Aldwin sat cross-legged on the floor, smoothing the gold rune he had created. He had poured it into a mould to form the letter, and now it sat on the floor, a perfect fit for the stone indentation that held it. Satisfied with the work, he rose, stretching his back as he did.
"That's the last one," he announced. "What do you think?"
"Marvellous," declared Albreda. She wandered around the room, looking at each rune in turn. "You've done an outstanding job here. I daresay your skills will keep you in work for the next few months."
"How many of these are we to make?" he asked.
"One in each city, eventually," replied the druid, "but that won't be for years. It takes too much of a mage's strength to empower them to go any faster."
"Are YOU going to empower this circle?" asked Aldwin.
"No," replied Albreda, "that honour will fall to Aubrey, though I'll doubtless be here to witness it. We all will, actually."
"We will?" asked Aldwin in surprise.
"Well, all of the mages, at least. I'm afraid the rest wouldn't find it of very much interest."
"How long does it take?" he asked.
"The casting time to empower a circle depends on its strength. This one is quite strong, it'll likely take the better part of a morning to do it."
"Will all the circles look the same?" he asked.
"No," said Albreda. "This one is a life circle. The next construction will likely be in Bodden. I'll be empowering that one, so it will be a circle of stones."
"But others can use it?"
"Of course, just not at the same power level."
"And that will allow instant travel?"
"You've gone with me before, Aldwin, you know how they work. With circles here and in Bodden, you could travel to the Keep for breakfast and be back before your toast gets cold."
"I like the sounds of that," he mused, "but I doubt it'll be used as often as you think. It still needs a mage to operate it, doesn't it?"
"It does," she agreed, "and the power of the caster will determine how many people can travel with a single casting of the spell."
"And how far they can go.”
"Very good, Aldwin, you're learning."
The smith smiled at the compliment, then began gathering his tools.
"How's Beverly doing?" Albreda asked.
He stopped his actions, turning to look at the druid. "She's getting better. I don't think she ever really grieved for Olivia, not to mention what the earl's men did to her." He balled his fists at the thought.
"He's dead now, Aldwin,” Albreda soothed, "he can't hurt her anymore.
"I know that," he replied, "and yet I can't help feeling for her. It's like she lost a part of herself when she testified at the trial."
"She'll recover, you'll see, it just takes time. The important thing is that you're here for her. On the plus side, the kingdom has been quiet these last few months."
"I hadn't noticed," mused Aldwin, resuming the collection of tools. ”I’ve been rather busy. How's the north?"
"Quiet, which is rather unexpected. The kingdom is also in funds again, that's why we were able to carry on with this circle."
"I'd very much like to see Aubrey enchant this circle," he said.
"It's called empowering," corrected the druid, "not enchanting."
"What's the difference?"
"Empowering is done once, and permanently makes the circle usable. Enchantments are performed by a mage that has learned the school of Enchantments, the two are really quite different. Of course, those who are uninitiated into the ways of arcane power often use the term enchantment for anything that holds magic.”
Aldwin made an exaggerated bow, "I stand corrected. So what's next?"
"Well," mused Albreda, "I have things to discuss with Aubrey, but I would suggest you go and find Beverly and maybe take her riding. I think she'd like that."
It was late afternoon by the time Aubrey and the other mages came to visit the completed circle. Revi took an intense interest in the workmanship, examining each rune in great detail before declaring it acceptable. Aldus Hearn also spent a lot of time going over every single marking, muttering the whole time about how fascinating it all was.
Aubrey was simply delighted, a quick scan being all that was needed for her to accept it as ready.
"When can I begin?" she asked.
"I thought tomorrow morning might be best," said Albreda. "You'll want to rest up ahead of time and make sure you have a good breakfast, you won't be able to eat once you start casting. The ritual will take some time, and it'll also drain a lot of your power."
"I remember," said Aubrey. "I'll expend all my energy in the casting, and a small portion of it I won't be able to recover."
"That's correct," confirmed the druid, "though, in time, you'll be able to build your power level back up."
"How much power will I lose?" she asked.
"This is a strong circle," said Albreda, "the biggest one we have planned for Merceria, so I'm afraid it will take quite a bit. It will feel strange for a few days, almost like losing a tooth, but you'll get used to it."
"I'm honoured to have the opportunity," said Aubrey.
"You've earned it," said Albreda, then switched to a quieter voice. "You're likely the most powerful mage after me."
"I am?" she said in surprise.
"Not so much in experience," corrected the druid, "but in terms of potential, I'd say you're one of the most powerful mages I've met. I rather suspect that's because of your great grandmother. That reminds me, how are things going in Hawksburg?"
"Quite well, thank you."
"And the circle there?"
"Easier to use now," said Aubrey, "thanks to the efforts of the Orcs. Kraloch was a great help. We cleared out the ground floor and opened up the cellar. There's even a ramp now, which makes getting horses in and out much easier."
"And the guards we discussed?" asked Albreda.
"In place," said Aubrey, "and the building can be locked if desired, though the guards are always on duty to keep outsiders away."
"And the guards are?"
"Orcs," said Aubrey, "that was my idea. They won't take bribes to let people in. Don't worry, they all have to speak our language."
"Well, that's a relief," said Albreda. "I could just imagine trying to ask an Orc to let me out when they couldn't understand me."
Aubrey laughed, "It does paint a rather funny picture, doesn't it."
Kiren-Jool made his way towards them, his examination of the circle complete. "What's so funny?"
"Just a private joke," said Albreda. "What do you think of the circle?"
"Truly a work of art," the Enchanter replied. "Is the queen to allow all of us to use it?"
"Yes," said Albreda, "but there are a few conditions."
"Such as?" he asked.
"We are to let no other mages have access without Royal Approval, and we must always have someone available here, in Wincaster, to carry important dispatches and such."
"In other words," he clarified, "we serve the crown. That's quite reasonable. Who is to be the first?"
"That honour will fall to me," said Albreda.
"You?" he said in surprise. "I thought Aubrey would be the first."
"She'll be empowering it," the druid replied, "but she'll be tired from her casting. I'll take her through, along with some others."
"And what will be the first destination of our new circle?"
"Hawksburg," said Albreda. "We intend to have a small family get-together."
"Oh?" said the Enchanter.
"Yes, the Fitzwilliams will be joining us. They're related, you know. Aubrey is the baron's niece."
"Oh yes," said Kiren-Jool, "I remember, now that you mention it."
The door opened, revealing Beverly and a group of guards.
"What's this, now?" asked Revi, irritation evident in his voice.
"These are the new guards," answered Beverly. "They've been handpicked to guard the circle. I thought it best to let them see what it is they'll be protecting."
"A grand idea," said Albreda.
"Nonsense," said Revi in annoyance, "they should remain outside, this room is for mages only."
Beverly stared at the mage, surprised by his hostility. "The queen agreed with my intent," she said, a hard edge to her voice.
Revi threw up his arms in surrender, "Well, the queen knows best!"
Aubrey moved to intercept her cousin before the situation got away from her.
"Beverly," she soothed, "aren't you excited to go to Hawksburg?"
Her features calmed, returning her to the Beverly of old. "Yes," the red-headed knight said, "though obviously not as much as you."
Aubrey laughed, "Well, you can't blame me, can you? I haven't had family in Hawksburg since... well, you know."
"I hear you've decided to finally build some defences," Beverly added.
"Yes," Aubrey agreed, "but it'll be years before they take shape. We're going to start with a wall around the town."
"And a keep?" asked Beverly.
"Eventually, I suppose, but a wall to begin with. I had thought to begin with a wooden palisade, but Gerald insisted it be done with stone."
"I'd have to say I agree with him," mused Beverly. "If you're going to build defences, best you do it properly. Anyways, I should be going, I just wanted to show off our newest circle."
She left the room, leaving the mages in sole possession of the chamber.
The morning came far too soon for Aubrey's liking. With the excitement of the day looming in her future, it had been difficult to sleep and now, keyed up as she was, she found breakfast almost distracting.
"Nervous?" asked Beverly from across the table.
"Terribly," replied Aubrey. "What if I mess up?"
"You won't," added Aldwin, "you've been studying it for weeks."
"Agreed," said Beverly, "but you really should eat something. You're going to be casting for quite some time, aren't you?"
"I am," Aubrey confessed, "but I'm worrying about everything."
"Why?" asked Beverly. "It's not as though you haven't cast spells before."
"Yes," Aubrey continued, "but everyone will be watching."
"Put that out of your mind," suggested Aldwin. "Just concentrate on the here and now."
The Life Mage closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She dug down deep inside herself, searching for her inner strength. Instead, her stomach gurgled, sending the three of them into fits of laughter.
"Well," Aubrey mused, "I suppose that answers my question. Food it is."
"I'm surprised the queen isn't here," said Aldwin.
"She doesn't want to overshadow Aubrey's achievement," said Beverly, "but she sends her best regards. She's looking forward to trying it sometime."
"Of course," said Aubrey, "but I have to empower it first." She dug into her food.
Some time later, she sat back, her stomach full. Looking over to Aldwin, she noticed he had two plates empty before him.
"How can you eat so much?" she asked.
"He works hard to keep those muscles of his," answered Beverly. "It takes a lot of strength to work the forge all day. He even finished off my plate as well as his!"
They all chuckled, and Aubrey thought it nice to see Beverly returning to her old self.
"Shall we?" the Life Mage said, rising.
"Of course," said Beverly, "lead on, master mage."
"Or would that be mistress mage?" asked Aldwin.
"We're family," said the young spell caster, "how about you just call me Aubrey."
"Very well," the smith replied, "shall I get the door?"
Aubrey paused as Aldwin opened the door, and looked at her cousin, "He's pretty handy to have around."
"He certainly is," Beverly agreed with a smile.
They made their way through the Palace to the casting room where Baron Fitzwilliam and Albreda stood waiting at the entrance, guards to either side.
"Good morning," said the baron. He stepped forward, giving them each a hug. Albreda watched, smiling the whole time.
"Father," said Beverly, "you look in fine form today. Is Albreda letting you get some sleep?"
The baron blushed slightly. "I could ask you the same," he said, eyeing Aldwin, who, like him, turned crimson.
The guards opened the door, revealing the magic circle within, where the other mages of the kingdom stood around it in anticipation.
"I must say it looks rather impressive," said Fitz.
"Thank you," said Aubrey. "Albreda and I designed it, but it took Aldwin to help us build it, along with Master Brullin."
"Brullin?" said Fitz. "What kind of a name is that?"
"That was our Dwarven stonecutter," added Aldwin.
Beverly laughed.
"What's so funny?" asked Fitz.
"Nothing," she defended, "it's just that any feat of engineering always seems to be done by Dwarves."
Aldwin smiled, for it was good to see Beverly laughing again. "Shall we step into the middle?" he suggested.
"Not yet," said Aubrey, "I still have to empower it. You can watch from over there if you like, but it will take some time. Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to just come back later when we're ready to travel?"
"Of course not," said Fitz, "this is your big moment. I wouldn't miss it for all the gold in the kingdom."
"There are seats over here," said Albreda, "if you'd care to sit. It will, as Aubrey indicated, take a while to perform the ritual."
They sat down as Aubrey walked about the room, clearing her mind. While this was happening, a servant carried in a small table, placing it at the dead centre of the circle. Kiren-Jool followed, placing a book upon it and opening it to a page filled with magical runes. Satisfied that all was ready, he joined the observers, taking a seat.
Aubrey moved to the book, examining its contents. Torches were set about the room, filling it with light, but Revi stood to cast a glowing orb. He floated it over to Aubrey where it hung, illuminating the book clearly.
She began the casting, reading the runes as they appeared before her. The words spilled forth, echoing throughout the room, filling it with a sense of power. Aldwin could feel the hair on his arms stand on end and watched in wonder.
Albreda rose, crossing to stand opposite Aubrey. Words of power continued to pour forth, and then the druid turned the page, revealing even more. This continued for some time, the sound growing monotonous to the observers, and yet their anticipation increased with each turn of a page.
Aldwin sensed a taste of metal in his mouth and then there was an audible sound, a sort of thudding noise that a person might make when stomping their foot. He watched in amazement as one of the runes that he had poured came to life, pulsating with glowing energy and giving off a bright white light. He looked over at his companions to see their attention riveted on the ritual before them.
Aubrey's words continued to flow as more pages were turned, and then a second rune lit up. The air began to buzz as if a swarm of bees was filling the room, and soon the entire area was bathed in bright light as more and more runes began to glow, the Life Mage's energy filling them.
Finally, the last rune illuminated, and although Aldwin couldn't say how much time had gone by, he expected the spell was now complete, but still, the ritual continued.
Within the circle, the air about Aubrey began to turn hazy, as if moisture was being sucked from her body. The cloud spread out from her, and then he realized it wasn't a cloud, but a ring of mist, expanding until it covered all the runes. The magical symbols began to pulse with light and Aldwin was struck by the idea that they were somehow absorbing the strange mist. All he could do was watch, immobilized with fascination.
Aubrey's voice grew louder, its pitch rising higher even as her voice became hoarse, but she kept up the ritual, letting the words erupt from her mouth.
As she called out the final rune, a clap of thunder shook the very walls, and then the runes faded, returning to their natural gold colour.
Aubrey lowered her arms, swaying slightly. Albreda stepped around the small table, steadying the Life Mage while guiding her to a seat. Beverly brought her cousin some water, and the mage drank thirstily.
"It worked!" declared Albreda. "You've done it, Aubrey. How do you feel?"
"Tired," said the Life Mage, "as if I'd run for days."
"That's the power drain," replied the druid, gazing into the young woman's face. "Your eyes look fine, you didn't overdo it."
"Her eyes tell you that?" asked Aldwin.
"Yes," the druid replied, "one of the first signs your energy is almost depleted is bloodshot eyes, but Aubrey's look clear. She has more reserves than I thought."
"I'm hungry," Aubrey complained. "It feels as though I haven't eaten in weeks."
"Let's get you to Hawksburg then," declared Albreda. "After all, there's a feast waiting there."
The druid nodded to Aldwin and Beverly, who each took one of Aubrey's arms and guided her into the circle. A servant had cleared away the table, giving them ample room to assemble. Fitz joined them as Albreda placed herself in the centre.
"All set?" the druid asked.
Once everyone had nodded, Albreda began the spell of recall. The runes lit up once again, and then a circle of light leaped up from the floor, blinding in its intensity. Moments later, the light vanished, and the room around them was replaced with that of Hawksburg.
Beverly looked around in surprise. There had, indeed, been changes in the circle here. Now, instead of a narrow stairway, there was a gentle ramp. It headed north, then turned east and south again, forming a 'U' shape, the upper end even with the ground floor.
The ceiling above had been removed, creating a balcony of sorts that oversaw the casting room below. Beverly noticed a trio of Orcs watching them. Moments later, they descended the ramp, eager to help carry Aubrey.
"I love what they've done with the place," commented Beverly. "The last time I was here, it was quite crowded."
"Yes," agreed Albreda, "it's nice, isn't it."
"Where's the food?" asked Aldwin.
Beverly laughed, "Is that all you ever think about?"
Aldwin looked at Beverly with a wicked grin, and the knight blushed.
"Apparently not," said Fitz, a chortle escaping.
"Now, now," chided Albreda, "let the children have their fun."
"They're not children anymore," said Fitz.
"Let's find the food," said Aubrey, bringing the discussion to a close.
Back in Wincaster, things were busy at the Weldwyn embassy. Servants were scurrying back and forth as guests were seated.
"You've laid on quite the spread," said Gerald as a servant filled his goblet.
"We've spared no expense," said Alric. "After all, it's not every day the Queen of Merceria comes to dinner."
Anna smiled, "Thank you, Alric. I must say it's a nice change to not eat in the Palace. What do you have planned for us this evening?"
"Some Weldwyn favourites," the prince answered. "How do you feel about mutton pie?"
"I remember it well," said Gerald, rubbing his hands together. "A particular favourite at the Summersgate Palace, if I recall."
"Yes," Alric agreed, "it was always one of my favourites."
"And you found someone here that could make it?" asked Anna.
"Of course," replied the prince. "When my father sent the new troops, he insisted on sending some servants. I suppose he was afraid I'd starve on a Mercerian diet."
"I see you have the fancy forks," noted Gerald, still fascinated with the things. "I take it you brought your own silverware."
"Yes," admitted Alric, blushing slightly. "You don't want to know how many wagons my mother sent. I think she must believe you don't have blankets here, she quite literally sent everything she could think of."
"You're lucky to have a mother that cares," said Anna. "Mine stopped visiting when I was just a young girl."
"That's terrible," Jack commiserated, holding his goblet up for a refill.
"That's not the only thing," she continued, "before she stopped, she only visited Uxley Hall once a year."
"How did you ever survive?" asked Alric.
"The servants looked after me," she answered, "and then Gerald came into my life. After that, it was just like having a real family."
"And how are you finding the experience of being a queen?" asked Jack.
"Nothing like I thought it was going to be," Anna replied. "I suppose I pictured there'd be more celebrations and parties. It's such a lot of work running a kingdom."
Jack took a deep draught of his wine. "Is it a kingdom?" he mused. "I should think it'd be called a queendom now."
Gerald chuckled, "I'd never thought of that. You're far too quick on your feet for me, Jack."
"I'll take that as a compliment," replied the cavalier.
A servant entered, carrying a large metal bowl aloft.
"What have we here?" asked Gerald. "Something smells tasty."
"That's for Tempus," announced Alric, "our meal will be along shortly.
The servant placed the bowl before the great mastiff. He sniffed it gingerly, then started eating.
"What is it?" asked Anna.
"It's a special recipe my father told me about," said Alric.
"Your father had dogs?"
"Years ago," said Alric. "He used them for hunting, but as he grew older, he hunted less and less."
"What happened to the dogs?" asked Anna, her curiosity peaked.
"They were sent down to Hillsworth. We have an estate down there."
"Sounds interesting," said Anna. "We didn't make it there on our visit, what's it like?"
"It's a rugged area," explained Alric. "The estate is up on the edge of the hills, giving a nice view of the countryside."
"Does anything interesting live in the hills?" asked Anna, eager for more information.
"Nothing too interesting," said Alric.
"Unless you like Ogres," offered Jack.
"Ogres?" said Gerald. "What are they like?"
"Yes," added Anna, "do tell."
"They're large creatures," explained Alric, "close in height to a Troll, but much more massive and their skin is soft. They always remind me of an old fat man who never sees the sun."
"Do they give you trouble?" asked Gerald.
"I wouldn't say so, would you, Jack?" said the prince.
"No," responded the cavalier, "definitely not. I don't think they're capable of causing trouble."
"Why is that?" asked Anna.
Jack brandished a utensil, "They're about as smart as this spoon."
"Still," mused Anna, "it would be interesting to see one, don't you think, Gerald?"
"I suppose," said Gerald, as plates were brought in that set his mouth to watering. "Now that's more like it."
"Yes," agreed Alric, "Weldwyn pie!"
Gerald looked at the meal before him. "It looks like Mercerian pudding," he mused.
"That's because it is," said Anna, "they just have a different name for it."
"How are the preparations going for the wedding?" asked Jack.
"Quite well," answered Anna, "but that reminds me, I had a question for you, Alric."
"Go ahead," the young prince insisted.
"I need a guest list," she continued. "You already told me your parents are coming, but I have no idea how many others."
"No other nobles," Alric replied, "unless you count my sisters."
"Edwina and Althea are coming?" she said. "How wonderful!"
"Alstan has to remain behind to look after things."
"I was thinking there might be a way to make it even easier," suggested Anna.
"Oh? How?" asked the prince.
"Our magic circle is complete, and Albreda's been to Summersgate before. We could bring them here using a spell of recall."
"I'm not sure my father would trust a foreign mage," said Alric.
"We can have Albreda bring one of your mages here, to learn our circle," said Anna.
"Are you sure?" asked Alric in surprise. "I know you want to keep them secure."
"We'll soon be married," said Anna, "and our two kingdoms need to become closer. I meant it when I said we'd be allies. I see no reason why we shouldn't start by trusting your mages."
"That's a marvellous idea," said Alric, "much better than a lengthy trip. I'll send word to Summersgate."
"I'll have Albreda carry it for you, she can have it there by tomorrow night."
"So soon?" said Alric in surprise.
"Of course, it's magic," said Anna.
"I suppose this really will bring our kingdoms closer together, won't it."
"I hope so," observed Gerald. "It would be of great use if either one of us was attacked."
"You can move troops that way?" asked Jack.
"Not many," replied Gerald, "the distance is too great. A mage would use up most of their reserves making the journey, or so I'm told."
"Just how many soldiers could you carry?" asked Jack, his interest peaked.
"I talked to Aubrey about it at some length," said Gerald, "and she seems to think she could take about a dozen, but bear in mind she's one of the more powerful mages. Very few others have that kind of ability."
"Still," said Jack, "over a week or so, some substantial numbers could be moved, especially if all the mages worked together."
"You should come and visit me at my office," said Gerald. "I'd love to pick your brain about how our two kingdoms could work together."
"I'd be delighted," said Jack, "as long as his highness has no objection."
"No objection at all," offered Alric. "I'm all for it, you should know that by now. It's more likely to be my brother, Alstan, that objects."
"Not your father?" said Anna.
"No," the prince replied, "he's quite taken with the idea of having allies."
"And why not Alstan?" asked Gerald. "He's the crown prince, I'd have thought he'd want to follow in your father's footsteps."
"I don't think he trusts mages," said Alric.
"Why is that?" asked Anna. "He always struck me as quite reasonable."
"My brother never really took the time to learn about them. I think he's fearful of their intelligence, or perhaps he's concerned that his own mind is not as quick as theirs."
"Mages aren't smarter," said Gerald, "they just know different things than we do."
"I'd have to agree," said Anna, "though Aubrey appears to know more than most."
"She's just more educated than most," defended Gerald.
"I'm not complaining," said Anna. "I like Aubrey, but at the same time, I can see how she might intimidate others."
"Nonsense," said Gerald, "everyone likes her."
"How's Dame Beverly doing?" asked Jack. "I heard she had a rough time of it at the trial."
"She did," said Anna, "but she's getting better. Aldwin's been very supportive."
"Aldwin?" said Jack. "Who's that?"
"Her husband," said Gerald.
Jack looked at him with a stunned expression. "Beverly's married? Why wasn't I told?"
"She was married just this last winter," said Anna. "It was a private ceremony, in Bodden, her home."
"Who is this Aldwin fellow?" asked Jack. "Is he a noble?"
Gerald looked at Anna, who simply smiled. "Sort of," he answered.
"What do you mean, 'sort of'? Is he a noble or not?" Jack pressed.
"He is now," explained Gerald. "He became a lord when he married Beverly."
"Then who is he?" begged Jack. "I must know who tamed her wild heart."
"He's a smith," said Gerald.
"A master smith," corrected Anna.
"Yes," Gerald agreed, "the same smith that created Nature's Fury."
"I must meet this man!" Jack announced.
"Why?" asked Alric.
"I must see what type of man stole her heart. I find it astounding that it wasn't me!"