Bellatrix: Swords of Chaos, Book One

CHAPTER 13

  Gidas’s back protested as he mounted his horse. The group had left early that morning and over half the day had passed.Lazerek wanted to make it to Kitarssis by sundown so he could spend the night in the palace. He told Gidas he had some suspicions about a colleague who worked for the king.

  Gidas asked Lazerek about the rumors that Tamas had gone mad.

  Apparently King Tamas’s wife had been unfaithful. The King was insane with jealousy, ordering her lover to be thrown into the dungeons. Tamas said he would not dull a blade on the man, who would live the rest of his days in squalid captivity. For his wife, Tamas ordered a chastity belt. There were also rumors that he had fiercely raped her when he learned of her betrayal.

  Lazerek seemed unconcerned with the king’s mental state, as long as he was welcomed upon his arrival.Gidas knew for a fact the king had kept many courtesans. Yet the queen was only permitted the company of one man. Eh, so were the ways of the world. But they were not going to investigate the monarch’s relationship. Lazerek was looking for something else but he would not tell Gidas what it was.

  “Master, it appears that we are making good time.We should be at the palace before night falls,” Gidas said.

  “Please send a herald ahead to make preparations for my arrival.I want a pleasant welcome in Kitarssis.”

  “Certainly, sir.I will make it happen.” Gidas shook his head.

  The road they traveled was straight as an arrow. King Tamas of Kitarssis had built the road to Cznia Mizrak.He wanted to have full access to the martial school so he could call upon its students in a moment’s notice. They owed no allegiance to him, but if he showed up with enough gold, they would fight for him.

  As they rode, Gidas reflected on the conversation Lazerek had with Jahvel as they were leaving.

  Gidas had sat on his horse as Lazerek told Jahvel about the Osaban Priest he had sent with the Sicari.

  Jahvel had remained silent for several moments in apparent disgust. When he finally responded he said,”Why would you send an Osaban with my students? I do not, nor do any of my men, associate with such vile creatures as those.An Osaban priest has been known to massacre entire villages in order to obtain its quarry.”

  “Do not worry yourself with that,” Lazerek had quipped.

  “Demons! Conjurers! I cannot believe you have done this. By what right?” A group of men had gathered at the sounds of the yelling.

  Lazerek leaned over from his horse. He hissed to Jahvel,”Do not think to presume too much School master.You forget yourself!” Gidas’s skin tingled as Lazerek drew magic into himself.”I make the decisions here, and it will be good for your health and Cznia Mizrak to remember that.” A spark of fire danced in his eyes.”I will use any means available to obtain the Swords.”

  As Jahvel fingered the dagger of Bzok at his hip, Lazerek smirked.”Do not think that will protect you from me, I have learned its secrets and trust me it no longer keeps you safe.” The dagger grew hot against Jahvel’s hip.The master of the school did not flinch at the pain.

  Jahvel had nothing to say, not willing to escalate the situation any further.

  Gidas smiled to himself remembering the look on Jahvel’s face when the dagger had become hot. His only protection from the great mage!Gone!Lazerek told Gidas he had not yet determined how to master the power in the dagger, but the ruse had worked well enough. Jahvel was a fool. Heating the dagger had nothing to do with its magic or protection.

  They were now about an hour from the palace and the sun was sliding to the west. Lazerek reined in his horse. Gidas followed suit.

  “We will rest for a moment. Send the runner ahead,” Lazerek said.

  Gidas made his way back to the men. The two leaders of the group were Maxil D’bnara and Fortis Di.He addressed them and no other.The two men were conversing quietly.

  “Sirs, Master Lazerek wants you two to go forward and prepare the king for his imminent arrival.”

  Both men glanced at each other.Maxil responded. He was a small, golden haired man.”Send one of our men.”

  “I must send you both. My master does not think it adequate to be announced by common soldiers.He must have the best, which is you. Please do not make a scene like your master Jahvel did, it would prove most uncomfortable.” He looked at them and they understood implicitly.

  “We understand,” Fortis said. Maxil nodded his agreement.

  “Excellent, please leave now. Let king Tamas know Lazerek approaches and he expects an appropriate welcome.”Gidas spun his horse around while the other two mounted men spurred their steeds ahead.

  About an hour later, the sun was sitting lazily on the woods to the west. Lazerek said,”Let us be on our way, there has been enough time to prepare.”

  They rode at a leisurely pace to the palace.Half way to the palace they could see the city in the distance.

  “What a mess,” Gidas said to himself.

  Although not large, a fair sized city nestled under the palace like a child clinging to its mother.A straight paved road lined by huge trees led to the palace. Three spires sat high on the palace’s frame far above the parapets. Since the last war with Rommel, Kitarssis had not been fully rebuilt, and signs of the past war were still evident.Burned buildings, moats filled with debris, and old funeral pyres littered the city and surrounding areas. Because Tamas had neglected to repair the city, his people secretly discussed rebellion.

  Kitarssis’s history dated back with the other two kingdoms, part of the triumvirate created during the consolidation of the pentarchy during the Land War that occurred five hundred years before.The city was originally called Alluvian and was ruled by King Lashun. He died and passed the crown to his son, Lushon.Unlike his father, Lushon was not a strong or powerful leader. He was soon ousted by a group of rebels led by Temas.

  Temas changed the name of the city to Kitarssis and left the city to his son, Themal.Themal ruled for the majority of his life, and the land prospered under his rule.He negotiated lucrative trade agreements with Zamek and Rommel, elevating his people’s way of life.

  Temas died at eighty-five and was followed by his son Tomas, who was killed in while overseeing the construction of a temple when his son, Tamas, was only five. When Tamas took over the kingdom he had few advisors to teach him the proper role and responsibilities of ruling a people and running a kingdom. All of his father’s advisors had served his grandfather, Temas, and they were either dead or too old to be of use.Tamas was therefore a product of his whims.

  When Tamas was nineteen, he decided that trade with Rommel was a bad idea.His decision was based on jealousy.He was angered that Rommel’s soldiers were well renowned and his were not. To prove his soldiers were superior, he started the war.Tersillion, the King of Rommel, shrugged off this attack. Tersillion was an old king simply setting up his kingdom to be ruled by his son, Rexillion.

  Tersillion’s dismissive attitude angered Tamas even more.This is when the rumors of Tamas’s madness began.Tamas’s next ploy was to have his men raid the fields on the border of the two kingdoms. Tersillion soon learned Tamas was responsible for the raids and sent him a warning message.

  Tamas, not being one to be ordered about by a peer or an old man, quickly began gathering troops.

  Tersillion called upon Akilade to assist.

  Akilade denied his request for an audience stating the two kingdoms would just have to come to a resolution.Tersillion appealed to Akilade again. The inevitable loss of life from a long drawn out war could easily be avoided if Akilade would just intercept and put a stop to the young king’s antics. Yet Akilade again refused.

  This angered old Tersillion and he vowed vengeance upon Akilade for its pompous, self-serving dealings with the land.While protecting his land from battle-hardened warriors, he also worked in secret to neutralize the power of the mages.He passed this prejudice on to his son, who saw Akilade for what it was: a pox upon the land.An independent government which ostensibly protected the people but only when it saw fit.Rexill
ion saw Akilade as something that should be driven from the land and all members banished.

  Tamas waged war against Tersillion and his son.Rommel’s forces easily outclassed Kitarssis’s but Tamas had a great multitude of warriors.Cheap mercenaries with no sense with of honor or patriotism to the king, many deserting before even seeing battle. The war lasted two years.It could have been shorter, but young Tamas grew bored of it after a few months and turned his attention elsewhere, leaving his soldiers to fend for themselves.Many Kitarssis citizens left the city and the war, disillusioned with their king. As the war dragged on, only the most loyal and foolhardy still signed on for battle. The war dragged on sporadically. Sometimes the warriors would go a month with no action, and then they would war with Rommel for two weeks straight.

  Many lives were lost.Tersillion and Rexillion laid full blame upon Akilade who continued to turn its nose up at the struggle.Their disdain for getting involved beat at Tersillion daily. He could not pull his troops back, and he would not submit himself to a full engagement.

  The war finally took its toll on Tersillion, who died one night over maps. He was entombed and his people commemorated his loss for a full week.

  Tamas took this time to work up an attack on the city.As the final ceremony for the dead king was about to commence, Kitarssis warriors filled the streets of Rommel. Rexillion was just stepping onto a balcony to address his people when he spotted the enemy troops as they began hacking at the defenseless mourners at the back of the crowd.He ordered his troops to block all exits and slay every warrior in the city who belonged to Kitarssis. In a fit of rage, he later sent out a small band of men to make a path straight through to the city of Kitarssis.

  Many unwitting Kitarssis warriors attacked the small band King Rexillion had set forth. They were destroyed. Rexillion had hidden a magician in the midst of the troops who laid waste to all opposing forces. Rexillion hated using the magician after Akilade spurned their requests for intervention, but was determined to finish this.

  Rexillion ordered the magician to take control of the throne until he made his way to the kingdom of Kitarssis. After this all kings hired wizards as advisors and protectors.When Rexillion’s magician reached the castle, he slaughtered the troops holed up inside.He captured the king and locked him in a safe room. The mage then informed all the citizens of Kitarssis that he held their king.

  Rexillion and his force arrived at the Kitarssis palace on the third day and were met by their own men.Rexillion was led to the room where the deposed king was imprisoned.

  Tamas was eager to fight Rexillion hand-to-hand, but Rexillion did not come to fight.He understood the circumstances of Tamas’s life prevented the possibility that he could become a just leader.Rexillion did not hold this against Tamas.He pitied the reckless king, but still held him responsible for his actions.

  He commanded Tamas to quit the war he was waging and call back all his men.Peace would reign.

  After a few hours of venting, Tamas acquiesced and declared peace.A cheer went up from his people.A tentative trade agreement was again worked out and the two kingdoms were again at peace.So ended the Rommel-Kitarssis war, or as some called it, The Young Tyrant War. Twelve peaceful years had passed before the day Lazerek and Gidas made their way into the city.

  Lazerek and his band of one hundred men swept through the city, causing little commotion. They moved through with such speed that it was hard for Gidas to tell much beyond the city had not been repaired. However, Gidas noticed the people seemed to be as disinterested in his men as they were their daily lives.A few noticed the cobalt blue robe of a Praeceptor and bowed.

  At the palace, there were four guards standing with their swords raised in a salute to Lazerek, one trumpeter and a crier who bellowed as they rode under the palace’s portcullis and into the courtyard,”Hail to all who have ears, The Ferocious and Wise Praeceptor, Lazerek!”

  The trumpets blared and then stopped.

  As Gidas looked about, he could see no members of the court come to meet Lazerek.

  Lazerek is not going to like this one bit, he thought to himself.

  Lazerek angrily dismounted along with his troops and made his way to the entry of the palace.

  “Stay here!” he yelled over his shoulder.

  Gidas knew Lazerek was furious. That show put on was a mockery.He knew Lazerek would not stand for it.He almost chuckled, thinking of what was about to happen.

  The courtyard opened into a large reception area where King Tamas met his guests.Tables and chairs were lined up in along the hall which led to a large dais, with a table for the king and royal guests. However, none of the tables had been set this night. Intricate chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.The large fireplaces on either side of the tables were cold and unlit. Lazerek and Gidas’s boots echoed as they walked.

  Lazerek stopped a serving woman who happened and demanded she take them to the king. Upon recognizing his Praeceptor robes, she began to shake but led them hurriedly to the royal chambers.

  They wended their way through the palace; it was dark and dreary.A cold wind blew around corners; its dampness gave Gidas a headache.He was getting more excited as Lazerek got angrier.They turned down one hall and finally came to a strong wooden door. The old woman timidly knocked on it. Lazerek pushed her aside and with a flick of his wrist the door flew open with a bang.

  Inside King Tamas and his family were just sitting down at a table.

  “Greetings Lazerek,” Tamas said. The king looked at the door.

  Lazerek immediately lifted his hand and the king floated up from his seat. He hung precariously in the air, flailing about wildly.

  “King Tamas, I am wondering why you presume to treat me as a lesser noble. Do you think yourself above the rule of Akilade?I assure you that you are not.” There was a vein in Lazerek’s neck which pulsed visibly.

  “My good Praeceptor, we were merely going to have you join us for a small dinner.I was unaware that you had wanted a feast in your honor! Certainly you can understand I only had a short notice and was unable to set up everything accordingly.”

  Gidas looked about the room, there was a blonde woman, two young children, an older gentleman, wearing the saffron robes of a Prope Praeceptor, and two empty seats: One for him and one for Lazerek. He smiled inside.

  “Do not think to patronize me, Tamas.I have not the temper for it.” The king was lowered to the ground. Tamas was a small man.His hair was straight and yellow and his face was too big for his head. He carried himself like someone who had been through hell and still remembered every moment.He straightened himself and motioned for the two guests to take their seats.

  Lazerek, noticeably calmer, took his seat across from the other magician and to the right of the king. Gidas was to his left and he was seriously wondering about the sanity of the mage he accompanied. The other magician at the table eyed Gidas as if trying to place his face.Gidas nodded to the man, but received none in return.

  The king said,”Praeceptor Lazerek, please tell us what brings you to our humble palace.”

  Lazerek was still a bit ruffled.”I am simply on my way south on business, and needed a place to stay for the night.” Gidas almost laughed out loud.Lazerek just needed a place to stay for the night? So he insists upon a palace!No less will do for the great mage!Gidas shook his head.

  “Well, welcome, welcome,” the king said, as if nothing had happened.”Let me introduce you to my family. This is my wife, Alphia.” The blonde haired, blue-eyed queen nodded. She had dark circles under her eyes and what looked like bruises on her neck.“My daughter, Rachelle.” the blue-eyed girl nodded.”My son, Icros.” The young man, who looked about twelve, nodded.”And my magician, Andriezen.”Andriezen looked cautiously at Lazerek.Their eyes swept past each other and the usual quick measure of power tickled as each weighed the other. Gidas watched as Andriezen’s hand clenched his robe.

  “Greetings, Prope Praeceptor, how goes the front?” Lazerek said, picking up the golden chali
ce the staff had filled just moments ago.

  “It goes well. Things are quiet at the moment.We have no crisis or trouble in our land.”

  “That is well, well indeed.” Lazerek looked on with mock impression.”This is my apprentice, Gidas from Latrare. He hopes to someday learn enough to become a great magician.” He did not turn to look at Gidas, but instead kept his eyes focused on the magician across the table.Andriezen said nothing, but looked at his hands.

  Gidas smiled at everyone around the table, his coffee colored hair a contrast to the family’s golden locks, and the magic user’s white hair.

  There was a sprightly fire in the hearth and rows of candelabras filled the room with a warm, cozy light.Gidas found his mood lightening as dinner was seved. The conversation meandered over many topics and seemed to be heading in a general path.

  “I was wondering,” Lazerek said cutting his venison.”Why is it that you are currently offering a reward for the three Swords of Saddig?”

  The king chuckled a bit, his belly shaking under his gold trimmed tunic.”Simply because the people like a cause. It makes them feel like there is a point to this dreary existence!My Administrator Fordde came up with the idea.”

  “But why the Swords? Certainly there are other things? Why would anyone obtain one of the Swords and give it up for a measly fifty gold?The Swords are so far beyond the measure of money.”

  “Oh, I am certain you’re correct,” Tamas said.

  Lazerek turned menacingly at Andriezen,”Tell me, Prope, what know you of the Swords of Saddig?”

  “I am merely following my king’s wishes,” Andriezen said.

  Lazerek smiled and asked,”Andriezen, have you heard from your friend, Tonicus lately?”

  Andriezen shook his head slowly,”Nay, communication stopped a while ago.”

  The name Tonicus jogged a memory Gidas had.Who was it?He tried to remember.

  Lazerek nodded,”Funny that. He has also disappeared from the school not to be heard of. I hope nothing has happened to him.”Malevolence danced in his eyes like the reflection of the fireplace.Gidas remembered now. Tonicus was the missing Praeceptor at Akilade whose investigations appeared to be the impetus for Lazerek’s leaving the school in a hurry.

  Andriezen bravely matched Lazerek’s stare.”I too hope he is fine. It would be a great tragedy to lose someone so skilled.”

  Lazerek looked at him with outright malice.”That would be a shame. Since we are talking about it, did you and Tonicus speak of the Swords at all?”

  Andriezen paused in lifting the chalice to his mouth.”We spoke of them, in passing.We would be required to inform Akilade of any information we had concerning the Swords and not hoard it for ourselves. So you would know any information we already have.”His last sentence was almost an accusation. Gidas wondered what was happening here. Did Andriezen know something about the Swords?

  Lazerek ignored his last statement.”Hmm…and did he tell you about any goings on around Akilade?Perhaps some things he was privy to?”He leaned over the table toward the other magician.

  “What is all this Sword business?” the king finally blurted out, oblivious to the struggle.”Fordde mentioned we should perhaps initiate the hunt for the Swords again to boost public morale. It isn’t like someone will actually find them. No one ever finds the Swords. There have been numerous hunts over the years, and all have ended due to waning interest. The Swords, if they even exist, are hidden so well no one will ever find them.”

  Lazerek turned to the king.”Beg your pardon, Your Majesty we were just catching up on old times.I apologize for monopolizing the conversation.” He leaned back in his chair.Andriezen let out a slight breath of relief.

  “Your majesty, I have many things that I must tend to currently, I am afraid I must retire for the night. With your leave?” Andriezen said, pushing his chair back with a screech.

  “Certainly, thank you for coming to dinner.Maybe you and Praeceptor Lazerek can get together later and catch up on old times,” the king offered.

  “Uh, perhaps, your majesty,” Andriezen said, uncertain.”But I have much work to do.”

  “I will stop by later and we can catch up,” Lazerek said.

  Andriezen left without another word.

  “Sir, how does one become a Praeceptor?” Icros asked eagerly. The young boy’s plate had been empty for a while.

  Lazerek turned to the boy,”Are you interested in the studies?”

  “The boy has never met a full Praeceptor before,” the King said.

  “Well let me assure you, my young prince, being a Praeceptor is difficult business. We have much to learn and long lists of spells and numbers that we must memorize.I would suggest you stick to your numbers and learn not only the new languages, but the old as well. Study, study, study! That is the key, your intelligence must surpass that of the common man.”

  Icros was excited.”I will sir, and it is a pleasure to meet you!”

  “The pleasure is all mine.”

  Icros had no idea Lazerek would be the man who would kill his father. None at all.

  Later that night after the children had gone to bed, Gidas, Lazerek, and the king sat around a low foot table, smoking pipes and drinking sweet-fire.The room was dark and cozy, being lit only by the fireplace.

  The king was drunk.

  “So how is your kingdom?” Lazerek asked.

  The king looked about sloppily,”We’ve been better.Since the war with Rommel we have been struggling, but we will rise again.Rommel will rue the day they decided to cross us.”

  Gidas thought it funny to hear the war from Tamas’s side.Perception was reality. He couldn’t believe that twelve years had passed and the king still held a grudge.

  “That was twelve years ago, I would have thought you would be doing better by now,” Lazerek said.

  Tamas giggled.”You would think so, wouldn’t you.” Gidas looked at Lazerek who shook his head.

  “If you are in need of assistance I am certain Akilade would be happy to assist,” Lazerek said. Gidas doubted Lazerek would help an old man with a broken leg in the middle of the desert.

  “No,” Tamas shouted.”I will not accept help from that group of liars and cheats.Magicians! Ha! They should call themselves overlords and be done with it! They didn’t help us when we needed it and they won’t now!”

  Gidas was shocked.Perhaps the king didn’t know Lazerek very well. He soon would.

  “I am certain that, if you were to ask, the school would send mages to assist in rebuilding your city,” Lazerek said.

  “Don’t lie to me,” Tamas said, standing and leaning over the mage.”You’re one of them! You’re trying to take my kingdom away from me!I’ve seen it. Well that harlot wife of mine won’t do it and neither will you, you… mage.”Gidas was not entirely certain what the mage had said wrong, but Lazerek was surprisingly calm.

  “King Tamas, I think you misunderstand the position of the school.”

  Tamas giggled again, grabbed his crotch and sat down in his chair again.”That little whore,” he whispered as he sat.Gidas watched the two men—both with skewed perceptions—act and react to each other.

  Lazerek looked at Gidas.Gidas shrugged.He had nothing to offer the mage. He could not believe how calm Lazerek remained. He certainly could not follow how the king flitted from one topic to the next so quickly.

  “Your Majesty, is there anything we can do?” Lazerek asked again.

  “Can you make my wife a virgin again?” the king asked as he circled his finger in his wine.

  “That is not within the limits of magic, I am afraid.”

  “Then you can do nothing,” Tamas spewed.”Except leave my presence.”

  Lazerek and Gidas stood and left the room, while the king sat sipping on his drink, mumbling incoherently.

  As soon as the door closed and they were out of earshot of the guard, Lazerek said to Gidas,”I will kill that man. He is a drunkard and a madman.It is within my ability to strip him of his power
and to bring him to his knees.” He stopped and pondered.

  “Why did you spare him tonight, master?”

  “I want him to be fully aware when I strike. He will die, but not before another.”

  Gidas was wondering just who was the mad one here.”Master, what are you talking about?”

  “Andriezen. He knows something.He and that twit, Tonicus.They stumbled upon my hunt for the Swords. Tonicus confronted me, and wished to share my discovery with the Praeceptum Council. I suspected Andriezen also learned of my secret, but was not certain until I spoke to him.He knows. I just wonder what he has told Akilade.We left at just the right time.”

  “So what happened with Tonicus?”

  “Tonicus will not be telling anyone anything forever.”Lazerek looked about.

  “Master, why is it that you must keep this a secret?”Gidas asked.

  “I only have kept it a secret from the others at the Akilade.The rest of the land can know what they want.I am an active member of the school, thereby placing all of my projects into the council records. I am able to keep my projects secret up to a point so that one of my colleagues cannot sneak in and steal my new discovery. Once I located one of the Swords and the possible location of the second, I was under obligation to disclose my findings to my colleagues.I do not now, nor ever plan on disclosing anything to my colleagues.”

  “So what will happen to Andriezen?”

  “Ah, there is a bit of a problem.Andriezen obviously knows what Tonicus knew.He is fearful that I suspect him.He should be.I will rip out his heart and feed it to him before letting him reveal my findings to the school, if he has not already.”

  “Do you think he told them?” Lazerek had begun to walk and Gidas was trailing after him, whispering.

  “If he is going to tell them he’d better make it quick. We’re going to visit him right now.”

  That shut Gidas up.Lazerek was powerful. This time however, he was not confronting a normal person, but another magician.

  They walked down dark and dingy halls. Evenly spaced torches kept the hall lit, their smoke floating across the ceiling. Periodically Gidas could hear the clip-clop of other boots somewhere in the distance.A few rats scampered away in the darkness.

  Eventually they arrived at the door to Andriezen’s room.Lazerek knocked cordially. Gidas was surprised Lazerek knew how to find the room.

  There was no answer.Lazerek knocked again.Still no answer.He looked at Gidas, a gleam in his eye.The gleam seemed to say, the hunt is afoot!

  Lazerek whispered something and waved his hand. As he did, glowing specks floated in a waving pattern over the door.As they passed and fell silently to the floor, a verdant web appeared hanging on the door.

  “What is that?” Gidas asked.

  “What does it look like, adjutant?”

  “Some sort of web.”

  “A web indeed. This, my young friend, is a trap.” Lazerek had strapped on his teacher’s cap.

  “A trap? How?”

  “If we were to force this door open, by magic, or force, I do believe that we would either be killed.” Lazerek eyed the web a bit closer.

  “How will we get past it?” Gidas asked.

  “With a counter spell,” Lazerek said.

  Gidas could feel Lazerek drawing the terranmagic in.After a moment, he clawed his fingers toward the web, not quite touching it.Gidas could see a murky yellow tendril seep from Lazerek’s hand and sneak through the web toward the door. Once there, it spread over the entire surface.

  “Step back,” Lazerek instructed Gidas.”And erect a shield.”

  Gidas did as he was told and erected a shield of magic for himself.

  “Put the shield in front of us both, please!” Lazerek said.

  “Oops, sorry,” Gidas said, extending the shield to cover them both.Lazerek held his hand above the shield, the tendril still attached to the palm of his hand.

  “Now,” Lazerek whispered.He lowered his hand and leaned behind the translucent blue shield Gidas had erected and watched.The tendril expanded like a sponge soaking up water. As it did, it came in contact with the web. An explosion rocked against the shield Gidas had erected.He stumbled back, but Lazerek did not move.

  “Now we shall see,” he said, and blew the door in with another flick of the wrist.

  The room was dark.

  Gidas quickly entered the room first and muttered a light spell that bobbed into the air, illuminating the room in a bleached yellow light.

  The room was in shambles. To Gidas it looked like someone had gone through and quickly packed everything he could and left in a rush.

  “Interesting.I cannot sense him anywhere near.He must have fled directly after dinner,” Lazerek said.

  Gidas looked for anything that could be used to find the craven magician.The room consisted of many odd trinkets and baubles.Books were strewn about the place, black, red, and brown. Andriezen’s bed was small, lumpy and occupied by one clean, white pillow. There was nothing under his mattress.

  “Master, what will happen if the school finds out you have kept the hunt a secret?”

  “I will be ostracized, and stripped of all my titles.”

  “Just for keeping this secret?”

  “Indeed, the rules of the Akilade are for none to bend. I care not what they do at this point.”

  “What do you suggest, Master?”

  “Hold, while I perform an extensive search. He cannot be more than a short distance away.”

  Lazerek sat and closed his eyes.He sat still for quite some time, before he moved again.”I cannot locate him. Either he is too far away, or he has effectively shielded himself from me.”

  “What then shall we do?” Gidas asked.He was leaning against the wall, his legs beginning to ache from standing so long.

  “I want that man’s blood,” Lazerek sat.

  “Should we leave and look for him?”

  “No. He could have gone in any direction.”

  A thought occurred to Gidas, he did not want to do it, but perhaps it would end this quicker.”Master, can I lend my powers to yours? Perhaps together we can determine his location.”

  Lazerek nodded.”Yes, but I have not yet taught you how to meld powers,” he sighed.

  “Master, I know how. Let us try it.” Gidas was sure the older mage would not want to do this. Why would he want to admit he needed another’s help? He was sure Lazerek, under normal circumstances, would have nothing to do with melding powers.But suddenly time was of the essence.

  “I will draw upon as much power as I need, but not enough to tax you considerably.” Gidas almost laughed at that, this great mage not wanting to tax his poor apprentice.

  “What should I do?” Gidas asked.

  “Sit here.” Lazerek pointed at the floor next to him.

  Gidas sat down.Lazerek placed his right hand on Gidas’s left shoulder. At once Gidas felt the surge of power from the mage. It was staggering.

  He could feel Lazerek siphoning his power, and using it to hunt for Andriezen.Gidas was impressed with the seemingly interminable supply of power Lazerek had.

  Suddenly he felt a small tug.

  “Aha!” Lazerek shouted.

  The connection broke, and Gidas fell back against the bed, bumping his head on the frame.

  Lazerek stood up and began a small movement.Suddenly Gidas heard a muffled yelp.

  Lazerek reached down and pulled a rug out from the floor and underneath was a trapdoor. With a flip of his wrist the door flew open revealing a small alcove under the floor. Andriezen was there. Huddled like a trapped rat, he peered up at the two.

  “Come up out of there, craven,” Gidas said.

  The wizard pulled himself out of the hole. His saffron robe was dirty.

  As he stood, Lazerek slapped him full across the face.

  Andriezen lurched over, grabbing his cheek.

  “Trying to hide? Your spell to block me was quite well done. Very impressive.You will still die.”

 
“Lazerek, I am innocent. I have done nothing wrong.Why don’t you ask your adjutant where he has been? Eh? Me? I have done nothing wrong.”

  Lazerek looked over at Gidas.”What are you referring to?”

  “A few months ago, your adjutant was all over the city. I saw him many times. Even in the palace!Why?”

  Lazerek looked at Gidas.Gidas shrugged, he’d been to lots of places and he didn’t care to share with Lazerek why.

  “You are a stupid man,” Lazerek said to Andriezen.“He was not my adjutant then, and he could come and go as he pleased.You’re little ruse will not win you any more time.”

  “I have no intentions of revealing you to Akilade.”

  Lazerek took this as an affront.”How dare you. Do you think I will even give you a choice? I will not allow anyone to interfere. Pray to whatever god you see fit.”

  Suddenly, Andriezen cast a blinding light and ran toward the window.The light caused Lazerek to pause for a moment. As Andriezen threw himself at the window, he was caught up, as if by some invisible hand, and jerked back into the room. He worked up another spell and Lazerek was tossed back like a child against the far wall. This caused Lazerek to lose his focus momentarily, and Andriezen dropped and then hopped up, already preparing another spell. He summoned the magic and Lazerek suddenly found himself manacled neck to hands to feet.

  Lazerek was livid.He spouted a few words and the manacles burst of off him like paper. He instantly drew his hands up and lightning shot forth like a wave searching for the beach.It struck Andriezen, but he had erected a strong shield and the bolt glanced away.

  Lazerek laughed.

  He placed one hand on his hip, and aimed his palm at Andriezen.

  “This is the end. It has been fun,” Lazerek said resolutely.

  Presently the floor began to grow up over Andriezen. It started at his feet, and, stone by stone, rubble by rubble, the ground began working its way up his thighs, to his hips, and then his torso.

  “No, Lazerek!” Andriezen screamed.

  “Too late, old chum.This is the end, good bye,” Lazerek said, wiggling his fingers.

  Just as the floor was about to envelope Andriezen’s arms, he waggled his fingers at the ceiling above Lazerek.The ceiling groaned and then began to fall on Lazerek and Gidas in huge ragged chunks. Gidas immediately called the magic into him and erected a shield clear as glass but harder than any rock.The debris landed on the shield like hail on a stone roof.

  “Nice try,” Lazerek said, as the rubble solidified around Andriezen’s arms, hand, and neck.

  Just as the rocks were about to cover Andriezen’s face he yelled out,”You will never finish this. I told everyone!” He laughed, maniacally.”I told them all and you will be caught. So kill—” his final words were cut off as the rocks covered his head. Only a slight mumbling could be heard. Then, with a twist of his wrist, Lazerek caused the entire stone structure to twist in a sickening lurch.Moments later blood began to ooze from between the rocks.

  Gidas stood and watched in awe.

  “Well that is that,” Lazerek said dry washing his hands.

  “But he said he told,” Gidas said.

  “He did, and I already supposed as much. But it really does not matter.”

  “I guess not,” Gidas whispered. He was still watching as the blood drained between the stones.

  The next morning Lazerek and Gidas made a quick stop at the king’s quarters before they left.The king was eating breakfast with his wife.They were only there for a moment.

  A few hours later, bells across the city rang out announcing the death of King Tamas Highheart.The subjects were both elated and saddened by the loss of their king.The stories traveled fast through the city as to the cause of his death.

  One rumor was that he crossed a mage from Akilade.At least that was the rumor Fordde was spreading like wild fire.

  .

  .