Magician's War: Dark Mage Series, #5

By D. Bruce Cotton

"War has come. We can stand as men, hoping to win the day, or be ground beneath the boot heels of a tyrant. There is no neutral side in this conflict."

With those words, Adam Gray struggles to rise from the ashes of despair, only to find himself friendless and alone. Shunned as love's betrayer, he can find absolution for his crimes through victory alone.

Yet how can one man hope to endure against the hordes of evil incarnate? The harder Adam struggles to unravel the webs of malice and deceit, the more entangled he becomes in the Dark Mage's snares.

War has come, indeed. And it leads Adam to one terrible conclusion:

Perhaps this is a war he's destined to lose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. Bruce Cotton
• Release date: Mar 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393705888

D. Bruce Cotton

D. Bruce Cotton grew up in a small rural town in central Kentucky. A certified bibliophile, when he wasn’t digging through the local store’s latest delivery of comic books, you could usually find him camped out in a corner of the town library, avidly reading the literary masters: Isaac Asimov, Edgar Rice Burroughs and J.R.R. Tolkien. After graduating with a somewhat useless degree in English, he went to work for Uncle Sam, serving as a statistical clerk at a nerve gas laboratory, a public affairs specialist, and for 28 years as a writer and editor for PS Magazine, an Army comic book designed to teach Soldiers how to care for their equipment. Now retired, Bruce lives in Cold Spring, KY, with his wife, Cindy, and 6-year-old standard poodle, Gracie. He’s the author of seven books in the epic Dark Mage fantasy series: Magician's Dawn (a prequel), Magician’s Heir, Magician’s Return, Magician’s Quest, Magician's Loss, Magician's War, and Magician's Genesis. To find more about these books and future additions to the series, go to: https://dbrucecotton.com

Book preview

Chapter 1, Regrets

Atiny figure sat alone amid acres of cold gray stone. Rocky knobs and protruding swells covered the field as far as the eye could see. It bore the appearance of a raging sea transformed from liquid to solid in an instant, its crashing waves and surging tides forever frozen by a titanic and incomprehensible power.

Adam Gray sat with both arms wrapped around his legs and forehead pressed tight against his knees. His stunned mind wondered how everything went so wrong. Less than an hour ago, tens of thousands of undead soldiers led by hundreds more Dread—powerful beasts created by the Dark Mage’s foul magic—surrounded him. Despite having no chance, he beat them all by unleashing the power of the massive caldera hundreds of feet below the ground’s surface. For more than a thousand years, the warmth generated by the molten lava beneath this very spot kept the frozen desolation of the Dark Mountains at bay; transforming the valley into a lush, near-tropical paradise. In an instant, he destroyed it all. The magma freed by his power shot through the blasted remains of Herrenbourn, incinerating the Dark Mage’s forces and providing salvation for the giants who fled east into the mountains.

And then the ultimate cost came due. The molten hell he unleashed turned unstoppable, pouring with unrelenting fury from the hole he blasted through the earth. Despite his power, Adam couldn’t stop the threat. In his moment of utter helplessness, Alecia saved him. With her talent, she blasted the lava with ice, creating small platforms of hardened stone to cross the molten surface and reach him. Her heroic efforts allowed him to drop the shield protecting him from the hellish flow.

But in so doing, she exhausted herself. At the edge of total collapse, she fell into his arms with nothing left to give.

And yet he asked for more anyway. Without regard to the cost, he demanded she give everything.

A link! he remembered shouting. Alecia, you need to form a link with me. Use my strength to plug this lava!

Without hesitation, she nodded and took his hand. At once, Adam felt the drain as Alecia took control of the Power. He gasped in terror as she almost dropped her staff not once, but twice, as the titanic energies ripped through her body. But she regained control and in seconds, the roiling lava around them transformed to cool, gray stone.

But I didn’t stop there, did I? I saw the pain in her eyes; knew she already went beyond herself. His Power-enhanced senses told him the lava still pulsed from the open wound far below. They still needed to contain the crisis he created.

Don’t stop, Alecia, he urged. You’ve got to close it all the way or it’ll undo everything. We’ll be right back where we started.

And so, Alecia paid the price for his failure. Driven by his insistence and urgent need, Alecia drove herself beyond human capacity. At the same time she succeeded in sealing the wound, she burned away her ability to channel the Power forever.

Her success in stopping the molten death seemed almost inconsequential now. Tears cut twin tracks through the crusted dirt and ash coating his cheeks. He inflicted an unbearable hurt on someone he loved more than life itself.

Forgive me, Alecia, he moaned in a voice barely audible. Please... forgive.

But there would be no forgiveness. Some defilements, he knew, were too heinous for mercy.

And yet his sins didn’t end there, did they? No. He also shattered the hearts of the two women most precious to him. Alecia and Erin both... For the longest time, Adam struggled with how to explain his love for the two of them. But never in his wildest nightmares did he imagine a confrontation as horrendous as what played out. If the accumulated sorrow didn’t hurt so much, Adam might have laughed. Did he honestly think he might somehow explain away his love for two different women?

It’s over, he whispered. They’re gone forever. Along with the realization came an overwhelming sense of despair and loneliness. Adam wanted nothing more than to lie down and die.

But then he heard footsteps approaching from the west, the direction Alecia fled. For a fleeting moment, he felt a momentary hope. Maybe...?

No. He took the tiny glimmer of hope in both hands and crushed it. Instinct told him the only way to hurt a man who’s lost everything is to allow him hope.

When the footsteps came closer, he realized they sounded too heavy—too forceful—to belong to a woman. Aristomus then, he decided; come to exact revenge on his former friend in retaliation for what Adam did to the old mage’s daughter.

And I deserve it, he decided. Whatever fate he intends for me, I won’t resist.

Even now, Adam felt the Power pulsing through his veins, ready to respond to his command. He pushed it away on purpose; dampened it like a banked fire. Should Aristomus decide he deserved death, Adam didn’t want the Power to interfere with the old mage’s judgment.

With a start, he realized he no longer heard the footsteps. Adam opened his eyes to see a long shadow looming over him.

I know why you're here, he said to the silence. Just get it over with. God knows I deserve whatever punishment you think is appropriate. But the silence continued. Aristomus? Say something at least.

My friend, came a voice from close by, Aristomus would not come. He feared what might happen should he face you again.

Adam's head came up to find Jacob Henslow standing over him. The man's face bled tears. They trickled along the seams of his old skin to disappear into the gray-streaked black beard. Is it true?

I... We... Adam fell silent then. Sure, he could explain the circumstances; the desperate need to stop the lava pouring from the subterranean caldera; how only Alecia's talent might hope to avert the disaster he created. But excuses didn’t change anything. He released the lava; demanded Alecia link with him; pushed her beyond her abilities. Yes. No one else carried the blame but him. It's all my fault, Jacob.

The old man sighed, staring off into the distance before turning his eyes back to meet Adam's own. You accept blame, and yet I do not believe it. I know you, Adam. You are no more capable of intentionally hurting someone than...

No? Maybe you don't know me as well as you think, Jacob. Alecia's just one in a long line of people I’ve hurt. Kate, Aristomus, Craigen, Polonius, Erin... Adam’s voice cracked as he stifled a sob. God, Erin, I'm so sorry! And those are just the people I care about. I've killed...

Adam struggled to his feet and Henslow reached out to steady him before his legs folded. When he regained his bearings, Adam said, I need to leave, Jacob, to go as far away as possible. It's the only way to ensure I don't hurt anyone else.

You accept too much blame, Adam. If not for the Dark Mage, none of this would have happened.

The young mage pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger. I suppose you’re right. But I’m still accountable for how I respond to what he does. So far, I haven’t exactly done a bang-up job, have I?

Perhaps not, Henslow sighed. "But the task is not yet complete, is it? We need you, Adam. War has come. We can stand as men, hoping to win the day, or be ground beneath the boot heels of a tyrant. There is no neutral side in this conflict.

Both Alecia and Aristomus are strong in the Power. And Kate’s full strength is not yet tested. Perhaps we might still somehow convince the Council of Mages to support us. But without you, the Dark Mage has won already.

At first Adam thought he misheard. Or maybe Henslow misspoke. Then realization struck. Oh, my God! She didn’t tell them. But why?

Understanding came just as fast. And the depth of Alecia’s sacrifice stunned him. She protected him still; withheld the terrible hurt he inflicted from the others so he might remain free to face the Dark Mage. My God, Alecia! How do you stand it?

Though it appalled him to admit it, her sacrifice made a kind of sense. With the disarming of Tantris and the near devastation of the giants, only he stood a chance against the evil mage. And though he hurt Alecia and Erin, forced both to abandon him, their danger remained just as sure. The Dark Mage would still try to hurt him by attacking one or both. The vision he saw back in Sanctuary proved it beyond any doubt. No, running isn’t an option.

When the silence became too much, Henslow asked, What will you do, my friend? Will you abandon us?

No. Adam swallowed hard before meeting Henslow’s stare. I can’t. There’s something else I have to do first.

Henslow blinked, and then asked, What do you intend?

The Dark Mage, Adam replied through gritted teeth, is still out there somewhere. And I'm going to kill the son-of-a-bitch if it’s the last thing I ever do.

Chapter 2, Secrets

N o! I will not go near him!

Alecia turned away, not seeing Aristomus’ face transform from one of concern to hot rage as he contemplated Adam’s betrayal. She told him of Erin’s appearance and their ultimate confrontation. Thus far, she held back telling anyone about her loss of the Power. It remained too painful even to contemplate, let alone speak of aloud. And she still held some dim hope the harm might prove temporary.

The boy is a brainless dolt, fumed the old mage. I do not understand what he expected would happen...

You knew? Alecia gasped. The implications made her head spin. Father, why did you not tell me?

I... he started and then looked down in shame. I have no excuse, daughter. At first, I hoped the years might have changed your feelings. And then I decided he bore the responsibility of telling you. But I see now those are but weak justifications. He sighed. The truth is, I could not bear to see you hurt.

Fresh tears trickled down Alecia’s cheeks as she contemplated her father’s words. The pain felt like it might go on forever. Kate... she began, voice cracking, started to tell me once, I think, right before the earthquake and avalanche buried you both. She said you and Adam... She hesitated a moment. Even saying his name sent shards of pain through her heart. ...the two of you argued.

Aye, he admitted, though it went far beyond a simple disagreement. At one time I blamed him for the deaths of the future Craigen and Henslow.

Alecia’s pale face went paler still. What? But how?

Aristomus took Alecia’s cold hands in his own and led her to a seat by the small fire. They set up camp just outside the burned remains of the Herrenbourn forest. Kate, Henslow and the other soldiers kept themselves busy to provide father and daughter as much privacy as possible. Though she would never admit it aloud, Alecia felt grateful for the lack of an audience. Speaking of such things with her father proved painful enough.

"My fears proved ill-founded, so it is unimportant now. The boy is many things, but I no longer include evil as one of them.

Alecia, he continued, "I understand how you feel. Seeing Adam again is not something I relish, either. But I believe we have little choice. The Dark Mage suffered a great loss here, it is true, but he will return. We must persuade the giants to leave this place and soon. To convince them, we must travel to their place of refuge."

So he pits my love for the giants against my loathing for Adam, she realized. Oh, father, are you truly so calculating?

But his words had their intended effect. The danger to the giants forced Alecia to swallow her anger. You are certain he will go there? This other girl, Erin, departed to the east. I can only assume she also returns to Sanctuary. She used the name given by Torlaine for the giants’ last refuge high in the Dark Mountains. In his place, I would not wish to encounter either of us.

Aristomus thought a moment before replying, "I think it likely. Jacob left some hours back to find and speak with Adam. He hoped to convince him to continue the fight against the Dark Mage. Since the Captain did not return, I can only assume they both left for the mountains from there.

With a tremulous sigh, Alecia rose to her feet. Very well, father, she replied at last. I will go.

Despite Alecia’s reluctant decision, they didn’t set out at once. The sun, hidden behind thick gray clouds of ash and soot, already sank behind the western edge of the Dark Mountains. Lack of light and the terrain’s destruction made any attempt at travel hazardous, so Aristomus recommended waiting until morning to allow everyone a few hours’ sleep.

Alecia welcomed any opportunity to ease the exhaustion weighing on her aching muscles. She gained other advantages from the soothing oblivion of sleep, too. For a time, short as it might be, she would forget Adam and the chaos he made of her life.

Unfortunately, her mind would not allow her to rest. It raced from fear to fear, trapped in a never-ending loop of worry. Would the giants listen? And how would she bear another confrontation with Adam? What if she should run into Erin? And perhaps most important of all, should she tell her father about losing the Power? What might he try to do to Adam if he found out? More than anything else, the terrible loss shook her. Even now, she felt the Power’s absence; like a hole in the very center of her being.

At last, she could bear it no longer. Rising, she slipped away from the meager light of the campfire and into the dark. Away from the fire, the cold breeze coming off the mountains made her shiver. Alecia wrapped trembling arms around herself, wishing she thought to bring a cloak along with her.

Alecia?

Startled from her thoughts, Alecia missed a step. An arm reached out from the dark to steady her.

I’m sorry, dear. The faint moonlight revealed Kate’s pale face. I didn’t mean to frighten you.

Breathing a tremulous sigh of relief, Alecia offered Kate a faint smile. Just deep in thought, I guess. I cannot sleep.

Me, either, Kate replied. Here, share my cloak. You must be half-frozen. She spread the covering wide and draped it over Alecia’s trembling form.

The cloak’s heavy material and Kate’s body heat warmed her at once. Thank you, Kate.

Both women walked along in silence a moment before Kate said, I understand why you can’t sleep, Alecia.

The young woman felt her heart skip a beat. She knew? But how? Alecia told no one. The mere thought of admitting it to herself made Alecia feel sick.

I’m so sorry you learned about Adam like you did, Kate continued. He didn’t handle any of it very well, I’m afraid.

Alecia felt a stab of pain at the reminder of Adam’s betrayal. Relief followed right on its heels. Kate didn’t know after all. For now, at least, her secret remained safe.

When Alecia didn’t respond, Kate fumbled for words. Forgive me. This is too painful for you now. I shouldn’t have said anything...

No, Kate. It is all right. It might even help to have a sympathetic ear. My father is a good man, but...

But he’s a man, and men sometimes lack the empathy to understand how much it hurts to be lied to.

Exactly. I... Alecia paused and then looked at Kate with dawning understanding. Wait. You speak as one who has experienced such pain.

Frowning, Kate replied, Yes, I have. Listen, Alecia, this is something I’ve never spoken of with anyone, not even Aristomus. I would appreciate it if you kept it just between the two of us.

At Alecia’s nod, she continued, "It happened a long time ago, as a young woman while away at school. Truth is, I’ve never been much of a socialite, even in my younger days. But one weekend, I let a friend persuade me to go to a party away from school grounds. Soon after I arrived, I saw a handsome man across the room: wavy black hair, blue eyes, dimples, and a smile to make you feel warm all over. Not the kind of man who would be interested in a bookworm like me.

"So, when he walked over and asked me to dance, I just about melted into a puddle!

"It turned out Bradley was a few years older than me. He didn’t go to school but worked as a salesman, traveling all over the region. He happened to be in town and a friend invited him to the same party. We danced a few times and then walked outside to talk and get some fresh air. Before I knew it, half the night passed.

"Bradley left the next morning on a road trip. I figured he forgot about me and we would never see each other again. When he showed up at my apartment a week later, I didn’t believe it!

"Afterward, we saw each other whenever his job allowed and before long got engaged. Bradley’s job still took him away for days, sometimes weeks. But it made the brief periods we spent together even more precious to me.

"Maybe I should’ve suspected something when he kept putting me off about wedding dates. He said being in sales made it hard to plan our future. But I was young and stupid, and willing to believe anything he told me.

"Then one afternoon, he called to let me know he planned to come home the next day. He needed to call on a customer in a nearby town first, but then he would have several days to spend with me. I didn’t want to wait and decided to surprise him. After borrowing a vehicle, I drove to the town, arriving just as the sun went down.

"The town offered only one place for travelers to stay, so I knew just where to find him. I stopped at the office and told the owner I wanted to surprise Bradley. When the old man gave me a knowing wink along with the extra key, I shrugged it off, thinking he was just a crazy old man.

Almost thirty years ago, and I can still remember the room number: seven. Not my lucky number for certain. Quiet as a mouse, I slipped the key in the lock and turned the knob, ready to shout, ‘Surprise!’ as soon as I opened the door.

Alecia already guessed what waited on the other side. Oh, Kate. I am so sorry.

Biting her lower lip, Kate nodded. "Yeah. Bradley and another woman in bed together. To think a man who claimed to love me would commit such betrayal... And it didn’t end there. It took time, but I discovered he did the same thing to women in eight other towns. And those were just the ones I found.

It shattered me, Alecia, Kate whispered. From then on, I never trusted another man. At least not until I met your father and even our relationship got off to a rocky start. She explained how Aristomus lied to her about his origins; how he feared Kate might think him a lunatic.

A simple lie almost tore us apart, she said. When Adam and Aristomus returned here, I didn’t come with them. Only dumb luck allowed me to follow. When I think of how close I came to losing your father...

Kate wiped a tear from her eye before continuing. I know what it’s like when a loved one betrays you, Alecia. Maybe our situations aren’t quite the same, but I know Adam and I can tell you this: he’s no Bradley. He’s young and young men do stupid things sometimes. And remember this: his involvement with Erin came only after the future you died. It left him despondent, alone and vulnerable.

She took a deep breath before continuing. He did a terrible thing. Maybe even an unforgivable thing. I don’t know. It’s a decision only you can make. I made the wrong decision and it almost cost me your father; all because I wouldn’t allow myself to forgive.

But Adam made his own decision when he chose another, Kate. I do not know this girl. Perhaps she is a good person. But how can I contemplate forgiving Adam as long as she remains involved?

Think about it, Alecia. I don’t believe anyone else has considered this, and I know Adam hasn’t. Adam is a mage, right?

Aye, of course. Perhaps the strongest mage ever. But I do not see...

Erin isn’t.

At first, Alecia didn’t understand. Then her eyes widened as Kate’s point drove home.

Exactly, Kate explained. "Look at you, Alecia. You’re what, fifty? Maybe fifty-five? But you don’t even look thirty. Mages don’t age like regular humans. Don’t get me wrong. Erin’s a wonderful girl and a good friend. But if Adam stayed with her, he would have to watch her grow a little older every day. She’ll die while he’s still a young man. I can’t imagine a worse fate than watching someone you love wither away before your eyes.

You, on the other hand, don’t have her problem. Sure, you’re already a bit older than Adam. You’ll probably pass away before he does. But as I understand it, you would still have decades together, maybe as much as a hundred and fifty years, before it happened.

Despondency gripped Alecia at Kate’s words. Everything she said made sense, except... Kate didn’t know about Alecia’s loss of the Power. Now she would age just as fast as Erin, perhaps even faster. Would her current age catch up to her? Or would she age at a normal rate starting from the moment she lost the Power? So much remained unanswered.

Kate misinterpreted her silence. I’m sorry, dear. This is much too painful to contemplate now. I should never have brought it up...

No, Kate, Alecia interrupted. You have given me much to think about and I appreciate your frankness. She hesitated, unsure whether she should go any further. But she needed to tell someone, didn’t she? If only to gain another person’s perspective.

I..., she started. Kate, I need your help. I need to tell you something. Something terrible. But I must have your word you will tell no one else, not even my father. If Aristomus knew, he would kill Adam, or at least try to. "Especially not my father."

Kate stared into Alecia’s auburn eyes for a long moment. Whatever she saw there convinced her. I don’t like keeping secrets from your father, Alecia. And I won’t lie to him no matter what. But you can trust me.

After taking a deep breath, Alecia’s story came out in a torrent of words. Until it happened, she didn’t realize just how much it hurt to keep it all to herself. Like lancing a boil, she released the noxious poison she held inside. When she came to the end of her tale, the hole in her spirit felt no smaller, but telling someone provided more relief than she expected.

Kate’s silence almost made her wail. Losing the Power made Alecia feel incomplete, less of a person. Not until now did she realize others might feel the same.

So it surprised her when Kate’s arm tightened in a hug. I’m so very sorry, Alecia, she said in a soft voice. I can’t imagine the pain you must feel right now.

Then you will keep my secret?

A faraway look came into Kate’s eyes as she thought through the consequences. Of course. I can’t tell Aristomus even if I wanted to. If he found out...

Aye. He would kill Adam, or die trying, replied Alecia. But understand me, Kate. Even though Adam betrayed me, I will not blame him for my loss of the Power. He created the situation and provided the means, it is true. But the ultimate choice remained mine alone. No one is to blame for what happened but me.

It takes a brave woman to say so, Alecia. Is there no hope at all? Maybe losing the Power is temporary.

I do not know. Perhaps. So far as I know, such a thing has never happened to any mage. But I cannot allow myself the luxury of hope. Should it prove unfounded, I do not think I can bear it.

Kate nodded, and they made their way back to the campsite together. Alecia felt somewhat better; the heavy burden of her secret no longer hers alone. Perhaps, she thought, I might even sleep.

Chapter 3, Confrontations

Polonius’ palm itched for the hilt of his sword. Instead, he kept his arm around the shoulder of his sobbing daughter. Erin returned to Sanctuary just an hour ago, accompanied by the giant, Mesan. Through her tears, Erin described in halting words the destruction of the Dark Mage’s forces in the valley far below. Then she told him of Adam’s betrayal; of finding the man she loved in the arms of another woman: Alecia, the daughter of his friend, Aristomus.

Fury burned through him at the thought of Adam’s unfaithfulness. But he also recognized his own duplicity. He wanted something like this to happen, didn’t he? By his act of betrayal, Adam took the target from Erin’s back and placed it firmly on Alecia. The choice should ensure the Dark Mage and his terrible creatures would no longer seek out his daughter. Polonius got the exact result he wanted.

Yet seeing his daughter’s shattered spirit turned the victory to ashes. All a father’s outrage for a daughter wronged surged through his veins. At this moment, he wanted nothing more than to plunge his sword through Adam’s chest.

When Erin’s sobs relaxed into slumber, Polonius extracted himself from her arms with care and laid her head on the hard cot. After covering Erin with a soft blanket, he went in search of Mesan.

He didn’t get far. A disturbance near the cavern’s entrance drew his attention. What now? he wondered.

The twenty giants gathered around the entrance blocked any possibility of seeing what caused the commotion. But Polonius didn’t let the press of bodies stop him. Using his command voice and liberal use of his elbows, he forced his way through the crowd to see who raised such a ruckus.

Henslow he recognized at once. Raising one hand, he started to call out to the old soldier. Then Henslow stepped to one side to reveal Adam Gray.

You! Polonius growled. Like magic, his sword appeared in one hand and he lunged at the offending figure.

Adam’s eyes widened in surprise. Too shocked to defend himself, the young mage only flinched as the deadly sword point shot straight for his heart...

CLANG! A sword three times the size of his own deflected Polonius’ blade aside. The strength behind the blow numbed his arm to the elbow. It took everything for the Captain to keep from dropping his weapon.

Do not, came a stern voice, draw steel in this place, Captain Polonius!

Looking up, Polonius saw the fierce visage of Torlaine staring back at him. This is a place of peace and we are all friends here, she said. If it is enemies you seek, I am sure the Dark Mage will be most happy to supply them.

Polonius’ fury departed as fast as it appeared. But he still pointed an accusatory finger at Adam. If you consider this one a friend, he snarled, I have no desire to face one of our enemies. Why did you hold your sword when he wronged my daughter, Torlaine?

The giant remained silent but held her sword at the ready should Polonius make another attempt.

I’m sorry. Adam’s soft voice sounded loud in the stillness. I didn’t mean to hurt Erin. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.

Do your intentions make the harm any less? She gave you her heart, and you tossed it aside for another woman!

No. The reply came out so soft, Polonius strained to hear it. Alecia left me, too.

Good! the Captain shouted. Perhaps it will teach you not to toy with the affections of women. He returned his sword to its scabbard with a rasp of metal on leather. Turning back to Torlaine, he asked, Is it your intent to allow access to such as he?

It is, she replied evenly.

Then all your plans and defenses are for naught, he grated, for the enemy has already gained access to all you hold dear. With those words, he whirled and stalked away.

POLONIUS STOOD WATCH over Erin as she slept through the night. The anger pounding in his veins didn’t allow for sleep. When she woke at last, he swallowed hard against the ire obstructing his throat before speaking.

Are you well, daughter?

Well enough, she answered in a tired voice. The look on her face gave lie to her words. What news?

With a grimace, Polonius shook his head, unwilling to tell Erin of Adam’s arrival. He would have to sometime, of course, but decided to wait for now. I have heard little. There is a rumor the giants plan to meet. For now, they wait for others to arrive. I can only assume they mean Aristomus and Kate.

Eyes narrowing, Erin replied, Ah. You do not have to treat me with such care, father. You neglect to say Aristomus’ daughter will come, too.

At his nod, she persisted, And I must assume Adam is invited to this gathering? Has he arrived yet?

Again, Polonius nodded, not trusting himself to speak on any subject involving Adam.

Come, then, Erin said, swinging her legs off the cot and jumping down. We must seek something to eat. I suspect we will need our strength today. Once finished, she continued, we can inquire after Mesan. Perhaps he will part with more details of this meeting.

As luck would have it, they encountered Mesan at the refectory, sitting at a table with a large bowl of porridge in front of him. The giant didn’t appear hungry, though. He sat hunched over his bowl and gave the contents a slow stir with a large wooden spoon. After gathering a helping for themselves, Erin and Polonius took the empty seats to either side of the giant, though he didn’t seem to notice. Not until Erin cleared her throat a second time did he look up from the cooling porridge.

Oh, Erin. I am sorry. Lost in my thoughts, I fear. Are you well?

Aye, she replied. As well as can be expected, I suppose.

Polonius tried to change the subject. Only by giving Erin something constructive to dwell on might he deflect her mind from present troubles. Mesan, we have heard rumors of a meeting. Do you have any details?

Mesan shoved his spoon in the congealing porridge and pushed the bowl away. Perhaps, he replied. Torlaine called the gathering to discuss our next step. Captain Henslow assured her the other mages would wish to attend, so she awaits their arrival. If they departed early this morning, they should arrive in the next few hours.

And who did Torlaine invite to this ‘gathering?’ Erin asked, her voice stiff.

Besides the mages? Craigen, myself, Captain Henslow and Adam. Erin flinched at the mention of Adam’s name. She wished to keep the number small, I suppose.

What of the village Elders? Polonius looked surprised. Should they not have some say in what comes next?

We are at war, came the grim reply. The Elders have turned all decision-making over to Torlaine. They understand she is our only hope of survival.

Both men jerked in surprise when Erin slammed her open hand against the table and shouted, Already I am disregarded! At the looks of disapproval from nearby giants, Erin lowered her voice. Until yesterday, she included father and me in such decisions, she hissed. Why has our status changed?

Mesan held up both hands, palms out, trying to placate her. I do not know, Erin. It may be Torlaine meant only to spare you the pain of another confrontation. But if you wish to attend, I will speak to her.

Eyes closed, Polonius pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger. Though he said nothing, he knew the exact reason Torlaine excluded him, at least.

Erin’s expression remained just as stern, but her face went pale at what she contemplated. I do, she answered at last. And I owe you an apology, Mesan. You have been nothing but a friend to me.

Climbing to his feet, Mesan gave her a warm smile. Think naught of it. I will bring word as soon as I speak to Torlaine.

AN HOUR LATER, MESAN stopped by to tell them Torlaine reconsidered. The giant promised to send word when the time came. They settled in to wait.

Polonius watched as Erin kept busy by honing her sword with a whetstone. The familiar rasping noise it made as she drew the stone along the length of steel proved distracting. At last, the grating sound turned unbearable.

It is possible to make a sword too sharp, you know.

Erin gave him a skeptical look before putting the whetstone away. Point taken, father. She pulled out a soft cloth and used it to polish the sword’s surface.

And what do you intend to do with it? Polonius well remembered how close he came to planting his blade in Adam’s heart.

She snorted. I will take it with me, of course. When he opened his mouth to speak again, she stopped him with a shake of the head, No, father, I do not plan to kill him with it. Holding the blade up, she examined its edge. Perhaps I would yesterday, except I foolishly left it behind. Satisfied with her work, Erin slid the sword back into its scabbard. I do not plan to do so again.

Polonius took a seat on the cot beside his daughter. Erin... he started, struggling to find the right words. I am... not the best person to speak of such things. Your mother always joked I never met an emotion I could not trip over. Forgive me, but perhaps what happened is for the best. When he felt her tense up at his side, he hurried on, "No, please. Hear me out. I do not disparage your feelings. They are real, I know.

"But understand this: Adam put you in terrible danger just by existing. This Dark Mage Aristomus spoke of is real. We have seen what he can do. And my greatest fear since coming to this land is he will attack Adam through you.

"As your father, it is my duty to keep you safe. Your mother and brother have already paid the price for my failure. No matter the cost, I will not let it happen again!

So, while my heart breaks to see you hurt, it also rejoices to know you are no longer threatened. Do you understand? he asked in a soft voice.

Tears sparkled in Erin’s eyes as she looked up at him. I do. She wrapped her arms tight around his neck.

Polonius smiled—the first genuine smile he remembered in a long time. Then he felt Erin stiffen in his arms.

Erin? What is it? He pulled away and held her by the shoulders. Tell me!

It is just... she replied, voice trembling. I just realized something, father. You and I know the relationship is over. Adam knows. I assume every giant in Sanctuary knows by now.

Aye. I do not understand your point.

Just this, father: It seems to me the only one who does not know is the Dark Mage!

Chapter 4, Counsel

Adam sat alone at the northern end of Sanctuary. Funny, he thought. It doesn’t seem like much of a refuge for me.

Alecia’s party arrived more than an hour ago, so he knew someone would come for him as soon as they ate and cleaned up. Though he stayed away on purpose when she arrived, he yearned to go to both her and Erin. He wanted desperately to explain himself; or at least try. But in his heart, he knew no justification sufficed for the hurt he caused. Staying far away from both remained the best option for everyone, despite the pain it caused him.

So when Craigen appeared to fetch him, those who would attend stayed uppermost in his mind, even more so than the topic of discussion. Laying a hand on the giant’s gray-skinned arm, he urged Craigen to pause a moment. Even now, the shame of looking his friend in the eye remained too great.

Craigen... do you know who’ll be there?

A long moment of silence passed, and Adam felt the dread in his chest squeeze a little tighter.

I do not think you will like the answer, my friend, though I suspect you know already, he replied at last. The group Torlaine calls is small. Besides the two of us, it includes Captain Henslow, Mesan, Polonius, Erin, Aristomus and Alecia.

Adam winced at the last few names. How can I face them? And Aristomus...?

Aye, Craigen continued as though he read Adam’s mind. Torlaine has spoken to Aristomus. There will be no more encounters like the one earlier with Polonius, she assures me. Going to one knee, the giant forced Adam to look him in the eye. And you have my support, my friend. You can go in safety.

It’s not my safety I’m worried about, he muttered. In a stronger voice, he continued, It’s just... How can I face them again, Craigen?

The giant let out a long breath and gave a gentle shake of the head. It is true you did a foolish thing, Adam. I know not if you can ever hope for forgiveness, but the grimness of our present circumstances surpasses all else. We may well be the last remaining defenders of Tantris. To fight among ourselves is the height of foolishness.

With a heavy sigh, Adam replied, You’re right. I should concentrate on the Dark Mage. He felt a wave of hatred pass through him. For the briefest of moments, it surpassed even the burden of shame he carried. Let’s go.

As Craigen led the way, Adam kept both eyes down. The silence which seemed to accompany him through the massive cavern felt like lead weights on his slumped shoulders. Voices died away whenever he and Craigen approached, only to pick up again after he passed; the whispered voices burned against his skin like acid.

After a few minutes, even his downcast eyes recognized their destination. Someone—Torlaine, he assumed—used thick curtains to close off a small section of the cavern. The structure looked almost like a rounded circus tent, but with no top. Adam supposed it made no difference. The curtains stretched high, well above the heads of the two burly giants who stood at attention next to the single entrance. It appeared Torlaine wished the meeting to remain private. Adam felt sure the giantess would inform her people of any decisions made. But she would determine how to frame the information. Too much depended on what they did next to take chances with how the surviving giants would react.

When they reached the tent, Craigen nodded at the two sentries and then pulled aside the curtain to allow Adam entrance. Even so, Adam ducked to cross under. The sudden sound of indrawn breath told him the others already arrived. Clenching his teeth, Adam forced himself to look up.

Mesan and Henslow shared a low bench to his left—low for a giant, at least. Henslow’s booted feet dangled several feet from the rocky floor while Mesan’s knees stuck up level with his shoulders. In the center of the meeting place stood Torlaine, frozen in mid-pace with one foot still in the air. It might appear comical in a situation less grim. When Adam nodded in greeting, some of the tension knotting her shoulders seemed to dissipate. She moved to take a seat at another bench to his right, leaving room for her husband to join her.

With the center of the tent now vacated, nothing blocked Adam’s view of the other side. Polonius, his face scarlet with suppressed anger, stared holes through his chest. At his side sat Erin, dark eyes swimming with tears as she watched him, her skin pale as milk. He ached to go to her, to find some way to explain...

The spell broke at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Adam’s head swung left to find Kate, Aristomus and... Alecia. Thick, reddish-brown curls framed a face so white it made the freckles sprinkled across her cheeks appear almost black. Time seemed to slow as his eyes rose to meet hers. They, too, brimmed with moisture. As he watched, a single tear fell, sliding down her cheek, past a trembling lower lip to hang delicately from the edge of her chin.

Adam opened his mouth to speak, though with no idea what to say, but Aristomus’ accusing voice interrupted him.

Back to cause still more pain, are you boy? Whatever the result of our war against the Dark Mage, it will always be your legacy.

Enough! Torlaine’s shout made even the old mage jump. We have spoken of this already, Aristomus. Do not force me to do so again.

Face red with anger, the old mage looked as though he wanted to say more. But Torlaine’s admonishment, and the restraining hand Kate placed on his forearm, held, at least for the moment.

Adam searched about for a seat. There remained room beside Polonius and Erin, but he thought better of it. Sensing his discomfort, Henslow and Mesan made room at their bench. After Adam climbed up, he gave Torlaine a nod to indicate his readiness.

All of you know why we gather here, she started. "Today, we must make decisions which may well determine the fate of all Tantris.

Though we forged an impossible victory, it came at a terrible cost. We lost many lives. Friends, loved ones... She paused a moment, overcome with emotion. But it is only a temporary reprieve from our doom. The Dark Mage will return to finish what he started. If we cannot find some means to prevent him, I fear we are lost.

Mesan appeared shaken by Torlaine’s words, but when he spoke, ferocity suffused his voice. We cannot sit here and wait. We must take the battle to the Dark Mage!

How? Torlaine asked. Too many of our warriors lie dead, obliterated along with Herrenbourn. Would you have us march to our deaths in foreign lands, away from the home we love?

Home? muttered Craigen. Torlaine, we have no home. The Dark Mage wiped it from existence. Our people are refugees now, and few enough of them remain. Sanctuary is no more than a temporary haven. Remain here and it is but a matter of time before the Dark Mage finds us. And if he should delay, cold and lack of food may well do the work for him.

Henslow spoke up. I must agree with Craigen and Mesan. We should gather every remaining warrior and march on Mount Dismay now, before the Dark Mage can recover from this defeat.

You cannot be serious, gasped Alecia. What of the children? The aged and infirm? Would you leave them to fend for themselves?

This is a war, Polonius reminded them. "In war,