Stranded Mage

by D. W. Jackson

  “Master Thad, that would not be proper,” Tuck replied, dazed.

  “Tuck, what was your job before you decided to board the ship.”

  “I was an apprentice to a woodworker. All I really did was turn the wood and other minor tasks.”

  “Would you like to know what I did before I found myself on this journey?” Thad asked as he sifted through the gems looking for the ones that had the best clarity.

  “What was that, Master Thad?” Tuck asked curiously.

  “I was a slave,” Thad said pointedly. “Now I really need to get to work and I am a bit peckish. If you have the time would you please talk to the cook and bring me up something to eat.”

  Tuck, too surprised for words, simply nodded his head and left the room. Thad laughed to himself. Slave or Noble the only thing that really mattered in the world was who you were not what you were.

  Thad picked up a grape sized ruby and pressed it against the piece of silver in his hand. As Thad focused the silver parted like water for the gem. Once the gem was firmly embedded Thad started on the next phase of his work.

  Thad sat for hours his mind fully engulfed in the task of writing the enchantment on the silver orb. When his consciousness finally, fully surfaced, Thad found a large plate of ham and bread waiting on him. Looking around Thad couldn’t find Tuck anywhere.

  Do you really want to make friends with someone who you are sending to their death?

  “Would you please stop it?” Thad asked, annoyed. “Is it so wrong to want someone to talk to? I know full well that he will most likely die because of me, but what would you have me do? Should I lock myself away from the world? I will risk my life to kill the Brotherhood and if they are willing to give theirs then I will let them.”

  You should be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.

  “QUIET!” Thad yelled loudly, startling Tuck who had chosen that moment to open the door to Thad’s chambers.

  “My apologies Master Thad, I did not mean to bother you,” the elf said shakily.

  Thad rubbed his forehead with his thumb and forefinger. “It was not you Tuck, my staff was doing its best to aggravate me.”

  “Your staff, Master Thad?” Tuck said eyeing the magical item with apprising eyes. “Does it have a name?”

  “A name?” Thad asked, surprised. “I have never given it much thought to tell you the truth Tuck. Should it have a name though,” Thad said, looking at where his staff sat.

  It would make things far easier for me. Maybe if I had a name you wouldn’t just order me about all the time.

  “It seems to like the idea of having a name,” Thad said to Tuck as he slowly shook his head.

  Tuck laughed for the first time since Thad had met him. “Most of the magical weapons and items from the past had names. What are you going to name it?” Tuck asked, bending down to look at the staff more closely.

  “A name,” Thad said, thinking out loud. What kind of name would suit the staff? It had a tedious nature and loved to argue with him but most of the things it said were true even if he didn’t want to hear them. “You said that you are part of me?” Thad asked his staff.

  In a large way I am part of you. If you want a more tangible connection, then I would say you were my father. You did create me after all.

  Thad had never thought about it along those lines but his staff was right. “For the life of me I can’t think of a name for the staff,” Thad said, shaking his head.

  “What about Thuraman, it means Thunder Strike in the old tongue.”

  Thuraman, I like it. The staff said, sounding slightly amused.

  ‘He seems to like it,” Thad said to Tuck. “Thuraman it is. Now that we have that issue resolved I can get back to my work.”

  The next four days Thad never left his quarters. It had been a trying few days and had left him completely drained but he had finished two dozen of the enchanted shields.

  Thad poured himself some water from a jug that sat beside the table. Tuck had ran in and out of his quarters constantly making sure anything that Thad might want when he took a break was at hand. Reeve and Parson also visited often though their visits were more of a practical nature.

  The two elves had separated the members aboard the ship into four groups. The first group was the forward guard that was made of those in Reeve profession. The second group was the scouts made up of the better of Parson’s people. The third group was the simple fighters, for those who had skill with a blade. The last group was of support, the people who would tend the wounded and prepare supplies.

  It had not taken long for the truth of Thad’s objective to disseminate down to the entire crew. Thad had feared that it would cause problems but none of the elves seemed to care that he was marching them to their deaths. In fact most the elves seemed to look forward to the coming days.

  Thad was glad that the two elves had taken such a commanding role. He was no soldier, if it had been left up to him he would never have thought of splitting up everyone into groups that best suited their abilities. If he ever made it back he would have to send his thanks to Salina for sending the two elves along with him.

  Reaching into the chest Thad pulled out another chunk of silver and sighed. There was so much to do. Thad wanted to go up on the deck and smell the fresh air, but every second that passed was a second lost that he could not recover. Picking up a small gem Thad began working on the next enchantment.

  CHAPTER XI

  Thad rushed onto the deck as soon as he was notified that they were nearing port. The captain had told Thad that the name of the small port town was Garn. Looking out over the waters Thad saw only a small amount of little ships moving about the water.

  “Well Master Thad, how do you think we will be received?” the captain said, moving to stand beside Thad.

  “It is hard to say,” Thad replied. “I do not know much about Delamar, but the stories I do know speak about them being simple people. Meaning they could greet us with open arms or they might denounce us as demons or spawns of devils, and try to burn us at the stake.”

  The captain gave a low whistle. “So it’s an all or nothing situation? Well, no reason to float around with our sails fluttering in the wind. All men on deck let’s bring her in,” the captain bellowed.

  As they moved closer to the port the elves began lining up on the deck, with Reeve and Parson at the head of the formation.

  When the ship was only a few leagues away a large number of people began to gather around the docks. From what Thad could tell they didn’t look like professional soldiers but they were all armed.

  “What do you think?” Thad asked the steely eyed assassin.

  The assassin pulled out a copper spy glass and took a brief look. “They’re not soldiers most likely a lightly trained home guard. Only a few dozen of them, would be easy to just cut through them.”

  “Do you think we can get through without a fight?” Thad asked, his own hand sliding to the hilt of his sword.

  “Don’t know, we will have to find out,” Reeve replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders.

  As the ship slowly moved into an open dock Thad moved over to the gangplank hoping to head off any problems before they arose. Thad looked over the railing as the ship came to a smooth stop and looked down at the armed militia below.

  When the gangplank was lowered Thad ordered for everyone to stay on the ship until he signaled. “Afternoon,” Thad said, waving as he walked down to the docks below.

  The men below formed a wall while a decently dressed man steeped forward. “We were not expecting any ships today.”

  “I don’t think anyone would be expecting this ship, but none the less we have to dock here,” Thad said his voice light. When the man’s hand went to his sword Thad held up his own. “We don’t want any trouble, but we must make port. Just let us dock and we will leave town before the sun has a chance to leave the sky.” As he spoke Thad gave a slight wave of his hand signaling everyone to disembark.

  If the li
ghtly armed and armored militia had any fight in them it was quickly stolen as over a hundred heavily armed golden giants descended from the ship.

  With his army behind him Thad moved forward. He wasn’t sure what would happen but he breathed a sigh of relief as the men moved aside and let them pass without complaint.

  When Thad turned around he noticed that Kain and the other sailors were among those who departed the ship. Thad slowed his pace and came up next to the captain. “Do you think it wise to leave the ship unattended?”

  Kain laughed. “We came along to work the ship that’s true, but we didn’t plan to turn back as soon as we reached port. I don’t own the ship, it belongs to Lord Hardgrove.”

  Thad thought about it for a moment. The ship was large and well-made, more than well-made it was exquisite, a work of art that moved on the water. “Don’t you think letting such a ship just sit there to be claimed after we leave a waste? Never know the Brotherhood might just end up with it,” Thad said, a broad smile forming on his face.

  “That it would Master Thad,” Kain agreed giving Thad a wink.

  Speeding up his pace Thad made his way next to Reeve. “Lead everyone out of town. I will meet up with you after I finish up some business.” Reeve gave Thad a cold look but remained silent.

  Thad dropped back to where Captain Kain was. “Should we visit the port master and see about our ship?”

  “Might as well Master Thad,” Kain replied as the two broke away from the others.

  Sailors all seemed to love pubs, and the port authority always seemed to be in the biggest pub near the docks. This town seemed to be no different than any of the others. Thad found a portly older sailor sitting behind a desk drinking ale and scribbling in a large leather-bound book.

  “Can I help you?” the portly sailor asked, eyeing the two men cautiously.

  “Yes we just brought a ship into port,” Thad said as he causally looked around the room. Everyone’s eyes seemed to be on the two. Thad couldn’t really blame them for their curiosity. How often did one see a seven foot tall golden skinned man?

  “Dock fees are three gold coins a day.”

  “Then we have a problem sir,” Thad said apologetically. “The truth is that me and my friends don’t plan to return for some time.”

  The dock master pushed back his chair and ran his greasy fingers through his salt and pepper beard. “Johan!” the man yelled, making Thad wince slightly.

  A few moments later a man in his mid-thirties staggered over to the desk reeking of ale. “What is it pop?”

  “Run over to the house and tell your mother that I need my chest,” the old man said his eyes never leaving Thad and Kain.

  “Why don’t you go get it yourself old man? I’m drinking with the boys,” the man said, his speech slurring.

  The old man moved so fast Thad didn’t know what had happened until the younger man was picking himself off the ground. “Now listen boy, you can either go get my chest or you can find yourself a new place to bunk, your choice.”

  The younger man picked himself up from the ground, wiping away the blood that had pooled at the corner of his mouth. “Yes sir,” he said bitingly as he shuffled toward the door.

  Once the other man had left, the older sailor turned back to Thad. “I heard about your ship before it even made dock, saw a bit of it myself. Though I saw it, I still don’t know much about that tub.”

  “The Kirisuto is one of the best ships on the water. She has four masts and enough space below deck to haul whatever you might wish,” Kain said defiantly, “and should you run into pirates, she has a few toys to discourage pursuit.”

  “That sounds all well and good, but you should know that none around here will be able to pay you what that ships worth. I will offer you everything I’ve saved over the years. Isn’t no room for haggling take it or leave it,” the old sailor said gruffly.

  “I will take it on the promise that the ship will stay with you and yours. I don’t want to come back and learn you simply sold it to make a profit,” Thad replied evenly.

  The old sailor scratched his head. “I don’t know why it would matter what I do with it, but I can give you my word that as long as I live I won’t be getting rid of the ship. As to what my fool of a son will do after I’m thrown out on the waters, I can’t say,” the man replied gravely.

  With the deal made Thad shook the old man’s hand and signed a few pieces of papers declaring he had the right to sell the ship. After everything was done all that was left was waiting on the sailor’s son to return with the gold. The wait was a little longer than Thad would have wanted but he was more than satisfied when he returned carrying a small trunk filled close to the brim with gold.

  Thad gave the sailor’s hand one final shake before shutting the trunk and leaving the pub. “Don’t you want to count it?” Kain asked.

  “No need really,” Thad said, “now just to pick up a few horses and supplies and we can get going.”

  Before leaving town Thad stopped by a series of shops and bought enough food and supplies to last the group for at least the first leg of the journey. Thad also bought four horses and two wagons.

  Once everything was loaded Thad and Kain led the horses out of town. They found Reeve and the rest of the elves waiting a few miles down the road from the town.

  “Why did you get carts?” Reeve asked, his face clearing showing his disproval. “They are going to slow us down. We should distribute the load between everyone and leave the carts behind.”

  “If it comes apparent that we need to move with haste we can leave them behind,” Thad replied evenly. “The truth is that moving slowly might not be the worst thing. We are all in unfamiliar territory and if you couldn’t tell we already stick out. The carts will add a bit of credibility to us.”

  Reeve didn’t seem convinced but he dropped the argument and walked back to the group. Though Delamar was not a large country it would still take more than a handful of days to reach the border of Rane and even longer to get near the capital.

  Looking around at elves something occurred to Thad. Having such a large number of golden giants with him might not have been the best idea. Alone he could blend and keep out of sight. That was impossible now, and anyone who spotted them would definitely wag their tongues in the local pubs and inns. By Thad’s guess they had less than a fortnight before they had Brotherhood soldiers nipping at their heels.

  Thad thought for a moment that it might be best to move off the road and travel over the countryside but he quickly dismissed that notion. They would pass less people but the people they would pass would definitely notice them. Not to mention it would slow them down considerably.

  Most the day had already passed before they had been able to get out of the town, so they were only able to make it about ten miles from the town before the approaching darkness forced them off the road to set up camp.

  As everyone prepared for the night Thad learned that beside food he should have purchased more bedrolls as well as many other supplies. The lords had chosen who to send with but over half of them were without proper travel gear.

  Thad cursed himself for not checking on everyone properly before they had set out. Looking at the elves lay on the hard ground, Thad was happy that it was spring.

  “Don’t worry too much,” Parson said, taking a seat next to Thad by the small fire. “My people are no stranger to the elements, in fact it could be said that we were born to sleep under the stars. If it really bothers you then next town we pass you go shop to your heart’s content.”

  Thad had only talked to Parson a few times but he had found the elf relaxed and easy to talk to unlike Reeve whose cold eyes seemed to bore into him. “I should have made sure they had everything they needed,” Thad said, poking the small fire with a thin stick. “Are we short on anything else?”

  Parson gave Thad an appraising look, then gave him a thin smile. “You would think our lords and ladies would have been half as concerned as you, but the truth is that they are n
ot. Do you mind if I ask what the stories say about my people?”

  Thad looked up into the sky and at the thousands of twinkling lights hanging above him. “Their description was nearly perfect but they speak of the elves as simple people who dance under the stars at night. My favorite stories were always those that told of the elves living in trees though they often treated Man like children.”

  Thad wasn’t sure what Parson would say but he didn’t expect it when the tall elf laughed. “Not what I expected but there is a kernel of truth. We do view humans like children though most of that is due to your short lives. The truth is that before the Fae War, elves only had a few settlements. We were spread out across all of Kurt, and enjoyed it that way. Now for safety we hide on the island of our birth with little to occupy the endless days.” Parson laughed again a looked around at his brethren. “I know it isn’t a laughable matter but the isolation on our isle has killed us as surely as the Brotherhood swords would have. We are no longer the same people we once were.”

  Thad thought about his short time with the elves. He had spent most of his time in his quarters at Emeriss’s estate. He noticed that though Emeriss had talked about her family from time to time but he had never seen them around. There had been plenty of servants but they had mostly stayed out of sight. Now that t had been brought to his attention it was obviously that there had been no real feel of connection between the elves. They all lived together but none of them really lived with each other. “That doesn’t sound very pleasing.”

  “It is not pleasing at all, but it is the reason that so many were willing to accompany you. Everyone aboard the ship knew what we were getting into.” Parson looked Thad in the eyes and gave him a smile. “If you don’t mind me saying, it is not hard to see you are rushing toward your own death. It’s in your eyes, they speak of your pain as easily as if you had spoken aloud. You’re like a wounded dog chasing after anything to bite.”