Spring 965 MC
Aubrey watched as Aldus Hearn moved to the centre of the magic circle, where a book sat on a lectern. The Druid quickly scanned its contents before closing his eyes and gathering his thoughts. The process of empowering would be a lengthy one, and Aubrey knew first-hand just how exhausting it could be. She stepped into the circle, taking up a position on the other side of the tome.
Hearn slowly exhaled, then dropped his eyes to the pages before him. He began reading the words aloud, his voice falling into the rhythm that was so common for spells of this nature. On and on he droned until the air came alive with energy. Aubrey flipped the page, allowing him to continue with the ritual uninterrupted. She glanced at Kraloch, but the Orc's eyes were glued to Hearn.
The old man kept up the litany, the individual words becoming almost indecipherable to all but the most experienced mages. Aubrey heard an audible pop and then tasted metal in the back of her mouth as one of the floor runes began to glow. She thought back to Wincaster and her own empowerment ritual when runes had finally lit up with an intense light, but here the colour was more muted as befitted a less powerful circle.
She turned the page again as Hearn continued the ritual, the words tumbling forth at a faster and faster pace. Another rune lit up, and the air resonated with an audible hum. Time felt like it had come to a standstill, and Aubrey looked around the room to see if anyone else had noticed.
Aldwin was there with Beverly, but her cousin had nodded off, while her husband took it all in with intense interest. Looking back at Aldus Hearn, she noticed him straining with the effort. He had broken out into a sweat, his face beginning to look drawn and haggard.
When another rune came to life, the Druid appeared to get his second wind. He straightened his back, slowing the incantation for a moment as he paused, reaching to the floor where a cup stood waiting. A sip of water was all he needed, and then he resumed as he set it back down.
Aubrey, caught up in the display, almost missed her cue and rushed to turn the page. Hearn looked at her, a smile playing across his lips, but still, the words poured forth.
The liturgy continued in cycles with the Druid slowly fading, only to be re-energized each time a rune locked into place.
As the final rune lit up, the room became hazy when a ring of mist emanated from Aldus Hearn to spread out from his location, engulfing the room, and then the magical symbols began to pulse with light.
She watched as Hearn's voice grew louder, now shouting, using the last of his energy to release his magic. When a clap of thunder echoed off the walls, the strange mist settled into the runes as they slowly dimmed. The magic circle was now empowered and ready for use.
Hearn collapsed to the floor, and Aubrey knelt at his side. He was quite still, his breathing shallow, and she immediately began casting a spell of healing.
Kraloch soon joined her, using his fingers to pry open the man's eyelids. The Orc looked up from where he worked to meet her gaze. "He must rest. He is exhausted, nothing more."
Aubrey breathed a sigh of relief, letting her spell dissipate. "That was close."
"It was," the Orc agreed. "It is not something I would care to see repeated."
"We must find some way of lessening the burden."
"Perhaps there is a way," he said with a far-off look.
"What are you thinking?"
"It can wait," said Kraloch. "We must first see to Master Hearn."
Beverly was soon there, looking down at the stricken Druid. "Is he all right?"
"He'll be fine," said Aubrey, "but the casting was a strain on his body. Rest is all that's required now."
"I don't understand," said the knight. "You were weak when you empowered the circle in Wincaster, but you didn't pass out."
"True, but Aldus is far older than I."
"But isn't he more powerful?"
"In casting terms, yes, but the release of one's power in this manner wears on the physical form."
"I hope this isn't going to happen every time we empower a circle," said Beverly.
"We can agree on that," said Aubrey. "Now, give us a hand, will you? We need to get him to a bed."
Beverly leaned over Hearn, lifting him by the armpits while Kraloch took his legs. They carried him from the room, disappearing from sight.
"Well, that was quite an interesting display," said Aldwin. "I hope it wasn't my circle that caused him so much strain."
"No," said Aubrey. "The ritual worked just as it was supposed to. I'm afraid it was his advanced years that worked against him."
"Just how old IS Aldus Hearn?"
"I'm not sure," she replied, "but if I had to guess, I'd say he's at least sixty. Whatever age he is, he's the oldest mage we've got."
"I thought Lord Greycloak was older?"
"He is, but Elves don't age the same. And in any case, the Lord of the Darkwood is no longer interested in participating in the work of the Mages Council."
Aldwin stared at the floor, noting the inlaid runes. They were no longer glowing, but the gold and silver caught what light there was, throwing strange reflections against the wall. "I suppose now I'll have to get to work on the next circle."
"I think that can wait," said Aubrey. "We have to find some way to make the ritual less taxing."
"I can see why," said the smith. "By all appearances, that almost killed Master Hearn."
"Yes, and we have few enough mages as it is. There has to be a better way!"
"Listen, Beverly and I are having a little get-together tonight. Why don't you come along?"
"Surely you don't want me getting in the way?"
"Nonsense. We've had plenty of private time, and it would be nice to have family over. Assuming you don't have to return to Wincaster, of course."
Aubrey smiled. "I'd like that."
"Very well, we'll see you later." He turned to leave.
"Wait," she called out. "I don't know where you're staying?"
"We have a tent," he replied. "It's set up just behind the church. We'll see you there."
"I look forward to it."
Aldwin took another bite, the juice dripping down his chin.
Beverly laughed.
"You're lucky he doesn't have a beard," noted Aubrey. "I'd hate to think how messy that would be."
"It's the forge," said Aldwin through a mouthful of food.
Aubrey wore an expression of confusion and looked to her cousin for clarification.
"Beards can burn," explained Beverly. "That's why he keeps himself clean-shaven."
"The look certainly makes him appear younger."
Beverly smiled. "I know. I quite like it, don't you?"
Aubrey laughed. It was good to be able to relax with family, something she did far too infrequently.
As if reading her mind, Aldwin spoke. "We should do this more often."
"I agree," chimed in Beverly.
"I'm in," added Aubrey, "but I can't guarantee we'll all be available at the same time."
"Well," said Aldwin, "having a circle in Wickfield will certainly make a difference. Beverly can pop back to Wincaster whenever she likes now."
"Yes, or Hawksburg, for that matter," added his wife.
"Easier said than done," noted Aubrey. "You'd still need a mage."
"Yes, but there'll be mages using recall daily now, I expect. The queen will want to be kept informed of our progress. She might even visit us herself. I doubt we'd have to wait long to see her."
"I suppose that will make me even busier now," complained Aubrey.
"You need to get that academy of yours going."
"Thanks for reminding me I have even more work to do. As if I didn't have enough on my plate."
"We're all busy, Aubrey. These are tough times. There is a war on after all."
"I know, I'm just feeling overwhelmed."
"You know what would help?" asked Aldwin.
"No, what?"
He leaned back in his chair, reaching into a box that was on the floor. Moments later, he produced a bottle with a flourish. "How about a little Hawksburg Red?"
Aubrey smiled. "Where did you find that?"
"In Wincaster."
Beverly laughed. "Is this how you've been spending your time in Wincaster? Searching through wine cellars?"
The smith blushed. "It was your father's fault. He's the one who sent me down there."
"I didn't know your father had such a thing," said Aubrey.
"Oh yes," said Beverly. "He considers himself an expert on such things." She looked at the label. "I'm surprised he let you take that. It's one of his favourites."
Aldwin looked quite pleased with himself. "He suggested it, actually."
"Well, don't just sit there," said Aubrey, "pour it!"
He filled her cup, then turned to his wife, but she held up her hand. "No, thank you, I've had quite enough for one night. And besides, I've got a small army to train tomorrow."
"Maybe we should save it?" suggested her cousin.
"No, no. You go right ahead, Aubrey. You deserve it."
Aubrey's head was pounding. She opened her eyes to see her red-headed cousin staring down at her. "What time is it?" she muttered.
"Past daybreak," said Beverly. "I would have let you sleep, but there's someone here to see you."
"There is?" The young mage sat up, instantly regretting the move as the room swam and her eyes ached.
"I'm not sure I'm fit for company."
Kraloch's voice drifted into the tent. "Perhaps I can be of assistance?"
"I'm not sure what you can do," said Beverly. "I'm afraid this is all my fault."
"How so?" asked the Orc.
"I insisted she have that wine last night."
The Orc gestured. "May I come in?"
"Of course."
He stepped into the tent, coming to stand beside Aubrey. One look at her eyes was all the examination he required. "You say it was wine?"
"Yes," said Beverly, "although I think it was more the quantity than quality that did her in."
"It is a simple enough problem to deal with, so long as you don't mind me casting a spell?"
"It's fine by me, but you might want to ask my cousin."
Kraloch looked at Aubrey, who was squinting in a vain effort to keep the daylight from her eyes. She nodded. "Go ahead."
The shaman closed his eyes, calling on his inner magic. The air buzzed, and then his hands began to glow with a faint blue light. He gently placed them on Aubrey's temples, and then the colour flowed into her, concentrating on her head for a moment before dissipating.
"Well?" said Beverly. "How do you feel?"
Aubrey stood, stretching. "Like I just awoke from a nice long nap." She turned to the Orc. "What spell did you use?"
"Neutralize toxins," said Kraloch.
"I'm surprised. I thought that only worked on poison."
"In a sense, it does. It detects and eliminates things foreign to your body."
"Best not talk of it," warned Beverly, "or you'll find yourself in demand. Any mage who can cure a hangover would never have time to do anything else."
"I shall bear that in mind," said Kraloch.
Aldwin stepped into the tent, already sweating from working at the forge. He looked at his wife. "Still here? I thought you had training to do?"
"I do," said Beverly. "I'm just on my way out." She looked at the Orc, then her cousin. "Thank you, Master Kraloch, and I'll see you later, Aubrey."
The mage smiled. "I look forward to it, but maybe next time we hold back a little on the wine?"
Beverly chuckled. "Very well."
Aubrey watched as the knight left, then looked at Aldwin. "How is it you're not hungover? You drank even more than I did."
He shrugged. "Who's to say I wasn't? The difference is I was up early this morning, sweating it off at the forge. In any event, I just came in to get something." Aldwin began rooting through a chest, then pulled forth a pair of tongs. "There they are. I knew I had them in here somewhere."
"Strange place to keep them, in with your clothes, isn't it?" asked Aubrey.
"I travel light when it comes to clothes," said Aldwin. "Now, I'd best get back to work before the forge begins to cool."
He disappeared through the tent flap.
Aubrey turned her attention back to Kraloch. "You wanted to see me about something?"
"I did," said the Orc. "I've been thinking on what we talked about yesterday."
"I'm afraid you'll have to remind me."
"We were both concerned with the toll that empowering the circle took on Master Hearn."
"I take it you have some thoughts on the matter?"
"I do, but there is a complication."
"Of course," said Aubrey, "things always have to get more complicated. What is this idea of yours?"
"As you remember, we combined our magic to seek an answer to Master Bloom's infirmity. I propose a similar technique be utilized to empower circles."
"Would that even work?"
"It is unknown, but it is worth investigating, is it not?"
"It certainly is. You mentioned a complication?"
"Yes," said Kraloch. "The mages combining their power would likely have to be of the same variety. You and I both utilize the power of Life Magic, for example."
"I suppose that only makes sense," said Aubrey. "But that doesn't help us much. The only other school of magic in which we are blessed with more than one mage is that of the earth."
"What if we called on the mages of Weldwyn to lend a hand? Do you think they would be willing to assist?"
"Possibly," said Aubrey, "but even then, we might not have enough."
"They have an Enchanter, do they not?" asked Kraloch.
"They do, a woman named Gretchen Harwell, but I have no idea if she'd be willing to work with Kiren-Jool. The people of Weldwyn have little love for the Kurathians."
"It is worth a try, at least."
"True," agreed Aubrey. "And they have an Earth Mage who could work with either Albreda or Master Hearn, so that might help."
"It is a pity we have no more Elementalists. A nice master of flame would be useful."
"Agreed, or a Water Mage, for that matter. We lack both."
"I shall give it further thought," said the Orc, "but there is far too much to keep us busy at present."
"There is?"
"Yes," he continued. "Now that the Wickfield circle is working, we have messages to carry and people to ferry back and forth to Wincaster."
"In that case, I'd better get some food into me," said Aubrey. "It looks like it's going to be a busy day."
Gerald entered the casting room to see Master Kraloch waiting.
"Good morning," he said, using the Orcish tongue.
"And the same to you," said the shaman. "Are you ready to depart?"
"Yes," replied the marshal, "but we must wait on Dame Beverly."
"I had no idea she was travelling with us."
"The queen wants a report on how well her training is going, and I thought it best she gets a first-hand account. She'll only be a moment. I ran into her on the way over here."
"How are the preparations for the invasion going?" asked Kraloch.
Gerald frowned. "Not as well as I would have liked. It feels like every time we make progress, something else sets us back."
"Is there anything I can help with?"
"Not unless you can keep wagons rolling."
"I'm afraid I don't understand. Do we lack horses?"
"No," said Gerald. "We have plenty of those, but the wagons we use to haul supplies are getting a little long in the tooth."
Kraloch gave him a quizzical look. "Are long teeth not desired?"
"Sorry, my friend, I meant they're getting old. We had two broken axles just yesterday, and some of the wheels look like they might wear out given another few days of use. I don't suppose your tribe might have someone who can fix such things?"
"I am afraid not," said the Orc. "Though if we did, I am sure Chief Urgon would happily give them to you."
"Ah, well," said Gerald. "It's just one more thing to add to the list of never-ending problems."
"Is it serious?"
"Don't worry, we'll sort it out in time. In any event, we won't be marching north for some time yet."
"Are the problems that severe?"
"No, but we're still awaiting word on maps. Only a fool goes blundering into enemy territory with no clue what it looks like."
"That explains the absence of the Kurathians," said Kraloch.
"An astute observation. I wish all my troops were as observant."
The guards outside called out a challenge.
"It sounds like Beverly's here," said Gerald.
Sure enough, the door opened, revealing the red-headed knight.
"Not bringing your horse?" he asked.
"Why would I need Lightning? We're going to the Palace, aren't we?"
"Of course," said Gerald. "I was only making conversation. Got everything you need?"
She produced a rolled-up scroll. "It's all here for the queen's perusal."
"Good," he added. "You may proceed, Kraloch."