Priestess looked at him and gave him the information, but not before voicing grumpy statements about not being invited to the wedding. After reassuring Asem that no formal wedding took place and they will all be invited when it does happen, the priestess told him he had the mark. Apparently, when a mortal and a being of energy marry, the union leaves an ethereal mark on the mortal. A claim which appears in the aura of the couple. It occurs naturally even without the consent of the newlyweds.
Though Tyler was a bit miffed by being marked – “like cattle” was the first description which popped into his mind – he didn’t have any complaints. The young man was already happy that his relationship with Eira hurdled another obstacle. A major one, as the original suggestion of the forest spirit was for the mage to ensure he lives as long as she did. A tall order and an unsure undertaking. The only thing the mage was unhappy about was that the suddenness of what happened precluded him from getting Eira a wedding gift. A human tradition, he insisted when Eira brushed his apology aside. Even then, he promised himself he’ll look for something worthy to present his wife. Though he had to admit, thinking of Eira as his wife still made his heart jump, leaving him with a giddy feeling.
As to his guides, compliments were the order of the day. Though when X broached the idea that he might have to reveal the presence of the AIs in his mind, Tyler held back. At the proper time was the only answer he could give. He still didn’t know if the knowledge would prove to be a danger to Eira’s safety. Considering the precautions added by Rumpr, Dionysus, and Gullen, there must be a threat to Eira and the forest. He wished Wilan would tell him, but he believed that at this stage, the deity wouldn’t even give him a hint. Viracocha was in the middle stage of whatever game he was playing. Though he thanked Wilan, he resolved to pry the information out of the old man after the journey. He will never accept the existence of a direct threat against Eira. He’ll burn Adar’s pantheons if they have anything to do with it. He may be limited now in the needed lore and knowledge, but he’ll find a way if that’s what the situation was.
Wilan was there when the group started to get ready for the trek. Surprisingly, he was also adamant about an immediate departure, even going so far as to be the one arranging their positions before Tyler crushed Loki’s plate. The deity was also the one who told Tyler that the trickster god wouldn’t be able to make it and the runic plate was already configured to bring the group where they should go. Something about a crucial task. The flurry of preparations was such that Tyler was not even able to ask his companions about what they did while he was away. But Kobu’s mercenary group was now the designated temple guards while Tyler was away, though the exile insisted on accompanying his “liege lord,” as he put it. When the man continued to insist on his inclusion as a matter of honor, the mage gave way. Especially when he saw the companions give furtive nods. In the meantime, Wilan had a private army at his beck and call. If one could call a force of ninety-two warriors an army.
The Inka force was already gone when Tyler arrived, though their mages had finished a rough set of stone steps leading down to the valley. A new earthen rampart had been built during his absence, right in front of the remains of the Olmec wall. Wilan clearly made use of the available workforce at his command, and the deity mentioned in passing he’ll transform the wall into stone when everybody had left. The god obviously expected more invaders and raiders. Even the roads were now cleared and reconnected to one another. The detritus of war had also disappeared. He suspected that the deity would convert the site into a pilgrimage area and when he asked t
he old man for confirmation, Wilan gave him an ear-splitting grin. The god was active as a sugar-pumped child with a new toy.
His musings were disturbed by Habrok.
“We’re ready, sire. Due west would be our direction, heading towards the middle of those two mountains in the distance. Not that I am superstitious or anything, but those features look like fangs,” said Habrok.
“Well, then Habrok, I guess there’s nothing new about this journey. Into the mouth of another hellish adventure we go,” commented Tyler as he stood up.
“You’re right, sire. Another day’s work. Not that I am complaining, but I sure hope there won’t be any tight underground spots or giant spiders on this trip. And rotting undead! I hate the stench. Wouldn’t do the group any good if I am retching all the time. Give me a perfectly healthy monster or even bleached walking bones any time.”
The party descended from the small hill where the group arrived. Habrok formed point and Astrid the rear. On the flanks were Tyndur and Kobu, while Asem walked beside Tyler. Seeing the others carrying small sacks of provisions and heavy waterskins made the mage feel guilty. A bit. He doubted if he could shoulder a similar load for the rest of the trek, though a pouch full of food and a small waterskin were provided for him. A burden not as heavy as what each of the others carried. Their initial destination looked impossibly far, but the ranger told him it would take them five to seven days, barring any unexpected delay. The mage nodded, but despite his confidence in the ranger’s abilities, could not help but wonder whether the period mentioned was unduly optimistic.
His mind went back to Loki. The price he wanted in exchange for a complete transfer was unbelievably high. At this point, Tyler could only surmise that whatever the trickster had brewing in his cauldron was near completion. The mage didn’t doubt he would be caught right in the middle of it and Loki, he had to admit, was a formidable foe if it does come to open conflict. The deity was fiendishly devious and more importantly, had the patience to wait and weave his schemes over the long years. On hindsight, the mage reflected that Loki’s imprisonment did teach him the fortitude to wait, be more deceptive, and increased his cunning. Odin would have done better to kill the deity off. From what he had heard from Loki, the god worshipped his wife, Sigyn. The trickster could probably pardon the gods of Asgard for his imprisonment, but Tyler doubted if Loki would ever forgive them for the millennia of suffering endured by Sigyn.
The Accidental Archmage Page 23