by Ben Hale
"Magistrates."
She spoke the word in a ringing tone that commanded attention, and all seven turned to look at her. Several bore expressions of surprise at the power and authority within her voice.
"Do you not feel it?" Tess challenged. "Does your blood not tremble with what approaches? Alice has unleashed the Dark upon us, and I have felt its power. Mage and auren alike will not stand against it—unless we stand together."
Her words radiated with the authority of her birthright. Stunned to silence, every member of the tribunal could only stare as her words mounted with strength.
"I revealed our presence because it will define our very survival. As powerful as our people are, we will not defeat Alice alone. The Dark is the mightiest of weapons. Unchecked it will devour the planet, and all of our magic will be for naught.
"This is the war that my ancestors spoke of. This is the war that will decide the course of our race. I declare to you that there is no alternative. The time has come for the era of solitude to end. Auren and mage will fight as one people . . . or the survivors of the impending holocaust will be Alice's slaves . . .
"And the light upon this planet will be extinguished."
Her final statement reverberated around the chamber like rumbling thunder, and for a long moment no one moved. Then Mallian rose to his feet, his features twisted in anger.
"We have heard enough. You may return to the antechamber while we deliberate. If found guilty, you will return to this chamber to receive your punishment."
"But she is supposed to have an appeal—"
Mallian swiveled to Director Grayson, cutting him off with a glare. "I have already received approval from the High Council. If Tess is found guilty, her punishment will not wait." He motioned to the door.
Maintaining her composure, Tess bowed and then strode from the room. Upon arriving in the antechamber, she couldn't hold it any longer, and her whole body began to shake. Were they going to try and take her magic? What would she do if they did? More importantly, how had she spoken like that? She'd been so upset at their arrogance and stupidity that it had just come out.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a small silvery squirrel streaking down the hall. Jumping to her neck, it snuggled into her throat and crooned its happiness at finding her. Grateful for his appearance, she reached up and touched Stel.
"Glad you could make it. At least you can keep me company while I wait."
She didn't have to wait long. Less than ten minutes later Emissary returned. The door to the Hall of Severity opened and the golden cat approached her.
"Well?" Tess asked.
The cat cocked its head to the side. "The hearing has been interrupted, and Mallian has been summoned elsewhere. Your judgment will have to wait."
Confused, Tess asked, "Does this happen often?"
"Never in my lifetime," Emissary replied. "You may now return to Tryton's. I will summon you when your hearing resumes."
The timbre of the cat's voice had changed. In place of calm authority, it now betrayed uncertainty, and that was sufficient for Tess to feel a trickle of fear. If the representative of the Magtherian recognized that something was amiss, it suggested something major.
But what was going on?
Chapter 15: Terminated
Hawk strode into the first level of the Spirus shortly after Tess began her hearing. He'd received the summons for the trial about the same time she had, albeit his had come by regular thread. No doubt Emissary had been unable to find him. What he hadn't mentioned to anyone was that along with the official summons had been a note from High Chancellor Gerik.
Over the last few months Hawk felt he'd developed a contact in the man. For a time Alice had been controlling him by way of his children. Hawk had sent the Swordsman to find the leverage, and the assassin had freed the young ones. With nothing left to restrain him, Gerik had become an ally of the Guild, and yet the tone of the note had been reserved. It made him wonder if he switched sides.
It had been many years since Hawk had entered the Spirus, so he made his way to the center of the Recollection. The massive first tier of the structure was filled to the brim with magical artifacts from throughout the world's history. The more dangerous items were kept in the subterranean floors below, but the Recollection retained many that were both valuable and rare.
Hawk gave no thought to them and strode to the object at the focal point of the chamber. He came to a halt when he reached it, and closed his eyes against the surge of memories.
The Second Draeken War Monument conveyed age and solemnity, as it was meant to. An obelisk stood on one end, black and forbidding. Bearing a cylindrical hole at its peak, the obelisk allowed a beam of light to shine onto a second object. Embedded into solid stone, the massive greatsword of King Tryton remained fused to the very rock on which he'd fought his last battle.
The weapon of the legendary troll leader defied belief. Its blade extended to over a foot in width, and had been fashioned of steel and mithral. The enormous hilt extended into the glass core of the blade. Undimmed by time, the glittering sword spoke of a different era.
Hawk released a slow breath and bowed his head to the sword. He'd barely known the troll king, but it had only taken moments to recognize his caliber. Intelligence, patience, and power had been inscribed on his features. In all of Hawk's years he had known few like him.
Hawk looked away, suddenly pained by the memories of that war. The events of the present bore similarities to then, and he fervently hoped not to bear witness to such slaughter again. He closed his eyes to the memories that swept over him. Then he reminded himself of what was at stake.
Steeling himself for what was to come, he turned away from the monument. Shifting his thoughts to Chancellor Gerik, he strode to the gravity lift reserved for the accused and stepped onto a hole in the floor. Rather than falling, he was held aloft by a flicker of purple and then lifted upward. Floor after floor passed as the lift followed his unspoken directive. Then it slowed and came to a halt at the top of the Spirus, the High Council chamber.
Stepping from the lift he strode to the center of the small antechamber and came to a halt. He had no doubt that there were monitoring motes in the room, and he wanted to display an aura of confidence to the High Council. At the same time he began to subtly gather his magic. On the off chance that they decided to punish him, he preferred to be prepared. He wasn't about to let them strip him of magic. A handful of people came and went, but each gave him a wide birth.
Preparing himself, he waited.
***
Breaker stared across the room at the chained man. The anti-magic bonds kept him from using his magic, but it did nothing to stop his mouth.
"You don't know anything," Adam yelled. "By this time tomorrow you will be caged as I am."
Breaker folded his arms. "So the Harbingers are planning something for today."
Adam began to laugh. "The Master has planned for everything. She will sweep you aside like leaves before a hurricane."
"That's assuming she could even get into the city," Breaker replied dismissively.
Adam fell silent, and for the first time in the interrogation Breaker smiled. Adam had been a lower level official in the Creature Management Bureau. He'd been caught in the widespread investigation that had been initiated after Mt. Elbrus.
The memory mages had finished with him a few hours ago, but surprisingly they had been unable to crack him. Of the thirty or so Harbingers within the cells Adam was the most vocal. Breaker had volunteered to take a traditional route of interrogation.
"So she is already here," Breaker said. He kept his voice calm, hoping to bate him into revealing more information.
Adam's eyes glittered with hatred, but again he didn't answer.
"Interesting," Breaker said. "As I'm sure you are aware, this city boasts the strongest defenses of any in the world. To enter without clearance demonstrates a great deal of power."
Adam couldn't resist. "I told you the Master was
powerful. You did not believe me."
Breaker considered his next move. If what Adam indicated was true, it meant Alice had come to Auroraq. But why? Right now she was the most wanted person on the planet. What could she gain by coming to Auroraq?
He was also forced to evaluate how much he was actually getting from Adam. He obviously knew very little, but what he did know he guarded closely. Without a word Breaker turned and left the room, ignoring Adam's parting comment.
"Good luck with your day, Rayth."
Breaker returned to his desk and sank into the seat. Fashioned personally by him, the stone was molded to fit his form, making it both comfortable and a source for his magic.
His thoughts on Alice, he looked around the room as if seeing it for the first time. Shaped like spokes on a tire, interrogation rooms extended from the main hub. Located on the second sub-level below the Magtherian, this branch of the Rayth headquarters also contained special training facilities for the powerful mages that comprised the corps.
In this office fifty Rayths worked. Each had been a leader within the battlemage ranks before being invited to join the elite group. Half of those invited dropped out of the rigorous training, making the Rayth corps the elite of the elite. Now almost all of them worked on the same investigation, identifying and punishing Harbingers. The office next door had been tasked with protecting the mage communities that were groundside, especially those closest to Mt. Elbrus.
Over the last two weeks, disturbing revelations had come to light from the group investigation. Harbingers had been discovered inside every branch of the Magtherian. Even the battlemages were not immune. Several had been discovered yesterday to have ties with Varson, Alice's second in command and Tess's father. The revelation had sent shockwaves throughout the Rayth corps. Who else followed her? The question was on everyone's mind.
"Breaker," Captain Ryul said, and he turned his chair to face him. "Did you get anything from Adam?"
"Not much," Breaker said. "Except that there's a possibility Alice is in the city."
He grunted. "If that woman tried to enter Auroraq we would know about it."
"But why would she come here? What could she have to gain?" Breaker clenched his fist in frustration, but the answer remained elusive.
Ryul shook his head. "We need to focus on who she already controls here. In two weeks we've identified twenty-seven Harbingers, but there are hundreds we haven't had the chance to investigate. That woman has gotten her claws into far more than we ever realized."
Breaker gestured to the south wall, where dozens of faces floated with script expanding around them. The foemap displayed all of the pertinent information and updated automatically. The opposite side of the room held an identical enchantment, but boasted four times as many people. Breaker gestured to it.
"It's tough to say no when your life is on the line," Breaker said. "Look at all those that refused to join them. All are unsolved murders."
Ryul released a low growl, and a rod of flame appeared in his hand. Rolling it between his fingers like a pen, he said, "Every indication is that she has a large number of upper level mages. Just the ones we identified on the video are proof of that. To keep that kind of organization secret requires help from within the Magtherian—a lot of help—but we only seem to be able to catch the small fish."
"It's only been a few days," Breaker said. "We'll know more soon."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Ryul said. "I'm not sure I want to know how deep this thing goes."
His eyes pointedly swept the room, and Breaker knew what he was thinking. They both knew every man and woman in this office, and many in the other offices. How many that they counted friends had betrayed them? It was a disturbing thought. Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion at the main doors.
"What's that all about?" Ryul asked, rising to his feet.
"Another Harbinger resisting?"
Ryul shook his head, and a whip of fire burst from his hand. Others within the office had taken notice as well, and everyone had stilled themselves to listen. Tuned to the vibrations in the floor through his chair, Breaker saw it coming first.
"Get down!" he yelled.
Taking his own advice he ducked behind his desk just as the main doors exploded open. An inert body tumbled through the opening, black smoke rising off its exposed skin. A moment later another three bodies came flying out of the opening. Bloodied and broken, they crashed onto desks before falling to the floor. Breaker recognized them as the guards posted at the main entrance to the headquarters. Each was skilled and experienced and would not have fallen lightly.
No one spoke, but the Rayths closed ranks, preparing to fight the unknown. A moment later five figures filled the opening. At the center a man Breaker recognized came to a halt, his black eyes glittering with triumph. The sight of him—here—caused Breaker's heart to sink.
But it was his companions that drew the eye. They moved like they were formed of flesh, but solid darkness shaped their body and limbs. The ethereal smoke leaked out and cascaded off their shoulders like black mist—but it was the unholy creature's head that was the most disturbing.
In place of a face a cavity sank into their heads. Without eyes, nose, or any other features, the recess resembled vertical jaws. Jagged teeth of reflective black lined the oval shape as if it was ready to pounce and devour its prey. Wisps of shadow sucked in and out as it breathed.
"The organization known as the Rayths is forthwith disbanded," the man in the center said. "You are now required to return to your homes. Resist, and my companions will subdue you." His lip curled in a sneer. "I do hope you resist."
The tension mounted for several seconds. Then the Rayths attacked with a fury. The battle was quick and one-sided. When it was over twelve Rayths lay dead on the floor, their bodies horribly twisted. Several others lay crying, their eyes blank and staring. Breaker was among those forced to walk out the door. Ryul walked beside him.
To Breaker's horror he joined thousands of other soldiers being dismissed. A long column of battlemages were being led from their headquarters one floor up. Below, others were being guided from the Vaults, the protected catacombs that housed all the dangerous artifacts from throughout magical history.
They had been trained to use powerful magics, and guarded the Magtherian and mage world—yet the entire mage army had been subdued in less than an hour. The despair and fear was palpable as they were led outside by the shadowy creatures. At that point hundreds of their number were separated and freed, whereupon they took up position with the creatures. Casting an apologetic look at Breaker, Ryul joined them.
Breaker saw the motion for what it was. There was no longer a reason for the Harbingers to hide if they were taking over. His fists tightened until they vibrated with rage as he met Ryul's unflinching gaze. Ryul shrugged as he stared back, as if to say, sorry my friend. Then the one who'd led the eviction addressed the crowd.
"I am Varson," he called to the former battlemages. "And I extend a single warning to all of you." His black eyes surveyed the crowd while the smoky creatures hovered around him. "Try to retake what you have lost . . . and your lives will be forfeit. Do not return. As you can see, the Magtherian has a new army to protect the peace."
Without any other option, Breaker turned and departed. Other battlemages left in knots, some carrying wounded or dead companions. Once the battlemages were in motion Varson leapt into the air and flew south in the direction of Tryton's. Breaker waited until he was out of sight in the trees. Then he paused and sent a message to Hawk.
There was no reply.
Chapter 16: Council of One
"The High Council will see you now," a short woman said to Hawk.
He nodded, and she opened the door for him. Unfolding his arms, he walked into the ancient room and allowed the door to swing shut behind him.
Salvaged from Atlantis prior to its downfall, the circular room retained much of its original architecture. Massive weathered columns ringed the bowl like se
ntinels. Comfortable chairs filled the slope, and looked down on a glowing white table. Each of its five chairs were reserved for their respective chancellors.
Beyond the pillars, the offices of the highest ranking members of the Magtherian were housed, their doors looking out over the High Council chamber. Silence emanated from the offices, causing him to come to a halt. In place of aides and upper level masters going about their work, a large contingent of battlemages stood throughout the room. Upon Hawk's entry, his eyes passed over them and settled on the single occupant in the center.
"Hello, Alice," he said quietly.
"Hawk," she replied, "it's good of you to come."
The short, petite woman did not appear to be a threat, and yet she was undeniably the Master of the Harbingers. Wielding magic that was unfamiliar to the known world, she was responsible for the deaths of thousands before she'd even controlled the Dark. Her smile matched the anticipation in her eyes, and Hawk almost departed without another word. Then he stepped forward. Whatever her purpose, it was a chance to speak to his enemy.
"Where is Chancellor Gerik?"
"Imprisoned for disobedience," she replied. "As are the other members of the High Council. There is no need for their presence now."
He blinked as the truth clicked into place. On the summit of Mt. Elbrus, Alice had killed Gerik's predecessor, a particularly vicious man by the name of Ranson. At the time Hawk had questioned the act. Ranson had been the High Chancellor, and a valuable point of control within the mage High Council. Apparently it was a role she desired for herself, making him redundant.
"You assume an honor that has not been bestowed upon you."
"The world is broken," she replied. "Is it not my duty to repair it?"
"The people will defy you," Hawk said. "They will not stand for this."
She laughed. "They have no choice. They will submit or lose their lives. The Dark is the ultimate enforcer of law. They will not defy me because they are smart, smart enough to know they want to live."