Brian Kittrell - The Consuls of the Vicariate

Laedron nodded. “They are equally aged and gifted with magic. Perhaps they could answer the question of why I look the way I do now. But how can we find them?”

“I shall think of a way. In the meantime, I must seek a peace with the Sorbians and fix all the things the Drakars have done.” Jurgen paused, taking a long look at Laedron. “Marac was right; we owe much to you, all of you.”

“We’ve come a long way on a hard road,” Laedron said. “We can only be thankful that the war may come to a close, and few have died as a result. I hope we can soon return to our homes with our heads held high.”

Jurgen stood. “Yes, that you can. Remain here until I call for you, for you may be the key to securing peace with the Sorbians. The theocracy has some difficult steps before it.”

The passage of days came with little news from the outside world. Marac and Brice-and sometimes Valyrie, much to Laedron’s disapproval-practiced in the courtyard with blades to keep their readiness high. When not spending time with Valyrie, Laedron studied Ismerelda’s spellbooks.

Following their outings, Piers and Caleb brought some reports of the happenings of the city. Above all other news, the fact that Duke Fenric had been saved-and, thus, could be a clear route to a lasting peace-gave Laedron some hope. The people have suffered so much at the hands of the Drakars, on all sides of this conflict. I am proud to be a Sorbian this day.

Laedron began experiencing sleepless nights. As the days passed, he was only able to sleep for a few hours at most. With the war ending and the Drakars defeated, he couldn’t place the reason for his losing sleep. He felt more relaxed than he’d felt in a long time, quite possibly more than he had since before he left Reven’s Landing, yet his sleep remained irregular.

“Your girlfriend surprises me,” Marac said, entering Laedron’s room.

Laedron looked up from the text he had been reading. “She’s not-”

“Oh, don’t give me that. I’ve seen the way you two watch each. I even spied a late night kiss in the garden if my eyes don’t deceive.”

“I’m in no mood for taunting.”

Marac sat next to Laedron on the bed. “I haven’t come to taunt you. Actually, I’m proud to see you’ve finally found someone.”

Laedron closed the book and laid it aside. “I’m afraid to bring her with us, Marac.”

“Is that what this moping about is for?”

“Moping? I call it concern.”

“She’s old enough to make her own choices, Lae.”

Laedron shook his head. “The next leg of our trip could be dangerous. I’ve spoken to Caleb about the Uxidin, and he told me the only ones he’s ever heard of live deep in the forests of Lasoron, along with all the other things only legends describe.”

“What sorts of things?”

“Beasts, monsters… anything you might imagine in an ancient forest rarely traversed. The things that live well away from the realms of men.”

“You’re not getting scared of ghost tales, are you?”

“I just want her to be safe,” Laedron said with a sigh. “I can’t imagine the pain I would feel if she died because we allowed her to come with us.”

“Like I said, she’s old enough to make her own decisions and go where she likes. Tell her of the risks, but let her decide. She’s lost her father, but that doesn’t mean she needs another one.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to insult me,” Laedron said.

“I only speak plainly. Embrace her, love her, do all the things that you’re supposed to do at her side, but don’t rule her, Lae. No matter how fine your intentions, you’ll push her away.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so, my friend. She’s willful and stubborn. I can see that in her, just as I’ve seen it in you. She’ll fight you every leg of the way unless you let her determine her own path.”

“Thanks, Marac.”

“Anytime,” he replied, then he closed the door behind him when he left.

Laedron opened the book and flipped to the page he had been studying before Marac had interrupted him. He repeated Marac’s words over and over in his mind. It’s not my decision to make. Marac’s right. When the time comes, Valyrie, for better or worse, will have to choose for herself.

He placed the book in his backpack, then thought of Ismerelda. How your life must have been filled with intrigue and adventure to possess books such as these. And now, I shall never know how you came to own them or why you took such an interest in Zyvdredi magic to keep such a sizable collection . He buckled the clasp on the leather bag and went out to the common room.

Just as he arrived, Laedron heard a knock on the door, and he went to answer it. “Ah, Vicar Jurgen, you’ve come to visit us at long last? It’s been nearly a week.”

Jurgen stepped inside. “Yes, I’ve come to summon you and bring some news. I’ve spoken with Duke Fenric, but he has been rather difficult to deal with.”

“Come in, then. Care for anything to drink?”

“No, I’m well, thank you,” Jurgen replied, taking a seat at the table. When everyone had joined him, he took a deep breath, then said, “Duke Fenric has recovered from his injuries and should be ready to speak with you, Laedron.”

“Has he said anything?” Laedron asked. “About peace or the war?”

“Not to us, no. We’ve given him some distance and time to think about things, and we… well, we thought that might be best for one of his countrymen to speak with him first.”

“Then it shall be done. By the time the night falls, I hope we can be done with this war.”

Jurgen nodded. “Good. If you can secure the peace favorably for all sides, the consuls and your king should be pleased.”

“We shall see. Have you come up with anything regarding the ring and the staff? Anything about the Uxidin?” Laedron asked.

“No, but I’ve made you an appointment with Demetrius Hale, the chief amongst the Arcanists.”

Marac asked, “You’re not coming along?”

“I cannot. I must return to the consulship once we have finished here. Tomorrow evening, I shall return, and you can inform me of your next step.”

“Arcanists? The navigators?” Laedron asked, remembering how they had discussed the order before arriving in Azura.

“Yes, they are an important group in Azura and have been for a long time,” Jurgen said. “Beyond being able to navigate the Sea of Pillars, the Arcanists have kept detailed records throughout history, and they are patrons of art and science. Merchants, scholars, and seafarers make up their ranks.”

“Even the university is administered by them,” Valyrie said.

“Yes, that is true.” Jurgen gave her a smile. “If it hadn’t been for them, much of what we know now about alchemy, architecture, and the natural world would likely have been lost through the ages. Time has not always passed kindly for the theocracy.”

“Where is the meeting?” Laedron asked.

“At his home. He can be found in the row houses across from the university, number four.”

Valyrie nodded. “I know the way. When?”

“Tomorrow at lunch. He always takes lunch at his home at or around noon.” Jurgen stood. “Perhaps he will have some answers. For now, I should take Laedron with me to meet with Fenric.”

* * *

The steps leading up to the front doors of the Vicariate Palace remained in disrepair. Climbing the stairs, Laedron observed two pools of blood around the large crater where he’d fallen, one stain his and the other that of Master Greathis. His skin tingled as if the place itself reminded his body of the pain, and he walked quicker to put distance between himself and that spot which had caused him so much agony.