Highmage (Highmage's Plight Book 4) Read online

  Grendel rose and strode across the room, his robes simple without adornment. He bowed before the Empress as the platform beneath his feet glowed, then rose without visible support. As it hovered midway to the ceiling, Grendel proclaimed, "You do me an injustice, Majesty. You shall see it is I that offers the hope you envision."

  She chose to ignore him.

  Regis gestured the mage to move to the podium. Grendel frowned, then turned to confront the assembled. "Vision. Alrex's vision. He gave in to his desperation and apparently brought Je'orj du Bradlei to our world. Alrex brought a human mage to our world declaring our failure.

  "I say we have not failed in our duty. The Empire still stands. The Demonlord has merely corrupted the borderlands, corrupted them as he seeks to corrupt everything of life and health in his madness to wipe mankind and those who would defend them from the face of our world.

  "Yet, I say to you this day, that I, too, have vision. I tell you that this

  human—Je'orj du Bradlei is a fact that must be contended with! Look at him! He stands today with four apprentices, no longer even three! He passes on his knowledge. Our Empire will one day have hundreds of human mages—that was Alrex's dream.

  "My dream is to see us use the tools Alrex sought and died to give us! They are our tools to wield as we have brought our magery to hand for centuries!

  "And tools do not have to be made Highmage! Faeryn was proclaimed a heretic with his innovations of magery! His disciples rank mighty among our numbers this day. Fear not the tools for I promise you this day that I, as Highmage, shall use their gifts to drive back the Dark One's evil as none has dared since Faeryn, himself, was Highmage!"

  The chamber burst into applause. George felt like applauding, himself. Masterful, Grendel knew no bounds to his deceit, offering him as a tool, not an equal in his elvin-centric vision of the universe.

  Regis proclaimed, "Lord Je'orj du Bradlei, son of Nathan, arky'olojist and proclaimed Dwarf-friend… Lord and Founding Sire of the Cathartan House by Bond of his Name, Candidate for Mages of Mages for all the Empire of Aqwaine. You are summoned before your peers!"

  Chapter

  11

  "Ladies and gentlemen,” George said, addressing the august conclave of mages and elvin lords. “I must say that I never dreamed I would one day stand before so notable an audience, particularly an elvin one." He smiled, inwardly telling himself this was just another lecture. However, standing upon the shimmering floating platform facing the seven tiers was like none of his lectures. Nor had he ever felt as if his life hung in the balance as this one did.

  Master Stenh smiled encouragement from the tiers as George paused to survey those watching him so intently. "You may have heard that I am human... This, I dare say, seems to be the sum total of criticism of my candidacy." He shrugged. "You seek a Highmage, a position that you have never before had the opportunity to consider in the hands of what many of you considered not only a charge to protect, but a burden as well. Humanity has been seen as lacking the courtly tastes that elves cherish and hold dear. Humans are seen as simple folks on a level with the dwarves and even ogres that make up the citizenry of the Empire.

  "I tell you that you have underestimated the value and potential of your peoples. We are what the Dark One fears. He has delighted in blinding you to the realization that those you are pledged to protect are more than just foot soldiers needing elvin leadership.

  “You have thought of us too long as 'tools,' as Lordmage Grendel referred to not just me, but all humanity.

  "Human lore is what Alrex sought to return to this world… and against all reason, he opened the Gate and summoned me. Though I am not an elvin mage, my gifts and knowledge are apparently equal to the task we face.

  "Together we can defend this land and all the borderlands. As Highmage, human though I be, I will not exclude you and the magery you have used in defense of all we hold dear. Your gifts combined with the knowledge and skills that are uniquely mine on this world are what the Demonlord fears. Do not fear change. Fear serves only our adversary.

  "Highmage Alrex did not fall prey to despair. He dared, risked his life... For that, we owe him a debt that can never be repaid."

  He turned and nodded to the Empress and left the podium. He was greeted by cheering among the Faeryn mages and loud cries of support from his booth. However, he winced as Revit and Terus shouted in unison, "You sure told them!"

  Archmage Regis had a thoughtful look upon his face as he announced before the assemblage, "Caucus is called."

  Mages surrounded both Grendel and George as the debate and politicking took a fevered edge. Raven leapt forth from her perch and glided instantly to George's side. The mages hastily stepped back. She circled once, then shimmered landing on padded feet in beast-form, the better to protect her foster-father.

  George shook his head and said, "Excuse the interruption, Master Donnialt. You were saying..."

  Revit muttered to Terus, "Look at that one. Seems to me he should be abed. Votes must be kinda tough to come by."

  "What do you suppose hit him?" Terus mused, staring at the pale and bandaged mage limping toward the group of mages surrounding Grendel.

  Gallen turned to look and frowned. "I know him."

  "Who?" Aaprin whispered.

  "Terus, you asked who hit him. The answer to that is I did. He was one of the two that trapped me during the bounty hunt."

  "You're sure," Aaprin muttered as Revit and Terus looked at each other, thinking Gallen did that. They rethought planning any further pranks.

  Angrily, Gallen glared, "Yeah, I'm sure... He seems to have found some friends, too."

  Frowning, Aaprin nodded, "That's Mage Meltron. He used to teach at the Academy, but I don't know who the Elflord beside them is."

  "That's the Llewleyn," Gallen mumbled in a voice so strangled that

  Aaprin stared at her in concern.

  "Empress, you have gone too far."

  The Provincial Lords of Hayden and Tane had made a mistake if they thought they could dissuade her. With a thin smile, she replied, "Lord Je'orj will make a fine Highmage."

  "And what shall come next," added heavy set silver-haired Tane. "Humans are no more our equal than dwarves... They are flawed creatures. It's impossible for me to credit the stories of the man's gifts."

  The Empress shook her head. "His talent is real enough. Of that I can assure you."

  Hayden frowned, "Tane, I am sorry but I must agree. The man has true gifts; however, in all likelihood that is due to his being a dopple. And the elf he is dopple to must be our next true Highmage."

  The Elflord's somber but certain gaze should have given his monarch pause. Instead she laughed outright as Lord Sianhiel returned to her with the Lyai. "Je'orj du Bradlei, most definitely, is not a reflection of Grendel!"

  The Lyai chuckled. "Just the thought that Grendel might be a reflection of Lord Je’orj; that Grendel might be first elvin doppelganger reflecting a human... That’s too funny… My, Hayden, what must our world be coming to?"

  The Empress and Lyai's laughter made Lord Sianhiel bring a hand to cover his lips. His features darkened with seething rage, Hayden ordered. "Come, Tane. There are those whose sanity is less in question we can reason with."

  Aaprin led Gallen from the booth after Revit and Terus promised not to wAndre off. "Okay, Gallen. How is it you know who the Llewleyn is?"

  She kept telling herself that there was no way he could possible recognize her or even know she was here. Aaprin shook her arm hard. She shrugged loose of his grasp, "It's simple really. He looks just like his brother. They were twins."

  "Were?”

  “His brother died not long ago."

  "What are you talking about?"

  She couldn't tell him. She fought hard not to think back, not to remember the look of his aged face, grey streaking his tangled hair. He’d been practically an animal, bound by the enchanted charm worn around his neck that managed his remaining existence. He was reaching for her, eyes fli
ckering to a moment's rationality as he recognized her, "Gaellyn!"

  That was her horror. Older memories threatened. Things she dared not face. She pulled Aaprin close and softly cried, "Please, don't ask me to explain… I can't."

  Surprised and worried, he held her and pressed the issue no further.

  "Grendel, your words were inspiring. He can be useful, but that does not mean we should make him Highmage!"

  Kolter of Hayden carefully hid his smile overhearing that. Lord Hayden gestured to him. There was a look a concern in the Elflord's gaze as he mused, "Seems your friend has quite a following."

  "Yes, he is quite popular, Milord."

  Lord Hayden glanced toward the groups of mages who had moved themselves to the edges of the chamber. A few Faeryn were centered in the discussions, yet Lord Hayden was uncertain of the larger groups. "Those your people?"

  Frowning, Kolter replied, "Uh, no, Milord. That is Master Ofran of the Healers Hall, and over there, that is Master Stenh, Dean of the Academy."

  "Kolter, make yourself useful before Grendel finds that he no longer has enough votes to count on."

  "My lord?" he muttered uncertainly. "Everything other than the Empress's acknowledged support of the human has gone according to plan. Grendel has enough votes."

  "I do not like the feeling in the Conclave. Now, do as you are told."

  The Archmage obeyed, fearing his lord more than anyone else present. The Hayden of Hayden was the true archmage of his domain and a loyal servant of their Dark Master. If he sensed something was amiss with their plans, there doubtless was. But how? Je'orj du Bradlei's being human was the greatest asset Grendel could possibly have among the hundreds of parochial elvin mages.

  "But, Master Ofran, I've heard..."

  "You heard Lord Je'orj. Do you believe that Alrex could have despaired?"

  "But…"

  "Think it through... Human lore has returned. You'll have partners on the Northern Border one day soon. That is the last thing the Dark One wants."

  "Unity from you, Master Ofran." Kolter announced sardonically, sidling up to the rather large group of elblooded mages. "I didn't know you had embraced that old religion."

  Ofran grinned. "Some actually still practice it."

  "Fools they."

  One of the black robed and cowled mages coughed, "Kolter, take your bigotry elsewhere."

  The archmage turned and blanched as the mage lowered his cowl. His features were etched firm with age. "Your Eminence!"

  "Oh, you recognize me. That is reassuring. I had not thought to endorse the man, but it seems his embrace of Unity should make my Brothers choice much clearer... Unity is the only answer to the Nameless One's ultimate defeat. Yet, does the Empire send us more humans, even dwarves to help us watch our benighted border? No. But I have no doubt this Je'orj Bradlei will use Unity as we ought." The surrounding elfbloods looked at him thoughtfully, considering.

  "Ofran," the aged elf added. "The Disciplines may have been overly diligent in our Northern duty. I saw our Temple this very day. It has fallen to a terrible state. The old human priest seems to be putting matters well to rights lately. He has rounded up some smashing local young girls who appear to be putting the place through a thorough house cleaning."

  Kolter realized he had to find out how many of the Order had come to the Conclave, centuries ago they had numbered in the hundreds. They had not even come to the last Conclave. But since then, so many of the Order had been banished to the North, what if this time... He hastily fled.

  Abernathy grinned, then followed the aged Priest as he quietly left Ofran's group. "Oh, Faeryn, there you are."

  "Uh, Your Eminence, how delightful to see you again."

  "I must say the human has surprised me."

  "His name is Je'orj."

  The old elf shook his head, "As promised, I have come... The fact that he is a human mage will take some getting used to, though."

  "How many members of the Order did you bring, anyway?"

  "There are only three of us, more were unnecessary. The Order holds a Right of Proxy in any case. Have to maintain the Northern Wards, after all."

  "Proxy? How fascinating… I take it you hold it only for those of your following."

  The elf grinned. "Now, Abernathy, mages do not have to be in the Order to care about Unity."

  "Wilmenial, my old friend, that comes as a most pleasant surprise. I do believe we have something to discuss…"

  "Just so long as you understand that the Order's impartiality is legendary."

  "Why, but of course," Abernathy positively grinned with mischief. This was better than he had originally hoped.

  Master Donnialt frowned as the fair elvin lady approached the shadowy spot he had found for himself. From here he could watch the fascinating dance of machinations, while considering his own choices, choices that left him cold inside.

  "Master, you seem to have found quite an interesting vantage."

  "I am surprised you chose to come at all."

  "I did not plan to. I had hoped to arrive too late to make a difference, but the enchantment brought me here."

  "So, you intend to vote."

  "I have not decided yet. But I am feeling spiteful... Do you think Grendel has enough support?"

  "He should have more than enough."

  She frowned. That was what she was afraid of. Now what am I going to do?

  Donnialt smiled at her ruefully, then offered his hand. It was a comfort. Carwina fought to hold back her tears. Father, what have you done to our world?

  The Lady Karolynia had her companion fully in hand as they ascended to the human mage's booth. Revit and Terus turned to stare at her as she smiled ever so politely. "So nice to see you both again so soon."

  Terus swallowed and held tight to Revit's hand. "M'lady, an unexpected pleasure."

  "Let me introduce you to Lady Otummond. She has a great granddaughter about your age."

  The boys looked at each other, then Revit frowned and whispered to Terus, "Otummond… where have we heard that name?"

  The elvin woman smiled, "I am Mage Grendel's granddam."

  With a shiver, Terus simply replied, "Oh."

  The Lady Karolynia chuckled. "Such wit, the two of you just must meet."

  "I do not know about this, Karia."

  Without another word to the boys, the elvin women headed back down the tiers. Revit shook himself. "That didn't really happen, did it?"

  Looking bemused, Terus replied, "Lady Karolynia really seems to like us... Fancy that."

  "Likes you, I think. But do you think she can convince Lady Otummond to really cast her own House's vote against her own grandson?"

  "If she does, I'll even let Lady Karolynia introduce me to the girl they mentioned." At Revit's surprised expression, Terus laughed. "I think between the two of us we can think of something most suitable to add to the fun."

  At that Revit relaxed. But of course.

  Chapter

  12

  Sianhiel passed the Lady Karolynia and her great-granddaughter Belina, with some surprise, on his errand for the Empress.

  The human mage's youngest apprentices glanced at him askance, likely disturbing debate about their next prank. "The Empress requires your presence. Where is Aaprin and the new apprentice?"

  "You mean Gallen?" Terus asked.

  The elvin mage blinked. "The urchin Gallen is his latest apprentice?"

  Revit nodded. "The House is getting kind of crowded... The Empress really sent for us?"

  "Yes, she wanted to show her favor before the Caucus ends. Now where can I find Aaprin and Gallen?"

  "Uh, they went that way a few minutes ago," Revit pointed.

  Sianhiel ushered the boys off with a warning to be on their best behavior and none of their usual tricks. This was too important. That Revit and Terus truly understood, as they excitedly proceeded down the tiers.

  The elvin lord and mage frowned as he followed after Aaprin and the urchin leader, who seemed to be at the
center of so much recent intrigue. It did not take him long to find the pair. Gallen was rubbing his eyes and Aaprin had a comforting hand on the lad's arm.

  "Lord Sianhiel," rasped Aaprin in surprise.

  "Yes, best you remember that I am Lord of your clan, boy," Lord Sianhiel replied. "I suggest you both tell me what is wrong."

  Gallen frowned, not knowing if she could trust him. But Aaprin knew better. "Gallen recognized one of the mages that was behind the bounty hunting."

  Sianhiel stiffened. "Say on. You have my complete attention."

  Mage Meltron was exhorting a group of elfbloods against the human mage's candidacy as Sianhiel approached with three black robed and cowled compatriots.

  "Ah, Lord Sianhiel, there you are. I cannot believe what I have heard."

  "And what might that be, Mage Meltron?"

  "They say your House will support the human."

  Sianhiel smiled. "But of course. As shall many of the Houses represented here today. Grendel's views are too well known and Lord Je'orj has earned a good reputation."

  "By the Gate, the man has got himself a harem. He's a barbarian," Meltron accused rather loudly.

  Nodding, Sianhiel replied, "I will choose an honorable barbarian over a dishonorable, but seemingly civilized, elf any day."

  Melton frowned. "What did you say?" The mage's bandaged companion looked worriedly at Sianhiel's companions. One of the cowled figures was much shorter than the other and he had the strangest sense that the person was grinning avidly at him.

  Sianhiel noting that look, smiled cruelly. "It appears that one of our colleagues has brought charges of treason and conspiracy here today. Apparently members of this Hall were behind the recent rioting in the Seventh Tier of our Imperial Capital. They burned down warehouses with their magery, hunted down human children for reasons unknown and even attempted harm against one of our fellows."