The Elementalist (The Kothian Chronicles Book 1) (19 page)

Now it was time for the magicians to learn, practice and hone the skills needed to fight, and in Darion, he knew he had probably the best. The old man had been forced to live a life of exile, back when the nation had deemed it a death sentence to anybody with magic. Since Pitford's resurrection, the old man had settled back in, and although his people skills left a little to be desired, his magical knowledge was as good as Ramon had ever seen. Feeling the need to keep up to date with latest events, he locked the door to his office.

After returning to his seat, Ramon leaned back and closed his eyes. He needed to shut himself away from the world today, and peer into what tomorrow might bring. Naturally, what he saw would only be what may happen; if events were changed then things may not. The more in depth he peered, the more power it took. Occasionally however, he had visions far into the future, as he had once seen to warn the King of Kothia. These rarely happened and only ever whilst in the deepest sleep.

Since the incident with Maxim, a couple of days ago, Ramon had taken to checking whether he could see any potential threat. Before that time, he had been so busy running the estate, that he had barely a spare moment to sit and relax enough, to do what he did naturally; now however, he had made it a priority. The mere thought, that an enemy had made an attempt to snatch the young lad known as Maxim, had scared him.

He had seen a glimpse of what might have happened if they had not succeeded in stopping them. Maxim was a very powerful magician, although it was obvious the lad himself did not know just how powerful. Whereas some magicians were able to help and heal, Maxim was a destroyer. Darion had some small elemental skills, hence why Ramon had asked him to teach Maxim, but nothing like the scale of the youngster's powers. Ramon knew well, as a few others did, that if Maxim realised his true potential, he would be capable of destruction on a massive scale.

He slowed his breathing, and concentrated, clearing his mind of all distractions he focussed on one face; Maxim. He quickly shuddered and his eyes flickered open. He caught his breath, such was the power emanating from the youngster, he was finding it increasingly difficult to see his path. He paused for a few moments to regain his composure. The other lad, Zack was clearly close to Maxim, perhaps he might be able to view his path instead, and hope Maxim was involved somewhere along it.

Ramon focused once more, attempting to concentrate on Zack. It was clear the young royal also had potential, should he make the right choices. However, it was also obvious to Ramon, that Zack's future was very obscure. The young lad would have so many choices and decisions to make. Some of them did concern Maxim, which at least told the seer nothing was about to happen just yet that might endanger the youngster. With his mind at rest for at least the immediate future, he needed to focus on the present.

Chapter 18.

Oran was ushered back to his royal residence with his Elite Royal Guardsmen surrounding him, as he walked hurriedly back. They had to move quickly, and he realised he had under-estimated just how far the government were willing to go. To have attempted to arrest him meant they were ready to overthrow the monarchy.

His commander had called out the entire company of guards, and already had them positioned around the walls of the royal palace. He had already sent word to the cities two garrisons, and the message had been a clear one. The government were attempting a coup and the king needed his men to rally to his cause. Now it was time to see just who was willing to fight for which side.

Already, horses were being readied, as a bulk of the cavalry were preparing. Both infantry and archers were collecting weapons and heading off out of their respective barracks. Some headed toward the government building, others toward the home of the king. Men who had been on duty side by side just a few minutes before, were now forced to take one side or another. There was no middle ground, yet it was apparently clear many did not know which side they should follow. As it was, those with uncertainty followed a friend or commanding officer to a side.

Dozens of men, both on horseback and on foot headed to the palace. These were the men who had decided to side with the king. However, it was soon apparent to the commander, that the government appeared to be getting the larger share of the forces. "Sire we have enough to defend the palace for some time, although it appears the government has the greater numbers from the garrisons." Oran was a little disappointed more had not sided with him, but he did not have time to dwell.

The king's first reaction was to prepare to defend, although realising that would mean Kothian fighting Kothian, he was beginning to think otherwise. "What do you think to a tactical retreat Denny?" he asked his commander.

"We will stand and fight if you wish Sire. However, if that is what you wish we shall follow you. Where do you have in mind?"

"Can we gather enough horses and supplies for every man?" Oran asked.

"I'll see what we have, and get the supplies gathered."

Oran quickly jogged into the palace, he needed to get his wife and children ready to leave. He knew it would mean leaving most of their possessions behind, but if it meant saving lives then so be it. He could not have battles raging through the streets of his capital. Innocent people would likely be caught up in it, and that was something he did not want to be responsible for. His son Anden, helped gather the jewels and treasures belonging to the monarchy; these were items he dare not leave behind.

Despite his eleven-year-old daughter Frena, being scared at the events taking place, she remained calm and did as was asked. Oran's wife Tiana, oversaw the children, as he gathered together the important books and documents. As he quickly rummaged through the papers on his desk, he placed several papers on the small fire in the hearth. There were certain details that he could not afford to leave any clues on, and any papers or maps that pointed to Pitford had to be destroyed. He had one last task, and that was send word to his brother, and another missive to the men at Pitford. He needed to let them know what was taking place in the capital.

Denny watched on as the yard started filling up. He sent scouts out into the city, and the first reports were coming back to him. The government soldiers were apparently gathering around their offices, awaiting orders. He needed to get out of the city before the governing officials made a decision. There were not quite enough horses for every man, but sufficient wagons to carry the few who did not have one.

Within just half an hour, a long train of troops, carts and wagons left the palace gates and headed for the exit. Denny had not taken all the men with him, instead he left several behind to acts as his eyes and ears. The commander had promised his king, that one day soon, he would retake the capital for him. Oran was just glad to avoid any unnecessary fighting.

There were many people in the streets, still uncertain as to what was taking place, as the royal family, and at least two hundred soldiers, had ridden from the palace and straight out of the city. Several hundred soldiers had amassed around the government building, although it appeared they did not quite know what they were supposed to be doing.

Oran rode his own horse, although those belonging to his wife and children had been given up to soldiers to use. Instead, the other members of the royal family travelled in a covered wagon. Although this did not afford them any warmth, it did prevent some of the cold biting winds. They had several days travelling ahead of them. With what they hoped just enough supplies to get to their destination, and the weather not best suited for such a trip, there would indeed be testing times before them.

By the time the government had made a decision about what to do, the royal contingent had long left. Naturally, they agreed that the king fleeing just proved the man's guilt. Although it was already quite clear that many of the general public were not best pleased, as rumours and gossip were spreading like wild fire. All variants of the truth, but all accusing the government of over stepping their mark. The fact that the king had been forced from his palace, was little short of an outrage.

In the Capital's main square, a large protest was taking shape, and already there had been a few skirmishes between the guards at the government buildings and the public. So much so, that the governors had been forced to extend their meeting to discuss what to do. With a large contingent of soldiers at their disposal, they decided to place more guards around their buildings and homes. They had not expected such a public backlash. The king had barely been gone a couple of hours and already those now taking command were having problems.

The members on the bench; those with the most authority agreed not to move into the vacant palace. It was hoped this would avoid giving the protestors anything else to complain about. It was not just members of the public that were outraged at the king's treatment. Although few in number, there were also those in government who did not agree. It was clear to all, that Kothia was virtually in a state of civil war.

Oran received word that his party was not being pursued, and that at least was his one major concern answered positively. Fear that he had given up a defensive position at the palace, only to be attacked out in the open. Despite this news, he asked his commander to keep scouting both front and rear of their position. The more distance he could put, between himself and the soldiers of the government, the better.

He hoped it would not be too long before he could ride back and retake his capital city. He would have stayed to fight, if not for the risk to innocent people, his family included. As it was, he and his followers had a long journey, and despite this thought, and the fact he had been forced from his home, Oran tried to remain upbeat. He may be fleeing now, but once he had gathered suitable strength, he would take back his country. Once he had done that, he had already decided to dissolve the entire government. The nation had been run for centuries by the monarchy, and it would do so again.

In Pitford, Danton was sat with Zack. Mikel, Maxim and Shadow were also in the same room. Although they were there as well, it was only due to them being told to stay together, and not for any magical lesson. Zack on the other hand was attempting to create a globe of light, although he had tried this once before with himself and Maxim, and failed.

Danton was a patient teacher, unlike Darion, who Zack did not particularly like. They had already been trying for over an hour, and the best Zack had managed was a small flicker. Danton had told him, if he could achieve that, then the rest would follow. "I'm still learning all the time Zack," the man told him. "Also there is often more than one way to achieve the same result," he added.

"Yes...I seem to recall Darion mentioning something similar," he replied.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door to their room. Mikel decided he would answer it, and was disappointed to see the large frame of Kurtis Raston stood before him.

"What do you want?" Mikel asked a little rudely.

"I am here to help Maxim with his reading and writing," the young man said.

After glaring at each other for a few moments, Mikel thought he had better let him in.

"I'll be watching you like a hawk," he whispered as he did so.

Kurtis gave him a wry smile and stepped into the room, as Maxim looked up from his seated position, before standing and gesturing to the table. Mikel walked over and sat alongside them, keeping his promise of keeping an eye on Kurtis to the letter. Not only did he do that, but he also had Shadow sit on the bed, so he could stare from a different angle.

"I'm guessing Mikel does not like your guest?" Danton whispered over to Zack.

"Whatever gives you that idea?" he asked grinning.

"Ooh just a hunch."

Whilst Maxim started on his writing with Kurtis, Zack continued his own practice. However, now they had someone else in the rooming talking, he found it much harder to concentrate.

"You make it look so easy Danton," he grumbled, finally deciding it was probably best he gave up and try another spell.

"Don't give up Zack. Like I said before, if you can create even a small flicker of light, then you can go the next step."

Zack nodded. He knew Danton spoke the truth. This though, was proving much more difficult than he thought it would be.

Kurtis surprisingly showed a good aptitude for teaching, as Maxim was asked to write out the letters, over and over. Kurtis then had him read them out and make the sound of each. After he had done that, he asked Maxim to think of a word that began with each letter. Even Mikel had to admit, that Maxim had probably learned more in one small lesson with Kurtis, than he would have done in twice the time if he had been teaching. That still did not mean he trusted him anymore than he did before.

Mikel sat and spent the entire hour glaring at Kurtis, and only when the older lad had left the room did he feel he could relax his guard. Despite his lesson being over, Maxim decided to keep practicing his letters. Using the pen and ink that Zack had given him as a gift, he wrote out his own name, then that of Zack's, Mikel's and Melia's as well.

The three youngsters were sat in the dining hall, eating their evening meal, with Shadow was once more afforded a large slab of meat, which he devoured on the floor beside Mikel. Melia and her ever-growing group of friends sat at the table beside them, and this ultimately meant most of the boys time was spent having to listen to girly giggles.

"Why do they keep doing that?" Maxim asked.

"I think we are being scrutinised," Mikel replied giving the girls a smile and a small wave.

"Don't try to understand the mind of a female Maxim, they are very complicated creatures," Mikel added, trying to sound like the voice of wisdom in such matters.

A young boy, whom they did not know came running up to their table. "Which one of you is Zack?" he asked catching his breath.

"I am? Why?"

"Ramon has asked you go to his office immediately...umm... Can I stroke your wolf?" he added veering completely off topic.

"Why does Ramon want me?" Zack asked

The youngster shrugged, still awaiting Mikel's reply.

"Help yourself, Shadow say hello", Mikel eventually added realising the lad was not going away.

Zack shook his head, clear he was not going to get any further information. "I'll come with you Zack," Maxim said standing up with his friend. After a few moments Mikel made the same remark, and the messenger was left watching them all walk off, shadow included. Not quite sure what he had done wrong to warrant being summoned to Ramon's office, Zack picked up the pace. "Slow down," Mikel grumbled, "His office isn't going anywhere."

The door to Ramon's office was already open, and the man stood waiting for them. "Oh I see you have all come," he said waving Zack inside.

"You told us to stay together," Mikel replied.

"It's up to you Zack, the news I have to tell you is personal, although I guess word will spread soon enough."

Zack just shrugged, "I don't mind the others hearing."

After asking the last through to shut the door behind them, Ramon walked around and sat behind his desk. He firstly explained the news he had was not very good. A bird had just delivered a missive directly from the king. It was brief but to the point. The government had attempted to arrest the King, and he had been left with no choice but to leave the palace at Berxsley. "He is on his way here, with a small army," Ramon concluded.