The Elementalist (The Kothian Chronicles Book 1) (12 page)

"What is your purpose here?" the guard asked slowly walking around the side of the wagon.

"It's okay," Danton shouted ahead, trotting his horse nearer the front. "They are all with me. I am Danton Brimley. I am returning with some new recruits," he added pulling his horse to a halt."

The guard looked up at him, "Right you are Sir," he said, before the man turned to his colleague, "Let them pass," he shouted.

With the guard out of the way, Stanton cast him a stare as he passed by guiding the wagon moved through the gateway. The horse’s hooves echoed as they passed underneath the arch that led them inside the walls. Danton leaned over, "I will find accommodation for you both, but I must deal with the others first," he said, hoping they did not mind being left aside. Aileen waved a hand, "We'll be fine Danton, do what you must."

"Aye, perhaps point us to an inn," Stanton said more in hope than anything else.

"There are a couple. One down that way, the other down that way," he gestured with his hands. "Although I'm not sure how good they are, I have never used them myself."

Stanton did not hang around; he was already moving his wagon off down the street as the last of the words still rang fresh in their ears.

The younger members of the group followed Danton down the main street, where there were several rows of houses, even a couple of stores. People stopped and stared as they trotted slowly by, but whether it was because they were looking at unfamiliar faces, or just curious of who was passing by, Melia was unsure. She smiled at a few, as she rode just the same.

The outer wall may have been in a bad shape, but the inner wall around the keep and its buildings seemed perfectly intact. After passing across what looked like a market square, or at least what had been one once, they were once more stopped by guards. The entrance into the keep yard was more heavily guarded than the outer gate, and once more Danton explained who he and his companions were, and once more, they were allowed to proceed.

Inside the inner wall, they were immediately surprised at just how big the central keep building was. This had been added to, and had several other newer structures constructed beside it. "We tried to keep everything under one roof," Danton explained to them. Mikel noted several small groups of younger people looking at them, whilst talking amongst themselves. "Don't worry, they are probably just discussing what powers you may or may not have," Danton said noticing them. "They're in for a shock when they meet Maxim then," Mikel said light-heartedly.

"They certainly are," Zack added.

As they pulled up near the huge main doors to the keep, Danton dismounted, and not sure what they should be doing, the four youngsters did likewise. Maxim patted Mist on the neck, and whispered his thanks to her, before Zack did likewise to his horse, hoping no one was watching him. Three men approached them from across the yard, "Ah Danton, good to see you're back safely," one of them said taking the reins of his horse, before the other two men with him took the reins of the others.

Danton led them up the stone steps towards the main door, and once through and inside, it led to a rather impressive looking entrance. Again, several small groups of youngsters, as well as a few older people wearing robes went about their business. Each however, cast them a curious glance as they passed by.

Danton told them he would give them a guided tour later. For now, he needed to get them enrolled and allocated rooms. Mikel enquired whether they would all share a room together, but Danton shook his head, "No, girls and boys sleep in separate quarters," he told them. Melia scoffed, "Well that's no fun is it?"

"You three lads can share a room if you wish? I was not sure whether you wanted to," he aimed the question at the older boy.

Mikel, a day or two ago, would have said straight away that there would be no way he would share with Zack and Maxim. Now however, things had changed. He had changed, he thought, and now he could think of nothing he would like more. "If it is okay with Zack and Maxim, I would like to share with them," he said surprising the group.

Maxim smiled, "I don't mind. It would be good to help us settle in if we stayed together."

Zack nodded, although deep down he had hoped Mikel would not share. He had hoped just Maxim and he would have shared a room, however, he guessed it was not to be, so agreed as well.

"Well that will make my job a little easier. Come on then, let us get you sorted out," he said walking off to the left. The others followed, like lambs might do their mother. They walked down a corridor, there were doors left and right of them, and here and there, a random painting on the wall, where somebody had at least made an effort to brighten the place up a little. Other than that, the floor was plain tiles, and walls grey stone.

After taking another left turn and then a right, Danton stopped outside a door. Upon the dark timber was a brass nameplate affixed upon it. 'Ramon' the plate read. "This is the office of Ramon. He is the man in charge of everything we do here. Refer to him as Sir if you speak. Please be polite, he does not tolerate rudeness," Danton told them, glancing more Mikel's direction.

"Why did you look at me when you said that?" the youngster asked all innocently.

Danton just gave a wry smile, "Come on."

After knocking, they heard a voice from within telling them to enter, before Danton pushed the door open and stepped inside. The others followed behind. Melia looked around the office, and thought it quite plain and bland considering this man was in charge. She had thought any leader would have himself a little elegance at least. The furniture was all plain, and aside from a rug beside the small fireplace, and a few pictures on the wall the rest of it was too.

A robed man stood. Probably in his fifties, with a neatly trimmed beard, that showed more than a few signs of grey, and was quite tall and slim. "Ah Danton good to see you back in one piece," the man said in a deep voice.

"Good to be back Sir," Danton replied.

"Now let us see what you have brought us this time," the man said, stepping from behind his desk.

Mikel, Melia, Zack and Maxim stood in a line. With their hoods lowered one stood out amongst the others, yet despite the red hair of Maxim making him different, Ramon went to Melia first. He leaned down a little, looking her in the eye. "Hello my dear," he said warmly. "Welcome to Pitford...Ahh a healer...of some potential" he added as he touched his finger on Melia's forehead.

He moved along to Mikel, and after offering him the same greeting, he touched his forehead. "Hmm, a few skills here, only time will tell which comes to the fore," Ramon said with a smile. Mikel was a little disappointed he had not told him which his main skill was; recent events had made him doubt his own abilities. Zack was next, and after he revealed the youngster a teleporter of great power, he moved on to Maxim.

He stood before the young lad, "I do not need to touch your forehead to know. I have seen your potential Maxim," the man said, seemingly knowing his name even though it had not been said. With a serious look upon his face Ramon spoke again, "Although your power is greater than any I have ever known, your path is not so clear. I only see the destruction of which you are capable. If I had any sense I would kill you here and now, before you could destroy us all..."

"You lay one bloody finger on him, and I'll have your head," Zack jumped to his defence. The young royal was clearly upset, taking Ramon's words as a threat.

"Yes and so will I you stupid old fart. Maxim is one of us, you threaten him, you threaten us all," Mikel said, being unusually brave and loyal.

Danton stood there with his face in his palms; could the first meeting have gone any worse? Threatening his life and calling the head of Pitford 'A stupid old fart'. What were they doing? During this time, Maxim just stood there, looking at Ramon. The man looked away, firstly at Zack, then at Mikel, as there was an awkward silence, before Ramon laughed.

"See that Danton," Ramon said looking at the man cringing at the youngster’s behaviour. "Loyalty, friendship," he said turning his back on them and walking back towards his desk. "These two young men have known Maxim for what...three or four days? In that time a boy from the streets, already has the full respect of this one," he pointed to Mikel. "Even more incredulous, he also has the full devotion of a man of royalty," he added gesturing to Zack.

Mikel was stunned, "Did you know?" he whispered to Melia. She nodded, "Bloody hell and there was me calling him names...why didn't you tell me?" he added before being nudged to hush by Danton. Ramon stepped back towards them, "You did not reveal your status to Maxim?" he asked Zack.

"I did not Sir," the young royal replied.

"Yet I bet you he knew. Am I right Maxim?" Ramon asked facing him.

Maxim nodded, "Yes Sir. I knew, Zack would have told me when he was ready too. I understand the dilemma he must face. The more people know he has magic, and a royal, the greater danger for his family and the monarchy," he added, sounding far wiser than his years.

"Bloody hell did everyone know, except me?" Mikel uttered under his breath, before receiving another prod from Danton. Ramon stood and faced Maxim once more. "I said I should probably kill you, I did not say I would. Your destiny is your own Maxim. Like I said, I can only see the destruction of which you are capable, and not the path you take." He paused a while letting those words sink in. "However, keep your friends close Maxim, very close. For there are those who would see you used as a weapon of mass devastation," he added.

"Cheerful chap isn't he," Mikel whispered over to Melia, making her chuckle. Ramon turned to stare at her, before smiling. "Anyway, doom and gloom aside, welcome. Please respect your tutors and other pupils. Lessons start at nine in the morning. Do not be late. Now please, I have much to do," he added gesturing for them to leave. As they started heading out, Ramon said one final thing, "Oh Mikel. If you bring the wolf into the building, be aware you will be held responsible should he do anything untoward." Mikel just nodded, wondering how Ramon even knew about the animal.

As soon as they got outside Ramon's office and the door was closed behind them, Danton shook his head. "So much for making a good impression," he said grinning, seeing the funny side of calling the head an old fart.

Chapter 11.

It was another chilly night, and the stars were out, as the dark of night gave the advancing Bosarian raiders the cover they needed. Crossing unseen, they moved swiftly over the large double arched stone bridge that spanned the Great River. This wide lumbering span of water gave the natural barrier that separated Kothia and Bosaria.

The small group of raiders, consisting of just a score in number were about to make their first strike. Avoiding the larger town of Sandall, situated just a short distance from the bridge, and home to a garrison of soldiers. Instead, they scurried quietly just a little further north, towards the smaller farmsteads that surrounded the local area.

Having left their horses at their base near the Bosarian border town of Bridgton, they neared their first target. This being a small gathering of cottages, housing the farm workers who tended the nearby fields. Six of the men split from the main group, with each carrying a number of torches they approached, unseen by those dwelling within.

After huddling in a group to light their torches, the smaller advance force scurried amongst the buildings. After lighting fires in a small barn and wood store, they threw the remaining torches onto the thatched roofs of the dwellings and retreated. Regrouping, they waited for the flames to catch hold, and readied their bows.

It did not take long for the alarm bells to be raised, and within a few minutes there were several figures emerging from within the cottages. Silhouetted by the light from the fire, the Bosarians released their arrows as the figures moved about. The shouts turned to screams, as those hit fell to the cold hard ground. Considering their work complete, the group of raiders, slipped back away into the darkness, to find another target.

An hour after the first attack took place the first soldiers emerged from Sandall to repel the invaders, after survivors of the first attack had gotten word to the officials in the town. After the slow wheels of power had started, the order was finally given for the soldiers to start their search. This small party of twenty riders were as blind as the rest. Not knowing where to look or even what they were looking for, it was little more than a futile gesture.

Much further upstream, where the Great River headed toward the ocean, two small boats had carried another attacking force across from one nation to the other. Once more, these attackers had avoided any direct conflict, by avoiding the town of Highwood. Once more, it was the outlying areas that were the target. Innocent men, women and children, preparing to settle down for the night, were suddenly attacked without reason. Those who tried to escape the burning buildings were either shot down by archers or cut down by swords. These northern attacks were far more brutal, and the invaders did not retreat until the entire community was destroyed.

In Pitford, Danton had managed to find a small house for Stanton and Aileen to call their new home. Rows of small houses had been built just inside the outer wall to accommodate non-magicians. Unfortunately, it also meant they would have to work. This had Danton feeling a little guilty, being as the elderly couple had given up so much in helping them. Surprisingly however, the couple appeared keen to start their new jobs. Stanton was to help tending the fields, and work in the strange looking glass houses that were used to grow foodstuffs out of season, and Aileen was down to work with the team responsible for cleaning the pupil's rooms. This was something she was looking forward to, as it was likely she would get to meet so many new people. Pleased that they were happy with their new home and jobs, Danton had left them to settle in.

He had then gone to check how the others had settled into their rooms. He checked on Melia firstly, being, as she would have to move in with complete strangers. He hoped the roommates he had selected for, were friendly enough to make her welcome. He knocked at the door to Melia's room, as he could hear girly laughter coming from within; a good sign he thought. A short, slightly overweight girl, with short brown hair answered the door.

"Oh hello Sir," she said politely.

"I was just checking to see how Melia was settling in," Danton asked, peering into the room.

He could see her sat beside another girl, with long black hair and pointy features. "I am fine thank you Danton...err I mean Sir...sorry," she said giggling.

The girl beside her giggled too. Danton realised Melia had quite obviously settled in.

"We are telling Melia which of the teaching staff we think are the most handsome Sir," the girl at the door told him.

"Yes, right I'll leave you to it then," Danton said, getting the feeling he had been the topic of conversation.

Satisfied Melia had settled, he made his way to the side of the keep where the male rooms were located. Down the corridors, illuminated by oil burning lamps, there were few people about. One or two younger members were returning to their own rooms, after he had told them it was getting late.

He knocked on the door, and waited, before Zack answered and then gestured for him to enter. Inside the room, there were three single beds all lined up along one wall. There was a large wardrobe for them to share, as well as a small table with four chairs. The room was heated by a small fireplace in the corner, which gave a lovely warm glow. There was a small window, which overlooked the yard below, and a long couch type chair, on which Mikel and Maxim were sat.

"Well you three certainly can't complain about your room," he said looking around, "It's better than mine," he added with a smile.

"We were just telling the others about ourselves," Mikel said. "We realised how little we actually knew about each other...well some more than most," he said looking over to Zack. Referring of course to the fact that he was a member of the royal family, and had said nothing. After checking they had all had something to eat from the dinner hall, and happy they were settled in, he made the short walk back to his own room.

Tomorrow the youngsters would all start their evaluations. Individually they would meet with a panel of elder magicians, and here they would be assessed as to their strengths, and how best to help them further their skills. Danton had no worries for three of the four, with his only concern being for Maxim. Ramon's earlier words still ran through his thoughts, and he had hoped getting the young lad to Pitford, would be sufficient enough to help.

Ramon was a great seer, and If he saw trouble ahead, then as true as night-followed day, it would likely happen. The man who led them had seen the future for the king, which had resulted in the man creating this entire place especially for magicians. Even telling the monarch that a member of his family would one day reveal magical abilities. What Ramon had not seen however, was Danton finding Maxim on his last trip. Although by the time they had arrived, it was clear the seer had foreseen them meeting. Danton had never seen Ramon speak to one of his pupils in such a way. Had Maxim's arrival scared him? Was the fact Maxim's path being unclear, something to be feared? He was certain the young lad was without any doubts, one who had the potential to be as powerful a magician as there had ever been. Was it the power that Ramon feared, or perhaps the fact Maxim may not be able to have control of it?

Only time would tell he guessed, although the thought that the young lad already had two good loyal friends, was at least a comforting thought. Danton would get a few days rest before he would need to travel again, although if things were quiet, he may even get a few weeks. Ramon often detected or had rumours of people using magic; it was then Danton's job to go and find them and bring them back to Pitford.

As the three boys settled down for the night in their new surroundings, Mikel started to ponder on the words Ramon had said to him. The seer had mentioned the wolf, and something inside him wanted to go and find the creature. After an hour of lying there, staring into the dark of night, he quietly got up. Picking up his boots and grabbing his clothes, he sneaked out of the door.

He quickly got dressed in the dim lighting of the corridor, thinking it was certainly much cooler out here than it was in their nice cosy bedroom. He first headed toward the dining hall they had visited a few hours ago for their evening meal. He hoped that being as that was the room where people ate, then the kitchen would be somewhere next to it.

After taking several wrong turns, he finally found the room he was looking for, and as he had thought, the kitchen area was just off the dining hall. Unfortunately, there were no lights on in the kitchen, so he had to try to fumble his way around. After clattering into a few pots and pans, he was certain somebody would walk in and catch him.

Just as he was thinking he would have to go back and find a lamp, he was found, "What are you doing Mikel?" he heard a familiar voice say.

"Zack, is that you? How did you know I'd be here?" he asked not waiting for the first question to even be answered.

"We followed you, you're not the quietest roommate," Maxim said.

"I can't see a bloody thing...I need to find something for..."

"For the wolf?" Maxim asked, finishing the sentence for him.

"Yes...I feel I must go and find him...I just wanted to take something for him to eat," Mikel replied as he banged another pan.

Fortunately for Mikel, Zack and Maxim were a little more prepared, having brought a candle and holder from their room. Zack moved back out to the corridor, and using the flame from one of the lamps, lit the candle. Zack then returned to the kitchen area, "Here you go Mikel," he said passing the small light over.

Mikel soon found what he was looking for. A small door in the kitchen that lead to the cool room; this was a place where freshly butchered meat was hung. Not wanting to be greedy, he grabbed what he thought was a leg piece from a pig. He carefully closed the door behind him and returned to the dining hall where Maxim and Zack were still waiting for him. "Thank you...both of you...I'll take some money to Ramon in the morning to pay for the meat I have taken," he said passing the candle back to Zack.

Zack wanted to go with Mikel, but Maxim pulled on his arm, "I think this is something he must do," he had told him. Zack did not argue, and if truth were told, he thought it was a little too cold to be skulking around the castle late at night. Mikel was surprised to see guards still on duty at the main door, and after taking a deep breath, he casually walked between them, "Just popping out for a little fresh air," he told them.

"Don't go outside the outer wall young man," one of the guards told him.

"I won't. I'll be back in a bit."

Making his way outside, the chill of the night air struck him straight away. He shivered a little, but hurried out towards the gated entrance of the inner wall. There were further guards on duty, one of whom reiterated the earlier man’s warning. Mikel decided to jog a little, more to keep warm, than to get anywhere any quicker. If he was not allowed outside the outer wall, then he was uncertain to how he would find the wolf.

Rather than go to the gateway, knowing he would probably be stopped from leaving, Mikel turned down a side street, as he headed instead for one of the parts of the outer wall that needed repair. After clambering over several large stones, he dropped down outside. He looked up, quite certain he would not be getting back in the same way. He double-checked he still had the meat with him, and then felt to his pocket to feel the small book Maxim had given him. He was quite certain he would not need it, but had brought it in any case.

Strange as it was, the very creature he was seeking was sat waiting for him, but Mikel firstly approached a little gingerly, just to ensure it was the right wolf this time. Although something told him, that it was.

"Hello Boy," he said offering his hand forward.

The huge dire wolf stood and sniffed at his hand, before taking an interest in the piece of meat.

"I thought you might like that," Mikel chuckled holding it out.

The wolf took the gift, gently from his hands, before placing it on the ground, but instead of eating it, the creature sat back down and lifted a paw. The words Maxim had said, suddenly popped into his head, 'You will know when.' Mikel took another deep breath of cold night air.

He gently placed his hand on the head of the creature. The wolf did not flinch nor attempt to move, as Mikel uttered the words he had been going over and over in his mind. The words written in the book, allowing somebody like him to link his mind with an animal. When he had finished he was uncertain as to whether or not it had worked, that was just before he felt the most intense pain he had ever felt. He clutched his hands up to his head, and dropped to his knees. The last thing he saw were the two yellow eyes of the wolf looking at him.