The Accidental Archmage

by Edmund A. M. Batara

  “We believe we can, Elder. The knowledge used by the Followers to create the obstruction is simple and not far removed from what we know,” answered X.

  “Let’s do that after Liam comes back and we have examined the other room,” said Tyler.

  While waiting, the mage started using his staff to toss the spheres in the cabinets to the black floor. He had finished off the contents of two closets by the time Liam returned.

  “It would take at least three months to break everything, mate,” the man said as he picked up and shouldered the sacks again.

  “I know, Liam. Just making use of idle time. I do have a plan now. But let’s check the other room first.”

  The two walked along the empty hall, their steps eerily echoing among the empty rooms. The door at the end of the hallway also opened as they drew near. And right in the middle of the shiny black floor was a large circular object, looking like a massive round mirror, its pale gold metal edges adorned with strange symbols and characters. It was mounted on large golden claws. Inside the spherical artifact was a faint shimmering blue field.

  As the duo entered, Liam moved to the left of the room while Tyler went to the right. There was nothing else in the chamber. The mage examined the iridescent glow. Nothing happened though he could sense the powerful energy surrounding it.

  “A portal?” he asked the AIs.

  “It is a portal, Elder. And not just another portal. It’s a dimensional gate. Unlike ordinary terrestrial ones which are only capable of effecting travel within a world. This one can lead to another reality. Even back to the First World. With enough power,” qualified Hal as he answered the mage.

  “Though as is the rule among such objects, a one-way doorway,” added X.

  “I can go home?” blurted out Tyler.

  “Yes, Elder. The object appears to be functional though it does not have enough power for dimensional travel. But we have a ready source at hand – the passive energy of the platform,” answered Hal.

  “Would it be enough?”

  “More than enough, Elder. The gate still has some energy left,” said X.

  The mage didn’t answer. His thoughts were in turmoil. Part of his mind was ecstatic at the discovery. A chance to go home! It cried out to him. And yet, another portion was exceedingly reluctant about the idea. He felt torn with indecision. Tyler’s mind went back to the memories of his stay in Adar – the terrified rush through the forest, the pain of the hunter’s arrow, Maljen, Akrotiri, Ares, Supay, the battles he had fought, the near-death experiences, the various deities he had met, the unnerving visit of the squids, the Aztecah temple city, and all his experiences. They all came back to him in a rush. Then Eira’s smile came to the fore.

  He walked to the Aussie.

  “Hey, Liam, how would you like to go back to Earth?”

  “Not giving me a furphy, are you, mate? I mean a lie. With you and your surprises, I really don’t know whether you’re joking or not,” said Liam. His expression skeptical, yet hope was in his eyes.

  “Nope. See that weird doohickey in the middle of the room? That’s your ticket home. I do have to get more power for it, but the energy of the platform outside would do nicely,” replied the smiling Tyler. “But it’s a one-way trip for one individual. You pass through and the ensuing tear in the veil between this world and ours will close. There are guardians whose only job is to make sure the gaps in the dimensional fabric are kept sealed.”

  “Hmmm. Give me a few days, mate. Just joking. OF COURSE, I WANT TO GO HOME! Didn’t you hear me bitching about it? I’m tired of this world, Tyler. It’s too real and frightening for me. I swear I didn’t think that being a fan of fantasy simulations would come back and bite me in the arse!”

  “Well, here’s your chance,” emphasized Tyler.

  “Let me make a few preparations. I couldn’t leave the army in the lurch. Spent a lot of time and sweat training them,” Liam said as he put down the sacks again and made for the door. Suddenly, he stopped and looked back. “You’re sure about this, Tyler? I mean, you could be the one going home.”

  “I have never been so sure of anything in my life, Liam. Go, I’ll follow. I still need to get the energy the portal needs,” replied the mage.

  Liam left. Almost at a run, observed Tyler with amusement.

  Tyler returned to the portal room ahead of Liam. He could feel the Elder energy swirling inside him. It was the first time he had handled such an amount and found it was power beyond anything he could imagine. It invigorated him and boosted his self-confidence. He felt he could take on anybody, do anything, create whatever he wanted. But the mage knew it was a false sense of power. Use of the energy required knowledge. Which he lacked.

  I wonder why those Followers didn’t use the portal for their plans? thought the mage.

  “Guys? Something’s been bothering me. The Followers had the portal. Why didn’t they use it?”

  “The power requirement depends on the destination, Elder. It appears what they wanted to reach was a place far beyond what we know as reality. Especially when the intention is to bring over dark Elder deities. The portal would not be enough. It is a one-way gate suited only for one entity. The energy demanded by such a deed is colossal, and the power matrix of the one crossing over might not be in consonance with the portal,” replied X.

  “Thanks. That’s a thought. But please tell me we will have enough Elder power left over after we energize the portal. We still need to destroy the storage room and collapse this structure when we’re done,” said Tyler.

  “Enough and then some. The portal itself has some power left. All we need to do is add enough to it to ensure a safe arrival for your friend,” said Hal.

  “Good.”

  “You are sure about this, Elder? It’s a chance for you to go home,” asked X.

  “You want the truth? My mind wavers between staying and going. But an anchor keeps me here now. Every time I think about leaving, my memory of her keeps me grounded in this world. That’s the only thing I am sure of. Even the fate of Adar becomes secondary,” replied the mage with a smile on his face.

  “We sense you do look happy with your decision, Elder,” said Hal.

  “I am.”

  Liam entered the room.

  ‘How did it go?” asked Tyler.

  “Girnita Balashi was understandably unhappy. Though I don’t know if it’s because he gets to explain why I am gone. I left him the Rod of Amelatu, which he could get from my tent, my hauberk, and the Medallion of Command. It already has his name as the new commander. A magical side-effect. Makes transfer of power simpler and uncontestable. One thing about those objects – a person couldn’t go around disguising himself as a man of rank or usurping another’s authority. I also laid a geas on Balashi to ensure your safety. He’s a good man, but one really never knows. I prefer to go with guarantees, a magical one in this instance,” explained Liam.

  “How about the Monarchy’s deities?” asked Tyler.

  Liam laughed. “Enlil and Enki would be furious. Fuck them. I’ve been fighting for months now. And the fortress is as well prepared as it ever will be. And I already taught Girnita Balashi whatever he needs to know. Whatever changes I had made will remain and the Monarchy is militarily stronger for it. They just have to discover for themselves the things I never got around to teaching them.”

  “The time dilation. Earth wouldn’t be the same world you remember,” Tyler advised.

  “I’d take that risk over battling beastly beauties and crawlies of every sort. Especially after what I just learned from you. This world is literally a clutterfuck. And bunyips appear to be the least of its problems. I guess I had enough of RPG for a while. The real thing makes you lose appetite for that sort of games. I think I’ll take up something else. Croquet probably. Or swimming. Or ballet. Anything except those that remind me of what I had to face here.”

  “Chances are you’ll be alone in a strange new world. But here’s something to get you started,” said Tyler as he hand
ed Liam the sacks full of valuables.

  “You’re sure about this? I believe I heard you mention something about studying them.”

  “Nah. Don’t worry about it. There’s probably a body or two we missed in all this rubble. Not to mention they pose a danger to me and my companions. Though I have a favor to ask.”

  “Name it.”

  “Family matter. Please check how my Aunt Emily is doing and give her whatever help she needs.”

  “Done. Give me the full name and address. You do know these two sacks are easily a large fortune back home. An eight-figure one. More, if I play it right. The diamonds alone would be…” Liam started to say.

  “I know. But it’s going to be a strange world. Better go back ready and armed with the tools of our world. Unlike the time when we crossed over.”

  “You’re right. And thanks again. I do hope you find whatever you’re searching for in this world. And I do mean that. I’d send you pizza, beer, burgers, and fries by the wagonload but the transport cost would be a world’s worth,” said Liam.

  Tyler laughed and accompanied Liam as the young man approached the portal. He gave Liam the information the young man needed about Aunt Emily.

  “You’ll appear where you crossed, Liam. The portal is going to use your memory of that event to attune itself to determine the point of arrival,’ explained the mage.’

  “Thanks, and goodbye, Tyler. You’re a lot stronger than you think, mate. And don’t give an inch to those fucking pantheons and nasty bunyips,” said Liam as he stepped into the shimmering circular form.

  “I won’t. And I’ll have my wife beside me giving them the finger,” replied Tyler.

  “WHAT? YOU GOT MARRIED HE…” shouted Liam as he disappeared.

  “Yes, I did,” smiled Tyler as he watched the portal lose all power.

  EPILOGUE

  The Barren Lands.

  Night Camp.

  A few days after.

  The party had separated from the army of the Monarchy a few days before.

  The new commander of the Fortress of Amelatu, the former Girnita Balashi, was gracious enough to allow the company to be with his force until the time came when his troops had to go in the direction of the Pass of Lost Souls. Tyler let the man exhibit his generosity though he knew Liam laid a geas on him to ensure the party’s safety. The Girnita even allowed the party to retain the horses though the armor was removed. The man has to retain some pride, especially in front of his men, thought the mage. Unlike me, I had to ride behind Habrok on his horse. Still couldn’t get the hang of handling horses. The First Mage’s pride and stature. Damaged by the failure to ride a horse.

  Compared to their entry to the Void Lands, the passage of the group returning to the desolate plains of the Barren Lands was unexciting. Habrok’s skills again enabled them to bypass dangers posed by roaming creatures. The horses also allowed them to adopt a faster pace. And the army had eliminated most of the beasts attracted to the presence of the armored buffet.

  Passing through the barrier which divided the two regions, the entity powering the protective wall of energy again appeared to the mage, a brief visit this time, reminding Tyler of his promise. The being then assisted them by clearing beasts and other dangerous creatures from the path of the company. At least in the places it could reach.

  As for the Aztecah pantheon, they’re never going to get their power back, concluded the mage. They’re broken. Only mortal arms can maintain the empire’s position now. As it should be.

  Everything now seems anti-climactic, thought Tyler as he lay on his bedroll. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  At least one crazy but powerful cult gone, the mage continued reminiscing as he recalled memories of the empty rooms in the Follower main shrine. I couldn’t have done a more complete clean-up job. I hope Liam is safe. A bit coarse but the guy grows on you. Following me inside the temple took guts. All because he was worried.

  Tyler’s memory went back to the portal room and the face of the Warmaster when Liam realized he could finally go back to Earth.

  That was priceless, Tyler smiled to himself. He remembered the room well. Then something in his mind clicked.

  Wait. That room had a dark hard floor, with the portal in the middle of the space. The artifact I saw back in the temple city showed a stone platform, with… dark soil at its edge! Assuming it’s a terrestrial gate, that would mean at least one Follower of Zin survived in an outpost somewhere on this world. From what I remember, it was also a bleak and surreal land where the soil was similar – black. That’s a cheery thought. At least that Follower couldn’t pin that destruction and the deaths of his or her brethren on me. I did destroy the structure when I left, but I doubt if the Follower knows that. Then again, one Follower I could handle. If only one is left. A problem for another day.

  He looked up at the night sky of a world he had adopted as his own, relaxing in the thought of going back to Skaney. The party had agreed to move north instead of south. It was safer, according to Asem. Otherwise, they would have to contend with crossing the more dangerous southern part of the Barren lands, the forbidding Death Lands, the vastness of the Great Desert south of Kemet, and then the raider-infested Forsaken Edge before reaching human lands. Furthermore, Tyndur had some experience of being in the northern part of the Barren Lands. Tyler didn’t object, figuring his task was done. Viracocha would make an appearance anyway if there’s anything wrong with the decision of the party.

  Damn that Viracocha, swore Tyler as he remembered the old man. Didn’t even provide for a return trip. And he was wrong about the Followers being concentrated in that temple. Plus he never told me what he learned about that other Elder group. Deities!

  Then he realized he forgot something.

  Oh, fuck me! I forgot about distracting the squids! They could have tracked me going to the Void Lands. Shit. Could it be that they’re the ones who wiped out that shrine? A pre-emptive attack? Or did I lead them or their followers there? This is so messed up. No. I messed up. But if it meant not facing twenty-four of those bastards, then I’m not sorry. But it does pose the question of who are the squids? From what Viracocha intimated, that other Elder group was racially related to the Followers of Zin, not tentacled nightmares. Shit. I should stop thinking now. Mysteries upon mysteries with no answer yet in sight. I am just giving myself a headache.

  “You guys okay?” he asked his guides. “It must be a boring return trip.”

  “On the contrary, Elder, we have been busy processing recent data. We’ll give you our findings when we have concrete results. That Follower shrine was a wealth of information,” said Hal.

  “Really? I didn’t expect that.”

  “It’s surprising that few understand that energy patterns could also retain bits of unrelated but important data. Information which could prove useful to others,” explained Hal.

  “I guess you’re talking about the passive energy you got from the stone platform.”

  “Indeed. It appears that those Followers had been busy going around remote and inaccessible places. Probably scouting for outpost sites.”

  “Here’s to hoping you come up with the location of another Elder sanctuary,” commented the mage.

  “We’ll try our best. Would you mind a question, Elder?” asked Hal.

  “Nope. Fire away.”

  “Any regrets, Elder? You did have the chance to go home. We know we don’t enter into the equation. We were created to help you. If you decided to go back to the First World, we would have done our best to assist you. Prepare you,” Hal clarified.

  “Don’t talk like that, Hal. Both of you are more than mere constructs to me. I told you that before, and I don’t think I have to explain that again,” replied the mage.

  “Thank you, Elder,” said Hal. Both guides remained quiet.

  Tyler thought back to what Hal said. Then he remembered Fossegrim Forest. And Eira. Her scent, her smile, the movement of her hair when caressed by the breeze, the way her face lit
up the last time she saw him return to their home.

  No, Hal. No regrets. None at all. This is my world now.

  The Chronicles of Adar:

  A Brief Compendium of Lore

  Author's Introduction to the Compendium

  This Compendium came about by way of response to feedback from readers who found it difficult to check terms found in different books of the series. The story itself is a continuing one and terms do repeat themselves as the protagonist as well as other characters go through their adventures in the epic.

  Readers would notice by this time that the story is not linear in locale and situations. As we follow Tyler, various lands and cultures are laid open to us, or at least afforded a tantalizing glimpse of such realms and their legends.

  I also had been told that the series led to readers being interested in the myths and legends of other lands, in addition to what we would call popular ones – Greek, Nordic, Egyptian, among others. I am happy that the series has encouraged people to explore the diversity of human culture and history.

  One final note. The Compendium is divided into two sections: one dealing with terms and definitions and the other with the characters of the story. Entries marked fictional are creations of the writer though the names are based on the culture or language of the characters involved. Actual cities of antiquity are listed as non-fictional though a note accompanies the description stating that the name had been adopted by the settlers of Adar. The numbers used to delineate each section are Egyptian hieratic numbers which existed before the invention of the papyrus.

  Thanks for reading. Again, I do hope you enjoyed the journey.

  The Writer.

  September 2018.

  I. Maps, Notes, and Definitions

  NOTES OF THE LADY ASEM

  Daughter and High Priestess of Thaut

  (Prepared with the assistance of Lumeri the Scribe)