by Mike Shelton
“Onius.” The Chief Judge nodded to the counselor. “Something on your mind?”
Motioning toward a grouping of chairs by the window, Onius led the way. When all three were seated, Daymian waited for Onius to speak first. Watching Roland, Daymian marveled that the young man had finally learned to control his tongue. Roland actually sat in patience until Onius spoke.
Onius cleared his throat. “Daymian,” he began. The Chief Judge noticed the lack of title given to his name. “We’ve known each other long, and I would like to think I have served you well.”
The Chief Judge nodded his head in the affirmative. “I hold no complaints.”
“Throughout the history of Alaris and the western lands, there were times when regimes and kingdoms came under fire and even toppled and changed hands. Most of these times, many lives were lost, and the kingdoms were set back in their prosperity. It took them years or decades to recover; some never did.” Onius stopped to wet his lips.
The Chief Judge motioned for Roland to pour them some drinks. Roland appeared surprised at the request but sat the closest, so he did as Daymian bid.
Onius took a drink and continued. “We, us in this room, are now in a unique position to stop a bloody war and to limit the damage and carnage that will come.”
Daymian lifted his eyebrows but still let the wizard continue.
Onius leaned closer to Daymian. “Daymian, I am asking you, not as a representative of the Wizard Council or even as your counselor, but as a friend, to step down from the judgeship and allow a king to rule Alaris.”
The Chief Judge’s throat went dry. He opened his mouth, but Onius continued. “I know all of your arguments, so let’s not rehash those. The people want a king, and the time has come to grant their wishes. Will you step down?”
Silence hung in the air. Daymian personally didn’t have anything against having a king per se—a good king, at least—but he had many problems with the way this coup was unfolding.
A few birds squawked at each other outside on the balcony. Daymian put them from his mind and thought deeply, then stood up. Resting his hand on the back of his chair, he scrutinized Onius’s former apprentice. “Roland, you are being uncharacteristically quiet.”
Roland turned his eyes up with a start. “Sir?”
“I have never known you to be one without opinions to share.” The Chief Judge walked around behind the young wizard’s chair, standing behind his back. “I heard that you passed the wizard test and are now a level-four wizard.”
Daymian gauged Onius’s reaction to this, and it was as he had anticipated. His former counselor’s lips were held tight.
Roland moved his head to look up toward the Chief Judge, his eyes smiling but his lips even. “I am not at liberty to discuss the happenings at the test. But, yes, I am recognized as a level-four wizard.”
“One of the mightiest in the land,” Daymian commended.
Onius sat, his arms folded and face stern. “What does Roland’s wizard status have to do with your answer, Daymian? I am not here to play games. I need answers now. I am not the only one with ideas of how to get you to step down.”
It was Daymian’s turn to get angry now. “Roland, stand up!”
Roland complied with the order before even thinking.
“Whom do you recognize as the leader of this land? Whom do you serve?” the Chief Judge asked.
Roland’s eyes grew wide, and his cheeks reddened. He took a long moment to think.
Onius growled. “Roland knows to whom his allegiance is owed. He is a wizard!” The old wizard stared hard at Roland and waited for him to answer.
Roland turned back to the Chief Judge. “Do you want me to be honest, Sir?”
“Of course, Roland,” the Chief Judge said, losing a little of his steam. “That would be refreshing. I have had enough dishonesty lately.” He gave an obvious glance toward Onius.
“My allegiance at this moment is to myself,” Roland admitted.
Onius gasped.
“At least there is one honest wizard.” Daymian smiled.
Roland then continued, “However, Kanzar is an extremely volatile and dangerous man, Chief Judge, and I would recommend thinking long and hard about what to do and where to take your stand.”
Turning to Onius, the Chief Judge finally got around to his answer. “And that is why I cannot step down, Onius. I can’t let Kanzar Centari be king of Alaris. I, too, know all the arguments for and against a king or even the judge system—believe me. I have been defending the system for years. I also know the war and carnage and damage that can come through a split in the government. But, as long as I am still breathing, I promise you that Kanzar Centari will not become the rightful king of Alaris.”
Onius fell back down into his stuffed chair, all his anger and defiance gone. He motioned with his hand for Daymian and Roland to sit down once more. They complied and sat in silence with their drinks.
The sun lowered in the sky and sent rays of light into the room, sparkling off of chandeliers and glass lamps. A few faraway voices from in the practice yards floated through the air.
“What if there is another way?” Onius spoke softly. “What if there was someone other than Kanzar to be king? A way of compromise. A way to keep the country from bloodshed. Would you listen to that?”
Roland looked wide-eyed at Onius. “But, who? How?” He leaned forward farther and added, “Kanzar’s arm reaches throughout the kingdom.”
The Chief Judge looked intently at Onius. “I would listen to that, Onius. But, who do you have in mind?”
Onius leaned forward, and Roland and the Chief Judge followed suit. What they were about to discuss could be dangerous for all three. As Onius opened his mouth to speak, a loud knock came at the door. All three jerked upward in their seats at the sound. And Onius glared at the Chief Judge.
“I am not expecting anyone,” Daymian said as he moved to answer the door.
A contingent of guards stood in the doorway, the chief of whom stepped forward into the door’s opening. “The High Wizard requests your presence, Sir.”
Daymian wasn’t happy at being disrupted. “I would be pleased to meet with him later, after the evening meal. I am meeting with other company at the moment.”
The guard looked into the room, and his face drained of color. Speaking to the two wizards in the room, he stammered, “I am sorry to interrupt, Sirs, but the High Wizard was adamant about bringing the Chief Judge to him immediately.”
Onius nodded his head, appearing relieved that they had not finished their conversation. Daymian wondered what the old wizards were up to. It looked as if politics in the Citadel among the wizards had as many problems as his own government. None of them could be trusted fully, it seemed.
“Sir?” the guard asked. “We need to go.”
“Yes, yes,” Daymian said. “I am sure you do. I understand how Kanzar can be to those that don’t obey his every wish and whim.”
The guards all eyed each other gravely. Kanzar’s reputation was one more reason Daymian could not hand over the country to him. He hoped Onius did have a better idea and could be trusted, but that discussion would need to wait until later.
With Daymian in front, six guards behind him, and Onius and Roland in the rear, the group made a strange-looking procession as they walked toward the High Wizard’s chambers.
Two additional guards, in starched uniforms, stood at attention outside Kanzar’s rooms. After informing the High Wizard that the Chief Judge had arrived, they led the procession into the room.
Once again, Daymian was overwhelmed by the opulence with which Kanzar surrounded himself. Today, his wife, Alana, a strong and formidable battle wizard, stood with him. Kanzar seemed surprised to see Onius and Roland in attendance with the Chief Judge.
“Onius, I hadn’t invited you to this meeting,” Kanzar said.
Onius took a step forward. “Your summons interrupted our meeting with the Chief Judge. We decided to come along to see what was so urgent.�
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Kanzar’s face clouded over. His wife looked no less stern.
Then Roland stepped out from behind the group and gave a short nod. “Kanzar.”
Kanzar’s face was barely civil as he glared at the newest wizard.
“I hope our presence does not interfere with your discussion,” Roland stated. “I am sure we all want to settle our differences as peacefully as we can.”
The Chief Judge was again surprised at how in control young Roland acted and was even more shocked at how the great Kanzar Centari seemed to be slightly cowed in Roland’s presence.
Roland winked at Kanzar, and the man took three strong steps and ended up in front of the newly raised wizard.
“Don’t toy with me, young man.” Spittle flew from Kanzar’s lips. “Your presence here will be tolerated only if you are silent.”
Roland held Kanzar’s gaze and didn’t turn away. The Chief Judge enjoyed Roland’s display of his newly elevated station as wizard and let a slight grin roll over his lips. The wizard test must be quite rigorous, indeed, to change the dynamics of the Citadel in such a short time.
Kanzar turned back to the Chief Judge. “Daymian, your presence is needed back in Cassian, to help settle down the citizens there. My wife, along with a battalion of my soldiers, will escort you and your remaining men back to Cassian.”
This surprised Daymian. “There were not any problems before I left. Maybe your newly appointed judges are not up to the task of governing.”
Kanzar waved his hand in the air. “Don’t concern yourself about them. They will be fine.”
His apparently carefree attitude infuriated the Chief Judge. “I will concern myself about them, Kanzar. They may be fine, but what about the people? I am still Chief Judge, and, as such, the other judges fall under my responsibility, no matter how they were appointed.”
Kanzar’s eyes narrowed. “Watch your tongue, Daymian. I am losing my patience with your stubbornness in maintaining your position. Many would like a change in the land.”
“Many you have led in rising up against the true, legal government,” the Chief Judge said, raising his voice. “I will reiterate for you: I am not stepping down as long as those in rebellion to this land’s government use unlawful tactics and coercion to gain power.”
Alana stepped forward a few steps, hand on her staff. Kanzar waved her back.
Kanzar then laughed and sent fire along the ground, encircling the Chief Judge. “I am not intimidated by you, Daymian. You are a pathetic leader and deaf to the cries of our people. The barrier will soon fall, and Alaris needs to be a strong kingdom with a strong leader—a king that can stand at her head and make Alaris a leader once again among the western lands.” Kanzar turned as if he was speaking to each person in the room. His fists were clenched, and his eyes blazed with fanaticism.
“Too long have the elves held power; too long have Mahli and the territories kept us from the northern kingdoms; too long have Tillimot and Quentis and Solshi held us to our borders. They are all weak and will once again bow to the might of Alaris and her wizard king.”
With those words, Kanzar brought his fire up in a circle around the Chief Judge. Daymian held his hand up to shade his face from the heat. His black pants became hot, and sweat began dripping from his forehead.
“Kanzar, enough!” bellowed Roland, and, with a flick of his wrist, he extinguished the flames.
In two inhumanly long leaps, Alana reached Roland and brought her hand out to strike him. In a flash, Roland moved to the side, caught her wrist, and bent it backward. A howl escaped her lips.
Kanzar stared on in disbelief.
“Roland, stop,” Onius ordered.
The Chief Judge stood in surprise. Roland’s abilities were more than any of them had guessed.
Roland pushed Alana away in front of him but kept a defiant eye on Kanzar. “You, of all people, should have control over yourself. How do you propose to govern a land—which is what you are proposing, isn’t it?—if you can’t even control your temper in your own room?”
Kanzar stood still, looking livid, hands clenched to his sides, a murderous intent on his face.
“If you want my loyalty, you have to earn it. Loyalty is not blind,” Roland continued. Behind him, Alana inched forward, but before she could do anything, Roland rolled his hand in the air and brought forth a gust of air that bound her to the floor. “You see my power. You didn’t believe me when I told you.” Roland’s face almost glowed now. “Daymian Khouri is still the legal Chief Judge of this land, but I propose a solution: We let the people decide. If they vote to keep it the same, then Daymian maintains his position and authority. If the people vote for a king, then the Chief Judge will step down and a peaceful transition will occur.”
Daymian stepped forward. “I agree to this, but only if a suitable king is found that the people agree with.”
Kanzar ground his teeth at Roland. “When did you become such a shrewd negotiator?”
“Onius taught me all I know,” Roland said, lightening the tense mood. “Blame it on him.”
Kanzar growled, “Agreed.”
Roland winked. “See, that wasn’t so hard. What would you all do without me?”
The Chief Judge smiled, Onius barked a laugh, and Kanzar’s and Alana’s eyes sent darts toward the young, pompous wizard.
“You are a dangerous boy, Roland,” Kanzar said. “I’d watch my step if I were you.”
“Boy?” Roland tensed. “A boy that might save this country from plunging into civil war.”
Kanzar threw his glass on the floor, and it shattered into a hundred pieces. “Get out of my office. Now.” Kanzar pointed his finger at Roland.
Daymian maintained his decorum and gave a short bow to the group. “I will take your leave now to make preparations for my departure from the Citadel. I will not need Alana or your men to escort me. I will be fine.” He turned and left through the doorway with the rest of the group. After a few steps down the hall, Roland raced up to his side.
“I will provide a group to escort you,” Roland said.
They walked a few steps farther, out of earshot of the room. Onius had turned the other way, down another hallway.
“Why this sudden concern for my interests, Roland?” the Chief Judge asked. “You always thought me boring and dull.”
Roland’s face reddened. “How…?”
The Chief Judge slapped him on the back. “Roland, you really are too powerful for your own good. You are still so young and, in many ways, naive. I have been dealing with men wanting power for decades, and, in a few moments, you subdued some who hold the greatest power in the land. Make sure you are not getting in too deep. Choose your side, and make sure of your convictions and what you want. Remember what we talked about before.”
“I told you the truth, Sir. Right now, I am the only one I trust. I’m on my own side.”
“That might be a lonely side,” Daymian said.
Roland sighed. “It might be. But my goal is to become the most powerful wizard. I don’t care so much for politics.”
“You did well enough in there.”
“Gut reactions and years of training.” He laughed, then seemed to turn serious. “You asked why I am helping you. You are a good man, Sir, and good, honest men seem to be in short supply these days. Kanzar certainly isn’t one, and I am not sure what game Onius is playing these days either. I probably do trust Onius still, but I am being cautious in that regard. Bakari is a good man and, possibly, the only one I am sure of that I can trust, but we don’t know where he is. I don’t care one way or the other if we have a king, but I am helping you because it is the right thing to do—right now.”
“Well, then I thank you for your help, Roland. And may you continue to make good choices in the future.”
“I will send some hand-picked men to you, but you should leave soon. I don’t trust Kanzar to keep his word,” Roland said. “Leave tonight before Alana and her men are ready.”
The Chief Judge be
gan to walk away, when Roland called him back again.
“Have you heard from Bak at all?”
Daymian shook his head. “No, I haven’t, Roland. I hope he is safe and doing well.”
“Me, too,” Roland said, turning down another hallway in the Citadel. “I do miss teasing that kid sometimes.”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Alli and Gorn had ridden hard for two days. In a few hours, they would come to the Dunn River with, hopefully, a place to cross. Little of note had happened so far, and Gorn had stayed unusually quiet. His face was stern, and his forehead carried new wrinkles under his graying hairline. Alli had been patient and had tried not to interrupt his thoughts, but her young, inquisitive mind could stand it no longer.
“Gorn. What is going through your mind?” Alli said. “Your face is battle ready, but there is no danger around us.”
He glanced her way and said nothing for a moment. Then he let out a great sigh, as if he’d finally resolved something in his mind. “Not all battles are external, my young apprentice. Some are fought within us.”
“You are unusually poetic today.” Alli laughed, her short hair bouncing around to the steady gallop of her brown horse.
Gorn’s deep blue eyes pierced her sparkling green ones as he kept an even pace with her, though his horse was quite a bit larger. “How do you stay so happy and optimistic in these times, Alli? You saw what it was like at the Citadel. War is brewing, and I’m afraid we are being thrust into its center.”
“Didn’t you teach me in battle to only focus on what I can control? I can control how I feel and how I react to what’s going on around me. I choose to be happy.”
Now it was Gorn’s turn to laugh. And laugh he did. So much so that he had to slow down. “Let’s stop to eat,” he said after he got control of himself. “There is a nice shady spot by a stream over there. The horses are thirsty, and I am hungry.”
Alli was caught up in his mirth. “When are you not hungry, Gorn? The day I see you not hungry, I will know something is wrong.”