Holtsclaw, page 19
part #3 of The Master Mage Chronicles Series
Marcus focused on the gold they had recovered earlier and drew more from the ground. Simultaneously, he cast heat deep into the earth. To his amazement, the heat followed the path of the gold his gift had found. He could feel the movement of molten metal as the ore was reduced to a liquid. Nothing immediately appeared. Suddenly, though, they were assaulted by the smell of fire. A virtual brimstone of burning. Liquid gold began flowing from the rocks between their feet. It peddled in the cracks and crevices, cooling quickly on the cool stone. Marcus removed his hands from the ground to stop the flow. “Well, there is bad news, good news and better news, I’d say.”
Wilhelm was speechless in wonder. He finally finding his voice, but it was but a whisper. “Gold. Pure gold!”
Marcus, recognizing the onset of gold-fever and laughed. “Yes, Wilhelm, and the root of much evil. Don’t be too overcome by it. Gold-fever has taken many to ruin and an early grave.”
“Yes. But it’s gold. Pure gold.”
Marcus tried to bring Wilhelm out of his gold-trance. “The bad news is that the molten gold has trickled down into the cracks between the rocks and we will have to pry it out. The good news is that the process works. Even better than I thought it would. The best news is that it took much less gift-power than pulling it from the stream beds. I don’t know how much gold is here in this particular seam in the rock. It seems to be considerable. Let’s collect what is here and take it back to camp. The girls are sure to be anxious for our return.”
It took Marcus and Wilhelm some time to pry the gold-flow from between the rocks. They managed a considerable amount, including several large lumps that had pooled on the surface. The effort brought Wilhelm back to his senses. Rather than bright and shiny metal, the pieces were blackened with impurities and ash. They filled the leather bag they had brought and ported the short distance back to camp.
The five of them sat around, admiring the morning’s work.
“How do we go forward? We have enough here to begin casting. But I doubt enough yet to fill a full mold,” said Moriah.
Melania agreed. “And we need it cleaner. And in a better shape for smelting.”
“It would be easier if you could make it flow, say, into temporary shapes, like long fingers. Then we could feed them into the melting pot, one-by-one. We could skim off the impurities and cast the pure gold into the Caldonian molds,” suggested Corinne.
Marcus thought for a moment. “Yes, that would be easy to do. The molten gold simply flows out of a crack in the stone. We could channel it onto a large flat rock with grooves in it. Then remove the fingers as you call them. And repeat the process. If one of you,” pointing to Melania and Moriah, “could couple your power with mine, we could draw the gold much faster. It isn’t as taxing as I thought it might be. But given how much we have to gather, I would prefer we share our gift resources than solely depend and deplete mine.”
Rather than again climb up the treacherous mountain, Marcus, Melania and Wilhelm ported to the out-crop below the vein of ore. They found a large, flat stone and settled it immediately below the point from which the gold had flowed. Marcus invoked tier and created a hand of furrows a finger wide and deep, a hand long. They were interconnected by a channel that could be diverted, with small stones, to channel the flow of molten gold from one furrow to another.
Melania found a comfortable sitting position behind Marcus and placed her hands on his shoulders. He also sat, eyes focused on the lump of gold he used earlier. He placed his hands on the ground, cast heat, and pulled. It took much less time for the gold to flow. There was residual heat into the vein, and together they worked with greater power. Wilhelm was kept busy moving the flow from groove to groove and removing the fingers as they cooled. Some time later, Marcus withdrew his hands and declared a stop. The ground where he had placed his hands had grown uncomfortable warm. Wilhelm was also happy to take his rest. He had dug out a small hollow in the stream bed, to cool his fingers from time to time.
“How much have we collected so far, Wilhelm?” asked Melania. They turned to face him. He did a scoot to the side to show. There were many more fingers than they anticipated. And as the flow had continued, the amount of impurities had plummeted. Most of the fingers were now bright and shiny.
“The next time we come we bring a larger basket or bag,” said Melania. They gathered up the fingers and prepared to port. The weight they each carried was significant. “Do we have any idea how much we’ve collected?”
As a merchant-mage, Wilhelm had a good head for numbers and for estimating. “By weight, I would think we have enough to fill between five and seven molds. That, of course, would be between five and seven fists. If we need at least a hand and two bars.” He paused, thinking. “We could be finishing this tomorrow.” He looked longingly at Marcus. “Unless, of course, we would like to have more? For ourselves?”
They ported back to camp. Moriah and Corinne had arranged the casting equipment and created a bar from the first gold they had extracted. It came to much less than a full fist-bar. They had then prepared a last-meal of venison and tubers which sat simmering over the coals. The three collapsed in weariness, spilling their golden hoard on the ground before the flame.
“It would appear,” said Moriah with a laugh. “That you have been successful!”
“Well,” said Wilhelm. “We’ve certainly worked up an appetite!”
They spent the evening smelting and casting. As Wilhelm had estimated, they ended with six full fist-bars and a part of a seventh. It was a tedious process. It took time for the impurities to rise to the surface of the melting pot where they could be skimmed off and discarded as dross. They took turns huddled over the hot flame.
They awoke the next morning and had a first-meal of, what else, venison and tubers. Marcus agreed to find other food for last-meal. Moriah and Corinne replaced Melania and Wilhelm at the extraction site. By late mid-morning, the ground had again become too warm to comfortably pull. Interestingly, the flow of gold had not weakened. They had apparently tapped into a large seam of gold ore. They filled two bags with gold fingers and ported back to camp.
Melania and Wilhelm were well rested from the labors of the previous day. Marcus, however, was feeling the strain of constantly focusing on both pulling gold and casting flame. They ate the last of the venison for mid-day.
“I propose we finish tomorrow, rest on the seventh, and port to Caldonia early first-day,” said Marcus.
“Why Caldonia?” asked Melania? She pointed to Moriah and Corinne. “Don’t we have to be in Suerca?”
“Yes,” said Marcus. “But we need a secure place to store the gold we have collected. And eventually we will need it at the kings’ conference.” He pointed to the pile of fist-bars and the fingers waiting to be cast. “And there is considerable weight that must be carried. And there is also much risk to our persons if its existence were to become known. So I propose we port directly to the Caldonian mint and have them hold it there until needed.”
They discussed it briefly and saw the benefits of what he had proposed. They spent the afternoon smelting and casting. They had a total of hand-and-three bars.
“How many more do we need?” asked Melania.
“Well, there is also your bride-price,” said Moriah.
Melania blushed. “Well, I doubt it will be a hand-fist.”
“No, but a fist, maybe two?” said Corinne. “Would your father settle for that?”
Melania chuckled. “My father and grandfather are court mages, not given to wealth. They would be continent with several hands. A fist would be well beyond their expectations.”
“Two fists,” said Marcus. “I would never consider paying less.” He said it with a certainty that defied further discussion.
Marcus had mentioned a larger stream a half-league farther down the mountain. They mutually agreed a last-meal of fresh fish would be welcome. They found the stream easily by following the sound of running water. There were some fine-looking truta in the stream. Their colorful sides flashed in the waning sunlight. Marcus invoked tiemp, waded slowly out, and collected enough for last-meal and the following day. He strung them on branches as he had seen Willa do at the Hagstrom Mill. There was an ample supply of kress and bank-weed, which he set the ladies to collecting. And there were several varieties of berries that promised sweet desserts. Collecting those fell to Wilhelm.
Moriah, Corinne and Marcus extracted more gold until mid-day. And after mid-day, they finished with more smelting and casting. Their total work was impressive. They had a hand-and-eight fist bars with a half left over. Marcus hurriedly fashioned a crude stone mold and they cast five smaller bars. “There should be a hand of crowns for each of us in these. My guess is that we will be responsible for our own tuition this next turn.”
They all nodded in agreement.
Marcus: “There is one thing I have to do here, and I have to do it alone.”
Moriah: Yes, you have to go to Iber and settle your affairs there. Not only with the new king, but with a young battle-mage as well. No, I’ve not forgotten about her.
Melania looked at Moriah. What’s this about a young battle-mage?
Marcus: She is my second-cousin and has been the king’s heir since I slew her brother, Stephen. He had become corrupted by a dark mage and sought the life of their father, who at the time was the crown prince. Marcus gave an audible sigh. When I returned the second time with gold for the Iberian treasury, it was understood with her father that it was to be her bride-price. I have no idea how things stand between us now. Obviously, a marriage would be out of the question.
Melania: Why do you say that? Who knows, we might like her! It’s nice having a sister. Maybe two would be even better!
They laughed, knowing she had not been serious in the suggestion. They held hands for a time, balancing out their gift power.
Marcus: We have enough power to take care of our immediate needs, and the long ports we still have to make. But I suggest we make another visit to Athenis before the kings’ conference. I do not know what demands will be placed on us there.
Melissa: You think we all will need to attend?
Moriah: I don’t know about the need to attend. But I most certainly want to be there when you confront my father on my bride-price.
Marcus: Exactly so. And Melissa, we are a three-some, not a two-some. In all things. We act as one. It’s likely the kings will bring their highest mages as counselors. If so, we can settle the issue of your bride-price at the same time.
Melissa: What about Wilhelm and Corinne? I don’t think Wilhelm has a place to go this turning. I would think his home is out of the question.
Moriah: Settling on a bride-price does not constitute a marriage. Corrine should remain with me, with us. For the sake of royal propriety.
Marcus: I agree with you both. And there is one more practical consideration. I think it will take all five of us to carry these fist-bars into the conference room!
Moriah: You said a moment ago we act as one, not two or three? What if we come to Iber with you? If nothing else, I would like to meet your second-cousin. Especially if she is a battle-mage.
Marcus gave it a moment’s thought: That, I believe, is an excellent idea. Thank you for thinking of it. I suggest we clean up best we can. We could port immediately tomorrow after mid-day.
----- o0o -----
They spent the seventh-day in well-earned rest. Corinne and Wilhelm sat together chatting happily. Marcus, Moriah and Melania sat silently, each lost in his or her own thoughts. Shortly after mid-day they ported to the west palm garden in Alexa. They were roughly dressed, but clean. Marcus led the way into the castle, following a route he remembered well. So little had changed in his absence. They were immediately challenged as they approached the royal residence halls.
“Marcus?”
“Marsdon? I thought you were appointed Captain of the King’s Guard.”
“Yes, so I was, so I am. What are you doing here? How did you get in?”
“It would take time to tell. We have come to see King Jared and if possible, Crown Princess Katrina. I assure you, we pose no risk to either. These,” he said, pointing to Moriah and Melania, “are traveling companions and powerful mages in their own right.”
“I will see what I can do. I was relieved when the king lifted the bounty on your life. Stay here while I inquire within.”
Moriah: The castle is very modest, is it not, Melania?
Marcus: Created much later than the castles of old, Moriah. Lesser, yes, but still the best that Iber could create.
Their conversation was interrupted by the commotion of running feet. Katrina came bursting around a corner with Greta on her heals. She came to an abrupt halt when she saw his two companions.
“Crown Princess Katrina, Greta, may I introduce my traveling companions, Moriah, Princess of Tumano and battle-mage. Mage Melania, granddaughter of the Lord High-mage of Suerca.” He turned to them. “The Crown Princess of Iber and heir to the throne. And her companion and guardian, Greta.”
“Moriah and Melania bowed respectfully. Moriah spoke: “Your highness, a pleasure to meet you. Marcus said you are also his second cousin, I believe?”
“Y-Yes. That is so. Our grandfathers were brother and brother-in-law. Unfortunately, both have passed.” She turned to Marcus. “How are things? You look so much older, worn. Have things changed between us?”
“Certainly. We will have to talk, but not here in a corridor. And we must apologize for our appearance. We have been in the Isor mountains securing gold, much as Greta and I did two turns ago.”
King Jared rounded the corner and clapped his hands in delight. “Marcus! So you did survive the trip to Holtsclaw! And lest I forget, we heard rumors of some remarkable events coming out of Nordsport. And the mainland kingdoms as well. We assume these were of your making?”
They gripped fore-arms in a friendly embrace. “Yes, well, those were interesting times.”
“It must have been quite an ordeal, traveling to Nordsport during the fourth turning. And two hand-fists on foot. But forgive me, you travel with others?”
Marcus made the same introductions he had made earlier.
“So, it would appear we have much to discuss. Shall we retire to my chambers?”
“Yes, that would be best. I believe what we have to speak of involves all of us.”
----- o0o -----
The six of them, Greta included, sat around a small conference table in the outer parlor of King Jared’s quarters.
“You heard of my father’s passing earlier in the turn?”
“Yes, from Melania’s father, a high-mage of Suerca. They, like Caldonia, have friends here in Iber who keep them informed of such matters. He also told me the bounty had been lifted. Thank you.”
“You are welcome. It was the least I could do. So, what is the first thing we need to discuss?”
“Have you been invited to the kings’ conference?”
“No. Though I am aware of it, since it’s planned turns in advance. There is little chance for me to attend even if I were invited. It’s in Caldonia and in what, four or five seven-days?”
“Yes. I think it’s important you attend. It involves more of what Sinifir was trying to do. The other kings desperately need to hear an account of what happened here. As for getting there, I can open a portal and have you there in an instant. Would you accept the invitation, if I arrange it through Lord High-mage Bartholomew?”
“Yes, I would, if it concerns Illium and its dark mages. Have you encountered others of Sinifir’s kind?”
“One, and possibly another. As you know, it isn’t just they we fear, but the ones they influence. This is not the first time they have attempted to infiltrate the kingdoms. The previous effort was about five hands ago. I have spoken to those who quietly defeated them, and I understand how it was done. I’m not sure all the kings are even aware of that war. Or how serious it could have become had they lost.”
“And you have the power to defeat them now, as they did then?”
“Give me a moment to think how to answer that.” I think we have to be explicit with him, do you agree? Not just about me, but about us. The latter will be painful for Katrina, but it will have to be done sooner or later.
Moriah: I agree. Melania, your thoughts?
Melania: Your decision, Marcus. I support you either way. And I agree. This is going to be painful for young Katrina. We saw how she looked at you.
“King Jared, how well do you know the history of your kingdom?”
“That we were exiled and driven from the mainland over a hand-fist turns ago? Yes, I am aware of those events in a general way.”
“You are correct. We were once the Kingdom of Athenia. We have visited the ruins of its capital, Athenis. It now lies within the Suerca city of Atimia. But are you aware of why we were driven to this fata-forsaken isle?”
“That’s a bit harsh, Marcus. Iber isn’t that bad. But no, the details of our banishment are lost in time. War? It would have to have been war.”
“No, not exactly. There was one man, a powerful mage, who arose. Though a peaceful man by all accounts, he struck fear into the other kingdoms. They demanded his death. The king refused and war ensued. The mage surrendered to spare the life of his king and the remnants of the people that survived.”
Katrina, who had been sitting silently, finally spoke. “All of that for fear of but one man? What made him so frightening that a kingdom was destroyed, simply to destroy him?”
“He was a master mage, Katrina,” said Moriah.
“One holding all of the gifts, with the power to draw away the gift of others. Such as those who would attack him. The other kingdoms understood that if he so chose, he could rule them all. That was a possibility they could not endure,” added Melania.
“His name was Marcus Aurelius, and every fifth generation of his line bears his name by the order of that last king of Athenia. Who was also the first king of Iber. And a new master mage has arisen from his line. Marcus Aurelius the Ninth,” said Moriah, solemnly.
