Lost City of the Ancients (Amica Saga #5)

By Richard S. Tuttle

A terrible war is coming to Amica. Rogue mage lords control the north where armies are massing for a spring offensive; new breeds of mage beasts are ready to destroy everything in their path, and vile blood magic controls the masses. Only the Avenging Shadow and his band of ragtag followers have seen the truth. With time for preparations running out, Marcus sets out to form an Amican Alliance amongst the twenty-nine countries south of the Northern Wall, but he has no proof to present to the skeptical and capricious kings. When he enlists the help of the few kings who know him and believe in him, the rogue mages begin a campaign of intimidation and assassination to derail the efforts of the Avenging Shadow. The only path left open to Marcus is to reveal his identity to convince the kings, but that move makes him a target as the rogue mages of Lantana learn of his true identity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard S. Tuttle
• Release date: Aug 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311829283

Richard S. Tuttle

eBook Reviews Weekly called Richard “...one of this century's leading authors of innovative fantasy tales." Molly Martin calls him “...a skillful weaver of tales.”Richard S. Tuttle began his writing career in 1997 with the release of the Targa Trilogy (Origin Scroll, Dark Quest, Ancient Prophecy). That trilogy became the foundation for the Alcea Collection, a seventeen volume epic fantasy collection of three series (Targa Trilogy, Sword of Heavens, Demonstone Chronicles).His other works include the Forgotten Legacy, an eight volume series, Complement for a King, a two volume miniseries, and the Amica Saga, his most current work currently in its seventh volume.

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Prologue

Heir Apparent

Forty years ago…

Saratella entered the jail and halted just inside the door. The guard outside the jail room pulled the door closed without comment, leaving the councilor alone in the large room. On the far side of the room was a single cell, and inside it was Alfor, the Head Councilor of the Supreme Council of Lantana, or at least that had been his title until a few hours ago when the council voted to remove him. That was not the only thing the council voted on, and Saratella stood silently as he pondered how to break the news to his former master. Eventually, Saratella sighed with resignation and strode towards the cell. Alfor heard the approaching footsteps, and he rose to his feet, his eyes flashing with anger.

How could you have let them imprison me? snarled Alfor. Have you no sense of loyalty?

Saratella sighed again as he halted in front of the metal bars containing Alfor. He stared at the mage collar around Alfor's neck and then tore his eyes away.

You violated the vow, Saratella stated coldly. You not only violated it in a major way, but you bragged about it to other members of your clan. Did you really think that the council could overlook such an infraction? Are you really so politically naïve that you thought that the council would just look the other way?

Major way? spat Alfor. The Amicans built their own seagoing ship. Do you have any idea what that means to Lantana? Without our monopoly on shipping, this island would perish. That ship had to be sunk for us to survive. I did what every Lantanan should do given the circumstances, and they want to punish me for that? I will not stand for it. You go back up there and tell them that if I am not released immediately, each and every one of them will regret this day. As Head Councilor, I will use each council session to tear their reputations asunder.

You are no longer the Head Councilor, Saratella stated. In fact, you are no longer a member of the Supreme Council.

What? snapped Alfor. That can't be true. They don't have the votes to dethrone me. How can they justify a penalty so severe for such a minor infraction?

Saratella shook his head at the prisoner's political naivety. Removing you from the council is not the penalty, Alfor, he said softly. The penalty for your violation of the vow is death.

Alfor's eyes grew large as he stared at the messenger of doom before him. He opened his mouth to issue a vulgar tirade, but no words came forth. He shook his head as if to clear away the cobwebs of a bad dream, but his eyes soon narrowed and focused on the face before him.

Your sense of humor is morbid, Saratella, scowled Alfor. A sentence of death requires a unanimous vote of the Supreme Council. My clan members would never betray me that way.

They had no choice, Saratella replied. The rest of the council was adamant about the death penalty. To refuse their demands would have been the start of a civil war that would have torn this island apart. Even you, Alfor, would not want to see such a calamity. We must never return to mage fighting mage.

Death? balked Alfor. For killing a bunch of lowlife Amicans? That is absurd. My life is worth a million of those untalented fools, not a couple of dozen. It is our destiny to rule over Amica.

That has already been tried, sighed Saratella. Does your memory fail you so badly that you can't recall the name of Terrus the Liberator?

Bah, scoffed Alfor. He was but an untalented warrior. If we were not busy fighting among ourselves at the time, Terrus would have died an early death, even with the Sword of Articus in his hand. Besides, that cursed sword has been broken. It will never be wielded again. There is nothing to stop us from crushing all of Amica. Why can't those fools on the council understand this?

Saratella said nothing. He stood there staring sadly at the shell of the great man he had followed for centuries. He shook his head in sadness.

It makes no sense, bellowed Alfor. The life of Amicans are no more important than grains of sand on a beach. I have served as Head Councilor for longer than any living Amican has been alive. Their lifespan is puny, and their lives are worth nothing. You must change their minds.

Saratella merely shook his head.

I treated you like a son, scowled Alfor, yet you voted to execute me. I will get Qartane to extract my revenge on you. You will rue this day forever.

Qartane? scoffed Saratella. Your heir apparent? Your promotion of Qartane to succeed you is one of your greatest follies. Nothing Qartane could do would scare me. He is nothing but a sycophant who has latched onto your ego for a free ride. He was quick to agree with the rest of the council in condemning you to death. How can you be so blind, Alfor?

Alfor frowned. I don't believe you, he said angrily. Qartane is devoted to me. He is a talented man. Besides, you abandoned the clan after we founded Alfor's Landing. Qartane did not. He stood by me.

Of course, he did, retorted Saratella. He knew a free ride when he saw one. Standing on his own, Qartane would never amount to anything. Besides, you were already promoting him when we landed, ignoring my accomplishments.

Your accomplishments? questioned Alfor. What accomplishments?

Saratella sighed. It is hard for me to believe that you don't know, he said. You always took my ideas and boasted of them as your own, but I truly believed that you knew the truth inside. But I can see now that your ego is incapable of acknowledging the truth unless it flows from your own lips.

'What are you talking about?" growled Alfor.

You rose to fame during the Mage Wars by consolidating your rule over the Northlands, explained Saratella, but it was my plans for the ambush at Termiz Castle that solidified your victory. Yet you boasted of your great victory for centuries. I didn't mind. I never felt the need to draw attention to myself. I was happy enough for you to receive the adulation of the others. All I wanted was your recognition, but you never even acknowledged me.

Alfor frowned as he probed his memory of that fateful day.

When Terrus the Liberator came smashing at your gates, Saratella continued, and everyone thought the end was near, it was my plan to strategically retreat rather than surrender. And when we migrated to Lantana, I chose the perfect place to settle. I founded Alfor's Landing, not you. But still, you never gave me even a passing acknowledgment. History records all great accomplishments were done by Alfor the Great himself.

You sound bitter, Alfor said softly, realizing the truth in Saratella's words. Is that why you abandoned me after the founding?

Saratella shook his head. I never abandoned you, he said. I explained the reasoning for my move when I made it. If our clan was to rule Lantana, we could not all remain in Alfor's Landing. Each faction represented in the Supreme Council has three members. That means that no faction will ever have more than one fourth of the votes on the council. By moving to Cresthaven, I altered that equation. It gave our clan an additional vote on the council. I tried many times to get others to do the same, but you always looked at someone leaving as a rejection. You have never understood me, even when I showed you the path to victory. How do you think you became Head Councilor? Surely, you must know that the other councilors never trusted you. If you were being promoted solely by members of your own clan, those would have been the only votes you ever received. I, as a councilor from Cresthaven, was able to lobby for you as an outsider. My praise of your leadership abilities was taken as sincere. It was enough to cause the other councilors to take a chance on electing you, but you couldn't even see that.

You are bitter, Alfor said accusingly. Is that why your were so quick to condemn me to death?

Quick? rebutted Saratella. The council made up its mind in less than an hour, your sycophant heir apparent included. I stood alone for hours hopelessly defending your actions.

Alfor's eyebrow arched as he sensed the sincerity in the other man's tone. Then why did you give in? he asked.

There was never any question of what the result would be, answered Saratella. I held no hope of swaying even a single councilor, but I needed to stall for time.

Time for what? asked Alfor.

Your resurrection, answered Saratella. You and your crew are to be chained to the Spirit of Alfor in the morning. It will be towed out past the Three Sisters and set on fire.

Alfor gasped, but Saratella smiled. The former Head Councilor noticed the smile, and he looked questioningly at Saratella.

Continue, urged Alfor, his hope suddenly rising. Even though he never admitted his underling's accomplishments, he knew that Saratella was a genius. He always seemed to have an answer for everything.

I needed time to get people in place before the ruling was issued, Saratella continued. Once the verdict was released, it would have been too late to make preparations. When the Spirit of Alfor is sunk, you and your men will need to dive to the bottom of the bay. Head towards the north shore. There will be men down below holding an air bubble. Later that night, a ship will slow as it passes over you. That ship will take you to Clandor Kye.

What about the mage collars? asked Alfor.

They will be tested just before you are led to the ship, answered Saratella. I will be at the docks replacing your crew's collars with fakes as they are processed out of their cells. As I can't be in two places at the same time, I will have Qartane replace yours. Do not test the replacement collar. People will be watching for you to do exactly that. If you give them reason to suspect subterfuge, they will investigate it. Act your normal ornery self.

Alfor actually laughed. You have done well, Saratella, he said with sincerity. I am sorry that I never acknowledged you, but you know how I am. As for Qartane, I think you misjudge him. He will make a fine leader of the clan. Support him as you have supported me.

Of course, Saratella replied. I bid you farewell, Master, for we shall never meet again, and that truly saddens me.

Saratella nodded his head to his mentor and turned to leave.

Can't you stay a while longer, pleaded Alfor when he realized that he was indeed losing a devoted follower.

I need to explain the plan to Fabio and the rest of your crew, Saratella replied. I have little time to dawdle. Farewell Alfor. Try to stay hidden in the Northlands.

Chapter 1

Abelmorro

It was the largest mansion in Clandor Kye, and its dining room was massive. A long table ran down the center of the room, and the chairs around it were all occupied by rogue mages. Other chairs lined the walls of the room, and they too were occupied by mages. At the head of the table sat the man who they all called master. He was Alfor the Great, and half of his face was horribly disfigured from the fire forty years ago that was supposed to have killed him. The discussion underway was about the Avenging Shadow and the attack on Termiz Castle. It was a topic that had been beaten to death numerous times already, but Alfor chose that topic again to amuse himself while they waited for Fabio to report about the situation out west. That situation was the real reason for the meeting, but Alfor detested sitting around and waiting for news to arrive.

Alfor directed the conversation in the manner of an interrogation as he demanded answers and evaluations from individual mages. His keen eyes glared at each participant, and without fail, whichever mage Alfor was questioning looked away to hide his revulsion of the master's disfigured face. Alfor had grown used to such behavior, and he used their discomfort like a sword to elicit reluctant comments, focusing on an individual until he felt compelled to say something that would divert his lord's attention to someone else.

We don't really know that five of our brothers died in that attack, one of the mages said nervously. We found no bodies when we returned to Termiz Castle. There was no clothing. No weapons. Nothing. We can't say for sure that anyone died there. We can't even be sure that we were attacked by the Avenging Shadow. Dalma was the only one of us to see the intruders, and I doubt he knows what the Avenging Shadow looks like. Do you, Dalma?

The chosen mage breathed a sigh of relief as Alfor turned his questioning gaze upon Dalma. Dalma quickly diverted his eyes and cleared his throat.

It was most certainly the Avenging Shadow, Dalma declared. It matters little that I don't know his face because the warrior had his face covered. I couldn't have recognized him even if I knew what he looked like, but that matters not. I did recognize Antioch who is known to accompany the Avenging Shadow, and the battle mage outside my laboratory died from a sword. I heard his screams of death. There is only one sword that can kill a mage, and we all know who carries it. However, focusing on the Avenging Shadow's presence is pointless. What we should be trying to determine is who else was with the Avenging Shadow during the attack. The magically sealed doors of the castle were blown away, and that would take considerable power. Antioch could not have been the only mage accompanying the Avenging Shadow. Plus, Dalma continued, the destruction of the krots and wolfmen must have taken considerable power and skill as well. I think we must assume that the Avenging Shadow has magical allies that we do not know about.

The krots were poisoned, retorted Alfor. That does not take any exceptional skill. In fact, it reveals the truth about our brothers. I think it is safe to assume that their bodies carried the poison to the krots, but you raise a valid concern, Dalma. Antioch is not a battle mage. He is an archivist and incapable of such feats as destroying the sealed doors of the castle.

At that moment, Fabio entered the dining room. All heads turned towards the new arrival as Fabio approached the table and faced Alfor. Unlike the rest of the rogue mages, Fabio met Alfor's gaze. He had learned long ago to meet the master's gaze without revulsion. He knew that such a simple act led Alfor to respect him more than the others.

The situation in Argastan is grim, opened Fabio. Fritz arrived there this morning, and he has carefully surveyed the entire mine complex. He has confirmed that the initial reports of destruction were not exaggerated. The kilns are completely destroyed, as is the foundry. There are not even two stones atop one another. It is a complete loss.

What about the mine? asked Alfor.

That is the worst part, answered Fabio. Fritz said it could take up to two years to reopen the mine, if they can find sufficient miners to perform the work. There are no signs of the previous miners. Fritz thinks they must have been buried in the mine.

Two years? bellowed Alfor. Two years? That is unacceptable. I will not have my dream destroyed by the destruction of a single iron mine.

It need not be looked at as a two year delay, Fabio said softly. I know we planned to attack in the spring, but I think we all realize that such a deadline was not realistic. We don't have the weapons, and the soldiers are not trained yet. Plus, the attack at Termiz Castle is also a setback for Dalma's plans. I think we can use the extra time to prepare better.

I will not wait two years, shouted Alfor. The disfigured mage calmed himself and continued in a softer tone, We cannot wait two years. We must assume that the Avenging Shadow now knows what we are planning. We can't afford to give him two years to raise his army. We need to get iron for our weapons, and we need to do it quickly. What is Crand doing?

I updated him on the situation in Argastan, answered Fabio. He has a plan to replace the iron we were getting from Grim, but he needs a lot of gold to make that happen.

We don't have lots of gold, snapped Alfor. If Crand had performed as promised in the Riviera, we would have the gold, but he didn't, and we don't.

I explained that to him, sighed Fabio. He intends to find a source of gold down south, but that will take time, and his efforts to secure the iron will have to be diverted to obtaining gold. He cannot start the shipments of iron until he gets the gold in hand. He suggested that we might get the gold from Lantana. I told him that I was dubious of such a scheme.

Alfor's eyebrow rose, and he cocked his head as he digested the words. Dubious? questioned Alfor. Why? It sounds like a brilliant scheme. The Supreme Council controls hordes of gold, and one of our clan sits at the head of that council. Contact Qartane and demand the gold be shipped to Crand.

There is no way that Qartane will send gold, retorted Fabio. He may be the Head Councilor of the Supreme Council, but he does not have the authority to unilaterally spend their gold, and the last thing we want to do is admit to the whole Supreme Council what we are up to. They must not know that we even exist.

Qartane is devoted to me, countered Alfor. He will do as he is told. Order him to fulfill Crand's request and then contact Crand again. Tell him what I have decided, and then instruct him to concentrate all of his efforts into getting us iron. I want iron to start arriving here within the month, and I don't care how he does it. There are no rules any more. He is authorized to do whatever he needs to do to keep the iron supply flowing into the Northlands.

You are risking our entire plan by exposing our existence, warned Dalma. Isn't it better to accept a slight delay?

We are forced to accept a slight delay, agreed Alfor, but I will not give the Avenging Shadow two years to build his army, and that is how long it will take him. We will push back our schedule by one year. That will give us plenty of time to properly prepare for the conquest of Amica.

That is betting everything on Crand's ability to get iron, frowned one of the mages. What if he is unsuccessful? Crand has failed before.

And he might again, nodded Alfor, but I will not be betting everything on Crand. Fabio, you are to instruct Fritz to take charge of the mining operation in Argastan. He is to reopen that mine within six months.

That is impossible, balked Fabio. He has no skilled miners, and even if he did…

I don't want to hear it, interrupted Alfor. Fritz knows more about mining than any mage alive. If anyone can get that mine operational again, it is Fritz. I give him my full authorization to reopen that mine. As for miners, he can have the entire Army of Argastan to fill his ranks. Tell him to bring in experienced miners from all of the smaller mines in Argastan and have them train the soldiers who have the aptitude to learn.

That still won't be enough, complained Fabio.

I am not done, snapped Alfor. Tell Fritz that he has the full use of his Lantanan brothers. If he harnesses the powers of his brothers to clear out the debris clogging the mine, that will easily reduce the workload to a manageable level.

You want us to use our powers to haul rocks? objected one of the rogue mages. You want us to become miners?

You will become whatever I tell you to become, snarled Alfor. Our plan is at a critical stage. If we have to haul the leavings in outhouses away, then that is what we will do. Do any of you have an objection?

No one said a word, and Alfor smiled thinly.

You, Dalma, Alfor continued, will return to Termiz Castle and continue your experiments. I authorize you to take up to ten assistants with you. Fabio, choose five others to remain here in Clandor Kye with us. The rest of you need to get ready to travel to Argastan. I want that mine reopened in six months, and that schedule starts tomorrow so don't dawdle on your travels.

With a wave of his hand, Alfor ended the meeting and dismissed the rogue mages. Only Fabio remained behind.

What about the Abelmorro? Alfor asked when the room was clear. Have you found any trace of it?

No, answered Fabio. There is no sign of the ship, and no word from the three men who were aboard it. I think we have to assume that it was stolen or sunk.

Stolen? frowned Alfor. Who could steal it? It would take at least three mages to power it.

It still had sails, Fabio pointed out. While it could not attain the speed of a mage ship with just sails, it could still navigate the ocean safely.

Miners do not have the skills to sail such a vessel, replied Alfor. So you are willing to speculate that experienced sailors attacked the mine in Argastan and then stole a mage ship?

Fabio sighed and shook his head. That is ludicrous, he agreed. What is more likely is that it was destroyed. Whatever group of powerful mages destroyed the mine must have turned their fury on the Abelmorro.

It makes no sense, retorted Alfor. We know that the Avenging Shadow and Antioch were in the Northlands, but the destruction of the mine and the fate of the Abelmorro is beyond the two of them. Everything points to a much larger group, yet we have no idea who they are, and that troubles me greatly. Has the search turned up any sign of the Avenging Shadow?

Nothing, answered Fabio. There are no sightings in either the Northlands or the rest of Amica. He has simply disappeared. As for the Abelmorro, I have commenced a search for it in all of the southern ports, but no one has seen it. It is not something that is easy to hide.

What about the tracking gem? asked Alfor.

It has none, answered Fabio. It was purposely left on the bottom of the sea where the Abelmorro supposedly sank years ago.

What about the hidden harbor in Grim that Crand used to sail to? asked Alfor. Have you checked that?

It was a cave, answered Fabio, but it was destroyed when the Avenging Shadow attacked Lord Cowan's estate. Being north of Grimstaadt, it is not on any route for our ships, but I can have one of them diverted to check it out.

Do so, ordered Alfor. I have a bad feeling about the Abelmorro. I think its loss is significant, but I'm not sure why.

* * *

The underground harbor was massive, the black rock walls of the cave sparkled from the flickering glow of the torches lining the underground slip. Scores of dwarves lined the quays on both sides of the channel, and they hauled on lines tethered to a black mage ship. Marcus stood entranced alongside Brakus, the dwarven wizard from Draji, as the Abelmorro slowly slid into place and was tied to the quays. Two dwarves, one on each side of the channel strode towards the gaping mouth of the cave.

Come, urged Brakus as the two dwarves picked up lines that were attached to the two huge stone doors at the mouth of the underground harbor. You will want to see this from the other side to truly appreciate it.

Marcus hurried after the dwarven wizard. He glanced at the huge black stone doors as he passed by them. Brakus halted and turned around to face the doors from the outside. Marcus mimicked his move and watched in wonder as the huge slabs of stone slowly pivoted to join together.

I cannot imagine the weight of those slabs, Marcus remarked as he watched the doors being closed. How can a single dwarf swing such a weight?

They are perfectly balanced, Brakus said with pride. A child could close one of those doors, but what is truly amazing is what you will see when they are closed.

Marcus found himself holding his breath as the two massive doors silently swung together. One door stopped slightly before the second one, and Marcus noticed that the second door was slightly wider than the first. The second door had a narrower edge to it, and Marcus watched as it gently merged with the first door. There was no telltale sound of the door closing when the operation was complete. There was just utter silence.

What do you see? Brakus asked with a smile.

Marcus frowned and shook his head. What do you mean? he asked. I don't see anything. It just looks like the back wall of a cave.

Precisely, grinned Brakus. The torches in the underground harbor still burn brightly, but you could walk right up to those doors and not detect a single ray of light coming through. The seam where the two doors meet is undetectable, even under close inspection. Brakus turned and waved his hand upward at the sky above the old ruined cave harbor that Antioch had destroyed during the attack on Lord Cowan's estate. Anyone looking for the Abelmorro will never find it, he declared. I don't care how closely they look. Your new hiding spot is safe from prying eyes, and you can still use this old outer harbor to welcome ships from Grimstaadt. The crew of those ships will have no idea that the harbor has been extended.

I wouldn't have believed it possible, admitted Marcus. I am indebted to you and the dwarves of Draji.

Not at all, smiled Brakus. Your gift of the gem that enables us to speak to our kin in Duranga is worth much more than a few weeks of labor on the harbor. It is something that our people will treasure forever.

I was pleased to meet your northern kin, smiled Marcus. I worry about their safety up there.

Dwarves know how to defend their homes, shrugged Brakus. They will be fine. Unless you have other needs of my people, they will depart for home tonight. What will you do with the mounds of rock that they excavated?

Mazul will take care of that, answered Marcus. When they cleared the debris from the old harbor, Mazul used the stone blocks to build walls to replace some of the wooden barricades that protect the estate. He will do the same with what your people leave behind.

Brakus frowned. We have managed to keep our presence here unknown, he said, largely due to Mazul moving the people away from this area, but won't a new supply of stone raise some questions? Won't they ask where it has come from?

No, answered Marcus. Most of the original settlers of the Freemen estate are already gone. Mazul has trained over one thousand of them and sent them south to aid in the construction of siege engines. He had only some field workers left before I brought another one thousand miners down from the Northlands. They are new to the estate and won't ask questions. No one will ever know that your people were here.

Excellent, smiled Brakus. Let's go topside and retire to your mansion. There are some things I would like to discuss with you.

The two men strode along the old quay until they came to a long flight of steps leading upward to the ground level. The steps used to be underground, but the top of that portion of the cave was now open to the sky. Within moments they were striding across the black stone towards the distant mansion. Brakus glanced back at the yawning hole in the ground and shook his head.

I heard that Antioch blasted the roof off that cave, he said. Is that true?

Marcus merely nodded.

That old archivist has more power than I gave him credit for, stated the dwarf. Such a feat would take considerable power.

Kwang used his dwarven knowledge to map the structure before the mage cast his spell, Marcus replied. Antioch said his help was invaluable.

They have become close, haven't they? asked Brakus.

They have, agreed Marcus. They are inseparable. Does that bother you?

Not at all, smiled Brakus. Kwang is an excellent partner. That is why I always took him with me. He is also resourceful, and I suspect that Antioch will need his help before this is all done. I am proud that Draji has been able to make a contribution to your efforts.

I will try to see that he survives to rejoin his kin when all of this done, Marcus said softly, but there are no guarantees.

Understood, Brakus said curtly. What are you up to next? he asked as he opened the door to the mansion for Marcus.

I am waiting on Antioch right now, answered Marcus. We have been using so many gems that we have run out of them, and we have a great need for more. Antioch and Kwang have gone off to procure them.

Brakus's eyes narrowed. Where does one go in upper Grim to get precious gems? he asked.

That is a question best not asked, Marcus replied as he led the way into the dining room. Let me just say that Seth planned well for this day. Without his guidance, we would never have survived this long.

Seated around the table in the dining room were three women and four men. Piled before them were plates of food and everyone waved for the new arrivals to join them.

You've returned, Marcus said to Antioch, refusing to make any mention of the temple the archivist had set out to visit. Did you accomplish your mission?

Antioch nodded and placed a large sack on the table. Marcus knew that the sack was filled with precious gems without looking in it. He nodded in satisfaction and sat down at the table. Brakus sat down alongside him.

The harbor is complete, announced Marcus. The Abelmorro is secured in hiding, and the dwarves will leave tonight.

We should rename the mage ship, stated Mari. I understand that you don't know what you will do with it, but if it is ever to sail again, the name on the transom must be changed.

Choose a name, offered Mazul, and I will take care of it.

What is the point of changing the name? asked Lassa. It must be the only black mage ship in the world. Changing the name would not fool anyone.

No, it wouldn't, answered Antioch, but that ship does not belong to the Lantanan fleet any more. The Abelmorro sank years ago, and the Supreme Council denies its existence. How then could they claim it as theirs when it appears in a port under a different name?

They will recognize it, agreed Mari, but they will say nothing. To do so would be to admit that they have been aware of the rogue mages for years. They can't do that.

I will let Mari choose the name, replied Marcus. Mazul, when can you get a ship in here from Grimstaadt?

Two days, answered the legendary caravan warrior. Do you need supplies?

No, answered Marcus. Some of us have need to go to Grimstaadt, and I don't want to waste the time it takes to ride there.

Grimstaadt? echoed Brakus. I had hoped that you would accompany me to Avesta. Marcus looked questioningly at the dwarf, and Brakus continued, We still have the issue with Lassa and Gaynor to resolve. Gaynor has already requested a meeting of the Amica Council of Wizards. I am certain that is to proclaim the death of the Avenging Shadow. At my urging, Tobias refused the request. He suggested that it was so close to our annual meeting that Gaynor wait until then.

When is that meeting? asked Lassa.

Next month, answered Brakus. If there is ever a chance to swing the council to your side, Marcus, this is it. I want to set a trap for Gaynor before the entire council. Once the council understands how duplicitous Gaynor is, I think they may abandon his call to oppose you. You are going to need their help if Amica is to survive.

Marcus sighed and nodded. I agree with you, but I am not so optimistic that I think the Amica Council of Wizards would actually welcome me at their meeting, especially while carrying the sword they fear. Can you not accomplish your mission without me present?

Perhaps, frowned Brakus, but your presence would be a great help. As to their fear of the Sword of Articus, that is precisely what we must overcome. What is so important in Grimstaadt that it cannot wait?

The call to war, answered Marcus. We have little time to prepare for the coming onslaught. The most important task before us is to gather every country south of the Northern Wall and bring them into an Amican alliance. That means that we have to convince twenty-nine kings that the coming danger is real and that the situation is urgent. It will not be an easy task to get those kings to devote their treasury and manpower to a war against rogue mages that they cannot see.

A tall task indeed, agreed Brakus. Most of the kings will require proof that you cannot possibly supply. How do you plan to attack the problem?

I need to speak to those kings who have already acknowledged me and get them to convince others to join our cause, answered Marcus. I am going to Grimstaadt to start that process. From there I must travel to Odessa and then on to Paradise. I also have tasks for Mari and Taraka that will separate them from the rest of us. In fact, the time has come for all of us to split up. We have two days before the ship arrives from Grimstaadt. I will meet with each of you separately during that time. Brakus, if I travel by coastal freighter, I should be in Paradise when the Amica Council of Wizards meets. That is not far from Avesta. If you truly need me there, I will come.

Chapter 2

Extortion

Marcus walked into the sitting room in his mansion in Grim and found Antioch and Mari sitting at a table. Two long lines of precious gems were laid out on the table next to Antioch's sack of gems. Marcus nodded to the two mages and sat down.

We're just about done here, Antioch said softly.

Those are for the mage ships? asked Marcus.

Mari nodded. Seventeen pairs of tracking gems, she said. One set for each of Lantana's ships and one pair for the Night Shadow.

The Night Shadow? echoed Marcus. Is that to be the Abelmorro's new name then?

Mari grinned and nodded. I thought it was appropriate, she replied. It is, after all, a rogue mage ship. Its name should be fleeting and elusive.

I like it, smiled Marcus. Do you have any idea where you will hide the tracking gems on their ships?

There is a perfect place where they will never be found, answered Antioch. I have already described it to Mari, but I will take her down to the Night Shadow and show her when we are done here.

Are we sure about the number of mage ships? asked Marcus.

Positive, answered Antioch. The Lantana Shipping Company has four regions and each region has four ships.

Will you be welcome on all of them, Mari? Marcus asked.

I am still an enforcer, she replied. That gives me permission to ride any mage ship, but I am a bit leery about returning to the Northlands. If Alfor's people have managed to get a description of me from the private soldiers that we traveled with, I could end up in a disagreeable situation.

Do not endanger yourself merely to place tracking gems, said Marcus. While it would be nice to keep constant track of their ships, you are too important to lose over such a small matter. Maybe it is best to avoid the Northlands.

Those are the ships that matter the most, objected Antioch. If Alfor ever decides to move his soldiers by mage ship, we need to be forewarned about it. Gems on those ships are the most important of all.

Antioch is right, agreed Mari. I will make sure that each of the gems is in place. Do not worry about me.

Marcus sighed anxiously, but he nodded in agreement. Every one of his people were going to be putting their lives on the line in the coming months. It was unavoidable.

If you would give me a few private moments with Antioch, Marcus said to Mari, I will endeavor to return him quickly.

The enforcer nodded and left the room. Antioch looked questioningly at the Avenging Shadow.

Taraka is going to need communications gems, Marcus said. Lots of them.

We have plenty of them, the archivist replied. How many does she need?

Several score, answered Marcus.

Antioch's eyes widened in surprise. For what? he asked.

As you know, the Black Watch has been infiltrated, explained Marcus. The rogue mages took over the cell in Gateway. They not only replaced the original members there, but they also responded to my posting on the message board in the marketplace. That means that they now know how to identify the Black Watch in every city in Amica. I'm not sure that they realize yet what they have discovered, but it is only a matter of time before they do. Taraka's task will be to visit every cell of the Black Watch south of the Northern Wall. She will instruct those cells to abandon the message boards and use only the gems to contact her.

Taraka has been like a second skin for you, frowned the mage. Can't the safety of the cells be preserved by merely sending a message to discontinue the message boards and wait for a personal visit from you? That would allow you to make contact with them as you travel, and you can keep Taraka by your side.

No, answered Marcus. I need the Black Watch now more than ever. I cannot afford to lose even one more cell, and speed is important. I also have tasks for them to perform starting immediately, and there is no one else I can trust with this mission. This is not open for discussion, Antioch. Give Taraka whatever gems she needs. If you do not have enough right now, give her what you have and arrange to meet her somewhere to give her the rest. I assume from the sack that you already acquired that the Book of Seth led you to another cache of gems?

Indeed, nodded Antioch. In fact, the temple was not far from here. It was near the headwaters of the western branch of the Grimstaadt River, and there was another ancient arch there. However, the runes were different than the ones we saw in the Northlands. As for having enough gems, I can accommodate her needs from what I already have. Seth was a generous man.

Excellent, smiled Marcus as he rose to his feet.

Who are you taking with you to visit the kings? asked the mage.

Marcus frowned and sat back down. I assumed that you would be going with me, he said. Do you have other plans?

Actually, nodded Antioch, Kwang and I did have other plans. Kwang learned from the dwarves working on the harbor about another arch on the way to Avesta. I want to go and see it. There is something important about those mysterious arches that is drawing me to them. I was planning on rejoining the group in Avesta for the Amica Council of Wizards meeting, but I can cancel those plans.

Marcus sighed and shook his head. No, he said. It is a waste of your talents to merely escort me from one port to another. I can manage alone.

I would prefer that you not travel alone, objected the mage. I will speak with Mazul and have him select someone for you. It never hurts to have a partner at all times.

I will speak to him myself, Marcus stated as he rose again.

The Avenging Shadow left the mansion and headed eastward towards the area where Mazul had located the new arrivals. Beyond the orchards there was a large sparring field, and it was filled with a thousand men learning to fight. Marcus approached quietly and sat on a low rock wall to observe the sparring. Without making a sound, Mazul unexpectedly sat beside him.

You're not leading the training? Marcus asked.

Not right now, answered the caravan warrior. Those two northern soldiers you sent me are amazing fighters. In the short time that they have been here, they have learned enough to teach on their own. Im Hong is in charge today.

What do you think of them? asked Marcus.

I am impressed, stated Mazul. Both of them are among the best fighters I have ever seen, but they are still more than that. Each has a head for strategy and tactics, and they are born leaders. Sometimes we stage fake battles out here, and it is interesting to pit the two of them against each other as opposing generals. I should do that tomorrow so you can enjoy it.

I would like that, smiled Marcus. What about Py Lim?

He is a good fighter, shrugged Mazul, but nothing extraordinary. There might even be a bit of resentment in him because the other two northern soldiers are so much better than he is. It might make sense to isolate him from the other two so that he develops without that resentment. I think if we can do that, he will become a valuable asset to our cause.

Marcus nodded with understanding. That makes sense. I am in need of a companion for my travels. I think taking Py Lim with me might be the solution that you are looking for.

It would certainly give you a chance to evaluate him closely, agreed Mazul, and it would remove him from the source of his resentment. No one likes to be compared to a warrior of exceptional talent, and those words describe both Lu Zhou and Im Hong. You did well by bringing them with you.

Where is Lu Zhou? asked Marcus as his eyes roved across the sparring field. I don't see him.

He is jumping off the mountain, chuckled Mazul. Come. I will show you.

The two men rose and walked northward along the wall until it ended. The Transcedic Mountains marked the northern boundary of both Grim and Lord Freemen's estate, and as they approached the base of the mountains, Mazul pointed upward. Marcus gazed up at the side of the mountain and saw a dozen men on a cliff several hundred paces above the ground. The men appeared to be struggling with a large piece of cloth, and Marcus frowned in confusion.

What are they doing up there? Marcus asked.

Just watch, teased Mazul.

A few moments later, Marcus watched as one of the men ran and leaped off the ledge. The man's hands were grasped around a horizontal bar attached to a giant red kite. As Marcus and Mazul watched, the man took flight, soaring away from the mountain like a gliding bird.

It's a kite, explained Mazul as joyful shouting and hollering drifted down from the men up on the ledge. This is what warriors do for fun.

It looks dangerous, Marcus commented. Do they ever get hurt?

Of course, answered Mazul. It wouldn't be fun for them if there was no danger. Fortunately, no one has died yet. Would you care to try it?

Marcus knew that he should decline, but he found himself nodding and smiling. If I am the first one to die, he chuckled, you better run. There are too many people on this estate right now who will chase you forever.

Then my life is in your hands, Avenging Shadow, laughed Mazul. Come, I will show you the path up.

* * *

Inside the government complex on Lantana, three councilors from Alfor's Landing sat around a table in the office of the Head Councilor. Qartane, the current Head Councilor of the Supreme Council sat at the head of the table. Yeldin sat on his right and Telgard on his left. The three men had been in a strategy meeting when a communications from Fabio in the Northlands caused Qartane to begin a conversation. The other two councilors sat quietly listening to the one sided conversation.

What does the loss of an iron mine in Argastan have to do with anything? scowled Qartane.

I can't believe your need for iron is so crucial that you would get involved in Amican affairs, he continued. Just buy whatever iron you need from the market.

That is an outrageous amount of iron. What are you planning to do with it?

Look, Fabio, I have my own problems here in Batavia. I don't have time to worry about yours.

Our gold? shouted the Head Councilor. Have you gone insane? You want the Supreme Council to buy you iron? You truly are crazy.

For a while, the other councilors heard nothing, indicating that Fabio was monopolizing the conversation. Eventually, Qartane's face flushed with anger.

Demands? snarled Qartane. Alfor demands? Alfor has no right to demand anything any more. I am the head of the clan now, not Alfor. Alfor is supposed to be dead.

The Head Councilor's rage reached its peak as he tore off his ring and threw it across the room, effectively ending the conversation. That is when he saw Saratella standing just inside the door to the office.

What are you doing here? Qartane snapped. I don't recall inviting you into my office.

Saratella nodded to the Head Councilor and calmly closed the door. He walked across the room and sat in an empty seat.

Are we having problems? the Cresthaven councilor asked calmly.

Your presence is not desired, Qartane replied curtly, although the sting had left his voice to be replaced with a tone of weariness. Why are you here?

I promised Alfor that I would aid and support you as I did him, answered Saratella. I cannot support you if you do not share your burdens. What is this about buying iron?

It is clan business, retorted Qartane, and you are no longer a member of this clan.

That is not for you to decide, shrugged Saratella. I was born a member of the clan, and I have never surrendered my allegiance. My heart tells me that I am still a member of the clan. I am also a member of the Supreme Council, and unless I am mistaken, you were just discussing using the treasury of Lantana to support rogue mages. Are you sure that you really wish to eject me from this meeting, knowing what I know?

We can trust Saratella, Yeldin offered meekly. You know that he would never betray us.

Saratella smiled and nodded towards the other councilor. Tell me what the problem is, Qartane, he said. Perhaps I can help.

Qartane sighed and nodded. Iron production in the Northlands was destroyed by the Avenging Shadow, he revealed. Alfor is in desperate need of iron, and he wants me to use Lantana's treasury to buy iron for them. I can't imagine how gullible they must think we are. There is no way that we could transfer so much gold and not be branded as traitors. Why can't Alfor and his people just lead quiet lives up there in the Northlands? Why must they cause so much trouble?

Alfor is Alfor, shrugged Saratella. He knows no other way. Let me ask you this, what will Alfor's people do if we do not buy them iron?

How do I know? scowled Qartane.

Saratella glanced questioningly at the other two councilors.

His people will steal the gold, answered Telgard.

I agree, said Yeldin. They have done it before, and they will do it again.

Of course, stated Saratella, and when they do, we will have another crisis on our hands like we did in Kor, Grim, and the Riviera. We can't allow that to happen, yet we are powerless to stop it.

You are stating the obvious, retorted Qartane. How is that supposed to be helpful?

It helps put things in perspective, answered Saratella. What if we could get away with giving them the gold? Wouldn't it be better to pay their extortion and be done with it?

There is no way, countered Qartane. We would be discovered and deposed.

Deposed? chuckled Saratella. Is that what you are worried about? Losing your comfortable position as Head Councilor? There are worse fates involved here, my friend. What do you think the Supreme Council would do to you if they discovered that you helped Alfor and his men escape forty years ago?

Me? balked Qartane. It was your plan. All I did was help. You would die right alongside me.

Of course, agreed Saratella, but that needn't be said. Being the narcissist that you are, you could never be concerned with what happened to me. That is why I focused the question solely on you. My point is, getting caught transferring some gold is a minor infraction compared to what has already been done. There is no sense in creating unnecessary fear where none is needed. What we need to focus on is accomplishing the mission without getting caught. That way there will be no consequences to worry about.

Is that possible? asked Yeldin. How could we possibly hide the transfer of gold to Alfor's people?

Rogue mages raided the coffers of Kor, explained Saratella, and they also caused immeasurable grief in Grim. What if the gold shipments were disguised as reparations to those two countries? Wouldn't it appear that Lantana is being sincere about accepting some blame for the actions of our people? Wouldn't our intentions appear pure and wholesome?

How does that get the gold to Alfor's people? asked Telgard.

That is merely the story we will tell if the shipments are discovered, explained Saratella. Besides, shipments can often go astray or be hijacked. Suppose we involve our new Ambassador to Amica by discussing such reparations with him. We don't have to actually commit to making such payments, but we would be on record as truly discussing such reparations. It would lend credence to our story should things go wrong.

That could work, Yeldin said excitedly.

That doesn't explain how we could actually get the gold on the ships, frowned Qartane.

That would be simple, smiled Saratella. You would go to the Treasurer with authorization from the Supreme Council for a shipment of gold to Kor. Explain to him that the council has decreed this affair to be a national secret as we don't wish to set a precedent for such reparations.

Forge a council decree? asked Yeldin.

Why not? asked Saratella. The Treasurer is not authorized to enter the vault in the archives, so he will have no way to verify its authenticity. Explain to him that a single word from his lips to anyone, including members of the council, would be grounds for treason. Also, warn him that a second shipment to Grim might be forthcoming if the council can agree on an amount. That gives us leeway for one additional shipment should the need arise.

That can work, Telgard nodded exaggeratedly.

And the shipment of gold to Kor need only have its destination changed once it is onboard, interjected Yeldin. It is foolproof.

All right, agreed Qartane. I find your solution preferable to letting Alfor's goons run amok all over Amica. Your task, Saratella, will be to discuss the reparations with Alistair. Make sure that he will back up our story if need be, and make sure that he will not speak a word of this to anyone.

I will see to it, promised Saratella.

Now, Qartane said calmly, tell me the real reason for your visit here today. I don't believe for a minute that you just happened to be passing by.

Of course not, smiled Saratella. I have been concerned for some time now about the strength of our enforcers. Amica is a huge landmass, and our enforcers are always spread too thin. As now is a time of great uncertainty on the mainland, I think we need to increase the number of active enforcers.

You'll get no quarrel with me on that point, conceded Qartane, but we have no qualified individuals that we can send. Fewer young people are signing up for the academy these days, and the next graduating class is over a year away. We have no one to send to Amica.

I spoke to the headmaster of the academy about the problem this morning, said Saratella. While you are correct about the timing of the next graduating class, that class does contain several extraordinary cadets. We talked about the coursework that they would cover over the course of the year and came to a rather interesting conclusion. He felt that four of the cadets were so skilled that they might be released early. When I suggested giving them real life experience in Amica rather than coursework here in Lantana, he grew excited at the prospects of such an endeavor.

Get to the point, Qartane said curtly, signs of stress showing on his face.

The plan is to graduate those four exceptional cadets early and assign each of them to enforcers on the mainland, explained Saratella. Those enforcers will act as mentors over the course of the next year. By the time they would have graduated on their current schedule, the cadets will already be seasoned professionals. The Headmaster feels that if this pilot program works, it might become the new standard.

I see no problem with it, agreed Qartane. I will bring it up before the council today. Is there anything else?

That was all, smiled Saratella as he rose to his feet. If I can be of any other assistance, please don't hesitate to call on me.

As Saratella was leaving the room, Qartane rose and retrieved the ring he had thrown across the room. He slid it back on his finger with a show of annoyance. Saratella always left cheerily, and that made Qartane feel as if he had just been taken advantage of. He wasn't sure why, but he felt that the councilor from Cresthaven was always toying with him, and it bothered Qartane to see him leave with a smile on his lips.

Saratella is something else, Yeldin said softly. He always seems to have a ready answer to every problem. I could have thought about the gold for a million years and not come up with such a clever scheme to solve the problem.

And he did it within minutes of learning about the problem, added Telgard. How does he do it?

He already knew about the problem, snapped Qartane. You could see it in his eyes.

How could he have known? asked Yeldin. We just learned of it before he walked in.

Isn't it obvious? scowled Qartane. He probably has a spy among Alfor's people. He's probably known about the gold for weeks.

Telgard and Yeldin glanced at one another in disbelief of their leader's words, but neither of them spoke. Qartane glanced at his two clan members and then waved at them dismissively.

Leave me, he commanded. "I need to contact