Defender of the Crown Read online

  And so it begins…

  "What do we know of this Andronicus?" asked Kiren-Jool.

  "He was the Royal Life Mage before Revi," Aubrey explained, "but he died before he could pass on all his knowledge."

  "A pity," noted Aldus Hearn. "His understanding of the arcane arts was rumoured to have been vast."

  "According to Revi, Andronicus went mad in his final years," said Aubrey. She was about to say more but paused unexpectedly, her face betraying her mind at work. "Saxnor's beard," she cried out, "he went mad, just like Revi, don't you see?"

  "I fail to see the connection," said Aldus Hearn. "Andronicus was just old."

  "No," said Aubrey, "you forget, I apprenticed under Revi. He told me that his master became quite erratic in his last few months. Revi wasn't even properly trained."

  "And now you think the same thing was happening to Revi?" said Albreda.

  "Yes," Aubrey continued, "he was always driven to discover new things, but lately he seemed obsessed. He was even short with the queen."

  "I can't see how that explains his absence," said Hearn. "In any event, they're two unrelated things, aren't they?"

  "Are they?" said Albreda. "Perhaps not."

  "What do you mean?" asked Aubrey.

  "Revi was once a prisoner of the Dark Queen," she said.

  "Yes," agreed Aubrey, "but he managed to escape."

  "He did," Albreda continued, "but do you remember what the Dark Queen wanted with him?"

  "The location of the Tower of Andronicus," said Aubrey. "Of course, I should have realized sooner!"

  "I'm afraid I'm not following," said Aldus Hearn.

  "Come along, Aldus, pay attention," said Albreda, "this is not difficult. Please continue, Aubrey."

  The young Life Mage thought it over a moment before speaking. "Revi must have been searching for the tower."

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  Defender Of The Crown

  Heir to the Crown: Book Seven

  Paul J Bennett

  Contents

  Map of Merceria

  Map of Norland

  1. The Missing Mage

  2. The Queen

  3. The North

  4. The Royal Visitors

  5. Word Arrives

  6. The Royal Wedding

  7. The Delegates

  8. The Council of Nobles

  9. Repercussions

  10. Galburn's Ridge

  11. The Border

  12. In the City

  13. Arrival

  14. The Tower

  15. The Norland Court

  16. The Capital

  17. King Halfan

  18. Return to the Tower

  19. Valmar

  20. Death of a Ruler

  21. Rebellion

  22. The Border

  23. Escape

  24. The Queen Returns

  25. The Hills

  26. Hawksburg

  27. Flight

  28. Wincaster

  29. Revi

  30. Home

  31. The Old Oak

  32. To Battle

  33. Fate

  34. Victory

  Epilogue

  Share your thoughts!

  Ashes - Chapter One

  Also by Paul J Bennett

  About the Author

  One

  The Missing Mage

  Summer 964 MC*

  (*Mercerian Calendar)

  * * *

  Albreda, Mistress of the Whitewood, entered the room only to notice that the other mages were already gathered.

  "I see everyone is present," she said, taking her seat.

  "Everyone except for Master Revi Bloom," corrected Aubrey.

  "Yes," Albreda agreed, "the very subject of this emergency meeting." She looked at each mage in turn. It was a small council, consisting of only four members now that the Royal Life Mage had gone missing, a reminder that magic only existed in Merceria by a most tenuous thread.

  "Queen Anna has asked Albreda to oversee this council in Revi's absence," explained Aubrey.

  "Fine by me," remarked Aldus Hearn, the elderly Earth Mage.

  "As it should be," agreed the Kurathian Enchanter, Kiren-Jool.

  "I should start by saying that we keenly feel Revi's absence," said Albreda, "even though he was often distracted by his studies of late. I understand that he was last seen by you, Aubrey, is this correct?"

  "It is," Aubrey replied. "I visited his house in Wincaster when I was researching the shapeshifting bartoks."

  "Tell us what you recall of that meeting," Albreda urged.

  "I went to his house to make use of his library," Aubrey explained. "When I opened the door, I expected him to be inside, but he was nowhere to be seen. I called out, but there was no answer. Then, I heard the sound of shuffling feet coming from upstairs, which I assumed was Revi, as his casting room is up there. However, I didn't want to disturb him."

  "So you didn't, in fact, see him?" asked Aldus Hearn.

  "No, not right away," said Aubrey, "but when I headed into his library to search for books, I heard another noise and wondered if he might need some help. I made my way upstairs, where I heard him muttering."

  "Is this something he did a lot?" asked Kiren-Jool.

  "Yes," said Aubrey, "he would often mutter while experimenting, I think it helped his thought processes. Believing he might be deep in thought, I opened the door quietly to peek inside, hoping not to disturb him."

  "And that's when you saw him?" prompted Aldus Hearn.

  "Yes, he was standing in the middle of the room, examining a full-length mirror."

  Kiren-Jool suddenly sat up straight. "A mirror, you say?"

  "Yes," Aubrey confirmed, "it was mounted on a wooden frame that allowed it to flip on its centre axis."

  "Did it have runes on it," asked the Kurathian, "perchance on the frame?"

  "I didn't examine it closely at the time," said Aubrey, "however, I've looked at it since. There is some intricate scrollwork around the border, but I haven't examined it at length. Why, does that mean something to you?"

  "The tradition of magical mirrors is not unheard of amongst my people," said Kiren-Jool. "It is said that between the Princes of Kurathia, there are many such items."

  "And what do these mirrors do?" asked Aldus Hearn.

  "Some are used for scrying," said Kiren-Jool, "but others are said to be even more powerful."

  "Meaning?" prompted Albreda.

  "Meaning that they may be used as portals," the Kurathian mage replied.

  "Isn't it more likely that he used a spell of recall?" asked Aldus.

  "Unlikely," said Aubrey, "Albreda and I are the only people here that can cast such a spell. Revi hadn't learned it yet, said he was too busy."

  "It sounds like he managed to unlock this mirror," said Aldus Hearn, "but surely he would have told someone before he attempted to use it?"

  "He's been erratic of late," said Aubrey, "and Hayley admitted as much."

  "Hayley Chambers? The High Ranger?" said Aldus.

  "Of course," said Albreda. "Where have you been these past months, Aldus, under a rock?"

  The old mage flushed with embarrassment, "I have been rather busy of late in the north."

  "That's no excuse," said Albreda. "You really should try to speak
to others on occasion."

  "Can we focus on Revi?" interrupted Aubrey.

  "Yes, of course," said Albreda, "you're right, we cannot afford to get distracted. Kiren-Jool, you're an Enchanter, tell us what you can about these mirrors."

  The Kurathian leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "As I said, there are many types," he began, "but it sounds as though he found one that acts as a portal."

  "A portal to where?" asked Aubrey.

  "Well, that's the hard part," he admitted, "we have no way of knowing."

  "So he could be anywhere?" asked Albreda.

  "No," said Kiren-Jool, "he's definitely in one place. We just don't know where that place is."

  The Kurathian took a deep breath. "Mirrors of this type always work in pairs," he explained. "If it is such a device, the location of the other mirror will tell us where he went."

  "I fail to see how that helps us," said Albreda. "We still have no idea where that might be."

  "True," said Aubrey, "but Revi must have discovered how to use it. Possibly we can too."

  "Where did the mirror come from?" asked the Kurathian.

  "He's always had it," said Aubrey. "I believe it belonged to his master, Andronicus."

  "What do we know of this Andronicus?" asked Kiren-Jool.

  "He was the Royal Life Mage before Revi," Aubrey explained, "but he died before he could pass on all his knowledge."

  "A pity," noted Aldus Hearn. "His understanding of the arcane arts was rumoured to have been vast."

  "According to Revi, Andronicus went mad in his final years," said Aubrey. She was about to say more but paused unexpectedly, her face betraying her mind at work. "Saxnor's beard," she cried out, "he went mad, just like Revi, don't you see?"

  "I fail to see the connection," said Aldus Hearn. "Andronicus was just old."

  "No," said Aubrey, "you forget, I apprenticed under Revi. He told me that his master became quite erratic in his last few months. Revi wasn't even properly trained."

  "And now you think the same thing was happening to Revi?" said Albreda.

  "Yes," Aubrey continued, "he was always driven to discover new things, but lately he seemed obsessed. He was even short with the queen."

  "I can't see how that explains his absence," said Hearn. "In any event, they're two unrelated things, aren't they?"

  "Are they?" said Albreda. "Perhaps not."

  "What do you mean?" asked Aubrey.

  "Revi was once a prisoner of the Dark Queen," she said.

  "Yes," agreed Aubrey, "but he managed to escape."

  "He did," Albreda continued, "but do you remember what the Dark Queen wanted with him?"

  "The location of the Tower of Andronicus," said Aubrey. "Of course, I should have realized sooner!"

  "I'm afraid I'm not following," said Aldus Hearn.

  "Come along, Aldus, pay attention," said Albreda, "this is not difficult. Please continue, Aubrey."

  The young Life Mage thought it over a moment before speaking. "Revi must have been searching for the tower."

  "And his quest led him to the mirror," added Kiren-Jool.

  "I see," said Aldus Hearn, "but that still doesn't tell us where it's located."

  "No," agreed the Kurathian, "but it would explain his interest in the mirror. It was likely his method of getting there."

  "Would a mirror have any kind of range limitation?" asked Albreda.

  "I should think so," said Kiren-Jool, "but I can't say for certain. It would definitely require a spell caster to use it, though."

  "So only a mage could use such a device?" asked Aldus Hearn. "Does that mean your Kurathian princes are all mages?"

  "No," said Kiren-Jool, "but a mage would have to activate the device. This would be similar to using the magical flame, requiring a sequence of magical letters to power the portal."

  "If I understand you correctly," said Albreda, "then there's a chance we could decipher that sequence."

  "We could," said the Enchanter, "but we have no idea how many magical words of power are required to activate it, and the number of possible combinations would be tremendous."

  "Then I suggest we get started as soon as possible," said Albreda. "Revi seems to have managed it somehow, and if he could do it, so can we."

  "But he's had years to study that mirror," said Aldus Hearn.

  "No," said Aubrey, "likely only a few months. We travelled to Weldwyn, and then we fled the capital after we escaped. All of his research would have been here, in Wincaster."

  "Yes," agreed Albreda, "and Revi is a highly focused individual, I doubt he'd research more than one thing at a time."

  "I'd agree with that assessment," said Aubrey.

  "So how do we explore this further?" asked Aldus Hearn.

  Albreda looked around the room before answering, "I would suggest that Kiren-Jool and Aubrey examine the mirror. It's obviously an enchantment, but Aubrey has a keen insight into Revi's way of thinking, having been his apprentice."

  "And the rest of us?" asked Aldus Hearn.

  "First of all," said Albreda, "there's only the two of us left. I'd like you to take a look through his library, Aldus, you might find something of value that could help us."

  "And you?" asked the Earth Mage.

  "With the queen's permission, I'll recall to Summersgate. I'm hoping the mages of Weldwyn could be of some assistance."

  "And if we find anything?" asked Kiren-Jool.

  "Since I may be away for some time, I'll appoint Aubrey as the person in charge," said Albreda. "Report anything you find to her, and I'll catch up on my return. Any other questions?"

  They all shook their heads.

  "Very well, then," Albreda continued, "let's get to work. We have few enough mages as it is, we can't afford to lose even one."

  * * *

  That very afternoon found Aubrey and Kiren-Jool entering Revi's house.

  "Watch your step," said Aubrey, "Revi's not the neatest person."

  "There are books piled everywhere," said Kiren-Jool.

  "Yes," Aubrey agreed, "and Aldus can start with those when he arrives, but we have more important things to do. Follow me, and I'll show you his casting room."

  She led him upstairs to the top floor, where a door stood open.

  "This is it," she declared.

  He poked his head in, noting the absence of any furniture save the mirror.

  "Is it always like this?" he asked.

  "Yes," she replied, "he liked to keep things simple, said it helped him focus."

  Kiren-Jool moved to stand before the mirror. "It looks fancy enough."

  "Fancy?" said Aubrey. "What do you mean?"

  "Magical items must be crafted of the finest materials," explained the Kurathian. "This mirror would certainly fall into that category."

  "But it's only a wooden frame," said Aubrey.

  "This is no ordinary wood," he explained, "it's shadowbark."

  "I've never heard of it," said Aubrey.

  "It is from a tree not seen in these parts," explained Kiren-Jool, "imported at great expense."

  "Imported? You mean from the Continent?"

  "Unless you know somewhere else that would have such trees?" he asked.

  "But Merceria has been cut off from the sea for centuries," she said.

  "This mirror is likely far older than Merceria," he noted. "I suspect it is elder magic."

  "You mean crafted by Elves?" asked Aubrey.

  "They are usually the ones responsible for artifacts like this. It is said that before the coming of man, magic was far more commonplace."

  "Then how did Andronicus come to own it?" Aubrey asked.

  "I have no idea. Maybe he discovered it somewhere? Either that, or it was handed down by his predecessors."

  A noise downstairs announced the arrival of Aldus Hearn. Aubrey leaned out of the doorway and shouted, "Up here, Aldus!"

  His footsteps echoed as he climbed the stairs, slowing when he reached the top.

  "Those steps are st
eeper than I would have liked," said the Earth Mage.

  "I'll be sure to mention that to Revi when we find him," said Aubrey.

  "Is this the mirror?" he asked.

  "It is," said Kiren-Jool. "Aubrey and I were just discussing it. We think it might have been discovered by one of Revi's predecessors."

  "Did Revi maintain any notes?" asked Hearn.

  "He did," said Aubrey, "but his writing is difficult to discern."

  "What about those that came before him?" said the druid.

  "A good place to start, I suppose," said Aubrey. "Andronicus was the Royal Life Mage before Revi, and I believe before that, it was someone named Corvus."

  "Ah, yes," said Hearn, "I recognize the name. I'll start searching through Revi's books, shall I? With some luck, I might find a journal of whoever discovered this mirror." He turned around and made his way back down the stairs.

  Aubrey returned her gaze to Kiren-Jool, who had already started examining the ornate frame of the mirror.

  "You said you thought this might be elder magic?" she said.

  "Yes, that's correct," he replied, "likely created by Elves."

  "Maybe we can enlist some help," said Aubrey.

  "From who? The entire Mages Council knows of this already, unless you're talking about the mages of Weldwyn? I thought Albreda was going to consult with them."

  "She is," said Aubrey, "but that's not what I mean. Lord Arandil Greycloak is coming to Wincaster for the Royal Wedding. Maybe we can enlist his help?"