Bellatrix: Swords of Chaos, Book One

CHAPTER 3

  When Gidas arrived in the town of Shak, he stopped to read the poster announcing the Day of Opening at Akilade had come again. Anticipation tingled from his hair to his toes as he read every last word, making sure not to miss a letter.

  People young and old came from all over to test their mettle to see who might be accepted into Akilade and begin learning the arcane and mystical powers of magic.Gidas dug into his memories concerning the Day of Opening and Akilade. He had studied both for quite some time.

  Akilade was a school that fostered magic. It is where a commoner with the right talents could become greater than a king if he wished. He could become a member of the most powerful and independent organization in the land. The governing nobles saw Akilade as an uncontrollable force; they despised its power and unrivaled authority.Akilade, if it so deigned, could easily strip a monarch of everything he owned. The individuals attending Akilade were the best trained and most powerful in the land. If it behooved them to usurp a king from his seat, they had the power.Even the reigning monarchs treated the mages of Akilade with modest yet cold deference.

  Gidas remembered long ago, Akilade had made veiled threats to certain kings who had either transgressed unjustly against other kingdoms, or were irrational tyrants to their subjects. This was the beginning of what was to come.In the following years, Akilade mages imposed their will on many different monarchical issues.They considered themselves the protectors of the land and quietly began using their powers to gain a niche in all kingdoms. They were extremely subtle. Once the kings realized what happened, it was too late, and they were fearful of calling the mages on their subterfuge for fear of retribution. How dare a king accuse Akilade of such acts? The Akilade used this niche to persuade the monarchies toward what it considered the greater good of the land. The kings were left alone in trivial matters, but the Akilade was privy to everything and the kings knew it. Some of the Akilade alumni, emboldened by their positions of power, demanded people of nobility treat every mage coming to his palace or castle like an overlord.It had been standard ever since. No king had resisted the mages for fear of losing everything, yet how could a king allow Akilade to dole out its own set of standards onto the rightful rulers?It was a delicate balance that threatened to tip.

  Although all magic-users were called mages outside the School, there were multiple levels of skill within. The apprentices were called Tirconium and were expected to learn the trade of magic while performing menial the chores and tasks of an institution the size of Akilade.Once a Tirconium learned enough to begin his own studying, he was promoted to Prope Opifex, which was almost journeyman.At this level the pupil could start his own investigations on magic and start plotting his own course.The Prope Opifex was still required to attend some classes but, unless a higher-ranking person had him run an errand or handle some business, most of his time was his own. When a Prope Opifex was ready, the Prope was removed and he was simply an Opifex.The Opifex was useful to towns and baronies where he plied his trade.This is the point where the vast majority of students left the School.They had learned enough to earn a very comfortable living in any town, so few found reason to continue their studies.It was the sad ideals of a people who valued money more than knowledge. It did, however, weed out the insincere—and only those who wanted to become true masters continued in their studies.

  After the Opifex showed he was more concerned with the deeper meanings of magic and its sources, he was promoted to Prope Praeceptor.This move was mostly academic, as any who expressed a desire to continue their studies were able to petition the current board of Praeceptors who invariably approved the few requests every year. The final step up was the Praeceptor.

  Praeceptors were the masters and ruling body of Akilade and becoming one was difficult. They were by far the most powerful of all members, and answerable to no law but their own.Paid servants and newer members of the school did their bidding. There were many tests and trials needed to become a master mage.Many students stayed at the Prope Praeceptor level, satisfied with their roles. They had near complete autonomy, and lived a good life without the hassles of being a Praeceptor.Currently there were only thirteen members of the ruling body of Praeceptors and hundreds of Prope Praeceptors.

  To be accepted into the school one had to be tested on the Day of Opening.

  Gidas had come as a petitioner seeking acceptance into Akilade. The poster announced the Day of Opening was the very next day. Gidas could hardly contain himself.Shak was buzzing with the influx of people. Gidas could smell a multitude of foods cooking throughout the city. The odors begged him to come and eat, but he continued walking. All kinds of peddlers, fake magicians, craftsmen, potion makers, and sundry other less-than-reputable, individuals had come to make their fortunes off the gullible people. They yelled their prices to the milling crowd, promising acceptance into Akilade, riches, love, power, strength, and other wonderful things.

  It was mostly the petitioners of the school who caught the brunt of the hawker’s goods.They would buy anything—if it helped them get accepted.The peddlers knew this, and preyed upon it like snakes on a mouse.

  Gidas moved through the throngs of people and suspiciously eyed the peddlers and craftsmen. The town’s leader was on a podium giving a speech about the great city of Shak, few people were listening.

  Ignoring the speech, Gidas saw a would-be jeweler trying to pawn off a worthless necklace to a fascinated young woman. The seller was telling her Benya, the only woman ever to be a Praeceptor, once owned the necklace.Gidas shook his head.He didn’t know who should be chastised more, the ignorant woman or the unscrupulous hawker.

  The heat of the day drove many people to the taverns and their shade, but Gidas found them stifling, preferring the outdoors. He spotted a portly man with bright red cheeks selling cold ale under a huge shade tree. The barkeep had set up shop with tables, benches, and a wooden bar, behind which he kept his kegs and tankards.Gidas silently applauded the man’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. He ordered a draft and sat down on one of the rickety benches. His table would not level as he placed his tankard on it and began watching the people.

  The din of the crowd was sporadically pierced by the elated scream of a young child or the raucous laughter of a man who had indulged too much ale.Gidas leaned on the table and began to think about his present and future. He must get accepted into the school if his plans were to reach fruition.He had come too far and worked to hard to fail. What was he thinking? How could he not get in? He would be accepted into the school as a Prope Opifex and would be the most powerful student ever accepted. Gidas drank his ale and relaxed.

  The spectacle of Shak was a lot to take in and could easily distract him from the task of being accepted. The buildings looked unkempt and the streets were far from being serviceable.He saw some well-dressed people and a few in rags.The Day of Opening brought out various people from far away cities and towns. A gangly dog, with a small child in pursuit, ran in front of him.Gidas smelled the sweaty bodies as the people moved about.

  A slight breeze gently shook the tree above him. Under the tree, the cooling breeze caressed his skin. A sense of sureness began slipping into him as he downed a few more pints over the course of the afternoon. Gidas thought about what would transpire the next day and silently toasted himself.

  Many petitioners that night either reveled until the dawn, or did not sleep because of the anticipation. Gidas slept.

  The next morning he was up before dawn. Revelers could still be heard outside his room. He ignored the sounds; he was ready and full of energy. After doing his morning stretches, washing his face, and gathering his things, he looked at his blurred image in a mirror and nodded.He then turned and left the room, never to return.

  He had a bite to eat in the tavern below: rye bread with bacon, and a pint of squeezed orange juice. The inn was not as busy as he had anticipated; only a few other patrons were seated about the room.Most looked as if they had been up all night. He paid the innkeeper for the food and
then made to leave. As he opened the door and stepped out he was pulled into a full field brimming with people. Everyone was up and ready to go. Gidas had not seen so many people in one spot in a very long time. He mumbled something under his breath and attempted to join the river of bodies.

  Pushing through the crowds, Gidas tried to get ahead of some and stay behind others.The odors of the previous night’s festivities were in abundance.He attempted to put the smell out of his mind, but once he succeeded, another equally noxious odor would invade his senses.In the crowd he spotted the purple robes of a Platen.He stayed away from her.Her hood was up and she appeared to be heading somewhere in a hurry.

  The journey to the School took one hour walking, which is the way most people traveled it. Gidas had decided to walk as well. The road was on a foothill that climbed steadily into the mountains ending at Akilade. The acceptance would begin at sun up, which was about thirty minutes away.

  The sky grew lighter. The morning air was cool and breezy, a stark contrast to the day’s heat that would follow. Gidas heard birds begin to chirp and looked for them. As the path took him higher the rocks on either side receded and the trees thinned, revealing glimpses of distant jagged peaks, poking majestically from fog-clad bases.

   Some petitioners were still hung over, shuffling along at a slow trod, mumbling apologies when they bumped into others. One drunk bumped into Gidas. He elbowed the man in the ribs causing the drunk to fall over. Gidas could not understand why someone would even attempt to participate in the Opening if he was not mentally prepared.Many people were so afraid of success they would purposely do anything to ensure their failure. There were probably many people who attended the Day of Opening every year and were turned down every year.He felt no pity for such fools.

  The walking entourage was stopped by a group of people from the school. The petitioners were informed that only twelve people would be accepted this year. The group sighed collectively.Gidas chuckled to himself; it didn’t matter if they were only accepting one student this year.A few individuals began going back.Gidas shook his head in disbelief and disgust.He continued on.

  As he rounded a bend of thick trees it came slowly into view. The school was a sight to behold.

  To Gidas it looked as if a giant hand had nestled Akilade into the surrounding woods. It was on a compound, as far as the eye could see, encompassing the entire side of country and extending up into the mountains towering behind. Huge cottonwood trees hugged the school, and offered shade to the students when they studied outside.Almost a mile away a grassy yard emerged from different plateaus, like a giant flight of green-carpeted steps, encircling Akilade. A few stoned structures littered the compound in the distance.From his vantage point Gidas could not see behind the building but on the right side he spied a light mist, and guessed there might be a creek or pond. Three large spires bearing no banners shot from the top. The walls were high, smooth and straight, taller than the surrounding cottonwood trees. The entire building was a solid block with no ramparts or parapets and few windows facing the front.

  One huge drawbridge appeared to be the only way in, but Gidas knew there were other ways. He had been in once already.

  There were many students speaking to new petitioners under the wide expanse of trees where the air remained cool, sheltered from the sun’s touch. Gidas approached one of the students who did not seem too interested in the entire day.Gidas wondered why an indifferent student would be out here.

  The young man was tall, well built, and wore a deep brown robe that stopped just short of his sandaled feet. His dirt brown hair and eyes looked tired and unkempt.His tablet and writing utensil were held loosely at each side. Gidas looked the student up and down.He wondered if this student partook in any celebrations the previous night.

  “Would you like to petition for acceptance?” the student asked, raising his writing utensil and tablet.

  “Yes, I believe so.What rank are you?” Gidas asked.

  “I am a Prope Opifex,” the student gave him a disdainful look.

  “Okay, I will petition. Tell me what I need to do.”

  “May I have your name?” he readied his writing instrument, apparently not impressed with Gidas.

  Gidas told the student his name. The man scribbled with his magic pen. It wrote very pleasing sharp text on the tablet.”Very good, and from where do you hail?”

  Gidas thought for a moment.”Latrare.”

  “Do you have any special skills?”

  “What do you mean?

  “Can you levitate, ignite, quench, change? Anything like that?” the Prope Opifex asked. He tapped his writing instrument against his pad.

  “Sure, which one do I need to demonstrate to get past you?”

  The student leaned back, dubious. He looked at Gidas as if he’d smelled something rotten. Gidas didn’t like this man. He was far too arrogant.

  “Whichever you are more comfortable with. Am I to understand you can do any of the basic applications?”

  “Sure, I’ll make something float,” Gidas absent-mindedly raised his hand and simultaneously the student rose into the air.The Prope Opifex almost dropped his tablet and writing instrument as he began rising.He was indignant. Gidas smiled while looking around at the gathering crowd. The student worked up a spell and hacked at the magic Gidas was using, and could not break it.

  The Prope Opifex attempted to throw a ring of fire around Gidas but the fire was quenched as soon as it was created.The student and Gidas locked in a magical brawl for a few moments.Other students had begun to walk over to see what was happening.

  “Please put me down,” the student said finally. Every eye was on him.

  “Very well,” Gidas said. The man dropped to the ground.

  “May I be permitted to enter for further testing?”Gidas asked, leaning over the big man.

  “Yes,” the student said. He stood up.”I will lead you there myself.”

  “Thank you,” Gidas said turning.

  “Oh, and Gidas of Latrare?” the student said.

  “Yes?”

  “You might want to be a bit less arrogant when you meet the Praeceptors. They will not stand for such a spectacle.”

  Gidas nodded.”Let us be on then.”

  The student led him into the cool interior of Akilade.

  Akilade was a mysterious work of art, simple yet elegant, masterful yet austere.It was pleasant inside as a steady flow of dry air ebbed through the vast hallways. Gidas guessed magic moderated the climate.The interior was quite dark, with only a strategically placed candle or torch offering small pools of light. The ceiling was almost out of sight, the light unable to fight through the thick blanket of darkness.He noticed many halls leading to other more secure areas of the school.No normal man could pierce the school’s magical defenses, nor could most men of magic. A council of incredibly powerful sorcerers had worked the defenses up many years in the past.

  Gidas stopped to inspect a few of the huge tapestries decorating the walls, most depicted magical battles and heroic deeds performed by the founding members of the Akilade. The student directed him up a short staircase; at the top was a landing, which ended abruptly in a heavy oak door beset by two fiery torches. Another student stood there. He nodded to the guide who had brought Gidas and then opened the door.

  The student with the tablet leaned close to the one by the door and whispered,”Gidas of Latrare.”

  Gidas felt a sensation from in the room. Magic was in use.

  The chamber was round and oddly lit. It almost seemed to glow.Gidas realized the odd colored light was not odd at all, merely outdoor light that was somehow redirected into the chamber. The light pointed up to the ceiling and reflected directly back down upon the large inset circle occupying the center of the chamber. The design of the lighting kept the wall to his right obscured. Steeped in shadows, the wall climbed hugging the edge of the round floor. Someone standing on the floor below would not be able to see people watching from above. Gidas was standing a
t the edge of the room, at the top of a flight of short stairs. More students of the school were in the room. Some where close to the petitioners, some were standing on the edge of the room—in the shadows.

  “Great Praeceptors, we now have the third petitioner for this set and are ready to proceed,” the student who led Gidas in said.

  Two other applicants stood in the large circle in the middle of the room.They were both standing leisurely, facing the Praeceptors.As he stepped down he noticed the chamber had an odd odor.He could not place it, but the air seemed to be fresh.

  One of the students standing just on the edge of the circle beckoned Gidas to the middle of the floor with the other two petitioners. Gidas noticed the students in here wore their hoods up, their faces hidden in the gloom.He took his place without looking at the other petitioners.From where he stood he could barely make out the heads of the mages sitting above.

  This was it.

  They waited for what seemed forever. Gidas was growing restless, his feet beginning to itch.He just wanted to get this over. These silly games were simply a distraction.

  “Petitioner Vargin of Rommel, please step forward,” a deep voice said, startling Gidas.

  The man standing next to Gidas stepped forward.

  “Vargin of Rommel, it is understood that you seek a position in our Akilade. How is it that you have surpassed all others to make it to this chamber?” a smaller, yet clear voice intoned.Gidas wondered too. Was Vargin’s test to get in here as easy as his?

  Vargin bowed.”Your great Honors I have the ability to ignite.”

  There was a guarded silence that lasted for a few moments. It occurred to Gidas the Praeceptors were consulting among themselves, but their voices did not carry to where he was.They had erected some sort of magical shield to block their voices. Wow. He was so incredibly impressed he could barely contain himself.He looked at the ceiling of the chamber and yawned. Igniting was a powerful magic. Something very few could do. As far as Gidas knew, igniting was not something inherent in a person. A mage had to give it to you.

  “Vargin of Rommel, please demonstrate your ability,” a woman’s voice said. It was older, but clear and commanding.Gidas squinted to see which one was a woman.

  Vargin began weaving his hands and as he did, there began to form a glowing of sorts. As he moved his hands faster and faster, a globe of flame floated in the air directly before him.It got brighter, but not much bigger than a man’s head.As it got brighter, Gidas’ attention was no longer on it, but on the mages sitting above them. The light was almost illuminating their faces.As he was about to make one out it sunk back lower, behind the wall.He frowned and looked back to the petitioner working his magic.The glow was floating above his head and moved slowly around the chamber. As it got nearer to one of the mages, it suddenly snuffed out.

  “Thank you Vargin. May we also have the name of your father?” an indiscriminate voice asked.

  Vargin had an odd look on his face as he answered,”His name is Tendril.”

  “But he is not the man who sired you is he?” the deep voice asked.

  Vargin gawked at the shadows.”No, he is not.”

  “Many years ago one of our Igniters made his own way.We were never able to track him down, and thought he might be dead. It appears that he was not, and somehow sired you. Your power to ignite is not a normal one. It has the signature of an Igniter’s blood and magic.”

  Vargin said nothing.

  The mages did not seem to think it important to pursue the thread of conversation. After a brief silence, they spoke again.

  “Petitioner Jydas of Crompulous, please step forward.” The man on the other side of Vargin stepped forward. He was tall and thin and had a serious overbite.Gidas thought he looked rather foolish.

  “Jydas of Crompulous, it is understood that you seek a position in our Akilade.How is it that you have surpassed all others and made it to this chamber?” the same deep voice asked.

  Jydas bowed and spoke in a creaky voice,”I have an ability the Platen have, but I am not one of them.I am able to read a man’s thoughts and bring them to life.”

  Silence.

  “Jydas of Crompulous, please demonstrate your illusion ability,” the woman’s clear voice said again.Gidas didn’t think too well of these mages at the moment. They were playing a game of power, and he found it a bit unbecoming.They were trying to be something more than they were.

  “I will need someone’s mind to read, ma’am,” Jydas said. Gidas snorted at the man’s ignorant address of the praeceptor. Ma’am indeed.

  “Very well, one of the students will assist.”

  A student emerged from the shadows stepping into the bluish light next to Jydas.

  Jydas closed his eyes in concentration standing still as a stone.As Gidas watched he noticed a fuzzy looking object about the size of a man materialize next to Jydas.As he watched it began to coalesce and solidify.Gidas could see it was a riparion—an animal with almost human intelligence, but quite fierce and deadly. It was covered in brown fur and had a snout similar to a wolf. Its eyes were black and shiny, and it stood on its back legs that ended in gnarled feet with clawed toes.It had hands like a monkey, but with sharp talons.Its ears sat atop its head like a dog.Its teeth were long and sharp, and it was fully muscled and taut, ready to pounce. Riparions usually traveled in a group called A Scream. An attack by A Scream of riparion was almost instant death.No wonder the student had that image lurking around in his mind.The more substantial the image became the more Gidas noticed the image itself was more exaggerated than an actual riparion.Its teeth were longer and it was larger—much larger.It stood over the two men by a hand, growing as it solidified.It also had longer arms and sharp claws that stood at least two inches off its fingertips.Riparions were ferocious, but this was a completely new breed.

  “You will notice the beast looks similar to a riparion, but there are exaggerations,” intoned Jydas.“It comes from the mind of the person, it is how they view the image in their head, whether it is correct or not is moot.The person’s perception is ultimately their reality.”

  How true, thought Gidas. If this was his competition he would certainly be admitted into Akilade.

  Jydas stopped concentrating and the image disappeared.“I can also control the illusion’s actions to some extent. Not fine skills, but I can make them walk and other things.”

  The student stepped back into the shadows and Jydas took his place in line.

  “Thank you Jydas of Crompulous.”

  He bowed.Gidas guessed they were more impressed with Jydas.They had at least thanked him.

  Gidas was now wondering what he could do.

  “Gidas of Latrare, please step forward.”

  He did.

  “Gidas of Latrare, it is understood that you seek a position in our Akilade. How is it that you have surpassed all others to make it to this chamber?” the clear male voice asked.

  He had to be more careful this time and not make the same mistake he had outside. He had to be just audacious enough, but not so much as to sour their feelings toward him.Gidas had no illusions.He was so far beyond the abilities of the other petitioners it was almost scary.

  A thought came to him, one that had merit.

  “I came to this chamber, because I am the most powerful petitioner ever to step foot through the door of Akilade,” he said, and it was true. Perhaps truer words had never been spoken.

  Gidas hoped this would work. It had better.

  Finally,”Gidas of Latrare, you make a bold statement.Surely you do not mean to belittle the Day of Opening and other petitioners by impudent boasts, such pride is not condoned by this school.”

  “Your honorable mages, I do not mean to boast, I am simply being truthful.”

  “Then, please let us see what it is you can do,” the deep voice said again.”Surely one so great as you can spice this droll day up a bit!” he said with a harrumph.

  “Very well,” Gidas said. By the gods, these mages were
arrogant! They wouldn’t be shortly.

  He sat on the floor, cross-legged and began to whip his hands around in a frenzy.He did this purely for show. Manipulating magic in this way was not necessary. He knew it. The mages knew it. The mages had to lean over the wall to see him. He grinned to himself.Where his hands were moving a globe of fire began to form, similar to the one Vargin had made.When completed, it floated up near the mages, just like Vargin’s globe. As it did, Gidas stood up and watched as he directed it over the wall, over the heads of the mages, illuminating them. Everyone’s eyes followed the globe.Gidas felt the force of one mage’s efforts to extinguish the ball, but the globe was relentless as it hovered above them.Another mage began to work on the globe as well, but it was not extinguished.He could feel a slight tremor build up in the mages, a certain perturbation.Suddenly all of the mages began to throw their extinguishing powers at the globe, but they were unable to impede its progress as it floated lazily above them. Gidas stood in the middle of the floor, focusing his energy on the globe. The brunt of the mages was not hard to deflect, but it did take some effort.

  He had to concentrate.

  “Enough!” another voice, filled with power cried.Gidas glanced toward the voice.He could now clearly make out the faces positioned around the semi-circle. They were all older, except for the woman, who was not young, but neither was she old. They were busy trying to dodge the ball of flame, although it never got low enough to hurt any of them. The lone figure at the end of the circle was standing now.He raised his arm and the globe instantly extinguished.Gidas was shocked. How?He looked at the mage, who was now illuminated by his own purple glow.The mage was none too happy.Gidas looked at the mage with sudden respect.The mage lifted his arm and a bar of light erupted from his palm.It grabbed Gidas around the midsection and lifted him into the air and began to squeeze.Gidas fought to get out, but was unsuccessful. The ring of light that surrounded him was squeezing him in two, crushing the life out of him.The mage looked on with uncaring eyes, his demeanor calm.

  With a loud scream of defiance, Gidas was crushed almost in two. His dead body was flung to the side in a crumpled heap as an afterthought.The bar of light sucked back into the mage’s hand.

  There was silence in the chamber.The other two petitioners, both suddenly very afraid, looked on in awe.

  The mages relaxed visibly and the ones standing sat again.The mage at the end of the half circle continued to stand. He seemed to be the leader, if there was such a thing.The mages were once again bathed in darkness and hard to discern, especially with eyes that had just witnessed such a brilliant display of power.

  “Now let us determine which, or both, of these two will be accepted into the school. And let this be a lesson to any who try to defy the authority of our school. We have three other petitioners waiting outside, so make your decision,” said the mage, clearly angry about the commotion.The group was apparently ready to get back to business; this would make school gossip in a short while, once the Tirconiums were dismissed.The mages began discussing the future of the two remaining petitioners. All were astounded at what had just happened. They discussed quietly for a moment. Vargin and Jydas stood like statues.

  Out of the shadows, along the edge of the chamber, a glowing orb began to form.As it grew brighter, it illuminated a figure holding it.The mages stopped talking and turned toward the glow.Walking out of the shadows at the mages was Gidas of Latrare.He had a smile on his face and as he glanced at the crumpled corpse of his body—it disappeared.An illusion.

  The mages erupted into curses and disbelief.Gidas kept his globe in front of him, but he kept his eyes on the potent mage at the end of the semi circle. Their eyes locked.

  He floated the globe above his head, and it extinguished.

  “Enough! He is to be ousted from the school!” one of the figures said in a ruffled voice.

  “He should die for his effrontery!” a voice shot out.

  “NO!” spoke the one on the end who had stopped Gidas the first time.

  “He will become my student,” he said, as if his word was enough, and maybe it was.

  “He has disgraced us and the other petitioners by his actions. He is forfeit from ever becoming a student here,” the woman said in a shrill voice with all regality removed.

  “I will take him as my adjutant and apprentice.He will be in my complete care, and he will not be allowed to intercourse with the other students,” he said with an air of finality not to be overridden by his colleagues.

  He leaned over the stone wall to gaze down on Gidas.

  “I am Lazerek,” he said from under hooded eyes,”and you are now mine, Gidas of Latrare.”