Sorcerer (The Mage Saga Book 3), page 2
Groaning with the effort, Khaldun finally managed to reach out with one hand and close the portal. The figure of Nyro turned to smoke, dissipating almost immediately. Light returned to the room, and Khaldun collapsed in his chair, exhausted from the effort.
Khaldun felt profoundly disturbed. He didn’t understand how Nyro had managed to retain full command of her faculties. The first two demons he’d encountered were more like animals, driven purely by their physical desires.
But at that moment, he heard a knock on the door. Jumping to his feet, he grabbed the pyramid and the scroll, hurried across the chamber, returned them to their hiding place, tucked them into the void, and restored the illusion of the stone wall hiding the cavity. Only then did he answer the door. But he realized the knocking was coming from the entry to the tower below. Hurrying down the steps, he opened the door to find Syllith standing there.
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” she said. “I won’t have time to check the library today, but wanted to take a look in your tower, at least, before I depart for the university.” Khaldun gave her a blank stare. “To try and determine how Myrddin transformed,” she added. “He must have acquired the spells somehow, and I’m hoping there will be some record of that.”
“Oh, yes, of course,” Khaldun said, his heart jumping into his throat. He let her inside, closing the door behind her. Following her up the steps, he considered telling her immediately what he’d found. But he was bound to Jezebel; she was his princess. Duty obligated him to report this to her first before revealing anything to Syllith. He decided it would be best to keep the discovery to himself for now.
“Not many places to store anything here,” the witch muttered to herself as she gazed around the chamber. “Do you mind if I check the desk?”
“No, go ahead.”
Syllith sat in the chair, quickly rummaging through the drawers. Then she dropped to her knees, reaching beneath the desk and tapping on the side panels.
“What are you doing?” Khaldun asked.
“Some desks have hidden compartments,” she explained, getting to her feet. “But it appears this one doesn’t,” she added, examining its sides and rear. She moved to the cabinet next, opening the doors and searching the interior. “Nothing here, either.”
Syllith rolled back the carpet, presumably checking the floor for hidden compartments. But there was nothing to find. “May I check upstairs?”
Khaldun nodded and followed her up to the bedchamber. But Syllith failed to discover anything here, either. Returning to the main level, she looked around the room for a moment, chewing her bottom lip.
“You don’t sense anything concealed in here?” she asked finally.
“No, nothing,” Khaldun lied with a shake of his head. “I checked earlier, but there’s nothing here.”
“Hmm,” said Syllith. “I’ll begin my search in the library when I return from the university. When you get a chance, do you think you could check there for any hidden magic?”
“Yes, for sure,” Khaldun said.
“I envy you,” she said. “I inherited magic from both of my parents, and I always wished I could become a sorcerer.”
“You might still transform,” Khaldun suggested. “It can happen through young adulthood, right?”
“How old do you think I am?” Syllith asked with a grin.
“Oh, I guess I don’t know, but I figured you were only a few years older than me…”
“You flatter me,” she replied. “But I’ll be forty next year.”
Khaldun was surprised for a moment; she didn’t look that old. But he realized that she did possess the self-assurance and wisdom that came with many more years of experience than he possessed. “Ah. You probably would have transformed by now, then.”
“No question. We don’t fully understand the reasons behind it, but the oldest person on record to become a sorcerer was twenty-six,” she said with a wistful sigh. “Oh, well. I’ll return as quickly as I can. Be ready to train when I get back, sorcerer,” she said with a wink before leaving.
Chapter Two: Princess
Khaldun sat down behind the desk, taking a deep breath. He felt bad lying to Syllith, but he owed it to Jezebel to confer with her first and let her decide what to do with the relics he’d found. There was no question they should hand the artifact over to Syllith so she could take it to the university and have it destroyed. Khaldun had no desire to see Nyro return; that was the stuff of nightmares. Yet even he found it difficult to refuse her. What would happen if the artifact were to fall into the hands of someone more ambitious? Someone like Dredmort, for example? Khaldun had no doubt that Nyro was lying. She would never share power with anyone, and would say anything to convince someone to free her. But blinded by their lust for power, someone of Dredmort’s ilk would probably fall for Nyro’s promises.
Nevertheless, this wasn’t Khaldun’s decision to make. Even though he had little doubt that Jezebel would agree with him.
But the scroll was another matter. Khaldun was still new to his powers as a sorcerer. He wanted to explore these abilities and master them. He had no desire to become a necromancer, especially after witnessing Myrddin’s downfall. How could one tell if they possessed sufficient power to control a given demon? Myrddin must have believed he could control the one he found. Unless, perhaps, it was the weakest one he could locate, and in his desperation to save Spanbrook, he bound it knowing it might eventually overpower him. Khaldun shuddered at the thought.
No, he didn’t want to bind a demon. Not now. But who could say what the future might hold? Perhaps after spending many years or decades as a sorcerer, he would feel ready to take that next step. But again, this was ultimately Jezebel’s decision, not his. Maybe she would want to restore Spanbrook’s previous might by having Khaldun make that leap.
There was no use fretting over this. It would have to wait until he could speak to Jezebel. Getting to his feet, Khaldun made his way back to the library. He checked the entire room very carefully for any hidden spells, but found nothing. Of course, he’d already discovered Myrddin’s concealed stash, but who knew what other secrets the castle might contain?
Khaldun returned to his tower, keeping an eye out the window for Allison and Jezebel. He wanted to talk to Jezebel as soon as possible, but it could wait until Allison departed. Syllith arrived on her carpet at sunset, landing in the middle of the courtyard. Jezebel and Allison emerged from the keep minutes later. Khaldun headed down the steps and watched from the door, figuring he’d give Jezebel a moment to say her farewells before approaching her. But much to his surprise, she sat down on the carpet, too, and took off into the night sky with the other two.
Jezebel couldn’t possibly be going to the university with Allison, could she? No, surely, she would have notified him if that were the case. Khaldun realized then that Jezebel hadn’t seen her parents yet; he suspected that Syllith would probably be dropping her off at their house. He’d have to wait until she returned.
Khaldun took his supper in the keep’s private dining room. After that, he took a walk through Spanbrook Town before returning to his tower. It was getting late, and there had been no sign of Jezebel, so he figured she’d probably be spending the night on the farm. He went upstairs to bed.
But Khaldun tossed and turned, unable to get to sleep. His encounter with Nyro had unnerved him. He should have realized that she would have had the power of prophecy, but had never thought about it. Enigma did, and Nyro’s power had far exceeded his. So, of course, she had taken steps to provide some kind of future for herself. And judging by her words, the relics Khaldun had discovered represented only one of many such efforts.
What else might she have done to provide herself with potential escape routes? Khaldun already knew from his visit to the watchtower that Nyro and her Sacred Circle were chipping away at the barrier from within. And it seemed like they might succeed. Or perhaps that was merely a distraction, designed to keep Enigma busy while they pursued some other, as yet undiscovered, path to freedom.
Khaldun drifted off eventually, but didn’t sleep well. Images of Nyro retaking the continent fueled his nightmares.
Waking at first light, Khaldun headed down to the stables. He found one of the grooms already hard at work.
“Good morning, my lord,” he said, bowing slightly.
Khaldun didn’t think he’d ever get used to the honorific. “Hello. I’m the, ah, new chief mage, and I need to find out about getting a horse.”
“Oh, everyone knows who you are, sir,” the boy replied, grinning. “And don’t worry, I’ll get old Bella ready for you. She was Master Myrddin’s, and I think she’d be lonely if you didn’t choose her. But, of course, you can select any—”
“Bella will do nicely,” Khaldun said with a smile.
“Very well, my lord. Would you like me to tack her up for you?”
“No, I can take care of that. If you can point her out to me?”
“That’s her in the end stall on the left, but let me take care of her for you. It’ll be no trouble at all.”
Khaldun nodded, and the boy hurried off. Minutes later, Khaldun was on his way to the farm. He rode at a trot; it was early, and while the information he brought was critically important, it wasn’t exactly urgent. A few passersby greeted him as he rode with a familiarity that seemed to indicate that they already knew who he was. News seemed to travel fast in Spanbrook.
Reaching the farm, Khaldun dismounted and strode up the steps to the front porch. He knocked, and Robert answered.
“Hello there,” he said. “What can we do for you this morning, my lord?”
“Please, call me Khaldun,” he said. “I was wondering if Her Highness might be here?”
“No, I’m afraid not,” Robert replied. “You’re about twelve hours too late. She headed off to the university with Syllith last night.”
“She did? How strange. I wonder why she didn’t tell me…”
“I’m sorry. You’re talking about Jez. It’s going to take me a little while to get used to that honorific being hers and not her cousin’s,” he replied with a sheepish grin. “Come on in. Her Highness is upstairs, sleeping away the morning.”
Khaldun chuckled as he entered the house.
“Emma, go fetch your sister,” said Robert.
Emma waved to Khaldun, then ran up the stairs.
“I’ve got breakfast cooking,” Vivien called out from the kitchen. “You’re welcome to join us.”
“Yes, I’d like that,” Khaldun said with a smile, realizing how hungry he was.
Moments later, Emma came bounding down the steps again, Jezebel following more slowly, still in her nightgown. Khaldun had to chuckle when he saw her. She was sleepy-eyed, and her hair was a rat’s nest.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” Khaldun said with a grin.
“Oh, shut up,” she replied, failing to suppress her own smile. “Is everything all right?” she asked more seriously.
“Yes. There are some matters I need to discuss with you, but it can wait until after breakfast.”
They sat down at the table, and Vivien served the food a minute later.
“Jezebel was telling us a little about your journey last night,” said Robert. “Sounds like you both went through a lot more than you bargained for on that trip.”
“You can say that again,” said Khaldun, taking a swig of coffee.
They discussed their adventure as they ate. Robert sounded quite concerned with Henry’s activities, but Emma wanted to hear more about the university. Once they’d finished their meal, Jezebel ran upstairs to get dressed, and Khaldun chatted more with Robert. But finally, Jezebel was ready, and Khaldun headed outside with her.
“Give me a minute,” she told him. “I’ve gotta go take care of something quick.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Khaldun said with a bow.
Jezebel punched him in the shoulder. “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m Jezebel and you’re Khaldun. All right? We’ll have to follow protocol at formal functions and what not, but outside of that, let’s dispense with the bullshit, please.”
“Sounds good, to me, Jez,” he said with a grin.
“Good,” she replied, kissing him on the cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Jezebel ran off toward the barn. She emerged moments later with three of the hands; Khaldun was pretty sure it was Edward, Will, and Zeke, if memory served. He felt a pang of jealousy. Jezebel spoke with them for a minute, then returned.
“What was that all about?” Khaldun asked.
“Oh, nothing important,” she replied. “So, what did you need to discuss with me?”
“Do you want to do this here, or back at the castle?”
“Let’s walk back,” she said. “We can talk on the way.”
“Do you want to take any of your things?” he asked.
“No, I’ll send someone for all of it later,” she replied.
They headed up to the road, Khaldun leading Bella by the reins, and turned west. Khaldun told Jezebel what he’d discovered in his chambers, and let her know that he’d kept the information from Syllith.
“Holy shit,” said Jezebel. “That sure does explain a lot.”
“It’s a good thing Myrddin possessed the fortitude to resist Nyro,” Khaldun remarked.
“Despite his shortcomings, he was fiercely loyal and devoted to my family,” said Jezebel. “I don’t think he ever would have attempted binding a demon if it wasn’t necessary to save the princedom. He was no Dredmort.”
“Hardly,” Khaldun agreed. “We should hand the pyramid over to Syllith when she gets back. She can take it to the university to be destroyed.”
“Yes, definitely,” said Jezebel.
“But what about the scroll?”
Jezebel didn’t respond; she seemed deep in thought.
“We could destroy that ourselves,” Khaldun suggested. “It’s only paper. But perhaps it would be best to turn it over to the university.”
“No, I think we should keep it,” said Jezebel.
“Do you want me to bind a demon?”
Jezebel gazed up at him. “How do you feel about that?”
Khaldun shrugged. “I’d prefer not to do it. I still have much to learn as a sorcerer. And as I master my new powers, I believe I’ll be strong enough to defend the princedom. I won’t be on Myrddin’s level—”
“But for now, at least, Spanbrook isn’t under threat,” Jezebel pointed out. “We’re at peace, and none of our neighbors are aggressive.”
“That might change once they realize Myrddin’s gone.”
“True, but none of them have a standing army. Or a sorcerer. But I’d like to hang onto the scroll in case any of that changes in the future.”
Khaldun nodded. “Do we tell Syllith about it?”
“If we do, she’ll insist on taking it to the university,” said Jezebel.
“No doubt.”
Jezebel sighed. “We have to tell her. But it belongs to Spanbrook. She has no right to take it without our permission.”
“Your permission,” Khaldun corrected her.
“Yeah, yeah.”
“I agree. We should let her know about it. Even if we tried to keep it a secret, Nyro might tell them about it.”
“If they use the pyramid, you mean? The way you did?” Khaldun nodded. “That’s a good point.”
“I’ll remove the artifact from Myrddin’s hiding place before she returns, then,” said Khaldun. “Tuck it into the void somewhere else. That way we can tell her about the scroll when we surrender the pyramid without giving away its location.”
“Perfect,” said Jezebel. “You know, there’s another problem. If you ever do become a necromancer, it’s going to raise suspicions.”
“How so?”
“First Myrddin, and then you? It would be pretty obvious at that point that Spanbrook is harboring some secret knowledge.”
“You’re right,” said Khaldun. “I hadn’t considered that. It could cause a lot of trouble. Other mages would surely show up trying to unearth the spells. They might try ransacking the castle to find them.”
“But that would be folly! You’d be a necromancer at that point—you’d sense their arrival and totally overpower them.”
“Perhaps,” said Khaldun. “But it wouldn’t just be regular mages.”
“What, you think some of the sorcerers would show up? From the university?”
“We don’t know that much about them. Other than Enigma, maybe, and we aren’t even that familiar with him. Who knows how far we can trust those people? They put up with Myrddin’s recalcitrance for long enough; maybe they won’t tolerate it from me.”
“If we tell Syllith about the scroll, then they’ll all know about it, whether you bind a demon or not,” Jezebel said thoughtfully. “Perhaps it would be best to keep both items to ourselves. We won’t use them, and if you keep them hidden, nobody else will ever know about them.”
“We could do that.”
“You don’t like it?”
“It’s not my decision,” said Khaldun.
“I want your input,” said Jezebel.
Khaldun sighed. “I think we should hand over the pyramid and let Syllith know about the scroll. We can make a copy of the spells, and conceal that somewhere else. That way, even if one of them comes to take it by force, they won’t know about the copy.”
“Which means that we’d still have the spells, but so will the university,” Jezebel said thoughtfully. “So, one of them could decide to become a necromancer…”
“Is it our goal to prevent that? Or just to ensure that I could become one should we want that someday?”
Jezebel thought about it for a few moments. “Historically, the university went to great lengths to snuff necromancy out of existence. But today’s governors weren’t around back then. One of them might try using the spells. We could end up facing another Nyro if that happens.”
“That’s assuming someone is able to take the scroll from us.”
“Right,” said Jezebel. “We could just burn the thing and then this problem goes away.” She shook her head. “Let me think about it. But listen. There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
