An Empire Forged

by Michael Greenfield

  We’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way then.

  How long before Dorrin and Farsighter reach Joorat?”

  Luda studied the map a moment before responding, “If they left immediately after Tamala contacted them, then they should land in another four or five days.”

  “Harlin, if you’re committing as many troops as you think, will that leave you exposed up here?”

  The dwarf paused a moment before responding, “It shouldn’t cause undue issues. Most of those staying can remain behind either the walls of Dwarfhome or set defences around mine entrances.

  It wouldn’t really be worth anyone’s attempting to take either. The mines would be practically impregnable, whilst here the only route for assault is across the pasture. Ordering a charge across open ground toward a well defended wall isn’t the kind of order that endears an officer to his men.”

  Collett leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment. “Well, I don’t think there’s an awful lot more we can come up with regarding the coming campaign.

  What about our other challenges?”

  Luda glanced at Tamala, indicating she should speak. “I’ve spoken with Luda about our task already.

  Our best option would be to employ the travel spell I used to help us escape Mid’gra to reach Joorat. That should save most of us some time, once I establish the gate then everyone who needs to can use it.”

  “What of the danger of our unseen observer?” It was Cal who spoke, referring to the presence that seemed to be able to detect Tamala when she used her newfound powers over any significant distance.

  “This particular spell doesn’t seem to attract their attention, at least it didn’t the last time we used it.

  From Joorat well take a ship to the western edge of the mountains and make our way to the Seer’s temple. It would save us having to travel through Shaler held lands and it will be quicker.”

  Collett nodded as she spoke, “It makes a lot of sense.

  Any chance you could open a gate to Bora and then another to Joorat from there?”

  “Unfortunately not. I’ve not spent as much time in Bora as I have in Joorat so I’m much more familiar with Joorat. I think for something like this we need to stick to familiar, that’s the same reason for using the ship from Joorat.”

  Vorston grinned, “You’ll get no argument from me on that.”

  They all joined in the humour of the moment before Collett drew them back to the serious points they were discussing.

  “That covers Tamala reaching the Temple, and ourselves reaching the army. Now we all wait with bated breath to learn the detail of Her Majesty’s plan for Galorn.”

  “Commander!” Cal could see that Collett was trying not to grin and found he had to fight the impulse himself.

  “If you must know, I plan to keep everything in the family. At least, to begin with.”

  Now Collett looked intrigued as he pondered the statement. The silence lasted a few seconds before Luda suddenly laughed out loud. “Kormick!”

  Collett slapped his forehead in disbelief that he hadn’t thought of it himself. “Your uncle?”

  “Of course,” Myriana looked surprised that Collett hadn’t figured it out himself. “If I can reach Kormick then he should be able to help with bringing Galorn back under its own control.”

  Cal was looking lost, he had no idea who Kormick was. Fortunately, Tamala saw the look in his face.

  “Don’t look so worried Cal. Duke Kormick is Myriana’s uncle on her mother’s side. Her mother was from northern Galorn originally.

  But will Kormick be able to provide the support you need?” she asked of her Queen.

  “He’s always had a loud voice in the Council, I’d be very surprised if he couldn’t drum up enough support for us amongst not just the Lords, but also with the military.

  We don’t know for sure how far Mythra have infiltrated so we’ll have to move carefully, and one of the first things we will need to discover is exactly what has happened to the King.”

  “Agreed,” Collett addressed the others, “It would appear that Her Majesty has given some thought to her plans,” he winked at her, “so I think we all know enough to at least start things moving.

  Now that we have the basics sorted, I would advise you all to think through what you have to do. I’m suggesting that we start putting things in motion tomorrow, no point in racing off with half the day already gone.”

  Each nodded agreement, before standing from the table and leaving to be with their own thoughts for a while.

  Departures

  As they walked away Collett motioned for Myriana to wait a moment. He waited for the others to exit the room before he spoke.

  “I just wanted to say something before you go.”

  “Oh?”

  “I have to admit that I was worried as to how your captivity and the loss of your father was going to affect you,” he raised a hand as she began to interrupt, “let me finish.

  What I’ve seen in the last few days is a young girl who is obviously in a lot of pain. I’ve also seen a young Queen who has put aside that pain and is trying to do what she thinks is right.

  I couldn’t think of a better way to honour your father, my friend, than what you are doing right here.”

  She looked shocked as he finished, “But, I thought you were against what I’ve proposed?”

  “I am, I still think its too dangerous for you to travel to Galorn, but I have to agree that I can’t think of a different plan with as good a chance of success.

  And there is the fact that my Queen ended the discussion by pointing out as much.”

  This time she smiled, “Did you like that?”

  “Not really.

  I would ask one thing of you though, listen to Cal. I know he’s young and lacks experience in the murky world of politics, but he has good natural instincts.

  I think that should we all somehow survive this, he will prove to be a great boon to your rule.”

  Cal waited for Tamala to close the door to their room before he spoke, “Have you been plotting with Myriana?”

  “Plotting, what are you talking about?”

  He swept the redhead into his arms, giving her a quick kiss, then released her as she started giggling.

  “You’ve been drinking too much with Vorston and Harlin.”

  Cal laughed aloud at that, “I wish, Her Majesty has made me a Baron. I seem to recall you once saying that organising titles for me so we could marry wouldn’t be that hard.”

  Tamala joined his laughter, “Gods, I’d completely forgotten about that. No, I didn’t say anything to Myri. Anything she’s awarded to you is completely on your own merit, though I suppose I could nudge her along with those rewards if you want?” She flashed an impish smile as Cal continued to chuckle.

  “That makes you a Knight as well doesn’t it? In that case Sir Baron, what would you like to do for the remainder of the day?”

  Unsaid between them was the fact that the next morning they would both be travelling to opposite ends of the land, and that was no telling when they would see each other again.

  “I’m guessing we can think of something,” so saying, he wrapped her in his arms again and simply held her, savouring everything he could about her.

  The following morning saw them all meet again after they breakfasted. Cal, Astridson and Myriana were wearing travelling clothes, which in Myriana’s case had been provided by the dwarves. Although she had been wearing such clothes when she had been captured, no amount of effort had kept them even halfway presentable during the months she had spent with the Shaler and the J’dar.

  Astridson had sent word to the Makkisen the evening before, asking for them to return from the pastures they had been resting in for the last couple of days and the three of them had arrived earlier that morning,

  Supplies had been organised and everything was as prepared as it could be, so the farewells were relatively short.

  Astridson mounted Kosmiir and turned to th
e others, “I bid you all luck. I think we’ll all need some before this is over.”

  Vorston grinned, “You’re not wrong there. Make sure you take good care of the Queen, I’ve taken a liking to the girl and really wouldn’t like to see anything happen to her.”

  “I will.”

  Myriana turned in her saddle, “And you to Master Dwarf. You’re a bit rough and ready, but I’d also be upset should anything happen to you.”

  They all had a good laugh, though most also noted Cal and Tamala, although they joined in the laughter, had eyes for no-one but each other.

  Astridson interrupted gently, “I think we should be going.” He turned Kosmiir toward the gate, were an escort of forty dwarves awaited, and started out. The other two followed in short order.

  Cal glanced over his shoulder as they went, seeing Tamala struggling not to cry as they left.

  Collett turned to the remainder of the group, “I think we should be moving as well.

  My Lady,” he addressed the young sorceress, “do you need a short rest?”

  “No,” she forced a smile, “I’ll be ready as soon as we’ve got ourselves organised.”

  Collett nodded, then started back toward the room he had been using the last few days to get his things together. Once there he gathered his clothing, again most of which had been supplied by the dwarves, and also a new sword to replace the one lost in Mid’gra.

  It wasn’t the same as his old blade, he’d had that for too many years for him to feel instantly comfortable with a new blade, but it was an exquisite blade in its own right.

  The weight and balance were superb, more than making up for his unfamiliarity with it, and the pommel was topped with a smooth imprint of a dragon’s head. He smiled as he drew it from its scabbard and gave it a quick flourish.

  Still smiling, he returned it to its home and placed it atop the small pile he had created on his bed. He had been given a travel bag, which he quickly filled, and then grabbed his cloak. Taking a last glance round the room to make sure he’d not missed anything, he closed the door behind him and headed back to the main hall to reconvene before they ‘travelled’ to Joorat.

  Most of the others were there, Luda being the only one who hadn’t returned yet. Tamala was stood alone, quietly composing herself, as she prepared to open a passage between Dwarfhome and Joorat. A task that just a few months ago she herself would have stated as being quite impossible.

  Harlin strode up to Collett, “We’ll hold here for the next few weeks while we get everyone together, then start to move southwest then west.

  We’ll look to meet up with your forces southeast of Miri and then take stock before we move further.”

  “Sounds good.” The dwarf went to turn away before Collett spoke again, “Harlin, take care.”

  The dwarf looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, “I’d prefer being lucky to being careful.”

  Collett laughed out loud, causing people to turn to look at him, “Then try both.”

  “I will,” the two gripped wrists before Harlin turned away and moved to several other dwarves who stood on the far side of the hall.

  The Islander glanced at Tamala, “Ready?”

  Grabbing her travel bag from the floor, she nodded. “Let’s do this.

  I’ll need a space so if everyone would stand behind me.”

  She closed her eyes as the group moved back, giving her a clear area in front of her. In her mind she tried to visualize Joorat, drawing on memories of when she schooled there.

  Her thoughts were drawn to memories of her old room, the soft bed she’d had there, and the small fireplace situated to one side.

  Her eyes snapped open as a milky curtain seemed to appear before her, and after a few moments they could all see the room in question through the pale, shimmering veil.

  Then they heard a scream.

  Collett was the first to step through, to see a young girl cowering against the far wall, hands drawn tightly up to her chin and shaking with fright. He dropped his own travel bag and quickly moved to her side, wrapping an arm about her shoulder and trying to calm her as she strained to try and pull away.

  The door to the room slammed open as two young students raced in to answer the scream. Their eyes went slightly wild when they took in the scene before them, as Luda and Vorston had also just appeared in the room. A few moments later Tamala herself appeared and the gateway abruptly blinked out of existence.

  “Hold!” Collett’s voice was loud and commanding, causing both young men to stop in their tracks. The Commander returned his attention to the girl he held, continuing to try and sooth her. He glanced at the sorceress, “Tamala.”

  She quickly moved to his side and took over calming the unfortunate student.

  Collett looked toward the two men who had rushed in, “Who’s in charge here?”

  Both looked shocked, firstly at the scene before them, and secondly at being addressed so abruptly. “Er, Lord Sellig.”

  “Where is he?”

  “The council chambers,” the student who had answered pointed vaguely back out the room.

  “Take us there,” he returned his attention to Tamala and the young girl, “will you catch up with us?”

  Looking up Tamala answered, “Yes, I know where the council chambers are. I’ll be with you as soon as I get her calmed down.”

  Collett motioned for the student to lead the way, “We need to see Lord Sellig immediately.”

  In less than five minutes they were shown to the large set of wooden doors that led into the main council chamber. The Commander knew that the council chamber itself was set within the main building of the Joorat University, the school at which most of the magic users in the kingdom had learnt their first spells. He also knew that it served as the ruling body for much of the southern portion of the Kingdom of Boraan, so he was hopeful that they would be able to speak almost immediately to the people that they needed to.

  The doors were swung open, revealing a fairly standard meeting room. Quite long, with a table set in the middle surrounded by chairs. Seated at roughly half of them were a gathering of men and women ranging from early twenties through to the senior looking man at the head of the table, who appeared to be in his late sixties to early seventies.

  “What is the meaning of this?” the elderly man’s voice was deep and commanding.

  “You would be Lord Sellig?” Collett could see the assembled sets of eyes drawn past him as Luda and Vorston entered the room. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met, Commander Avrim Collett of Her Majesty’s Royal Guard.”

  “Commander? Her Majesty? I think you’d better to start at the beginning.” He seemed to relax a bit as the Commander strode to a nearby seat and sat, motioning for his friends to do the same.

  “It’s quite a story My Lord.”

  Half an hour later Sellig slumped back in his own chair.

  “Is it really that bad? We’d realised that there must have been some sort of agreement between the J’dar and Shalers, but Mythraan as well.

  And how could you let Her Majesty ride off on her own?”

  Collett chuckled, “It’s not as if I had much choice, she is the Queen at the end of the day, and I’m trained to take orders. I might not like them, but I always obey them.”

  The older man sighed, “I know that feeling Commander. What do you intend to do now?” They were interrupted by the arrival of Tamala. Collett raised an eyebrow but she just slightly shook her head, an exasperated look on her face.

  “She took longer to calm down than I thought. I suppose I should have thought that through before we travelled.

  The poor girl has my old room and I guess I didn’t think of what it would look like to anyone on the opposite side.”

  Sellig gave a questioning look, “Lady Tamala?”

  Her eyes opened wider as she recognised the man at the head of the table, “Sellig, I’ve not seen you for three years. You’re looking older.”

  “Thanks, it comes with finding you
rself in charge of this mess,” he gestured toward an open window at the rear of the room. “Fortunately, it now looks as if I’ll have someone else to pass it all on to.”

  “I think not My Lord,” Collett indicated that Tamala should sit, “Vorston and myself will be heading north in a few days to join the army, and Tamala and Luda will be heading west to try and reach the Seers.”

  One of the other councillors who had remained to listen to Collett’s story indicated a question, “I’m still not sure I understand how it was you managed to travel from Dwarfhome to Joorat.”

  “Tamala,” he thought it easier to allow her to explain.

  “Where to start?” The redhead was silent a moment as she gathered her thoughts, “We here all know that there are limitations to magic unless we are willing to take life, something I’m sure you all find as distasteful as I do.” There were nods about the table in agreement.

  “Whilst we travelled, I spoke to the Light at Agorel, and another who seems to know a lot more than he would tell. I had my eyes opened to the fact that most mages throughout history held to the same beliefs, so how did they manage some of the feats attributed to them?”

  “Source magic, you’ve been shown how to access source magic.” Sellig’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How?”

  “By trickery to begin with,” she grinned, “I thought my magic was being aided by the Lighters, I didn’t know I was doing it on my own. That’s part of the problem, you must believe that you can do it and my own mind was just too set for it to do it any other way.

  I’d guess that you are all probably of the same mould.”

  This time it was Sellig who smiled, “Mould. Gods, I’m so set I probably am the mould.”

  “I need to reach the Seers to find the knowledge that will allow me to train others to use this power, but I’m not sure how easy its going to be for established magic users.”

  “I can see the issues.

  So Commander, what will you be wanting from ourselves?”

  “Mostly assistance in communications. We’ve received information which leads us to believe that we want to use as little battle magic as possible, so I’m afraid your roles will be relegated for a while until we understand more.”