Holtsclaw, page 20
part #3 of The Master Mage Chronicles Series
There was total silence in the room. “Fata spare us all!” said King Jared. He spread his arms wide. “And what is your role in all this?”
Moriah spoke. “Are you familiar with the act of pairing?”
King Jared responded: “Pairing? Isn’t that some strange form of mage-marriage?”
Moriah continued. “Then you do know of it. Good. Mages, those of great power and similar gift, are attracted to each other. If their gift is identical, which happens only with twins, the attraction cannot be overcome. The two gifts exert a power of their own to merge. Ultimately, the stronger pulls power from the other, resulting in the death of the weaker.”
“Twin wasting disease?” Katrina turned to her father. “Your Cousin Betta, Marcus’ mother, had a twin brother who died that way. Or so I’ve been told. Of course, it was long before I was born.” She turned back to Moriah. “But what has that to do with us?”
Melania picked up the explanation. “For two people, not twins, to have identical gift is exceedingly rare. There have only been several cases in known history. And even those are shrouded in myth. But against all odds, the three of us share the same identical gift. We were drawn to each other, not by choice, but by the pull of his gift on ours. In short, his gift was pulling away our very life force, killing us. There was nothing he could do to prevent it.”
Moriah again picked up the account. “What Marcus realized was that the only way to prevent our deaths was to pair with us. Pairing is the binding of gift-power. It is a sharing that includes our very life-force. It ties us together in a way that’s hard to explain. We retain our own identity, but we share thoughts, feelings and emotions. We can communicate with what we call mind-speech. That’s how Melania and I seem to take turns in explaining this. Her thoughts and mine are the same.”
“Which greatly complicates the creation of other relationships, Katrina.” Marcus turned to King Jared. “We have agreed to a marriage. I have paid the bride-price. It has always been my desire to wed Katrina at the right age and time.” He turned back to Katrina. “But dear, I cannot see how it could happen now. I am life-bound to these. To be married to a third would be awkward, at best.”
“But possible?” asked Katrina?
Melania looked at Moriah: I don’t think she understands what that would be like. How do we explain it to her in a way she might understand?
Moriah: Let me try. “Katrina, we would be like sister-wives. It is hard enough for the two of us, bound in mind and feelings, to reconcile our relationship with Marcus. It’s consensual plural marriage, but with a full awareness that it is something we were compelled to do. For you to marry Marcus, it would be like marrying all three. Unlike marriage, pairing is a life-binding. It is broken only in death.”
Katrina bit her bottom lip. “Let me think on this. And discuss it with Greta and my father.”
“Well, quite a few revelations this night, I’d say.” King Jared turned to face Marcus. “We, the kingdom of Iber and I, are in your debt. Not just for eliminating Sinifir and saving my life, but for saving the Treasury. We’re now financially secure. But I tell you, it was a close thing. Very close.”
“And you can thank Greta for being a part of that, as well.” He bowed to her. “Greta, a privilege and honor to call you friend.”
A few more pleasantries were exchanged. King Jared promised to attend the conference if an invitation were extended, and if Marcus were willing to create the portal to the Caldonian capital, Atoile.
Marcus opened a portal back to the Isor Mountains.
----- o0o -----
Marcus: Your impressions? How did you think the meeting went?
Moriah: I think we accomplished what we needed to do. King Jared was quick to agree on the matter of the kings’ conference.
Melania: And Princess Katrina was very nice. I understand your attraction to her.
Marcus: Now we turn our minds to the next matter. Caldonia.
Marcus went hunting in the early evening and harvested a small piglet, which he dressed and skinned for last-meal and first-meal in the morning. Corinne had found a bag of meal among their few remaining provisions and prepared several loaves of pan-bread. They all slept soundly. By mid-morning they had struck camp and were ready to leave. They struggled with their packs, which were now much heavier than before.
----- o0o -----
As planned, Marcus ported everyone directly to the interior of the Caldonian mint building. It was still early on a first-day and but few people were present. Those that were seemed otherwise occupied and either didn’t see the portal open and close, or ignored it completely.
The usual clerk was at his window, his back turned to the gallery.
“Ahem. Excuse me?”
The clerk turned and gave a startled grunt. “How is it I never hear or see you enter? And this time with friends! So, do you have more, as you promised?” He was clearly anxious for more wild gold.
“Yes, and much more than we thought to bring. First, though, I would like to return these, with much appreciation.” He put the molds, pot and tools on the floor.
“Thank you! I doubt they were missed. Give me a moment, please.” He took them through to the back work area and returned. With an eager smile, he rubbed his hands together. “Now, show me what you have!”
Marcus signaled the others forward. They opened their packs and began removing fist-bar after fist-bar.
The clerk was counting as the bars piled up. Several other clerks, hearing the clink of metal-on-metal, gathered around in amazement. “A hand-and-eight fist-bars? We have never, and I’ve been here more than two-hand five turns, seen this much gold at one time. I’m not sure we have enough coin here at the mint to make an exchange.”
“We won’t want it all exchanged. Just these five small bars. But we would like the fist-bars bars assayed, weighed and valued. Then certified with the official mark of the Caldonian mint. Could you do that for us?”
By now a few more of the mint workers had joined the group. There were more murmurs of amazement.
“Of course. All that we can do. And gladly. Give me the smaller bars and I’ll get them weighed. Not a problem on value, as all of these will exchange weight-for-weight in coin. Certifying and stamping of the fist-bars might take a while. Would you mind coming back, say, after mid-day?” He wrote a receipt and one of the other workers appeared, pulling a small wooded wagon with largish wheels. The five watched the bars disappear into the back room.
Melania: “What now?”
Marcus: “I believe a visit with the Lord High-mage is in order. Come. Let’s go to the castle,”
Surprisingly, one of the two guards from two turns previous was still serving at the castle’s outer doors. “Ah, you return. It has been several turns.”
“You have a remarkable memory, sir,” said Marcus.
“Yes, I do. Which makes me a valuable castle asset, would you not agree?” He said it solemnly, with little humor. “You wish to again meet with Lord Bartholomew?”
“Yes, if you please.”
“Weapons?”
Marcus surrendered his short-blade, the one he had used for dressing their game. He looked to the others. Moriah pulled a throwing knife from a sleeve and a short-blade from beneath her belt. Marcus had no idea she had been carrying either.
Lord High-mage Bartholomew sent apologies for not meeting them personally. The young maid bearing the message ushered the five into a comfortable lounge and offered them drink. The cool, fresh water was welcome, as the day had grown quite warm.
Moriah: And Mage Bartholomew knows you are a master mage, correct?
Marcus: Yes. He and my grandfather discussed it at length, in my presence.
Before they could communicate more, Bartholomew rushed into the room and drew Marcus into a smothering embrace. “Marcus, Marcus! It is wonderful to see you once again!” He looked at the others. “Your friends? An introduction, please.”
“Princess Moriah, Tumano, Mage Melania, granddaughter of the Lord High-mage of Suerca, Mage Corinne, also of Tumano, and Mage Wilhelm of Agnium. Friends and traveling companions.”
Lord High-mage Bartholomew stepped forward to extend a hand of greeting to each. “Thank you. I’m sure he’s told you, but I’m Bartholomew, Lord High-mage of Caldonia. And a great friend of Marcus’ late grandfather, Saul Aurelius. Saul was Lord High-mage of Iber until his passing a turn ago.” He stepped back to face Marcus. “I understand King Jared serves without a Lord High-mage. Have you considered assuming your rightful position at his side? I’m sure he would welcome your return.”
“We recently met. It is a future possibility, but not one for me, for us, at this time.”
“You are still attending Holtsclaw, then. This next turning would be what, the commencement of your third turn?”
“Yes,” answered Moriah. “We attend together, hence the friendship.”
“Lovely. And your father, King Weston, knows of these travels, and approves?”
“Certainly neither,” laughed Moriah.
“And one of the reasons we have asked for this meeting,” continued Melania.
The tossing of the conversation from person to person was obviously confusing to Bartholomew. He looked to Corinne and Wilhelm. “Your turn next?”
Corinne spoke for both her and Wilhelm. “It’s their story to tell, sir. Not ours.”
Bartholomew turned back to Marcus. “I understand. What is it that you need from me? Just one speaker at a time, please.”
“There are three or four matters with which we need your help. First, would you extend an invitation to King Jared for the kings’ conference? We have knowledge that Sinifir did not work alone, He was part of a larger Illium conspiracy that is already having an effect in other mainland kingdoms. We believe his account of Sinifir’s methods, and his near success in Iber, would help the other kings appreciate the gravity of the Illium threat.”
Bartholomew responded. “It isn’t for me to extend the invitation. But my King, Geoffrey, can and surely would do so. Just so you know, the inclusion of Iber in these meetings has long been desired. What next?”
“What do you know of pairing?”
“Mage-marriage? That’s what some have called it. I know of it, but not of its particulars.”
“It’s a life-bond, made as a matter of choice between two powerful, compatible, and willing mages. The gift power of the two merge to become one, resulting in a combined power greater than either possessed as individuals. They retain their separate identities, but share feelings, emotions, and even thoughts if desired.”
“Yes, that seems consistent with what I’ve read. And you mention it because?
Moriah picked up the conversation. “There is another form of pairing. One that is so exceedingly rare that it is treated more as myth than fact.”
Melania continued. “If two mages have identical gift, and yes, it is possible, their gifts seek to merge. To become one. In doing so, the stronger pulls gift from the weaker. If allowed to continue, the first will eventually absorb all of the other’s gift, including his or her life-force.”
“In which case, the weaker would die?” asked Bartholomew
“Precisely,” said Marcus. “It is a gift-created action that neither of the individuals, neither the stronger nor the weaker, has the means to prevent. Pairing is the only way for the weaker to survive. With pairing, the gift of one establishes a balance, or equality, with the gift of the other. The other attributes of pairing are the price they pay, including a life-long bonding.”
“So, let me guess. You, Marcus, are bonded to one of these two women?”
“No, Lord Bartholomew, to both. And our combined power is many times multiplied.”
“And the endowment these two possess?
“I am a battle-mage,” said Moriah.
And I a mind-mage,” continued Melania.
Bartholomew sat considering the implications. “Fata spare us. A master-mage paired with a battle-mage and a mind-mage of equal power.” His face paled. “And what are your plans for us, the mainland kingdoms? There is little we can do now, but to do your bidding.”
“Please, we are not disposed to conquest,” said Melania. “Each of us is of a peaceful disposition and keep each other’s ambition in check. And we have access to all the wealth we should ever need, or desire.”
“Which brings us to another situation,” said Moriah. “My Father, King Weston of Tumano. He is obviously known to you, correct?
The Lord High-mage nodded.
“He is determined that Marcus and I not wed. During the kings’ conference, Marcus will demand my bride-price in the presence of the other kings.”
“It will be my task to influence the price, to impress a value into his mind he thinks impossible for Marcus to meet,” said Melania.
“How much will he demand, or will you influence him to demand?”
“Five fists,” said Marcus.
Moriah: I thought we were going to offer a hand-fist. What changed?
Marcus: If he demands more, we are prepared to pay of course. But if he demands five, I shall be prepared to counter with the full hand.
Melania: Wickedly smart. How can he decline an offer twice the amount he asks!
Lord High-mage Bartholomew: “Five fists! That’s an outrageous bride-price! There has never been such a demand. And how would you ever pay such an amount?”
“Your mint holds twice that, and more, of our gold,” said Marcus. “Tell me, do the kings attend alone or are there others of the royal court who come with them to the conference?”
“They usually come with their heir and a senior advisor, typically their Lord High-mage. I will be attending with King Geoffrey, as will Crown Prince Stephen, his heir.”
Marcus: Then perhaps we can settle your bride-price as well, Melania!
Bartholomew went in search of the King. They returned some time later. The Lord High-mage made the introductions.
“My advisor says you would like to have the Iberian king, King Jared, invited to our conference. Is that right?”
“Yes, your Majesty. Your Lord High-mage has explained that I have the power to port him here, has he not?”
“Yes, he has. And that the three of you are in a bonded relationship peculiar to mages. And will be seeking to establish bride-prices?”
“Yes, again, your Majesty.” It was Moriah who spoke. “My father, King Weston, is settled against our marriage. We believe he will demand an outrageous amount, as high as five fists.”
“An outrageous amount of coin indeed! And if he does, what will you do?”
“We are prepared to meet whatever demand he makes, your Majesty,” said Melania.
----- o00 -----
The five left the castle and returned to the mint. As promised, all of the fist-bars had been assayed, weighed and stamped with the royal mark of Caldonia. Each bar was slightly more than the expected fist of crown. The remaining five small bars had been exchanged for coin.
The clerk spoke respectfully. “Two-hand crowns. We barely had enough! Oh, and these.” He pointed to a large leather pouch. “Six hand five silvers, and a hand-five coppers. Will you be taking these with you? Or would you like us to hold them here for you as well?”
Marcus: We will need tuition for the four of you. Two-hand crowns? What if we each take four crowns and a hand three silvers?
Melissa: Sounds reasonable to me. Even so, the sum of four crowns and a hand and three silvers is still a lot more coin than we are likely to need. It would be more than a crown and a hand-five after tuition.
Moriah: I agree with Marcus. Additional coin might be useful.
Marcus: “We would like to take the coin with us. The fist-bars we would leave with you. If that could be done?”
“That will be fine. It will be secure here. Unless you would like it transferred to the royal treasury. Actually, this much gold? We would prefer that. This is a lot for us to protect. I can assure you, it would be kept there under your name, not that of the king.”
“Please make it so,” said Moriah.
“Then let me go and prepare a proper receipt.”
The clerk returned shortly with a written summary, which he gave to Marcus. Marcus, in turn, gave it to Wilhelm. The coin was distributed equally, creating gasps of unbelief from both Wilhelm and Corinne.
----- o0o -----
They had taken an elegant suite of rooms in the best inn Atoile had to offer. It was in proximity to the castle, of course. After bathing, they all went in search of new clothing. They returned shortly before last-meal. The inn had an excellent kitchen.
They sat in the foyer of their suite, discussing their next moves. There was a clear intention of additional shopping in the morning.
“First, I need to return to Iber and present King Jared with his formal invitation to the kings’ conference. I can do this alone, unless any of you would like to come.”
“Well, personally, I would like to continue shopping!” said Moriah.
“Agreed!” said Melania. “Girls. Coin. Shopping. They naturally go together. Wouldn’t you agree, Corinne?”
Corinne simply nodded. There was a broad smile on her face.
“Works for boys, too!” said Wilhelm.
They all laughed. “Then it is settled. I will port to Iber and return by mid-day meal. We rest for a two-day, then I port you home to Suerca, Melania. And I port Corinne and Moriah to Tumano. Wilhelm, you can either go with me to Holtsclaw or to Agnium. Think about it and let me know after last-meal.”
----- o0o -----
Again Marcus ported to the west garden of the castle in Alexa. He invoked tiemp and made his way to the royal residences, where he was immediately challenged by two burly men of the King’s Guard, when he returned to normal time
“You may go no farther. State your business.”
“Mage Marcus Aurelius. I have business with King Jared. Please have someone announce my arrival. He will be expecting me.”
King Jared was not quick in coming. Somehow word was passed to Katrina, and of course, Greta. Katrina was a bit coy. She looked carefully to see that he was alone. “Your friends?”
