Champion of the Gods Box Set

by Andrew Q. Gordon

“Okay, bring me the first stone.” Farrell made a mental count of how many balls he’d created. “Only eighty-three sites.”

  Stone in hand, Miceral moved through the Door and placed it on top of the ball of energy. The globe expanded until it engulfed the stone, leaving a faint bluish hue.

  “Go ahead and get the next one. I won’t be too long here.” Focused on the job, Farrell didn’t look up to see Peter and Miceral head back to the warehouse.

  Careful to shield his work, Farrell linked the stone to the central reservoir, set the wavelength, and opened a line that he tethered to himself. Once all eighty-three stones were set, he’d tie the lines together to form the shield.

  Before he left Haven, Farrell had filled his staff and a few objects capable of storing large amounts of power. By the time he was a quarter finished, he felt the first push of energy from the central stone. Rather than get a continuous trickle of power, he nearly drained the stone, storing it in one of his now-empty vessels. Given how fast the wizards expanded the grid, he might need a few more storage units to handle the influx of energy.

  Each stone took about three minutes to complete. By the time he finished number forty-one, the sun had crested the halfway mark to the horizon. Even this far north, daylight ended quicker than he’d like. That made it a race to see if he could finish before nightfall.

  At the seventieth site, he pulled five new storage vessels to hold the energy the central stone sent him. He’d forgotten to account for the greater rate of collection with the addition of a new area to the grid. When he finished for the day, he’d release the energy into the grid so it could be reabsorbed and channeled to the outer stones.

  The sun had started to disappear over the western sea, and nine stones remained. It might be dusk before he finished, but at least it wouldn’t be completely dark. Just as he set the seventy-fifth stone, Peter appeared with a plate of food.

  “Miceral said to eat this or he won’t bring out another stone.” Peter shrugged as if to say, Don’t blame me, I’m just the messenger, but held the plate steady until Farrell took it.

  “I really appreciate you keeping us company,” Farrell said between mouthfuls. “Especially for staying with Miceral. I’ve got enough to keep me occupied. It would have been deathly boring for him without you.”

  Peter flashed him a smile. “I’m happy to help. Besides, Miceral promised to take me to Haven to meet unicorns. He said I might even be allowed to ride one.”

  Swallowing the last bit of food, he handed Peter the empty plate. “I’ll ask Nerti to find someone willing to let you ride as a thank-you for all your help.”

  The sun had almost entirely dipped below the sea when Farrell finished the second-to-last stone. Hovering at the edge of the northern cliff face, he waited for Miceral to bring him the last one. Farrell floated it over the water until he reached the last marker. The pale orange ball sat atop the gentle current, keeping the position it had held all day. Completing his work, he dropped the stone, letting it sink to the ocean floor.

  Having drawn steadily on the reservoir, the central stone didn’t have enough power built up again to test the flow to his eighty-three points. It didn’t matter. Once he emptied the excess energy into the central stone, he could adjust the flow from inside the city. If any problems occurred, he’d deal with them tomorrow.

  Satisfied with the day’s work, he stepped down for the first time in hours. Raising his arms over his head, he pulled his body tight, stretching his tired muscles.

  “So?” Miceral asked. “Does it work?”

  “We’ll know tomorrow. I can’t bind everything until after energy has been added to the outer stones. Hopefully the night will prove long enough. If not, I can deal with that in the morning as well.” He twisted left, then right to further loosen up. “As for tonight, I believe you promised there’d be time for that.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  SITTING IN the small room off the audience chamber, Farrell rolled his head to stretch his neck muscles. Telling everyone he’d worn himself out setting up the shield had let him avoid dinner last night. That allowed him a nap before he’d kept Miceral up half the night. Or had Miceral kept him up? Didn’t matter, just thinking about it made him smile.

  He glanced to his right and noted Miceral looked equally happy.

  “Had a good night as well?”

  Miceral laughed. “What gave it away?”

  “What has you two so pleased at this hour?” Wilhelm asked.

  They both turned red. How had Farrell not noticed the arrival of Wilhelm and his children?

  “Father, they’re still newlyjoined.” Alicia didn’t hide her amusement. “There are some questions that don’t need answering.”

  A week of her sharp wit had made Farrell somewhat more immune to the effects. Rather than blush, he shook his head and turned to Miceral. “To think we were going to invite her to come to Haven with her brother. Do you think Nerti will be offended if we only bring one guest?”

  “No.” Miceral shrugged. “I don’t think it will matter. The second unicorn can still run with us.”

  “Unicorn?” Peter’s eyes lit up. “Did she agree?”

  “What’s he talking about?” Alicia turned serious. “Who’s riding a unicorn?”

  “Your brother asked me if he could meet Nerti and Klissmor.” Miceral smiled at Peter. “He was so helpful yesterday, I did him one better and asked Klissmor if he could find someone willing to give him a ride.”

  Peter looked about to burst.

  “Of course, Peter asked if you could come along, too, but after this last remark . . .” Farrell left off the rest.

  “You wouldn’t.” First she glared at Farrell, then turned to Miceral. “Lord Miceral, you’d let him do this?”

  “My lady, as you pointed out, we’re still newlyjoined. Farrell’s happiness is my first thought.”

  Wilhelm laughed, putting his arm around his daughter. “I’ve warned you that your wit might cause you grief. I suggest you make your most sincere apology, or else I’ll only be asked to permit your brother to go to Haven.”

  Shifting her gaze from Farrell to Miceral to her father and back to Farrell, Alicia looked lost. “Prince Farrell, my apologies for making light of your marital affairs. It was unbecoming.”

  “Yes, it was.” Farrell kept a straight face for a heartbeat before laughing. “But it was worth it to see your expression when we threatened to leave you behind.”

  “Why . . . you—”

  As she sputtered for a retort, Miceral cut her off. “Princess, trust me when I say you want to come with us today. I’d wager after this you’ll want to avoid embarrassing Farrell in the future. Once you ride a unicorn, you won’t want to risk losing any future opportunities.” Alicia snapped her mouth shut and nodded meekly.

  “Great Arritisa.” Wilhelm shook his head, looking between his daughter and his guest. “Had I known it would be this easy to curb her tongue, I’d have paid you twice the value of the shield to take her for a ride.”

  “You could always pay us anyway.” Miceral looked hopeful.

  “Never pay for what you already own.” Wilhelm smiled, then turned to his children. “I suggest you two go get ready.”

  “Wait.” Farrell’s voice stopped the pair. “Sorry, but before you go, we’re planning to stay the night in Haven. The shield needs more time to charge, and I have some matters I can attend to while we wait. If it’s acceptable to you, Prince Wilhelm, they’re welcome to stay in Haven and return in the morning.”

  Wilhelm nodded. “Pack appropriate clothing for a visit.”

  Farrell doubted either heard him as they’d quickly left the moment he nodded.

  Wilhelm turned back to his guest. “That should keep them busy while we discuss matters. It’s as if you wanted it that way.”

  “Your Majesty gives me far too much credit.” Farrell hadn’t planned anything, much less to get rid of the prince’s children.

  “No, I think I’ve given far too little.”
The smile Wilhelm gave him lost some of its mirth. “But it does give us some privacy.”

  The prince led them to a small room filled with comfortable furniture and refreshments set out. “I’ve spoken at length with Darius and my other advisors, and I’m not prepared to evict Meglar’s people.” Farrell felt his face tighten as he exhaled loudly.

  “Before you respond, hear me out.” Despite the polite words, Wilhelm’s voice held a hint of annoyance. When Farrell nodded, he continued. “Tossing out his people would do little to keep what you do a secret. There are merchants from the other free cities and other nations, some of whom at the very least sell Meglar information, if they’re working for him already. Unless I’m prepared to remove all agents, from all nations—something I won’t do—I’ll achieve nothing except annoy Meglar for no gain.”

  “What about Arritisa’s warning that Meglar must be stopped?” Though he saw the logic in Wilhelm’s argument, Farrell knew he missed the bigger picture. “Allowing his wizards to remain does not serve Belsport’s interests.”

  A wry grin appeared on Wilhelm’s face. “Your plan to bind Belsport’s energy might achieve what you desire without formal state action. Already two of Meglar’s agents have complained to Aderic that something bars their ability to collect energy. Captain Aderic advised said wizards that, on order of the crown, wizard constables collected all free energy for storage and use by the crown.”

  Farrell nodded approvingly. “I’ll wager that went over well.”

  “Was that before or after he threatened Aderic and the prince?” Darius asked.

  That got Farrell’s attention. “What happened?”

  “They’re under arrest for threatening the prince and a constable.” Darius smirked. “My spies tell me the rest of Meglar’s agents are planning a jailbreak. Aderic’s organizing our response as we speak.”

  “By the time you return,” Wilhelm took a bite from an apple he’d selected, “I’ll have arrested all of Zargon’s wizards for crimes against the crown. Meglar will, of course, protest and we’ll have a diplomatic response, but in the meantime, Darius is going to hold them in a sealed chamber that will block them from seeing or sensing what you’re doing.”

  Such a clever plot worked far better than Farrell’s sledgehammer approach. “I see the wisdom in doing things your way.”

  “I’m pleased you approve of my method.” This time, the prince sounded amused. “Our alliance is important to Belsport and to her goddess.”

  His initial reaction to Wilhelm’s decision had bordered on insulting, and Farrell felt guilty for doubting his new ally. “Clearly, I have much to learn on the art of subtlety, Prince Wilhelm.”

  “Consider it a lesson from one who’s had more experience dealing with political intrigue.” Smiling again, he directed his attention to Miceral. “Now that we have that settled, can you go over what steps remain before the shield is functional?”

  THE DISCUSSION with Wilhelm lasted into the lunch hour, and with the time difference, they returned to Haven later than Farrell expected. Nerti decided they would ride the next morning. Despite the disappointed faces of his guests, Farrell refused to ask her to reconsider. After showing Peter and Alicia around Haven, Farrell caught up on some work and arranged a small dinner in honor of his guests.

  He invited his old friend Prince Jursten of Endor and Kerstand, earning him a warning from Miceral not to play matchmaker. When Alicia immediately began flirting with Jursten, Miceral scowled at Farrell.

  “I had nothing to do with this.” Farrell tried to look as innocent as he felt. “But you have to admit, they seem to be enjoying themselves.”

  “Prince Jursten.” Farrell’s voice drew all eyes to him. “I’d be remiss in my friendship if I didn’t warn you about your dinner companion.”

  Alicia’s jaw tightened so much her lips almost disappeared. Ignoring the daggers she shot him with her eyes, he plastered his best court smile on his face. “She’s an expert conversationalist who will surprise you with her wit. Don’t let the pretty face fool you; she’s even smarter than she is lovely.”

  For the first time since Farrell met her, Alicia blushed.

  “And how is that a warning?” Jursten turned back to Alicia. “A compliment such as that is hard to disagree with.”

  The color deepened in Alicia’s cheeks, prompting her to glare at him. “It would appear—”

  “Princess, did you tell Jursten we might go riding tomorrow?” Farrell arched an eyebrow, daring her to risk her invitation.

  Peter sniggered next to him, then busied himself arranging his silverware when his sister looked his way. Jursten looked from Farrell to Alicia, then back.

  He grinned at Farrell before turning to his new companion. “How badly did you make him blush?”

  “He was almost as red as Prince Kerstand’s shirt.” She pointed to the scarlet tunic signifying Honal’s royal colors. “But it was an innocent mistake. Twice he answered the door shirtless and sweating. What else was I to think other than my virtue was at stake?”

  Miceral roared, but Farrell kept his smile without turning red. “Help me out here. Miceral, what was that comment she made about us being—”

  “That was an honest mistake, too.” Alicia looked fit to burst as she spoke through clenched teeth.

  “Payback?” Kerstand asked.

  “Of course.” Farrell nodded seriously. “She delighted in making me squirm. I thought she enjoyed the feeling. I guess I was wrong.”

  Jursten took Alicia’s hand and patted it fondly. “Maybe later I can tell you some of the things I said to embarrass him. For instance, the time he met the Count of Durtress’s youngest son. Poor Farrell’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull when he heard the young man was interested in him.”

  Farrell rolled his eyes but stopped when he saw Miceral staring at him.

  “Son of a count?” He smirked. “How come I never heard this one?”

  “Because the oaf had cabbage between his ears and couldn’t speak in complete sentences.” Farrell tried to frown but couldn’t keep it from turning into a smile. “But he was nice to look at and—”

  “Oh my.” Alicia giggled. “You can make yourself blush. I’m impressed.”

  “To be fair to Farrell,” Jursten said, drawing attention back to him, “Fentar was quite handsome and athletic. If he understood politics a bit better, he might have gone far.”

  “What happened to the strapping young Fentar?” Alicia turned her head slowly toward Farrell, eyebrow raised.

  Farrell cocked his head to the right, looking toward Jursten. “He joined with the son of that Arvendian clan chief, Gelg, didn’t he?”

  “Sub-clan chief,” Jursten corrected. “They counted his strength and athleticism more highly than having an advanced degree.”

  “Poor Fentar.” Farrell sighed.

  “Why?” Alicia looked confused. “Sounds like he found his perfect mate.”

  “Oh, he did.” Jursten laughed. “It’s just, well, Endor is one of the few kingdoms devoted to the God of Wisdom. Fentar wasn’t an especially adept follower and never really fit in at court.”

  Farrell tapped his chin with his forefinger. “If I recall correctly, you arranged for Gelg to bring his son to court when you knew Fentar would be there.”

  “Your memory is somewhat selective.” Jursten turned to Alicia. “Fentar was very taken with Farrell. I mean, he swooned whenever Farrell came near. It was… embarrassing to his father and my father. Farrell heard that Gelg’s son was attracted to men and was looking for a mate. He let drop that bit of information in a most suggestive way.”

  He glanced at Farrell, who shrugged. “What? Your father was about to exile Fentar. All I did was mention how it might be a good match.”

  “Wait.” Alicia put her free hand up, leaving the one under Jursten’s. “How did you know Gelg’s son was looking for a mate?”

  Jursten smirked. “Gelg wanted to match him with Farrell, who of course had enough of the handsome but dumb-a
s-a-stone type.”

  “So why did you get involved?” Miceral’s expression told Farrell he’d have to give more details up when they were alone.

  “Um . . . well . . . ” Jursten suddenly looked uncomfortable.

  “Jursten owed me a favor.” Farrell earned a look of gratitude from his friend. “I ran interference when a particularly obnoxious mother wanted to pair her equally obnoxious daughter with Jursten at a state dinner. I made sure she sat next to me instead.”

  “And that helped how?” Amused, Alicia kept stealing glances at Jursten.

  “Sitting next to the Prince of Haven is an honor every mother dreams of for her unmarried daughter.” Jursten’s chuckle became a full laugh.

  “Unless the prince isn’t interested in women.” Farrell tried to look innocent. “Then it becomes a wasted social opportunity.”

  “It sounds like you two have quite an interesting history together.” Alicia smiled coyly at Jursten.

  “Jursten was my first real friend.” Farrell turned serious but still smiled. “He wasn’t a teacher, mentor, vassal, subject, court dandy looking for something, or any of the other people I dealt with on a daily basis. We were both young, and aside from him trying to fix me up with all sorts of hideous men—”

  “Please, you told Duchess Helena I mentioned her daughter to you fondly.” Jursten rolled his eyes. “Do you remember how much trouble we both got in when Father had to deal with the old battle-ax?”

  “Not attractive?” Kerstand asked.

  “She was forty-three and I was twenty-four!” Jursten pointed at Farrell. “He knew the Duchess was desperate to find a suitable husband for Jonice, and his little comment had the old woman practically sprinting for my father’s chambers.”

  “That was the closest Clement ever came to yelling at me.” Farrell nodded at the memory. “But the two-hour lecture on the finer points of marriage diplomacy was enough that I never did that again.”

  Alicia turned to Jursten. “You will have to tell me more about your adventures.”

  Peter rolled his eyes, but his sister kept flirting with Jursten and didn’t notice.