Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  For the cherry on top, Daku dove through a section of light, spread his great wings wide and stared magnificently with ancient pride that spoke to all.

  The event ended with Cage unable to withstand any more spells. All magical light vanished with music and those Utala who didn’t participate came from some buildings with lit torches which were quickly being used to relight the ones snuffed all along the road. Cage slowly made a landing between his mates. And Daku shrunk again to perch on his shoulder.

  Clapping erupted along with roaring cheers, whistles and complete exhilaration from the electrified crowd.

  Before they were rushed to be congratulated Sean stood and came over. “Mothers? Dad?” The three turned after bowing. “Did I do well?”

  “You did amazingly!” Brooke crooned and picked him up to twirl around. He almost lost a grip on the ocarina his dad made. It was much smaller than the other.

  Smiles plastered on every face in the sea of people below stage. Everyone laughed, patted each other on the back and even hugged those around them. They took the steps down to find Tiffa and Cillian at the front of an overwhelmed and excited crowd. Tiffa’s tears flowed freely as she wrapped her arms around her happily crying daughter. Cillian never looked so proud. Old hatreds for Meeka’s curse vanished in the town after that display and hearing her rich soprano voice.

  Cage was tired, like usual when doing so much magic and remained on the stage. He sat down with his legs dangling over the edge and was content to watch everyone congratulate his loves and people for a wondrous event. Daku seemed content to also stay back and watch the interaction. Not one person seemed to dwell about the earlier attack after witnessing what a real party was supposed to be. While he watched Meeka and Brooke soak up the attention he remembered how badly he wanted to bring a little of Earth’s entertainment here to Raliea. It was a pain, trying to get everyone involved, especially to wear magic for a short time. He found a way to make a rope of light similar to seeker thread by manipulating an orb and feeding the light extra energy to sustain itself for a specific amount of time. For the thin light ropes, he had to spell them to start when the first magic began, but used a delay until the correct moment in the song. The light ropes were then wrapped around some adults like wire that would disappear on their own after using up the extra energy. The children’s color changing orbs were just as he once did when he first visited Vin’re and gave two boys one to play with, but added a firework-like spell which would send the orb up and explode into a specified shape before using all of its energy too. The wisps of sparkling light on stage were movement based and triggered by whisper and meant to stick close to the individual dancer or singer while pulsing colors dimmed and brightened to the beat of instruments.

  Still, it was a lot of magic, even if all he did was use light magic.

  “I’m so proud of you.” Tiffa said again as she hugged Meeka and gave her another congratulatory kiss. Meeka gladly soaked up the affection as she didn’t realize how good it felt to sing like that. She felt relief after all she went through to finally see those she grew up knowing, finally smiling genuinely at her.

  “Thank you.” She replied and looked to her freed hand being grabbed to find Brooke nearly bouncing from excitement after it was over. “My Love, this is the best Fall Harvest we ever hoped for.”

  “I too enjoyed doing this. This celebration will be greatly remembered. I’m glad Cage made us do this…” Her delicate brow furrowed as she then realized he wasn’t beside them and turned around to find him sitting on the platform. “Meeka Love, I hate to say this since you’ve done so well and everyone is happy, but I think we should go now. Cage looks like he’s about to fall asleep from exhaustion.”

  Meeka too could make out her man’s lack of enthusiasm in the dimmer torchlight. She turned around to find both of her parents together again, understanding in their proud eyed. “I’m sorry…”

  “Don’t be.” Cillian said, forestalling his remarkable daughter’s explanation. “I’m beyond the wildest expectations for the harvest celebration. This has been the most eventful day in our town’s entire history. You did us proud, Meeka, but you need to take care of your husband… mate or whatever you want to call him. He needs rest, more so than anyone here, that is clear enough to see.” Cillian smiled down in his grown child’s eyes. “Do what you have to. Your mother and I have no intention of leaving Kote so you know where to find us. Let us know when will be a good time to visit though. We really would like to see this tree house you live in.” He opened his arms and Meeka got a hug. “Come on in Brooke. You’re my daughter now too.” He got a bright smile out of the woman and a warm hug. He looked down after the pair stepped back. “Come give your grandfather a hug.” And both Sean and Rena gladly received a warm embrace.

  “Don’t forget me!” Tiffa said over the crowd’s noise. The children rushed to her as well.

  Brooke caught the eye of the elders before climbing the steps to gently nudge Cage who had nearly fallen asleep. He looked up to smile tiredly and Brooke returned it while making the decision. She put her fingers to her lips and whistled loudly. Some turned to her, but the second whistle was louder and the horde quickly settled down some and quieted to listed. “Tribe of Kote!” She began. “You have been very generous to we Utala and as priestess, I would like to give thanks. I believe our peoples will prosper. We have shed blood together and for Utala that is more honorable than simple trading. Our tribes will be stronger together and I hope it continues to be so. In time we will make a more permanent pact between our villages, but these past days is a better start than any our people have had on the plains. But we have much to do and little time to spare. We shall be leaving tonight and will return to trade sometime in Spring. I thank you again for allowing our tribe into yours and sharing all you have. We have learned much in this short time.” Brooke then shifted her tone as well as her expression. “Utala, give final farewells to the friends you made. We leave tonight. In a half hour, leave for the lake and be careful. Make torches if you must.” She then walked down the steps followed by Cage.

  Down with the family Daku said “Everyone, Cage will stay the night with Cillian and Tiffa. I will be staying with the tribe till he returns.”

  “What? Dad, why aren’t you coming with us?” Sean asked as he stuffed his ocarina in a pouch he made from a scrap of leather.

  “Because I have a few loose ends to tie up in the morning that only I can manage. You’ll all be plenty safe with Daku watching over you… maybe.”

  “Maybe?” Daku asked with a raised, furry eyebrow.

  “Yeah, maybe.” Cage returned the look to the Familiar on his shoulder. “You like to play tricks on people when you tend to get bored just so they retaliate.”

  “Not me!” Daku said, pretending to be being hurt as he placed a hand over his breast.

  “Oh really? Then who else was it last night who tripped me that also has a long white tail or who pushed Shania into that patch of poison ivy when she was out walking through the forest and swore there was a large white beast who pretended to caw like some oversized crow?” Cage asked.

  Daku looked away and turned his beak up as one would their nose. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I’m the most well behaved of everyone here.”

  “Yeah and I’m the poster boy for sanity.” Cage retorted.

  “Good point.” Daku chuckled. Especially when he saw Elder Shania scratch her hip and narrowed her eyes from a twenty feet away.

  “I don’t get it…” Rena said, hoping someone would explain it.

  The adults just chuckled.

  To Brooke, Cage asked “Are the crystals and axe still safe?”

  “Yes, they are. What do you want to do with them?”

  “Cillian, do you have a vault?” The mayor nodded. “Then I’ll need to borrow it for tonight to keep everything safe.

  The last thing Cage clearly remembered of that night was Daku wrapped around Rena’s neck when they all left for the lake and he pass
ed out in the spare bedroom of Cillian’s house, formally Nolan’s room, Meeka’s older brother.

  “Are you almost done?” Cillian asked without sounding impatient.

  “About.” Cage said as he sat down another milky crystal the size of a copper coin. Each one clearly had the crow symbol representing the Vlaran military, Ren explained as all three sat alone in the meeting room with the assembled town council. There were four men and two older women. The only other councilor he knew in the room was Millie, the seamstress and owner of the clothing store beside Jom’s. They all sat together in the mayoral office, usually whispering so as to not distract Cage as he worked.

  Cage had checked all of the identically made crystals and found they weren’t the best quality he’s studied, but they were sturdy and could contain a fair amount of energy. The spells were simple so they didn’t utilize too much power. The wards were basic. Block projectiles, offensive magic and sudden heavy objects like siege weapons. Hand to hand or close range weapons would be allowed to pass the simple barriers. They were nothing fancy and his senses didn’t detect underlying spells except a nasty one should any mage attempt to draw from them. It would cause paralysis and agonizing pain. Being a warlock, he wouldn’t even attempt to circumvent such wards. Each were identical to the next, something the government would need as standard issue.

  He went through each one, making sure there wasn’t a threat that could backfire in the near future plan. Nine more finished the batch.

  Then Cage hefted the great battleaxe and sent his senses into the thing. He was surprised to find there to be a thin hair-like oddity in the lengthy shaft which turned out to be clear sapphire by the makeup. The axe had just two active spells. One, to keep the weapon in its current condition indefinitely. It would not only preserve the weapon, but the sapphire it was created around. Second, should it meet magic of any kind, would instantly adapt and create an ideal condition which would neutralize the said magic.

  The axe was a magic-breaker. A rare and deadly weapon against mages.

  With a loud thump, he dropped the hundred pound weapon on the table, slightly startling the room. “Now I’m done.”

  “Perhaps you should begin.” Cillian mentioned and the room agreed.

  Nodding once, Cage closed his eyes for a moment and imagined finding his contact. The magic flowed and another sight mirror brought up an image of a young man in his late teens lounging beneath a tree reading a thick book with a chipmunk curled on his shoulder. The spell was as clear as if the young man were among them. The youth closed his book as his head jerked up and the chipmunk stirred. He had sensed the gathering magic before a black orb appeared. “Good morning Leon and you too Kolby. It is Cage, are you still willing to be my aid?”

  The boy, Leon quickly jumped up into a standing position and smoothed his maroon robe while Kolby held on easily to the fabric. Leon gripped the closed book in one hand and waved his arm some and there came a reddish light before an distorted image. Leon then whispered the key phrase only two alive knew of outside his family could use to see past the ward Cage had placed on his diamonds before leaving the island. The distorted image snapped into the very image of Cage as he sat in the room.

  The town council could see the two, just as they could be seen in Leon’s image. Then a reddish orb appeared in the room to instantly relay Leon’s hasty words. “But of course, Sir Cage. I’m feel it is an honor to be your subordinate. Many are quite jealous, if I may be so bold.”

  “Leon, you forgot to erect the privacy wards.” Cage warned calmly. It was the last thing he’d need, someone finding out who his contact was.

  Leon flushed under his dark complexion and touched his staff. Immediately the dark ruby glowed before his spirited image vanished. It returned immediately when Cage whispered his phrase. “Sir Cage, are you there? Please forgive me.”

  “Be more careful next time Leon. When I speak to you next, put the block up immediately so you know it is really me. It would be bad if someone learned you were tasked to be my aid, especially for you, Kid. Kolby, remind him next time.”

  The chipmunk bobbed its head and squeaked. “He gets ahead of himself when excited. Next time we’ll do better.”

  Cage’s smile made the two relax as they conversed over great distances. “Now I need to know if you have made your decision? Not the one Granny or the First Council placed on your shoulders.”

  Colby answered excitedly as he rubbed his little furry cheeks. “Yes, Sir Cage. We were chosen to be your aids out of all new graduates of first wizards. It is an honor to be given such an opportunity. As you have asked, we spoke to Lady Megdline in private not two days ago to learn the spells which will prevent us from speaking to others about you without your verbal permission or proximity. Any conversations we have from this day forth cannot be spilled and will remain confidential. It was a spell we gladly bear.”

  “Then show me the mark, Leon.” Cage watched as Leon opened his mouth and manipulated the sight mirror to search the very back of his throat and found the miniature series of dots that looked like an X. What Leon hadn’t said was if he did speak, even unintentionally, the tiny nodes would make him choke and gag so he would be unable to speak. He pulled the image back to smile more confidently. “I thank you then for doing it.”

  “So what may we do for you, Sir Cage?” Leon asked as he tilted his head. “I find it surprising you are in a room of people I’ve never gotten to meet. Has something happened?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact.” Cage admitted. “There is a delicate issue that needs to be resolved and I need you to act quickly. You’ve traveled through Kote, correct?”

  “Five years ago.” Koby answered.

  “Good. Ren,” Cage tossed a single crystal in an envelope also containing a written letter. The warrior reached over and grabbed the letter. “please take this outside and set it in the street.” Ren got up and left the room. “Leon, I need you to Jump the package and verify the crystal immediately. This is high priority. I don’t care what you must do, but I need to know who it belongs to. While you wait for the analysis, I’ve written a detailed report of what happened yesterday. You may read it so that you understand my urgency. Do whatever you must, but contact me as soon as you are able. This will prove you are man enough to work for me.”

  “We will not let you down.” Leon vowed with serious determination. Colby bobbed his little head while Leon’s focus shifted to Ren as the man left the entrance and walked to the center of the street and laid the envelope on the ground and backed away. A few moments later a reddish light enshrouded the package and with a pop it teleported to Leon’s outstretched arm where he used the book as a platform to catch it.

  “Contact me as soon as possible.” Cage said.

  “Yes, Sir Cage.” Leon said and conjured a reddish board beneath his feet to fly immediately.

  Cage ended the spells to hear from one of the members in the room observe “Seems a spirited lad to me.”

  “He is. That’s why I like him.” Cage admitted. “Leon just graduated his studies a month back in the top ten of his first wizard’s class. We’ve met a handful of times just like this and Granny gave him a few difficult tasks which he completed. As my aid, he’ll get some special privileges other wizards wont on their own.”

  “Can you give us an example?” Millie asked.

  “Sure… Well, he isn’t working for free. My teacher helped me create a banking account in Twilight which I use him more like a retainer. He gets paid a gold per month… something more than most aids get there since quite a few things are free. I put a hundred thousand gold pieces in my account so I can keep him around for awhile.” Cage’s statement on the amount he deposited made those in the room stare in shock, even Ren as he reentered the room and closed the doors. A hundred thousand was a huge sum. “Well, Leon can access things for me in my name and get faster results than if he had to do them himself in certain things. For instance, today I should get answers in about an hour, but if he were to do the
same it would take a couple of days.”

  “What is to stop him from using your name or his own personal gain, without you knowing?” one of the men asked.

  Cage leaned back in his chair, relaxing so as to recover precious energy for what would be an interesting day. “It is part of our agreement, but should he try and go beyond his duties… Well Twilight is a city of magic and in certain places, you are spelled to not be able to lie. The places he is going today are like that. And you saw that mark in his throat, it’s proof he cannot work for anyone else but me until I let him go or take on another aid. But should he ask for something personal and use my name, I will have to likely allow him to do so if it is reasonable.”

  “So are you some kind of lord for him to call you Sir?” Another asked. “Is that why you can get things done more promptly because of special treatment?”

  Distain clearly colored the man’s voice and he had a clear dislike for such things, Cage noted. The room grew tense for but a moment. “No, I’m not a lord or care for titles. Personally, it is a waste of time to carry them. We’re all equal in a way, but my position allows me to get things done when there is a priority issue. If we weren’t attacked and your little brother wasn’t one of the ones killed, I would have waited my turn for the results like everyone else.” Cage held up a finger. “But since it did happen, I’m getting answers immediately so your brother’s death doesn’t happen to someone else. I have to do things in order so I can get the bastard responsible for all this. And if I have to step on some toes then so be it.”