Forty-Seventh Post - Sword Mage

Greetings All,

Yes, it has been a solid two and a half weeks since the last post. A lot has been going on in the real world. Last week I was writing quite a bit in the dramatic post that comes after this one. It still needs some work but is very hard to get out of mind.

That said, this post is almost in short story territory at 4.2k words. It advances the story by decades to get to the next major milestone when Kalara leaves her life behind to complete her mission.

Finally, for those who pray, I have a personal request. I want to ask for prayers for my brother, Jeffrey Ward Gullett, who passed away the morning of May 30th. Thanks.

Tim Gullett sends.

Chapter Eighty-Two – A Sword Mage Lives in Peace

With no one fighting on the Line, it changed from a roving army to a series of static fortifications. Each one sat in eyeshot of each other and every one of them had sientest horns to communicate. At Kalara’s suggestion, the Earth mages built a low, wide wall between the towers to let the warriors quickly reinforce each other.

The Air Knights kept up their patrols along the new Line. They appeared at randomly chosen hourly intervals to spot any tunnel openings. The bombers continued to harass the Dragon Valley. They never saw any more masses of demons or large structures in the area they could reach with their fuel. Never ones for growing things, the demon farms were small and pitiful things. The Bomb Knights never wasted an expensive bomb on them.

Over the years Kalara made several more attempts to wreck what they were sure was the center of the demons’ power. While she was able to shake the side of the mountain, no one could ever tell if they did any damage.

In the years of peace that followed, children grew and learned. Kalara’s first son grew into a younger version of Julian. Junian acquired a fire gem and learned fast. The Institute expected a lot of the son of Julian and Kalara. He exceeded those expectations and was considered a prodigy in both the sword and magic. He had learned from his mother how to use every kind of magic gem in combination. Junian even learned how to make the superheated mud pies from Kalara’s friend Jondi.

Kately had followed her mother’s Healer path with her green gem. During Senior Healer Mavy’s many visits she gave the girl assignments and pointers in magical perception and tested her knowledge of anatomy. Kalara was extremely grateful that her friend could give her daughter that excellent training. The duties of a Ducal Princess, Army Commander and Goddess’ Chosen kept her away from her growing family far more than she liked. It drove her decision to pull back from teaching at the Collegium and spend more time on writing.

Kalara wrote more textbooks that expanded what she remembered and passed on from her previous life. She drafted Robert to teach what he knew from his high school education. It was still considerably more than even your typical noble child learned. She was working on a text on Physics when the Duke called them in to tell them he was retiring. “Julian, your mother isn’t doing well.” At their expressions, he continued, “We have kept up our correspondence, of course. Even after all that happened, she is my wife. I am moving to be with her. We will transfer the authority of the Duchy in a ten day.”

Lilliana was sitting off to the side. “My Lord and Lady, I can stay on as daesteral, if you will have me.” Kalara stared hard. “Oh, Lilliana! Don’t you ever talk like that to us again. We are family, not employers. I was about to apologize to you for asking you to stay. The business of the duchy runs so well I think the nobles would riot if we let you get away. The merchant class would not be far behind them. It’s unfair of us to keep you from having a life of your own.”

Lilliana’s face turned red as she stared at her teacup on the low table. “Well. Master Braekis asked me. But I haven’t said yes!” The Master of Sword was a widower with grown children. His wife had been taken by a terrible fever that swept the Kingdom a few years before. “I mean, it would be…” Kalara interrupted, “Perfect. Right, Julian?” She looked at her husband and then back to his former lover.

He reached across the small, low table to take Lillianna’s hand. “Yes, it would be perfect. Our children are growing up and there is no need for you to be alone.”

The ceremony took place only another pair of ten days after the new Duke and Duchess were seated. Kalara tossed all her projects and duties aside to micromanage the wedding preparations. The only thing that made it less than perfect for her were some of the people cheering when the ceremony was done. Seeing that the ‘odd’ living arrangement in the Ducal mansion was now properly resolved, the most conservative nobles who had complained loudest were suddenly cheering the loudest. All she could do was roll her eyes and go back to applauding her friend.

*******************

The parents introduced Ducal Princess Kately to Royal Prince Ruvian when she was ten and he was thirteen. Ruvian asked if she knew about their betrothal. She sighed and nodded. “Two years ago, we were watching a play with a strong romantic plot that got me to thinking. I’m a Duchess’ daughter and I asked Mother if she had thought about who I would marry. We had a very long talk that night. It feels so strange to know your destiny was already planned before you’re even born.”

She hurried to explain. “I mean…I don’t mind. Not at all. We know our parents will choose our future partners. That’s the way it is for us. It just feels…” “Strange.” Ruvian finished for her. It set them laughing and as Kalara watched she relaxed, just a bit.

*******************

Kalara’s third child and the Second Son tried hard to avoid that label. The Spare. Jaksen had heard it his whole life. That never bothered him, but everyone else seemed to discuss it all the time. They had to guard him and keep him safe, just not to the extent they did his older brother. Growing up, it meant he got away with a few more things than Junian could. And if he and his big brother ran into something they couldn’t handle, Emmat was there to save them.

On the few occasions when they did something phenomenally stupid, their elder sister Suntara made sure to correct them. She always did it in private, yet somehow their mother always found out. Jaksen thought it was magic until he was old enough to learn about the Whispers. The mansion’s servants saw everything, and their mother was very connected to that network.

Something he thought was the strangest thing about his extended family that his mother tried to drill into all her children as they grew up. They were not the first ones even if the rest of the Kingdom and its people regarded them as the most important. Lilliana’s children Emmat and Jessine were their half-siblings, but the eldest and most responsible were Benty and Suntara.

Jaksen never even needed to defend them. If any noble children tried to abuse them as foreign commoners, their parents or other adults would remind the abusers that they were the grandchildren of an Oceanside Baron. If that wasn’t enough, a short, sharp demonstration of the power of a Spirit Gem was definitely more than enough.

*******************

King Harlan grew older and slower. His last order as King was to tell Kalara to stand down from battling and tend to the Duchy. Ruvian and Kately became King and Queen a ten day later. They had only been married for a year and at twenty, Ruvian was the youngest King in Emèthand history. A year and a half later, they welcomed their first child. People in three Kingdoms and the Arch Duchy breathed a sigh of relief. The terrible tragedy with Evenaede would not be repeated.

The Chosen Watchers got to tell everyone a huge “Told you so!” They had complete faith that one of Kalara’s blood would be incredibly healthy and blessed. Still, many gave their lucky talismans one last stroke that the largest and most important Kingdom in the known world would be secure.

Chapter Eighty-Three - A Sword Mage’s Child Finds His Partner

Kalara worried, as a mother will, about her youngest children. Her first three had their destinies chosen or chosen for them. She was especially thrilled to see Kately settling in as a young but already distinguished Queen. Her older children had set the examples for her twins. There was little reason to worry.

Other people did enough worrying for her. The Chosen Watchers gossiped about the fact that none of her children had acquired Spirit Gems. The speculation about What This All Meant was endless. Kalara brushed it off as useless distractions. Her kids got what they got, and she would see that they all trained in using multiple magic types regardless of their natural talent.

Harmin stood with both fists on his hips and glared at his twin sister. Kaeleen prepared for her meeting with her betrothed and it bothered him. “Why do you need to meet him so often? We’re only twelve.” She turned from the mirror where the servant girl was preparing her minimal makeup.

He missed how close they had been growing up. The days they would spend playing together, going on adventures across the Ducal grounds, even when they studied together and helped each other. Now Harmin could only stand in frustration as his twin sister left him behind.

With her face pronounced acceptable, Kaeleen turned to her brother. “You know I need to meet regularly. It will be only a few more years before we’re married. I can’t let his family think I’m backing out.” She felt her own anger building. “And you know right well I wouldn’t want to, anyway. He’s a fine young man. Now excuse me. I must get dressed or I’ll be late.”

Harmin opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. Still boiling, he made his way to the training grounds. It was late morning and he wasn’t due for any training until after lunch. He grabbed a set of leather training armor and a practice sword.

His sparring partners were doing some warmups and stretching. They were expected to work harder at their training than anyone else. Harmin was his father’s son, and everyone knew the Duke would hold all his children to high standards whether they were academic or physical.

These boys were among the few who could be familiar with the Ducal children. “Harmin, you still need to loosen your joints. Whatever’s burning your face, cool it off before you start. I’m not saying don’t take it out on us. We can take it. Just follow the rules. If you are injured because we let you do something stupid, your father will never let us hear the end of it.”

Harmin looked at Ingren, then his other sparring partner, Hallis. He inhaled deeply through his nose, then let it out through his mouth. Nodding at them both, he started his warmup exercises.

Their battle had him sparring with both boys at the same time. It forced him to focus on his technique and put Kaeleen and her date out of his mind completely. At least until they needed to break for lunch.

As his friends watched Harmin brood over his food, Ingren finally said, “Kaeleen can’t have you hanging around while she gets to know her future husband.” He finished his last bites and pushed the plate away.

“Of course I get that. It’s just…hard to let go of the best friend I’ve had my whole life.” His friends and training partners traded a look that just said, “Grow up!” Neither of them actually said it. They could understand his feelings without respecting them. Hallis swallowed his last bite. He pointed a fork at Harmin and said, “You should get out. Not everyone spends their lives stuck in one spot. Even at our age.”

Harmin just rolled his eyes. “Go where? It’s not like I won’t be immediately spotted as one of mother’s children.” One of the servants said as she picked up their plates, “Milord, if it’s your look that needs changing, you should speak to Maybelle.” He opened his mouth to reply, closed it then stared at the table where his plate had been.

The suggestion had Harmin seek the help of his mother’s makeup artist. The Duchess didn’t have much need for face paint, but on those formal occasions that required it, Maybelle was arguably one of the best in the Kingdom. His friends trailing him, he went in search of the makeup artist. She was easy to find as her non-artistic duties were fairly light.

The problem was easily explained and the conversation was brief. She opened her case and got to work. First, she adjusted his face to make him look a bit older. Then a quick dye job on his head covered the light brown hair that all of Kalara’s children had.

Harmin and crew found his mother in her office at the Collegium. Kalara had withdrawn from teaching and many of her duties there, but it was still the best place to think and write. After a quick knock, she called for her visitors to enter. She recognized Harmin’s two sparring partners but had to look hard at her son. “Harmin!” Kalara sat back and marveled at the transformation. “I’m impressed but what is this for?”

Kalara made them take seats then came around the desk to hold his face and inspect the work. “Maybelle?” Harmin nodded. “Beautifully done. Now explain.” He replied, “I need to get out. Visit town or maybe take a trip.” He looked up at his mother as she leaned against the desk. Her face was thoughtful for a moment. Then she looked away as if staring at something far in the distance.

Looking back at them, she just said, “Boys, follow me.” As they exited the campus, she asked if they had their green gems. When they nodded yes Kalara started her enhancement and took off back to the mansion. After a moment of surprise, they lit their own green glow and followed. Entering the gates, she changed her course to the Duchy’s church. It was quite the massive structure that took care of ceremonies involving thousands of people at a time. As they entered, only a few clerical people were present. They all straightened and stopped their tasks as the Goddess’ Chosen entered.

The Chief Priest of the Duchy appeared. “Duchess, how may we help?” Kalara only glanced at him and said, “We must consult Her.” He waved to the other attendants as they approached the shrine. They all fell in behind Kalara and the boys. She didn’t need to tell anyone what to do. They knelt together as Kalara bowed her head.

The response was immediate and dramatic. It wasn’t just the face of the Goddess that appeared. She looked exactly as Kalara remembered her on their first meeting. Her full, tall form was surrounded by the pale flames as she smiled at them. “My precious spirit. All, please rise.” One of the youngest attendants let out a small whimper as they obeyed.

Kalara responded, “Goddess, you have something to tell us?” The deity’s look became somber. “Young Harmin, step forward.” He nervously stepped up from where he stood beside his mother. “Yes, Goddess.” She studied him briefly and Harmin tried hard to bear up under the scrutiny. His mother talked to her all the time after all.

“Now that your preparations are complete, I have a mission for you.” Harmin swallowed hard and Kalara looked at him with the fear showing on her face. “One who was training to serve me finds herself in some trouble. You must find her and bring this girl to the mansion. Your mother will know what to do. No, Kalara. It is essential that Harmin complete this task. But you will not be alone. Ingren and Hallis, you will accompany your friend to guard and support him. Dress plainly and hide your armor and weapons. Go quickly as the trouble comes soon. Farewell.”

The sun was close to setting as they set out. Kalara had checked all three sets of glowing gems as they donned the tunics to hide their light armor. They each slid a pair of short swords on their backs and covered it all with hooded cloaks. Kalara pulled her son into one last hug and said, “Go quickly. As someone who has done tasks for the Goddess all her life, I can say you must hurry. Be safe.” She looked to the other two boys and Harmin nodded.

They set forth into the gloom as Ingren asked, “You do know where we are going?” Harmin answered, “Yes. She gave us that much at least. But the sense of urgency I am feeling is only worse every minute that passes.” There were no more words exchanged as they rushed along the streets of the Duchy’s main city.

*******************

Santiène tried to make herself invisible in the back of the café. She held the small drink and tried not to look too obviously at the people passing by the entrance. Taking a sip to steady her nerves, she set the cup down to see a tall, dark man in flowing black clothes standing beside her table.

Pushing the table over did no good for Santiène’s escape out the back door. Rough hands were waiting and pulled her down the hallway to the back of the café.

“No point complaining, girl. The owner of this place has been well paid by the priests who want to be rid of you.” The three kidnappers began to drag her down the alley where a fat man in robes waited with a wagon and more thugs.

The one holding Santiène’s arm staggered as a figure wrapped in green magic struck him in the head with a gauntleted fist. He was followed by two companions who were drawing swords glowing with fire magic. The final two kidnappers went down in a few slashes.

A shout from the robed boss caught their attention. Harmin said, “Hallis, wall!” Hallis gestured and a fifteen-foot-tall wall sprouted up from the ground to block the alley from side to side.

Harmin turned to the girl. Still terrified, she wanted to shrink from them. The Ducal Prince extended a hand and said, “She sent us!” Her eyes widened and Santiène took his hand. He pulled the girl up and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Enhancement!”

All three boys were enveloped in green magic as they sped away down the alley. The wall was already collapsing from magical blows behind them. After a few turns in the twisting streets, they had left any pursuit far behind.

They all slowed as Ingren pointed to a station of the Watch. They walked in, breathing hard. The junior knight in charge stood and said, “Can we help you gentlemen?” Harmin said nothing but reversed a flap of his tunic to display a Ducal sigil. Every troop snapped to attention.

Catching his breath, Harmin said, “Sir knight, your sientest horn. We must send an alert at once!” They guided him to a box with the device inside. He noted approvingly the water and wind gems were bright and well charged.

He spoke firmly, “Attention to all hearing this. On the order of Ducal Prince Harmin, arrest a group of criminals with a wagon in the alley behind Seligan’s Café. Detain the owner of the café for questioning. That is all.”

The knight looked at Harmin closely. “My lord? I didn’t recognize you.” Harmin grinned at him. “I would be shocked if you had. It’s a good disguise, eh?” The rest of the warriors in the Watch squad stepped closer to look at a Ducal Prince in disguise. One of them said, “I see it now. Amazing.” Then the knight asked, “Milord, what’s it all about?”

Instead of answering him, Harmin turned to the girl who had taken a seat on a bench by the door. She was watching the conversation with wide eyes. As he sat next to her, she started to kneel. He caught the motion and pulled her back onto the bench. “What’s your name?” She just asked, “Back there, behind the café, you said She sent you. Really?”

Harmin nodded and replied, “Yes! It was amazing. Mother took us into the ducal church. The Goddess appeared to us in her full form. Then She sent me on this mission to find you. Trust me when I say that if a Ducal Prince is dispatched to find you, there is no need to kneel to him. So, name?”

“Santiène.” Harmin looked as if he wanted her to continue. As she paused, he asked, “Where is your home? Were you born in the duchy?” The girl looked at her hands as she said, “I don’t know where I was born. The church orphanage took me in five years ago. I don’t remember much before that. There was a lot of trouble with people running and screaming. Someone put me in a wagon with other children. When it stopped, all the other children got out and I was left alone. Then a priest found me and I lived in the orphanage.”

Harmin wanted to press her on the more recent trouble, but a carriage pulled up in front of the Watch station. Sir Mallin entered and the warriors wanted to snap to attention again. He ignored them and strode straight to the young Ducal Prince. “Heh. That is a very good disguise. If I passed you in the street I’m sure I wouldn’t look twice. Let’s go. Your mother is very worried.” Harmin stood and offered his hand to Santiène.

Her hands shaking, she managed to stand and follow Harmin. Riding in a fine carriage with a high noble were not experiences Santiène ever expected to have. He sat beside her and held her hand to settle the shaking. It never stopped as they passed the gates and stopped at the Church. Robert just said, “This is where Kalara said to bring you. Out we go.”

The perfect gentleman, Harmin exited first and helped the girl down. He guided her to what seemed a gigantic structure. The church attached to the orphanage would be lucky to cram in a hundred people. This main hall could fit two or three thousand easily. Robert led them to a side hallway and a meeting room near the entrance. Kalara was waiting for them and rushed to hug her son as they entered. “You aren’t injured?” Her son pushed back, smiled and said, “Mother, the boys and I are well trained. You were younger than I am with your first street fight. It was easy.”

She grumbled at youthful arrogance, then turned to the girl. “Let’s see who is at the center of all this turmoil.” Santiène wanted to kneel until Kalara caught her. “None of that, dear. Let’s sit.” She could only follow as the Chosen One guided her to a chair. Something about the girl puzzled Kalara. “Young miss, where’s your gem? You are more than old enough to have passed the ceremony.”

Santiène looked as if her tears would start. “Both the old and new Senior Priests were angry with me because I have no magic. No color would light for me. They said I was useless and should be sold off.” Sharply inhaled breaths around the room were followed by a long silence. Kalara turned to Sir Mallin. “Robert, please follow up the investigation of those criminals.” He gripped his sword hilt tightly and said, “At once, my lady.” As he left, Kalara spared a thought about her long and violently intolerant history with kidnappers and slavers.

Kalara called for the Duchy’s High Priest to bring them a complete set of gems for a ceremony. They set up the test directly in front of the shrine of the Pale Goddess. Santiène touched each of the colors and not one lit up. “See? They said I have no magic.” Kalara pointed to the Spirit Gem. “A white one? Our church didn’t have one of those.” The High Priest traded a grim look with the Duchess. He would handle it.

The girl approached the tiny white diamond and briefly touched it. The light bloomed outward to coalesce into the figure of the Goddess again. Everyone present fell to both knees. Again, the great figure said, “All rise. Welcome child. My precious spirit, now that you have found her, I can explain. As people are born into the world, they are filled with spirits that have been resting. Their old lives have faded, but not always completely. Some feel the echoes of their old lives. This is not true of Santiène. She is the first truly new spirit I have grown in five thousand years. Her purity is deserving of the Spirit Gem. Young Harmin, please treasure her always. Farewell.” The gentle, tinkling laugh vanished with the Goddess.

Harmin and Santiène looked at each other across the room. Kalara took her son by the elbow and guided him to his new betrothed. “Your father and I usually have the task of deciding who our children will marry. It’s tradition, you know. So, it is fortunate I am very used to being upstaged by the Goddess.” They all shared a brief laugh.

It was six years later that they were finally married. Harmin found his career when he joined the Church as one of their armed defenders. He rose to become one of the few to attain the Adjudicator rank and traveled to all of the kingdoms fighting corruption and defending the Goddess’ power and authority.