Holtsclaw, page 11
part #3 of The Master Mage Chronicles Series
As the moment of moon alignment approached, Marcus removed his shoes and stockings and took a kneeling position on the moist grass. The gorge of gift was a strong one. Marcus, in his somewhat depleted state, was able to endure its full flow with a minimum of discomfort. It was a wonderful feeling to be so full of gift after three turnings of intentional emptiness. Was it really necessary to hide his true nature in such a way? Hide my endowment? Certainly. But my level of power as well? He would give it more thought. And speaking of thought, he was reminded how much more clear his thinking was after absorbing a gift-flow.
When he had made the promise to remove the bandit scourge from the southern roads, he was standing with peddlers at the crossroads in Colone. Did he have a clear enough memory to simply port there? He certainly had sufficient gift, at that moment, to do so. And if he loaned summoning stones to several of the peddlers, they could cover roads he could not. And they could then summon me when they encountered thieves. He thought more about porting to Colone. He would have to hold the portal open long enough for the animals to pass through. It would be something he had not attempted before, but he had ported other people from time to time. He believed more power was consumed in the creation of the portal than in keeping it open. And he would need to retrieve the remaining summoning stones from Holtsclaw. He was closer now than he would be later, so it was something he should do immediately.
Marcus opened a portal to his attic space at the Academy. It had only been a seven-day and four since he had left, and everything appeared untouched. As it should be, since I’m paying tuition for this turning, whether I’m here or not. He retrieved the summoning stones and two dark daggers. Edna had given him four stones, keeping one and presenting a sixth to Darius. Marcus had picked up hers from her cottage floor after her death, giving him five. There was the master stone which he would have to keep. There had been four smaller stones for summoning. One he had given to Katrina, leaving him with three. One he would need to give to Moriah. He should have thought of that earlier, leaving him with two. He attached the daggers to his belt, picked up his bo, and ported back to the meadow.
The next morning he successfully ported to the crossroads in Colone. He used mind-touch with Max and Rex, to keep them close. To his surprise, they did so. Wee, of as always, followed closely on Max’s heels. It was a sixth day and peddlers were well represented. He looked for a familiar face and was relieved to find one.
“Ho there! Remember me?”
“Remember yuh? No be forgettin’ the mage what can clear out the thievin’ bandits. Didn’t see yuh pull up. What kin I do for yuh? Come to clear up the southern roads like yuh promised last turn?”
“Actually, that’s exactly what I’m here to discuss. I can do it, yes. But my time is limited. However, with some peddler help, I think we can do a lot to make those highways safe. Can you get your peddler friends to join us?”
The peddler, who went by the name of Dolo, gave a shrill whistle and waved other peddlers their way. When they had gathered, there were nine in total. He made introductions.
“This ‘ere chap be that mage we all been talkin’ ‘bout. The one what cleared out the thieves on the peddler’s highway to Windsor. Says he would be willin’ to do the same on the coast road. But needs a wee bit of help findin’ em.”
“Does it involve fightin’?” asked one of the peddlers. “We be good at buyin’ and sellin’ but not much with blade.” There was a murmur of agreement from the others.
“No, leave that to me. But as Dolo said, I am short on time and need your help in finding the thieves. I’m hoping to find two peddlers heading that way, leaving as quickly as possible. I’m not asking you to make special trips, just your usual routes. I will give you a way to call me when I’m needed.”
Three hands went up. One of them spoke. “We be goin’ that way, plannin’ on leavin’ at first light. We be safe for, oh, may be a seven-day. Then we get to the tougher spots. You agree, boys?”
They nodded. One of the other two spoke. He had a somewhat cultured tongue. “And it only gets worse, all the way to the coastal road.” He laughed. “And then it gets even more worse. You really think you can clean those bands out?”
Marcus had been reluctant to carry the dark long-blade given to him by Cletus, or the two pairs of dark short-blades in his collection. He nodded. “Without doubt. All I’m lacking is a good long-blade. All I have with me is a pair of short-blades and my bo.”
One of the peddlers walked back to his wagon and returned with a wrapped bundle. “Would this be good enough for yuh?” He handed the package over to Marcus.
Marcus unwrapped a beautiful long-blade. It balanced well and fit his hand perfectly. “Indeed it is. It’s a fine weapon. How much do I owe you for it?”
The peddlers looked at each other. Silent words were shared. “The better-speaking one spoke: “Well, we have agreed if you can clear up those coastal roads, we would be pleased to make this a gift.” The others nodded in agreement. “We can all pitch in a bit to pay you for it, Keesi.”
Marcus sat alone with the two who had volunteered to travel the coastal road on his behalf. The third admitted his pony was old and slow.
“My name is Marcus, as you probably know. I am a mage, with what we call battle-mage powers. I have served in the military and taught blades to other soldiers. I doubt you will call me into a situation in which I cannot prevail. In addition to being a battle-mage, I possess another gift. One that is uncommon among us. It is the power to move instantly from one place to another. It is called porting. And as I said, it is uncommon ability.” He pulled two of the stones from his robe. “These small stones are exceedingly rare and can be used to instantly call me to your side. I am going to loan them to you with the understanding they must be returned before the end of this turning.” He handed one to each of the men. “They are activated by a word of gift-power.”
“But I don’t have any of that so-called gift. Do you, Timmi?”
The other shook his head. “Nope. Nary a drop.”
“You do not need gift to summon me. The power is within the stone.” Marcus pulled the master stone from his robe and held it forth for them to see. “This stone is the master. It is tied to each of yours by gift. When used properly, it compels me to come to the stone you will carry. To activate, you must rub the stone you carry, heat it just a little. Then you place it on the ground, look at it, and say the word kar-GOON. I want you to try saying it several times.”
“KarGOON” Timmi shouted. The master stone vibrated. The second peddler, the eloquent one, did the same. His name was Harve.
“Timmi, Harve, you don’t need to rub quite so hard nor shout so loudly. The stone is not deaf.” He chuckled, remembering the same experience with Darius. “But remember, cast the stone on the ground before you, best you can. That is my summoning location. And I don’t want to be porting into a tree, or a wall, or into your pocket! When I arrive, it will be with a drawn blade and a ready bo. Any questions?” There were none.
“There is one more thing I ask, though it will be a hard thing for you. These stones, as I told you, are exceedingly rare. Their use is unknown elsewhere in the mainland kingdoms. If you are asked about summoning, just say ‘there was a way’, and do not mention the stones themselves. There are mages, evil men, not of our mainland kingdoms, who would readily kill to possess them. You are under no danger, provided the secret remains among us. I would ask for your word on this. But your silence is as much for your benefit as mine.” Marcus pointed to the stones. “I must be at the Holtsclaw Academy before the end of this turning. So wherever you are, summon me a seven-day earlier for their collection. Now, good travels.”
----- o0o -----
The next day was a seventh. Marcus rested at the cross-roads until darkness fell, then ported to the vacant office in the Tomano castle as mid-night approached. To his relief and delight, Moriah was sitting in a chair, reading a manuscript.
Moriah: You came! She leapt to her feet and grabbed him in a somewhat intimate embrace. I’ve missed you! It’s been like half my soul has been torn away. There was a tremendous surge of gift and she backed away.
Marcus: Probably closer to the truth than we realize. I’ve missed you, too. They kissed. There was another surge of gift. This is something we must be careful to avoid. There are turns before…
Moriah: ...before what? Before we can be married? Marcus, I’ve concluded it’s the only way we will survive. I cannot marry another. And I cannot remain a princess of Tumano. But yes, that is turns away, and this, this intimacy, must be put aside. She mentally chuckled. But I must admit it will be hard. You kiss very well. Very powerfully!
Marcus: Yes, because there is now an imbalance of power between us. I have accessed the great river of gift. We need to talk about that. But first, I have something for you. Something for your protection. He withdrew his last summoning stone. This involves another story, one for later. It is a summoning stone. They are very, very rare, created in Illium and originally used for dark purposes. It, and its companions, are mated to this. He pulled the master stone and gave it to her for examination.
She handed it back to him after doing so. A simple black stone?
Marcus: Hardly. It’s a master stone. When you rub the smaller, this one. He placed it in her hand. And invoke a word of power, it compels me to come. Please, be careful. It is not to be casually used. I will show you how it works.
They sat together. She reached for his hand, feeling the immediate flow of gift
Marcus. How are things here in Cardston? How are things with your father, the King?
Moriah: I have a worry there. His feelings toward me have certainly taken a turn for the worse. He looks at me suspiciously each time we pass. Something about the blade-dance has left him very unsettled. Did you know we were observed by some of the castle staff?
Marcus: No, but there were serving people about. The clashing of blades surely drew their attention.
Moriah. Yes, but others were watching also, discretely. Not all were pleased by what they saw.
Marcus: Displeased? What did we do that would possibly be upsetting? It was mere blade-work.
Moriah: It displayed power, gift power. That’s what my father saw, I’m sure of it. The flowing of gift between us. He is, after all, strong in gift. But I don’t know his primary endowment. There is another mage, one of my father’s advisors, who noticed as well. You told me my secondary gift was that as a mind-mage? Well, that gift makes him untrustworthy to my mind. He, too, regards me with an obvious suspicion.
Marcus: What is his name? And how long has he been an advisor to your father?
Moriah: Gideon. His name is Gideon. As to how long? That I don’t know. I don’t believe it has been for many turns. He was here when I left for Holtsclaw a turn past. I don’t recall seeing him much before that. Do you think he is a threat to me or to my father? To the Kingdom?
Marcus: That I do not know. But there is a very dangerous movement underway. Dark mages are being deployed from Illium. I have encountered two already. One you know about, the other you should. I told you one of my endowments, the extra one I was given, is the seer-gift. It is an ability to perceive the endowments and character of others. And those endowments I see bear a color. Or at least a hue. The darker the person, the darker the endowment. Do you remember when I told you I had taken the life of bandits that were murderers? I knew they were, by the color of their life force. Murder, and the assault of women and children, stains life force forever, for these are deeds that cannot be undone. If I could simply see this Mage Gideon, I would know instantly if he were a dark mage to be feared.
Several moments passed in silence. They had been holding hands. The flow of gift between them had dwindled to a mere trickle.
Moriah: I suppose it’s time to go. You will be returning?
Marcus: Of course, I miss you I think, as much as you say you miss me.
Moriah came close and gave him a peck on the cheek. Keeping it chaste, as we agreed. I guess this is good-bye for now?
Marcus: Yes. Be safe.
----- o0o -----
Marcus and the animals had been making their way slowly to the south when the first summons was received. Marcus quickly drew Max and Wee to the side of the road and commanded Rex to stay with them. He unsheathed his new long-blade and unfastened the bo from Wee’s pack. He ported.
Tamimi was standing by a clump of bushes, his nervous attention divided between the summoning stone on the ground before him, and a group of men standing astride the road to his fore.
“They told me tuh give up my coin or accept the consequences, sir. I thought, maybe you give ‘em a third choice?”
“You did well, Tamimi. This is exactly why you carry the stone. You may pick it up now and put it away. You might need it again, hopefully soon. Now I have work to do. I would suggest you go to your wagon and stay inside. I will call you when it’s safe.”
Tamimi took the advice and disappeared into his wagon, shutting the small door tightly behind him.
Better no more witnesses than necessary thought Marcus. “Ho there! My friend, the peddler, says you are demanding his coin?” He counted five thieves.
A man standing in the middle of the group spoke for himself and the others as well. “Where d’you come from? We didn’t see anyone but the peddler man.” He looked at the blade and bo. “No matter. Off with yuh. This be no business of yers.”
“Well, this ‘peddler man’ happens to be a friend of mine, and I take exception to any rude treatment of him. So instead of surrendering his coin to you, I’m thinking you all surrender your coin to me. And then leave this road. And forever give up your thieving ways.”
The men broke out in laughter. The same leader spoke again. “Mighty big words for a young boy like yusself. You gonna take on the five of us with one blade and yur big stick?”
Marcus saw no point in arguing further. He invoked tiemp and casually walked up and removed their weapons and purses. He returned to where he had been standing before, trying hard to put his feet into the same boot-prints. The purses yielded nine silvers and a handful of coppers. These were, without doubt, theft from other travelers. He put the coin in his own purse and piled the blades and empty purses on the ground at his feet. He returned to normal time.
Marcus thought the shock on the men’s faces was amusing. They looked at their empty hands in bewilderment. “Whut? Where’s our weapons?”
“And our coin” shouted another. They all reached for their purses, finding them missing.
“You must mean these,” said Marcus, pointing to the pile at his feet. “As I said, the better idea was for you to give me your coin, and find a different way of life.” He used mind-touch to assess each of the men. They were bad men, hard men. But none was a murderer or abuser of women. “I give you a choice. You may leave this life of thieving or face banishment to a far land. Either way, this highway is cleared of your evil influence. I’ll give you a moment to consider.” He leaned on his bo, looking to the side as if disinterested.
Without weapons and without coin, the five men were at a loss of what to say or do. The prospects of going up against an armed man, even five against one, were not appealing. Would they prevail? Possibly. But not without many injuries and possible deaths.
One of the men muttered “I’ve seen enough. I’m goin’ back to me home. H’aint been makin’ enough to put up with this kinda trouble.” Another followed him as they retreated back into the forest.
The man who spoke first was more determined. He looked to his two friends. “I say we try to take ‘em. It be three ‘gainst one, and he can’t take us all if we move together.” The other two nodded in agreement and began their approach.
Marcus again invoked tiemp, walked up to them, and wrestled the boots from their feet. He opened a portal to Windsor and pushed them through. The portal closed and he called out to Tamimi. “You can come out now. The bandits are all gone. It’s safe.”
Tamimi peaked out through a crack in the door. Seeing no one but Marcus, he cautiously climbed down. “Where’d they go?” He saw the pile of blades. “Did yuh kill ‘em?”
“No. no one died. They have simply been sent away, with little chance of returning to bother you or others who travel this way. They weren’t as bad as some of the thieves I’ve encountered in the past.” He pointed to the blades and boots. “Do you think there’s profit in selling these? You are welcome to them. They are of no use to me.”
Tamimi examined them closely. “Yuh, sure. Always a bit of coin in blades and boots.” He chuckled. “And even in empty purses!”
Marcus confirmed Tamimi had collected the summoning stone, then ported back to where the animals were patiently awaiting his return.
----- o0o -----
Two days passed before he was summoned again. This time it was Harve. Bo and blade at the ready, Marcus ported to find him surrounded by at least a dozen armed men. The largest was holding the summoning stone. He jumped back as the portal opened nearly at his feet.
Marcus pointed at the stone with his blade. “I believe you have something that belongs to my friend? Please return it to him. And with an apology.”
The men looked at each other in silence, still startled by his sudden appearance. Finally, the man with the stone found his voice. “What kind of foolishness is this? I don’t know where yuh come from, but get yusself back there before we take a piece of hide off yur back. This be between him and us.”
Marcus sighed. Why is it always the same? Many against one. And an unarmed peddler at that. Well, I guess I’ll have to deal with them the same way I did the last. He invoked tiemp and plucked the summoning stone from the leader’s hand. He then proceeded to collect weapons and purses as before, placing them on the bench of Harve’s wagon. He took three paces back to stand beside Harve, and returned to normal time.
