| |
It wasn’t the first time I’d been in the octagonal chamber where Imperial Seer Lochelle, Prime Counselor to the King, conjured visions and cast her most powerful spells. This day nine lanterns hung from the domed ceiling, providing light enough to reveal the intricate runes etched into the walls and support columns.
Imperial Seer Lochelle sat on a tall stool at the head of the oval table stationed in the room’s center. She looked down at the table, allowing the long strands of her stringy brown hair to conceal her face. Jeweled rings adorned her youthful-looking hands, but I remembered how they stood in stark contrast to her gaunt, lined face. She was a seer, and the more powerful a seer became, the further that seer’s physical vision retreated. Lesser Seer B’down stood along the wall, to my left. He wore gray robes, lacking the intricate stitching that lined the imperial seer’s. His eyes showed the milky beginnings of cataracts. Imperial Seer Lochelle, who’d reached the highest rank, denoting supreme and unsurpassed skill in the magical arts, her eyes had become sightless white orbs.
On occasion, I wondered if it was worth the trade. Knowledge and ability acquired in any of the magical arts left a mark upon the wielder, even healers. I couldn’t imagine why anyone would be a necromancer. I’d seen some of the effects. In comparison, the imperial seer’s sacrifice was nothing.
I stood, attending Grand Wizard Seelain, who sat to the right of Prince Reveron. Both he and Major Jadd, who was attending him, were dressed in high boots, leather leggings and jerkin over a cotton shirt, and riding gloves folded into their wide belt. Major Jadd stood to the left of Seer B’down, who was Prince Reveron’s chief advisor. The other Council members seated at the table were General Riverton, First Military Advisor to King Tobias, Colonel Isar, Commander of Keesee’s m’unicorn cavalry, and Supreme Enchantress Thulease. The graying general wasn’t attended by anyone. Colonel Isar faced away from the table, conferring with a fellow cavalrywoman. Supreme Enchantress Thulease was a tall, thin woman—the tallest woman I’d ever encountered, until I saw her attending enchantress. Both wore the customary black mask covering their faces from just below the eyes, but I suspected anyone could pick them out of a crowd if they weren’t wearing their masks. Being an enchanter made the individual more susceptible to magic worked against them, but I guessed when you became as powerful as Enchantress Thulease, the mask was a formality rather than a necessity to protect her identity. Both wore similar pale green robes and had their hair rolled into a flattened ball on top of their heads.
There were other men and women standing along the chamber’s walls. Some were scribes with quills, ink and paper placed on tall tables next to their stools, ready to record. Others were soldiers. One man’s red hair, beard, eyes, and ruddy complexion identified him as a fire wizard, at least a greater one. Not one of them I recognized.
Missing was Prince Halgadin. Major Jadd said he was in the field. I was pretty sure my friend and mentor didn’t mind the crown prince’s absence. We were all waiting for King Tobias to arrive. Having met the king twice and having heard others speak of him, I guessed this meeting was a formality. He’d already made up his mind as to a course of action.
Imperial Seer Lochelle raised her head, revealing her sightless eyes. A tingle of magical energy coursed over my body. With her magical sight and advice, maybe things weren’t settled.
All stood and bowed as King Tobias entered. The enchantresses removed their masks. The king’s stern, bearded face looked weary, yet regal. His piercing blue eyes scanned the chamber. An attending manservant removed the king’s red cape, more clearly revealing the royal purple and gold colors of King Tobias’s silk garments. The only jewelry he wore was the gold signet ring on his right hand. That hand rested on the pommel of his sheathed broadsword.
King Tobias strode around the table and took his place next to Imperial Seer Lochelle. “Seal the chamber,” he said in a booming voice.
Lesser Seer B’down hurried to close the rune-carved iron door and set a similarly rune-covered wooden bar in place.
Imperial Seer Lochelle muttered an incantation. Suddenly the chamber felt stuffy, everything muffled—warded from spying through magical means.
King Tobias sat, then signaled for all to be seated. Prince Reveron sat next, followed by the rest around the table. Only after they were settled did I and the other attendants climb onto the tall stools placed three steps behind those we served.
King Tobias made eye contact with each of his Council. “As some of you know, Lochelle has withdrawn her efforts elsewhere and focused on the concern within the city. Many traitor contingents have been killed or captured.
“My apologies, Seelain, and my gratitude. You eliminated the core of one group that eluded our sweeps. It appears Jolain has a seer and enchanter, both of notable skill, within the city and opposing our efforts. A futile gesture now that Thulease and Lochelle have made securing the city a primary concern.”
General Riverton placed his right hand on the table and slid it forward.
“General,” said the king
The general stood. “Those of which you speak have been under pursuit and are hiding in the northeastern part of Green District.” He looked at Imperial Seer Lochelle before making eye contact with Supreme Enchanter Thulease. “Without support of their now shattered Long-Tooth network. Those captured are under interrogation even as we meet.”
The king nodded. “Turning our attention away from the approaching threat will weaken our response, but it is early in the new defensive campaign. I suspected Jolain’s offensive when my emissaries failed to recruit more than a scattered few Malgerian mercenaries, even as the Ancient Dictator waged war upon us.” He looked to his son. “Reveron was even more convinced than I.”
In the past, Grand Wizard Seelain named the Necromancer King as the ‘Ancient Dictator,’ whom the Colonel of the West named General Mzali, one of his ancient foes. And the Colonel also hadn’t appeared fond of the goddess Fendra Jolain, whom he suggested wasn’t really a goddess.
I was momentarily distracted by the enchantress seated behind Supreme Enchanter Thulease. Her gaze had fallen upon me several times, as it did even now. I met it for a second and then looked back to King Tobias as he spoke.
“Reveron, report on our serpent cavalry forces.”
Prince Reveron remained seated as he spoke with quiet authority. “The number of serpent steeds is down ninety percent from what we placed in the field at the beginning of the war against the Necromancer King. Without support of healers, it will take much longer to put those that are wounded back into action. We have captured two white dragons and have two experienced cavalrymen working to master them.”
The prince nodded slightly to Wizard Seelain next to him. “The wyvern steeds are proving adequate mounts for our scouts, but they will not stand up to the griffins favored by the forces under Fendra Jolain. Latest reports indicate that of the original eighty, sixty-five remain in service, with three wounded soon to be back in the field.
“As Major Jadd has reported to you, we also are short of experienced serpent cavalrymen, both for dragon and wyvern.”
“Yes,” said King Tobias. “As are we short of experienced officers, and young men to replace those lost in battle. Isar, what of the cavalry, including the heavy cavalry?”
Colonel Isar stood. “We have lost far more cavalrywomen than m’unicorn mounts, and training new recruits is a long process. We remain at sixty percent pre-war strength. The heavy cavalry is at forty.”
That the mule-unicorn cross had a better survival rate than the horses of heavy cavalry didn’t surprise me. Although a m’unicorn retained only a fraction of its sire’s fleetness and grace, its speed and maneuverability, not to mention its resilience, far surpassed that of even the best stallion in the royal herd.
The king nodded. “My navy is still largely intact. You have noted the absence of Lazney? The admiral is recovering from his burns and will soon be back to actively organizing defense of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic. He owes his life to one of the rogues we’ve sheltered over the years.”
The king’s last comment caught my attention. He’d sheltered rogue healers? My head’s sharp movement caught Major Jadd’s notice, as it did the tall enchantress. Again, her gaze lingered on me from across the chamber, but I refused to acknowledge it and become distracted.
The king looked toward the supreme enchantress. “Thulease, what of the healers?”
The enchantress stood and bowed slightly. “Two-hundred and ten remain in custody. Three were discovered to have committed suicide this morning, bringing that total to sixty-three. The military sweeps discussed may have brought in a few more. My assistants will interview those suspected of having such abilities and will report to your liaison by sunset.
“Fifty-one, mainly those of moderate to minimal ability have pledged loyalty to the Kingdom of Keesee. Their sincerity has been verified through both seer and enchanter incantations. They supplement the seventy-five rogue healers you spoke of. Of those, all but ten have been sent into the field, each with two personal guards to insure their safety. General Riverton indicated their appearance and presence, even though inadequate in numbers, will improve troop morale.
“Unknown numbers of healers remain in hiding throughout the countryside, attempting to return to the Vinchie Empire or await the forces they must know are on the march. Commoners continue to think highly of healers, and readily shelter them.”
King Tobias nodded, and the enchantress sat. A scowl crossed his face. “The refugees remain a concern. We have driven the Necromancer King’s forces from northern Keesee and the Doran Confederacy, except for scattered bands of goblins and souled zombies. I provided wagons and escort to those willing to return to their farms, as we will be in need of the harvest come the fall. Providing garrisons and patrols will continue to drain our already depleted strength. Especially in the Confederacy. Most of the lords are slain, along with their heirs and trusted men. Their keeps and estates are largely destroyed. The Lesser Kingdoms are no better off.
“Lawlessness and strife plagues the Faxtinian Coalition, except its capital, Paris–Imprimis, which is struggling to rebuild and cannot exert influence beyond a day’s ride. It will be the first to be conquered by Jolain’s advance. An easy prize.”
King Tobias paused. “Lochelle?”
Imperial Seer Lochelle nodded, but didn’t stand. Instead, her sightless gaze fell upon her table, into the empty bowl set into its center. “Whether you ride out to meet her forces, or if you defend and await her assault, a weakened Keesee cannot withstand the tide.”
Colonel Isar slid her right hand forward on the table. “All are welcome to speak their thoughts,” King Tobias said.
“What if we send m’unicorn forces to raid the tribal lands of the Malgerian mercenaries?” suggested Colonel Isar. “Force at least some of their numbers to abandon Fendra Jolain and return.”
“The Kraken has left its lair beneath the Gibraltar Rock,” said Seer Lochelle.
King Tobias added, “And Jolain has sent elements of her fleet to patrol the Southern Continent’s coast.”
I knew tales of the Kraken from my childhood, a beast controlled by the sea goddess Uplersh. It was said to guard the straits, dragging down any ship that didn’t pay proper tribute to the sea goddess. I’d been at sea when a sea serpent attacked our ship, and such beasts were said to be playthings compared to the Kraken.
“Uplersh has no love of the Reunited Kingdom,” said Prince Reveron. “And she is allied with Fendra Jolain, is she not? The Kraken would be most effective in stopping a Crusader foray against the Vinchie Empire. We, with enchanters and water, fire and air wizards are better equipped to fend against such a beast.”
“Better equipped,” said Supreme Enchantress Thulease, “yet ill equipped. We may drive it off, but how many troop ships would be lost?”
General Riverton added, “The Crusaders are tenuous allies. They consider us the lesser of two evils when compared to the Necromancer King, and only slightly better when compared to the Vinchie Empire and Fendra Jolain. Reports indicate they have landed a fresh division on the continent. Their objective is to lay siege to the Necromancer King’s stronghold and bring him down.”
Wizard Seelain interjected, “But the Crusaders despise Uplersh, who has for centuries harried their steam-driven vessels which dare to venture far from their shores.”
“They are our solid allies against the Ancient Dictator,” said King Tobias. “I have sent diplomats to seek aid against our new threat, but I do not hold out hope. I do not believe they have the troops to mount a serious offensive elsewhere.”
There was a pause in the discussion, each council member deep in thought.
“We have no friends to the east,” said General Riverton.
“And none on the Southern Continent,” added Prince Reveron.
Wizard Seelain gripped the table. “And of our gods? Algaan will not come to manifest for another seventeen years. And M’Kishmael, the god of farmers...?”
“Their presence does inhibit Fendra Jolain from advancing her cause directly,” said Seer Lochelle.
“Is it certain that it is Fendra Jolain’s intention to invade and conquer Keesee?” asked Colonel Isar.
“It is,” said Seer Lochelle.
“Has any thought been given to diplomacy before it comes to arms,” asked the supreme enchantress.
“Jolain knows as clearly as we do that the forces of Keesee are too weak to withstand,” said King Tobias through clenched teeth. “We must have some point of strength before we can consider such a course.”
Prince Reveron said, “We need a wildcard.”
“Mercenary,” snapped the king. “What about the Colonel of the West?”
I was trying to think of a reason that might encourage the Reunited Kingdom to pull back against the largely defeated Necromancer King and ally with Keesee against the goddess Fendra Jolain. It took me a fraction of a second to realize King Tobias had addressed me!
I jumped from the stool and bowed. “Your Majesty,” I said. “I do not believe the Colonel of the West will lend aid to us. Unless...unless there is a...”
All had turned to face me as I worked to recall the details of my meeting with the Colonel of the West—why he traded what he called a small nuclear device for the king’s malevolent Blood Sword. Prince Reveron made eye contact and nodded slightly, urging me to continue with confidence.
“As I explained upon my return,” I said, “there is some sort of ancient pact that the gods, or as the Crusaders call them, immortal bloods, have. The Colonel felt that the Necromancer King, who he named General Mzali and blamed for the First Civilization’s fall, had broken that agreement. So he felt it right to counter what the Necromancer King had done through summoning damned souls to build weaponry from before the First Civilization’s end.”
I didn’t want to continue my line of thought, but the king had asked, and I had already told it to Imperial Seer Lochelle, who certainly had relayed it to him. “Until that realization, the Colonel of the West stated his belief that the Necromancer King had out maneuvered his enemies militarily and diplomatically and it was not his concern.
“He hinted that another, future, enemy was awaiting to bring Keesee’s downfall. I guess the goddess Fendra Jolain is it. Unless there is evidence that the goddess has in some way broken their ancient pact, he will not do anything on our behalf.”
The king nodded and I returned to my stool. He rubbed his bearded chin in thought before lifting from one of his pockets a silver watch held by a chain. Etched upon its cover was a pair of ducks taking wing above a reed-filled marsh. I immediately recognized it as the pocket watch given to me by the Colonel of the West.
“Lochelle,” said the king. “What did the mercenary say Colonel Ibrahim, the Colonel of the West, promised?”
Imperial Seer Lochelle repeated the exact words the Colonel of the West had spoken to me upon trading the Blood Sword: “Mercenary Flank Hawk, you may have guessed Dr. Mindebee objects to my decision to deliver into your hands a nuclear device for the sword. The ramifications whether you fail or succeed may be great. Nevertheless, I will retain this sword for you and your king. If you succeed in your mission and General Mzali’s conquest is thwarted, the day may come when you will have need of it once again. I will be willing to lend it if retrieved by you, your prince, or anyone bearing my pocket watch.”
It was eerie, the way Imperial Seer Lochelle said it. The voice was hers, but the tone, pace and inflections were those of the Colonel.
“I believe,” said the king, “that Mzali and Jolain have been in league against us for years. The failed attempts by the Reunited Kingdom delayed their plans. What Mzali lacked in seers and enchanters he made up for through healers, spies traveling with our forces and reporting as best they could. Without the destruction of Mzali’s souled zombie engineers he summoned from the depths of hell, along with the production facilities they built using technology from before First Civilization’s fall.” He paused and pointed a finger on the table. “By now his zombies, goblins and ogres, backed by panzers and Stukas would be laying siege to this city.
“As it is, driving him back has severely weakened us and our allies, the Faxtinian Coalition, the Doran Confederacy, the Lesser Kingdoms, and the Reunited Kingdom. That is what happens when one opposes forces backed by gods.”
He looked around the table for consensus.
“What about Uplersh?” asked Colonel Isar.
The king scoffed. “What Uplersh has forever done. Whatever direction the wind favors, she goes. This century it is with Jolain and the Ancient Dictator.”
King Tobias stood and walked around the table as he spoke. “What has kept Jolain in check has been the Blood Sword. She must have learned I no longer possess it, and this emboldens her. Her original target with the Long-Tooths reconstituted and the Malgerian mercenaries was the Reunited Kingdom. The numbers of war galleys and troop ships on her northern coast, reported by the Crusaders at the onset of the Ancient Dictator’s invasion, could mean little else. She planned they would be broken fighting the panzer battlewagons and aerial dive bombers. Even now the Crusaders are proving more resilient and resourceful than even I anticipated.”
He’d completed one circuit of the table and stopped. “She will settle for her ally Mzali falling to the Crusaders. And while they’re occupied, she will sweep in, extend her holdings. Build and confront the Crusaders in the future.” His fist slammed down on the table. “A future where Keesee will have been subjugated!”
He held up the watch. “This, Reveron, is your wildcard. We will bring the Blood Sword back into the game. Centuries past, sages debated and scholars recorded that it was forged with god slaying in mind.” He looked from Imperial Seer Lochelle to Supreme Enchanter Thulease. “Present company believes, whether or not bringing a god to his or her end was its intended purpose, such a feat is beyond the sword’s power.”
King Tobias moved to stand behind Prince Reveron. “I will settle for it stemming the enemy tide.” He observed the silver pocket watch in his right hand, then placed it on the table in front of his son. “Reveron, I task you to see that it happens. Return the sword to my hand.”