The congruent emperor, p.39
The Congruent Emperor, page 39
part #4 of Congruent Mage Series
“I can go for that,” said Merry. “It’s a good solution. When you make that lovesick puppy face, I sometimes forget you have a brain at all, so it’s surprising when you show me otherwise.”
“I love you, too,” said Eynon.
Merry’s reply was postponed when they saw several hundred black-necked geese heading up the river. The flock was traveling at the same altitude the two young wizards were flying, so the pair rose fifty feet to get out of their way. Only a few honks marred the night’s silence as they passed below.
“Why are they flying at this hour?” asked Merry.
“Are there foxes along this stretch of the Moravon?” said Eynon, offering a question as a potential answer.
“There are foxes everywhere geese can be found,” said Merry. “Given Duke Néillen’s concerns, though, we should be alert for two-legged foxes, not just the four-footed variety.”
“Duly noted,” said Eynon. He leaned down and Merry shifted her head for another kiss that lasted until the last stray goose from the flock went by with a wait-for-me honk.
Ace was about to shift his form and fly after the goose, but Merry wagged her finger at her familiar and he stayed put. Merry squeezed Eynon’s fingers.
“Ready?” she asked.
“I think so,” said Eynon. “Can we stay together instead of you doing line-of-sight gating?”
“Of course,” said Merry. “As long as you keep your arm around me.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” said Eynon.
Chee yawned, closed his big round eyes, and put his head back on Ace’s furry shoulder.
Merry allowed Eynon to provide most of the energy for their flight. The wind whipped at their hair as they followed the curves of the Moravon at a velocity twice as fast as Eynon’s previous cruising speed. Strands of Merry’s auburn hair blew up into Eynon’s mouth, so he formed a wedge-shaped shield of solidified sound around them both and began to move even faster. Soon they’d covered close to ten miles.
“Is this one of the side effects of the megapede venom?” Merry asked.
“Yes,” said Eynon. “I’m hoping it will help me in battle.”
“I’m glad you’re not faster at everything,” Merry teased.
“Ummm…” said Eynon. He saw a narrow island in the river below and changed the subject. “What are those three tall structures like big beehives?” Eynon asked. “There’s smoke rising from them.”
“My father says they make steel south of Tyford,” replied Merry. “Those may be stone-charcoal ovens.”
“I didn’t know you could make charcoal in stone ovens,” said Eynon. “It would take a lot of wood to fill them.”
“No,” said Merry. “They’re ovens for baking stone charcoal. People east of the Moravon call it coke. It’s made from the black rocks mined in the mountains at the northern reaches of the Brenavon. The hardest black rocks are from there, anyway. There are seams of softer black rocks a lot closer.”
“If you say so,” said Eynon. “No one is tending them now—at least not anyone I can see—but they’re still smoking. It must take a long time for them to burn out.”
“I think you’re right,” said Merry. Then she gripped Eynon’s arm like a gryffon’s talons. He stopped and sensed that Merry had surrounded them with an illusion, making them look like a fluffy cloud reflecting moonlight.
“What is it?” Eynon whispered.
“Scout wizards,” said Merry softly. “I think they’re wearing purple robes.”
It wasn’t easy to distinguish fabric colors when wearing lenses for seeing at night, but Eynon followed Merry’s pointing finger and spotted the pair of wizards. “You’re right,” he said. “Do you think they’re from Nova Eboracum?”
“I doubt it,” she replied.
“I wonder what they’re scouting for?” said Eynon. He shifted his gaze to stare farther downriver. “I’m sensing something. Do you see anything?”
“It’s not what I see, it’s what I perceive,” said Merry. “There are a lot of wizards on the river south of us. I can feel their magestones.”
“That’s what it is?” asked Eynon. “There are a lot of magestones, which probably means a lot of enemy wizards. I’ll gate down there and see what they’re trying to hide.”
Before Eynon could do anything, Merry grabbed the fabric at the neck of his robes. “Eynon of Haywall, if you run off and leave me here, I’m going to have Rocky and Viridáxés play catch with your head.”
“Still attached, or severed?” asked Eynon.
“Severed,” said Merry. “Definitely severed.” She released her grip and gave Eynon a stern look. “You should have learned this lesson,” she said. “Think first, then act.”
“Right,” said Eynon. “What do you think we should do?”
“If you were casting an illusion around some ships—and that pretty much has to be what they are, since they’re coming up the river—what would your illusion include?”
“Something to hide the ships from the front, back, sides and top,” said Eynon.
“Exactly,” said Merry. “That’s why we’re going to start at the bottom.”
* * * * *
Eynon maintained the streamlined construct of solidified sound around them while Merry counted keels from below.
“Help me remember,” said Merry. “I just got to three hundred, with that hull with all the barnacles.”
“I don’t think a precise count is all that useful at this point,” said Eynon.
“Won’t Duke Néillen want to know?” asked Merry.
“Remember, our strategy is to hide, not fight,” said Eynon. “We can hide from five hundred ships as easily as five in the caverns. We can ad hoc gate back to the stadium and warn Néillen, Doethan, Taffaern and the others to get the last of the stragglers through, then destroy the wide gates and run for it.”
Merry took Eynon’s advice and gave up on counting. “I wish we could wide-gate the Bifurlanders’ dragonships in to attack these Roma ships from the rear,” she said. “That would really be something to see.”
“The emperor’s ships are more than twice the size of the Bifurlanders’ vessels,” said Eynon. “King Bjarni’s warriors are fierce, but I’m not sure how they’d fare against all the legionnaires on the imperial vessels.”
“You may be right,” said Merry. “I know I wouldn’t want to fight them.”
“Me neither,” said Eynon.
Merry turned to look at Eynon’s face and saw him seem to disappear into his own head, his gaze unfocused and his expression one of concentration. She didn’t say anything, since she’d seen Eynon look like this in the past. Usually it meant he was coming up with an impressive—or foolhardy—plan. After a few seconds, Eynon smiled.
“What is it?” asked Merry.
“What’s what?” asked Eynon.
“Your idea,” said Merry.
“Hold on tight,” said Eynon. “I’ll tell you after we’ve gated back and warned our friends in Tyford—and I’ve had a chance to see just how big that pair of communications rings I made can grow.”
“Oh,” said Merry, sounding disappointed. Then she thought for a few heartbeats. “Oh!” she said again, but this time with a much more optimistic tone. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
Chapter 56
Laetícia’s Study
“Father! Father! They’re back! They’re back!”
Primus, Seconda, and even little Tertia, ran into the palace courtyard where wizard lamps blazed. Quintillius was there reviewing the progress of the city’s evacuation with a pair of wizards and three senior legion commanders. The children bustled past the bodyguards protecting the governor-general and wrapped themselves around their father’s legs with all the enthusiasm of a litter of kittens.
“Who’s back? And what are the three of you doing up at this hour?” asked Quin.
“Mater and Mafuta and Felix and Inthíra…” began Tertia, enunciating each name carefully.
“And cousin Valentius!” said Seconda.
“Plus our cousin’s new wife,” added Primus.
Quin’s eyes grew wide at their news. The pair of wizards, one nearly as tall as the governor-general and the other not much taller than Primus, slapped Quintillius on the back and gripped his forearm respectively. Each of the legion commanders smacked the armored plates on their chests with their arms and fists.
“Congratulations,” said one commander.
Quintillius was surprised that any news about the capture of Valentius had gotten out. He’d have words with certain palace slaves and servants later. Now, however, he needed to find his wife, the rescue party, and the rescued parties. “I won’t be angry about the three of you staying up past your bedtimes if you tell me where your mother and the others are,” said Quintillius.
Primus was about to answer when Tertia beat him to it.
“They’re all at the top of mother’s tower,” she said.
“The three of us couldn’t sleep,” said Primus. “We eventually nodded off on cushions I arranged on the floor underneath a table. We were pretending we’d made camp on a march.”
“I did the same thing when I was your age,” said Quintillius. He turned to the wizards he’d been consulting. “Could the two of you fly us up to Laetícia’s study?”
“Gladly,” said the tall wizard. “Hop on—then hang on. I’ll fly like I have a gryffon on my tail.” She waved Quintillius on behind her.
“You can ride with me, children,” said the short wizard. “The bigger children can hold on to my belt and the littlest one can hold my hand.”
“I’m not little,” said Tertia.
“You’re like me,” said the short wizard. “Small, but mighty.”
Tertia smiled and took his hand while her siblings climbed onto the back of the short wizard’s flying disk. “I want to be a wizard someday,” Tertia told him.
Seconds later they were hovering above the landing outside Laetícia’s study.
* * * * *
Quintillius, a general who could direct tens of thousands of legionnaires on a battlefield, was overwhelmed by the chaos his own children generated as they bounced from person to person in Laetícia’s study, inundating the new arrivals with questions. He moved to stand by his wife and leaned down until his mouth was close to her ear.
“Have the children been drinking maple syrup?” Quintillius asked. “Could their nurse have given them too many honey cakes?”
“I don’t know why they’re like this,” Laetícia replied. “I think the most likely answer is that they’re glad to see us home safely.”
“You’re probably right,” said Quin. “Primus told me they did get some sleep, under that round table.” He pointed at a table that Laetícia’s servants had justed topped with several trays of bread, cheese, and olives. “The boy was wise enough to put cushions on the floor so his sisters would get some rest.”
“Judging from his eyes, I think Primus slept as well,” said Laetícia. “Did you?”
“Not a wink,” said Quintillius. “I’ve been coordinating the effort to evacuate the city before Sírénae’s fleet arrives. How much time do you think we have?”
“Not long,” said Laetícia. “If the wind holds, I’d expect the lead ships to get to the harbor shortly before dawn. Is the evacuation going well?”
“Quite well,” said Quintillius. “Nearly everyone is out, and all the stored supplies as well. We still have to move the last of the food and the staff from the palace, but now that you’re home, we can move forward with that as well.”
“Good,” said Laetícia. She hugged her husband and welcomed Valentius to join their conversation, since he’d been standing close at hand and obviously waiting to speak with them. Aleña was by his side. There was as much difference in height between Valentius and Aleña as there was between Quintillius and Laetícia.
Valentius made the introductions.
“My husband told me your husband would be someone I could look up to,” Aleña told Laetícia.
“While the two of us are the perfect height to converse as equals,” Laetícia replied with a grin. “Now that we aren’t in imminent danger of death or capture, welcome to the family.”
“Thank you,” said Aleña. “You also have my thanks for your timely rescue.”
“And mine,” said Valentius. “When will you be able to contact Tembóku and find out how my father is doing?”
“We can do it now if you’d like,” said Laetícia. “I’m exhausted, but I don’t want to make you wait any longer than necessary.”
“You’re the best, cousin,” said Valentius.
“Don’t push yourself too hard,” said Quintillius.
“Look who’s talking,” teased Laetícia. She glanced around her study and confirmed that the others were standing in small clumps around the room, reviewing the recent rescue or answering her children’s questions. “This way,” she said. Laetícia opened the door to an inner, private meeting room filled with shelves lined with books. Quintillius, Valentius, and Aleña followed.
Inside, Laetícia looked longingly at the well-padded couch along one wall and wished she had the luxury of napping on it. Instead, she stood in the middle of the room and opened one of her communications rings with a short command phrase. Three chimes sounded, and as the circle of gold expanded, Tembóku’s face materialized on the other side of the interface. It was nearly noon in Alexandria, the capital of the Southern Empire, and Tembóku looked far more awake than Laetícia felt.
“I have good news for you,” said Laetícia before Tembóku could do more than smile. “We’ve rescued Valentius.”
“What?” said Tembóku. “Rescued him? I don’t understand. He was sailing home to be with his father.”
Valentius stepped into view. “Hello, old friend,” he said to Tembóku. “Three of Sírénae’s ships captured Cloud Dancer when I was sailing back. I’d still be held if Laetícia and her friends hadn’t rescued me from a cell on the emperor’s flagship and liberated Cloud Dancer.”
“My former student always was a resourceful wizard,” said Tembóku. “If I had to learn about you being imprisoned, it’s good to hear you’ve already been freed.”
“Valentius has more good news to share,” said Laetícia.
“Oh?” said Tembóku. Both of her eyebrows went up. She shifted her head slightly, moving it from side to side in a habit that remained from when she had worn beaded braids.
“Before I tell you,” said Valentius. “I need to know. How is my father?”
“Valens woke last night,” said Tembóku. “His body is healing, and his mind doesn’t seem to be damaged—but he was so angry about Sírénae poisoning him, I had to give him a sleeping potion before he set back his recovery. He was shouting like an optio training raw recruits and ready to order every legionnaire in the Southern Empire to take ship for Orluin immediately.”
“Not a bad idea,” said Laetícia quietly.
“But not a practical one,” said Tembóku. “Sírénae commandeered most of the Southern Empire’s transport ships on the western Middle Sea when she departed.”
“I may have a solution to that problem,” said Laetícia. “I’ll keep you posted and may need help from you and a few more wizards on your staff.”
“Let me know,” said Tembóku. “Does this relate to those wide gates you told me about?”
“It does,” said Laetícia. “Things have been hectic here, but I hope to be able to consult with the wizard who knows wide gates best soon. We can test whether or not they’ll work across the Ocean.”
“After we’ve safely evacuated,” said Quintillius. “You’re the one who said we should expect Sírénae’s fleet in the harbor just before dawn.”
Laetícia turned to face her husband, who was just out of sight of Tembóku to one side of the interface. “Speaking of evacuating,” she said. “Why aren’t our children and servants out of the city and safely in a cavern?”
“Because I wanted to wait until you were back?” asked Quintillius.
“Try again,” Laetícia replied.
Tembóku started to chuckle. She’d heard Laetícia and Quintillius have conversations like this before.
“Because I thought the palace slaves and servants would handle it?” Quintillius offered.
“Not without your explicit orders,” said Laetícia. She glared up at Quin’s face, a smile hiding close to the surface.
“Because I forgot?” Quin said at last.
“There you have it,” teased Laetícia. She shook her head and the beads on her braids clacked reassuringly. “Why is it the tailors’ children go naked?”
“Uh…” said Quintillius, starting to answer.
“It’s a rhetorical question,” said Laetícia. “I know you were organizing the evacuation of the entire city, and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help manage moving everyone from the palace.”
“She had better things to do, for which I’m quite grateful,” said Valentius. “Now it’s past time to let you know my good news,” he said. “This is my wife, Aleña.”
The short, slim, dark-haired young woman standing nearby stepped into view. She moved close to Valentius, took his hand, and smiled at Tembóku through the ring’s interface. “I look forward to meeting you face to face soon, honored wizard,” said Aleña. “Valentius has told me so much about you.”
“Has he now,” said Tembóku. “It’s all true, or most of it, anyway. I look forward to meeting you face to face as well, though as for soon, who knows.”
“Agreed,” said Valentius. “It’s less urgent that I return to Alexandria, now that I know my father is recovering. I think I’ll stay here and help fight Sírénae from this side of the Ocean.”
