by Alex Cannon
Lazerek and Gidas stopped on the lip of the valley. Their hard ride had left their entire troop of men saddle-sore and grumpy.A sharp wind at their back was contrasted by the warm sun on their faces.
As Gidas peered into the valley he let out a short whistle. He had a feeling something bad was about to happen.He could not define what it was, but something was there.
He thought the metropolis of Rommel was awe-inspiring.The entire area was snuggled into the bottom of a bowl-like valley. Majestic pines and clusters of oak and firs spotted the walls of the green and lush valley.Rust colored boulders with smooth edges fought their way past the trees at the upper reaches. The river flumen amnis cascaded over the eastern wall of the valley, cutting down the side, captured by a pool at the bottom. A great plume of curling mist could be seen even at this distance. Gidas could see a cut through the trees, where the river continued, traversing by Rommel on its way south to spill into Oceana, the southern sea.On the opposite end of the valley, the Argoth Plains were lost in the haze. A redolent and invigorating wind stirred out of the south.
The city proper was resplendent. Gidas thought it was easily twice as large as Kitarssis, and appreciably cleaner.The sun beamed down radiating life and vibrancy.From this distance he couldn’t make out individual people, but a feeling of constant movement, action and zest ebbing around and through the city. The palace sat on a small rise, the city sprawling below melted from the palace like wax from a candle.The palace was a grand castle. Even from here it was thrilling from its glistening moat, to its five spires ending in billowing red flags. He could see men, mostly blurry smudges at this distance, walking among the ramparts. One oddity caused him a second glance. There was a large metal structure of sorts running from the top of the waterfall over to the top of the castle. The tubular structure stretched at least a mile, and grew smaller, angling down as it reached the palace. A solidly built wooden scaffold, as intricate as the castle itself, held it up.There were also many oddly shaped dark spots on the walls and towers.He could see the grand drawbridge was down allowing citizens to access their king. A small village could be housed within the courtyard of the palace.Two huge temples anchored the ends of the great city offering sanctuary and worship. The residents of the city were quite prolific and the entire region was prosperous.Rommel had done well for itself.He was impressed with these people, so far.
There was said to be sentries posted on either side of the valley watching the north and south for enemies. Gidas could not make out any points that screamed”sentry” to him, but he was certain they were there.
Two monumental red firs stood to either side of the road that led into the valley as if marking the beginning of the city limits.The road dipped south into the valley and was quickly covered by the forest in its descent.
Lazerek motioned for Gidas,”Send the men.I want Rexillion to have plenty of time.”
“Aye.” He swung his horse about and informed the two captains of their duty, they grudgingly obliged.
As the two riders bounded down the trail, heading for the forest, the remaining troops dismounted along with Gidas and Lazerek.
“Did the sentries see us as we rode into the valley?” Gidas asked.
“I am certain there is already a dispatch riding hard to the king.We look quite formidable from a distance.”
They ate a small meal of dried beef and cheese, while waiting ample time so the messengers could deliver. Gidas was thankful for the rest. His hindquarters were stiff and sore. He was definitely not used to riding so much. He truly hated riding horses and wished they had used a wagon or palanquin instead, but Lazerek had to be in a rush. Gidas stood on the edge of the valley still admiring its beauty before Lazerek announced they were leaving.
The ride into the valley was pleasant, all down hill providing their backs a rest as they leaned away from their horses.The trees grew up thick around them and the air grew considerably cooler. The sound of birds chirping and bees buzzing filled the air. Gidas kept his eyes hopping. He looked over at Lazerek who rode with a comfortable silence that said he was planning something. The forest thickened as they rode, branches burdened with leaves almost blocking out the sun, which spilled in golden flickers to the ground. The wind brought the entire forest to life as it shook the leaves. The bark of the elms was smooth and pale, and the leaves were wide, flat and dark green.The air under the canopy was cool and sweet. Gidas thought this forest would be a great place to set up an ambush.
As their trek progressed casually through the forest Gidas slowly let his guard down. He had a group of one hundred men with him and possibly the most powerful mage in the land.He had nothing to fear. He began to hum a little tune.
They made their way uneventfully to the end of the woods and into a small clearing, sitting in sunshine, marked as a welcome area to any travelers.Gidas thought it was quaint.
The area was one big circle and the ground was bricked. Two enormous stone pillars book-ended the circle.A small building hewn out of stone stood against the trees to the southwest, looking as if someone had gutted a boulder and slapped a rickety wooden door on it.
Lazerek’s company filled the glen.The stink of horse was heavy and the sun shone brightly down upon them. Gidas had to squint from the resurgent sunlight.
The wooden door creaked opened and two men emerged.They were vintage men who looked well preserved, dressed charmingly as if they had just left a dinner engagement. Their white hair glowed in the sun. The shorter one carried a scroll, looking like the grandfather of no one.Neither man looked pleased with this many men on their front porch.
“Good day sirs,” Lazerek said amicably, leaning over his horse.Gidas didn’t like it when Lazerek was nice.
“Perhaps it is and perhaps it isn’t,” said the shorter man eyeing Lazerek’s group of one hundred men.
Lazerek smiled. Gidas hated it.
“Is it a crime to pass on this free road? Is it now private?”
“It is a free road,” began the lankier one.”Shall we begin?”
“I merely wish to speak to the king,” Lazerek said.
“And speak to him you shall, after we ask you a few questions.”
Gidas didn’t like this. People should not poke at Lazerek like this. Gidas knew better than to poke a dog with a stick.Usually you get bitten.
“This is ridiculous,” Lazerek said.
Gidas nudged his horse forward,”Sirs, do you normally speak to your master this way? You sniff about and wag your tails, and you do not know you are in the presence of betters. Were it in his nature, my master would scourge you two to the bone.He is a Praeceptor of Akilade, greater than any king you deem worthy to put on your throne.” There, that should pacify Lazerek.
“Pardon,” said the smaller one, tucking the scroll under one arm,”Please accept our sincerest apologies.Please pass with all graces and best wishes.” They both took a step back.Fear stood in their eyes.Gidas was glad he’d gotten around that one.He still felt something bad coming and could not shake it. They had better be careful. He wasn’t certain Lazerek was entirely sane.
“Did my men not pass by here a short while ago?” Lazerek asked.
“Aye, but they made no mention of you and we do not question such a small party of men,” the shorter one said.
Gidas managed back into his place behind Lazerek, who acted as if this was an everyday occurrence.They nudged their horses forward.
The road to the castle was bricked and well tended.Gidas was impressed with the care taken to keep the road in such a fine state.The bricks wended through more trees and culminated at the opening in the lower reaches of the city.
From up close the city was just as fair as from a distance.The buildings were painted in pastels or whitewashed, the streets were clean, and the roofs were tiled or thatched. The people milled about casually, speaking and laughing.Most of the citizens wore robes or long tunics with pants.The bricked streets allowed men and women alike to wear sandals and not just boots.
The main road cut
a path directly to the castle and as they got nearer the houses and establishments were more affluent and better tended.Small gardens occupied the fronts of houses and windows were more prevalent. The main bricked road, and all side roads, had large amounts of human traffic. Gidas thought it was like a fat man walking, there was a lot there, but it was moving. He could see shopkeepers with their doors thrown open and people entering and leaving with packages.A small three-piece musical band played on one street corner. People danced in the street and some tossed money into the red pouch on the ground.The group passed a building with a wooden sign hung outside on an iron post. It read: Good Food.From the smells that wafted down, Gidas did not doubt it. He guessed it was some sort of inn, but could not see where the guests would sleep. They passed a few guards who eyed their group and watched them as they rode by slowly.Gidas saw one magician’s shop, the blue sign out front read: Magic Supplies.He wondered if they would be making a stop by during their tenure in the city.
He was surprised to see no street urchins, vagrants, or drunkards, a stark reassurance of Rommel’s might.Everyone who could do well was. Gidas found he liked this city and would not mind an extended stay.
As they got near the castle they came upon a great circle, it was a junction where the two main streets came together. In the center was an enormous sun clock.The slanted dial was hewn out of the most beautiful marble Gidas had ever seen, patina green swirled with white.The flat surface that marked the passing of time had deep grooves cut along it in increments that noted one hour. Surrounding the enormous timekeeper was a shallow pool of water kept fresh by a cascade churning from the center of the dial. The pool had a short stone rail and bench encircling it, so spectators could stop and sit.Many people were doing that currently. Children ran about. Some sat, dipping their feet into the pool.Gidas thought it a little too cool to stick his feet in a pool of water, but the citizens seemed to enjoy it. Businesses and homes surrounded the circle in a stair-step fashion: the closer buildings were shorter, and the buildings behind them gradually got taller, so that all could see the huge timepiece in the middle of the circle.
Guards tended the palace gates and stopped Lazerek only long enough to make sure he was who was supposed to be.Gidas marveled at the palace.Numerous spires and levels with many balconies and stairs occupied the outside and windows sat on every corner and every wall. Gidas could now see what the dark spots on the castle were. Stained glass on every floor, providing what must be a wonderfully colorful light for the interior of the palace.One magnificent balcony hung half-circled over the front of the palace. Thick, white spindles sat on the edge of the balcony and a stone banister topped them.
They continued over the moat, the drawbridge was wide, thick and serious. Gidas peered over the edge of the drawbridge and looked into the dark, murky water that waited. The smell was moldy and stagnant, but it seemed to him something lurked under that water: something not all too friendly.
The group walked under the portcullis that could drop in a second’s notice. The walls of the castle were thick and solid. Nowhere could a crack or a misplaced stone be seen. The wind blew with anger through the tunnel they took to the inner courtyard.
The light was bright at the other end, and when they made their way out into the courtyard, all the men were squinting. Suddenly silver horns sounded and deep drums were banged in a timed rhythm. Once his eyes adjusted, Gidas could see the group of musicians assembled for Lazerek’s welcome. Two huge white banners had been strung up to either side of the men and groups of people gathered about wanting to see the Praeceptor and his small band.A large round of applause went up from the crowd and Gidas could see the king standing in the shadows far above them, bidding them a hello.Lazerek nodded his approval, and Gidas relaxed. He was not certain why Lazerek was so adamant about this little show of respect, but it seemed very important to the mage. These mage games began to wear on Gidas’s nerves.
Once the horns stopped and the drums were banged no more, the king spoke.
“Hail to the great Praeceptor, Lazerek! Welcome to our humble castle!Please make yourself at home and enjoy our wares!Accept these tokens of our mutual peace.” As he said this two women clad in thin veils and silver belts moved out of the crowd and reached up to place golden medallions around Gidas and Lazerek’s neck.”You are now welcomed as family and may move about as you see fit!Let all who see him know this to be true! I want no one to hinder the mage in his affairs!”
With that the king turned and left.Gidas thought this was strange but did not say anything.Lazerek did not appear to be affected by anything the king had said. Gidas once again felt something strange, but was not certain what. Something was not right.
A small man with no hair walked curtly up to them.He wore a fine looking white shirt, with tight black pants and a thick gold chain around his neck. His eyebrows were oiled to his head and a black van dyke encircled his mouth.
“I am the provincial governor, Marton.I will see you to your quarters and make all the necessary arrangements for you.Your men will have to stay in the barracks. We will have our hands take care of your horses,” he said.He had an attitude, which Gidas quickly picked up on. Something definitely was not right here. He knew Rexillion despised Akilade.
“Aye, lead us then,” Lazerek said.Gidas thought the mage was blinded by the welcome.
As they dismounted and followed the short man, the crowd quietly dispersed.
They entered the castle via a heavy wooden door hidden under the shadow of an alcove.The hall they entered was not overly large, but it was clean and comfortably dry. Vibrant reds, glorious blues and glowing yellows lit the halls as the sun from outside filtered through the stained glass.
Gidas noticed very little decorations; it was sparse and neat.The air was smooth feeling as it flowed through the castle, and Gidas wondered how they kept it at such a desirable temperature.
“Here is your room,” Marton said, opening a large wooden door braced at the top and bottom with brass straps.
The room was what Gidas had come to expect for the Praeceptor.It was disgustingly grand and pompous. Just the way Lazerek liked it.
Marton left them in the room while he stood in the hallway.”Young master, your room is just to the left of here, I trust you will have no trouble finding it.”And he was gone.
Gidas entered Lazerek’s room and closed the door. He found a fluffy couch and settled his aching bones into it.
“How dare they,” Lazerek started,”treat me with such indifference?Rexillion did not even offer me a private escort, or his own personal attention. What has happened to the respect of the office?King Rexillion needs a strong reminder of who it is who rules this land.”
And I’m sure you’re just the person to give it to him, thought Gidas.”Aye, master,” He said, mustering as much empathy as he could voice.
“We will rest for a short while, my bones are not young as they used to be,” Lazerek said.
“Even my young bones are aching like an elder’s.”Gidas was very tired. He just wanted to go to his room and sleep. But he knew good old Lazerek would want him at his elbow.
Lazerek pulled of his traveling robe and settled it onto the back of a chair. He then settled himself into the chair, putting his feet upon a small white stool.
“Master,” began Gidas,”how do you deal with it?”
“With what?” Lazerek asked.
“The disrespect.”
“From the kings?”
“Yes. What was it like before, in the time when people respected Akilade and its mages?”
“That was a grand time indeed,” Lazerek said, pulling out his pipe.”It’s been a long time, and the kings were a different sort.There were five kings when I first went to Akilade, and the annual recruitment day was not held. If one wanted into the school, one had to prove himself worthy.It was no easy task. No task worth doing ever is.But all were accepted into the school as a pot scrubber, or a gardener assistant or some menial task below standards of hu
manity.”Lazerek patted himself down for a moment, looking for his quicklflint. Gidas watched as he began to call up the magic to light the pipe.
Nothing happened.
Lazerek dropped his unlit pipe and stood up in shock.Gidas sat up straight,”Master, what is it?”
“The magic! I am being blocked! What—” He seemed to be focusing on something and nothing all at the same time.Gidas attempted to access the magic, but found he could not either.What would they do now? What would Lazerek do now? He was blocked from his power.Gidas thought this might be interesting. The king was certainly not happy to see them, and would be more than pleased to do them some ill. There was treachery at work here.The feelings Gidas had been having all afternoon welled up.
“What has happened?” he asked, as Lazerek circled the huge room over and over again.
“Where is the magic?” Lazerek stopped walking and stood. A look of utter concentration etched his face.Gidas simply watched, enthralled.
With a suddenness that belied his age, Lazerek jumped.
“Got it!” He lifted the golden medallion around his neck.”This thing is what prevents us from accessing the magic. It must be. It is the only thing we have received since arriving. I sensed no spells about the palace before we arrived.”
“Then let us take them off,” cried Gidas, reaching for his.
“Stop!” Lazerek yelled.”Do not remove it. These medallions are set to do any number of things if the wearer attempts to remove them. Only specific people are allowed. The workmanship is far above standard. Whoever made these buried the magic under so many twists and turns, it is almost impossible to detect.” Maybe you didn’t notice anything, old man, but I certainly did, Gidas thought.”He twisted it just so, so that it will stop us from pulling it into ourselves. Bravo!” He shook his head.”Rexillion is remiss in his treatment of a Praeceptor.Shine your boots and comb your hair,” he said to Gidas.”We are on our way to meet royalty.”And with that he was off.
The halls twisted this way and that. Many people passed the mage and his apprentice, and none looked too impressed.Some even gave scoffing looks at the two, as if they did not approve of them at all. Gidas could see Lazerek growing more furious by the moment. The mage finally grew tired of the hunt and grabbed a young man forcing him to take them to the king.
King Rexillion was sitting on his throne, polishing a large double-edged sword. A fat ruby sat in the pommel and winked whenever Rexillion moved. The room was huge and marbled from floor to ceiling. Huge pillars lined the walls and an enormous ivory statue of a man ready to do pitched battle, stood in the middle of the room.
Rexillion’s man-at-arms was standing next to him speaking softly.King Rexillion nodded while the man-at-arms spoke. Rexillion was a fit man. He was neither large nor thin. He had fine sandy hair, and a short cropped beard that grew up into a fine mustache.His clothes were simple but expensive taupe and his boots were mirror black.Rexillion was a king in every sense of the word and, if by his actions, one could speculate, then it could be said he was a good king. He sat regally on the throne, naturally.He seemed to be a part of the throne, more than just a human, an Office of Power.
The throne was white marble, with thick red padding on the seat and the back. A huge burned spot was just above the right shoulder, as if a lightning bolt had struck.
“Ah, Lazerek, I was wondering when you would come bellowing,” Rexillion said, looking at his sword. He focused on one spot in particular with his rag.
“Rexillion, do you value this fair city?” Lazerek said, as he stormed into the throne room.
“What is it to you?” the King asked, rubbing on one spot of the sword with vigor.
“Do you value the lives you are sworn to protect? Your citizens?”
“You question my honor?” Lazerek squinted at the king’s sword.
“I question your sanity,” Lazerek said. The man-at-arms looked at Lazerek with eyes that could burn through wood.
“I keep my citizens and my family safe,” Rexillion said.
“Do you fear the power of Akilade?”Lazerek asked.
Rexillion said nothing, but stared. Finally,”I respect the power of Akilade. I fear nothing but my god.”
“You would do well to respect and fear the mages at Akilade.”
“So who then rules my kingdom?”
“That is a fine question,” Lazerek said.
“Deserving of an answer,” Rexillion said.
“A king rules his kingdom.”
“Then Akilade can keep its nose in its own corner, and its fingers in its own bread.”
“Akilade will do whatever it deems best.”
“Tell me again,” Rexillion said, leaning forward in his throne,”who gave Akilade this power to decide what is best for each kingdom?” He laced his fingers with his elbows on the throne and squinted at Lazerek.Gidas considered Rexillion someone to be feared.
“The mages are the wisest people of the land,” Lazerek said.
“Who told them that lie?” Rexillion asked.
“Mind your tongue,” Lazerek barked.
“You just said it was my kingdom. If so, I shall take whatever tongue I please.”
“If you wield more power than I, then feel free to direct me in any manner,” Lazerek said.
“No one shall tell me anything regarding my kingdom.”
Gidas had never heard anyone speak so to a mage. What was Lazerek thinking right now?
“You endanger not only your own life, but the life of your subjects and your family. So take this thing from my neck,” Lazerek said, shaking the medallion.
“I already told you, I must keep my family and citizens safe,” Rexillion said. He leaned back into his throne and sat the sword crossways on his thighs.
Lazerek was fuming,”I will have this medallion off my neck or you will—”
The king was up like a snake, his sword at Lazerek’s throat.”Still your tongue, mage, or I shall cut it out. Any threats you make will only quicken your demise. It is I, not you, who holds the upper hand here. Stop your arrogant tongue before I do.”
“Your very life is now forfeit,” Lazerek said, almost sadly, as if dealing with a small child who did not know any better.”Your father was more respectful than you.”
“If your ineffective Akilade had acted, my father might still be alive today.”
“If you love your citizens and love your family, remove this medallion from my neck.”
“That medallion is placed upon any who practice magic in the city. It will equally stop Godmagic and Terranmagic. So do not threaten me again.”
“You are a fool,” Lazerek said.
“How does this steel feel?”Rexillion asked, pressing the blade to Lazerek’s throat,”Who can stop this blade from sinking into your throat?”
Gidas kept quiet.
Lazerek was turning crimson.”Speak your piece, king.Do it quickly, I find that my stomach has grown sour and I must return to my room.”
“Your life is now mine, mage. With but a twist of this sword…”
“Speak your piece,” Lazerek repeated. His eyes burned with rage.
“I am a fair man, not an unjust one. You may stay as long as you deem fit, but as long as you are here, you will wear that medallion.”
“Never has one of my rank been so treated.”
“And I suppose if I were to rank myself Lord of the Dung Beetles, that would deserve respect from you?” Rexillion asked.
“You would be wise to not mock the rank of Praeceptor out of hand. I shall be leaving this castle tonight, please see to it that my men are fully supplied.”
“I will see what I can do.”
“That is well,” Lazerek turned, but paused.
“Something else, wizard?”Rexillion asked.
“Will you be leaving the castle or the city in the next few weeks?”
“That is quite entirely none of your business.”
“Be careful,” Lazerek said.And Gidas knew he meant it. Gidas
really thought Rexillion had no idea on how powerful Lazerek was. Lazerek could almost level the entire city in a matter of days.
“My sword is sharp,” Rexillion promised.
“Swords mean nothing to me,” Lazerek said. Gidas could argue adamantly against that statement.
Lazerek stormed out of the throne room with Gidas in tow, his heels clipping on the marble floor.
They entered their room and Lazerek began to rant and rave.Gidas ventured,”Master, is there—” Lazerek slapped him full across the face.
“Do not speak! Be quiet!” he yelled at the top of his lungs.
Gidas eyed the mage with the look of raw contempt. Lazerek was without his magic.He was vulnerable. Easy to kill right now. Easy.
“We are leaving, the king will follow us and remove these accursed medallions, and then he will die.”
Gidas sat down for a moment.
“Go gather up our men and get them ready to move!” Lazerek yelled again.
Gidas stood and left the room quietly and ran to where the men where.How dare that mage slap him across the face like some whore? How dare the mage even touch him? Oh the games. One day…
The door to the outside of the palace was locked, apparently barred from the outside. The courtyard was on the other side where their men were housed. Gidas banged and banged on the door, but no one came to open it. He knew of no other way to get to the courtyard. In a fit of rage he waved his hand over the door and the bar on the other side lifted.
Thirty minutes later they were standing next to their horses, and the king of Rommel was before them.Ten men stood behind the king. All with bows fully drawn.
Rexillion placed his sword under Lazerek’s neck.Lazerek troops expressed alarm.
“HOLD!” Rexillion yelled.”One more step and he dies!” The group of Sicari stood still.
“I trust I will hear nothing more from you,” Rexillion said.
“You are embarrassing me in front of my men,” Lazerek lied.
“Your life is now mine.You therefore cannot pursue any retribution toward my castle or me.Swear to this or I will run you through right now.”
Through clenched teeth Lazerek said,”I so swear.”
With a twist of his wrist, Rexillion flipped the medallion off and into the air. One of his bowmen shot it with an arrow and caught it in midair.The medallion and bow landed in the earth some distance away.
The king then pulled Gidas’s medallion from his as well.
“Go now, be free. Come in peace,” the king said, turning. He mounted a horse and was gone in a blink, the bowmen stood for a moment more before departing as well.
Gidas turned toward Lazerek.”What now?”
“We leave. He has spells up around the city to keep me from casting directly at it.”Lazerek got up on his horse and quickly kicked the steed, turning it to the south.He was at a full gallop in moments.
Gidas sighed and mounted his horse as well, kicking it.
They rode for approximately one hour. The sun was just beyond the horizon.They had crested the southern end of the valley and were peering back toward the bowl shape.From here the castle was just visible.
“Come in peace,” whispered Lazerek.
He sat still in his saddle for a moment.He said one word that Gidas did not quite hear and a great burst of blackness shot from him like an arrow, causing Lazerek’s horse to jump.The blackness raced toward the city of Rommel and dove somewhere near the castle. Gidas shuddered. He felt something he should not have felt when Lazerek used the magic. He felt something that made his mind spin in new ways. This was the one thing he had not counted on. And it made him mad.
“Come in peace, Rexillion,” Lazerek said.
Lazerek turned his horse and rode hard south for a short while. He pulled off on a small path and it led down into a grove of trees where the ground was flattened and the starry sky could be seen.The moon was beginning to wane and the cold was building. He pulled his steed over and dismounted.The entire troop did the same.
“We will camp here.Have our men create our tents so we may sleep for what is left of the night!”
Gidas had the men build the camp. A few began assembling what tents they had and a few began to prepare a huge fire that could be used for warmth and cooking. Most of the men were looking forward to spending the night in the castle and not in the wild, so tempers were short and moods sour. Gidas was just glad to be away from the palace. He really hated having to sleep outside in a tent again, but there was something in that palace that just didn’t feel right.At least now, he knew what it was.