Cathexis: Sorcerer's Ring

By Philip Blood

Cathexis is a four book epic fantasy series. In the third book, Sorcerer's Ring, the epic saga of the Ardellen family continues. The evil necromantic council is aligned against them, and they must go through the darkness before reaching the epic conclusion in the fourth and final novel of the Cathexis Series. This third book sees the young sorcerer unlocking his full aura power, and leaving his school on a rescue mission that can change the course of a world war. He only has his aura skills and the support of his small group of friends against enemies of vast power and resources. An evil has been working in secret for hundreds of years, and this band of heroes must walk through the fire and dark halls of history to save the lives of two women, one kidnapped by necromancers, one frozen by evil priests. In Sorcerer’s Ring many of the secrets previously only foreshadowed are fully revealed. The Gordian knot is tightening, but all will be resolved in the grand climax. Join the Ardellen family on this exciting action packed adventure. Wars, magic battles, ancient evil, alternate planes of existence, horrid creatures and dark plots all tangled in a battle for control of the world. This is high fantasy with the darkest of evil against the purest of good. Love, sacrifice, friendship, revenge, betrayal, and triumph all wrapped up in one massive tale. Come join the Ardellens and experience the world of Cathexis as the story continues to unfold in book three, Sorcerer's Ring.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Philip Blood
• Release date: Jul 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465775368

Philip Blood

Philip Blood is a published author currently living in the Los Angeles suburbs. He is an avid scuba diver, a voracious reader of sci-fi and fantasy, a tabletop gamer (from way back), and a computer game junkie with MMOs being the top of his list.Mr. Blood recently finished the third and final novel in his Zone series, this one called Brethren of the Ark and will soon publish book 9 in his urban fantasy series, The Archimage Wars: Warlok of Sheol. Book 1 through 8 are all available now with just one more to come to finish the series. Book 10 will be finished by the end of 2020. In addition, he works on creating Audio Plays for his novels, with five already available and more to come!He also recently went back to his very first fantasy epic series, Cathexis, and did a deep re-write, fixing may of the writing issues of a young author (he wrote it 30 years ago) while leaving the story intact. All four books have been re-written and are now available in ebooks or print versions.Finally, Mr. Blood has begun outlining a new, more traditional, fantasy epic, which he will start writing in 2021. The series is called, Kingdoms of Magic.

Book preview

CATHEXIS

Book Three

Sorcerer’s Ring

by

Philip Blood

Version 6.04

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PUBLISHED BY:

Philip Blood

Cathexis: Sorcerer’s Ring

Copyright © 2011 by Philip Blood

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Dedication

Sorcerer’s Ring is about family coming together, through thick and thin. It is a story about life and those you love coming to your aid when you are in need. I have had to face my own darkness in life, as we all have and my family and friends have always been there to lift my spirit and be there when I needed them, to face whatever comes, together.

I’d like to dedicate this novel to three special people, my immediate family, two of whom are gone, but not forgotten.

First to my father and namesake, who faced his death with honor and dignity, passing away not too long ago. He has always been one of my greatest inspirations and he kept teaching me by example right to his last moment. It was my honor to know Philip Rushton Blood.

And secondly, to my mother, Dixie Lee Blood. She was the strength in my life as I grew up, always there in the back of my mind, my Conscience. Though my father inspired me, my mother supported me through every moment. She always believed in me and I miss her terribly.

Finally, to my sister, Rhonda, who has a strength that is hard to measure. She has faced her trials in life and continues to love and support her family, myself included. When my darkest hour was upon me, my sister was there and lent me her strength and hope; she never gave up on me and never will. She is in Elizabeth Ardellen and little does she know, but much of that character’s strength and beauty were taken from knowing my sister. It is not by accident that Elizabeth’s son was named Michael and that she was parted from him at an early age. Thank you, Rhonda… for everything.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

Sorcerer’s Ring is the third novel in the Cathexis series. It begins with a history that tells what happened in the first and second books, Necromancer’s Dagger and Conspirator’s Coin. This history is only meant as a reminder of what happened. I HIGHLY recommend that you read the first and second novels before reading Sorcerer’s Ring or this history will spoil the story for you without giving you all the details you need to enjoy this tale. However, if you have already read the first two books in Cathexis and you want a reminder of what happened… here you go, otherwise, you can skip to the Prologue – DUKE GURZLITCH.

FROM THE HISTORIES OF THE ARDELLEN FAMILY – (Recap of Books 1 & 2)

In the once fair city of Tarnelin, in the country of Lindankar, the Ardellen family once ruled in peace, but three conspirators gathered: A necromancer named CAracusS, a Tchulian mercenary officer, named Harland Von Dracek, and a mysterious noble, the ruler of a neighboring country. They planned to kill Lady Elizabeth Ardellen, the sorceress and wife of Jatar Ardellen, ruler of Lindankar. And they planned to murder his one-year-old son. The plot succeeded, provisionally, Jatar’s body was killed in a battle with the necromancer, a Darknull beast, and the Tchulian merc, but the necromancer managed to bring the body back to life and take it for his own with the use of a Cathexis dagger.

Jatar’s spirit, though meant to be consumed by the Darknull, was released when his body temporarily died and went to the cathexis signet ring currently on loan to his cousin, G’Taklar. At that time, he was a prisoner in a faraway land, held by Tchulians. With Jatar’s help, communicating through the cathexis ring, G’Taklar escaped the Tchulian dungeon but lost the ring after hiding it in an old dagger with a trick hilt.

Lady Ardellen, pursued by the conspirators, took her son to the Kirnath School, where she left him to be raised, but placed her family’s secret cathexis earring in his ear so that her imprint could teach and guide him as he grew up. She knew she could not take him to the dangerous battles she must endure to ready an army for when he had grown to a man.

Elizabeth found a tough fighting girl named Poison, who had an uncanny resemblance to Elizabeth. The Sorceress borrowed her identity and used it to infiltrate the largest bandit group in Autrany, the land of her birth. Elizabeth was next in the line of succession for her country that had been overrun by an invading army, secretly controlled by the necromantic council. She killed the Bandit leader, who was in league with the necromancers, and took control of the bandits, revealing herself as Lady Ardellen and turning them into the beginning of the army to retake Autrany from the Usurper.

The necromancer, named RIveK, who had controlled the leader of the bandits, arrived and tried to kill Elizabeth, but the sorceress instead banished her projected body, nearly destroying the necromancer. Incensed, RIveK tried to figure out how to keep the necromantic council from killing her for her failure in Autrany and she came upon the idea of having a child by Jatar, the body now controlled by the person RIveK hated most in the world, CAracusS, her husband. She went to him, seduced him, and got with Jatar’s child, then left. She figured that since she was now pregnant with the Ardellen heir to the throne, the council would need to let her live.

Ten years later, Michael had grown to a young lad at the school, as a cleaning drudge. At the age of eleven, when he finally got the cathexis earring back from his foster mother, he was at last able to communicate with his real mother’s imprint within the ring. For his continued safety, she kept his identity secret from him and he called her ‘Conscience’.

With the help of a young girl named Adrienne, Michael finally became one of the students at the school, learning how to use his aura powers. He was well behind the other students, but when his mother’s imprint in the cathexis earring secretly tutored him, he soon caught up and passed those of his age.

Michael ran afoul of a nobleman’s son, named Smeil. The older boy bullied him whenever possible and eventually was expelled from the school, leaving Michael with a sour opinion of nobles in general.

But with Smeil gone, Michael still wasn’t safe. There was a traitor at the school, code-named Raven and she was under order of the conspirators to kill the heir to the Lindankar throne if he came to the school. Nevar, the Headmaster’s secretary and a Kirnath Initiate, was Raven and she suspected but did not know if the boy known as Steffan (really Michael) was the Lindankar heir. Just in case, she planted a compulsion in his mind that if he ever heard that his name was Michael Ardellen he would drop into a coma.

The Necromantic council brought a powerful Darknull Duke into the world and then gave it a taste of the soul of Michael’s half-brother Andreg, son of RIveK. Then they made a bargain with it. The beast would locate and consume Michael Ardellen’s soul.

Elizabeth Ardellen learned of the possible location of her husband’s cathexis ring, lost these past eleven years. The message was delivered by two men named: Scion and Boot. They had met Jatar’s long lost cousin, G’Taklar, in Ghanter, a distant desert country. The message told Elizabeth the location of the ring, hidden in an ancient dagger hilt and that G’Taklar had been searching for it for all these years.

Lady Ardellen decided to go and recover the ring so she could at least speak with the imprint of her husband. Elizabeth had no idea that his spirit was also in the ring, she thought that his soul had been destroyed by the Darknull long ago.

Word had come to Elizabeth, from Becaris, one of Michael’s six knight protectors, that one of Jatar’s three foster brothers was a traitor. He had helped to kill her husband and put a necromancer on his throne, but Elizabeth didn’t know if the information was true, or which of the three was the traitor. When she left on the quest to retrieve the dagger, two of those foster brothers ended up going with her: Verdew Kestle, ruler of Belorn, and Pellev Welter, ruler of Tazlany. One of them was the traitor.

Hetark, another of Michael’s Knight Protectors, went with Elizabeth, as did Poison, the girl whose identity Elizabeth had once used and who had now become one of her generals in the Autrany army. Finally, an Autrany soldier and friend of Elizabeth’s, Quarrel, also went along. Over the years, Hetark and Poison had fallen in love, though neither had admitted it to the other, the war had kept them apart.

On the road to Ghanter, their group passed through a city and picked up a street urchin, a girl who had been the sole survivor of a street gang killed by the necromancer, RIveK, back when the urchin had been only a child. Poison took Sorrow under her wing, but the girl was driven to destroy evil, particularly the necromancers… and RIveK most of all.

Their group posed as traveling performers doing martial and ‘magic’ acts and they eventually got an audience with the Seeghe of Ghanter, the country’s ruler. During their performance at the Seeghe’s palace, Elizabeth was supposed to sneak off and steal back the dagger, now in the Seeghe’s weapon collection, but the traitor in their group had other plans. He attracted the Darknull that was seeking a particular sword, currently strapped to the Seeghe’s side. The traitor also shot and killed the Seeghe of Ghanter, causing their group to have to flee and fight their way out of the palace. The traitor took the black sword from the Seeghe before the Darknull arrived and used his secret aura powers to mask Blacksoul’s evil presence from Elizabeth.

The Darknull arrived right after Elizabeth’s party escaped and saved the mortally wounded Seeghe’s life, but took his body and mind over as his slave.

Elizabeth discovered that the dagger was now in the High Temple, the seat of power for Ghanter’s only religion and that the blade was to become their new sacrificial dagger. They worshiped a God named Chejha, who looked like a cross between a fangclaw beast and a human. His priests used aura power to change their bodies into the likeness of their god when they wanted, though it destroyed their immortal souls to do so.

Elizabeth had met up with Scion and Boot and using their local knowledge, hired the two rogues to help them obtain the dagger. The entire group went into the Temple, leaving only Sorrow, the street urchin Poison had rescued and Quarrel, the Autrany archer, to guard their retreat.

In the temple, everything went awry because the traitor made sure they did not succeed. He managed to use his secret aura powers to assist in exposing Elizabeth as one of the hated Kirnath. Then he helped the High Priest of Ghanter freeze Elizabeth while she was standing at the top of their sacrificial altar, holding the dagger she had sought in her hand triumphantly.

During their various battles with the shape-changing priests, Hetark had been wounded and was now aura infected. Elizabeth had been healing him, but could not completely cure him of this malady. During the final battle in the High Temple, Hetark started to make the full change into one of Chejha’s creatures. He was caught in the same spell with Elizabeth and frozen a few steps down from the Altar where Elizabeth was also held in suspended animation.

Boot, Scion’s best friend, was killed during the escape and Quarrel sacrificed himself to get the others free, but Elizabeth and Hetark were left on the altar, frozen in time. The rest of them learned that they would both be sacrificed on that same altar in three years, at the Ja Kema Holy Festival, but would remain frozen until that time. Poison swore to rescue Elizabeth and Hetark before that happened.

When the Darknull finally left Ghanter, he ordered the subjugated Seeghe to apprehend anyone who came to rescue Elizabeth.

With Elizabeth unable to return, and Autrany still at war with the necromancer’s armies, the country and army had no leader. Poison was convinced by Scion and others, to assume Elizabeth’s identity. The two women looked uncannily alike, with only hair color, eyes, and height being slightly different. One of the Kirnath Adepts in on this scheme, changed Poison’s hair and eye color to match Elizabeth and used his powers to fake Elizabeth’s healing arts whenever Poison needed to pretend to be a sorceress.

At the Kirnath School, the Darknull found Michael. The beast took Chrystan, one of Michael’s friends, deep into a cave as bait to lure Michael to his death. Michael went after Chrystan, but to save his friend’s soul from destruction, Michael was forced to kill his friend Chrystan. The Darknull escaped and collapsed the cave in on Michael, but Michael’s incredible aura shielded him and allowed him to rise up and out of what was supposed to be his grave. Michael grew a tree at that place to mark his friend's grave and swore to learn more and become an Adept so that he could hunt down and kill the Darknull beast that had come into his life and caused his friend’s death.

Duke Gurzlitch fled the power of Michael’s aura and the Darknull beast headed back to the necromancers that had summoned him to this world. And now…

CATHEXIS

Book Three

Sorcerer’s Ring

PROLOGUE - DUKE GURZLITCH

Duke Gurzlitch thirsted for the soothing taste of human souls ripped from their bodies in pain and agony. The Darknull beast hurled itself across the world toward the place where the necromancer had summoned it into this world.

Upon its arrival, impending doom fell on the unsuspecting servants of RIveK's fortress, like the lid of a closing coffin. The Darknull, born of relentless hunger, stormed through the halls. With it came the unmistakable presence of death.

The deranged Darknull rode a cresting wave of fury. It had suffered the humiliation of defeat at a Kirnath boy's hand. It could hardly fathom such an event, and it now fueled the Duke's rising tide of insanity. It shrieked through the necromancer's fortress, searching for RIveK. Ultimately, its need for revenge was thwarted; RIveK had long since departed her demesnes for the capital of Lindankar, taking her son Andreg along for the journey.

The evil specter cornered one of RIveK's servants. The shaking man collapsed in terror as his senses tried to understand the alien creature's indefinable evil presence. Waves of sickness washed over his mind like a wave of sewer water. The afflicted man curled into a fetal position on the cold stone floor, the horror of his worst nightmare looming over his body.

Duke Gurzlitch lacked the patience or desire to preserve the servant's mind, so it did not bother wasting energy projecting an image that the human intellect could easily handle.

Its undiluted presence blasted the man's mind into madness.

The Darknull bore down, consuming and torturing the servant's spirit while also absorbing the details of the man's memory. Finally, it found what it sought, RIveK's location. As soon as the information was torn from the wrecked mind, Duke Gurzlitch finished off the cowering mass by ingesting the remainder of this human’s soul. In its wounded state, the Darknull desperately needed the energy it could only take from consuming souls. It sped around RIveK's fortress, shucking the souls off the rest of the terror-filled staff. The Duke murdered their bodies as it drank their souls, gorging itself on the essential power it needed to heal its wounds.

The Duke finally stopped feeding when only soulless husks were left within the fortress. It had only regained a portion of its needs, but there were no other souls to consume. However, it had drunk enough that the creature's mind finally started to function again. The creature of darkness started contemplating its options. As the Duke saw things, it only had two choices. It could seek more souls to feed upon until it regained enough power to attack the Kirnath boy again. The other choice was to return home, to the Dark Plane, and report its findings to its current ruler, the Magnate. The Duke had confirmed that their Emperor was trapped within a human's sword and that information was vital to the Magnate.

The Duke knew it was also his duty to report the existence of the Kirnath boy; a new sorcerer wielding vast power on this human plane. That boy might be as strong as the entity who trapped their Emperor within the sword, long ago.

Regretfully, the Duke made its decision; it would forgo revenge for the nonce and return to the Darkness to make its vital report. Besides, it considered, there will always be another night for revenge.

The Darknull headed for Lindankar's capital where it had learned RIveK was located; it needed her to open the gate back to the Dark Plane where its leader waited.

In Tarnelin's palace, Duke Gurzlitch located RIveK in her room and entered through the open window in a rush of foul air.

The necromancer looked up from polishing her red nails. The foul presence of the Darknull was unmistakable, but she purposely avoiding any reaction of surprise or concern. She took one last look at her nails by holding the slim hand before her eyes before setting down her file. Then RIveK stood and faced the dark creature without deference.

Have you finally destroyed the Ardellen heir? she inquired like speaking to a servant and expecting to hear confirmation.

At her tone, the Darknull moved closer, wanting to intimidate the necromancer. He was too strong. You fools should have warned me! It will take a more powerful being than I to finish this Kirnath sorcerer. One such as he has not walked this world since the betrayer.

You couldn't kill one Kirnath boy? RIveK exclaimed in disbelief. And who is this betrayer? she wondered.

Take him on yourself, little necromancer; he'll burn you down to ash. However, should you foolishly wish to face him, I'll help you to your grave. You won't find him with his mother; he is living at the Kirnath School and goes under the name of Steffan, the Darknull explained.

He's so strong that you won't face him again?

The most potent soul I have ever experienced. I must go now and report to my seniors on this new power. Open the gate; I relinquish you from our bargain.

Because you couldn't accomplish your end! RIveK yelled in anger. Bearing the news of this failure to the Council would not look good for RIveK's position.

Open the gate or face me yourself; if you dare! the Duke replied, approaching RIveK with his dreadful presence.

Turning her back in disdain, the necromancer concentrated. A gate to the Dark Plane ripped open at her bidding. Begone, then! she called with a wave of her hand.

The wounded Duke nearly leaped on the back of the scornful necromancer, but it contained itself. Their bargain still held it and the information on the Emperor had to reach the Magnate.

RIveK felt it leave the room as it oozed through the open gate into the Dark Plane.

She closed the gate with a wave of her hand and some applied power. The council will have to be told, she thought, not relishing the task of bringing in the bad news. Perhaps the information on where Michael Ardellen is located will help to sweeten the taste.

Posing as a menial servant, G'Taklar carefully removed his ear from RIveK's door and continued down the hallway. He kept his broom sweeping while displaying the dull expression of a cleaning drudge on his face. Under his clothes, he was sweating from things other than hard work. He had just learned that Elizabeth's son was at the Kirnath School and that one of the necromancers now knew it as well. The heir to the throne was no longer safe. G'Taklar decided it was time to return to Autrany with this dire news; something would have to be done about young Michael's safety.

The next morning, RIveK went to supervise the training of her son in the Tarnelin palace practice grounds.

Andreg was there, doing warming exercises to limber up his muscles. At thirteen, Andreg was growing rapidly, in both height and maturity. RIveK watched his young muscles rippling under the tight leggings with satisfaction, he was coming along well.

He chose a thin rapier from the weapon rack and practiced some lunges to get the feel of the blade while continuing his warm-up. Five sour-faced men shuffled in under the watchful eyes of two palace guardsmen.

RIveK took a seat in one of the overlooking balconies that surrounded the palace courtyard. They had converted the garden into an improvised practice ground.

Andreg's personal trainer arrived with another stack of weapons, which he placed on one of the tables that lined the south wall. He was a large man, with a barrel chest and had deep-set eyes hiding beneath protruding brows. His black mustache was cut so that the ends hung down below his chin.

RIveK had personally recruited the brute of a man. He was a renegade Tchulian instructor who had turned to thievery with a brigand band. She had met him at a hanging, his own. He had been slated to swing when she had ridden into town. His proud stature when they had marched him to the gallows caught her interest so she had stopped the guards so she could speak with the condemned man. Her fine clothes and expensive carriage proclaimed her a noble, so the guards had complied.

When she learned that the condemned man had taught swordsmanship in the Tchulian officer’s academy, she bribed the captain of the guard into putting the man in her armed escort’s custody. For the past three years, he had been teaching Andreg swordsmanship. Though he would never admit it to the boy, the man found Andreg an apt pupil.

Do you remember our last discussion about anger and its use in a sword fight? the swordmaster asked Andreg.

Yes, Hissan, the boy answered, addressing the swordmaster by his title.

Good, then I want to see that applied against your first opponent. Don't disappoint me or you'll receive another training scar today.

I won't, Hissan.

Good. The swordmaster went to the five waiting men and brought the first out into the center of the yard. He handed the man a blunted practice sword and stepped back. Fight well and you shall be released with a fat purse. Fight poorly and the boy will kill you; failing that, I will kill you, he told the man.

The man took an on-guard position. He swallowed with a dry mouth and his Adam's apple went up and down his throat. The sword was shaking in his grip.

Andreg estimated that he could take the man easily. This first opponent held his sword in a poor grip and the point was too high. He had never fought anyone as small as Andreg. As the man inched forward, the young boy used the time to inspect the other four men he would be facing during the morning's practice. He wanted to know which to save his best moves for in case any of them were decent swordsman.

He noted that the fourth in line was not showing the nervousness of the other three; that could mean he was more confident of victory. Andreg decided to save his best tricks for that opponent.

His attention returned to his current adversary, who had stopped his advance and was waiting for Andreg. The boy moved forward but stopped a pace from the sphere of engagement to study the nervous man for a moment. Not wanting to incur the wrath of his hated instructor, Andreg launched his attack with a verbal barb. A sneer of disrespect crossed his face as he said, Can't they find any real men in Lindankar? I've seen derenne with thicker arms and shorter noses for that matter, he exclaimed, putting all the royal disdain he could into his speech.

The man began muttering under his breath and readjusted the grip on the hilt of the practice sword.

The sword he held had a blunted tip and the edge was dull; still, with enough force behind it, the sword could hurt Andreg.

Andreg raised his sword and then dropped the point and looked to the side, as though looking away from his opponent, though he watched out of the corner of his eye. Vorg take me; he stinks as well. Don’t these worthless serfs bathe?

The man was the poor third son of a minor noble who had been ruined by the turn of events in Lindankar since Elizabeth had fled with her son fourteen years ago.

At the insult of being called a serf, he swung his sword in an arc in an attempt to clout the insulting foreign noble on the side of his turned head.

Andreg lunged under the wild swing and pierced the man in the stomach and then leaped back into an on-guard position in case the stricken man countered before the lethal wound took effect.

Excellent! Andreg's instructor called out, But next time be more careful about leaving so large an opening. If that man had been any good, he could have come in low right and had you quickly, the swordmaster pointed out.

Andreg's thought was angry, I knew how bad he was, fool. Of course, I wouldn't have left an opening like that for a better swordsman!

Send the next one out. And you, the instructor barked, pointing to one of the guards, drag that man out of the way.

The minor noble was lying in the dirt clutching at his ruined stomach; it would be many bells before he died.

Fence with this one a little; I want to see how you're moving today, the ex-Tchulian swordmaster requested.

As you wish, Hissan, Andreg replied.

As the man approached, Andreg flicked his blade which sent the fresh blood from the first man at the face of his next opponent. The man angrily wiped at the blood with the back of his hand, trying to rub it off his cheek and mouth.

Excellent, Andreg. That's what I want to see, Hissan exclaimed, enjoying the subtler approach for angering his opponent.

RIveK smiled from her balcony overlooking the practice area. Her son was handling the Lindankar men nicely. She decided to keep the Tchulian instructor for a while longer before letting Andreg kill his swordmaster.

Across the courtyard, on the balcony in front of Andreg, a woman and her two ladies stepped out to view the weapon practice. Shaardess Fairelyn of Mordan had heard the sound of voices and was curious, so she stepped to the nearby balcony. She had arrived the night before with her father's entourage, as CAracusS had been expecting.

Andreg looked up and saw the Shaardess. She stood in a sky-blue silk dress. Her long golden hair descending in wavy curls that cascaded down her right shoulder past the lace-edged bodice of her modestly cut dress. The morning sun caught the blue sapphires at her earlobes and throat causing a brilliant display of glinting light.

Andreg's opponent was angry, but he had seen Andreg fake his first opponent into a foolish move. When the boy's attention seemed to be on something other than the bout, the man did not try any wild attacks. Instead, he tried a careful jab at Andreg's exposed shoulder. The opening was there because Andreg's sword tip had drifted a hand's span to the right as he gazed at the vision of the Shaardess above him on the balcony.

In his peripheral vision, Andreg saw the man start to move and he brought his attention back to the fight. Andreg barely managed to pull his hilt cross-body while stepping back to gain time. His quick move blocked the man's jab out of line and past Andreg's right shoulder.

Not wanting to look foolish before the girl on the balcony, Andreg concentrated on the swordsman before him. He dueled with the man, letting openings go by to prolong the bout and show his skill. Eventually, he wounded the man in the forearm, causing him to drop his sword.

Andreg stepped back and dropped his point. You fought well; you are free to go. I'll see you get your promised pay as well. He wanted to seem magnanimous to the girl in the blue dress.

RIveK looked with interest at this latest development; she had seen the Shaardess from Mordan step out onto the balcony and then depart almost immediately. Is my Andreg becoming interested in girls? Well, I suppose it is about time.

What's this? Hissan asked with a frown, stepping up next to Andreg.

I wish to set this man free; he fought well.

Hissan saw something in Andreg's eye so he decided to let the youngster have his way, this once. Guard, take this man to the gate and give him these. He poured some coins into his palm and handed them to the palace guard.

Under his breath, the swordmaster hissed: I'll expect a better showing against the next one or you'll fight with me for your fourth bout!

Andreg was hardly listening. His gaze had gone to the balcony, but the vision was gone. He felt a strong urge to find out who she was and soon.

He made short work of the next three opponents, killing them all easily. Hissan was pleased, though he did not let Andreg know.

Colonel Von Dracek sat at his desk watching CAracusS pacing across the room. The necromancer's hand was resting on the hilt of his cathexis dagger, which was sheathed at his wide black belt on his right-hand side.

I think Fairelyn, the second eldest daughter of Lord Delfer, will work best for our purposes. She has a certain beauty that we may be able to exploit. With the right circumstances, we may not have to fake the relationship between her and Lord Trask's son. What think you? the necromancer asked, suddenly turning to face the Colonel.

Von Dracek averted his eyes from the precious dagger at CAracusS's waist. I agree that she has the most potential. Can we be sure Lord Stalt will bring her back to the festival?

I'll make a point of arranging a gift; perhaps a new dress that will be ready by festival time. She'll have to return to receive it.

Good, but onto other business; what is the word on the Kirnath school? When am I going to be able to move the Lindankar army against them? It's been fourteen years since you obtained Jatar's body; I've been patient enough for three men.

Indeed, you have, but there are problems, as we've discussed before, CAracusS reminded his co-conspirator.

Go over them again, for my benefit, the Colonel prompted sarcastically.

The necromancer missed his tone and began pacing again, his hands clasped behind his back.

Von Dracek noted that he had released the hilt of the cathexis dagger.

Originally, CAracusS began, we'd planned to move on the Kirnath immediately, as was our bargain.

It's been fourteen years, but I recall it well, the Tchulian cut in dryly.

Yes, well, as you know, things developed differently than we'd expected. Lady Ardellen's escape threw off our plan. She stirred up the people's suspicions. If I'd ordered an attack on the favored school it would have confirmed those rumors and there would have been an uprising. So, we waited. Then we had to commit our energies to the war effort in Pruta and Olsk.

I know; was I not in charge of the Prutian strategy?

Of course, but you asked to hear the reasons, again, the necromancer pointed out.

Indeed, forgive my interruption, please continue, the Colonel replied with a roll of his eyes that CAracusS did not see.

When the war there was won, we had to commit our forces against Autrany… again because of the Kirnath bitch being loose. She's caused us a lot of trouble. If you hate the Kirnath so much, why don't you hunt her down? With Lady Ardellen dead, we would have had a much easier time of things.

I have no love for Lady Ardellen, but she is insignificant compared with the school and those who control it. They are the ones I wish to bring low, Von Dracek explained.

That's interesting. I wonder who, precisely, the Colonel hates so much at the Kirnath School? Perhaps I can find out with a little research. I'll have to look into that, the necromancer pondered a moment and then continued speaking. Don't worry; as soon as Lady Ardellen falls to our attack in Autrany, we'll plant the false evidence of her treason against Lindankar. It will implicate the Kirnath School and give us enough reason to attack. Besides, with the added forces from Bliksia, we'll be able to quell any rebellious Lindankar provinces by force. Are you satisfied that these are all major problems and we weren't just leading you on?

I'll be satisfied when the Kirnath School is leveled, Von Dracek retorted.

It will be, in time. Currently, we have the Bralter/Mordan scheme to instigate. By now, Lord Trask has received his invitation to the summer festival in six months. After so many years of only written communication, he'll want to come and see his beloved foster brother, Jatar.

I'm well aware of the plan, CAracusS. Just tell me what you require?

You must assemble a force of men who are loyal and tight-lipped, ready to abduct the Shaard of Bralter and Shaardess of Mordan.

In six months... that is no problem. What do you wish us to do with them after they are abducted?

Take them somewhere quiet and kill them.

That could be disastrous if someone was to find out the truth, are you sure you wish to burn your bridges? Von Dracek inquired.

I'll have no further use for them. However, if you wish, incarcerate them somewhere, far from here, until things go as planned, then kill them, CAracusS suggested.

All right. I'll have them taken to our fortress in Headwater; we have some deep cells there, the Colonel decided.

I envy you the task; Shaardess Fairelyn is a ripe piece of fruit. I'm sure you'll enjoy plucking her from the vine while you have her in your grasp, the necromancer stated with a leer.

I prefer my women willing, Von Dracek responded with a touch of disdain. However, he thought, an idea sparking, you have a weakness for a pretty face, willing or not. Don't you, CAracusS? You wear that dagger almost continually, but you'd have to take it off while you dallied with a woman. Perhaps some beautiful bait will cloud what little sense you have, allowing me to remove that dagger. I'll have to look into finding a distraction.

A pity, that takes some of the spice out of it, CAracusS responded, thinking of past offenses with pride.

Andreg found Lord Jatar's chamberlain near the grand staircase of the palace. Wilfirt, he called to the passing man.

Yes, Shaard Andreg? the busy chamberlain replied, pausing on the stairs.

I saw a finely dressed young woman today, wearing a blue dress and sapphires; do you know who she is?

The Shaardess Fairelyn, of Mordan. She arrived with her father and sister yesterday for a state visit.

Is she married?

None of Lord Stalt's daughters are married, though I'm sure he wishes them to meet the right Shaard, Wilfirt answered with a wink. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that the real reason for his visit was to show them to you.

Where can I find the Shaardess?

Don't worry, she will find you, the chamberlain noted with a knowing smile. But if you want to know, their rooms are in the south wing. If I may be so bold... a word of advice; don't seem too eager, let them swoon over you.

Is that the way I'm supposed to do it?

Well, sometimes playing hard to get will make you all the more desirable. And remember, these are not your only choices for a mate. You could play both sisters until you're sure of which one you feel is the better match. Just don't compromise yourself with one of them at the outset of the game.

Of course, I wouldn't do that! Andreg responded indignantly, though he had no idea what Wilfirt was talking about. Andreg was way beyond his years in many areas, but love and its machinations had not been a part of his curriculum. Nor did he have any experience with girls near his age. RIveK had kept him isolated, with no friends, boy or girl. His mother considered friends a weakness.

Shaardess Fairelyn stood behind her elder sister's chair and brushed out her long chestnut-colored locks with a silver-handled brush. Diera was twenty and her sister Fairelyn was two years younger. They were the two eldest of Lord Stalt's five unwed daughters.

What does he look like? Diera asked her sister.

If his face weren't such a frozen mask, you might call him pretty, Fairelyn decided, pausing a moment to think before resuming the motions of the brush.

Pretty... he's a man; men aren't called 'pretty', they're handsome! Diera corrected.

He's only a boy, barely thirteen.

Thirteen, that is somewhat of a problem, though he will become older, Diera decided, after a pause for due thought.

Fairelyn shook her head sadly; she sometimes wondered if she and her sister truly shared the same parentage. Diera, do you want to marry a boy who's seven years younger than you?

If that's what father wants. You know how he has been fretting about finding me a suitable match. He keeps harping at me, saying, 'You're not getting any younger!' If father wants me to marry the Crown Shaard of Lindankar, I'll force myself to comply, Diera answered playfully.

You're such a twit! Fairelyn replied, but she was fondly joking. Well, I'm not going to marry some primping shaard, who is too old or too young! I want someone who knows how to live!

You're a Shaardess of Mordan; you can't marry some common adventurer! I know you, Fairelyn; I've seen you watching the knights at practice. Fey, I've seen you down there wearing men's pants! You cavort about with a sword under the grimy tutelage of the common soldiery. It isn't seemly for a Shaardess! Stick to the nobility. There you will find plenty of interesting men to pass the time, men of breeding. And just think! The noblemen wash regularly... what a concept! Diera finished, sarcastically.

Courtiers! Fairelyn answered, with disgust dripping from her lips, They aren't men, they're parasites!

Don't generalize. There are a few bad ones but, for the most part, they're decent people.

On the contrary; it's the rare nobleman who's a decent human, most are just social climbing bores, Fairelyn decided.

I find them interesting. I've had many a stimulating conversation with the nobles of our realm, Diera defended.

Tell me some of the topics of these `stimulating conversations’; perhaps I've missed the best of them.

We discuss lots of interesting topics, like the weather, or what's new in fashion design this season. They say nice things about the glow of my hair, the colors in my eyes, and the melody of my voice. They're gentlemen, who bestow compliments and deference befitting my station, Diera replied haughtily.

As I said… social climbers, parasites, and fops; you're welcome to all of them. Perhaps you'll meet a real man someday who will open your eyes to a wider world, Fairelyn said and went back to the long, slow strokes with the brush down the length of her sister's hair.

I think not. I'll be satisfied with whoever father deems worthy, perhaps even young Andreg. We'll be meeting him this afternoon. I'll have him swooning over me within moments. At thirteen, he won't have the experience of the older nobles who have sought my hand back home. He'll have eyes only for me and his heart will beat faster at my glance, Diera promised, confidently.

I'm not so sure. His emotions are hidden deep beneath his skin. He's a cold one, Fairelyn noted with a shudder.

I'll warm his heart, trust me, Diera replied, as she adjusted a strand of hair at her temple that she wanted to curl a certain way. After positioning the curl, she turned her head from side to side inspecting herself in the mirror. There, what mere mortal could refuse me anything?

Say, 'What mere dandy' and I'll agree, Fairelyn exclaimed.

Don't be jealous dear; G'lan blesses us all in different ways, Diera retorted and stood from her chair. Let's go meet my future suitor; it's time I quickened his pulse!

G'lan save me from my sister's vanity! Fairelyn prayed silently, though she loved her sister, faults and all. She knew that Diera was basically a good person who meant well, most of the time.

In Lord Jatar's private apartments, the false Lord and Lady of Lindankar were alone. RIveK was pacing the room, too excited to sit at the table. This is perfect. Lord Stalt is looking toward Andreg as a match for his eldest daughter, RIveK exclaimed to her hated husband.

CAracusS lounged in a chair, sipping from a chalice of wine as he asked, How sure are you?

I was present, yesterday, in projection, while the two shaardesses discussed the match. Diera, the eldest, is planning a campaign to enamor my son.

You propose to marry him to her and go against the council's plan for war between Bralter and Mordan? he asked and raised Jatar's right eyebrow.

RIveK sneered at her husband. You'd like that, wouldn't you? Of course not… the plan goes on as scheduled. However, we can ensure the war by marrying Andreg to Diera. We'll arrange for a Bralter Shaard to abscond with Shaardess Fairelyn of Mordan, Diera's sister. That way, Andreg can declare war on behalf of his wife's honor. He will then throw the Lindankar army in with Mordan and attack Bralter.

This would require Andreg to become Lord of Lindankar.

Yes, you would have to step down or 'have an accident'. You could always take another body, she pointed out, though her thoughts were dark. I know you are planning on taking my son's body. Well, my foul husband, I'll see your spirit trapped in the Dark Plane first!

CAracusS' thoughts were on the same subject. Yes, I'll take another body, Andreg's! Besides, I rather fancy the Mordan Shaardess; she'll make an excellent play toy. He answered aloud, We will proceed only if the council approves your plan… and that remains to be seen.

In the war of thoughts, RIveK wasn't worried. You'll find it hard to make the switch from your dying body to Andreg's when your cathexis dagger has been stolen. Von Dracek's harlot will soon be absconding with your precious dagger; she's perfect for the job. To CAracusS, RIveK answered, We'll call a meeting of the council immediately. This opportunity is too good to let slip away.

That's agreeable to me. I'll contact SKartaQ and set up a meeting as soon as possible. Most of the others will have to attend by projection since there isn't time for a standard meeting.

That will do fine. Let me know when you have it set up.

As you wish.

There came a knock at the door.

CAracusS looked toward the sound as he called out, You may enter.

The door opened and a young girl with well-rounded hips entered. She was carrying a tray of pastries and tea. The tray was balanced against her waist and the extremely low-cut bodice showed off her ample cleavage as she set the tray down before CAracusS.

CAracusS took in the sights of her bosom as she leaned down to lay the tray before him. He purposefully let his hated wife see his obvious lust for the serving girl as he said, If we are done then, Lady Rivark, I need to attend to some things. His tone dismissed RIveK, though he did not take his eyes off of the beautiful young servant. Therefore, he did not see his wife's smirk. His thoughts were contemplating the serving girl, I haven't seen this one around before! How have I missed this tasty morsel?

The pretty girl stood waiting demurely with her hands clasped before her smock and her eyes downcast. The position pushed her rounded chest together, straining the confines of the open-topped dress.

Of course; I have things I need to see to myself, RIveK replied and turned to the door to hide her smile of triumph. He's taking our bait nicely! Von Dracek did well in hiring Sheena, it was a brilliant move. The best whore in Lindankar and CAracusS thinks she's a blushing virgin ready for him to lead astray! That cathexis dagger's as good as ours.

RIveK pulled the door closed behind her and left CAracusS to his pleasures and the whore to her job. In a few moments, CAracusS would remove his clothing and, with them, the dagger. Then the nimble-fingered girl would switch the dagger in the sheath with the duplicate RIveK and the Tchulian colonel had ordered made for just this moment. I can't wait to hear him scream in anger at the loss. RIveK laughed heartily as she pictured his bellow of rage.

Still chuckling evilly, RIveK went to find her son; she needed to advise Andreg on the courting of his future wife, Shaardess Diera, of Mordan.

Sheena slipped out of CAracusS's room carrying her tray with the teapot and cups. She stopped by Von Dracek's chambers and made a quick exchange of the cathexis dagger for a fat leather purse.

Von Dracek held the dagger up close to his eyes to inspect the perfect finish. Without taking his eyes from the metal, he spoke to Sheena as she started to go out the door.

I would get out of Lindankar for a while if I were you, he told the harlot.

How long 'awhile' would you stay away? she inquired.

About as long as Jatar still rules, plus about a hundred years; that should do it, he answered with a grim smile.

Is his rule due to come to an end soon? she asked curiously.

No telling, he answered, his face returning to a stern set that was unreadable.

I see. Well, then I better get going. I hear it's quite nice up north, though the mountains to the west are pretty. Then there is that nice city in Operhelm... her voice faded out as she closed the door, leaving the Colonel with his new treasure.

Von Dracek ran his finger down the smooth metal, admiring the craftsmanship of the blade. Immortality… The word echoed through his mind. Then he had an interesting thought, which he put to the test immediately. CAracusS speak to me! he willed to the cathexis metal.

Who is this that speaks to me? Where am I? the puzzled thought of the necromancer answered.

You are the imprint of CAracusS, the necromancer. I'm speaking to you through my cathexis dagger.

Who are you?

Von Dracek, the Colonel responded smugly.

But you don't have a cathexis... give it back, at once, vile thief! the necromancer thundered, the answer suddenly coming to the imprint.

Now, now, isn't that like a murderer calling his hangman evil? I wonder what the imprint of the prior owner will tell me about how you acquired this dagger? the Colonel replied with amusement.

I'll feed your tortured soul to the Dark plane, bit by bit! I'll...

Oh, shut up, your ranting tires me, Von Dracek commanded, shutting out the necromancer's voice instantly. I've wanted to do that for some time! he thought with satisfaction.

The Tchulian colonel slipped the precious dagger into his boot sheath after removing the hidden mundane dagger he normally kept in that location. In his boot, the cathexis dagger was completely out of sight.

He then went to find CAracusS; he wanted to see if the necromancer suspected anything about the harlot and the dagger switch.

The Tchulian commander found the necromancer in Jatar's private library. After speaking with CAracusS for a few minutes, the Tchulian decided that the fool seemed entirely unsuspecting of Sheena's expert deception and quite satisfied with his recent exploits. He still thought that Sheena was a mere servant.

Von Dracek had only been there a quarter bell when a page knocked at the door. At a command from the necromancer, the man entered. The page announced the surprise arrival of Lord Pellev Welter. Neither CAracusS nor Von Dracek had seen the third conspirator from their original plot in quite some time. All communication had been through coded messages.

Pellev swept into the room. He was wearing a formal blazer with the Tazlany emblem of his office embroidered on the left breast. Lord `Jatar', he said with a smirk, and Colonel Von Dracek. How go things in `our' kingdom? It's been a while since we have all met together; what news?

What are you doing here? CAracusS demanded without preamble.

Standing, at the moment, but can't we have a seat, like civilized men? At least we can fake it, the traitor answered flippantly. However, instead of immediately taking a seat, he went to the small table and unerringly picked out CAracusS' favorite crystal goblet. Then he poured himself a glass of wine.

I'd forgotten how much you annoyed me, but it's all returning swiftly! CAracusS growled.

I'm hurt; surely your life has become boring with my absence? Well, no more! I am here now so we can start enjoying ourselves! To start with, has anyone seen the Kirnath sorceress lately?

Lady Ardellen is leading Autrany's armies against Bliksia, you simpleton! CAracusS snapped.

Really... from Ghanter? I find that rather talented of her, I would say, Lord Welter answered with a knowing smile, taking his seat now that he had the wine.

What are you ranting about now? CAracusS demanded.

Von Dracek had remained quiet while he carefully studied the traitorous ruler. He knew the man to be much smarter than CAracusS, but he possessed natural shields, so the Colonel could not use his aura powers to read anything useful. He had wondered in the past at Lord Pellev's motives for the betrayal of his foster brother, Jatar. He claimed it was for expanding his power, yet Von Dracek did not completely buy that story. Still, he had to admit that Pellev had been useful. For the most part, the nobleman had stuck to his end of the bargain.

My dear necromancer, what would you give me if I could hand over the Kirnath sorceress who foiled our plans again and again? What praise would you bestow upon me if I could deliver Elizabeth Ardellen to you on a cathexis platter, or a sacrificial altar, for that matter? At this point, Lord Pellev Welter gifted his fellow conspirators with a confidant smile and then took a sip from the necromancer's favorite crystal goblet. He was watching CAracusS over the rim with a glint of amusement in his calculating eyes.

Explain what you've said; I'm losing what little patience I have with you, CAracusS demanded.

Oh, CAracusS, you lose so much of the enjoyment in life when you hurry the triumphs. You need to savor those special moments and draw them out to get the maximum benefit. They come so rarely, so we shouldn't waste them! Pellev exclaimed, giving a theatrical wave of his arm.

Tell me before I feed you to the Darknulls! CAracusS thundered.

Pellev paused for a moment with his hand still in the air and then abruptly lowered it as he said, No, I've changed my mind. He swiftly got to his feet. In fact, I think I'll be going. Call in your monsters, CAracusS, he said and turned so swiftly toward the door that his cape billowed out behind him theatrically.

CAracusS gaped speechlessly at Pellev's back as the Lord walked toward the door out of the room.

I would appreciate knowing about the sorceress, Von Dracek said in a conversational tone, speaking for the first time.

The exiting Lord Welter stopped and slowly turned to face him with a smile. Ah, the good Colonel still has some courtesy. Well, I'll tell you, but he has to go, he said, gesturing toward CAracusS with the wine goblet he still held.

The necromancer started sputtering about the insolence of the infuriating Lord and then he realized the pompous ruler of Tazlany was insulting him! As his irritation turned to real anger, CAracusS reached for his link with the Dark Plane and began gathering power, readying himself to attack the audacious Lord Pellev.

Hold your temper, CAracusS. We need to know what he's found out about Elizabeth Ardellen, Von Dracek said in a calming tone. He had sensed the build-up of odor from the necromancer's foul power.

Yes, Pellev chimed in, it's extremely important to our plans. It's too bad I'm not sharing it with Lord Impatient!

Von Dracek gave Pellev an exasperated look; he wasn't making the peacekeeping any easier. Then the Colonel turned his eyes to the infuriated necromancer, Let me speak with him, CAracusS; I'm sure he'll tell me what we need to know.

The necromancer managed to grab the reins of his anger and stormed past Jatar's foster brother. Lord Pellev sipped from the crystal goblet as though nothing had happened.

CAracusS paused when he was even with Von Dracek and hissed, One of these days, I'm going to kill that man and it won't be long if he stays around me. Get him out of Lindankar, CAracusS threatened. He was purposely ignoring Lord Welter.

When the necromancer left the room, Pellev smiled. I so enjoy baiting that man; he's so predictable!

He really will kill you. I'd be careful. Try and stay out of his way until you leave and make it soon, the Tchulian commander recommended.

I can handle CAracusS. I know how he thinks and that's the best weapon against anyone.

And how do you think? Von Dracek wondered silently. As he looked at the smiling Lord Pellev, the Tchulian sorcerer once again tried to read his thoughts, but the man's mind shield was a wall the Tchulian's powers could not pass. The Colonel shook his head sadly as he said, It's your soul. Now, if you would be so kind, what is this about Lady Ardellen being in Ghanter?

Without warning, Lord Pellev suddenly hurled the necromancer's favorite wine goblet at the door. It flew in a straight line and exploded into pieces with a ringing crash of broken crystal.

There was a muffled bump followed by an unintelligible curse from CAracusS. A moment later, they heard the sound of his footsteps leaving.

Now that CAracusS has taken his ear off the door, I shall begin, Lord Pellev stated. He took a seat after pouring himself a new goblet of wine. He glanced over at Colonel Von Dracek and noticed the Tchulian waiting calmly. A man who knows patience, good, Pellev noted. Then he continued, I was recently on vacation down in Autrany to visit Lady Ardellen and see what mischief I could cause. I found that she was about to head for Ghanter. I followed her there and then invited myself into her group; she couldn't refuse, me being a fellow ruler and foster brother to her husband.

Late husband, you mean, Von Dracek noted.

"Actually, I learned an interesting fact;