Chamberlain Maddoc looked up from behind a stack of papers as Lord Geoffrey entered the room. One look at the stack of papers made Lord Geoffrey feel pity for the stack of work in front of the chamberlain, along with the stack of papers that his chamberlain probably had waiting on him to return to his estate in Caplo.
Chamberlain Maddoc wore a white shirt with a tan coloured waistcoat it matched what golden hair that hadn’t yet turned white that adorned his head. His sharp blue eyes appraised Lord Geoffrey in one single glance.
“So Lord Swan, what brings you from the other side of the world to our kingdom.”
“My Lord, several things bring me to your shores. Firstly I come bearing news from King Warsung a Demon is attempting to return to our world if he succeeds then the whole world will be lost. His majesty has tasked us to seek help from your liege and specifically your Magisterium. The second is of a more personal note my Lord, My wife ‘The Lord Commander of the Black Watch’ entered the Magisterium not two hours ago and now she is to be put on trial for her life. I am hoping that the king can intercede in the matter. I am sure that she is innocent of any crimes.”
Hearing the name Lord commander of the Black watch Chamberlain Maddoc raised an eyebrow, “The ogre slayer?”
“You have heard of her exploits, my lord?”
“Yes, some exaggerated stories have reached our shores carried by sailors, I’m sure that they are highly exaggerated by the time they have arrived here,” his tone spoke of the nature of sailors to stretch the truth of their stories.
“My Lord, if you don’t mind me saying, I don’t think you’ll find they are exaggerated at all,” replied Geoffrey, “and she did kill an Ogre in single combat, and everything else the bards are singing about.”
A sad look came over the face of the Lord Chamberlain, “I’m afraid that if the stories are true and she is a Magi, then I’m afraid that she is outside the jurisdiction of the King.”
Seeing Lord Geoffrey about to speak he held up a hand to forestall him.
“What you have to understand is that the Magisterium is an extremely conservative group, several hundred years ago a female magic-user caused mayhem. The magics that she wielded according to the records caused her to go mad. She wreaked havoc on the kingdom until the Magisterium was able to take her down. They now magically restrict any females to limit the amount of power that they can use. As part of the agreement with the King of the time as a reward for saving the kingdom, the Magisterium was made not of the kingdom but still within its borders. They have their laws. The King can send a message but it is up to the Magisterium council if they will take any notice of it.”
Grabbing a rope beside the fireplace behind him and giving it a pull he continued. “Let me send for the Kings Magi, he’s not quite as conservative as the others and we will see if he can speak on your wife’s behalf.”
Jackson the page opened the door, “You rang my Lord?”
“Go and ask Magi Hailstrum, if he would do me the honour of coming to speak with me, please,” when he finished Jackson bowed and left the room.
“While we wait for Magi Hailstrum, tell me about this demon”
Handling the Lord Chamberlain the dispatches from the King that he carried, Lord Geoffrey started to inform him of what had transpired.
“It started almost half a year ago, with an attack on the village that the Lady Swan grew up in and an attack on the crown prince of Caplo, If either was to die then the demon would win and the world would be destroyed.” Since he had the chamberlains full attention Geoffrey continued to describe everything that was known about the forces that were currently aligned against them.
As he came to a finish a voice from behind spoke up “Did this Demon have a name that you know about?”
Turning Lord Geoffrey saw the tall imposing figure of who he assumed was the Magi Hailstrum framed in the doorway.
“Délíntra, the Demon Délíntra,” replied Lord Geoffrey.
“Mmm, I assume that this is what you asked me here for, Lord Chamberlain?” asked Magi Hailstrum, “I was on my way to inform you that the Magisterium has been attacked and I must go and investigate.”
“Both are related Tomas, please sit, We will take but a moment of your time,” said the chamberlain pointing to the seat beside Geoffrey.
After filling the Magi in on their arrival here and his wife foreboding of danger in the Magisterium and then her ultimate arrest. Geoffrey saw the same sadness tinted with almost a hint of malice in the eyes of the Magi before him, a feeling of foreboding overcame him and he wasn’t sure how much help he would be in getting his wife to safety. His only hope was that he had expressed how much his wife had felt that danger lurked inside the Magisterium and that she had only entered to protect those inside the complex.
“I will take my leave now, I must make myself present in the Magisterium so that I can report to the king. I will send word of your wife to you, Lord Geoffrey,” and in saying that he got up and with a tilt of his head to Chamberlain Maddoc he left the room.
Looking to the chamberlain Lord Geoffrey saw that his fears were mirrored in the chamberlains' features.
“He’s not a bad sort and is normally level headed, let us hope he puts the conservative part of his nature to the side in this. Now let's get you a meeting with the king.” Replied Chamberlain Maddoc standing and gesturing towards the door, “Shall we?”
Rising Geoffrey followed the chamberlain along the corridor to a door guarded by two men at arms. Seeing the Lord Chamberlain approach one opened the door and said something to the occupants of the room, before stepping into the room and opening the door for the Lord Chamberlain and Geoffrey to enter unhindered.
The room was a large room with many plush sofas dotted around the room, Ladies in waiting huddled in small groups waiting for the. Queen to have an errand or a need they could fulfil, A man in military uniform stood before a raised dais that held two thrones of equal height. The dark wood spoke of ancient workmanship and the occupants of the thrones turned their gaze away for the man who was speaking as the Lord Chamberlain entered with Geoffrey.
As the military man finished speaking the man who was sitting on the left throne spoke, “Lord Marshal Curgan, Thank you for your report, allow me some time to think on this, please go have refreshments I will have a page find you in a few hours when we have made a decision.”
Lord Curgan bowed, “Thank-you your majesties, until later” turned and left, as he passed Chamberlain Maddoc he placed a hand on his shoulder, “Old friend, I hope you will be about later for a catch up”
“Always, Lord Curgan, send a page for me when you are free. Depending on this meeting the king may be needing your input on this matter.” Replied the chamberlain.
Turning to the king, “I will stay then with your majesties leave, I had food and refreshments only a few hours ago.”
Seeing the King nodding Lord Marshal Curgan walked beside Chamberlain Maddoc back to the spot he previously held.
“Pray tell, Lord Maddoc, what news do you bring?” Asked the King.
“Your majesty, May I introduce Lord Swan from the kingdom of Caplo, who has journeyed across the Areian Sea to bring a message from the King there.”
“Caplo, Oh I must say, all the bards can sign at the minute is the one about the Ogre Slayer.” Replied the king the smile on his face spoke of the fictional fable.
“My wife your Majesty,” replied Geoffrey with a bow, The silence that fell upon the room on hearing his words was like a wave spreading out from Lord Geoffrey. Just like a wave as it filled the room it bounced off the walls and returning as little whispers could just be heard rippling throughout the crowd.
“Your wife?” Asked the queen looking around for the mythical person in the stories.
“She has currently been indisposed your majesties, also one of the reasons Lord Swan requires an audience with your Majesties,” replied Lord Maddoc.
“Just what do you mean by indisposed? Lord Maddoc” replied the King.
“It seems that upon entering our lands the Lady Swan felt a terrible foreboding to the Magisterium, and rushed there to see if she could be of help. Being a foreigner she did not know the ways of the Magisterium or how they perceive female magi. Shortly after entering the Magisterium she was captured and is being held prisoner, your Majesty”
“She attacked the Magisterium?” asked the King “By herself?”
“We are not sure of the facts at the moment your majesty, but we do know that she is currently charged with the murder of one of the magi inside. Her trial is scheduled for the morrow, if found guilty they will execute her.”
Pounding the armrest of his throne, the King almost leapt out of his seat such was the force of his strike.
“Too long has the Magisterium been outside the jurisdiction of the crown. I’m afraid Lord Swan there is little my court can do on your behalf with this situation,” said the King in a sorrowful tone knowing full well the nature of the Magi and their belief that a woman was no match for a man. Squeezing his wife’s hand he stood.
“I now understand why Lord Hailstrum had to rush off. If the tales of the Ogre Slayer are true then they will be busy tying their britches in a knot.” Taking a deep sign he continued “Lord Hailstrum, is due back this evening to report to me what has happened. When he arrives I will send for you, Now what messages from my brother King hopefully something a lot more pleasant to distract us a little.”
Seeing both Lord Maddoc and Lord Swan wincing, the king sat down. “Out with it Lord Maddoc, you look like someone that has just bitten into a sour peach.”
“Lord Swan has brought these dispatches from King Liam Warsung of Caplo, your Majesties, they detail the attempt by Dark Elves and Goblins to return an ancient evil to our world,” replied Lord Maddoc,
“And what does My Brother King require from us, we are so far from his lands, how could we possibly be of help?” replied the king.
Lord Maddoc turned to Lord Swan and with a nod of his head signalled that he should speak.
“Your majesties, a demon by the name of Délíntra seeks to gain a foothold in our realm, The prophecy goes that if one or both of the light-bearers were too die the demon would succeed. As only the light bearers can stand in the demons way. If they fall then all lands will fall before it. All creatures of the light will be fed upon and the darkness shall last forever. Our only hope is that the Light bearers survive to defeat the demon. ”
“Lord Swan, I know that I’m not going to like the answer to this question, but who are the light bearers?” asked the king.
“Prince Salistar Warsung is one your majesty, and my wife is the other,” replied Geoffrey to a deafening silence.
Signalling to the captain of the guard to approach, “Send a man to the Magisterium tell them I demand an audience. Is that all of the prophecy Lord Swan?”
“There is a part at the start that doesn’t really make sense ‘Before the light bearer can appear light up half the light. Heed the smallest person as they know Jua-kle Trale lar valon dis vargon.’ We have asked the Dwarves and the Halflings what it means but they do not know what language it is.”
—
It was several hours later when a messenger finally arrived the sky had grown dark and palace pages’ were going about the throne room lighting candles and lamps.
Beckoning the messenger forward, the king spoke as Geoffrey crossed the room to hear, “What news from the Magisterium?”
“None, your majesty, we rang the bell for several hours no noise or sign of anyone inside the magisterium registering our call,” replied the page.
“Goddam those magi, I wish my ancestor had never granted them freedom in their affairs,” looking to Geoffrey he continued, “I’m afraid my Lord Swan we will have to await the return of Magi Hailstrum before we have any more information. I will have a room made available for you to get what rest you can and you will be called when he returns.”
“Thank you, your majesty, I would like that, With your leave, I will go and give my men instruction for the evening before returning here.”
—
The page that escorted Geoffrey to the castle gate, informed the guards that he would be returning and would be staying the night.
Geoffrey tossed the page a silver coin before nodding to the guards and leaving to find his men.
“Now what was the name of that tavern?” He muttered to himself, “Ah, yes, that's it. The Maidens hand wasn’t it?” stopping to get his bearings Geoffrey looked about trying to remember the direction the guard had pointed before heading off to find the tavern.
Sure enough two streets further on he came to a tavern with a picture of a maiden offering her hand. Entering he saw his men sitting at one of the tables. Food and drink in front of them, Geoffrey was pleased to see that their eyes didn’t have the half glazed look of a man heavy in his drink.
Seeing him entering the tavern they stood as he approached,
“We got some food and light ale in my Lord, do you need any I can have some brought out for you,” said Grego.
“My thanks, just an ale will do, as I ate at the castle,” replied Geoffrey gesturing for them to retake their seats.
After Geoffrey told them what had transpired in the castle, Grego wasn’t the only one to mutter dissent at the magisterium.
Getting up to return to the castle for the night, Geoffrey left instruction for them to get an early nights sleep.
—
The dawn light beamed through the small window into the room waking Mal from her troubled slumber, the fog in her mind as strong today as yesterday. Dreams of fear had plagued her sleep, one of a golden light trying to shine through the thick fog that she could never reach had been the most common. Although she realised upon waking that they were just dreams, why she knew this she didn’t know but it was a fact and facts were hard to come by at this moment so she held onto it dearly.
Again she could hear footsteps approaching and the same woman's voice could be heard arguing indistinctly with someone behind the heavy door which muffled the sound from her ears.
The door opened and after the guard stepped out, in walked the same woman she had met last night. Now in the morning light, she noticed that the blue robe had a golden coloured rope belt. The tray in her hands held a bowl of soup and a bit of bread, When the smell reached Mal she jumped off the bed to take the tray as her stomach rumbled betraying her hunger.
‘Oh by the gods' lass, your pregnant!’ exclaimed the woman, turning to the guard she snapped, ‘Why wasn’t I told that the girl was pregnant?’
When the guard failed to say something she snapped ‘Well?’
‘Orders from Grandmaster Trigan, mam,’ seeing the look in her eyes he quickly swallowed before continuing ‘I assumed that he would have told you, mam.’
‘I will have words with the Grandmaster about this, As a senior member of the Healers, I should have been told. Leave us.’
‘But mam?’ He stammered.
‘Don’t but Mam me, this is my domain now leave!’
‘Yes, mam,’ he said bowing his head slightly before turning and walking away.
‘Now that I am better informed let me have a look at you child,’ the anger in her voice all gone now.
Seeing Mal standing there with the tray in her hands, she said, ‘just put it down on the bed, for now, feel free to eat some of it. We must keep your strength up.’
Signing deeply she continued, ‘I apologise to you for taking so long to get you food I was forbidden by Grandmaster Trigan and the other Grandmasters. Rest assured I will take this matter up with them after I leave here. Now how far along are you child?’
‘Along?’
‘Yes child, when did you get pregnant?’
‘I don’t remember,’ said Mal one handheld a roll of stale bread from the tray the other rubbing her stomach.
‘I would say that you are close to your due date, girl. Now let me examine you,’
Mal stood and watched as the woman just stood in front of her all she did was move her hands in a complex pattern.
‘Oh dear,’ was all she said.
‘What do you mean? Oh, Dear?’
‘It seems that the binding spell has warped and not just bound your magical ability, but has entwined with your baby.’
‘Binding spell?’ said Mal through the fog in her head.
‘Everyone knows that only men have the stamina to wield the most powerful of magics. As a result of the destruction, an unbound woman using magic caused many years ago. The decision was made that when girls started to be able to wield the five elements it was decided to limit them so that they couldn’t hurt themselves a binding is placed on all-female candidates when they are detected.’
Seeing a look of fear on Mal at hearing this she quickly continued, ‘It is okay, the spell only limits the maximum amount of power that someone can draw.’
‘Do males have this binding added?’ asked Mal.
‘Don’t be silly child, now eat up, Your trial will start in a few hours’.
—
Mal was escorted by Siva and two guards to the trail when two guards had appeared at her door, Siva had tried to banish them, but they refused, saying that Grandmaster Trigan had ordered them. Seeing the slump in Siva’s shoulders Mal knew that she was annoyed that the guards wouldn’t do as she bid. The look the guards had thrown at Siva was almost of contempt.
The room that Mal was lead too had a single seat in the middle of the room with thirteen ornate chairs arranged in a semicircle facing the seat that Mal was instructed to sit in.
As Mal sat on the seat a small gong rang out and a door on the side of the room opened in walked twelve Magi who each took up a seat in front of her. Spying the last empty seat Mal assumed that Siva who was standing beside her would take that seat. At least she would have one person judging her that she knew, and if she was honest with herself, liked too.
“Siva, What are you doing here?” Said the man who sat in the centre seat. The outrage on his face at seeing her, clear for all to see. As Mal surveyed the rest she noticed the rest of the men had similar looks.
“My Lords I wish to speak on behalf of the …” she replied
“That is no concern of yours, You have no standing here now leave woman before I have the guards drag you out,” sneered the man who had spoken. Seeing her look to the other members of the council, he barked “OUT!!!”
Squeezing Mal’s shoulder, she curtsied, “Sorry Grandmaster Trigan,” and hastily left the room.
Mal was shocked at the treatment these men gave to Siva, a woman who had shown great courteousness to her.
“Gentlemen we are here to judge this woman,” and the way he said the word woman left no doubt as of his feelings towards Mal, “The charges are as follows; Yesterday she did enter the Magisterium and attack Master Willo when he attempted to stop her she then attacked, She then went on a rampage and attacked Master Kilsilla for no known reason and killed his visitor a visiting Magi from Dolomore. She is further charged with being an unbound magi female. We will now hear from Master Willo.”
“Thank you, GrandMaster,” said a rather portly man throwing a disgusted look at Mal before continuing, “I was working in my lab when I was first alerted to the intrusion of this woman by the alarms being triggered. I entered the corridor outside my lab to see her entering the from the end of the corridor and turn towards me. I attempted to cast a containment spell to entrap her when she did something that shattered the spell, the concussion of the spell breaking knocked me to the floor where I was later found by my colleagues.”
Shocked murmurs of “Shattered” could be heard coming from the others judging her the looks they threw in her direction made Mal think of vultures watching some prey. Mal tried to follow along but was still finding it hard to think the words eventually drifted off into the fog that was her mind.
“Girl!” came the sound of a loud voice bringing Mal back to the room the men in front of her looked angry but she couldn’t remember why. Seeing that Mal was now aware of him the man, continued “What is your name?”
“Mmmm, Mal,” the fog was getting stronger and making it harder to concentrate, taking a deep breath she thought of the foggy feeling and tried to force it away from her mind.
“How do you plead to the charges?” He replied growing angry when he noticed that she again wasn’t paying him any attention. “Girl, how do you plead?”
“Plead? Where am I?” she mumbled straining to push the fog further away the hint of a golden glow in the distance triggered a fleeting memory that left before she could grab onto it. The knowledge that it was important to reach the safety of the golden glow gnawed at her.
“Let it be recorded that the girl Mal entered no plead at this time for her horrendous crimes. This committee finds her guilty by default of murder and assault. Take her away until such time that we have agreed what we will do with her.”
A rough pair of hands dragged her from the seat and when she stumbled another set grabbed her and help drag her away. Her foggy mind screamed at her pushing at the fog forcing it further away, eventually, the fog started to clear and a golden thread could be seen as she reached for it instinctively as the darkness surrounded her as she fell into its dark embrace.