Chapter Eleven: The Foundation of Link-Magic

'The forgotten art of link-magic has been advanced since the days of Silan, The Blessed One of Argate, who established himself দ্বারা becoming a Great Wizard in the days of The Dark One of the Abyss. Link-magic was always used defensively, against the prominent Ice Wizards in the Isle of Wrelpn. Offensive link-magic was employed later on, especially দ্বারা the Hai'Ynl in the north of Salendor, in the North East regions of Corath.' - Scripted from Page One of The Foundation of Link-Magic.

It was Octorday, and it had been four Decemday's since he and Ferral had left Counquan to come here, Kaladacia. It had been almost a Decemday since the Mage-Lancers had been formed; they had accomplished much since that time. He and Ferral were both now the Emperor's Mages and were, prospectively, his Mage-Advisor and Military-Advisor.
Ferral, Kerenyd and he had become quite good বন্ধু and they had drawn up a good schedule to help Senior Engineer-Smith Keldyl and Chief Engineer-Smith Drawyt. Regiment V was assigned to Over-commander Gerdamh and Mage-Commander Hylyr, both had made progress in learning the basis of link-magic within metals and other non-animate objects. 3rd squadron had advanced the most so far, Fyryd and Vaynh proving to be adequate students of magic. Gunnar, the Commander-Captain, had also made real progress, in fact he the most. Ferral had also learned a lot about the weather from one of the Engineer-Smiths, who had a little ability with the weather, but his skills still remained within the field of blacksmithing and engineering and could teach Ferral only a little. The real concerns were the Ice Wizards of Wrelpn, for they had attacked and joined forces with Altran, using their icicle dashes to destroy the Argatian troops. Lord Byryn, the high wizard of Wrelpn, was possibly worse than Altran, but the two sides never fought with each other, for the Ice Wizards were আরো numerous than Altran's sorcerers and were better from a distance. The Ice Wizards had used plane distancers, to cover all of Altran's troops from the sight of the Argatians, and since there had been no Mages with them, Argate's main force had been obliterated before they could even send arrows at the barbarians. They took the Alasian gate first, then advanced to Tymryt. That was where the barbarians had been heard from last anyway, it was anybody's guess as to where they were now, Skye thought. Skye lumbered down the stairway, hoping to find Ferral at The Inn, where he usually went for a dark brew অথবা Larga. There were many inns in Idylyn, but The Inn was the most famous of them all, priding themselves on their excellent brewing technique and their light fare and stews. The Inn was appropriately named Erylyk's Pride, named after Erylyk, the man who constructed The Inn many Yers* ago. Skye didn't mind the place either, in fact he visited The Inn almost as regularly as Ferral and Over-commander Gerdamh. Even Gunnar, the Commander-Captain, went there reasonably often, three times every Decemday. Once Skye got to The Inn, he opened the sturdy, oak door and pulled it towards him, then entered the large inn.
He spied Ferral in the corner, with Lord-Advisor Kerenyd. So he walked over to them and took a আসন পরবর্তি to his best friend. “Thought আপনি might be here” Skye chuckled. “There's nowhere else I'd rather be” Ferral joked, then he stopped and looked quite serious. “Frag. আপনি haven't heard about Argate, have you?” Ferral questioned, probably rhetorically, and Skye didn't answer, knowing Ferral's habits only too well. “The Ice Wizards and some of Altran's Krellon have attacked Koren, and his main forces have Amylyn and Cyml under control as well now” Ferral explained. “What the frag?” Skye suddenly demanded furiously, “why didn't আপনি tell me as soon as আপনি knew?”.
“Sorry Skye. I didn't know how to bring it up, it's not the most cheerful news that I've heard” Ferral apologised guiltily.“It's not a big deal, but I wish you'd tell me these things” Skye told the brown-haired warrior. “Sorry” Ferral ব্যক্ত again. “Stop apologising, I ব্যক্ত it was okay, okay?” Skye told him diplomatically. The others at the inn looked rather bewildered. “Mages” someone whispers from somewhere to the right. “I'm not a psychic” Skye snapped grumpily. “Who was the smart guy?” Commander-Captain Gunnar snapped reluctantly. “Shut your mouth Captain of the Freaks” someone yelled rudely. “If I find out who আপনি are, I'm going to cut your balls off” The Commander-Captain growled murderously.
“Damn you, Seeker of Doom” The offender called cheekily. Gunnar's training paid off, it was the first guy to the right of where the Mage-Lancer officers were. Gunnar grabbed him দ্বারা the throat, “you think আপনি can lead better?!” the burly Commander-Captain snarled. “Oh frag. No Ser I don't, please don't kill me, I'm sorry for being rude!” the skinny, red haired man bawled. “Should have thought of that” Gunnar snapped testily. “Please!” the young man cried regretfully. Gunnar lifted his lance. “Ahhhh!” the youth screamed in absolute terror.
Skye intervened. “No Ser, don't waste your lance on him. They are getting harder to charge আপনি know” the Mage lectured the Commander-Captain. Gunnar dropped the red-haired youth onto the ground. “Any আরো মতামত from আপনি and the Mage here won't stop me” he snarled at the youth then sat back down. “My, my, a little testy today aren't we?” Over-commander Gerdamh chuckled. “What would আপনি have done, then?” Gunnar asked his superior officer directly. “Probably the same thing, but আপনি have to admit that it was quite funny at the time, especially when he almost cried” Gerdamh laughed rather cruelly.
“Ahem!” Ferral snapped. Over-commander Gerdamh bowed his head sheepishly, “you are the Over-commander, and if things like that get out then the people won't trust আপনি to lead them” Ferral ব্যক্ত piercingly. “I shouldn't have ব্যক্ত that, it was foolish of me. My apologies, Ser Ferral” Gerdamh apologised to the Military-Advisor.
“Just forget about it, but do remember what I ব্যক্ত to আপনি regarding the matter, and then আপনি can make sure not to do things like that and প্রদর্শনী your men respect” Ferral replied good-naturedly. Gerdamh nodded and ব্যক্ত nothing. Skye stood up quickly, “oh, I forgot to ask, but has anyone seen the Mage-Commander?” the magician asked with sudden interest. Over-commander Gerdamh replied promptly; “I haven't actually seen him today, but I was told দ্বারা his personal guard, Lyryst, that he would be in his office doing important paperwork all morning.” Skye laughed whimsically, clapping his hands jovially against the hard-wood table; “sounds tedious and dull to me” the magician continued unrelentingly. Ferral grimaced, while Gunnar and Gerdamh looked on in confusement; Lord-Advisor Kerenyd was too busy in thought to notice, “he's in one of those moods, best not to encourage him” Ferral muttered. Skye shook his head, “not my style, but I'll remember, dear swordsman.” Ferral just shook his head in reply and frowned.
Skye stood up without warning. “I'll be off now, gotta go and see the Mage-Commander; top-secret mission, আপনি know.” Ferral nodded with sudden amusement, “as আপনি wish Your Highness, but make sure আপনি don't forget to take your staff with you, as you're quite liable to do.” Skye scowled at Ferral, then nodded to the others and then started walking out of the inn. Skye opened the door absently, then continued walking to his left. He followed the side-walk for a time, weaving in and out of other passers-by. Finally he reached the Military Sector, where all the officers of the Mage-Lancers were situated. The current building was a drab looking construct, with faded brown brickwork and a tensed iron roof, which was also looking worn and a tad rusty. Skye wrinkled his nose at the building, sniffed derisively, then opened the iron clad door and walked inside. Ahead of him was one of the offices for the military clerks, who arranged meetings for the officers and would also file and write reports when Ferral asked for them. Skye strode up to the dreary looking office and puffed himself up slightly, making himself look important, which he had become accustomed to doing since his arrival in Kaladacia. Jakyro knows it was only way to get clerks to do anything worthwhile, and notice him, even though he was the Mage-Advisor of Kaladacia. “Ahem, I wish to see Mage-Commander Hylyr. It is of the utmost importance, and I do wish to see him right now” Skye outlined demandingly. “Ser? The Mage-Commander does not wish to be disturbed at the moment, but if আপনি come back later, I'm sure he will be eager to see you.”
Skye frowned inwardly. “Ser, I'm the Mage-Advisor of Kaladacia, this cannot wait. This is an order from the Emperor himself, he has wished the Mage-Commander and I to carry out a plan of his and I see no reason to disobey his word.” The clerk frowned anxiously, clearly he was being eaten up দ্বারা turmoil inside. Obviously he would not wish to disobey orders from the Beloved, however he also didn't want to disobey Mage-Commander Hylyr's orders either. Skye cleared his throat. “Look, I must see him now. It is of no benefit to either of us if আপনি continue to hinder me, and then we will both reprimanded, is that what আপনি want, Ser?” Skye repeated.
The clerk sighed in defeat. “Alright Ser Mage, আপনি win and আপনি may see him, but don't be surprised if he is less than happy to see you.” Skye beamed. “Oh, once I tell him what we have to do, he will be even less than happy” then the irrepressible Mage-Advisor advanced down the hall and climbed up several flights of stairs. At the শীর্ষ of the stairs Skye walked down the hallway, finally spotting a door with a plaque on it. The plaque read: Mage-Commander Hylyr. Skye smiled with self assurance, then knocked on the door loudly. Behind the door Mage-Commander uttered a frustrated sigh, then he opened the door, rudely asking “what is it?” before he realised it was Skye.
“Ser?” Hylyr questioned with surprise. “Good day, Ser. The Emperor has orders for us two.” Skye smiled cheekily at the Mage-Commander. “Oh? What orders might they be, then?” the stolid Hylyr asked. “Well, আপনি know the forest in the north-west. The Emperor suspects that Lords Mykryl, from Bron, and Flevyr, from Mylar, will invade from that direction, therefore আপনি and I must explore the Accursed Forest.” Mage-Commander Hylyr paled visibly. “Ah, Ser? Have আপনি completely হারিয়ে গেছে your mind? Idylyn Forest is the most dangerous place in all of Kaladacia.” Skye smiled dangerously. “Nothing in that forest is as dangerous as me, besides, we only have to explore. No-one ব্যক্ত anything about toying with the dangers of the forest, therefore we would leave if anything happened.”
Hylyr looked dubious for a moment. “I suppose I don't exactly have a choice in the matter. What the Emperor wants, the Emperor gets.” Skye laughed harshly. “That seems the way of it, but he's not such a terrible person. Lords Mylar and Bron are the worst of the lot of them. That's what I've heard anyway.” Hylyr frowned with confusion. “I didn't mean that the Emperor is bad person. It's just that when he wants something to happen, then people will obey him, out of প্রণয় for Kaladacia and his empress.” Skye looked rather intrigued; “so his people follow him blindly, out of love. That wouldn't be such a good thing, were he not the person he is.”
Mage-Commander Hylyr frowned again. “A bad thing, huh. What makes আপনি say that, Ser Mage?” the stolid Kaladacian questioned. Skye smiled understandingly. “If he was a bad emperor and his people followed him blindly, out of fear and প্রণয় of Kaladacia, then things would be much different here.” Hylyr coughed, then shook his head. “He's not a bad emperor, but things can be like how আপনি suggested. The lords' from different parts of Kaladacia can do the same thing, except they hold আরো real power than the emperor himself.”
This time Skye looked intrigued. “Holds আরো real power? Please explain to me.” Hylyr grinned slightly, noting the interested look on Skye's face. “The emperor rules the country, but the lords hold power and troops of their own. Each lord conscripts his troops to fight when Kaladacia is under attack. However, the troops can be used for whatever purpose they wish when Kaladacia isn't under attack. The emperor would be outnumbered দ্বারা the lords if he didn't do as they wished.”
“And what would they wish?” Skye spoke in spite of himself. “Usually when the lords disagree with the emperor, it's always about money, অথবা trade. On one occasion, it was actually about a valid issue and the emperor addressed it, then his Lenience and his advisors solved the problem.”
“Kaladacia has strange customs, in Argate the Mage-King has the only true power and everyone else must take his counsel. He isn't a dictator, however, and he always leads his people with glory. The elder wizards are the worst of anyone in Argate though, they get to exile young wizards who aren't living up to their expectations; I was one of the wizards who didn't live up to their expectations.”
Mage-Commander Hylyr frowned. “That seems a tad... harsh, how do আপনি mean আপনি didn't live up to their expectations?” Hylyr asked. “The elder wizards had decided that I was one of the few that couldn't control their powers, so they exiled me.” Skye then noticed that the Mage-Commander had turned and retrieved a short-sword with a jewelled hilt. “That's a nice blade” Skye মতামত প্রদত্ত unwittingly. “Aye, it was my father's blade. He fell during the Battle of the Moon, against the followers of Lord Klywyd”. Skye nodded, “and the blade?”. Hylyr shrugged discontentedly; “it was found on his body during the clean up of the battle-field. The Majer-Overlord at that time passed it on to me and I've held it ever since.”
Skye stood up. “It's time; we must leave for the Accursed Forest right away. Oh and bring your sword and that staff the Wood-factor fashioned for you.” Mage-Commander Hylyr got up and rummaged through the mess in his office, then picked up his staff, sword and sheath, knotting the sheath to his sword-belt. “Are আপনি ready, Ser?” Hylyr asked slightly humorously, then glanced at his steam-powered wrist-watch. “I was ready before I got here, Mage-Commander” Skye grinned at the slightly officious man.
Hylyr looked away from his wrist-watch; “it's one glass before midday অথবা seven glasses after dawn”, then he followed Skye out of his smallish office. They travelled slowly down the stairs, talking quietly to one another and eventually stood before the office-clerk. “Ramaya” Hylyr nodded, “I'll be back sometime this afternoon. If anyone comes দ্বারা looking for me, tell them I'm not in and won't be for some time.” The clerk nodded his head slowly, then glanced accusingly at Skye. Skye winked back and shrugged as if to say, 'what can I do?'.
The weather had changed slightly during the time in Hylyr's office. The slight grey of the sky had turned a deep blue and the sun was out fully, mocking them with its bright rays. “At least the weather is nice now” Skye মতামত প্রদত্ত with a frown on his face. “I haven't been outside much today” Hylyr confessed. “Too much work, eh.” Skye strode off towards the Engineering Sector, with Hylyr hot on his trails. “Why are we going this way?” Hylyr asked Skye with a look of confusion on his face. “Because we have to see Ser Drawyt before we go to the Accursed Forest. We are to examine the Link Towers before we proceed to Idylyn Forest.” Hylyr just nodded.
Finally they reached Drawyt's dwelling within the Engineering Sector, just as the stocky Chief Engineer opened his door and retrieved an axe from outside his door; he then noticed the Mage-Advisor and Mage-Commander. “Welcome Sers, how may I help you?” Drawyt asked helpfully.
“Drawyt my good man; we need আপনি to accompany us to the Link Tower Sector and help us survey the area.” Skye stopped talking and watched the Chief Engineer. “As আপনি wish, let me guess, emperor's orders?” Drawyt asked knowingly.
“Correct” Skye replied.
“Ser, we better make haste, else we lose zenith hours” Hylyr cautioned the Mage-Advisor. “Yes, you're correct Hylyr. We must make haste to the Link Towers at once, and not for sun hours, but the towers themselves” Skye suddenly looked worried and Hylyr had never seen Skye look worried. “What's the matter Ser Mage?” Drawyt asked abruptly, also noticing the change in Skye's temperament. “The towers are going to fail unless I intervene and even then I may not succeed in keeping them from their destruction.”
Drawyt bristled slightly. “Ser, I'm an engineer and I would know if the towers were going to fail” the stocky engineer ব্যক্ত rather wearily. “With all due respect Master Drawyt, this concentration of link-magic is different to any link-magic I've ever felt in my life; and I've grown up with it.”
“But Ser... “Drawyt trailed off, then suddenly a shocked look appeared on his face. “Ser Mage, আপনি are quite right and this is the largest quantity of chaotic link-magic I've ever felt” the engineer continued. “Chaotic link-magic?” Skye questioned the Chief Engineer while they were jogging to the Link Tower Sector. “I'll explain later Ser Mage” Drawyt flung back at Skye.
Once they reached the sector where the Link Towers were situated, Skye automatically started flinging orders around to the various men and women surrounding him and especially Master Drawyt. “Master Drawyt, would আপনি send a messenger to the Emperor explaining about the towers, oh and can আপনি get him to send Keldyl this way also, he will come in handy.”
“Yes, Ser” Drawyt complied and strode off to fetch a messenger who was handy. “Hylyr?” Skye asked quickly. “Yes, Ser?” the Mage-Commander replied with his own question. “Can আপনি go back and fetch 3rd Squadron, Commander-Captain Gunnar, Over-commander Gerdamh and Ferral, and let Lord-Advisor Kerenyd know what is going here.” Hylyr nodded determinedly and sped off without a glance back. Skye looked away and closed his eyes.
He could sense the chaotic link-magic with much আরো exaggerated strength now and it felt like shards of ice were penetrating his brain. He could feel that the Towers were holding back an amount of link-magic that was absolutely enormous, and much of it was fully chaotic and soon would be incapable of being a true life-force. Skye felt that the link-magic was trying to escape so he pushed it back until he could only sense small amounts of link-magic. But then, with incredible force, the chaotic link-magic pushed back at him and sent his conscious mind flying. Skye tried to hold on, but it was no avail and then an ocean of link-magic poured out of the broken Link Tower.
“Ser Mage! Skye!” people screamed loudly, as though they were yelling through a voice-enhanced rod. Skye opened his eyes, and waited for a moment until they were no longer blurry. His head pounded and his mouth was dry like sand-paper and tasted like old socks, অথবা musty clothing. Ferral pulled Skye up and supported him on his shoulder. “Are আপনি okay, Skye?” the swordsman asked him with concern. Skye breathed heavily; “aye, I'm okay my friend, but we need to get to the emperor at once.”
Ferral supported him the whole way back to the Beloved's palace, even though Skye felt that he could walk, but Ferral wouldn't let him strain himself. “Just be patient Skye, we will be there soon and আপনি haven't recovered yet.” Although Skye felt as though he would never recover from the sheer force of the chaotic link-magic. It had felt as though his head had been crushed দ্বারা the onslaught and his life-force had become weaker, fainter than usual.
Finally they arrived at the Beloved's palace and they quickly rushed to the সিংহাসন Room, where the emperor and his spouse were sitting on their thrones, awaiting their arrival. Skye and the others bowed before their emperor, then Skye stood and waited for Lozyl to speak. “Mage-Advisor Skye, আপনি attempted to hold back the chaotic link-magic if I'm not mistaken and nearly died in the process. Are আপনি sure you're alright to প্রতিবেদন to me?” Lozyl questioned Skye with minor concern. “Yes, your Leniency.” Then Skye drew a deep breath and started talking.
“Ser, we must do something at once. The rest of the Towers will fail and along with that, the Lords will attack us and eventually Lord Altran will have conquered the entire region besides Kaladacia. We must do something, your Leniency. If we do not protect Counquan, we will be overrun দ্বারা the barbarians, but we also need to protect Idylyn from the Lords Mylar and Bron.” Skye hesitated.
“Have আপনি আরো to add, Ser Skye?” Emperor Lozyl asked patiently.
“Yes, your Leniency” Skye repeated once more. “I have a plan that may অথবা may not work. If we send the Mage-Lancers, myself, Mage-Commander Hylyr and Over-commander Gerdamh to Counquan, we should be able to hold the city of Counquan until আপনি have taken care of the threat from Mylar and Bron. Military-Advisor Ferral, along with the Lancer-Elites will be here along with the main bulk of your army and the Engineer Lancer-Corps. And the last thing, is that I get the feeling that Altran will try ally himself with the Niradian pirates, although that is only a guess.”
“Thank আপনি Ser Skye. Would anyone else like to say anything?” Emperor Lozyl addressed everyone in the সিংহাসন Room. Of course Trade-Advisor Talanyt stood up almost instantly. “I have something to say...” the Trade-Advisor started; Ferral frowned and looked forbidding, while Talanyt started speaking. “This is all very well to say and do, but what about trading, economics and money. We need আরো money to support these troops, as well as খাবার and for once I'm trying to argue a good point, not a bad one.” Ferral looked astonished, “that's a first.”
Emperor Lozyl stood up. “This is a fine point from you, Talanyt. However, we have enough to survive for the time being and even if we don't, what choice do we have, but to fight?” his Leniency spoke wearily. Talanyt shrugged; “your Leniency, I was just making that point so that আপনি know exactly what we have to deal with.” Lozyl nodded; “thank আপনি Talanyt, your counsel is valued as always.” Talanyt sat back down and waited for his Leniency to speak. “I like Ser Skye's plan, therefore we shall employ that at once. Ser Skye, if আপনি would lead the Mage-Lancers of Kaladacia and Ser Ferral shall lead the Lancer Elites. I would also like our navy to be armed and ready to defend if there is an attack from the Nirads.” Navy-Advisor Hylan stood up at once. “It shall be as আপনি wish your Leniency, I shall contact Navy Over-Marshal Ollayt right away” then Hylan sat back down. “Thank আপনি Hylan, and what say you, Master Wrelyt?” Lozyl asked the short man sitting the farthest away from the emperor. “Your Leniency?” Wrelyt asked questioningly. “What use shall the Engineer Corps be to me?” Lozyl asked rather strangely. “The engineers will বিভক্ত করা into smaller squads and some shall accompany Ser Skye and the Mage-Lancers” Wrelyt spoke softly and unassumingly.
Lozyl nodded; “thank আপনি Wrelyt, if আপনি wouldn't mind going and speaking to Master Drawyt?” his Leniency asked the shorter man. “No need your Leniency, I was with Master Skye when he tried to defend the Tower” Drawyt exclaimed boldly from behind the advisors. “Master Drawyt, would আপনি please go and find Over-commander Clayn and tell him he's needed দ্বারা Engineer-Advisor Wrelyt?” his Leniency assumed. “Yes, your Leniency” then Drawyt was gone. “I think that is all for now. I would like for Ser Skye to be prepared to leave for Counquan in a Decemday অথবা less if possible, and many thanks to আপনি all for your diligence and hard work, especially you, Skye” his Leniency spoke with gratitude clear in his voice. “That's my job your Leniency-I'm a Mage, it's what we do” Skye replied nonchalantly.
Skye and Ferral left the সিংহাসন Room once the emperor had finished talking; it was going to no doubt be a long Decemday. “So we will be fighting without each other this time, eh Skye?” Ferral questioned, most rhetorically and brushed his hair out of his eyes. “You need a haircut before আপনি fight” Skye rolled his eyes; “it's starting to look ridiculous and আপনি won't be able to see properly when Bron and Mylar attack.”
Ferral grimaced and shut his eyes momentarily. “You know what? I hate haircuts and I like it like this anyway” the swordsman growled indignantly. “Yeah, well don't blame me if আপনি get maimed because আপনি couldn't see” Skye countered. “Oh I won't, and besides, আপনি will be fighting in Counquan and I'll be fighting here” Ferral replied wittingly. “Yeah and that means that I can't watch your back, but I'm sure our good Over-Marshal will watch it though” Skye muttered thoughtfully.
Ferral nodded. “Skayl is a good lancer officer, but he's a little rusty when it comes to fighting I believe.” They continued walking back to the Military Sector to tell Over-Marshal Skayl and the other two High Command officers of the Lancer Elites about his Leniency's orders. Ferral spoke suddenly; “you have the Commander-Captain to watch your back, Skye.”
“He is talented, but he still won't admit to it; and he never talks about Wylldom, but I was quite anxious to hear his story first-hand” Skye spoke wishfully, thinking that Gunnar was far too modest for his own good. They finally passed through the south-west part of the Engineering Sector, and veered off into the Military Sector.
“You better make sure আপনি read as much of Making the Weather Change as possible, before Bron and Mylar attack Idylyn” Skye told his friend. Ferral nodded; “you should make sure that the Mage-Lancer officers know as much as possible about link-magic manipulation before আপনি go to Counquan. Don't want any of our officers to needlessly die against Lord Altran, and especially not Gunnar, Gerdamh অথবা Hylyr; আপনি should make sure that they are completely at ease with the notion of link-magic.” Skye nodded and then finally they reached Military Headquarters.
They entered the dank, bricked building and followed the main corridor to the end, where an office-clerk was snoring softly in an office opposite the end of the corridor. Skye opened the door to her office and snapped at her; “wake up! Sleeping on the job, আপনি know that will lose আপনি pay.”
The office-clerk woke up with a scream of terror, then realised who Skye was and gave a sheepish grin. “Sorry Ser, I was real tired and I couldn't keep my eyes open, but I assure আপনি it won't happen again” she spoke anxiously.
“Skye smiled at her; “don't worry about it Miss...?” Skye left the প্রশ্ন unspoken. “Miss Kleryssa at your service, Honoured Mage-Advisor Ser” the young lady smiled back at him, sweetly. “Kleryssa, I won't tell anyone that আপনি were sleeping, but don't let me catch আপনি again, right?” Skye questioned with a grin on his face. “Right! And what can I do for you, Ser?” she replied. “I need to see the Over-Marshal right away, is he in his office?” Skye asked quickly. “Aye, he's busy, but I'll wager what আপনি are going to tell him must be quite important” Kleryssa replied. “It's very important.”
Skye nodded to Kleryssa; “thank you, I must be going now.” Then Skye walked back out of the office, missing the simpering smile that Kleryssa threw back at him, however it was carefully observed দ্বারা Ferral. “You know...” Ferral was saying while they were walking up the stairs to the সেকেন্ড floor; “Yeah?” Skye asked, “I think that girl likes আপনি Skye” Ferral replied with a twinkle in his dark brown eyes. “Huh, আপনি reckon?” Skye asked back, looking slightly embarrassed and his cheeks had gone slightly red. Ferral grinned teasingly and ব্যক্ত nothing more.
They reached the fourth floor and followed a corridor to the end, where Over-Marshal Skayl's office was in clear view. Skye knocked on the door loudly. “Come in” Skayl's voice pierced through the door. Skye opened the door and nodded to the Over-Marshal. “Over-Marshal, it's good to see you” Skye greeted the stocky commander of the Lancer-Elites; “likewise” Skayl smiled good-naturedly, “what can I do for you, Honoured Mage-Advisor?” the Over-Marshal enquired courteously. “His Leniency has a bit of a dilemma, Skayl” Ferral replied for Skye; “Ser? What sort of dilemma?” Skayl asked with confusion tingeing the deep tone of his voice. “You tell him, Skye.”
Skye took a shallow breath. “Earlier today, approximately half a glass before midday, one of the Link Towers failed. I tried to hold back the chaotic link-magic, but it was too overwhelming and it all escaped into the Roof of Corath.” Skayl shuddered inwardly; “how are আপনি still alive, Ser?” Skayl asked with wonder. “I'm a Link-Mage, it's part of the job description” Skye laughed it off with a shrug, even though he knew fully well that his head was still pounding and his eyes were still slightly blurry. “What does this have to do with me, Ser?” Skayl addressed Ferral, his superior officer, this time.
“Because his Leniency wants all regiments to undergo training, as well as preparations for the attack from Bron and Mylar. His Leniency also wants আপনি to send regiment VI with Skye to Counquan” Ferral explained to the Over-Marshal.
“Counquan?” Skayl asked, his eyebrows raised in confusion. “Aye, Counquan. Skye will hold off Lord Altran in Counquan for as long as he can, while we deal with Lords Mylar and Bron and send the Lancer Elites to Counquan once we have dealt with them.” Skayl grinned, “this sounds like a good plan, was it your idea Ser?” he asked Ferral. “No, it was Skye's idea” Ferral replied. Skye grinned; “I'm going to find the Over-commander and the Commander-Captain, I'll meet আপনি at Erylyk's later on, right?” Skye told his friend. “Oh, right. Yeah sure thing Skye, see আপনি there” Ferral replied.
Skye made his way out of Skayl's office, then he headed back downstairs to the first floor. Skye poked his nose into the office-clerk's, Kleryssa, office to see she was still awake. The young lady noticed him and blushed, “oh Mage-Advisor Ser, what can I do for you?” she asked him nervously. “Call me Skye. My main reason for looking in here wasn't to see if আপনি had fallen asleep, but to ask if আপনি would accompany me to Erylyk's later?” Skye asked with a handsome smile on his face. “Ohhh... I... would প্রণয় to!” she smiled back, a very pretty smile that made Skye's stomach leap. “Great, when do আপনি get to finish for the day?”; “oh, I finish at fifth glass” she replied quickly. Skye looked into her baby-blue eyes and found that he couldn't break his gaze from hers.
“Well, I have urgent business with the Mage-Lancers and once I'm finished I'll meet আপনি outside here, deal?” Skye grinned victoriously. “I would be delighted to meet then Skye, and maybe you'll be thinking of me while your talking about your wars and stuff” Kleryssa ব্যক্ত hopefully. “Maybe, but either way I'll see আপনি later” Skye winked at her and extended his arm, pulling her hand to him, which he kissed softly. Kleryssa blushed furiously and pulled her hand back; “alright আপনি flatterer, get going before my হৃদয় stops and my face turns permanently red.” Skye nodded once, smiled at her, then walked out of her office and headed out of the building.
Skye walked past the পরবর্তি building, then turned right and headed north-west towards Mage-Lancer barracks and Mage-Lancer Headquarters right পরবর্তি to it. Skye first went into headquarters and instead of finding the office-clerk, that he had addressed earlier that morning, he walked straight to Over-commander Gerdamh's office and knocked politely. “Who is it?” Gerdamh's booming voice pierced straight through the door, like a ছুরি through melted fat; “Mage-Advisor Skye” he replied, almost as loud as Gerdamh. “Oh, come right in Ser” came the reply and Skye opened the door and walked in to the small office compartment. “What can I do for you, Ser?” the Over-commander asked curiously. “We have a situation, Gerdamh; one of the Link Towers has failed, if আপনি felt a strange feeling right before midday then now আপনি know why” Skye repeated the news yet again, he was starting to get sick of talking about the failed Tower and he was tired, his head still hurt and his muscles were starting to ache.
“A Tower failed?!” Gerdamh gasped, and his face turned brick red.
“Aye, and now we need to have the Mage-Lancers ready in a Decemday; his Leniency wants us to hold Counquan until the Lancer Elites have destroyed Bron and Mylar.” Gerdamh slowly took in the news; “so we are charged with holding Altran off? We were doing that last time and it failed miserably.” Skye nodded; “I've heard about the siege of Trergom a couple of times from some of the squad captains that survived it and Gunnar told me a little about it” he admitted. “Will it be any different this time, though?” Gerdamh wondered out loud. Skye shrugged, blinking when a রশ্মি of light got in his eyes; “it will be much different time, for we will be in Counquan. We have regimented VI, the Mage-Lancers, a couple of squadrons from Engineer Corps and the whole garrison in Counquan, I think we should be able to pull it off.”
Gerdamh looked slightly pessimistic, “well we better hope so Ser, because Lord Altran is very powerful and he can summon powerful earthen behemoths.” Skye looked stunned for a moment; “he can summon creatures?! That's really advanced magic, but what else can he do?” the magician asked quickly. “He was a Master Transfigurator once, but he fell during a battle against the barbarian hordes of Alasia and was recruited দ্বারা them. However he grew strong and made his way up in the hordes, finally killing their monarch and taking over leadership of the hordes” Gerdamh explained patiently. Skye nodded, he was starting to take an interest in the history of the mysterious Lord Altran.
“Right, we have plenty work to do and not much time to do it in. I have to meet Ferral at Erylyk's later, as well, so let's get this over and done with. We have to address each regiment from the Mage-Lancers, because they will be the main forces that we will have for the campaign in Counquan.” Gerdamh nodded; “have আপনি seen the Mage-Commander recently, Ser?”
There was a momentary pause before Skye realised he hadn't seen Hylyr since he had left the Tower Sector; “no, I haven't seen him since midday, I sent him to the palace to tell his Lenience of the Tower failing.” Gerdamh shrugged nonchalantly; “oh well, I'm sure he'll appear sooner অথবা later.”
Skye led the Over-commander out of Headquarters and over to the Mage-Lancer barracks, where the bulk of the Mage-Lancer forces bedded and lived for much of the Yer. The sky had begun to darken, while grey clouds slowly billowed over the light indigo colour of the sky; in breaks between the cloud, and the sky, stars began to twinkle cheerily, seemingly winking directly at Skye. The wind had begun to pick up slightly too; the trees planted within the boundaries of Idylyn were being pushed around, as though a giant were pressing them towards the north. Skye and Gerdamh opened the door to the barracks and walked in slowly; “let's just talk to the senior squad captain from each room, and they can tell everyone in their room so we don't have to have them all line up.” Skye walked to one room, while Gerdamh strode over to another; they both knocked on their prospective doors and waited momentarily. After a moment one of the senior squad captains opened the door; “Ser?” he asked, but Skye didn't recognise him.
“You must address every man in your room and alert them that we will be going to Counquan in a Decemday, and therefore we will be doing extra squadron training until we leave for Counquan.” The squad captain grimaced; “yes, Ser, but why are we going to Counquan?”. Skye grinned toothily; “we will be attempting to halt Lord Altran in his tracks at Counquan, and I will ask আপনি not to ask any আরো প্রশ্ন squad captain.” The squad captain looked confused, but didn't ask any আরো প্রশ্ন of Skye.
After half a glass Skye and Gerdamh had finally told every senior squad captain in the ranks of the Mage-Lancers. Skye estimated that with the one and a half thousand Lancer Elites, from regiment VI, and the four thousand Mage-Lancers, that they would have a very slim chance of holding Lord Altran off until Mylar and Bron had been defeated and displaced. “We should send a messenger to Lord Treylk of the Counquan Forces, he's the Garrison Commander there. We want them to be able to muster enough forces and enough resources to last us through the siege. I also think that we need to send a small force from our navy to guard the port area of Counquan, we really don't want any interference from the Nirads” Skye explained patiently to Gerdamh, while they were on their way to the Trade Sector, where Erylyk's was.
Skye halted momentarily, while Gerdamh opened his mouth to reply; “I agree... Skye? What's the matter?” the Over-commander stopped as well. “I have to get back to the Military Sector to talk to someone and then I'll meet আপনি at Erylyk's” Skye replied nervously. Gerdamh shrugged; “okay then Ser, I'll see আপনি there. Are আপনি going to find Master Ferral?” Gerdamh questioned Skye bluntly. “Probably, but I have business with a girl who I will be taking to dinner.” Gerdamh grinned back at him; “good on you, Ser” then the Over-commander started walking towards the Trade Sector. Skye watched him leave, then he walked quickly back in the direction he had come, then he turned left and headed east back into the Military Sector.
Skye finally arrived outside the Military Headquarters, where Kleryssa was waiting for him. She looked like she was cold; judging দ্বারা her body slightly shaking and the fact that she was dressed in summer clothing, yet the night had turned ফ্রোজেন and Skye could see his breath against the lamplights. He walked over to her; “hi, আপনি look cold, would আপনি like to borrow my robe?” Skye asked considerately. Kleryssa looked up and smiled at him; “I really would like to borrow it, and thank আপনি very much Ser.” Skye grimaced inwardly at the formal address; “don't call me Ser, Kleryssa. I really would prefer it if আপনি called me Skye, besides I asked আপনি to come to ডিনার because it's not often that I get the company of a pretty girl like you” Skye explained politely.
Kleryssa blushed once more; “okay, Skye, and likewise, it's not often I get to enjoy the company of a handsome, young man like yourself.” This time it was Skye's turn to blush. Skye looked around, but spied no carriage অথবা anything that they could hire to get to the Trade Sector; “how do I hire a carriage?” Skye asked Kleryssa. She looked blank for a moment, then spoke softly; “we should just wait for one to come past” she offered. “Aye” Skye replied, finally realising how cold it was and slightly missing the comfort of his warm Magi'Ir robes. Finally a carriage rolled past, but Skye yelled out to the driver, who stopped just in time for Skye and Kleryssa to hop in.
“Thank আপনি Master Carrigier, how much do আপনি require to get us to Erylyk's in the Trade Sector?” Skye asked the older, slightly balding man. “I'll get আপনি there for two copper coins, and a bronze” he replied dismissively. Skye nodded and then they sat back, while the Master Carrigier cracked his whips and set the steeds at a slow canter. Skye relaxed and turned to talk to Kleryssa. “How long have আপনি been office-clerk to Over-Marshal Skayl?” he asked her conversationally. “Oh, I have been in his office in Headquarters for about ten Decemday's, but I was office-clerk to Highlord Dyne before I was relocated to that position.” Skye nodded with interest; “what does your work entail?”; Kleryssa thought for a moment, “I actually do quite a lot of paperwork that will then be sent to the Over-Marshal, and I arrange pay for the Lancer Elites and some of the palace guards.”
Skye grinned.
“What about you, Skye?” Kleryssa asked him. “I have to teach the Mage-Lancers how handle link-magic, as well as control and manipulate it. My main job is advising his Leniency of Mage affairs and anything that concerns the Mage-Lancers of Idylyn.” Kleryssa gasped; “so আপনি really have been in an audience with his Leniency?”; Skye grinned teasingly, “just a couple times. But today was the main one; one of the Towers failed, I tried to hold back the link-magic that was pouring out, but it was too strong and I failed” দ্বারা the end of this sentence Skye realised that the pounding in his head was starting to come back. He gave a painful grimace.
Kleryssa automatically noticed; “are আপনি alright Skye? আপনি look like you're in a bit of pain” the young office-clerk spoke with real concern in her voice. Skye smiled at her; “no, I'm fine. Just a headache and pains in my body, but besides that I'm fine and just slightly tired, but tonight will be a night for rest anyway” he replied, grateful for her legitimate concern for him. Kleryssa nodded; “yes, আপনি do need to rest, I've heard that the lords of Mylar and Bron are going to attack Idylyn and I imagine that আপনি will be playing a great part in it.” Skye just shook his head.
Kleryssa gave him a questioning look; “why not?”; “because in a Decemday the Mage-Lancers will be leaving for Counquan to confront Lord Altran and the barbarian hordes and I will be leading them.” Kleryssa gave a horrified gasp; “b-but you'll die if আপনি do that, he's so powerful.” Skye just shrugged indifferently; “maybe your right, but if Altran conquers Counquan, Kaladacia will fall and this is my new home. Argate is under his control and I won't let it happen here অথবা in Counquan” Skye vowed fervently, with iron determination. Kleryssa moved involuntarily and pressed her face to his, giving him a passionate চুম্বন on the lips; “I've just met আপনি Skye, but I like আপনি and I want আপনি to come back to me.” Skye looked shell-shocked. “Hasn't a girl ever kissed আপনি before, Skye?” Kleryssa asked him teasingly.
Skye started to reply, then the carriage stopped and they realised that they were at Erylyk's. Kleryssa grabbed on to Skye's arm and dragged him out of the carriage; Skye paid the Carrigier the coins and a few for him to wait for them, then Kleryssa intertwined her arm in his once আরো and they entered Erylyk's. Kleryssa nudged Skye's arm gently; “what's the matter?” he asked her. “Your friend, the swordsman, is sitting over there with the Lord-Advisor and a few of High Command, shall we যোগদান them?” she asked him curiously. “Aye, we should যোগদান them. I would like to hear of the progress that has been made toward preparing for the invasion from Mylar and Bron.” Kleryssa nodded biddingly; “as আপনি wish Skye.”
Kleryssa started to walk to where Ferral was sitting, but Skye gently pulled her back. “What is it, Skye?” Kleryssa inquired of him curiously. Skye shuffled his feet nervously; “I like আপনি too Kleryssa and I want আপনি to stay somewhere নিরাপদ before Bron and Mylar attack Idylyn. I will come back to you, I promise; but আপনি have to stay নিরাপদ too, I don't want to get back and find out something has happened to you, because I wouldn't be able to ভালুক it.” Kleryssa eyes sparkled in delight and she smiled at him once more, almost stopping his হৃদয় in the process; “your so sweet Skye, I will go somewhere নিরাপদ and wait for you, I promise.” Skye smiled back; “that would be best” then Skye leant অগ্রবর্তী and wrapped his arms around her. She held him just as tight, then they separated and both blushed as a server walked past them and smiled knowingly.
They walked over to where Ferral and the others were and sat down. Skye took the empty আসন পরবর্তি to Ferral, while Kleryssa sat in the unoccupied আসন across from where Skye was sitting. “How did it go?” Skye asked his best friend. “It went okay, but Trade-Advisor Talanyt has struck again and now he's trying to think of ways to hinder the progress we've made. I wonder if he's in the pocket of Mylar অথবা Bron, because why else would he try to hinder us unless it would turn out good for him and the traders” Ferral inflicted his gravelly growl on Skye's eardrums. “No idea, but I think আপনি might be right not to trust him, but there isn't much we can do about it, so let's just forget he exists” Skye replied wisely. Ferral frowned angrily; “it's hard to forget a man like that, but maybe you're talking sense for once Skye” the swordsman spoke earnestly.
“Gee, thanks for your vote of confidence Ferral” Skye remarked back, pretending to look slightly hurt দ্বারা Ferral's bitter-sweet words. Ferral grinned; “that's for being annoying today, while we were here. Oh, how are আপনি feeling now Skye?” Ferral asked, this time sounding much আরো caring. “I'm fine now, thanks Ferral. Did আপনি notice who I brought with me?” Skye chuckled. Ferral looked around, then he spotted Kleryssa right across from them; “oh I see” he grinned, “hello again miss Kleryssa” he addressed her formally. Kleryssa grinned at him, then pointed to Skye, raising her hand as though she had an invisible drink in it. “Skye! Your lady friend wants to order” Ferral notified the forgetful magician. “Oh, right” then he stood up and walked around to the other side of the table. “Shall we?” he asked Kleryssa graciously. Kleryssa stood up and extended her arm to him, then they left the bar and opened the door to the restaurant.
They got a আসন পরবর্তি to the window, with a view of the river, the Viene, and Kleryssa gazed into Skye's eyes intently, while they waited for a server to come and take their order. Finally one came to take their order. “What will আপনি two have?” the server, a young lady, asked them impatiently. “What's the specials tonight, eh?” Skye replied back abruptly. “We have a peppered beef ভাপে সিদ্ধ করা with legumes, অথবা a spicy curried মেষশাবক with grilled flatbread” she answered Skye almost as quickly as he answered her. “I'll have the মেষশাবক and a dark brew” Skye ordered; Kleryssa hesitated until the server asked what she would have, “I'll just have the beef ভাপে সিদ্ধ করা and a glass of red wine” she spoke rather quietly. Kleryssa smiled warmly at Skye; “thank আপনি so much for asking me, Skye and it was so sweet what আপনি ব্যক্ত before, and I feel the same way.”
Skye sat there for a while chatting to Kleryssa and gazing into her sparkling baby blue eyes, Skye had never met a woman as beautiful, intelligent and charming as Kleryssa before and he was starting to become enraptured with her. Finally their খাবার came, and they ate silently, sampling the delicious flavours of the well-cooked meals. “Mmmmm, delicious food” Skye mused once they had finished. “It was absolutely beautiful food, I don't know why I don't come here আরো often” Kleryssa ব্যক্ত thoughtfully. Skye nodded; “shall we go get that carriage?” he had paid the Carrigier to wait till they had finished eating. “Yes, why don't আপনি go get your friend Ferral? Doesn't he live in the same vicinity that আপনি do?” she asked Skye. “Yeah, he does actually. I'll go ask him now” Skye replied, as they walked back into the bar. Skye went over to where Ferral and the rest were drinking their brews; “hey Ferral, আপনি want to hitch a ride with me back to the palace?” he asked his friend. “Yeah, sure thing Skye. See আপনি guys later, right?” then him and Skye re-joined Kleryssa and they headed out of Erylyk's to get their carriage.
Skye walked over to the carriage that was waiting for them and paid the Carrigier a platinum to get them to the palace and then Kleryssa back to her apartment. They jumped into the carriage; “this is nice, I haven't even taken one of these yet” Ferral mused, slurring his words slightly. “How many brews did আপনি have?” Skye asked his friend with a resigned look on his face. “A few, but I'm not that drunk, mainly just tired from this long day” the swordsman ব্যক্ত with a slight frown on his face. Skye grinned at him; “make sure this is the last night for drinking, we have a lot of work to do over the পরবর্তি Decemday and I don't want আপনি to get tired and injure yourself in the fighting. You're going to be safe, understand?” Skye spoke seriously to Ferral, who listened intently. “Okay Skye, আপনি don't have to worry about me. You're going to be the one that's in danger; besides, I don't have to watch my back for other magic-users” Ferral countered, seeming quite sober now that they were debating.
“He's right আপনি know” Kleryssa interjected, “you're going to need all the luck আপনি can get if you're going to come back to me and Ferral, but it's sweet that you're worried about your friend's safety.” Ferral grinned; “you should listen to her আপনি know, she's making a lot of sense. And don't worry about me Skye, I'll be fine right here in Idylyn. I'll be joining আপনি in Counquan before long anyway and then we can watch each other's backs” the swordsman explicated calmly. “Right, that is a good point Ferral and I'll make sure our troops survive long enough till আপনি and the Lancer Elites get there.” The carriage screeched to a halt; Skye and Ferral stood up slowly and paid the driver a platinum coin. Kleryssa's eyes met Skye's and the two held each other for a moment, then Skye kissed her on the cheek, waved goodbye and then reluctantly left the carriage and walked to the palace with Ferral.