Magi'i of Cyador

XXXV

TWO MEN STAND on the shaded east balcony of the third level of the Palace of Light, the balcony that is closest to the smaller audience hall preferred by the Emperor Toziel. The shade and the bare hint of a cool ocean breeze are not enough to keep a sheen of perspiration from their foreheads on one of the hottest of summer afternoons in many eightdays. The breeze dies away, and the air is so still that the harbor to the south and even the Great Western Ocean are shades of flat shimmering blue that offers no hints of whitecaps. The stillness and the heat keep any hint of the trilia blooms in the gardens below from rising to perfume the upper levels of the Palace.

One of the double doors that offers access to the balcony is slightly ajar, enough so that the two men can hear if the calling bell is being rung. In the corridor just inside the Palace, but a good ten cubits from the octagonal panes of the ten-paned doors, stand a pair of Mirror Lancers, each armed with both a rapier and a short firelance.

“You have not shown great enthusiasm for the plan of the First Magus to subdue the Accursed Forest,” offers Luss’alt, the Mirror Lancer Captain-Commander, second in Lancer authority only to Rynst’alt.

“I have not, nor should you,” replies Kharl’elth, the Second Magus, a red-haired figure in white shimmercloth. His green eyes bear but a hint of gold. “The First Magus plans for a future that may never be. He would turn the chaos towers that surround the Accursed Forest into the mists of time … and then trust that the three chaos towers of the Quarter will sustain us.”

“They have for many generations,” points out Luss evenly. “Rynst has said that the plan will imprison the Accursed Forest. Then there would be more Mirror Lancers to fight the barbarians.”

“With fewer charges for their firelances, and fewer firewagons to carry supplies.” Kharl shakes his head. “The Accursed Forest is the same as it has been always. Some of the great beasts escape. They kill a few peasants and some livestock. To stop a few such deaths over the generations ahead, Chyenfel would sacrifice years of chaos-charges for firelances and firewagons.” The Second Magus studies Luss, then asks, “Have the barbarian attacks become fewer over the years?”

Luss returns the question with a crooked smile. “You well know that each year brings more attacks.”

“The Mirror Engineers already send chaos-cells powered by the Forest towers to the Mirror Lancer outposts of the north. How will your lancers fare without such? Or if the firewagons can travel less frequently?”

“I have asked such of Rynst, and he but replies that eastern Cyador will fall, should the Accursed Forest slip its wards.”

“None know that,” Kharl points out. “Even in the first days of Cyad, the Accursed Forest did not even reach Kynstaar. Better to lose some lands, if need be, than to lose all of Cyador to the barbarians of the north, for they indeed would destroy all we and our forbearers have wrought.”

“The Majer-Commander believes that the Mirror Lancers can hold the borders … even with few firelances.” Luss shrugs. “We always have.”

“Perhaps they can. Perhaps they can.” Kharl smiles. “Theymight require a few more officers … accomplished in other fashions.”

Luss’s face becomes impassive.

“Then it has been many generations … since one such rose through the ranks,” offers the Second Magus.

“That is not even an acceptable jest,” Luss replies coolly.

“There are rumors about the Majer-Commander ….”

“He is not, as well you know,” Luss replies.

“Then … why does he encourage such as Captain Eghyr, or that offspring of a merchanter-Dymytri-or Senior Lector Kien’elth’s son …?”

“They are most useful in combat or in dealing with the problems of the Accursed Forest. Eghyr is most successful in killing barbarians, and young Lorn is also quite capable ….”

“I did not know ….You have not mentioned him in over a year,” observes the Second Magus and Senior Lector. “I presume, then, he is still alive?”

“As you should know, Lorn’alt became a captain last year. He’s in his third year at Isahl. That is one of the main Jeranyi attack points. Commander Thiataphi had orders to use him on the barbarian pursuit details.”

“The mortality is … what … fifty percent?” asks Kharl’elth, carelessly wiping perspiration from his narrow forehead and angular and clean-shaven face with a white cloth.

“He is a young man of enormous skill and intelligence. The Majer-Commander is most impressed with the reports of his actions.” Luss smiles. “He is rather good at killing barbarians, as well, and there are many to kill.”

“You have named three brilliant lancers with possible elthage talents, and, if they survive, all could come back to Cyad. I was not aware that the Mirror Lancers encouraged such.” Kharl’elth shakes his head ruefully. “The Majer-Commander might like that, but it would not be good for Cyador. Not now.”

“Do not worry. There have been many such over the generations.If they survive their patrols against the barbarians, they will get patrol post commands on the edge of the Accursed Forest.” Luss smiles. “And if they still show traces of elthage talents, and the ability that might earn a promotion, then, well … our friend Maran knows how to deal with a brilliant Lancer magus.”

“I had thought so, but we of the Magi’i do have some concerns.” Kharl offers a wry smile. “You always have matters so very well in hand, dear Luss.”

The Captain-Commander frowns, then asks, “Why did Captain Lorn’s father not become more than a senior lector?”

“Kien’elth is a most respected senior lector, and one of the most devoted of the Magi’i. He is a magus among Magi’i. As such, it is unlikely that he will live long enough to advise Captain Lorn, should the young captain avoid the fate you and Maran have planned. Most unfortunate, I dare say.” Kharl’s warm smile does not reach to his green eyes.

“None escape Maran,” declares Luss. He blots his forehead. “Few days are as warm as today. Perhaps we should attend our superiors.”

“Few escape Maran,” corrects Kharl. “Thiataphi did, but he understands. Is it not true that he has requested that he receive a stipend before being considered for a position with the Majer-Commander in Cyad?”

Luss nods.

“How feels Rynst about the policy of … discouraging. lancer-magi’i?” inquires Kharl.

“Not strongly enough to oppose it. Not when all the senior Mirror Lancer officers support it,” replies Luss. “What of the First Magus?”

“He is most opposed to any who might handle chaos outside the Quarter and the discipline of the Magi’i, and on that we are in full agreement. Full agreement.” Kharl smiles. “Perhaps we should stand ready to attend the results of the audience.”

Luss nods, once more, evenly.