The Mullinix Book 2: Redemption

By Rodney Mountain

It has been ten years since Medoferro was unceremoniously pushed from apprentice to Mullinix. His realm has remained quiet, however there are black clouds on the horizon.

His northeastern border is teeming with refugees from a nation on the edge of civil war. Sudden movements by the Mavelan forces that had been stationed outside the armistice line have left the Mullinix in a state of worry.

With a new and unfriendly empire taking shape down south the world is quickly becoming a much more complicated place. In this new climate The Mullinix and his people have to find out all the threats facing them, some of which are closer to home than any of them would care to think about...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rodney Mountain
• Release date: Jul 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465898296

Rodney Mountain

Born in 1977, Rodney Mountain has been writing books for 14 years. Starting with 1998's "The Healy Murders" he has continued writing various novels since then. He is married with two children that have so far failed to drive him completely insane.

Book preview

Chapter 1 - Prologue

The Mullinix Empire was an anomaly on the continent, a nation of misfits, malcontents and refugees. Despite this, they were also one of the happiest groups on the continent, much to the credit of the unique system of government that had brought them through over two millennia of growth and turmoil.

This system was one that generated responsible rulers and stable ones. Instead of only one person, three people directly held the reins of power in the Empire, usually three generations of men or women who were chosen by many criteria, the most important of which was a desire to avoid ruling at all costs.

These leaders, given the respected title of Mullinix after the name of the founder of the empire, were chosen from the young men and women in the nation's service schools. These service schools, the bedrock of learning in the Empire, were a requirement of all Mullinix Citizens. The centers were places that every man and woman fulfilled a service requirement and learned about the nation in which they lived.

This system had kept the empire intact and relevant as their neighbors changed over to the centuries. They survived by accepting those exiled by the others and watched as those societies fell by the wayside. More than a dozen nations had risen and fallen outside the borders of the Mullinix Empire, some of which had joined the vibrant land they once looked at with envy.

The way of life in the empire is simple, provided you follow the basic rules. The people are largely self-reliant and they tend to frown upon people who won't pull their own weight. This self reliance goes through all manner of life, as the fiercely independent Mullinix citizenry frown on excessive government interference in their lives after they leave citizenship school.

Much of this happened because the environment of the planet was altered by a massive war, one that had nearly destroyed humankind over two thousand years before. Humans had built weapons that could take down entire cities in a millisecond, but in doing so changed the nature of the world in which the survivors would live.

The magnetic field of the planet had been highly warped to where it would not allow most uses of electricity. Firearms and electronics are unusable without being shielded with tons of lead, an expensive and usually unreliable solution. Technology still survives from the old days, but most of it has been adapted to mechanical solutions that can work in the enhanced magnetic field. Therefore, the people have learned to live without such conveniences to the point that very few people on the planet knew that they had ever existed and fewer still knew how to use that sort of power.

The massive electromagnetic field also had another effect on the people, creating a strong interaction between them and their environments. Some people, usually those with a special talent, could manipulate those fields to their benefit.

Most of these people usually just either have a second sight with it, or a minor ability to use that power to augment their own abilities. Some people in rare cases can use it for offensive and defensive purposes.

These people are generally referred to as power users and are often either revered as gods or reviled as agents of the devil. In the Mullinix Empire, such power users are rare but not unknown as the current Mullinix is one of these power users. An old teacher awakened his abilities during the first few months of his apprenticeship.

Medoferro was a quick study, aided by a massive talent for power use and a situation that required him to learn quickly. His quick ascension to the main Mullinix spot upon the death of Massimaferro put him in the position of having to use his abilities to get a handle on the job, not to mention having to use them to stop a war.

The month of the ascension was a chaotic one, starting with a simple Mullinix tour and ending with a Mavelan invasion of the Cirrus region. Medoferro was forced to use his power to change the course of the battle, making him the first Mullinix in centuries to reveal publicly their ability as a power user.

Ten years had passed since Medoferro's ascension to power and he had grown up quickly. He enjoyed the respect of his people and there had been real peace in the empire for that whole time. Medoferro's accomplishments in the past were many, but his true tests were yet to come.

Chapter 2 - Good Morning

Medoferro sat up in the bed and looked over at the sunrise. He reached over for the cup of morning coffee that Marianna had left for him before he woke up. He had been living with it for ten years, but it still amazed him that the house staff could come in and out of the room without him noticing.

He shook his head and pushed his hair back. He had grown it out in an attempt to look older, as it had become the style for businessmen in the empire to wear it that way. He had been a Mullinix for all his adult life, and in so doing became one of the youngest reigning Mullinix ever, but he still felt like a child when dealing with the nation's business people.

He shook off the thought and drank a little, trying not to spill any on Trinaferro, his long time lover and apprentice Mullinix, who was sleeping curled up against him.

Medo, as the inner circle called him, stroked Trina's dark hair as he drank and watched her stir with a smile on her face. She finally awoke as well and sat up a little to steal his coffee, just as she did most mornings.

Morning sleepyhead, Medo told her, I've been awake for thirty minutes.

Trina took a deep drink of the coffee and tried not to make a face. It was the usual brew, strong enough to wake Medoferro up and enough to send a normal person into shock.

I still don't get how you drink this, Trinaferro said to him, Why are you awake this time?

I don't sleep well. You know that, Medo reminded her, Comes with being a power user.

I think I'll remain glad I'm not one, Trinaferro chuckled and sipped again, You know this really is terrible.

You've said that for years, Medo reminded her, Marianna would make you your own brew for the mornings, you know?

Where's the fun in that? Trina grinned, I'd rather steal yours and complain.

You would, Medo said, smiling at her, Too bad we have to work today.

You got to play with me last night, Trina grinned, Besides, I get to do session with Iggy today instead of you, remember?

Yeah, Medo nodded, I'd rather do session than deal with this.

You usually love seeing Simon again, Trina said, What are you worried about?

Siraq is getting worse, Medoferro said, Simon was just up on the border. I really don't want to deal with that mess up there.

Better to deal with it now than let it fester as it did in Cirrus, Trina said, It's been a decade and we're still feeling aftershocks of LaPorte's treason.

I know, Medoferro said, sticking his tongue out at her, I'll deal with it. Tactics are my area anyway.

We'd probably better get up, Trina sighed, Marina and Sascha will be in to hurry us up otherwise.

Not as though they have much else to do with us going all monogamous on them, Medo said, They'll probably be thrilled to have Simon back as a playmate for a bit.

I heard Roland is spending some nights here now, Trina said, Sounds like Marina and he are starting to get close.

He and Sueta have been on the outs for years, Medo shrugged as he got up and started to get dressed, I think the last of his kids is finishing up schooling. He's due some playtime.

Trinaferro nodded and started putting on her robes. She was going to be giving official session, so she had to dress in the ceremonial robes. The robes had not been designed with the female form in mind, so it did absolutely nothing for her figure.

I hate the way I look in these, Trina frowned, looking at herself in the mirror, I swear someday I will just wear a formal dress for these damned sessions.

You look fine, Trin, Medo said as he went over and kissed her, Trust me.

I do, Trinaferro said, Though you've got as much fashion sense as the average alley cat.

Yeah, yeah, Medo chuckled, Let's go get the day started, shall we?

I guess we need to, Trina agreed as she kissed him back, Good luck with Simon.

I'll need it, Medo agreed, I just hope he hasn't brought me more bad news.

Chapter 3 - Worries on the Border

Insegniferro, ten years into being the Mullinix-Elder, still came down early into his office each morning. He was reading the first reports of the morning when Medoferro and Trinaferro walked into the room.

Anything major overnight? Medo asked him as he took his usual chair, Since I know you've read that thing twice by now.

The usual pleas by your uncle for more people, Insegniferro said as he looked over the rim of his reading glasses at Medo, An update from Stacy on the flood regions outside Connoer. Nothing earth shattering.

Simon should be in today, Trina reminded him, Medo's going to have to deal with it.

Beats session by a long shot, Medo grinned, Speaking of that… Trin, you ready for session?

As much as I ever am, Trina said, No messy ones today though, if I remember what they said about the docket.

I'll sit with you, Trina, Insegniferro said, I'm beginning to enjoy them a bit more now that I don't have to do it so often.

You would, Trina chuckled, That's ok. Most of them are child disputes. I'll save the Murder cases for Medo tomorrow.

Thanks, Medo sighed, You know how much I enjoy those.

One of Medoferro's first cases was a Murder case and he had held a special dislike for them ever since. Unfortunately, his ability as a power user made him more sensitive to truth, so he usually took them if possible.

We need to get moving, Insegniferro told them, Trina needs to get into the garb before she goes out there.

Simon should be here soon, Medoferro nodded, I'll talk with him for a bit. If he doesn't show up for a bit, I'll come out and watch session for a while.

Thanks, Trina chuckled, Just like old times, eh? Only then Iggy was the one on the throne and I was getting to watch.

You got it, Medo smiled, Have fun.

Let's go, Insegniferro said, No need to keep people waiting.

Have fun with Simon, Trina smiled and kissed him on her way out, Let's hope his news isn't too bad.

Medoferro nodded and watched them go into the antechamber to put on the ceremonial garb. Medo shook his head and walked to the kitchen to grab another cup of coffee.

Morning, Marianna said as she saw him, Not doing session today?

Simon is due in, Medo said, I get out of the horror. How goes the kitchen?

Boring, Marianna chuckled, But with you and Trina going all saintly on us it leaves me with little else to do.

Eh, Medo shrugged, It all works out. You cook better than the last girl did.

I'll take that, Marianna agreed, Here for your morning mud?

Yep, I'd like another cup of Massimaferro's blend, Medo nodded, Who knew that would be the most lasting thing for me from Massimaferro's rule?

You and he shared the same love of bad coffee, Marianna agreed, Not that I don't love you and Trina to death…

I know, Medo nodded, I miss him too. But, we still have to go on.

I guess so, Marianna sighed, I miss being the younger temptress I was to him instead of the motherly cook I am to you and Trina.

We all change, Medo said, I'm no longer the young naïve kid I was when I got this job. I long for that sometimes as well.

True, Marianna smiled, At least I'm still useful.

Don't ever think otherwise, Medo smiled as he took the coffee, Good thoughts now. I'll hear enough bad news when Simon comes in.

Don't you ever expect me to bring you good news? Simon Sutcliffe, Medo's long time representative, asked his friend as he walked into the kitchen, I should have figured you would be waiting for me here.

You always come here first, Medo chuckled, And I know where I sent you, remember? I'm not expecting good news because there isn't much to be had up there.

You're right about that, Simon said, Can I have a cup of real coffee, Marianna? Not the crap that Medo drinks?

Coming right up, Marianna smiled, See, someone has taste.

That's what Sascha thinks at any rate, Medo grinned, teasing Simon about his usual playmate, So how bad is it?

Get your coffee, Simon said, I've been traveling on horseback for two days. I need to walk around for a bit.

Right, Medo nodded, grabbing his cup, Let's go.

Marianna handed Simon a cup of java the way he liked it and the two men walked out the back door into the garden area. It was a protected area that the Mullinix could walk and enjoy nature without a retinue of guards.

Ok, Medo said, I take it you didn't want to talk in front of Marianna?

She's a great lady, Simon said, But she isn't good at keeping her mouth shut, never was.

None of the house staff are, Medo agreed, So what is going on?

The problems are getting worse, Simon said as he stretched out, Siraq is disintegrating from the inside.

So Travis wasn't bellyaching for no reason for once? Medo asked him, My uncle has been cabling us daily for more resources up there.

Toria has had to expand to three medicos, Simon said, That little border village isn't what it once was. It is teeming with people now, most of them Siraqis who have escaped the skirmishing inside the border.

Civil war? Medo asked, not liking the sound of that, I thought that the king up there was smarter than that.

He's always been a selfish bastard, Simon agreed, But it has gotten worse over the past two years. It sounds like he's leaving most of the south to their own devices and diverting resources to a project up north.

What type of project? Medo wondered, Whenever he gets crafty there is usually something wrong.

I didn't go over the border very long, Simon said, We'll need to hire someone to do that. Too risky for an official Mullinix representative to do it.

Especially since you are known there, Medo agreed, We can handle that later. Do we need to close the border?

Close the border and there will be a civil war, Simon warned him, Siraq is a powder keg and we've got a lot of people who want to see them join us.

Just what I need, Medo said, A Siraqi liberation movement.

It's a common sentiment up there right now, Simon told him, Skolnik, Massimaferro Village, Ralton and to a lesser extent Hulkensuxor.

Medo nodded and leaned against a tree to sip on his coffee and take a good look at his representative. Simon had gained nearly six inches since they first met, putting him to a strapping six-foot two inches tall. It still disconcerted Medo to have to look up instead of down at that smile. Medo had stalled at five feet nine shortly before he was chosen as apprentice.

So do you have any good news from that area? Medo asked him, Is anything going right?

Yes, Simon nodded, A few things are.

What? Medo wondered.

The system is working, Simon said, The citizenship classes are overflowing, but the Siraqis who cross want a good life here in Mullinix.

So you think that if we throw more people to the education system up there it will be ok? Medo wondered, Somehow I doubt that.

Not so much ok, Simon said, But it will be a start. Those northern areas weren't our most populous anyway. There's not much we can do directly anyway without taking on the King of Siraq and his army.

It's nearly time for trade talks with him, Medo said, I may have to bring it up then.

I figured as much, Simon agreed, Is Roland going with me or are you going to send him because he's better at this?

I don't feel like insulting them right now, Medoferro said, It is enough of a powder keg without that. I do want to know who is on the other side, though. If there's a rival power opening up, we need to know who it is.

Fair enough, Simon agreed, When are we going to look into it?

They haven't made overtures yet, Medo said, I will need to do so soon if they don't.

Give me a few days here first, eh? Simon asked, I need rest, relaxation and a good back rub.

Sascha's been pining for you anyway, Medo grinned, She's been lonely.

I hear that Roland has actually been keeping company here, Simon grinned, He finally leave Sueta?

The last kid is in service school, Medo shrugged, Since he can't stand going home, he rarely does anymore.

About time, Simon nodded, So have you had your fill of bad news for today?

Enough for now, Medo said, I need to digest it anyway. I'm supposed to conference over the line with Paulus down in Cirrus later too.

Who would have thought that area would become one of the quietest? Simon said, shaking his head, You think Facie actually learned from the last time?

I doubt it, Medo sighed, Taking those mountains did wonders for calming down the area, but as long as Facie lives he won't forgive us for routing his troops like that.

Forgive the two of us, you mean, Simon said, It was that fireball that we did that turned the tide.

If he ever makes us do that again I swear I'm dropping the fireball right into his palace in Mavelan City, Medo scowled, I still have nightmares about that damned crater.

Me too, Simon agreed, But not tonight. I don't plan to sleep.

Go on to Sascha, Medo chuckled, I know you've been waiting for her for weeks.

Well, not faithfully, Simon said, But she's definitely worth pining for…

Get moving, you hedonist, Medo chuckled, I'm sure Iggy and Trina will have questions for you tonight, but I've got enough to chew on for now.

Right, Simon said, See you later, buddy.

Medo just shook his head and watched his friend bounce off. Some things never change and Simon was one of them.

Chapter 4 - Cirrus City

Paulus Tally, former representative to Massimaferro and Mullinix Colonel of the Cirrus district of the Mullinix Empire, walked up to the foot of the mountain.

Cirrus City was a much different place than it was when he first moved there full time. It was a beaten area, ravaged by years of Mavelan attacks and mismanagement by his predecessor in the job, the traitorous Colonel Ellis LaPorte.

Cirrus was now a vibrant part of the Mullinix Empire. The city and surrounding areas were finally integrated into the empire. During the Mavelan invasion that coincided with Medoferro's ascension they had taken the high ground that the Mavelan army had used for twenty years to disrupt the area. With the stop of the attacks, everything had changed in Cirrus.

Tally walked through the town, looked at the new empire stone buildings, and smiled with pride. He felt that he had made a difference for those people, and it was routinely said in Cirrus that Paulus was every bit the man that LaPorte had not been.

The only building that remained from the years of siege was the old wooden inn, which remained a shrine to the battle that the Mullinix had to fight for freedom. The roof of that Inn was where Medoferro and Simon created the power construct that won them the battle.

Paulus waved to a few of the locals as he walked past the old Inn. The new Inn was a mile away to be closer to the base, though the old one still stood. It had been turned into a museum by Mullinix decree so that no one would ever forget what it meant to be a Mullinix citizen.

He walked up the foot of the mountain as his body let him feel every one of his fifty-eight years. He hated making this trip, but Cholt had requested his presence directly.

When he made it to the front gate he met two austere Mullinix veterans, both of which looked him over carefully.

Good morning, Paulus said, General Cholt asked for my presence up here.

Yes sir, one of them said, You are expected. I assume you know the way?

I should by now, Paulus agreed, Thank you.

The guard signaled inside for the gate to open. Paulus walked in and followed the dark tunnel until some light finally came up. The fortress was an extensive one, as the Mullinix had found out after routing the Mavelans from it.

Paulus hated the entombed feeling he got in this place, but Cholt had been insistent. He kept going and found the main office. Cholt's secretary, a young woman in the second year of her Mullinix service, looked up and smiled.

Colonel Tally? she asked, General Cholt asked me to have you go in when you came.

Thanks, Paulus said and walked in the door.

Cholt was sitting in his chair, feet up on the desk as they usually were. He was reading reports and didn't particularly notice Paulus. Paulus noticed that Cholt's uniform was as rumpled as always, one of the reasons he liked the man.

Why did you drag me up here, Cholt? Paulus asked him, You know my knees are getting worse.

I need you to report something to Medoferro, Cholt said, looking up, In order for him to believe it you will need to as well.

Believe what? Paulus asked him, Did you find something in the Labyrinth? I thought you finished exploring it years ago?

It's nothing on our side, Cholt said, standing up and putting the reports down, Come on with me. You won't believe this.

Paulus was intrigued. Cholt usually didn't beat around the bush about anything. That was one of the reasons Medoferro put him in charge of the Cirrus military district. Cholt didn't give or take any bullshit.

I'm following you, Paulus said.

Cholt ambled on to the back of the fortress, which had originally been the Mavelan entrance to it. Cut into solid rock, the door had been reinforced since the Mullinix force had moved in, but they had left open a window area so they could watch the Mavelan side of the border down below. From this vantage point with a spyglass you could see for miles into the Mavelans.

I've seen this view before, Paulus protested, Don't tell me they are massing again?

Look, Cholt told Paulus, handing him the spyglass, You tell me.

Paulus took the spyglass and looked out into the neighboring country. Shortly after the failed invasion ten years earlier, King Facie had the remains of that army, or at least those of them that survived the purge, form a large encampment.

They had been largely dormant ever since, mainly a self-defense measure from a country they feared would do the same thing they would have done in the Mullinix position. The Mullinix, however, were perfectly content with just keeping the war in the past.

Paulus looked around, expecting to see what he usually did, a large encampment of Mavelan troops. This area had become their training ground, mainly because they had no other real rivals for power. Sotanberg to the northeast was too big and there was nothing in Damascas to take.

What he saw this time, however, was a group rapidly packing up for deployment. The whole encampment, now half the size it had been when Paulus had seen it a year earlier, was getting ready to go somewhere.

What the hell? Paulus asked Cholt, They're leaving in one hell of a hurry, aren't they?

Yeah, Cholt nodded, I have a source on the other side of the border, gives me information in trade for goods that he can sell over there. Evidently, something is brewing in the south and Facie needs the troops there.

You mean Facie is leaving this border undefended? Paulus asked, surprised, He trusts us as far as I could throw this fortress.

He is furious at us, Cholt said, But evidently whatever is happening in the south is scaring the hell out of him. Did you notice how fast those people are moving?

When did this start? Paulus asked him.

Two days ago, Cholt replied, Half that camp has packed up and left in less than 48 hours. At this rate that camp will be a ghost town by the end of the week.

Gods, Paulus said, looking out a bit more, It usually takes Facie longer than that to figure out how to get his thumb out of his ass.

I think it would behoove us to find out just what the hell is going on in the South Mavelans, Cholt said, I have a few Mavelan speakers I trust for the job, but I'm betting that Medoferro would prefer to have Rav Suvorov run the mission.

You're probably right, Suvorov is better suited to run a job like this, Paulus said, handing the glass back, Medoferro will want to know this as soon as possible. I'm due for a conference with Trina this afternoon. I'll get her to pull him in.

Make sure you get either him or Trinaferro, Cholt said, You know Insegniferro will never set Suvorov loose.

Medoferro makes the decisions, Paulus said, And I agree with you. If it is important enough for Facie to move troops that quick, we need to know what it is.

Something has spooked them, that's for sure, Cholt agreed, You would have thought I was overreacting without seeing this, that's why I got you up here.

You did the right thing, Paulus agreed, I need to get back. I'm sure Medoferro will set things in motion.

If Suvorov needs people let me know, Cholt promised, I usually use them for quick information jaunts, but some may be suited for his longer missions.

Fair enough, Paulus smiled, And they thought separating the guard from the civilian would never work.

Only works cause we do, Cholt reminded him, Get moving, Tally. We've both got work to do.

Paulus nodded and headed off. He just wondered where this was going to lead.

Chapter 5 - Domestic Discourse

Trinaferro put the large headdress on the rack and pulled back her dark hair. Tying it off with a string she did the usual neck stretches that she usually did after wearing that gaudy thing.

I hate that thing, Trina told Iggy, Who on earth decided on it?

I think it dates from the fourth century, Insegniferro told her, The people were demanding a show and they established that costume. We've been using it ever since.

Far be it for me to clash with tradition, Trina said, making a face, At least I don't have to wear it all the time like Medo does.

Your boyfriend got a raw deal, Insegniferro admitted, Worse than I did, even. I at least had six years to get used to the idea. He had less than six months.

I remember, Trina said, Unlike most Mullinix I had an idea of what was going on when I came in.

And you chose to do it anyway, Iggy grinned, Now who's got a raw deal?

I think that would be me, Medo said, walking into the room, What's going on?

Just talking about Tradition, Trina said, rushing over to him and giving him a light kiss, How's Simon doing?

Tired of riding, Medo said, Pretty much confirmed what we've been thinking and given me some other things to think about.

What? Insegniferro asked, More problems.

Things are getting worse in Siraq, Medo confirmed, There is minor skirmishing between the King's troops and rebels. Not sure where the hell they are based.

Wouldn't surprise me if they're being at least egged on by the radical elements in Skolnik and Ralton, Iggy said, We need to watch that and make sure we don't appear to be cooperating with it.

Right, Medo agreed, I will send a representative to see whether we can get the trade talks going. I want the opportunity to ask him what the hell is going on up there.

We need more than his word, Trina said, I've never met him, but from what everyone said he's a lying cheating bastard.

His parentage is known, Iggy said, That's what got him the job. He's the only male child that wasn't a bastard in the literal sense.

Simon wants us to hire someone to check out Siraq proper, Medo said, I think it might not be a bad idea.

Has to be someone not affiliated with us, Iggy said, If they get caught asking too many questions it won't be pretty.

Might be able to get one of the travelers to do it, Trina suggested, They go up to Massimaferro Village all the time to trade. The King allows it because it brings commerce but knows they won't answer to Siraqi law.

It is an idea, Medo agreed, Suvorov would probably know where to find someone to do that as well. He's pretty good at the underside of the security business.

At least now that he's off the sauce, Trina said, Wait a minute, doesn't he speak Siraqi?

Either that or Mavelan, Medo said, Wouldn't that be a bit close though?

Only if he got caught, Iggy said, Couldn't hurt to ask him. He'll know someone if he doesn't want to do it.

I hate this part of the job, Medo said, But we need to know so we know what to expect.

You're learning, Iggy said, We can invite Suvorov up tonight.

Trina is due for a call with Paulus in a few minutes, Medo said, Want me to join in?

I'm tired, Trina said, Think you can take it?

I'm in for this one, Iggy said, Medo and I can handle it.

I'm going to go stretch and do a workout, Trinaferro said, glad to get out of it, You boys can handle this. I've also got a new letter from my sister.

Very well, Medo said, You can handle the report sifting afterwards.

Very nice, Trina said, making a face, I'll think about it.

Just so long as thoughts turn into action all is well, Medo grinned, Right, Iggy?

Perception is reality, Iggy agreed, So they say. I'm getting less and less entangled in that.

Well perceive me telling you where to get off, Trina said sweetly as she headed off, See you at dinner, guys.

Medo and Iggy just chuckled and headed off to talk to Paulus Tally over the circuit system.

Chapter 6 - A Minor Quake

I don't know what to make of it, Medo said to Iggy as they left the communications room, What the hell is Facie up to this time?

I don't know, Insegniferro admitted, Maybe he has a new threat to the south that we don't know about?

I personally know nothing of the nations down there, Medo admitted, I never really thought about what was south of the Mavelans. I know intellectually there has to be something, because Facie isn't strong enough to wipe the floor with us and the continent is too big for them to go that far south, but I didn't think there was anything organized.

There never has been, Iggy admitted, South of the Mavelans was a polyglot of small fiefdoms, none of whom really answered to anyone else.

I'm amazed no one tried to build anything bigger? Medo said, What is it like down there?

I've never been, the furthest I've been is the imperial city of Sotanberg, Iggy said, That was forty years ago, when Tali and I made the trip. I was in my second year of apprenticeship.

Why do I get the feeling we need to know more about what is going on down there? Medo said, Facie hates our guts, he's just been waiting for a chance to send his troops back over the border again. Something big has to be going on.

I still have informal contacts with our counterparts in Sotanberg, Insegniferro said, thinking, He mentioned that they had been in a battle to the south a few years back. We're overdue for correspondence, anyway, so I'll send a message asking what they know about to the south of the Mavelans.

Sounds like a good plan, Medo agreed, I want to know before it gets out of hand.

They walked together and headed to the common area, figuring that Trinaferro probably was there working on her paperwork after her workout. She needed to know what they had found out as well.

Suddenly, a shaking visibly made the stone building move. Medoferro looked around and saw that the magnetic fields that he was used to seeing in a stable formation were going in directions that he wasn't used to.

Get to a doorway! Medo yelled, It's the most stable part!

Insegniferro, knowing Medo's abilities, followed his advice and made for the doorway. Medo tried to stabilize the waves around him, but the disruption was too massive, all he could do was hold on like Insegniferro did.

The two men held on as the palace shook. Medoferro felt powerless as he heard cracking in some areas and thought he heard a building collapse in another part of the capitol.

Nearly two minutes after it had begun the waves started righting themselves and the shaking stopped, leaving the capital at rest, finally. Medoferro watched in wonder as things went back to normal.

What the hell was that? someone yelled, Is everyone all right?

It was an earthquake, Insegniferro said, You all right, Medo?

Yeah, Medo nodded, shaking his head a little, Just a bit shook up. I think I heard a building collapse.

I didn't notice anything, Iggy said, I'll check on the house staff. If a building did collapse go find Simon.

Yeah, Medo agreed, He and I can try to pull people out. Good thinking, Iggy.

Glad I'm good for something, Iggy mumbled, Now go!

Chapter 7 - Rescue

Simon! Medoferro yelled as he headed to the front, Where are you?

What the hell was that? Simon exclaimed, climbing down the stairs and pulling a shirt on, I promised Sascha that I'd make the earth move, but I didn't mean that literally!

Earthquake, Medo said unnecessarily, Something collapsed, I'm not sure what but we'd best find out and damned quick.

Yeah, Simon nodded, Where's Trin?

Hell if I know, Medo said, She was supposed to be doing paperwork.

They ran to the office and found Trinaferro sitting on the floor shaking her head a little. Part of the decorative ceiling tile had come off and she looked as though she had been hit.

You ok, Trin? Medo asked her, getting down there, Looks like you caught some of that tile.

I'm ok, Trinaferro assured him, I've never been through a quake like this.

Neither have I, Medo admitted, Something collapsed out there though. We need to find out what.

Go, Trina told him, If there's a collapse they will need you and Simon.

Find your sister's power user formula, ok? Medo said, I have a feeling we'll need some.

Yep, Trina agreed, Right after I get someone to patch this gash on my head.

Medo took a good look at her to make sure that she wasn't underestimating her injury. She smiled at him and he knew she was fine. He grabbed Simon and they headed out into the courtyard.

Mullinix, a young guard said, saluting Medoferro, Are you all right, sir?

I'm fine, Medo said, What collapsed?

It came from the school area, the young guard said, I was going to go there, but the captain said to stay here.

Good, Medo nodded, Grab four others and follow me.

Yes sir! the guard exclaimed.

The guard found four others and they followed Medoferro and Simon as they made their way to the service center grounds. They were familiar with the area as it was where they first met.

That's not good, Simon exclaimed, There was a building there a couple hours ago!

Medoferro muttered an expletive and ran full out for the collapsed building. Several dozen people were there already, most of them trying to pull out the students.

How many people were in there? Medo asked.

It came down too quick, one dust covered boy said between coughs, I barely made it out.

We need more power users, Simon muttered, This is a disaster of the first magnitude.

No kidding, Medo said, Could be up to five hundred people in there.

Medoferro! a familiar voice said, A word?

Medoferro turned around and saw a familiar face. The old man he had trained with ten years earlier was standing there with his usual serious look. He had not changed much, looking as strong and as old as he had ten years earlier.

I should ask why you've come, Medoferro said, But it is obvious.

You need power users, the old man said, I have friends with me that are power users as well.

The old man indicated the three people that were standing behind him. They were all young, looking a bit younger than Medoferro and Simon, but neither one would look a gift horse in the mouth at this point.

We'll take all the help we can get, Medo said, How good are they?

A smile formed on the tallest of the group, one that mixed a little bemusement with mirth. Medoferro and Simon recognized the look as they had seen it among very capable people in the past.

We know what we're doing, the tall man said, It is a pleasure to meet you, Mullinix.

I didn't mean to be condescending, Medo said, It's been a long day.

It's all right, he said, Let's get these kids out of here, shall we?

They may know what they're doing, Simon said, But I sure as hell don't.

Probably the best thing to do is to scan for life waves, the tall man said, Can you do that?

I can, Medo said, Simon probably can't, but I can use him to boost me through a thicker area.

You can augment each other? the young blonde woman asked impressed, I didn't realize the old man taught that.

I don't, he said, They puzzled it out on their own.

The girl nodded and looked very impressed by that piece of information.

There will be time for that later, Medoferro said, Let's get these kids out of here.

It worked that way for the next two hours. The power users worked in teams to find any living victims. They were all dead tired when Trinaferro showed up with the potions. Medoferro and the tall man were sitting silently fighting the effects of reaction headaches by this point.

Here, Trina said as she handed a bottle of horrible tasting liquid to Medoferro, How is it going?

We've saved fifty or more, Medo said, Thank gods we have the old man's friends here.

I'm just glad we were around, the tall man said, Is that what I think it is?

It's a brew my sister passed on to me for power users, Trina nodded, Do you need one?

Yes, the tall man nodded, It's been a while since I've worked myself this hard.

Those reaction headaches are a bitch, Medoferro agreed, I never did catch your name?

Mason, he said, I guess I don't have to ask yours.

I try to forget about that, Medo said, taking a drink of the foul liquid, Right now I'm just another power user trying to get kids out of this mess.

Where is Simon? Trina asked him, He'll need some of this too.

He was assisting Karen, Mason said, Last I saw them they were assisting Jim with a lift and push.

I almost think I need to take lessons from you, Medo said, You know things that I've never even read about.

We have had more time to practice and experiment than you have, Mason said, You've got enough problems.

Right, Medo nodded, Probably should bring some of these to them, Trin.

Medo! Simon yelled, We need you over here! Quick!

Medo and Mason stood up and ran over to Simon's voice. The young blonde girl was straining as she pushed power towards a piece of stone that was teetering.

There are three of them under there, Simon explained, But if that stone goes they are dead.

We can move it, one of the workers said, getting waved off by the old man.

You go under that you'll die too, the old man said, Let the power users handle it.

I can't hold it for much longer, the girl said, Jim, can you get in?

I can't penetrate your force without you releasing it, Jim said, Mase, we need some help here.

Let me try something, Medoferro said, I'm going to create a construct. Simon, when I light up the entrance, start throwing power, but carefully. I don't want you to drain.

Simon nodded and waited for Medoferro to do his work. Medoferro made what was essentially a magnetic power jack, one that could feed off the power supply given to it. When he had it working underneath the rock, he lit the entrance for Simon. Simon started pushing power slowly, increasing until he could take over.

I'm letting go, Medo said, Karen, slowly release and let Simon take the weight. He's better positioned for it than you are.

Karen nodded and slowly released. The slab dropped a little, but the power jack that Simon was funneling into kept it in place.

Good job, Mason said, Now we need to get that thing out of there.

Can either of you feed? Medo asked, We need to know where those kids are.

I can, Jim said, Just show me where. Light it up for me like you did Simon.

Medo nodded and looked at the young man that was going to feed him. It was the first time in a decade of power use that he'd used anyone's stream but Simon's. Jim had long, stringy and very unkempt hair, but his eyes also had a look of experience. He readied the construct and lit it up.

Let's go, Medo said, Feed me so I can find them.

Jim did so, pushing slowly and more gently than Simon ever could. Simon's touch was like a battle axe compared to Jim's katana. Medo went deeply, finding a clear picture. This area was a stairwell that went to a basement. There were ten kids in various states of consciousness.

Medo tried to break the contact, but he wasn't used to the touch of Jim's power and got pulled in to him a little. He started seeing many things he knew he shouldn't have been, but was powerless to pull himself out.

Damn, Mason said, Jim, push him out!

Jim pushed back against Medoferro, sending him falling over as he roughly came out of Jim's power stream. Trinaferro went over to him and had him sip out of the bottle.

You ok? Trina asked him.

Not used to his power stream, Medo coughed, Sorry.

Power sharing is a pain in the ass, Mason said, Don't sweat it. How many were there?

Ten, Medo said, All still alive. Looks like the base of a stairwell.

How deep? the old man asked.

A good bit, Medo said, Not sure I would have seen it with just Simon.

I don't care, Simon grumbled, Hurry up, will ya?

We need to create a power slide, Mason said, Karen and Jim will feed me. Medo, try to do a guide to help the slab fall out of the way.

Right, Medo said, glad for the lighter role, Let's see how you do.

Mason created the power slide, using the power in a way that was alien to Medoferro. Medo watched in wonder as he created two separate entry points for the power. Jim and Karen pushed their power in, to create a near solid barrier for the piece.

Medo, Mason said, We've got the guides, give it a push and dissolve the construct you created with Simon.

Medoferro nodded and went over to the side where Simon was sweating. Simon pushed the power and looked at Medo. Medo watched the construct and made sure it would dissolve as he needed.

Simon, Medo said, I'm going to start pushing on the rock. When I say let go, withdraw power and let it fall.

Do it quick or you won't be able to control it, Simon grunted, I'm about to pass out here!

Medoferro nodded and took a deep breath. He pushed the slab with a concerted push of power and found it moving a bit with him. He told Simon to let go and gave a full power push to get it started.

When the construct collapsed, so did Simon and so did the slab. Mason's construct held it, however and it slid along the track that he intended. The old man went over as it fell and when it stuck he used power blows to crack the slab so it would fall apart and let the rest of it fall.

When the large slab was out of the way the building was stabilized using wood by the workers and the power users all retreated and collapsed until Trinaferro brought them the awful liquid that made them feel better.

Ok, Medoferro said, You guys are good.

We've had more time to practice, Jim said, You rule a nation. We're nobodies who have time to play with this stuff.

I wouldn't go that far, Karen said, But we've had more time.

Thanks for being here, Simon said in between sips, Any advice for us?

Not that we could implement without more training than you would have time for, Mason said, For what you use it for you are probably better than we are. I've never been all that good at truth telling and word is you're as good as Taliaferro was.

I try, Medoferro said, Look over there!

The workers finally cleared a passage and got the first of the kids out. This brought a cheer from the crowd as they were taken out one by one. Two hours later and a lot of scanning later they ran out of live ones.

This isn't going to be pretty, Medo said, At least a hundred kids died in there.

It would have been more if it hadn't been for you and the old man's people, Simon told him, We saved the lion's share of them. All told it wasn't too bad.

I want all the buildings checked, Medoferro said, Until they are judged sound and we know what happened to cause the quake the students can stay in tents in the main yard.

I'll set that up, Trinaferro promised, You and Simon need to go sleep. That potion only helps so much and if you don't sleep soon you'll have a reaction headache for a week.

I can do that, Medo said, I want people to look into this. I want to know why the building came down and what started the quake.

Iggy and I can do that, Trina said, You go to bed now. I'll have Marina strap you in if you don't go willingly.

Now that's a game I haven't played in years, Medo grinned, Rather play it with you later though.

We'll talk about it, Trina said dryly, Where's the old man?

He and his people departed to get out of the way, Simon said, Told me to tell you that you could come see him later.

After I sleep, Medo nodded, Ok. It's nearly midnight. Session is cancelled tomorrow. We'll deal with the rest of it later.

Chapter 8 - The Ancient Ones

The old man reclined on his chair, stretching out for a bit of comfort. He sipped on a bit of the liquid that Trinaferro had insisted he take with him and was amazed that it worked so well.

If only I'd had this years ago, the old man said, I could have avoided many headaches.

I'd like to meet the woman who made it, Mason agreed, The kid is every bit as good as you said he was, by the way.

Easily as good as Taliaferro, the old man agreed, Maybe better because he's practiced it more. I may be biased though because I taught Medo.

He has more of the talent than Taliaferro did, Mason said, shaking his head, Tali couldn't master the art of making constructs like Medo did today.

I was impressed, Karen said, Worth the trip, that's for sure.

Why the hell are you here anyway? the old man said, Nice dancing around your identities, by the way.

There are very few people still living in Mullinix who have seen us in person, Mason reminded him, You and a few of your contemporaries. Most of them are so senile they don't remember us at all.

That doesn't answer the main question, the old man said, Why are you here, Mason?

Bolantine, Mason said, I'm sure Medoferro has heard by now that the Mavelan troops have packed up in one hell of a hurry.

I've heard of him, the old man said, You mentioned him when you were here when I was young.

Son of a bitch is older than I am, Mason said, the dislike apparent, Just like me he doesn't know how to stay dead.

Neither does Nikki, Karen said, She made it through the cataclysm too.

Who is Nikki? the old man asked, Or do I want to know?

Nikki is the one person who loves Bolantine, Karen said, She's just as rotten as he is too. A real cowgirl that one.

Cowgirl? the old man asked.

Pre-cataclysmic expression,