Wizard's Call

by Luna Lais

  Rachel stared at him open mouthed; "You want me to rule Calandoria?" Makren heard panic in her voice. So often since he returned he saw fear in her eyes. He had learned from the servants and guards living in the castle that Rachel lived a very sheltered life after what had happened to him. Only those who lived at the castle were ever allowed to see her. First their father had kept her hidden away not allowing her to even enter the courtyard, then Jimreth when she was of age and should have been married would not even allow her to attend social events within the castle. Never once had she attended court as was her right and duty.

  "No, Rachel." Makren rubbed his face with his hands. "I want you to represent Darien until he returns to claim his throne. I have dispatched men to find him and tell him of Jimreth's death. The House of Raven must appear strong, lest we find ourselves fighting for our right to rule what has always been ours."

  "Do you really think it could come to that?" She asked with fear in her voice. She knew little of politics and even less of ruling the kingdom.

  "Our king is dead with no heir, the next in line has not been seen in several years. The youngest brother has been away for even longer and thought dead for years. Many still do not believe I am really the prince, but an imposter. This would be the perfect time for a nobleman with ambition to turn the people against us." Makren said in frustration.

  Rachel nodded in agreement. She had read the history of Pearoandorn and how war over the rule of that country over the centuries had destroyed it time and time again. There was wisdom to Makren's words. "Very well, I will address the people tomorrow and begin holding court." She said still not meeting his eyes. "I will only do this if you agree to act as one of the adjutants and advise me in all matters." She was trembling as her eyes met his. "Promise you will not leave my side."

  "Of course," Makren said smiling at her.

  The next morning Rachel as promised delivered an address to the city of Rorgrim to ease any fear that might linger over Jimreth's death and Darien's delayed return. Makren had written the words for her and though the her speech was read with a shaky voice the nobles and other present seemed to accept her words. She also began holding court, the most tedious of all the king's duties, for her it was not the monotony that bothered her, but the fact that the whole time people stared at her. After several hours of enduring the torture she was just about to call on end to the day when one of the royal guards rushed into the room.

  "My Lady" the royal guard approached Rachel who was seated on the largest of the five golden thrones. Makren was sitting to her right for support. The thrones sat on a long raised dais that was positioned in front of a row of tall windows that ran the length of the room. Running from the door across the white marbled floor was a wide blue rug made special for use in this room. Petitioners entered the room through large double doors framed in by arch. They were led by guards and remained on the rug until reaching the dais. Courtly manners required them to knell before the largest of the thrones and wait for permission before speaking. The process took several minutes given the size of the room and Rachel was growing weary. The room was full of people watching from both sides of the long rug, most nobles vying for attention, the were also common Calandorians there as spectators to the proceedings. The room had more people than usual, not uncommon since it had been weeks since court was held. The summer's heat with so many packed in the room made it stuffy and almost unbearable.

  While the royal family's lives had stood still grieving, first for Maureen and then for Jimreth, life beyond the castle walls had continued. Rachel and Makren had been listening to petitioners without a break since right after her speech. It was the first time any petitioners had been heard since Maureen's death last month, so there were still several more waiting, but none so important they could not return in the morning. "What is it?" she asked as the guard bowed deeply before her.

  "My Lady, the Holy Mothers of the Moon's Soul is seeking an audience with you at once on a matter they say is of grave importance." At his words the quiet chatter that had been going on around the room ceased and all eyes fell on Rachel. She turned her head to Makren and he nodded in response.

  "Very well," she said, "please have them come in."

  The guard hurried out of the room and returned moments later leading three older women. All had gray hair and wore the bright blue robes of the Order of Colondone. They slowly made their way towards the throne taking extremely tiny steps. Rachel knew the women's dress limited the speed of their movements, but the length of the proceedings had limited her patience. She wanted to tell the guard to send them back tomorrow, but Makren's would not have let her. The guard upon reaching the dais bowed before her and left the petitioner's area to stand behind the throne in case he was needed. They waited and watched as the three woman continued their slow approach.

  "Regent of Calandoria" one of the ladies said, "I am Holy Mother Claudette. This is the Mother Norah," she motioned to her right "and the Mother Abby, "she motioned to her left. "We serve as the council at the Temple of Moon's Soul."

  Rachel looked over the three women. Claudette was tall and wiry. Norah, who appeared to be the youngest of the three based on the amount of wrinkles each of them had. Abby was portly and had a large mole on her chin. Each was plain in the face and had gray hair. It was a blessing the Moon had selected them for the Arts because with there looks, Rachel doubt any other would have ever found husbands.

  "It is an honor to have you grace our court, "she smiled. "What can the House of Raven do for you?"

  The one called Claudette took a step forward without permission. This alerted the guard and Makren stayed the man with his hand. "We have a renegade my lady whom we believe is hiding here in Rorgrim."

  Claudette paused looking for a reaction from Rachel or Makren. The crowd move slightly closer and quieted so that all could hear of the renegade.

  "What is it you wish of us?" Makren questioned instead of Rachel.

  "My Lord, as you are aware many who seek the life of the Order choose to leave us after a few years of service. This is permissible, but only through a ceremony, which will drain the woman of her powers. This is what the Moon demands just as it demands that the powers are drained of any woman who possesses the Art of the Moon and chooses not to join the Order of Colondone. The Moon has its reasons for the law. Anyone leaving the Temple without the benefit of the ceremony is still considered part of the Order and therefore puts all of Calandoria in jeopardy of losing the Moon's favor and possibly even incurring the Moon's wrath." Claudette explained to the young Ronans seated before her. Her real purpose in the speech had been to remind the people in the room of what the Order meant to all of Calandoria. She was certain at least the princess was already well versed in the Temple's law.

  "Again Holy Mother, what would you have Raven do for you?" Makren's tone implied he had also lost all his patience for the woman and her speeches.

  "My Lord," Claudette began again, "The Moon's Soul only blesses the kingdom of Calandoria and grants continued prosperity as long as those of the Order remain chaste. If this girl were to involve herself with a man the Moon Arts would leave Calandoria forever. How then could we guarantee rain for the crops each season and keep the major trade routes free of ice and snow come winter. Without the Moon Arts towns near the Blue River or close to a stream might flood. Droughts could plague our land."

  "We all know the dangers of a renegade sister and Raven will aid you in your search of the city, if that is your desire." Rachel announced hoping to end the lecture from Claudette and the proceedings. The crowd applauded in approval at the decision. Rachel blushed at the attention.

  Claudette only smiled and bowed for the first time since reaching the thrones. These children were making it easy for her. "Thank you, my Lady, but there is more regarding this renegade I must tell you."

  "Of course, please continue." Rachel said trying not to sound disrespectful.

  "This young woman committed several offenses against the Moon during
her time with us. On her last night with the Order she stole part of the Glory of the Moon." The room was surrounded with gasp and calls for action from the crowd. Claudette paused pleased by the crowd's response. Once the initial shock quieted she continued. "The Order has marked her for execution."

  "Kill her," a cry came from the back of the large room. The rest of the crowd joined in with other shouts and pleads to have this renegade found and executed for the sake of all Calandoria.

  Rachel turned to Makren unsure what to do. Reluctantly after a few moments he nodded to her again.

  "Of course we will follow the Orders dictates in the matter. The entire kingdom benefits from the blessings of the Moon." Rachel said, quieting the crowd's outrage and again bringing their applause once again.

  It was at that moment Claudette knew for sure that Lissandra was not in Rorgrim. She was also certain that neither Rachel nor Makren had any idea where she was or what had transpired at the Temple of Moon's Soul.

  "Please let us have the name of this traitor to Calandoria and the entire land will be searched until she is found." Rachel said causing the crowd to roar wildly with cheers.

  "Thank you, my Lady," Claudette slowly smiled at them before continuing. "Her name is Lissandra Raven."

  Silence filled the throne room and Makren sprang to his feet. "What manner of lies are these?" He exclaimed.

  "I speak only the truth my Lord. We have many witnesses to her crimes and now her treachery threatens all of Calandoria." Claudette said speaking more to the crowd than to Makren.

  "Holy Mother," Rachel said softly, "Surely you are mistaken. Lissandra has always been the most devoted of the Moon's children."

  "If Lissandra's regard for the Moon's dictates, are any indication of how devoted to the Moon the House of Raven is, then I would declare us all damned." Mother Norah spoke for the first time, her words causing the crowd to demand Raven blood.

  "Silence!" Makren bellowed claiming the attention of everyone in the room. "Claudette," Makren spoke harshly and intentionally leaving off her title. "The House of Raven will aid in your search for Lissandra, but before condemning our sister to death we demand a trial be held, in which she will be given the opportunity to defend herself before your charges."

  "As you wish my Lord, but I must warn you the next Moon ceremony is two weeks away. If Lissandra is not found and returned to the temple by then, the Art of the Moon will be lost forever." Claudette turned and slowly left the room followed by Abby and Norah. Makren and Rachel watched them leaving, saying nothing.

  As soon as the women were out of the room Makren grabbed Rachel's arm yanking her to her feet and called for the king's aids.

  "Court is adjourned for the rest of today," he announced to the crowd. "We must attend to this matter immediately." Dragging Rachel behind him, Makren marched them both out of the hall followed only by the royal guards.

  "What the hell is going on here?" Makren snapped at Rachel as soon as the door to the council room a short distance down the hall was closed.

  "I have no idea. I can not believe Lissandra would betray the Order or Calandoria," Rachel answered as she sank into one of the chairs around the council table.

  "Then why make the claim?" Makren asked pacing the small room.

  "What are we going to do?" Rachel asked looking to Makren for reassurance that everything would be fine.

  Makren stopped his pacing and looked at his sister, "We are going to find Lissandra by the end of the week. If not, there will be only one way to appease the Moon. I am surprised Claudette did not mention it at court." Rachel paled at the grave tone in which he spoke.

  "The Order of Colondone will demand a blood sacrifice from a relative in order to strip her abilities without her being present. If it comes to that the people will rally behind the Holy Mother." Makren sat down in one of the many other chairs at the council table. He was running his hands through his hair. Rachel watched him taking in his words.

  The door opened and the other adjutants could enter the room. Once they were all seated Makren addressed them. "Every able bodied man in Rorgrim will search for her, including the royal guard. Search every corner in the kingdom until she is found."

  Makren turned to Rachel and softly whispered "Do not fret, if it comes to the end I will take her place. I have been dead before." Rachel began to softly cry in her hands.

  Chapter 10

  Eranen was sitting in his barn smiling at himself as he continued to count the gold and silver coins that lay on the table in front of him. He was wearing a new blue cotton shirt, new brown leather boots and new pants made of a soft brown material. He still wore his thick black belt around his waist; it had not needed replacing. His sword was still carelessly pushed through his belt and hung at his side. There would definitely be enough here to finish the house he thought. He had become so miserly with his coin lately his clothes had become deplorable, but he was saving for something. With the extra income from the stallions he had almost met his goal and felt he could splurge just a little for some basic necessities. He had sold all but two of the horses the men dressed in black had brought with them. By the end of the month he would be living in a comfortable home hidden by the woods at the edge of his property.

  If his harvest was as good as he expected he would have enough money to make his journey to the Northern Mountains come spring. That of course meant he expected there to be a spring. Eranen sobered at where his thoughts took him. He had not thought of the prophecy in the week since Darien had left. He still did not believe he had any importance to the fate of the world. Uneasiness settled over him. It was only two more months until his birthday. Would the sun come to him before then, or should he be looking for it? What of his desire? Which desire did the prophecy speak of? Eranen rose and headed for the double doors at the front of the barn. He had to look at his books on the Acumen prophecies again. The answer must lie in them somewhere.

  Once outside the barn Eranen walked with purpose towards the dilapidated shack a short distance away. He was so consumed with thought he did not notice the approaching riders, not even when they stopped in front of the shack and dismounted.

  "Eranen" Darien called to Eranen waving his arm to get the man's attention.

  Eranen jumped at the noise and looked up to see Darien standing before him with what Eranen would later describe as the most beautiful woman in the world, well once he could think straight enough to form a complete thought that was. Eranen was sure both poems and songs had been written to immortalize her for all time. Had Eranen had the talent to write poetry himself he would have been tempted to do so with her as the inspiration. After staring for a few moments more he sighed and turned towards Darien.

  "Darien Raven, my friend." Eranen smiled. "Did your horse forget the way home or have you lost your sense of directions?" Both men laughed and grasp hands in friendship.

  "Neither," Darien said releasing Eranen's hand. "When I last left, you said I only need ask if ever I needed your aid."

  "Indeed I did," Eranen said smiling at him. "Whatever your request you have only to ask?"

  "It is good to see you again," Darien said smiling back at him. "I believe I mentioned the night we first met that it was unwise for two drunken warriors to try and decipher prophecies."

  "I told you as much, but what has that to do with me helping you?" Eranen asked raising his eyebrows and stealing another glance towards the woman.

  Darien turned and pulled Lissandra forward to meet Eranen. He did not notice the slight blush on her cheeks. He was to mesmerized by her silver eyes.

  "May I present my sister, Lissandra" he said.

  "Welcome, my Lady," Eranen said meeting her eyes with his own as he gave her a deep bow. He hoped he had concealed the disappointment in his voice. She was his friend's sister, such a shame. He had never seen silver eyes before they were captivating.

  "I think we had it all wrong," Darien interrupted his thoughts. "I think Lissandra is your Moon and your Sun."

  "W
hat?" Eranen exclaimed confused by his words.

  "It pains me to say it, but I found her on her way here, to find you, " Darien paused while Eranen digested this information. "Yet another prophecy was sending her here to meet you."

  "If I never hear another prophecy again," Eranen started then looked at Lissandra, "but this one does not seem nearly as bad as the last. How is it you came to believe she was both the Sun and the Moon?"

  "She is a daughter of the Moon trained by the Order of Colondone." Darien said.

  Eranen was impressed and deflated all at the same time. The most beautiful creature ever to grace the world stood before him, yet she was forbidden by the Order to even speak to him. "Well that explains the Moon, but what of the Sun."