The Raging One

by Lexy Wolfe

  "Yes, I knew." Ellis stood proudly, shoulders squared, unrepentant.

  The pair stared at each other for many minutes. Finally, Ash broke the silence. "Just tell me one thing. Why her? Was she a punishment because I could not save my master's life?"

  "What? Don't be daft, Ash," Ellis said crossly. "I promised my brother I would take care of you if anything happened to him, and I meant to keep that promise. I was going to simply arrange the marriage to Amelana to bring you into the Avarian house so I could protect you." The old man’s annoyance grew when Ash muttered under his breath and turned away. He snapped in exasperation, "By the time anyone could find you after Bennu's funeral, you returned, demanding to be tested for your mastery. You knew with your mastery you would be beholden to no one."

  "I was not about to allow the Edai Tredecima to destroy me by assigning me to some hateful fool hell bent on making certain I knew my place as a lowborn." Ash faced Ellis, fists clenched at his sides. "Master Bennu was the only one who believed in me. I was not going to let him down."

  Glaring back at Ash, Ellis nearly shouted, "If you were so dead set against marriage, I would have adopted you myself, to hells with traditions and the Se'edai Magus!" He gestured sharply with his hands. "But you did not discuss anything with me before forging ahead—"

  Ash’s anger faltered a moment before the wall around his emotions slammed back up. "You can say that now. When I was a boy, I heard you both talking. Master Bennu wanted to adopt me. You wanted to be rid of me before I shamed the Avarians."

  Ellis folded his hands into his sleeves, his voice sharp, cold. "For all you have accomplished in your young life, Ash, you have not changed at all. You had to prove you needed no one's help. Master or not, you are still just an angry young man out to prove you need no one and who wants nothing to do with his old master's family."

  "So you forced Amelana on me to prove I would have to deal with the Avarians whether I wanted to or not," Ash accused.

  "You know Amelana was the only girl in the family who had an inkling of talent," Ellis responded, unable to reclaim his calm façade. "So much of the true talent of the Avarians and other strong families have died protecting Forenta. I had hoped under your tutelage she would make something respectful of herself."

  Ash waved a hand dismissively. "You knew she would be more focused on trying to get me to marry her than actually trying to master the arts! All that-that bitch has ever cared about is social status, and what easier way to get it than marrying the Illaini Magus?"

  "I had hoped she would realize the kind of man you were and become the woman you deserved!" Ellis shot back, red faced. "Instead, she nearly got you killed and has disgraced the family!" Looking infinitely tired, Ellis sighed. "Bennu and I had wanted... oh, what does it matter anymore?"

  "It doesn’t." The cold words made Ellis visibly flinch.

  "If you can find it in your heart, forgive your master's brother his foolishness." Ash turned his back on the man, silent. Ellis sighed softly. "I understand, Master Andar. If you will excuse me." He turned to make his way slowly down the stairs when Ash's voice stopped him.

  "I cannot forgive you, Ellis. Not now. Maybe not ever."

  The old man did not move for a time, before continuing down the stairs. He paused at the lower landing to regard the Desanti women who stood with her back against the wall until she raised her eyes. "Watch over him, Githalin Swordanzen Storm il'Thandar. Please."

  Storm blinked once. She simply nodded, uncertain what to say. As Ellis left, she looked upwards for several moments before returning to the upper landing.

  Facing away from the stairs, Ash stood at the balcony arch, fingers digging into the wood as he leaned, his shoulders shaking with the effort to suppress his emotions. He flinched when Storm put a hand on his shoulder, starting to turn away until Storm spoke a single word.

  "Allies."

  Her voice was barely louder than the whisper of the wind in the trees. Her touch was feather light. But it was nearly enough to break him.

  Chapter 72

  THE mighty trees of Forenta yielded to the ancient mountain that towered the silent giants. Home of the Magus Academy where all Forenta's mages formally trained at, most of the rock had been magically altered over the millennia to the whims of ancient artisans until the rock itself seemed to hum with the energy imbued within it.

  The Majestic Hall was the largest cavern within the complex of tunnels and rooms, with balconies marking the locations of many of the passages. Mages of every rank lined the upper levels, buzzing with eagerness on the upcoming trial and inevitable punishment of Amelana Avarian.

  Across from the grand dais the Edai Tredecima would soon be occupying, Ash stood apart from Almek and the others, pondering the ancient image of a tree embedded within the stone of the floor. He flicked a dark look towards the Forentan on the upper levels at particularly disparaging remarks about the dark-skinned Desanti, grateful neither spoke Forentan.

  Awed and perplexed, Storm and Skyfire stood near each other, looking at the hundreds of people. "They remind me of harpy vultures, they seem so happy to see this woman’s fall." Skyfire crossed his arms, shaking his head with disgust. "They should feel shame one of their own has fallen so low."

  Dubious, Storm frowned thoughtfully. "Things are different here than they are in Desantiva. Perhaps it is something we do not understand because they are civilized." Skyfire merely grunted his opinion.

  Overhearing their conversation, Mureln sadly glanced at the two Desanti. He looked at Taylin when the woman put a concerned hand on his arm at his heavy sigh. "How can they be so innocent? It pains me to see it sometimes."

  "They will learn," Taylin assured him, resting her head on his shoulder.

  The bard sighed, putting his arm around her waist and pulling her close. "Aye. I know. I wish it could be otherwise."

  The council, comprised of twelve male and female Edai Magi and the Se'edai Magus, filed out to the half circle of thirteen seats that loomed over the ancient tree inscribed within a half circle, alternating bands of color connecting each council member’s seat to the image of the tree.

  Six Edai Magi flanked the Se’edai Magus of the High Council on each side. The tall, elderly woman remained standing as the others sat, regarding the Guardian with barely veiled hostility and the Desanti with outright hatred. The dark bronze bell by her hand chimed once as she struck it, the resonating tone bringing abrupt silence to the entire chamber. "Bring forth the accused!"

  Barefoot and dressed in a simple brown dress with gold shackles on her ankles and wrists that inhibited the flow of magic, Amelana walked with her head held in proud defiance of the boos and catcalls that stopped when the bell was rung again. Her defiance faltered when she met Storm’s unwavering glare and she quickly looked away.

  To the right of the Se'edai Magus, Ellis Avarian stood. "Amelana Avarian, you stand accused of failing in your duties as a journeyman student of Illaini Magus Ash Andar, of contracting an attack on Dusvet Guardian Almek Two-Tones, and of using forbidden magicks in an attack on a Desanti student of Dusvet Guardian Almek Two-Tones. How plead you?"

  Amelana smiled serenely. "Honored Edai Magi, I plead innocence." Cacophony filled the chamber as both jeers and cheers erupted from the audience. Ysai rang the bell again.

  "Illaini Magus Ash Andar, step forward," Ysai called imperiously. Ysai leveled a cool gaze on the young mage. "You accepted the rights and responsibilities of a master when you took Amelana Avarian as your student, did you not, Illaini Magus Ash Andar?"

  Ash’s eyes narrowed slightly at the insult insinuated in Ysai's question. "I did accept the rights and responsibilities of a teaching master when I chose Terrence as apprentice and was assigned Amelana as a journeyman, Se’edai Magus Ysai."

  "And did you properly perform your duties as a teacher, Illaini Magus Ash Andar?"

  "I did properly perform my duties as teacher and mentor, Se’edai Magus Ysai Oberlain."

  "Amelana has not successfully teste
d to become a master, though. Is not the progress of the student the responsibility of the master, Illaini Magus Ash Andar?" Ysai’s tones grew increasingly mocking.

  Ash gritted his teeth, ignoring the smirking look Amelana gave him. "Yes, the student and the student's progress is the responsibility of the master."

  Well aware of the building emotion beside him, Almek hissed at Mureln, each man grabbing one of Storm’s arms to keep her from interrupting the proceedings, able to restrain her only because of who they were. "She mocks him," Storm hissed.

  "Patience, Storm," Almek ordered under his breath. Storm shot him a dark look. "Patience!" She growled, jerking her arms away from them, obeying reluctantly.

  Sneeringly, Ysai's accusatory questioning of Ash continued. "So why, pray tell, had Amelana’s abilities failed to improve under these skills of yours that are renown around the land? Is it perhaps that you are lacking as a mage?"

  "No, Se’edai Magus Oberlain," Ash shot back in retort, his patience visibly eroding. "It is because Amelana Avarian’s skills as a student are greatly wanting." The crowd exploded in hoots and shouts as Amelana shot a murderous look at Ash.

  Ysai regarded Ash coldly, waiting for the crowd to quiet during the echoing of the bell. "It is improper for a master and student to have relations beyond that of a teacher and the taught, is it not?" A ripple of surprise ran through the chamber at the question, several of the Edai Magi looking abruptly uncomfortable.

  Ash clenched his fists, eyes dropping slightly. "Yes. Traditionally, it is improper, Se’edai Magus."

  "Yet you, a lowborn man, regularly bedded Amelana Avarian, a member of one of the Ancient Houses, did you not?" The silence in the chamber was such that many would swear they could hear Ash's heartbeat. "Were you trying to prove your dominance over your betters, Illaini Magus Ash Andar?" Ysai made the title one of mockery.

  All the Edai looked at Ysai in surprise at the disrespect, the crowd turning into a mass of confused murmurs. At her right, Ellis looked at Ysai reproachfully. "He is Illaini Magus, no matter his birth, Ysai. None have the right to question the goddess's choice."

  Almek caught Storm’s arm again, restraining her firmly. He grabbed her chin. "Look at me," he ordered in a sibilant voice. When he caught her eyes, he spoke with quiet intensity. "You are my student. Listen to me. Gods damn it all, girl. By your oath, listen to me!" Her rage did not entirely abate, but she lowered her eyes, listening as he whispered in her ear.

  Ysai continued on, ignoring the growing disapproval of the twelve Edai. "And how is it you were unaware of Amelana’s knowledge of the forbidden arts? Or was it not forbidden arts but the failing of inferior instruction by an inferior, lowborn teacher." She waved a hand, standing. "It is clear that it is not Amelana Avarian who should be punished, but her master Illaini Magus Ash Andar."

  "No." The single word, spoken with such clarity it cut through the confusion of the distraught Forentan who were shocked at the sacrilegious idea of punishing an Illaini Magus. Without the prompting of Ysai's bronze bell, a profound silence consumed the hall, all eyes on the Se'edai Magus and Illaini Magus.

  The shrew-faced woman scanned the sea of faces along the many balconies, her voice imperious. "Who dares interrupt the Se’edai Magus? Step forward, else your punishment will be far more dire for your disrespect."

  Storm took two steps forward resolutely from the group facing the high council, her hard green-gold eyes fixed on Ysai unflinchingly. "Githalin Swordanzen Storm il’Thandar, student of Dusvet Guardian Almek Two-Tones, Daughter of Desantiva, dares to interrupt you." The ring of challenge in her voice carried to the highest point, setting the watching Forenten to whispering.

  Ysai waved a dismissive hand, turning her nose up haughtily. "Feh. You have no voice here, savage. Go sit down and be quiet like a good little Dusvet lapdog."

  "I thought 'civilized' meant being wiser. Everyone here but you seems to remember their place with the Fortress of Time." Storm smirked at the woman, each step that of a stalking lioness, feral green-gold eyes glittering dangerously. "What is the matter? Do you fear the words of a mere warrior? Or do you fear all of them knowing the truth?" She waved her arms expansively.

  Ash hastened to Storm's side, grabbing her arm with more concern than disapproval in his touch, keeping his voice pitched for her ears alone. "Storm, this is a Forentan matter. Do not get involved."

  The Desanti woman looked at Ash levelly. "I am already involved. I was involved the moment Amelana attacked me with your forbidden Forentan arts." Her gaze fixed on Amelana as she stepped towards the shackled woman. Amelana's eyes went wide as she backed away falling on her backside in her careless haste to get away from Storm. The Desanti stopped her advance, fixing Ysai with a hard look. "I will not stand by and watch this farce of a trial any longer. The truth will be known."

  The Se'edai Magus looked around as the whispers of the audience grew. Her expression reflected her growing anger as her absolute control was slipping away. "Where is this 'truth,' Desanti?" she asked mockingly.

  The hiss of the two-edged sword clearing its sheath and the flash of metal brought a collective gasp when Storm drew the weapon. Storm's eyes locked with Ysai's as she wrapped her hand around the blade, pulling it through, red staining the metal, "The truth... is in my blood." She opened her bloody palm, blood dripping steadily. "I am Storm il'Thandar. Githalin of the Heart of Desantiva. Let all see Amelana's truth!" Reversing the bloodied blade, she shouted as she drove it into the center of the stone of the tree image she stood on, the blade sinking into the stone as easily as if it were merely butter.

  Cries of pain erupted from all those watching as a wave of power centered on the blade exploded outward, including Almek's students who were unprepared for the sudden sharing of the moment of Amelana's attack on Storm, the blinding pain, the hatred behind it. That it was forbidden magic was undeniable. And behind it, the pact made by Amelana with Ysai to learn the dark art in exchange for the promise of winning Ash after he returned as Illaini Magus.

  As people recovered, they looked to see Ysai with her hands covering her face, caught in the throes of something else in that explosion of power. Almek took a step forward, hands at his side. "Come, Ysai, let them see the whole truth. Let Forenta see who you truly are!"

  "You have no power here!" Ysai shrieked. "I am the Se'edai Magus! I rule here!" Lowering her hands, the woman's face contorted into something dark and monstrous that most believed were merely myths to scare children until that moment.

  "Darkling!" The room erupted into chaotic panic as every Forentan recognized Ysai for what she was.

  Raising his hands, Almek focused on Ysai, his power ensnaring the shrieking creature and pulling it free of its human host. Darkly writhing, its screams echoed in the halls even after Almek crushed it out of the physical plane. A dazed stillness slowly overtook the gathered.

  "What... what happened to Ysai?" one of the other Edai Magi asked slowly. He knelt by Ysai's body, reaching to close her dead eyes, then covering her face with her hair veil. "She-she could not have always been..."

  With only a shadow of pity, Almek's grim words carried as easily as Storm's had. "I suspect the darkling had consumed her soul long ago." He scanned the upper levels where the Forentan stared, stunned. "Had I met her before today, I would have recognized her for what she truly was."

  Dazed, the Swordanzen remained on one knee, head bowed. She looked up to meet Ash's eyes. Without a word, he offered her his hand. Equally wordlessly, she put her hand in his, shaking her head to clear it. As she stood, she withdrew the blade from the stone with her still bleeding hand, turning a malevolent look on Amelana, baring her teeth ferally. The shamed woman stared at her with a terrified look. "Do not worry, Forentan bitch," Storm assured. "It was never me you needed to worry about."

  Amelana's eyes darted from Storm to the Illaini Magus who moved past the Desanti. "No!" Amelana whispered as Ash deliberately advanced on her. "Master Ash... no, please!" Paralyzed in fright, Amelana fell to her
knees, begging for mercy. She screamed as Ash put his hands on her head. After several minutes, she collapsed in silence. Whispers of "Morelmi!" floated from the mass of observers.

  Emil tiptoed nearer, squinting. "Ye didn't kill her?" he asked in amazement.

  "I did worse," the mage intoned, looking down at the fallen woman. "I stripped the magic from her." He turned away, walking towards the hall's exit amid the awed silence. Without a word, Storm walked with him, ignoring the eyes that followed them. He faltered a step as they reached the archway, starting to succumb to the extraordinary effort to strip Amelana's magic from her. Storm caught him, putting her arm around him.

  Chapter 73

  ASH roused from a deep sleep, rubbing his eyes as he tried to regain his bearings. The distant sounds of metal on metal woke him fully. Wearing only his trousers, he rushed to the balcony rail in alarm, scanning for the source of the sounds of sword on sword.

  Down below on one of the trunk-to-trunk bridges, Storm and Skyfire fought each other with their two-edged swords, dancing back and forth on the gently swaying structure with a preternatural grace. Forenten lined every opening, branch, bridge, or platform that faced the inner area, watching in fascination.

  "Oh, thank the gods, you're finally awake." Almek joined Ash, offering him a cup of water. Following the mage's worried gaze, he smiled understandingly. "I had to send Storm out to burn off some energy. She would not leave until I assured her I would remain and watch over you." The older looking Guardian appeared tiredly amused. "I can assure you, there is nothing more nerve wracking than a worried Desanti pacing in an enclosed area and jumping at shadows, more often than not with a weapon in hand."

  "Storm was that concerned?" Not entirely awake, Ash drained the cup of water to clear the rasp from his voice. "How long was I asleep?"

  "Three, nearly four days." Almek patted Ash's shoulder. "I have noticed sleeping longer than four hours makes our Desanti fret about people." He looked down at the training warriors. "She was frantic. At least, what passes for frantic for Storm."