The Young Magician tlt-1

by Michael Foster

  Samuel nodded darkly. ‘That’s an understatement.’

  ‘Good. Then with that out of the way, it’s time we set to business. My leader is a man called Cang and he has just given me some disturbing news. It seems time is growing short and your assistance will be required sooner than we expected.’

  ‘Wait, wait, wait,’ Samuel insisted. ‘How can you just shrug off the loss of the Staff of Elders and the Argum Stone like that? They were the two most powerful artefacts in the world!’

  ‘The destruction of the Staff of Elders is of no real consequence to us. We would have liked to have added the Argum Stone to our collection, but its loss is not so important. The fact that it was so easily destroyed only proves that it was not one of the particular items we have been looking for. The world is a much bigger place than just the petty Empire of Turia and the lands of Amandia, Samuel. The Circle has all manner of ancient artefacts at its disposal. We have been scouring the earth for them since this Age first began, and now there is something even more important to consider. All such artefacts are merely a means to an end.’

  ‘So you’re telling me that you could have killed the Emperor at any time-that you could have stopped the Empire long ago and halted all this infernal trouble whenever you felt like it?’

  ‘Yes,’ Soddan replied, as if the answer should have been obvious in the first place.

  Samuel was infuriated. ‘Then, why didn’t you?’

  ‘As I’ve already told you, these things are inconsequential. It’s better to let such matters play out in their own time. The Circle does not meddle with such things. You just don’t seem to believe me no matter how many times I tell you, Samuel. There are always wars and tyrants to deal with. If we stop one, another just pops up in its place, but the Circle of Eyes is the one thing that can save this world and all our precious souls.’ His brow furrowed and he leaned a little closer towards Samuel. ‘What would you say if I told you that everything we have come to believe is untrue-that everything we take for granted is just an illusion?’

  Samuel had no idea what Soddan was talking about and it was written plainly on his face.

  ‘There is a war of good and evil taking place in the universe that has been waged over time and space immeasurable. Our world is nothing more than a larder and a breeding ground for that evil. Every thousand years, the demons return here to feast upon us and revitalise their numbers, fuelling their eternal war. They wait until a specific time, when our lands are full of life, and then they come though from their world and into ours, and they consume everything they can find.’

  Samuel looked steadily at the seated man, trying to gauge him for seriousness. ‘What are you saying?’ Samuel asked him. ‘That this is going to happen here, in Amandia?’

  ‘Not just in Amandia, Samuel, but all over this world. The demons found a way to come here in the time of the Ancients and they have returned many times since then. They devour everything, leaving only just enough life so that our world can slowly recover, then they come again.’

  Samuel shook his head. ‘That’s ridiculous.’

  ‘Is it? We have a collection of books you would be interested to read-things not found in your Great Library. Even Dividian believed us, for he had practised many dark rites and had begun to hear their whisperings in his ear, the foolish man. Listen to me, Samuel, and listen well. These things I tell you are true. We have little time and we need your help. Anthem and his Lions are too caught up with their own petty struggles to believe us but, when it’s too late, when the gates of hell open and the beasts surge forth, everyone will believe, and it will be too late. We have only one hope. Before the demons can enter our world, two great items of power must be brought together. The Staff of Elders we had already examined and the Argum Stone’s destruction has proved that it was also worthless. The power of the things we seek is so great that they can crack open the barriers between our realms and allow the demons to cross.’

  ‘So why would you want to find such things if they are so dangerous?’ Samuel asked.

  ‘To destroy them, of course,’ Soddan answered, ‘or at least to keep them out of the wrong hands.’

  ‘Then you’ve been retrieving all the relics so you can to try to find the correct ones?’

  ‘That’s right, but so far we have been unsuccessful. What’s more, we believe that in every Age before ours there has been some awareness of this fate, as we have now, and they also tried to find these two relics. So far, none has been successful. Every Age has ended tragically, to say the least. Our Age is nearly at an end, perhaps even within our lifetimes. To save all our lives and our very souls, we must find those two artefacts and stop them from ever being used. The demons leave them somewhere, perhaps at completely opposite ends of the world, easily in view where people can find them. When the time comes and people have become accomplished and learned to travel, they will inadvertently bring them together and thus signal humanity’s own demise. They must be powerful things, immediately recognisable as a pair, so that people would have the notion to put them together.’

  ‘But you haven’t a clue where or what they are,’ Samuel assumed.

  Soddan nodded. ‘That’s right. All our efforts so far have been in vain, and the signs all point to the fact that our time is quickly running short. Somewhere, we are sure, they have already been found and whatever witless dotards have them will surely be coursing them together as we speak, like puppets fulfilling the demons’ plans. If we cannot find these two great icons of power and destroy them, or at least keep them safely apart, we are doomed. If we can achieve our goal, our world will be safe forever more. You can see how the politics and affairs of nations are inconsequential compared to this.

  ‘Can you not see why we need you, Samuel? Your skills are great, and will become ever greater with time, for you are still young. You even proved Master Celios to be correct, although I’m sure few others would guess it. Help us, Samuel, I am pleading with you.’

  Samuel shook his head as he began pacing back and forth across the room. ‘I don’t know what to say,’ he said. ‘It sounds…fantastic.’

  Soddan stood. ‘Very well. Come and see for yourself. I can arrange for you to visit our library, or go browse through Dividian’s collection yourself. I’m sure you will be convinced.’

  ‘Dividian’s collection was destroyed by Ash.’

  Soddan scowled. ‘Unfortunate.’

  ‘I need some time. These last few days have all been too much. Give me some time to think about it.’

  ‘Time is something we cannot afford, Samuel.’ Then he rubbed at his chin a moment. ‘Very well. Take what time you need, but do not dally long. Leave word for me at the smoking den when you have decided-use my contact name-but I must tell you this, Samuel: I am a patient and forgiving man, despite my appearances. Cang, however, is not a man to anger. He has told me that your assistance is not optional. There are many, many ways to gain your aid should we require it and Cang will not hesitate to use them. He has charged me with gaining your help but, if he hears my efforts have been fruitless, he will not be happy. The fate of the world is at stake, and he will not accept failure-he cannot. Keep that in mind. I’m sure you still have friends, loved ones, even ambitions. Cang will take those away without a moment’s thought.’

  Samuel stopped and looked at Soddan darkly. ‘Don’t threaten me, Soddan. Everything even remotely precious to me has already been taken away. Everyone I have known and loved is dead and my only ambition has been to revenge them. That wish was fulfilled the moment I killed Ash. There is nothing you can do to me to bring me down any further.’

  Soddan again raised his hands in defence. ‘Please, please, Samuel. Don’t misunderstand me. I am not threatening you. I am merely telling you what will happen should you decide not to join us. You may think you have nothing, but you would be surprised at the things a man finds valuable when they are taken away. I know you still have friends in the Order, but there are other things also. Pray you do not find out. Past ag
es have had powerful magicians, too, but none has managed to survive. The Circle of Eyes is everywhere, ever vigilant, ever searching. We rebuild after every Age in our bid to undo the foolishness of the Ancients. I know you will come to the right decision, Samuel. You are not a foolish man.’

  ‘Very well,’ Samuel conceded. ‘I will let you know soon enough.’

  Soddan continued to look at Samuel, perhaps weighing up his final statement. ‘As a measure of my trust, I will reveal to you my true name. I am Balten.’ And he even made a slight bow and gave a flourish with his hand.

  ‘You are Balten!’ Samuel said with surprise.

  ‘You see? When even young magicians know my name, you can see why I need an alias,’ the man replied light-heartedly. ‘Now, I shall bid you good day. Enjoy your celebrations,’ he added, as he let himself out and closed the door softly behind him, leaving Samuel to dwell on all that had been said.

  Eventually, Samuel stepped out into the hall, although still with some uncertainty. Servants, nobles and courtiers passed by, seemingly unbothered by the events of recent days, although some eyed Samuel warily as he began making his way down the long corridors on his still unsteady legs. At one junction, a youthful mage came along and stopped upon recognising him.

  ‘Samuel!’ he said.

  ‘Artam?’ Samuel asked.

  ‘Yes, it’s me.’

  ‘I’ve not seen you since the old days in the school. Where have you been?’

  ‘Not far-in Duli since my graduation. I returned as soon as I heard word that the Emperor had been killed and many Masters had been slain. I am an apprentice Keeper of Records in the school.’

  ‘Congratulations then, Master Ritter. Do you know where Lomar and the others are?’

  ‘Lord Lomar? He and the other councillors are meeting with the Empress in the meeting chamber. I just came from there.’

  ‘Can you take me there?’

  Artam momentarily glanced at the papers he held under one arm before discarding their importance. ‘Of course. This way.’

  He led Samuel through the vast palace, through halls and across yards and along balconies. They crossed a great echoing chamber where a hundred men and women sat at a hundred desks, all furiously scribbling and making calculations and none bothered to look up as they passed. They passed a series of rooms, each resounding with a different music and Samuel could just catch a glimpse of youths in each one, busily practising their instruments. Finally, Artam brought him before a simple, yet finely polished, wooden door. He remembered it as being the same room where he had accepted his dispatch to Hammenton just after the Emperor’s death, although he never would have found it on his own.

  ‘Farewell, Lord Samuel,’ Artam said, and he left Samuel to knock and enter. The young man had changed much in the short years, but he seemed to have completely dismissed their prior conflict.

  Around the long table sat about a dozen men and women. Empress Lillith sat at one head, wearing a regal gown, and General Ruardin, enormous in contrast to her small frame, sat by her side. Two ladies-in-waiting stood behind her. Lomar sat closest to her, with Master Glim beside him. The others present were various court officials and representatives. They were all looking at Samuel as he entered.

  ‘Empress Lillith,’ Lomar began, ‘you may remember Samuel. Samuel, I’m sure you remember the Empress Lillith. Take a seat. It’s good that you have now arrived.’

  Samuel bowed to those present and closed the door behind him before taking a place in a vacant seat near the end of the table. The men opposite him nodded to return the greeting.

  ‘Welcome, Master Samuel,’ the Empress began. She was slender and beautiful. Her proud cheek bore a vivid pink scar-perhaps a souvenir from Ash’s dungeon. ‘I must begin by thanking you. I understand it was you who brought an end to the horrid magician, Master Ash, who had imprisoned us.’

  ‘Thank you, Empress,’ Samuel returned politely.

  ‘As a result, I would like to offer you a place on the Magicians’ Council-as a temporary measure in recognition of your skills. I understand this is a great honour for one so young. Never has the Council had such a youthful member in its ranks. The permanent members will need to be elected in the coming months, but there is much to be done and the Empire needs the Council at full strength. I trust you will make good of the opportunity.’

  ‘Thank you, Your Highness,’ Samuel responded. ‘I will be glad to fill the role, if only for the time being.’

  ‘Also,’ she continued, ‘I have nominated Lord Lomar to be High Lord. Again, it is only a temporary measure to fill the coming weeks, but if he and the Council agree, perhaps he can take on the role permanently.’

  ‘That sounds fitting.’

  ‘As you know, the Emperor was obsessed with the desire to conquer Garteny and complete his expansion of the Empire. I, on the other hand, wish only to maintain the law and keep the people secure. I’m sure you all realise a woman has never ruled the Empire before, and this will only last until my son becomes fit to take my place. I am not entirely convinced I will have the same power that my husband did, and the officials even now have created ways to stop me from making many important decisions. Know this at least, that I will do my best to serve the Empire and its peoples well, and I hope the magicians of the Empire can serve me in turn.

  ‘We all know that Cintar has been host to Garten spies, but we also have our own spies in Garteny and we have just received word from them. It seems that the Gartens are not content with only my husband’s death. They seem to feel that the Empire is still a threat to them and King Otgart sees this as a time of opportunity. He has marched his armies into our northern lands and has already taken several towns. I have begun a diplomatic process to try and maintain the peace, but I don’t know how far King Otgart is planning to go with this. If he insists on pushing his soldiers further south, we will be forced to send our own troops to dissuade him. For the time being, I have asked our men to keep their distance.’

  Samuel sighed. Despite all their best efforts, it seemed the threat of war had still not yet been staunched.

  ‘What the Empress is saying,’ Lomar explained, ‘is that even though we are not planning to continue with the war, we may have little choice if the Gartens bring the war to us. She is counting on the aid of the Order of Magicians, should the need be required.’

  Samuel nodded. ‘I understand.’

  ‘Very well,’ the Empress said. ‘I shall leave you to discuss the matter further. I have much other pressing business, as you can understand.’

  With that, her ladies helped her up and she and her entourage filed from the room with General Ruardin striding out beside her.

  The various nobles and ministers each took the opportunity to introduce themselves to Samuel, for it seemed he had developed quite a reputation after felling Ash. They were all smiles as they shook his hand and offered their congratulations and assurances of support. Slowly they left the room, followed by the remaining officials, until Lomar, Master Glim and Samuel were left alone, standing beside the long table.

  ‘Well,’ Master Glim said. ‘That went well.’

  ‘Yes,’ Lomar agreed.

  ‘What does the Grand Master think of this,’ Samuel asked.

  ‘Well, we haven’t exactly had time to tell him,’ Master Glim explained. ‘But if we prepare him enough, and tell it the right way, just maybe he won’t lose his temper and explode.’

  ‘I doubt it,’ Lomar added with a grin. ‘I think he will have a fit either way.’

  ‘Perhaps, but I believe I heard mention of a celebration,’ Master Glim said.

  ‘Preparation is well under way,’ Lomar informed with a smug smile. ‘Tonight, the Empress will take her vows and choose her ministers. Mourning for the late Emperor shall end and then there will be a great celebration. The entire city will herald the beginning of a new era and the palace grounds will host the greatest event of recent times.’

  ‘It sounds wonderful,’ Samuel said. And, indeed, it w
as.

  That evening, as magicians’ spells coloured the night sky, Samuel stood with his closest friends-Grand Master Anthem, Lomar, Master Glim, Eric Pot and Eric Goodfellow-and marvelled at the crackling explosions and lights that sounded above them. The Imperial Engineers had prepared a host of rockets and they whistled up above the city to explode and shower the city with shimmering embers. The sounds and smells made the rockets as thrilling as any magician’s efforts. Several magicians were trying to outdo the display and had set the sky afire with all manner of glittering and streaking spells that crossed and hung in the sky.

  The palace grounds were covered in tents, pavilions, ribbons and decorations, with music and singing coming from every corner. Soldiers, ministers and courtiers alike rubbed shoulders and clinked their cups together with merriment. With so many men present, serving girls, maids and ladies of the court were precious commodities and all barely had a breath to spare as partner after partner swung them around to the joyful melodies.

  Empress Lillith had strictly forbidden any magician to appear in his robes or any form of black on this occasion, marking them as too dark and sombre, and so the younger men of the Order had gone out of their way to wear as brightly, and ridiculously coloured threads as they could find. Never before had such bright reds, blues, yellows and greens been seen in such stripes, circles and swirls! It seemed that years of monotony had resulted in the most colourful burst of imagination that each magician could muster, and they did it well.

  Many of the older magicians could not break their age-old habits and gathered on the border of the celebration, still in their drab magicians’ robes, but nonetheless smiling and tapping their toes. The Empress declared that they should at least have a coloured ribbon around their waists, and they each submitted to that with only a slight grumbling.

  Eric danced with as many young ladies as he could, but Samuel noticed he had settled for one particularly fair lass while the night was young.