The Raging One

by Lexy Wolfe

  "The door be barred!" Emil shouted as he and Emaris tried to get the main doors opened. "An' I hear sword fightin' inside!"

  "Storm!" Skyfire looked ready to find a way to leap into the burning structure. The young Forentan apprentice grabbed him, barely restraining him. The large Desanti man glared down at the smaller Forentan, balling a fist to punch him. "You would see her die?"

  "I would not see you die trying to help her, Lord Skyfire," Terrence said firmly. "Have faith in me. Please." When Skyfire finally nodded once, Terrence stepped forward, closing his eyes as he started reciting words of magic. As he spoke, the clouds swirled darker, flickers of lightning brightening the deep grey briefly. With desperation born of necessity, the Forentan apprentice mage commanded such energy it made the hairs on the backs of everyone's necks stand up.

  Emaris was throwing himself against the doors, the wood squealing at the assault, but not yielding. Abruptly, the man stopped, pressing his ear against the door. He took a step back at the same moment Terrence yelled, "Back!"

  Emil managed to shove the huge man away as lightning struck the doors. The weakened, seared wood exploded open in flying splinters as diamond hard, metal shod claws finished the destruction. The sight of the drizar screaming in defiance framed by flames lent a horrifyingly surreal feel to the sight. Giant drops of icy water started pelting the ground.

  The drizar bolted out, followed by the other drizzen and all the horses stabled there. The winds began to rise and rain began falling in heavy sheets, called by the young mage apprentice, the flames recoiling from the assault. Terrence shifted his posture, and the winds seemed to obey his gestures, the heavy rain blowing inside the doors and dousing the inferno inside.

  "Stop!" Mureln shouted, and Terrence dropped his hands, the winds abruptly calming. From the darkness of the bowels of the stables, Storm came out supporting two stablehands. Once beyond the barn's creaking structure, the three collapsed to their knees, coughing.

  The innkeeper's wife ran over to one of the boys, pulling him tightly against her. "Tomi! Tomi, my baby!" She looked at Storm who stared at her dazedly. "Thank you, Swordanzen. Thank you for saving my baby's life!" Storm only nodded, trying to catch her breath.

  Emil looked over at Ash as the mage finally caught up to them and said sarcastically, "Nice of ye t' join us, mage. Good thing yer apprentice got skills." Emaris, letting Terrence put a hand on the huge man's arm to keep his balance, simply looked at Ash in disappointment. Ash scowled, and then looked for Storm.

  Storm waved Taylin away, coughing violently. When the healer would not stop trying to help her, the Desanti woman grabbed her hands and put them on Tomi, giving the healer a meaningful look. Taylin nodded in understanding, healing the two stablehands first. Only then did Storm allow the healer to touch her.

  Skyfire knelt on one knee by Storm, a hand on her shoulder while Taylin healed her. "I knew there was a bond between a Swordanzen and their drizzen. But I have never known or heard of anything as strong as between you and the drizar, Storm." He looked up as the drizar dipped his head over Skyfire's shoulder, nibbling his shoulder lightly. The Desanti man smiled a little, patting the beast's nose. "Forgive me for doubting you would protect her." Bumping Skyfire's cheek lightly, the drizar walked over to the horses, the animals hovering around the full male obediently.

  Storm pulled Taylin's hands away, shaking her head. "That is... enough. The rest... I can heal... on my own." She coughed lightly.

  "Storm, there is no need to deny healing," Taylin started to scold, stopping at Storm's sad expression.

  "No need... heal fully... right now." She coughed again. "Not sure... all enemy... dead. Might need... others healing. Conserve... strength."

  Taylin opened her mouth, and then shut it again, lowering her eyes. "Very well. Though more healing would be better," she added tartly, earning a smile from the Swordanzen woman.

  Mureln emerged from the barn with Almek, the pair grim as they rejoined the others. "It was the same men from the market. What's left of them." Mureln glanced over at the drizar, and then shuddered a bit.

  "Do not know... who they were... or why... they were here." Storm tiredly leaned against Skyfire as he put an arm around her to keep her from falling over. "Nor do I... care." Coughing lightly, she closed her eyes, focusing on trying to catch her breath.

  "Dusvet Almek," the innkeeper said gruffly. "Your Swordanzen saved my only child's life. Anything we can do for you, just name it."

  "We do not want to endanger you any more than necessary," Almek began, when others from the nearby houses and businesses began to speak up.

  "We will keep watch for others," a man said, others behind him nodding grimly.

  The others gathered started talking all at once. "Was our neighborhood you all saved. Won't let no one burn us out again." "My father died when someone set fire to the tailor shop next door to mine." "Don't want to see anyone die like that again." "Specially don't want to bring the wrath of the Guardians on us for allowing the Dusvet to get hurt or die."

  Almek looked at the gathered city folk and finally nodded. "Thank you. All of you." He looked at Storm in concern when a fit of coughing caught her.

  "She will be recovered by morning, Master Almek," Taylin assured. Looking vaguely annoyed, she added, "She permitted me to heal her almost completely." Storm looked unrepentant.

  "Please, Dusvet, stay as long as you need," the innkeeper nearly begged. "It is the least I can do to repay you and your students for my son's life."

  Almek considered then nodded. "Very well." He gave Storm a stern look. "We will speak later about how you continue to put yourself at risk, Githalin Swordanzen."

  "Yes, Lord Almek." Pausing to cough, Storm spoke quietly to Skyfire, who reluctantly left her and followed the others into the inn. Pausing only a moment, Storm approached Ash, pausing behind him. "Mage," she rasped quietly.

  Ash flinched inwardly at her voice. "Swordanzen." He looked down when he felt her take his hand, pressing something into it. "What is this?"

  "One of the men who... set the fire... had this in his... hand." Her words were quiet, slow, as if focusing her entire will on simply speaking.

  Ash opened his palm and scowled at the soot tarnished pendant. He looked up at Storm. "You know this belongs to my journeyman," he stated rather than asked. She nodded once. He pressed his lips together, closing his hand into a fist around it. "Thank you for not letting the others know of this."

  "It is a matter... between you and your... student... alone." She looked away when he opened his eyes to study her in surprise at her consideration. "I would not be... a hypocrite."

  Remembering her words wishing his and his people's deaths in the desert when he'd succumbed to dehydration, the Forentan mage could not help but be impressed. "I would have thought you would have demanded to avenge the attack on you or the drizar."

  Storm shrugged, not meeting his eyes. "Things are... more complicated here. Lord Almek told me... they would be. I am beginning to understand what he... meant." Looking towards the street where some people still loitered, Storm sighed. "I cannot be certain... she had any... part in this. It would... be dishonorable to seek justice... blindly."

  "Do you think she had a part in it?" the mage asked her quietly.

  Storm was silent for a long time. "My heart... wants her to be. To have... just reason to wring... her neck with my... bare hands and see..." She cut her words off, her hands clenched in fists. "But I do... not know... she had any part in... this. She might have dropped the pendant. Somewhere."

  Ash sighed. "Yes. She might have." His voice did not reflect his belief in own his words. "Thank you," he said finally, eyes downcast. He looked startled when she pressed a small pouch into his hand. "What is this?"

  "They are herbs that... will help with... too much... alcohol." He looked up at her sharply as she said softly, "I will not let... you suffer because of... me." She turned her face away, but he caught a glimpse of the flush of emotions she tried to hide from hi
m. "I have been the cause... of enough death."

  "Storm?" He reached for her as she turned away and walked back inside. He stared at the two objects in his hands, lost in thought before he returned inside as well.

  Chapter 65

  ASH clenched his teeth as Amelana approached him, putting her arms around his, going on about how relieved she was he was all right. He headed up the steps and to her room.

  "Oh, Ash, I am so relieved—"

  "Where is your pendant, Journeyman?" Ash's voice was devoid of emotion.

  Amelana's eyes went very wide, her hand going to her throat instinctively. "My pendant?"

  "Your family crest pendant, yes," Ash pressed. "The one that no one of your breeding should be without." Raising his hand, he let the soot covered object fall, dangling from his hand.

  Amelana stared, going deathly pale. "Wh-where did you find...?"

  "Where do you think it was found?" He spat, dropping the thing to the table. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her close, glaring into her eyes. "Do you take me for that much of a fool?"

  "I-I don't know what you are talking about! I-I had lost it during that commotion on the street when that Desanti woman killed that man in cold blood."

  Ash glared at her before releasing her with a shove. "I tire of you, Journeyman. I tire of your clinging to the honor of my master's family name to cleave to me." His cold eyes were unwavering. "When we return, I will be formally dismissing you as my student." He turned to go towards the door.

  "Master Ash!" the woman said running to catch him, almost taking his arm to hold him back, but freezing at the dark look he gave her. "Master Ash, please! You-you need me!"

  "I need you?" He stared incredulously. "Do not make me laugh, Amelana. A courtesan would better serve me than you have. They are better tempered, much more discrete, and would have more promise as a mage than you ever will."

  Amelana gaped in shock, and then scowled. "How dare you compare me to a-a courtesan!"

  "You are right," Ash replied sharply. "Courtesans reflect their breeding better than you have. You have brought shame to the Avarian family name. The family of my master! And shame to our people, and I will be certain the Edai Tredecima knows it."

  Outright terror filled Amelana's eyes. "You... you wouldn't!"

  "You have given me no choice. You have dishonored the Magi Laws, and you have dishonored the ancient traditions. You will be lucky if the Avarians even acknowledge you when I am done with you." He walked to the door, pausing halfway through to turn back and look at her. "You will be less than lowborn, because I doubt even the lowest of the low would accept the likes of you." He slammed the door with finality.

  Chapter 66

  SEATED at one of the stained glass windows of the Dove and Lily Inn, the Dusvet waited patiently, offering a polite smile to the young girl who brought him wine in a glass etched with the emblem of the establishment.

  Cleaned up and dressed in new clothes, Emil reached up to tug at his collar, muttering under his breath. "Don't know why I had t' get all gussied up fer ye. All I'm doin' is playin' bodyguard. Emaris'd done better." Standing near Almek's shoulder, the man swore colorfully. "This feckin' itches like all hells."

  "It was too short notice to get proper clothes that fit Emaris and I not want to be too blatant." Sipping his wine idly, he glanced over his shoulder at the gypsy. "This is one of the best restaurants in the city, Emil. It would be insulting for you to look like you just rolled off a wagon."

  Emil grumbled. "Rather be rolled over by a wagon."

  Almek tsked. "I am paying you to play the part."

  "Barely enough t' put up with these snotty horses' arses." Emil glanced towards the door and put his hands behind his back. "I think yer company be here. Arrogant lookin' bastard, too."

  Almek did not look, simply nodding slightly. "Behave yourself, Emil." He did not bother reprimanding the Sevmanan man for the colorful swearing under his breath. The mercenary fell silent before the elegantly dressed man came within earshot.

  Almek looked up as the man offered the Guardian a deep bow. "You wished to speak with me, Dusvet Almek Two-Tones of Fortress?" he asked formally.

  "Yes, Lord Anton Ganessi, thank you." Almek waved a hand to the seat across from himself.

  Both silent while the serving girl poured the nobleman a drink, Anton looked over Emil with a critical eye. "A gypsy-born bodyguard, Dusvet Almek? Surely Fortress can afford better than the likes of that to serve you."

  Almek regarded Anton steadily for a long moment. "I appreciate the concern that prompted you to question my decision," he stated tonelessly, the nobleman lowering his eyes at the pointed rebuke. "But I find it easier to travel with those more accustomed to a less fixed lifestyle."

  "Of course, Dusvet Almek Two-Tones. I meant no disrespect to you." Settling back in his chair, the nobleman returned his gaze to the older man. "How may I be of service to you?"

  "I am concerned, Anton," Almek stated in a low voice, setting his glass on the table.

  "Oh?" The blond man arched an eyebrow. "Nothing too dire, I hope?"

  "That would depend on what part you had in the fire at the Blue Rose's stables." Almek studied the other man for his reaction.

  Anton paused a moment, his glass almost touching his lips before taking a sip finally. "I heard that it was some hooligans who burnt the place down." Anton reflected the noble breeding of his family, the toned, slender build of an outdoorsman blunted by a life filled with servants doing most of the menial tasks. "Surely, you do not think I would have ordered such a thing?"

  Almek's expression remained mild. "Of course it would be beneath your station to use such crude methods." He tilted his head to one side. "It has been a few years since I was last in Ganessi. I believe you were just a boy then. Does your family still have aspirations of building stronger ties to Forenta?"

  Anton was silent for several minutes, his expression guarded. "Perhaps we do, Dusvet, but that does not mean I would have ordered anyone to do anything as foolish as attack a Guardian." The nobleman looked mildly annoyed. "Any work we would have managed would be destroyed if the wrath of Fortress were brought down upon my city."

  Almek nodded, sipping his drink, eyes not moving from Anton's. "It is good to know that you remember there would be consequences from Fortress should any harm come to a Guardian under the lands you are responsible for." He narrowed his eyes slightly. "But you were aware something was amiss?" His words were more of a statement than a question.

  "I might have heard rumors," Anton stated airily, waving a dismissive hand. "But you know rumor is often fabrications of jealous fishwives. If I paid attention to every little snippet of worrisome drivel, I would get nothing accomplished."

  "It would behoove you to pay attention to such rumors, Lord Ganessi. The Guardians are not so forgiving for 'accidental' slips of duty to Fortress." He paused, the two men's eyes fixed on each other's as the serving girl returned to refill their glasses.

  "Of course," Anton finally replied when the girl left. "I am quite aware of the consequences of angering Fortress. No one in my family has forgotten what happened to my uncle."

  "I am glad," Almek replied, tones conversational, pleasant. "The Vodani would be quite cross if one of their favorite ports were disrupted because the Sevmanen could not police themselves adequately. I am sure they would be quite eager to help if you are in need of assistance."

  Anton's smooth features hardened a little. "I can assure you, Dusvet. Their assistance will be quite unnecessary."

  "That is good to hear. I would suggest, however, it might lend you some credence if you would make it quite well known that to attack my students is to attack me. Any harm to them is an attack on Fortress." Almek's voice hardened a little. "This includes the two Desanti and their beasts."

  "You are well aware how large Ganessi is, Dusvet. I cannot control everyone," Anton replied in a low voice. "Accidents happen all the time. People get ideas in their heads thinking they know what is best to protect their f
amilies. I am sure you knew the risks when you removed two of Forenta's ancient enemy out of the confines of the desert wastelands to these much more civilized lands. It would have been safer for everyone if they had remained locked in their prison away from the rest of us."

  "Do not fool yourself, Anton," Almek stated as he put his empty glass down. "The desert folk choose to remain within their borders. Nothing binds them to their lands. If anything were to happen to them, believe me when I say word would get back to their people and it would draw more of them out of their desert and for less amicable reasons than trying to heal the wounds caused by the Great War."

  Almek sat forward, his grey eyes hard as flint. "The wars between mage and warrior have been over for thousands of years. Do not be fool enough to try to start one anew between the four nations. Be the man these people rely on and protect them."

  Anton grimaced slightly and nodded. "I will consider your words with the utmost urgency, Dusvet." The man rose, back stiff. "If you will excuse me, Dusvet Guardian?"

  Almek's eyes did not waver from the nobleman. "I certainly hope you do consider my words. Good day, Lord Ganessi." Waiting until Anton Ganessi had departed, Almek finally rose and walked out as well, offering polite nods to those who greeted him with varying levels of respect as he passed.

  Emil fell in step with Almek, the two leaving the Dove and Lily Inn in a confidently leisurely pace. Once they were outside, Emil muttered, "What a pretentious pri-"

  "Very much so," Almek interrupted. "I have no doubt Lord Anton Ganessi played some part in the fire, but I do not think he instigated it. He is far too lazy."

  "Yeah?" Emil raised an eyebrow. "Ye think another be pullin' th' strings? One of them darklings?"

  "Perhaps. Now that I am looking closer, I can see some of the ripples, but their sources still elude me. There is more than time and complacency from lack of conflict that is eroding the respect due to Fortress and to my goddess." Putting a hand on Emil's shoulder, he smiled faintly. "So how much did you manage to get off of Lord Ganessi when he passed by you?"