Night Stalker (Amica Saga #3)

Prologue

Pride of Leborg

Forty years ago…

Prince Anton stood on the wharf in Leborg, the capital city of Kettland, a wealthy country on Amica's east coast. He beamed with pride as he gazed upon the loading of a large three-masted ship moored to the wharf. A small army of dockworkers carried large sacks of grain up the gangplank and lowered them into the ship's holds. He watched the men working with a constant smile upon his face. He was so engrossed with observing the historic moment that he did not hear the approach of his father, King Louis.

Your dream is coming true, the king said softly as he halted alongside the prince. Will it really be able to handle the rigors of the ocean?

Without a doubt, the prince replied without hesitation. The Pride of Leborg will carry our grain all the way to the Northlands without interruption. Our dependence on the mage ships of Lantana is over.

If it makes it, mused the king. Our sailors have no experience beyond the coastal waters of Kettland and our immediate neighbors.

Our sailors are the finest in Amica, retorted the prince. They have never been the reason for our dependence on the mages. All of the current ships in Amica are designed for short coastal runs. They are not designed to sail beyond the sight of land. The Pride of Leborg changes all of that.

Perhaps, frowned the king, but have you ever considered that there might be reasons why those who came before us shied away from endeavors such as this?

The smile fell from the prince's face, and he turned to face his father. Fear, he scowled. They were afraid to take the chance. I will not be cowed by such fears. Our sailors are prepared for this voyage. The Pride of Leborg is fit for the journey. In a mere ten voyages, the Pride of Leborg will have paid for itself by eliminating the exorbitant tariffs charged by the mage ships. I will prove this to you and to the world, and when I have done that, I will build more of these ships to carry the grain of our neighbors as well as our own.

You are speaking about the fear of economic failure, countered King Louis. There are other fears at play in such an endeavor as this.

What? asked the prince. The storm season is well over. I purposely scheduled the sailing well past the latest storm to ever strike our seas. There is nothing else to fear.

The mage ships of Lantana make up the bulk of the entire economy of Lantana, the king pointed out. While we might look upon their shipping fees as exorbitant, they see them as necessary to survive. I worry that your boasting about replacing their ships might drive them to desperate means.

They are constrained by Terrus's vow, the prince replied. They dare not interfere with our ships. If their economy is ill, perhaps they should work on bolstering it some other way than taking one tenth of everything they carry.

The king sighed anxiously, unwilling to press the issue further. While he was very concerned about the reaction of the Lantanan mages, the Pride of Leborg was already built and getting ready to sail. The time for an argument was long past.

I don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm on this grand day, smiled King Louis as he saw Captain Pierre approaching. I just think it might be wise to dampen your boasting until things are settled. Let's not rile passions where they need not be ruffled.

The captain halted before Prince Anton and the king. He bowed respectfully and then smiled at the prince.

We are ready to set sail, he reported to the prince.

Watch the reefs around Lantana, advised the king.

We'll give them a wide berth, promised the captain. We'll send a message when we reach Clandor Kye.

The captain and the prince exchanged more words before the captain turned and retreated to the Pride of Leborg. Taking the helm, he shouted orders, and the dock lines were freed. Within minutes the sails were raised and the three-masted ship headed out to sea, bound for the distant Northlands.

* * *

The Spirit of Alfor glided slowly well off the southern coast of Lantana with no sails erected on its three masts. A dozen mages stared at the distant speck on the horizon while Alfor spoke softly with the ship's captain.

It is definitely the new sailing ship from Kettland, the captain said, but it's well away from the reefs. Your hopes for a mishap will not be fulfilled on this journey.

There must be a mishap, scowled the Head Councilor of the Supreme Council. We cannot allow the Amicans to cut off our monopoly on trade. Doing so would destroy our civilization.

Perhaps, shrugged the captain, but we are constrained by the vow. To sink that ship would be to interfere in the affairs of Amica. You of all people should understand that, Alfor.

Don't tell me what I should understand, snapped the councilor. I alone came to Lantana without surrendering to Terrus the Liberator. What I understand is survival, and Lantana will not survive without our ownership of all sea-going trade.

It would still be an act of war, insisted the captain. The Supreme Council will not stand for it.

I am the Supreme Council, shouted Alfor. All of the other mages broke visual contact with the speck on the horizon and turned to see what their leader was shouting about. Alfor calmed himself and spoke more calmly to the captain. Besides, I am not thinking of overtly sinking the ship. I merely plan to test its seaworthiness. Set a course to bring us closer to the Pride of Leborg. Use no sails as I do not want to be noticed by the enemy.

The captain nodded submissively and called for some of the other mages to come to him so that he could use their powers to propel the ship without sails. Alfor left the captain to his duties and walked to the rail where the rest of the mages were gathered.

I want this ship cloaked in invisibility, Alfor ordered as he pointed at one of the mages renowned for his illusions. The rest of you need to prepare for an alteration of the weather. The sea is about to experience the wrath of the latest seasonal storm in history.

A storm? echoed one of the mages. For what purpose?

To drive the Pride of Leborg onto the reefs, Alfor replied. More than one mouth opened to voice an objection, but Alfor didn't allow it. Save your words, he said sharply. The Amican ship will experience a late storm, and it will crash upon the reefs. Prepare to follow my directions.

* * *

Captain Pierre was asleep in his bunk when the rocking of the ship woke him. It was not the gentle rocking of riding the swells of the sea but rather a choppy rocking with the ship pitching sharply in each direction. He sighed anxiously and got to his feet, making his way up the stairs. When he emerged on the deck, his eyes glanced up at the sky. There were brilliant stars in the sky overhead, but no stars at all to the south. He hurried to the helm where the mate was manning the wheel.

Report, the captain said to the mate.

The seas are growing, the mate reported. I'm having trouble holding our heading. I think a storm is coming.

A storm? balked the captain. It's far too late for a storm this year.

What else could cause these seas? retorted the mate. Besides, look to the south. There's not a star in sight there.

As the captain gazed at the southern skies, he saw the darkness spreading at an alarming rate. Star after star winked out of existence, and he suddenly agreed that a storm was indeed closing on them. He immediately rang the bell alongside the helm, summoning all hands on deck. While he waited for the men to assemble, he tried to plot the direction of the storm, seeking a direction that would lessen the coming blow.

We're not going to escape this, the mate warned nervously. There is no way we can outrun it.

Prepare the sails for a storm, the captain shouted to the crew. Lash down anything loose and break out the life lines.

The men scurried to comply with the captain's orders, but there was not enough time to react. Within minutes the seas grew to the height of a four-story building, and the Pride of Leborg tossed about without any semblance of control.

How far off the reefs are we? the captain shouted to the mate.

I'm not sure, the mate answered. I was having trouble all night trying to maintain course. I think we might be closer than we should be, and the way this storm is pushing us, we are getting closer every minute.

Waves started crashing over the ship, and moments later, a loud sickening crack split the night. The ship's movement halted suddenly. The masts split and toppled to the deck, and men went flying through the air. Captain Pierre was one of them.

The captain hit the water and was dragged under the waves. When he regained the surface of the sea, he saw the Pride of Leborg sinking, its fractured hull splintered on the reefs. As he bobbed up and down over the gigantic swells, his eyes caught sight of another ship, and he suddenly felt euphoric at his good luck. The sight of the other ship was fleeting as it crested a wave, but it was unmistakably a mage ship, and that knowledge tempered the captain's euphoria.  He held his silence as other members of the stricken crew called to the mage ship for help. The seas suddenly flattened, and the clouds overhead dissipated, as if someone had simply waved them away. Captain Pierre watched in horror as the mage ship maneuvered close to three crewmen in the water. Instead of helping the stricken sailors, the mages onboard the mage ship threw balls of fire at the sailors, silencing their shouts for help. The screams of the burning men tore at the captain's heart, and he held his tongue. He found some floating wreckage and clung silently to it as the mage ship prowled nearby, hunting for any other survivors. After what seemed an eternity, the mage ship turned and sailed away, but not before Captain Pierre saw the name carved into the stern.

* * *

Eleven members of the Supreme Council sat around a table in the council chambers. The chair at the head of the table was empty, and the mood of those present was somber.

We should not rush to judgment, Saratella said. We need to at least let Alfor speak in his own defense.

What is there that he could say? asked Mabon. The facts are already known. The Pride of Leborg did indeed crash on the reefs surrounding Lantana. The Spirit of Alfor was seen at the sight of the wreckage, and Alfor's men killed all of the survivors they found. It is already known that Alfor was onboard at the time, and we also know that the storm that struck the Amican ship was not a natural storm. There is no defense possible.

Mabon is right, stated Alistair. Alfor was not even cautious about letting the people of Alfor's Landing know about the sinking of the Pride of Leborg. Alfor has committed an act of war against the Amicans. It is a direct violation of the vow, and we cannot excuse it, no matter what Alfor says. The punishment must be carried out without delay.

Saratella sighed in defeat. He had tried for hours to get the council to change their minds, but he knew that his efforts were wasted. There would be no reprieve from the remaining members of the council, and if he continued to object, he would be seen as a conspirator. He nodded in resignation.

Then we should dispense with this matter immediately, Saratella declared. What is to be the punishment?

All members of the crew of the Spirit of Alfor are to be collared and chained to the deck of the Spirit of Alfor, stated Mabon. That ship will then be towed out to the Three Sisters, and its deck will be coated with oil. We will gather in the towers of the Three Sisters and burn the ship. In that manner, Alfor and his crew will suffer the same fate as those Amicans they murdered.

Bring Alfor in, Alistair said to the enforcers guarding the door.

Alfor was led into the chamber. As he walked towards the chair at the head of the table, his eyes scanned the faces of the other councilors. When his eyes met Saratella's eyes, he knew that the decision was not favorable to him. As he sat down in the chair, one of the enforcers slapped a mage collar around his neck. Alfor gasped in surprise.

How dare you? he shouted. I am the Head Councilor of the Supreme Council. Remove this collar immediately.

That will not be possible, Mabon replied in a calm voice. We have decided on your punishment, and it requires a mage collar. Take him away, he said to the enforcers.

The enforcers led Alfor out of the room, and the other councilors gave a collective sigh as if the tension was released by finally acting on their decision. Saratella frowned and rose to his feet.

We need to get the rest of the crew contained with mage collars before news of our action spreads, he said to the group. The last thing we need now is a civil war.

Good thinking, Saratella, Mabon replied. I am glad to see that you have come around to rational thought.

I was hoping that there might be another way, shrugged Saratella, but it appears there is not. Now that we have chosen the future, we should not hesitate to embrace it. I will have the rest of the crew collared immediately.

The members of the council nodded in agreement and Saratella left the council chamber.

* * *

The Spirit of Alfor was towed out of Founder's Bay past the Three Sisters. There the mages guiding the ship transferred to the towing ship and departed. As soon as the towing ship was gone, one of the chained mages tested his magical abilities by casting a tiny pinprick of energy at one of the other members. Soon all of the mages were duplicating the actions, and grins appeared on their faces.

My mage collar is real, complained Alfor. I cannot summon magic.

How is that possible? asked one of the mages. All of the collars were supposed to be fake. Wasn't your collar replaced?

It was, answered Alfor, but this one is also real. I cannot cast any spells.

I thought it was strange when they chained him to the mast, frowned one of the mages. He should have been chained to the rail like the rest of us. How can we free him without letting the watchers know that our collars are fake?

We have to wait until they strike, answered another mage. With all of the oil spread around on the deck, this ship will ignite like dry pine needles. The smoke will give us cover to act.

Not quickly enough, scowled Alfor. I have no intentions of burning to death. Break me free now.

We can't, one of the mages said anxiously. They are all watching us from the towers atop the Three Sisters. If they see us moving around before they strike, the whole plan will be foiled. None of us will survive.

Alfor opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a single word, a massive fire ball streaked down from one of the towers and slammed into the deck of the ship. The oil immediately burst into flames, and the mages hurriedly cast spells to protect themselves from the flames. They then used their magic to smash the shackles holding them to the rail. Alfor was not as fortunate. The flames leaped upward burning his clothes and searing his flesh. In the few seconds it took for the other mages to shield him from the fire and break his shackles, the left half of Alfor's face was consumed by the flames.

As the fire roared and consumed the ship, the fourteen mages slipped over the side and dove for the bottom of the bay. Sitting on the seafloor were four other mages, and they were holding a huge bubble of air. The escaping mages swam into the bubble and settled on the bottom of the bay. They immediately began ministering to Alfor's wounds, but not all of them were healable. When they were done, Alfor was once again healthy, but half of his face was distorted by ugly scaring, and no amount of magic would change that.

What now? asked one of the mages. We can't stay here forever.

A ship will come over us tonight, answered one of the four helper mages. It will hesitate for only a moment, so everyone needs to be ready to move quickly.

Will it take us back to Alfor's Landing? asked the mage.

We are through with Lantana, snapped Alfor. They have had a chance to be run with the help of my wisdom, and they abandoned it. We are not going back.

Then were can we go? asked the mage.

Wherever we want, stated Alfor. Wherever we go, we will lead the people. Never again will I be subordinate to anyone's will. Never again.

Chapter 1

Secret missions

Marcus and Antioch sat before the campfire on the banks of the Nevis River. Antioch had just finished explaining what information he wanted relayed to Mari on the Island of Lantana when a voice came into the clearing from the surrounding trees.

Hello the camp, called a male voice. May we join you?

Marcus and Antioch glanced at one another with questioning expressions when they heard the familiar voice. They each shook their head signifying that the visitors were not expected.

Come, Marcus called out in response to the question.

They watched incredulously as Kwang and Taraka walked into the camp.

Wow, smiled Taraka. Who would have suspected the campers would be people we know?

Stop babbling nonsense, scowled Antioch. There is no possibility of this being a chance encounter. Why are you here?

Kwang ignored the banter and sat down next to the fire. He helped himself to a cup of tea and stared at Marcus.

We have been tracking you, the dwarf admitted nonchalantly. We had planned to merely follow you to your destination, but it appears that you are planning to traverse the jungle. I couldn't let you make that mistake. You are too important to Amica for you to die a needless death in there.

We have no intention of dying in the jungle, retorted Antioch. Marcus and I can take care of ourselves. Return to Grim or Draji or wherever you wish to go, but you are not going to continue to follow us.

I doubt that you ever been in the jungle, archivist, countered Kwang, but I have. I am familiar with a myriad of deadly things in there, and your shields will not protect you.

So, scowled Antioch, you are a mage now as well? Do not tell me what my shields are capable of.

What do you mean? Marcus asked. Why won't his shields protect us?

Kwang glanced briefly at Antioch and then returned his gaze to Marcus. A wizard's physical shield gets its energy from the wizard's own life forces, he explained. It is weakened slightly by each hit that it absorbs, but it can only take so much before it fails, and when it fails, the wizard is usually drained of energy. I can't imagine that a mage's magic is any different than a wizard's.

What is your point? snapped the mage.

Kwang turned his attention to the archivist. Your shield is not unlike a blanket draped over you, Kwang said. While that might serve you well in a city or even a forest, the jungle will present a rather interesting challenge for you. There are few paths in the jungle and even those paths are narrow and overgrown. While the rest of us might complain of pushing ourselves through thickets and vines and overgrown foliage, we will endure the scrapes and bruises that a trek through such dense growth will provide. But your shield will feel the brunt of millions of tiny hits during the course of a single day's jaunt. Those hits, while insignificant, will take a toll on your physical shield, and it will fail. When it does, you will be at the mercy of the jungle, and you will be too weak to do much about it.

I do not need to be constantly surrounded by shields, retorted Antioch. Marcus and I are quite capable of defending ourselves against the creatures in there.

Are you? countered Kwang. I make annual trips to the jungle for Brakus, and on each trip I discover new ways to die. I am not talking about an attack by a large jungle creature. There are insects in there that can kill you with a single bite or sting. The poison that Taraka likes to use in her red-tipped darts is from such an insect. There are plants in there that will cause your skin to erupt in painful boils, and once you have them, you become distracted and grow careless in your travels, easily susceptible to other forms of death. There are snakes longer than the four of us standing atop one another, and the carnivorous cats are larger than a man. I could talk for hours about the ways of dying in the jungle, but my purpose in not to strike fear into your hearts. I just wanted to warn you of the dangers. I would feel responsible if I let you go there without telling you what I know.

How well do you know the jungle? Antioch asked. How deep into it do you and Brakus go?

Not far at all, answered the dwarf. We go only deep enough to obtain whatever ingredients Brakus needs for Draji, and we only do it once a year. We never spend more than a few hours in the jungle to avoid fatigue overriding our alertness. If that means that we need to stay a week along the fringe of the jungle, then we spend the week. Whatever it takes.

You never sleep in the jungle? asked Marcus.

No, answered Kwang. It is too dangerous.

Marcus looked questioningly at the mage, and Antioch frowned as if he had not considered the dangers of their mission.

Why are you going into the jungle? asked Taraka. I know that it might be a shorter path to Arad, but there are much easier ways to get there. Antioch raised an eyebrow at Taraka's mention of the Riviera, and she smiled in return. You forget who it was that brought you the information about Arad, she said. I am the one who overheard the plans of the rogue mages.

Antioch nodded in understanding. We have another destination in mind before we reach Arad, he admitted, but it is a place that we cannot take others.

That is why we left Grim the way we did, Marcus added apologetically. I am sorry about our method of departure, but secrecy is absolutely necessary on this mission.

Have I not shown enough loyalty to you? frowned Taraka. I have given up my old life and my family to follow you and help you in your quest to rid Amica of the rogue mages. What more must I do before you trust me?

He does trust you, Antioch replied forcefully. Both of you. It is not that he thinks you would betray him, but that your very nature would inadvertently let the secret slip.

I will vow to keep your secret until my dying days, swore Taraka, and I have never broken a vow. You may find reasons to exclude me, but I will not stand for it being an issue of trust.

 Their refusal is because of me, Kwang offered. I am a dwarven spy, and they both know it, but I am also capable of keeping a secret, Marcus. I will not betray you.

Not even to Brakus? challenged Antioch.

Brakus is not a threat to the Avenging Shadow, retorted Kwang.

Yet Brakus must never know where we are going, countered the mage. We are about to uncover the world's greatest secret, and Marcus and I are charged with keeping that secret. No matter how noble Brakus's intentions are, we cannot afford to let him know what we know. It is out of the question. You must leave us in the morning.

Kwang nodded and cast his eyes down at the fire. Marcus cast a questioning glance at the mage and sighed deeply.

Is this really necessary? Marcus asked Antioch. Kwang and Taraka are loyal people who wish to crush the rogue mages as much as we do. Why are we forced to reject their company?

I would give my life to protect the secrecy of what we are about to do, Antioch replied. It is that important to me. I don't expect you to understand its importance just yet, but both Terrus and Seth understood the inherent dangers associated with this quest. That is why Seth took such extraordinary precautions to preserve the secret.

Take me with you, pleaded Taraka. I will pledge my life to uphold the secret. If at any time you feel that I cannot keep the secret, slay me. I will not fight you.

Marcus raised an eyebrow upon hearing the thief's words. He recognized the heartfelt sincerity in her words and turned his gaze to the dwarf. Kwang nodded in agreement.

I will also pledge my life to hold the secret, Kwang vowed. If Seth thought that such a secret held potentially dire consequences for the world, I will not violate such secrecy. I will yield my life to protect the secret.

Without even knowing what the secret is? balked the mage.

Enough, Marcus said forcefully. They have both given their vows, and I will accept them as given. If we cannot trust our friends in times of need then what do we have worth fighting for? Kwang and Taraka go with us.

Antioch glared at Marcus, but he knew the Avenging Shadow well enough not to argue. Once Marcus made his mind up, he wouldn't back down.

Very well, Antioch said, but I will hold them to their vows, and I expect you to hold them to that as well. If you cannot promise me that, we go no further.

Marcus nodded solemnly. You have my word, he vowed. I will not allow the secret out until you give leave to do so.

If I ever do, retorted Antioch.

Agreed, stated Marcus. You will determine the need for secrecy.

Antioch nodded in satisfaction and sighed heavily as he turned his eyes away from Marcus, signaling an end to the confrontation. He then rose to his feet and walked out of the camp, heading towards the river.

He's not very happy with your decision, Taraka said softly. What exactly is this big secret that weighs so heavy on his mind?

We're on our way to Taragor, answered Marcus.

Kwang inhaled sharply, and Taraka glanced questioningly at the dwarf. Where is Taragor? she asked. I've never heard of it.

Nobody knows where it is, answered Kwang. It has been lost for over a thousand years.

Not exactly true, corrected Marcus. Two men have walked the halls of Taragor Castle in the last one thousand years, Terrus the Liberator and his son, Seth. Marcus turned his gaze to Taraka and continued, Taragor is the ancient home of the mages in Amica. One thousand years ago, when the Great Calamity struck, Taragor was buried beneath the rubble that was spewed out of what is now called the Crater Sea. It was presumed lost for all time, but Terrus discovered it by accident. It is where he found the Sword of Articus.

And it still exists? questioned Kwang. Are you sure?

It existed four hundred years ago when Seth returned from the Island of Lantana, answered Marcus. Antioch is sure that it still exists. In fact, he says that it not only exists, it still lives.

It still lives? echoed Kwang. What does he mean by that?

I am not entirely sure, admitted Marcus, but it is a significant distinction to Antioch.

Finding a lost ancient city would certainly be noteworthy, frowned Taraka, but I don't understand the great need for secrecy.

I do, Kwang said. People gave up looking for Taragor a thousand years ago. If people even thought that it might still exist, they would flock to the jungle in great numbers. Hundreds, maybe thousands, would die searching for it.

And the ancient artifacts and writings would be pillaged and looted, added Marcus. Antioch is an archivist before he is a mage. He wants to get in there and record everything he can before it is destroyed or lost. It is sacred ground to a historian like him.

And he is willing to risk his life to discover it, Kwang said with an understanding nod. I can't blame him for his caution. Even Brakus would hurry here if he caught wind of this expedition. It makes sense to me now.

And you will honor your vow? asked Marcus.

Absolutely, Kwang replied without hesitation. Although I do look forward to the day I can tell Brakus, that day will not come without Antioch's permission. I will honor my vow.

Good, Marcus said with a smile as he rose to his feet. I have to have a talk with a distant friend. Help yourself to some food while I am gone.

Marcus turned and left the camp, merging with the darkness of the forest surrounding the campsite. He found a comfortable place to sit and pulled Mari's necklace out from under his tunic. He pressed his finger to the gem and softly called her name. When he received no response, he waited a few minutes and called her name again.

Marcus? Mari asked. I couldn't talk before. I am isolated now.

I figured as much, Marcus said with a smile. Do you have time for a chat?

For you? she asked in a cheery tone. I am always available for you. It has been a while since we spoke. Is everything all right?

Perfectly, Marcus replied. The rogue mages have been eliminated in Grim, and the ore supply has been returned to normal. Have you been reinstated yet?

No, Mari answered. I am beginning to think that I will never be reinstated. Maybe I should just find a way off this island and come join you.

What about the research you were working on? asked Marcus. You were going to check the records back further than three years.

I have been doing that, said the suspended enforcer, and the results are not good. I am finding unverified deaths for every year I check. I have gone back over ten years already and if even half of those deaths are fraudulent, you have an impossible task ahead of you. Marcus, there are hundreds of unverified deaths on Lantana. It is so many that I cannot possibly investigate them all myself.

And the Supreme Council still insist that there is no rogue mage problem? asked Marcus.

As far as I can tell, sighed Mari. I can't believe that all of this is happening.

Things are going to change quickly, Marcus revealed. That is the reason for me contacting you tonight. Within a couple of weeks, the Supreme Council will no longer be able to ignore the problem.

What are you planning? Mari asked with worry in her voice.

It is not what I am planning, Marcus replied. King Clement of Grim is sending a gift to the Supreme Council. It will be a chest with explicit instructions to open it only in the presence of the entire Supreme Council. In fact, the chest will be magically sealed with a communication locket on the outside. The locket will communicate directly to King Clement.

What is in the chest? Mari asked hesitantly.

The heads of four rogue mages, Marcus replied.

Mari gasped. That is a declaration of war, she said slowly.

It could be considered as such, agreed Marcus, but it need not be. If the Supreme Council admits that the four mages were working under the direction of the Supreme Council, then yes, it is a declaration of war, but we both know that is not the case. If the four mages were not working for the Supreme Council, then how can they take it as a declaration of war? It would merely be a valid complaint from an Amican country regarding interference by the rogue mages. Whatever way it is taken, the Supreme Council will no longer be able to deny that a problem exists.

While your logic is sound, cautioned Mari, the shock of seeing those heads revealed will cause emotions to run high, and that means anything is possible. It is an extremely risky gambit.

It was not my decision to make, stated Marcus. Antioch and I tried to talk King Clement out of it, but he was adamant. In truth, after hearing his reasoning, I understand what he is trying to accomplish. If the Supreme Council continues to ignore the problem, no country in Amica is safe from the rogue mages. Someone needs to force the issue into the open. King Clement is willing to do that.

Why are you telling me all of this? asked Mari. Are you expecting me to do something about it?

I am, answered Marcus. In our discussions about this, Antioch agrees with your assessment. He fears that the shock at seeing the heads might be counterproductive to what King Clement is trying to do. We need you to speak to one of the councilors and prepare him for what is to come. Let him control the meeting and guide the emotions.

I cannot help you, Mari responded. I am not only suspended, but my presence is shunned by every councilor. I couldn't even schedule a meeting to see a single one of them. I am not exaggerating. I have tried on numerous occasions. I have not only been turned away by men who used to favor me, but also been threatened with punishment by those very same men. I am an outcast, Marcus. I have no friends to depend on. I have no mentors. I am alone and shunned.

Antioch thinks you can help, stated Marcus, but I must be truthful to you. Our plan will involve great risk to you. It cannot be accomplished without endangering your life, and there will be no one to help you if it goes wrong. Are you interested in hearing about it?

Mari hesitated before answering. I have spent the whole of my adult life risking death, she said. That comes with being an enforcer, and I have striven to be the best enforcer that I can be. Tell me your plan.

Who is the Head Councilor of the Supreme Council at the moment? asked Marcus.

Alistair, Mari answered, but before you suggest that I approach him, know that I have already done so numerous times. The last time, he threatened to report me to the whole council if I approached him again.

Do you know where Sandoval Point is? asked Marcus.

Yes, answered Mari. I am familiar with it. It is a rather exclusive area of vacation villas.

Exactly, smiled Marcus. Alistair has a villa at Sandoval Point, and he is planning on spending the next week there.

How do you know this? questioned the enforcer. Is Antioch in contact with Alistair?

Would I ask you to visit him if Antioch could talk to him directly? retorted Marcus. I do not know how Antioch knows such things, but I have learned to trust his word when he professes such knowledge.

All right, conceded Mari. What do you want me to do?

Talk to Alistair when he is at Sandoval Point, replied Marcus.

I already told you that he refuses to speak with me, scowled Mari. I would be turned away from the door to his villa just as quickly as I was turned away in the complex in Batavia.

That is where the risky part comes in, said Marcus. You will have to use your skills to sneak into his villa and confront him face to face.

You're crazy, snapped Mari. That is not merely risky, it is suicide. His villa will be surrounded by guards. Even if I managed to get past all of the guards, Alistair would simply call for help the moment he saw me, and I am not about to threaten his life with my sword.

Antioch thinks otherwise, retorted Marcus. He suspects that Alistair has been avoiding you in order to protect you.

Protect me? questioned Mari. What makes him think that?

Alistair has always been a promoter of you, Marcus revealed. You may have just thought of him as a friendly councilor, but the archivist is privy to many things. Alistair always kept a keen eye on your development. Antioch thinks that Alistair might be aware of the potential for infiltrators on the Supreme Council. If he is correct, it makes sense that Alistair would avoid contact with you while other members were suspecting you of colluding with me. If he did not, he would not be able to shield you from greater harm.

Mari went silent for several moments. After the lengthy pause, she said, All right. Let's assume that Antioch is correct. What am I supposed to say to Alistair?

You need to inform him of what happened in Grim, Marcus replied. He needs to be aware of what is in the chest before it is opened, and he needs to make sure that the chest is delivered to the whole council. If any of the rogue mages learn about it, they might be tempted to seize it and destroy it to keep their activities secret.

All right, agreed Mari. You will have to fill me in on everything that happened in Grim.

I will do so, promised Marcus, but let me finish this first. We think that the Supreme Council needs to have someone pay a visit to Grim as a representative of the Council. It will show the Amicans that the Supreme Council is concerned about the problem and are willing to work with the Amicans to resolve it. Whoever is chosen to go cannot be in league with the rogue mages. That is extremely important. The person must be above suspicion.

Sounds like a task for an enforcer, mused Mari.

Perhaps, Marcus responded, but warn Alistair about Ecaro. That enforcer is not to be trusted. Tell him about Ecaro refusing to enforce the vow in Grimstaadt. That should be enough to disqualify him from being the representative.

Agreed, stated Mari. Where are you heading next?

The Riviera, Marcus replied, but it may take us some time to get there. Does this mean that you will accept the mission?

I have to, Mari said. Alistair is the right person to shape the Council discussion about the chest, and there is no one else to explain that to him. Tell me what I need to know about Grim.

Chapter 2

Taragor

As the four adventurers moved along the edge of a small tributary of the Nevis River, the sound of a waterfall became louder and louder, eventually overpowering the other sounds of the jungle. They had traveled for a week through the dense jungle, their hands and faces coated with a thin layer of mud to repel the insects. As Kwang led the group around a bend in the canyon, the waterfall came into view. He halted and scratched his mud caked face, allowing the others to stop and gaze at the cascading water.

This is it! Antioch exclaimed. It is just like Seth described.

Then what now? asked Taraka. I don't see a castle.

We have to pass behind the waterfall, Antioch answered excitedly. Come. I will lead the way.

The mage pushed past the dwarf and eagerly headed towards the waterfall. The others followed, their expectations much lower than Antioch's. None of them gave much of a chance to the legendary mage castle still existing, and they were tired and weary from fighting their way through the jungle. They had walked day and night for seven days, only stopping for short periods to rest, and those times always required someone to remain on guard for the safety of the others. It had not been a pleasant trip, and they all wanted it to be over, so they hurried off after the mage in case there was a safe place to rest behind the waterfall.

When Antioch reached the edge of the waterfall, the canyon had narrowed until only a small ledge was left to walk on.  He cautiously tested the ledge before stepping onto it. Satisfied that it would hold his weight, the mage moved slowly along the ledge. The spray from the waterfall sprinkled his body, sending rivulets of water across his mud streaked face and hands and dampening his cloak. The roar of the water was deafening, but the mage ignored it all, eager to discover the hidden city. When he passed behind the falling water, a large dark void welcomed him. He stepped from the ledge to a floor of stone and moved away to leave room for the others behind him.

It feels good to have that mud gone, Taraka remarked as she settled down on the ground. Is this a safe place to rest for a bit?

We on the verge of a great discovery, scowled Antioch, and all you can think about is resting?

What is the rush, Antioch? asked Marcus as he sat next to the thief. We have barely had any sleep for a week, and the castle isn't going anywhere. Besides, it will be dark and dank inside. Let's rest a bit in the open air before we explore this musty cavern.

This might be a good time for a meal break, added Kwang. We have fresh water and a safe place to rest for a bit.

Do what you will, grumbled the mage. I am going farther into this cavern to see if I can find an entrance to the castle.

The cavern behind the waterfall was dark, only the area nearest to the waterfall receiving any natural light. Antioch called forth a mage light and set it above and ahead of him as he walked deeper into the cave. As his footsteps began fading in the distance, Marcus sighed deeply and rose to his feet.

We stay together, Marcus announced to the others. We can rest later.

Marcus headed after the mage, and the others soon followed him. Guided by the distant glow of Antioch's mage light, Marcus and the others soon caught up to Antioch. The mage was so intent on the scene before him that he didn't even acknowledge their presence. Standing before Antioch was an ancient arch that had once held a wooden door, but the wood was long gone. Beyond the arch was a stone corridor with smooth walls. Antioch grinned wildly with jubilation. He led the others through the arch and into the corridor. He was only a few steps into the corridor when light suddenly illuminated the floor and walls. Marcus immediately drew the Sword of Articus, and Kwang moved his spear to a ready position and stepped past the mage to protect him. The four adventures stood waiting for their unknown enemy to appear, but nothing happened. A few moments later, the light winked out of existence. Only Antioch's mage light remained to dimly illuminate the corridor.

What was that? Marcus asked in a whisper.

I am not sure, admitted Antioch. I believe the source of illumination was mage lights, but I could not see where they were.

Does that mean that there are mages here? Taraka asked anxiously. Could the rogue mages have already discovered Taragor?

I do not sense anyone in the area, frowned Antioch.

Maybe it is some type of magical alarm system, suggested Marcus. Maybe we are better off retreating to the waterfall and resting a bit. If we are going to have to battle foes, we should be well rested.

Antioch didn't respond. He directed his dim mage light upward towards the ceiling of the corridor and moved it around. When its light shone on something embedded in the ceiling, he stared at it for a while before speaking.

A crystal, he said with a tone of wonder. The mage light must have emanated from that crystal. Kwang, walk a couple of steps further along the corridor and then stop and stand still.

Kwang followed the mage's instruction without comment. As soon as the dwarf took his second step, the mage light illuminated again. Antioch stared up at it, and a smile can to his lips. A few moments later, the mage light winked out, leaving Antioch's dim mage light as the only source of illumination.

I think I understand Seth's words now, Antioch said cheerily. The castle is truly alive. The crystal in the ceiling is meant to illuminate the corridor, but it only does so when there is movement in the corridor.

Then there are no rogue mages here? asked Taraka.

Time will tell, Antioch replied, but the illumination of the corridor holds no information about that. Let's continue onward.

Antioch began walking and the corridor filled with light again. He passed the dwarf and took the lead. As he led the group deeper into the castle, the crystals in the ceiling lit the passageways as they passed through. When he reached a foyer with a staircase leading upward, Antioch moved onto the stairs and climbed several stories before exiting the stairs.

There should be rooms on this floor where everyone can rest for a while, the mage announced.

How do you know this? asked Taraka.

Most of the castles in Amica are based on the design of this castle, explained Marcus. It already feels familiar to me having been in Odessa Castle and Grimstaadt Castle. Let's keep our rooms all together so we know where everyone is staying.

I will let you rest for a few hours before coming for you, stated Antioch.

You are not going to rest yourself? Kwang asked with concern.

Antioch shook his head. Not right now, he said. There might be magical traps in the castle, and I don't want any of you stumbling into them. I am going to walk the corridors of the castle until I feel confident that none of us will walk into trouble. I will rest after that is done.

I will accompany you, offered Kwang.

That is not necessary, Antioch replied. If I find something that might require your help, I will bypass it and we will return to it later. Get some rest with the others. Without further words, Antioch turned and left. 

Marcus sighed with exhaustion and headed for the closest room. The others started to move past him to find rooms for themselves when they heard Marcus gasp loudly. They halted and turned to see what had startled the Avenging Shadow. Marcus stood staring into the room he had chosen to sleep in. As Kwang and Taraka retreated to see what Marcus was staring at, the Avenging Shadow disappeared into the room. They quickly followed him.

Inside the door, a guest room spread out before the three travelers. There were rugs on the floor, and the furniture appeared to be in fine condition. The bed was covered with a well-made quilt.

This can't be, gasped Taraka. It's not possible.

It's like someone is still living here, Marcus said. These furnishings can't be a thousand years old.

This is eerie, commented Kwang. "I didn't want to say anything earlier, but this place has the feel of a lived-in castle. It is not just the existence of furnishings that have not