Archmagister: Histories of Drakmoor, #3

CHAPTER 1

The moon shone brightly from its perch in the night’s sky, tracing its lazy path from horizon to horizon. For many, that specific night would be a peaceful time, used for contemplation perhaps or intimacy with a loved one. But in the siege camp on the outskirts of Vushaar’s capital, the night held no peace.

A mere two days ago, every slave mark vanished, and any who had used slave brands died horrific, agonizing deaths. In the wake of that, the former slave conscripts of Ivarson’s army attempted a rebellion of their own. Many were loyal Vushaari, after all, taken by slavers and pressed into service. Soon, the siege camp devolved into chaos as officers and security personnel tried to restore order…and had yet to succeed.

No one noticed the moving shadows that crossed the camp’s perimeter.

Her colleagues knew her as Cyn. Her mother knew her as Cynthia, Cynthia Dawn when vexed, but Cyn hadn’t seen or spoken with her family in a very long time. She started down a new path in life when she robbed a warehouse of the Guild of Shadows. Now, she was a protégé eager to please her mentor on her first assignment: capture General Sclaros Ivarson. She would only get one chance to succeed, just one chance to impress her mentor, and failure—otherwise known as discovery—meant death.

The sounds of fighting and dying swaddled her as she moved from tent to tent. Smoke, food, alcohol, and other far-less-savory scents wafted on the light breeze. She kept her awareness on the moment, on her immediate surroundings, as she picked a path to her destination.

She heard them before she saw them. People—several people, at least—moving her way. The rattle of weapons and clink of armor alerted her, and they were close…as she could hear them over the background cacophony. With only seconds to decide, her eyes flitted around, scanning. There, a collection of barrels less than ten feet away. The map she’d memorized indicated the nearby tent was a cook-tent. The barest hint of a smile crossed her lips, and she moved, crouching between the barrels and the tent, pulling her hood as far forward as she could.

This is all such a mess, one voice groused. What in Lornithar’s Abyss could make slave marks vanish? And did you see those other poor buggers? They had some kind of brand burned into their foreheads.

It wasn’t a brand, another voice said. It’s okay. You’re not from Tel, but I know that symbol. It was the Glyph of Kirloth, and I’ll tell you right now. I’d run for the hills as fast as my legs would carry me if I thought I could get through the sentries.

Don’t be such a girl, a third voice groaned. Kirloth is ancient history.

You’re a damned fool, the second voice countered. I was in Tel. I saw the battle-standards of the Great Houses myself. Kirloth is back, I tell you, and I want no part of that. If you want to live, you should run with me. Anyone who stays here is already dead; they just don’t know it yet.

If they only knew how close to death they were. Cyn smiled at the thought. It would be a small matter to slip out and kill them; there were only three. But that was not her mission, not her focus. Until she reached Ivarson’s command tent, she would be nothing more than one more shadow in the night.

Cyn waited until the three soldiers moved beyond her hearing. Pushing back her hood just enough to improve her peripheral vision, she slipped out of her hiding place and moved once more.

She slipped from cover to cover; sometimes a tent, sometimes a wagon. Any object large enough for her to blend into the shadows sufficed, and all brought her closer to her objective.

She dodged people on the move with ease, in some cases simply by stepping into a deep shadow and pulling her hood to hide her face. Her close brush with a group of soldiers was the most unnerving. She stood in complete shadow created by the moon shining against the far side of a tent. Ten soldiers trotted by, so close she could have pressed her elbow against them.

Cyn was just about to leave the safety of her shadow when a colossal fireball flared skyward, sending her matte black armor into sharp contrast against the tent’s off-white canvas. She gasped—surprised—and dropped to the ground, pressing herself face down as close to the earth as she could, to be just a darker patch of night. She glanced at the tattoo on her left wrist as she waited for the light to fade. It was normal, barely visible in the night and not glowing. So, the flare wasn’t magical, then…all-natural in origin, whatever that origin was.

People shouted and ran for the blaze, calling for water and help—all unaware of the danger that lurked so close by, a danger waiting for her night vision to return. Return it did, though far more slowly than Cyn would’ve liked. By that time, the blaze held the full focus of that section of the camp. Still pressed against the ground, Cyn raised herself up just enough to move and slow-crawled deeper into the night.

Cyn reached her destination just as the moon reached its zenith over the camp. Now came the most challenging part, to slip into Ivarson’s command tent unobserved, drug the general, and signal for a teleport. It would be difficult—almost impossible—to retrace her path out of the camp with an insensate general over her shoulder…even if she were able to lift him.

Drawing a small knife, she made a slit at the bottom edge of the tent’s canvas and pulled it back to peek inside. She resisted the urge to sigh. Fifteen officers—including Ivarson—sat around a table. It seemed the general was holding a late staff meeting.

Well, at least that would simplify her associates’ tasks somewhat…

Cyn withdrew from the command tent enough to pull a simple sandstone disc from a belt pouch. Rubbing her thumb over the disc’s texture told her in an instant she’d picked the correct one. Holding the disc between the index finger and thumb of each hand, she snapped it in half, waiting a couple heartbeats before returning the pieces to the pouch. That disc would summon any of her associates within a radius large enough to encompass the camp but not include the city, and Cyn settled herself in the shadow of an empty supply cart to await their arrival.

The first awareness Cyn had of anyone moving around her was the faint scratch of a padded boot against the grass. Mere moments later, one of her associates was at her side.

What? the new arrival hissed in a hushed whisper.

Staff meeting, Cyn replied. I think over half your targets are in there.

More human shadows materialized out of the night as the first arrival looked toward the command tent. Others soon arrived and tried questioning Cyn, but she held her tongue; she didn’t want to repeat herself multiple times. They could either wait or have a look for themselves.

They waited.

It took some time before all of her associates surrounded her, but once they did, Cyn said, The general has fourteen officers in the command tent with him. I saw a couple captains, a major or two, and a colonel…but most were subordinate generals.

In the minutes that followed, seemingly random associates moved forward to peek through the small slit Cyn had made. Once everyone had looked, they sketched out a rough-and-ready plan to assault the tent. More rough than ready, really, but it was the best they could do in the circumstances.

At last, several nodded, and the group separated. Cyn went to the back of the tent, where Ivarson’s sleeping quarters would be. Making another slit in the canvas, she verified it was empty. She pulled a small dart from her belt and a vial of sleep poison from her potion pouch. She flicked the top of the vial back to open it and dropped the dart inside, point first; nearly half of it stuck out the top. Cyn shifted the vial to her right hand, retrieved a dagger with her left…and settled in to wait.

She had no idea how much time had passed when the tattoo on her wrist glowed red and burned as if she were being branded. That was the signal. She moved. It took little effort to enlarge the slit in the canvas so she could slip into the general’s quarters in time to hear a commotion erupt from the staff room. Cyn exchanged her dagger for her blowgun, retrieved the dart from the vial, and loaded the blowgun with practiced ease. She leaned through the drapes separating the sleeping quarters from the meeting space, took aim, and puffed air into the blowgun. Only then, did she glance around to examine the rest of the room.

Her associates filled the room, moving with lightning-fast precision and leaving dying bodies in their wake. Five of them moved through fourteen trained and experienced fighters as if they were angels of death amidst defenseless babes. Ivarson was just reaching for his alarm horn when the dart struck his neck, a perfect shot. By the time he pulled out the dart to look at it, he was already collapsing, and unconscious by the time he hit the ground.

Cyn secured the vial and returned it to her potion pouch; drawing her dagger once more, she moved to assist her associates. Ivarson’s executive officer was closest to her, and she moved behind him without hesitation, opening the major arteries in his neck before pushing the soon-to-be corpse to rest on the table. A woman holding the rank of major was the next closest.

When they left, General Ivarson was nowhere to be found. They left his staff officers arranged around the table, all face down in their own blood, and snuffed out the lights. Perhaps the aide bringing the general’s breakfast would find them.

CHAPTER 2

The landscape was bleak. No matter which window one chose, the view showed little beyond rocky, mountainous terrain with sparse vegetation. A sky that was once a vibrant blue with periodic clouds now existed as perpetually overcast. Nothing but a dismal gray.

Time and lack of maintenance had weathered the stone of the fortress at the center of this wasteland to a dull, boring hue. The courtyard that had once hosted training and inspections now contained a horde of undead, aimlessly shuffling and milling about.

This was Skullkeep, the fortress once entrusted to defend the old alliance against those who lost the Godswar.

The room was deep inside the fortress, several floors below ground level. Bookshelves lined several walls, and several workbenches held various beakers, alembics, and a multitude of other paraphernalia used in arcane research. The center workbench supported a mass of dead flesh, pieces of corpses on which the sole occupant worked to craft into a new form of flesh golem. It was slow, tedious work. There was no guarantee of success. Upon animation, the golem could easily attack its creator. But that was part of the thrill of creation; one never knew what the result would be.

The laboratory’s sole occupant hummed to himself as he went about his work. He wore only a hooded black robe without runes, which had become his trademark. The world knew him as the Necromancer of Skullkeep.

A knock at the laboratory door drew his attention, interrupting a particularly vital train of thought. He was not pleased.

Enter, he growled.

The door opened to reveal the lieutenant who was the designated messenger to deliver news to the fortress’s master. He entered cautiously. Beads of sweat became rivulets and burned his eyes. Everyone knew the fate that awaited those who disturbed the master’s work without good reason.

Yes? What is it? The Necromancer’s tone harsh and unforgiving.

Begging the master’s pardon, we have received word. First, the royal family of Tel is dead.

The Necromancer scoffed. That is unfortunate, but I am also tempted to say good riddance.

Yes, sir. They died at the same time the slave marks vanished…seemingly everywhere that we can determine.

The Necromancer turned to face the lieutenant. Interesting. Devote more resources to learn what happened.

The officer jerked a choppy nod and continued, The last item is that the braziers on Tel Mivar’s walls are burning.

What? Why didn’t you lead with that?

But…milord, it didn’t seem important that the braziers started burning after all this time. No one told me that information was significant.

The Necromancer’s hands clenched into fists. He stood silent, facing the officer for a terrifyingly long time. If he’d still had eyes, he would’ve been glaring at the man.

You fool. The braziers burning is the most significant piece of information you could’ve told me. It means Bellos has selected a new Archmagister. Summon my counsel at once. This requires an entirely new strategy.

The Necromancer pushed the officer aside as he strode from the room. The moment he crossed the threshold, every light in the laboratory snuffed out.

Once the officer was alone, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. Taking short, precise steps, he carefully navigated his way out of his master’s workshop and closed the door behind him. He then leaned against the door and spent several moments dabbing the sweat from his forehead while giving thanks he was still alive.

CHAPTER 3

Asoft breeze blew through the window, tugging at Gavin’s tunic and hair. He stood at the north-facing windows, looking out over the Vushaari capital and the terrain beyond. Even at this range, he could see the disorganized chaos Ivarson’s siege camp had become, but that was the extent of the change he could identify. He wondered if anyone had found the dead officers in Ivarson’s tent yet.

This was the second morning since he’d awoken, almost weaker than a newborn, and it was his first time out of bed. He didn’t feel any different. He felt just like he remembered feeling before he invoked the composite effect to remove all the slave brands. But the armoire beside his bed put the lie to that. When Gavin had left his room to go to his laboratory, every robe in the armoire had been black with white runes, signaling an arcanist who put the Art before all else with no specialization and possessing the rank Magus within the Society of the Arcane. But now? Now, those robes were gold with black runes, and Gavin didn’t recognize the rank runes at all. The gold robes were sufficient for him to guess his new rank. Besides, Gavin clearly remembered agreeing to take the position.

The faint squeak of a hinge needing oiled was the only indication the door had opened, and Gavin turned. He nodded his greetings to Declan as the bard pushed the door closed and latched it once more.

It’s good to see you feeling well enough to be up and around, Declan said, approaching Gavin.

Gavin nodded. It’s good to be feeling that well. How did it go?

Well. Very well, in fact. My protégé distinguished herself, by all accounts, and Ivarson is ready to be presented to the king. In fact, he is on his way here, now.

Since Gavin had not been seen since being carried back to his room, it was no surprise, really, that the Cavalier at the end of the corridor blanched and went rigid at the sight of Gavin striding toward the intersection wearing the gold robes of the Archmagister. As Gavin grew nearer, he could see her eyes were a little wild, too.

Sir, forgive me, but are you aware that wearing gold is a capital offense across all countries of the old alliance? the Cavalier asked.

There is one circumstance in which it isn’t, Gavin countered, a small smile curling his lips. "Are you aware of that?"

Any semblance of composure fled the Cavalier’s expression at Gavin’s question. Y-y-you mean that—

Yes, Gavin nodded. I am now the Archmagister of Tel. What can I say…Bellos made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I would ask, though, that you keep this to yourself until such time as a general announcement can be made.

The Cavalier snapped to attention, the formal pose they all were trained to assume at the passage of the king or princess. Of course, Milord!

A small, faintly sad smile escaped Gavin’s control, and he nodded. Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m meeting some associates at the entrance to the throne room. I have a gift for the king.

By the time Declan and Gavin arrived at the vestibule to the throne room, the doors were already closed, signaling court was now in session. It was rare for the king to look favorably upon any arrivals or interruptions.

Three people occupied the vestibule. Varne, the Royal Herald, stood resplendent in his courtly attire, and two Cavaliers stood sentinel, one to the right of the door and the other across the corridor from the left side of the door. All three gaped at Gavin as he approached.

Gavin, Varne said, his voice almost a scandalized hiss, what are you doing in those robes? His Majesty will have no choice but to order your execution if he sees you like this.

Declan chuckled. He’d better not. Bellos might not be too happy.

It took a heartbeat or two for Varne to truly process Declan’s words. Gavin saw the moment the herald comprehended their meaning. Varne’s jaw dropped, and any hint of color vanished from his face. In the blink of an eye, Varne dropped to one knee, his head bowed deeply, and the Cavaliers snapped to attention.

Milord, Varne said, please, forgive my shocking lack of courtesy and respect. I assure you the fault was all mine and should not reflect upon His Majesty or Vushaar in any way.

Gavin bit back a sigh. This wasn’t something that had been discussed when Bellos offered him the position, and Gavin was quickly becoming fed up with obeisance being everyone’s new default reaction to him. In some ways, he preferred the fear and unease over being House Kirloth instead.

Varne, Gavin said, exercising effort to keep his voice even, get on your feet, and face me like a man worthy of respect. I never wanted you to kneel to me before, and I definitely do not now.

But…but, Milord…the Archmagister is the last of the Divine Emissaries, Varne replied. "You outrank kings."

Gavin cast a questioning look at Declan, his brow furrowed. Declan replied with a shrug and a nod. Gavin rolled his eyes and wished he’d asked Bellos for more explanation of the offer’s ‘fine print.’ Wait…fine print?

When Gavin focused on what he was sure to be an expression from his past, the gray mists at the edges of his consciousness swirled through his mind, allowing no recall of the phrase’s meaning. Gavin wanted to sigh at the latest expression of his hidden memories, but he knew neither the Cavaliers nor Varne would understand.

Having spent what little patience he had, Gavin leaned forward, grasped Varne by his shoulders, and hauled the man bodily to his feet.

Once he could look Varne in the eye, Gavin gave him a flat smile with no hint of any mirth or warmth, saying, Well, if I do indeed outrank kings now, you may consider it an order that you will not kneel to me unless I command it. Good enough?

Varne swallowed hard and jerked a choppy nod.

Gavin looked over Varne’s shoulder to make eye contact with each Cavalier in turn before he said, Stand easy.

The Cavaliers relaxed into their normal stance for watch standing. The Cavalier on the opposite side of the corridor from the throne-room doors looked at Gavin, his expression speculative.

You look like you have a question, Gavin said, stepping around Varne to allow the herald to compose himself.

The Cavalier nodded. Sir…er, Milord. There have been all kinds of wild rumors about what happened and why, regarding the slave marks. Is it true that you removed them and killed anyone who had used a slave brand?

Gavin nodded. Killing anyone who had used a slave brand was an unintentional side effect because of how I removed the marks. In all truth, though, I can’t say I’ll miss anyone who would support such a ghastly institution.

So that was why you did it, then? You wanted to end slavery?

Gavin allowed his mind to drift back to one of his earliest memories in this world. Kiri sitting in muck at the end of a grimy cul de sac in Tel Mivar’s warrens, an expression of sheer unmitigated terror on her face as she saw the slavers arrive. He was so absorbed in the memory, he didn’t see the Cavaliers’ reactions as his expression shifted to one of distaste and sheer unadulterated contempt. But the expression vanished far more quickly than it appeared as Gavin’s memories carried him forward in time to one where Kiri was laughing and dancing around the suite they had shared with Marcus.

Gavin pulled himself out of his thoughts and focused on the Cavalier once more. Yes, it is true that I wanted to end slavery, and I suppose I should say that I wanted to end it because it harms anyone it touches. That’s not the real reason, though. A soft, warm smile curled Gavin’s lips as another memory of Kiri came unbidden to the forefront of his mind. I wanted to end slavery so Kiri would be safe. So she could go home.

The two Cavaliers looked to one another at his answer and held it for several moments. Finally, they broke eye contact with each other, shifting their attention.

Tell him, Varne, said the Cavalier standing beside the door. He’s the best chance we have of stopping it.

Gavin pivoted on his left heel to face the royal herald.