Myrkron (Volume Two of The Chronicles of the Myrkron) (2 page)

"
As you command, Axethane."  Karg stood and placed his hammer in its sling across his back.  He placed two thick fingers to his mouth and let out three sharp, piercing whistles.  "The ‘all is well’ signal for my men," he explained.

B
ran turned to Commander Salic.  "What say you, Commander?  I believe their intent is only to aid us.  There is no deception in what they speak."

Commander Salic look
ed from Bran to the two brothers.  "I hope you can understand our doubt.  Our races have never been on good terms, perhaps that is because we have never known one another."  Commander Salic strode forward and stood before Karg and extended his hand.  "I welcome you among us, Chieftain Karg."

Karg bent forward and extended his index finger to Commander Salic
.  That one finger was all that would fit within Commander Salic’s grasp.  "Thank you, Commander. How may we be of assistance to you and your men?"

Chapter Two

Reek and Branik flanked the door of the library.  They could barely hear the soft voices of Mieka and Michael through the doorway.

"
He is feeling guilty," Reek stated.

"
Aye.  A feeling he should not have," Branik replied.

"
He was not raised as a warrior.  The taking of life does not come easily to him."

"
It doesn't come easily to any of us, but we know the necessity in it."

"
What he did is different, and you know it.  It's one thing to look your enemy in the eye, as he tries to kill you, and take his life.  It is quite another to utterly destroy them en mass with a word.  I think that is what disturbs him so," Reek explained.

"
However, it was accomplished. It was the correct course of action.  Instead of only saving those around us, as we did; Michael saved them all.  War is killing.  The method is of no consequence.  How many others would have died had he not acted as he did?"

"
I'm not disagreeing with you.  I, too, feel he did only as he should have.  I'm just telling you how I think he sees it.  It is good he can feel sorrow over the death of an enemy."

"
It's only good if it does not cause him to hesitate in the future.  That hesitation could lead to his death," Branik growled.

"
That is why we are here.  We must see to it that, if he hesitates, he is given the time to act.  Lord Micah has entrusted him to us.  It is our duty to protect him, even if that protection is from himself.  Give him time, Branik.  All too soon Michael will become accustomed to the killing."

Branik grunted
; a deep sound from his chest.  He knew very well what Michael was feeling, and he knew what troubles it could cause.  "If I could throw him right back into battle this instant, I would.  The mulling over of his actions today will only weaken his resolve in the future."

"
I think you judge him unfairly.  I have seen the determination in his eyes.  He won't forget the death of his wife.  That alone will see him through this," Reek assured him.

They both turned at the same instant to look back into the library.  The voices had been silent too long.  Branik muttered an oath and nearly knocked Reek over a
s he stormed into the library.  Reek immediately regained his balance and followed.

Branik scanned the room, lookin
g between the rows of shelves.  "What has that fool boy done now?" Branik asked out loud.

Reek searched the other side and met
up with Branik at the door.

"
He has gone again and left us behind," Branik said through gritted teeth.  Reek could hear the tendons in Branik’s hands pop as he clenched them.  "When I find him, I’m going to work him over until there isn’t a spot on him that isn’t black and blue," Branik fumed.

"
When we find him, I’ll help you," Reek said with a rare show of displeasure.

They immediately broke into a run heading to the classroom.  Reek looked in and saw Martin giving the lesson from the head of the room.  Not seeing either Michael or Mieka
, he continued on.  At the cross corridor he stopped.

"
You go check his room.  I’ll check the dining hall.  From there, I will go to Mieka’s room.  If we still have not found him, we will check Merric’s study."

Branik nodded an affirmative and ran off down the
right corridor toward the main hall.

Running down the east
corridor, Reek glanced into the dining hall.  It was deserted.  He turned around and ran back to the cross corridor and turned left toward the great hall.  As he came around the big statue in the center, he saw Branik standing before Merric, gesturing with his hand toward the library.  Reek slowed to a walk and came up alongside Branik.

Merric stood listening to Branik
, a frown darkening his face.  When Branik finished his tale, Merric waved a dismissive hand.  "I understand your concern, Master Branik, but if he was with Mieka, then she probably just took him somewhere quiet so they could talk in private.  I can well imagine Michael’s mindset after such an ordeal.  He will no doubt be very upset."

"
You understand nothing!  Michael gave me his word he would go nowhere without me and Reek.  We are under the Blood Pact to protect him.  Do you even comprehend what that means, Wizard Merric?  No?  Well, let me enlighten you.  Once sworn, the Blood Pact is irrevocable.  Reek’s life and mine are forfeit if Michael dies while under our protection.  If we fail in combat protecting him, we can both accept that.  We will have died honorably.  To fail because he runs off without our protection and dies would bring dishonor to both our names and death to many," Branik told him in a level voice.

"
Micah would never kill two of his own," Merric protested.

Branik merely shook his head and walked off to
allow himself some time to calm down.  When Branik was up the stairs and down the corridor that led to Michael’s room, Reek’s eyes came to rest on Merric.

"
No, Wizard Merric, Lord Micah would never harm either of us.  Branik and I do not fear death in any case.  Failure brings on the sentence of The Avarus Muer, The Fatal Lesson.  The other Avari would carry it out, not Lord Micah."

M
erric’s frown deepened.  "And just what is the Fatal Lesson?"

"
It's a gauntlet of sorts.  We would have to face the entire Avari nation in lethal combat, after we had faced one another.  Both of us would die, but not before a great many Avari perished.  This is what Branik fears.  He knows he would kill many Avari before they slew him."

"
If that is his concern, then why not allow himself to be killed?"  Merric asked dumbfounded.

"
It is not permitted.  If we were to allow ourselves to be killed without resisting, then the Avarus Muer would fall upon our families.  Since Branik has no family and because we are like brothers, then, even though he killed me in our battle, the Avarus Muer would fall on my family," Reek explained.

"
That's just crazy.  Why would your people enforce such a barbaric concept?  I cannot believe Micah would allow such a thing to take place."

"
Lord Micah allows us to govern ourselves.  It is the old way.  It ensures that the pact is not taken lightly and that, once taken, the individual is fully committed to it.  There has only ever been one to fail the Blood Pact.  He chose exile instead of facing the Avarus Muer.  He knew his wife and son would die in his stead, but he felt that those two deaths were preferable to the many he would cause, if he chose to fight." Reek looked with pain in his eyes to the stairs Branik had taken.

"
You're talking about Barque aren’t you?"

"
Aye.  Barque was a great Avari, almost without equal in his abilities.  He chose to give up the life of his wife and son so that many Avari would not face a similar fate.  He never returned to the isle.  It is not known what happened to him.  Branik is like his great grandsire in many ways."

"
You are saying that Branik is Barque’s great grandson?  I thought you just said Barque’s wife and son were killed.  How could he have any descendants?"  Merric asked in astonishment.

"
Barque’s wife was with child at the time.  This was unknown to him.  The Avari let her give birth before carrying out the Avarus Muer.  She gave birth to another boy, Jale.  That boy was given into the care of my family.  He was treated as a brother by my grandfather, Taris.  Both of their sons were raised as brothers, Branik’s and my father.  We, in turn, were raised as brothers.  Branik’s mother died in his birth.  His father died many years ago in battle.  He feels his family is cursed for what his great grandsire did.  He has never married and has vowed that his line will end with him."

"
And if he chooses as Barque did, then you and your family would suffer."

"
Aye.  My wife, son, and daughter would have to face the Avarus Muer in his place.  So his choices, if we fail, are to kill me and then many Avari or kill me and let my family perish.  I know my brother. He would never let anything happen to my family.  Because of that, he would have to kill me and a lot of Avari.  He knows I would willingly give my life for them, but I am not allowed to do so.  A battle between us would be long and fierce, but I have no doubts as to who would win; neither does Branik.  So maybe now you can understand his anger.  If Michael was not under our protection, Branik would kill him for what he has done."

"
This is madness.  Let us find the boy before Branik tears the castle apart.  We will get him, and then go to the scrying chamber.  I'll locate Michael, and then we will all sit down and have a talk," Merric said frowning.

Reek stopped Merric with a hand on hi
s arm.  "Michael is not to be told.  I only tell you this so you will understand.  The object of the Blood Pact is never to be told.  It is our way."

Merric looked into Reek’s eyes.  He
saw there both resolve and pain.  "If that is your wish, then so be it.  That doesn't prevent me from lecturing the boy on breaking promises.  Let’s go."

Chapter Three

Michael felt his legs start to give way as his vision tunneled to a narrow point of light.  He gripped the edge of the table to steady himself as a wind ripped through his mind.  Standing before the three golden doors was an old man in dark purple robes.  He appeared small.  His long gray hair hung loose over his shoulders down to mid-chest.  His bright green eyes sparkled as he grinned benignly.

The old man looked over his shoulder at the doors behind him and then turned back to Michael.  He laughed
.  Leaning forward slightly, he tapped his right temple with his index finger, then turned to the first golden door.  He placed his hand against it with fingers spread.  The door began to glow.  The glow spread to encompass the old man in a sublime golden light.  As the light faded, the door and the old man disappeared.  Michael heard a single bell toll like the ring of a huge cathedral bell.  It was startling and comforting at the same time.  A mellow golden light poured forth from the now opened doorway.  Michael heard another peel of laughter.

"
Come visit me, Myrkron.  I await you
."

Michael saw a flash of a calm lake surrounded by
tall pine trees, ringed with huge mountain peaks.

The golden light seemed to swell in his mind.  He felt strength return to his legs and his vision suddenly snapped back into focus.  He saw Mortow standing in the doorway
looking like a monolith of power, a slight smile on his face.  He appeared to be waiting for Michael to say something.  Mieka now stood beside Mortow.  The look on her face almost appeared concerned…almost.  Michael stood up straight and looked Mortow in the eyes.

"
I assume you have come to kill me, as you did my wife."

Mortow chuckled, a deep resonant sound that vibrated the stone under Michael’s feet.  Mortow turned to Mieka
, gesturing with a nod of his head, for her to leave the room.

Mieka nodded and then glanced back at Michael with a pleading look before walking from the room.

Mortow moved forward a step and placed his hands inside his sleeves before him.  "Now, Michael, why would I wish to kill a fellow wizard; and why would I provoke you by killing your wife?  Not exactly the actions of a man trying to gain your aid."

"
Are you actually saying you had nothing to do with Karin’s death?"  Michael asked incredulously.

Mortow sighed.
  "I am truly sorry for what you have suffered, Michael.  I know you have no reason to believe me, but I sincerely regret what has transpired.  I am here before you, as devoid of my magic as you are.  I felt it best if we could talk before it came down to a contest of magics.  I felt that here," Mortow gestured to the room around them, "we could be on equal terms.  I would be protected from your magic, and you would be protected from mine.  Having Mieka bring you here was meant as a truce."

"I think you mean ruse," Michael sneered.

"I wished to be able to tell my side of the matter.  So, to answer your question, no.  I will not lie to you and say I had nothing to do with your wife’s death.  I did not order her death.  I am, however, responsible for it.  Everything does not always go as planned.  The mugging was never meant to harm either of you.  It was merely meant to be a means of awakening your abilities; a shock to light the fire of your dormant power.  I did not handle the specifics," Mortow’s face turned angry and his deep voice became impossibly deeper, "but I assure you, the one responsible has been punished."  Mortow's voice lost its heat and his arms fell to his sides as his head bowed.  "Making an enemy of you was the last thing I wanted to do."

Mich
ael stared heatedly at Mortow.  "Why should I believe you?  Even if what you say is true, and you had no intention of harming Karin, your actions cost her life.  By those same actions, you have cost me mine as well.  You've caused to be taken from me the very thing that made life worth living.  That one of your lackeys was responsible makes you guilty by proxy.  Without your quest for dominance in this world, she would still be alive today.  You believe a few placating statements, and the shuffling of the blame, makes everything all right?"  Michael's voice rose in volume with the strength of his emotions.

Mortow held his hands up
in a gesture for forbearance.  "No, Michael, I'm not trying to shuffle the blame as you put it.  I accept responsibility for the actions of those who work for me.  I knew the moment I heard your wife had been killed that you would very likely seek my blood in retribution.  Let me tell you, Michael, I feel the threat inherent in your voice.  Know that I don’t take that threat lightly.  Mieka has told me some of what you have accomplished.  I know I am powerful however a battle between us is in no way assured in my favor. I would much prefer to talk this out and then, if you still wish it, we can have a wizard’s duel that will, in all likelihood, end in the death of one of us.  I could accept death if I knew I had done everything I could to prevent it.  I want only for you to listen.  Is that too much to ask?"

Michael started to reply
, but a sudden wave of dizziness overcame him.  He closed his eyes as he gripped the table edge once again.  With his eyes closed, he saw again the old man standing before the golden doors, still laughing.

"
From the tongue that lies, words flow smoothly.  Narro verum
."

Michael opened his eyes again to see that Mortow had not moved
, but was looking at him as if he was trying to judge what he was up to.  Michael straightened and sighed.  "I guess it wouldn't hurt me to listen, since neither of us can use magic here."

Michael heard his words as he spoke them
, but in his mind he heard something slightly different.  "
I guess it could hurt me to listen, since we can both use magic in here.
"

Mortow smiled at last.
  "Aye, you have nothing to fear from me in this place."

Again Michael heard the words with his ears
, but the echo of them in his mind was different.  "
Aye, you have everything to fear from me in this place
."

Michael smiled slightly and moved to the chair he
'd occupied when Mortow first entered the room.  He stood behind it as Mortow moved around to the chair in which Mieka had been sitting.  Mortow sat down in the vacant chair and gestured for Michael to take the other one.

Michael pulled the chair back as far from the table as he could a
nd sat down.  "Well, I'm listening."

Mortow clasped his hands before him on the table.  He looked
Michael in the eye and began.  "Let us start at the beginning , shall we?  Some five years ago, I decided that it was time to try to change things in Thelona.  I had grown discontent with endless research into the distant past.  You see, I had been trying to determine if things had always been as they are now; wizards hiding away within the walls of Kantwell, occasionally venturing out to help settle one dispute or another; the races living separate from one another and only coming together to wage wars.  I felt that if someone could rise above it all and join the races under one rule, then we could have a more lasting peace."

"
And, naturally, you thought you should be that one," Michael’s voice was heavy with loathing.

Mortow frowned slightly.
  "Not at first.  I took my ideas to my father initially.  I knew that I was more feared than liked.  My mere physical appearance intimidates others, even were I not wearing these robes, announcing to all that I am magi."

To Michael’s surprise
, the voice in his head remained silent.  There had been no contradicting statements.  "And who was your father?"  Michael asked, grudgingly curious.

Mortow smiled then.  It was not the smug smile Michael
expected, rather more of a smile of acceptance.  "I knew they wouldn't have told you.  Why complicate matters?  They have been honing you as a tool to do what he could not.  Don’t get me wrong, he came damn close. It's just not in his nature to kill his own son, even a son of whom he is ashamed.  Look at my face, Michael.  See my father in my features.  Can you not guess the answer to your own question?"  Mortow smiled a bright cheerful smile.

His face transformed with that smile.  It seemed to erase all the hard edges and to warm the ice cold blue eyes
.  Michael suddenly saw the resemblance, and his jaw fell open.

Mortow’s smile faded, the hard predat
ory look slid back into place.  "I see you now understand.  Headmaster Merric, Wizard of the Eighth Key, is my father."