Wizard's Call

by Luna Lais

  "The brother and the sister make sense, it is there right as Ronans." Tobias said after a few moments. "I am not disappointed by you either. The king was wise to chose you for his sister."

  "He did not choose me," Eranen said. "At the time it seemed healthier to wait until the deed was done before telling him." Tobias smiled at Eranen's words. It was nice to know that those close to the king were not afraid to oppose him when necessary, especially if this king was as stubborn as his ancestors.

  "What of these Hikirians you mentioned? What can you tell me of them?" Tobias asked.

  "Very little," Eranen replied. "One is a member of the royal guard in Hokaren, the other the princess of Hokaren. I have seen them only once and for a short time." He offered no more information about Cate or the Lady Allista. He had only given what was already common knowledge in Calandoria.

  "The others from Calandoria you spoke of are they soldiers as well?" Tobias asked.

  Again Eranen limited his answer to information Tobias could gather in the first town they came to. "One is a lady who worked in the castle as a ladies maid before Darien became king; the other is one of his generals."

  Tobias stopped and turned to Eranen disbelieving his words. "What purpose could a ladies maid serve on a king's council?"

  "She is our conscience," Eranen replied, not adding that Makren had insisted Darien give her Rachel's medallion so she would be protected after his death.

  "Is she a good one?" Tobias turned back towards the path moving forward. Eranen had almost answered yes, be then remembered it was Kiala who had devised the plan for destroying the Temple of the Moon and the Order of Colondone. It had been Lissandra's conscience that had spared the latter.

  "We are almost there," Tobias pointed to the horizon. "Last year if you stood here you would have seen the top of the library, I mean Temple of the Moon above the trees. Of course it is gone now. From what I gather no trace, not one stone remains. It is just gone." Eranen said nothing. It was scary how close Tobias's words matched his thoughts. His eyes scanned the horizon. They were just beginning to enter Calandoria and were doing so much closer to Rorgrim than he had expected. The majestic trees of the Colondone Forest loomed before them.

  After a few more Moran Tobias stopped abruptly and sat down on a large white stone. He pulled off his packs and turned to Eranen. "We wait here. They will come to meet us and we will ride the rest of the way." Eranen removed his own packs and leaned them against the stone. The large stone had captured his attention. He had never seen anything like it in nature. It look as if it had been placed there intentionally, but who could have possibly move a stone so large and why place it here? "We used it for human sacrifices back in my day. For the last 800 years or so I have been using it as a place to sit and rest." Tobias flashed a big smile towards Eranen, who had realized he was joking.

  "Where did it come from really?"

  Tobias's face grew serious, "When I was young," he said softly, "I made sculptures. This stone had been intended for one. A friend found it for me, but war, love, destinies and promises kept me from using my chisel on it," he gave a small laugh. "I have not held a chisel in over 400 years; I wonder if I would remember how to carve."

  "Did you carve the cave?" Eranen asked wondering how long that must have taken.

  "No," Tobias said appalled at the thought. "There was a beautiful girl with some amazing talents who shaped that cave for her and my cousin. They would often meet there to keep anyone from discovering their relationship." Tobias's word carried a tone of sadness. It must have been hard for him to watch those he loved grow old and die while he remained forever young.

  "I took your grandmother there once," Tobias said rubbing his chin. "She punched me so hard I was sure that my jaw had been broken."

  "Serves you right for trying to seduce her," Eranen said.

  "I didn't take her there to seduce her. I took her there to say goodbye. She never took saying goodbye well. It was too final. She had always been so sure we would see each other again."

  "Did you?" Eranen asked.

  "No, we never did," Tobias said quietly.

  Chapter 55

  "Do you think we will be marching today?" Lawwe asked Darien, who was standing outside his tent watching the sun rise over the camp. They had been camped outside the town of Waverly for two weeks and the soldier with him was growing impatient for this war to begin.

  Darien ignored the sarcasm in Lawwe' voice. The latest scouting reports had arrived late in the night and he had been planning his next steps ever since. "Why march when the enemy brings the battle to us. Forek will appear on the other side of Waverly by dinner time tonight."

  "That is a bold move. I thought for sure he would move his army South and join Norris." Lawwe said as he looked out of the camp. Most of the men still slept and everything was peaceful at this time of the morning.

  "The real battle for Pearoandorn will be fought against Norris. For now I see no need to wear my men out marching after every nobleman with an army. Let the enemy wear their soldiers out either marching to meet me or to join Norris."

  "Are you sure that is the only reason remain here," Lawwe said glance toward Darien's tent.

  "I can assure you strategy is the only reason we stay. I doubt the Lady Ashebourn is foolish enough to return home with my army so close. Even if she was to return I doubt she would still have the dagger in her possession." His pride had been prick by her treachery, but he was over it. "It was just a dagger. I can have another made once this business in Pearoandorn is over."

  "Sire," both Darien and Lawwe turned to see a young soldier heading towards them. "The is a messenger asking for entrance into the camp," he said bowing on one knee.

  "A messenger from where?" Lawwe asked as Darien motioned for the man to stand.

  "From Lord Forek," the man replied breathing heavily after running the length of his post on watch to where Darien's tent stood. Darien made no comment. He looked at the man before him. He looked no older than Molly.

  "What is the message?" Lawwe asked. The young man uncomfortable with Darien's silence turned to Lawwe.

  "Lord Forek wishes an audience with his majesty at the midday hour, my lord." This was not something Darien had anticipated.

  "Grant his request." Darien said signaling the boy to leave.

  Lawwe had wanted to ask the soldier more questions and sighed as he watched him run back through the camp towards his post. "He is to young to be in the army," Darien said as he too watched the boy speed through the sleeping camp.

  "All men are to young for war, but each man seeks it to fulfill some private need. For him I wager it his home land of Calandoria, where only those men who serve can make their way. For you it is to protect those you care for and for me it is to protect Raven's past, present and future." Lawwe said smiling at Darien.

  "I am not sure the Raven's are worthy," Darien smiled back, "but we are honored."

  Lawwe laughed. "Maybe you are unworthy, but not Lissandra and my debt to your brother I could never repay." Darien was reminded of Moran by Lawwe' words. He had not told Lawwe of his plans for Moran. Makren was the only one who he had trusted completely with his plan.

  "Do you think Forek comes to negotiate a treaty?" Lawwe asked changing the subject to more serious matters.

  "I know Forek well," Darien replied. "He does not negotiate for anything. With him there is only the right side and the wrong side, no middle ground. I can only assume he has not yet decided his position in this war."

  "Do you think he can be swayed to join us?" Lawwe asked surprised that a Pearoandorn noble might voluntarily support Darien's campaign.

  "Let us hope," Darien said before turning and heading towards his tent. Lawwe took one last look at the rising sun before heading in the opposite direction to begin preparing for Forek's visit.

  Forek had arrived precisely at midday as was agreed. He entered the camp with only a few guards all of them unarmed. Darien watched as the man he had fought so many battles
with in aid of Maeorus approached. It took brave men to enter the enemy's camp without any weapons Darien admired Forek for making the decision. It was a decision Darien himself was relieved to see. It meant Forek had not yet decided which side of this war he was on. Lawwe stood next to Darien in front of his tent. At Darien's nod he removed his sword and laid it on the ground next to the canvas.

  Once Forek had reached them ceremony dictated that Forek should approach and knell before him as a respect to his title as King, regardless of the land he reigned over. As Forek did this Darien took in the changes in the man that had occurred since he had seen him last. His brown hair had begun to gray slightly at his temples in the last three years. While the wrinkles around his eyes were not deep, they were there. He turned his brown eyes to Darien, "Your majesty," he said meeting Darien's gaze. "It has been along time."

  "Indeed it has," Darien said motioning for him to stand. "I have had a meal prepared in honor of your visit," he motioned towards the tent. "I would be honored if you would share it with me."

  Forek readily agreed and turned to his men giving them a nod before following Darien into the tent. Lawwe went as far as the entrance before turning his back to the occupants and standing watching Forek's men for any sign of trickery. He would stand just outside the tent until the meeting was over or Darien called in need of his aid.

  "Come and sit," Darien said opening a bottle of wine for them to enjoy with their meal. Forek did as he was asked and Darien filled a cup for both of them before sitting across from him.

  "Forgive me, your majesty for showing up so unexpectedly." Forek began.

  "Please my friend," Darien said interrupting. "We have known each other to long for titles. I could not bear it if you did not call me Darien."

  Forek nodded before smiling, "It is good to see you have not lost your honor, Darien," he said. "Maeorus changed after the crown was finally his, not in a bad way," Forek added, "he was just different. He no longer laughed with his friends and none of them called him Maeorus any longer."

  "The burden of a crown affects each man who wears it differently I suppose," Darien took a sip from his cup as he studied the man. "Tell me why did you ask for this audience?"

  "I could not stomach it if rule of Pearoandorn fell to Norris. His corruptness would drive all the good out of my home land. That does not mean I relish the thought of it being absorbed into Calandoria, but you are the lesser of the two evils." Now that Darien had drunk from his cup, Forek followed suit.

  "So you have come to surrender your army to me?" Darien asked watching the man in front of him for any sign that he might be playing Darien false.

  "If that is the price you require," Forek agreed. "However, that had not been my intent in this meeting. Although I knew it would probably be a requirement of your trust. I came to warn you. Even as we speak a new enemy is preparing to march upon you from the east, the bulk of the Hikirian army will cross the Blood River in three days. That is when Norris will make his move. With the Blue River to the north and the Meandering Meadows to your west you will be trapped between the two forces."

  "The Hikirian army," Darien said in disbelief. "The queen would never send her troops against me," he said confidently.

  "I was there," Forek said sitting his cup down on the table. "The King and the Queen both signed the treaty with Norris."

  "King?" Darien asked confused. "What King?"

  "The Lady Allista married her cousin Moraken a fortnight ago uniting Hokaren and strengthening the Forstar hold on the kingdom." Forek said with disgust.

  "The Lady Allista married," Darien said leveling his eyes on the man, "You are sure of it?"

  "Many of the nobles from Pearoandorn were at the wedding, myself included." Forek nodded. "What's wrong?" he asked noticing Darien's pallor had changed.

  "Nothing," Darien lied. It couldn't be true, it just wasn't possible and yet why would Forek lie. He couldn't have known that Darien had even ever met the Lady Allista much less that he had feelings for her.

  "If we were to combine our armies," Forek began, "and marched on Norris now there would be a chance that he could be defeated before the Hikirians arrived at our backs. It would be a hard battle, but together we would stand at least a chance at driving them from Pearoandorn and back to Hokaren."

  Darien knew he really had no choice. It would take to long for him to send to Calandoria where the bulk of his army was still preparing for the war with Descartes. He had only brought what he thought would be needed to conquer Pearoandorn. He had never dreamed he would battle Hokaren as well. "Lawwe," Darien called to his friend. The man entered immediately at his call, but froze in place when he saw the look in his eyes.

  "Darien?" he questioned forgetting his title.

  "Ready the men we march immediately," Darien said turning back to Forek. "To where?" Lawwe asked. "First to meet Norris and then to Hokaren. We will not be resting until Calandoria holds the capital city of Adeline."

  "Darien," Lawwe whispered softly. When Darien turned his pain filled eyes towards him he made no other comments. He backed out the tent and hurried to do his king's bidding.

  Chapter 56

  "I know, I know, I know," Kale yelled. "Do you think constantly repeating yourself is going to make this wagon move any faster? She tightened her hold on the reigns and flicked them hard urging the horses pulling the old wooden wagon to move faster.

  "Kale," She turned at the sound of Menas's voice. He was starring, confused by her outburst. "Were late," she said fuming. "They are waiting for us at the meeting stone and Mr. High and Mighty is tired and hungry and doesn't understand why it's taking so long for us to arrive." Menas made no comment, but continued starring. He might have read a book that explained Kale's connection with this man, but his mind was still having a hard time accepting it.

  "Hand me my bag please Menas." He turned to the back of the wagon and grabbed a worn leather satchel just behind the seat. He picked up and held it out to her. "Here," she said thrusting the reigns into his hands. He kept one eye on the trail ahead of them and the other on Kale as she began to rummage through the bag.

  He almost burst out laughing when she pulled a handful of pink hair ribbons out of the satchel before throwing back into the back of the wagon. He continued driving as she methodically began tying the ribbons in her hair. She looked utterly ridiculous. Her hair too short to properly tie the ribbons into and when she was done it looked as if long pink vines were growing from her head. She turned and smiled at him, "You like pink, don't you Menas." Menas understanding her game nodded. "I love pink, especially on a girl as pretty as you." She reached out for the reigns, but Menas shook his head. This unknown man could not blame her for their pace if he was the one driving.

  "Can I ask you a question," Menas said softly as he slowed the pace of the horses. She turned her head no longer smiling and nodded.

  "Why me?" he said. "Why tell me?" She swallowed and pursed her lips. "I don't know," she shrugged. "I liked your company that first night over dinner and your presence the last couple of weeks has made me feel safe, like before my grandfather died. It has only been a month since I lost him." She turned and smiled at him. "I needed a friend who would understand, someone who wouldn't be afraid of the unknown. You have fought in countless battles. You are a lieutenant in the finest army in the world. You aren't afraid of anything," she finished.

  "Is that what you think of me?" He smiled at her timid nod. "I'm not afraid of you Kale, quite the opposite. You fascinate me. You have since I first laid eyes on you, but your other half. I'm not sure he is the kind of person I would offer my friendship too and I am not sure how I can be friends with you and not with him"

  "He doesn't like you either," she whispered. "He thinks you a dandy."

  "He does?" Menas almost laughed, but he was trying to have a serious conversation. "Oh yes and other things that I can not repeat, not in front of civilized company." Menas frowned at her words. The man in question would only have Kale's knowledge of hi
m to base an opinion on. How was it, Kale could like him and not the unknown man? What had he done that might possibly offend the man? Menas paled and looked back at Kale's lips.

  "I see them," she stood up and began waving wildly at a man dressed in coarse brown robes and another man Menas recognized immediately as Lord Palek. Shivers ran down his spine, everything he had seen and read were true.

  Eranen watched as the wagon containing Lieutenant Alridge and the young lady name Kale rolled to a stop just a few feet from Tobias. "Did you bring it?" Tobias demanded as soon as she had finished climbing down. "You know I did. Why do you always have to ask things you already know the answer too," her reply was harsh. Eranen shook his head in disbelief. He had spent the last half hour as he waited with Tobias listening to the man argue with her. There connection was unbelievable. "Sir," Eranen turned to Alridge who had move to stand next to him after climbing down from the wagon. "Well," Eranen said nodding towards the bickering pair next to the wagon. "She is harmless, but him," Menas pointed at Tobias. "He scares me, sir."