Aakuta: the Dark Mage fl-4 Read online

  “I will not leave Fardale without it,” nodded Lord Marak. “If Lord Quavry were sending messages, how would he do it?”

  “Probably by bird,” guessed Fisher. “You could have someone north of his estate when you expect the next message to be sent. A good archer could down the bird and recover the message.”

  “And we would never learn who the recipient was meant to be,” Lord Marak shook his head. “I think an air mage would be a better choice. She could force the bird to the ground and retrieve the message. Once we know who has sent it, and what it says, we can send it on its way.”

  “You mean to let the message be delivered?” questioned Fisher.

  “What better way to find out who my enemy is?” grinned Lord Marak.

  Chapter 4

  Sakovans in Khadora

  When Lord Marak finished his conversation with his spy, Fisher, he left his office and headed for the office of Lord Marshal Yenga. He was only half-way there when Kasa intercepted him.

  “Klora received a message from Mistake,” Kasa informed the lord.

  “What is the message?” asked Lord Marak.

  “Mistake is in Raven’s Point,” answered the bursar. “She arrived on one of your ships this morning. She wants to come here, to Fardale, to see you.”

  “Did she indicate any problems in her message?” questioned Lord Marak.

  “None,” Kasa shook her head.

  “I wonder what the Fakaran is doing here,” murmured Lord Marak. “Have Klora send a message to Raven’s Point to lend whatever assistance Mistake needs, be it a horse, food, traveling instructions, or an escort. She is to be treated as a foreign lord friendly to the Torak clan.”

  “I will see to it right away,” nodded Kasa.

  “Not so fast, Kasa,” smiled Lord Marak. “What would you say our financial condition is?”

  “It is excellent,” beamed the bursar. “We have more money than we need.”

  “Good,” grinned Lord Marak. “I want you to notify the lords of a decision that I have made. You can tell them before they leave to their own estates.”

  “Certainly,” agreed Kasa. “What will you have me tell them?”

  “Tell them to raise their prices by ten percent,” Lord Marak replied.

  “Ten percent?” echoed the bursar. “On everything?”

  “Everything,” nodded Lord Marak.

  “Our sales will plummet,” frowned Kasa. “Just because we are in a strong financial situation at the moment, does not mean that it will last forever. I implore you to reconsider. We will not be able to sell everything at those inflated prices.”

  “I think we will,” retorted Lord Marak. “At the Assembly of Lords, I plan to announce a twenty percent discount to any estate that has no slaves. Wait. Make that any clan that has no slaves. Some of these Khadorans would strip a small estate of slaves just to use it to purchase things cheaper.”

  “You will get no buyers,” frowned the bursar. “The other clans will steal your business.”

  “Perhaps,” shrugged Lord Marak, “but I think not. We will be raising the prices today, and the meeting in Khadoratung is not for two weeks yet. I am willing to wager that a fair amount of clans will take the opportunity to raise their own prices in response. When they do, our discount will be rather tempting, and we will really only be losing twelve percent, which we can afford.”

  “And if the other clans do not take the bait?” questioned Kasa. “Will you then rescind your price increase and look the fool for doing it?”

  “No,” stated Lord Marak. “The Ksaly Company will purchase all of our excesses and resell them at whatever prices it needs to. Plus, we have the Omungan market and Fakara to take excess goods from us. We will not lose any money.”

  “Using the Ksaly Company, which we set up to outwit Tachora, will certainly save us from ruin,” nodded Kasa, “and I admit that your dabbling in ships has paid off handsomely. Still you risk much and for what reason? The clans will not get rid of their slaves.”

  “Won’t they?” countered Lord Marak. “What use do the clans have for slaves? Won’t Master Malafar’s idea of a magic school fill that need?”

  “It actually might,” brightened Kasa, “especially since our mages will be well trained and theirs will not be. Still, you risk much if you plan on making that a speech in Khadoratung. You will sound like you are trying to force their hands.”

  “I am forcing their hands,” admitted Lord Marak. “I might as well tell them up front. You had better hurry to catch the lords before they leave.”

  “I will,” promised Kasa. “You should spend some time with Lyra and her party before this day is out. She has come a long way to see you, and you have not been around.”

  “Right after I visit with the Lord Marshal,” promised Lord Marak.

  Kasa moved swiftly to carry out Lord Marak’s orders. Marak entered Yenga’s suite and sat across the desk from the Lord Marshal.

  “How did the meeting go?” asked the Lord Marshal.

  “It went well,” answered Lord Marak. “Fisher is leaning towards Lord Quavry as our spy. I agree with him, but I must be sure before I act. We must act soon as well. If Lord Quavry is the spy, I want him replaced before the Assembly of Lords. Still, I cannot figure out how Lord Quavry would know when our caravans leave. Is that information ever sent via air tunnels to the mages we have stationed at the other estates?”

  “Certainly not,” Yenga shook his head vigorously. I would never permit such information to be given out. The mages we have on the other estates are there to provide us with information, not the other way around. I seriously doubt that any of the other estates are even aware that the people we posted there are mages.”

  “What about Marshal Patoga?” inquired Lord Marak. “Is he loyal to me or Lord Quavry?”

  “Without a doubt,” declared Yenga, “he is loyal to you. Patoga is above suspicion.”

  “Good,” nodded Lord Marak. “Arrange a meeting with him and explain our problem. Perhaps he can enlighten us on how Lord Quavry could receive notice of our shipping dates.”

  “I can hazard a guess right now,” stated Lord Marshal Yenga. “We have a dozen Sorgans here in Fardale on any given day. We are training their people in every discipline. We provide housing for them here, but most have families back in Watula Valley, so they go back and forth. It would be fairly simple for Lord Quavry to find out what is happening here.”

  “Contact our mage at Watula Valley,” instructed Lord Marak. “She is to use her air tunnels to spy on Lord Quavry. I want to know how he is getting the information.”

  “If it is him that is the spy,” interjected Yenga.

  “Yes,” agreed Lord Marak. “If it is.”

  “What do you plan to do to make sure?” questioned the Lord Marshal.

  “I will have his warning intercepted,” explained Lord Marak. “Once we are certain Lord Quavry is the spy, he will be replaced.”

  “What about the person he is sending the information to?” asked Yenga.

  “That is where the two cortes that we are sending out in Ragatha uniforms come in,” smiled Lord Marak. “As soon as they are clear of Fardale, I want them to move directly to the site of the last ambush. I want them to be very familiar with the area, and I want them to prepare a reception for the next set of gray warriors.”

  “Ambush the ambushers?” Lord Marshal Yenga asked as his left eyebrow rose.

  “Exactly,” replied Lord Marak. “Impress upon them that I want at least one survivor of the bandits to give us the information we need. I want the next caravan squad to be outfitted with Qubari armor, in case we are unsuccessful in eliminating the bandits.”

  “Good idea,” agreed Yenga. “What do we do when we find out what clan is attacking us?”

  “I do not know yet,” admitted Lord Marak. “Let’s take this one step at a time. The timing of this will be important. It will take me a good week to get to the capital, so the next caravan must leave in a few days. I want Lord Quavry
to have time to get the message off before he leaves.”

  “You are risking an awful lot on this spy being Lord Quavry,” frowned the Lord Marshal. “What if you are wrong?”

  “If I am wrong,” answered Lord Marak, “we will still have two cortes ready to attack the ambushers. We will also have the squad guarding the caravan protected by Qubari armor. The only thing I lose is the chance to capture the real spy. I suspect that you will work on that during my absence.”

  “You can count on it,” declared Yenga. “We will find the spy no matter who he is. How many men will you be taking to the capital with you?”

  “I hadn’t really thought about it,” Marak confessed. “I suppose a squad would be sufficient.”

  “A squad?” echoed the Lord Marshal. “A squad cannot guard our caravans. I certainly expect to send more men to guard my lord.”

  “What is normal?” asked Lord Marak.

  “Normal is relative,” sighed Yenga. “Some estates send only a squad, while others send four to five cortes. The more powerful lords like to parade their troops through the capital streets, as if that will impress the citizenry. Of course it is really to make a statement to the other lords. It says that the lord can afford to send an army to the capital and not worry about a neighbor taking over his estate in his absence. Every action in Khadoratung has significance.”

  “What message am I supposed to be sending then?” asked Lord Marak.

  “I am not sure,” frowned the Lord Marshal. “I was hoping that you would not attend the Assembly of Lords. Khadoratung can be more dangerous than the center of any battlefield.”

  “Where are the escorting troops housed in the capital?” inquired Lord Marak.

  “They may be kept in the lord’s suite in the palace if there is enough room,” answered Yenga, “or on the grounds outside. The more powerful the lord, the larger the suite afforded him. Your suite, Lord Marak, will be very small. While you control a good deal of the frontier in this corner of Khadora, you will be considered insignificant in the capital. All of the power of Khadora emanates from the Imperial Valley. It has always been so.”

  “How small a suite?” questioned Lord Marak.

  “A squad would be hard pressed to make themselves comfortable,” sighed Yenga. “Remember that there is room outside for a larger force. Besides, no weapons will be allowed outside your suite in any event. I think you should take several cortes. Our enemies will be surprised by the armies of your other clans should they take the opportunity to attack Fardale. We will be safe here.”

  “I do not want my troops in a holding area outside the Imperial Palace,” Lord Marak shook his head. “Besides, that is not the impression that I wish to make this trip. I will compromise with you. I will take two cortes and a squad. The squad will stay with me in the Imperial Palace. The two cortes will camp within a day’s ride from the capital. If there is trouble, they will be able to respond. If there is no trouble, you can be assured that I had a proper escort.”

  “I know better than to argue with you,” Yenga shook his head. “I will stipulate that two air mages go with you, one with the squad, and one with the two cortes. If help is to be a day away, I want them to be able to communicate with each other.”

  “Done,” Marak grinned as he rose from his chair. “If you need me for the rest of today, I will be entertaining our Sakovan friends.”

  Lord Marak left the office and exited the mansion. His black and silver cape blew gently in the wind as he strode over to the sparring yard. He immediately saw StormSong in the yard with a Fardale opponent. He smiled inwardly as he watched the tall Sakovan women battle the burly local man. StormSong was the most able female fighter that Lord Marak had ever met, and she enjoyed a good spar like few other people could. Lord Marak was drawn to the rail fence surrounding the practice yard. He leaned on the fence as he watched StormSong’s perfectly executed maneuvers. Her opponent was withering under her constant blows.

  Lord Marak watched for several minutes before he realized that there were no other Sakovans watching the match. He frowned as he stood erect and looked around for the Sakovans. He finally spotted them under a tree a fair distance away. His forehead creased as he watched the animated conversation. Something was wrong.

  Lord Marak strode swiftly towards the Sakovans. Their conversation ceased when they noticed Lord Marak approaching.

  “I apologize,” Lord Marak opened. “I have been a poor host to the Sakovans. I hope you will forgive me.”

  “Nonsense,” smiled Lyra, the Star of Sakova. “The Sakovans have been warmly welcomed in Fardale. Your people are to be commended for their friendliness and warmth.”

  “Yet I have been unavailable much of the time,” sighed the Torak lord.

  “As was I when you visited StarCity,” laughed Lyra. “I seem to remember keeping you waiting for three days when you arrived.”

  “You were ill,” protested Lord Marak. “Besides, it gave me time to explore your wonderful city.”

  “And busy as you have been,” retorted Lyra. “I understand the competing needs that are thrust upon you, Marak. There is no need to apologize. You have also given me time to explore Fardale and the surrounding areas. I must compliment you on the health of your choka herd. They are thriving wonderfully. That was a pleasant surprise.”

  “You have seen the herd?” Marak asked questioningly. “But…”

  “But they are tended by the Chula,” grinned Lyra. “Yes, I know. Fisher escorted me there yesterday. You forget that the Sakovans and the Chula have been allies for centuries. I could not leave Khadora without visiting with them.”

  “I should have known,” smiled Lord Marak. “I was up there myself yesterday. You should have let me know.”

  “Tmundo said you were not to be disturbed,” the Star replied.

  Lord Marak merely nodded as he examined the other Sakovans in the group. “May I speak to you privately?” he asked.

  Lyra nodded and the other Sakovans drifted several dozen paces away.

  “Your father was found in the mage practice field today,” Lord Marak said. “Did you tell him about it?”

  “Of course not,” answered Lyra. “None of my people know of its existence, as you requested. The time I spent there was easily covered up. Do you not trust my people, Lord Marak?”

  “On this particular topic,” Lord Marak frowned and shrugged, “I do not trust my own people. The Mage Corps will revolutionize battle here in Khadora. The longer I can keep it secret, the better the hopes of my people. I hope you understand.”

  “I do,” sighed Lyra after a moment of hesitation. “It does not surprise me that Malafar found out. He can sense magic fairly easily. The Mage Corps is not something you could hide from him. I would not doubt that several of my people already know about it.”

  “Are you aware that he is not returning to StarCity with you?” asked Marak.

  “I am,” Lyra nodded sadly. “I believe that was his plan since we left Sakova. He feels that he must start a new life away from Omunga and Sakova. I disagree, but perhaps it is for the best. He has made a shambles of his life, and the battle in Okata nearly killed him. Maybe isolation is just what he needs to find himself again.”

  “I just wanted to make sure that you knew,” Marak said. “I will see that he has anything he wants for his journey.” Marak paused. “I could not help noticing the conversation you were having when I approached. Is there a problem?”

  Lyra motioned for the rest of the Sakovans to return before she said, “There is a problem that we just found out about. Explain it to him, StarWind.”

  “We just heard that General Didyk is leaving Omunga,” reported the head Sakovan spy. “Such a high ranking officer has never visited Khadora in all of our history. We are concerned that it may represent another plot against the Sakovans.”

  “An Omungan general coming here?” questioned Lord Marak. “That is unheard of. How do you know this?”

  “The air tunnel you taught us,” grinned Lyra
. “We have been using it to keep in touch with StarCity.”

  “I guess you did learn it well,” smiled Lord Marak. “I am going to the capital in a week or so. Perhaps I can try to find out who he is meeting with.”

  “That was the conversation that you interrupted,” responded Lyra. “StarWind and HawkShadow want to travel with you to Khadoratung. We have been debating the saneness of such a trip.”

  “StarWind has experience in the cities of Omunga,” interjected HawkShadow. “I am sure that she will be unnoticed in Khadoratung.”

  “And HawkShadow is unnoticed in any environment that he wishes not to be seen in,” added StarWind. “We can find out what General Didyk is up to far better than the Khadorans can.”

  “What about your escort back to StarCity?” Lord Marak asked the Star of Sakova.

  “StormSong and SkyDancer will be sufficient,” shrugged Lyra. “We have chokas just on the other side of the mountains. Once we reach them, no one will catch us, and the Chula will see us safely that far.”

  “Then I have no problems with letting StarWind and HawkShadow accompany me to Khadoratung,” Marak declared. “Only your safety is an issue.”

  “Then it is settled,” grinned StarWind.

  “It is,” conceded Lyra. “Keep in touch with StarCity. There may be other developments that you will find helpful.”

  “Have the Omungans selected a new Katana?” questioned Lord Marak.

  “Not yet,” answered StarWind. “We suspect that Larst will be chosen. As First Minister, he has the edge over everyone else. Still, he has demanded that the selection not be rushed, as it was the last time. Every town and village has been asked for their input. I suppose that General Didyk is not happy with the choice, as Larst favors peaceful relations between Omunga and the Sakovans.”

  “Which is why we must find out why the general is in Khadora,” added HawkShadow.”

  “Do either of you know how to use an air tunnel?” inquired Lord Marak.

  “Yes,” answered StarWind. “We use it daily to keep in touch with StarCity.”