Quest Of The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) (40 page)

“Because it was stifled,” Ista said as her eyes grazed the crowd. “The wizards of the Alcazar forbade learning the Quy utterly and without bounds. They set limits by adhering to a Code that didn’t allow wizards to use the Quy to kill, even for righteous reasons; that didn’t allow wizards to join together for war, even for justice; that didn’t allow wizards to reach for the outer boundaries of magic for fear of harming themselves.”

Ista paused to lock her penetrating gaze on certain individuals in the crowd. “I’ve spoken to each of you, taken your vow for the Collective and blessed you with the ancient blessing. Most of you have asked me what I’ve learned in my years of isolation. I’ll tell you what I’ve learned, my children. I’ve learned the Quy is a blessing that sets us above other people of the Lands. The wizards of old knew this but chose to humble themselves, yielding to the leadership of kings and administrators.

“I challenge you now, as children of the Collective, to use the Quy without limits, to use it without restraint, to become soldiers of the Quy, defending magic and leading the Lands into a new era! The Collective will rule without acquisition but will guide the kingdoms into the future. Magic will be upheld as a power to command respect and reverence. You’re the elite, my children! Let us take this divination with open arms! Do you accept this challenge?”

The crowd roared their acceptance. Lazo and the twins were the only ones who didn’t lift their voices to the sky. Ista’s eyes found Lazo before she soothed the crowd to silence.

“The Collective force will be impenetrable. You’ll belong to no Land. You’ll belong to the Alcazar and to the Collective. You’ll become soldiers of magic, soldiers working together, soldiers of peace. Soon, my children, we will be teachers and mentors for all those without the Quy. We can protect those without the power with our gift. The Quy sets us apart. We will be the elite in the years to come, revered for our power. We must lead those less blessed for they are slightly blinded.

“The word is being spread among other kingdoms. Magic’s time of rest has ended. We now begin the era of the Collective!”

Cheers roared through the assembly. Lazo scanned the crowd. He didn’t recognize any faces. Only the people outside the walls were loyal to Ren, and they couldn’t fight an army of magic. What commoner would oppose a four hundred year old sorceress?

“So, my children,” Ista said. “I’ll train you and together we’ll become the defenders of the Alcazar and soldiers of the Quy. We won’t belong to one Land but to all the Lands!”

A chant formed and soon all the people were joining in. Lazo felt his insides quake as the multifarious voices rang out in one great thunderous blast.

“The Quy sets us above! The Collective gives us strength! With both we are one! With both we rule! With both we make peace!”

Valor stepped forward to stand beside Ista. “Friends, we have begun to rebuild the Alcazar. The new Calvet stands before you, a willing guide to the future of the Collective.”

The crowd roared. Ista bowed her head in humility, a small smile touching her lips.

“We’re living in perilous times,” Valor said. “Magic has brought greed and eradication in other kingdoms. The Collective may have to be called on sooner rather than later to annihilate these threats to the Lands. Bostic of Ketes has closed his borders. The messengers we have sent in peace haven’t returned. We assume them dead.”

“They have violated the Collective’s call for peace, my lord,” someone yelled from the crowd. “Let us name a new king!”

Impetuous shouts of agreement echoed one after the other. Foot stomping and angry exclamations escalated with the rising voices.

Ista stilled the crowd with her look. “I fear we may have to do just that. The Collective will have to react to this outrage as soon as possible. We must make haste to learn the Quy.

“If this was the only infringement of freedom, we could crush it swiftly, but Bostic isn’t the only threat. Ramie of Yor, the supreme ruler of Oldan, has closed Yor’s borders. He has also ordered Oldan citizens to cease their pilgrimage to Zier. Reports of people being killed at the Newlan border have come to my attention.”

A multitude of angry shouts reverberated in the marble hall. A few of the men shouted that Ramie needed to be stripped of power.

“My children, we will have to right these wrongs. New kings will need to be appointed.” Ista stopped, her vehement green eyes scanning the spell-struck crowd.

“As I have said, the Collective will promote goodness to all the Lands. How better to do so than to appoint from within?”

The crowd went mad. Ista bowed deeply. Her eyes found Lazo’s and her hand motioned to the guards before she turned and walked off the balcony to the study beyond.

The chant rekindled. “The Quy sets us above! The Collective gives us strength! With both we are one! With both we rule! With both we make peace!”

The guards led them through the mob as Valor began to speak of his plans, but Lazo didn’t hear him. The twins whispered frantically but he shoved them out as well. He didn’t see how Ren could win the battle before him. There were too many of the Collective.

But Ren was the Chosen, Lazo reminded himself. There was a chance, no matter how slim it was.

Ista would dominate the Lands as Barracus had tried to do. Although Barracus ruled by force, Ista ruled by subtleties. Lazo didn’t know whom to fear more. At least in conquest you had a clear definition of your enemy. With Ista’s cry for peace the enemy was vague and Ren would have a more difficult time proving his just intentions.

Lazo knew the Zier people still believed in Ren. Ista indicated Bostic of Ketes did as well, and if Ramie was committed to counter Ista, they had a chance.

When they stopped at the entrance to Ista’s study Lazo refocused on the twins, offered his encouragement and included a soft warning for them to be prepared. One of the guards rapped on the thick wooden door. A muffled voice came from within.

One of the guards shoved Lazo inside. Ista’s glare met him, along with the savory scents of meats and sauces, fruits and breads, desserts and wine. Despite his effort to keep his eyes on Ista, Lazo’s gaze flickered to the multiple trays lining the far side of the room. Roasted chicken was piled high on a silver platter, along with large bowls of delectable sauces, medleys of fruits, a fresh loaf of bread, and rich pastries. His mouth watered as his stomach released a low rumble. Forcing his eyes from the food, he met Ista’s gaze.

She stood before the Red Eye. He could see the desire in her eyes, and he knew her thoughts. If only they had the power she would have a weapon of force. Twins and triplets fed off one another and were stronger mentally because of it. The learning of the Quy would be no exception. Lazo already sensed the power doubling, even tripling inside him, and hoped for the thousandth time Ista wouldn’t discover their deception.

Ista slowly drifted past the trays of food. She took a piece of chicken and dipped it in a bowl. Lazo stiffened as Ista walked closer. The fragrance of spices hung in the air as Ista took a slow, deliberate bite.

“I would offer to have you sit with me and partake of the table before you but I fear I cannot tolerate those loyal to the enemy of the Lands.” Ista put her hand on Lazo’s arm. Lazo had already pulled into his other side where his power would be undetectable.

Ista turned to Jasta. “I’m sure Lazo has conveyed my desire to awaken the Red Eye. Lazo has been, shall I say, helpful?” Ista paused and raised a sarcastic eyebrow. “The problem is,” Ista continued, walking past Jasta to look at Justin. “Lazo claims the Red Eye doesn’t speak in ways he understands. I don’t believe him.”

Ista turned and caressed the Red Eye with seared fingers. Dipping her hand in a washbasin, she wiped her brow. Her eyes flickered back to them. “I’m sure he’s told you the Red Eye’s memories are alive. I’m sure he’s also told you he’s sent children to their deaths. I doubt he would be so rash if one of you attended the ritual.”

Lazo’s mouth went dry. Beside him, Jasta and Justin stiffened.

Ista chortled deep in her throat as she dipped her hand into the washbasin once more. After dousing her brow, she turned back to Lazo. “The Mar is the worst horror one of your kind could experience.”

At the mention of the Mar, Jasta and Justin’s inner whispers started. Ista saw their fear and brushed Jasta’s cheek with her palm. Lazo held his breath, praying to the Maker Jasta had reached her other side. When Ista’s hand dropped, Lazo exhaled.

“Yes, the Mar.” Her eyes flickered between them as she stroked the Eye. “A triplet can leave the others in small doses but a twin can never be confined apart from his or her sibling without the Mar’s effects. Two of you will be in the ritual, the third will not. If the ritual isn’t over within heartbeats, the third will die of the Mar.”

“Who remains behind?” Lazo whispered.

“Not you, Lazo. That way you’ll make haste, no?”

- - -

Korin stood outside Davis’s door.

The blow had come after his ride with Marianne. His deceit was known. He was out of time. Brice had ordered him to kill Davis. Ista knew of his deception, and if Davis wasn’t found dead in the morning Korin would die as well. Then he wouldn’t be able to help Mari.

Davis’s deep laughter wafted to him. Korin turned and quickly walked down the hall.

There was only one solution.

He would tell Lorlier everything.

Korin closed the door to his room and heaved a sigh. Books, notes, sketches, formulas and styluses were strewn over the floor. He had been poring over the books ever since he had returned from his ride with Mari, trying to find anything Ista could have done to her. Now his efforts were futile.

As if on cue, a sharp, stabbing pain seared his mind. Ista was calling, her insistence evident from the fire she sent inside him.

He clawed for the crystal he kept in a side pouch. Ista’s deformed features were sneering with pleasure inside the hazy blue ball.

“Worried about Marianne are we, Korin? You should be. She’ll die if you don’t slow the infection.”

“How?” he managed, knees buckling from the pain.

Ista lost her smile. “My child, surely you don’t think I’ll tell you? I’ve given you an assignment. You need to carry it through. Once you’ve proven your loyalty to me I’ll give you what you need to save the one you love. You see how love weakens you, Korin? You see why I lectured so long on hate? Now you’re more vulnerable than ever. Do your duty and Marianne can live.”

“Why not just kill me, Ista?”

Ista sneered. “Oh, Korin, don’t you see? Lorlier loves you like a son. Davis will be dead. You’ll save Marianne from death’s clutches. How do you think Lorlier will reward you?”

“You don’t need me, Ista. You have the Collective.”

“But I do need you. Do you think I’ve been blind? Do you think I didn’t know your heart?

“You’re special, Korin, that’s why I’ve allowed you to live. You’re much stronger than anyone else I’ve raised. You’ll be a vessel for me. Soon you’ll never resist me again, for you’ll house another.”

Korin shuttered as he thought about how Ista would soon use the Red Eye.

Ista’s brow furrowed. “How are you not one of the Collective? How have you evaded me all these years?”

The fire flamed hotter. Korin’s vision blurred as he fought with all his strength to keep breathing. “I don’t know. I swear I don’t know.”

“How?”

Sweat broke out on his brow. Ista’s deformed features laughed at his agony.

As quickly as the pain had come, it was gone. He gasped for air. The crystal dropped from his fingers and rolled across the floor.

“Korin!”

Alise knelt beside him, laying a concerned hand on his shoulder. Her eyes flickered to the crystal and then back to him.

“I’ll get it for you.”

“No!”

Alise’s jumped at his abrupt tone. He put a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry, Alise. I just don’t want you touching that vile thing.”

Korin managed to stumble across the floor and retrieve the crystal. When it was securely in his pouch, he turned back to Alise. He had grown fond of her over the past few days. Alise came to him every sun’s click, begging him to teach her a little magic. Her openness and zest for knowledge was invigorating.

Korin almost broke down in tears as he looked at her. Her family was in danger because of him.

“What is it you need, Alise?” he asked, trying to mask his worry. “Do you come to learn a little magic?”

Alise’s eyes lit with excitement, all former tenseness forgotten. She grabbed his hands. “Teach me something, Korin! Please!”

Korin smiled. Alise’s energy was contagious. He would think about Ista only after he taught Alise a fraction of his knowledge. He was irrational now. He had to divert his thoughts.

“I’ll teach you how to find the Quy, but then I must return to my studies. Your father has put a lot of trust in me.”

“Oh, Korin!” she said, spinning around. “Thank you!

Korin repressed a smile. “I’ll only teach you if you promise not to try anything else until you’re supervised.”

“Fine, yes, I promise.”

Alise and Marianne were more opposite than Korin had realized. Korin had been in many wagers with the men about which was more attractive. Each was uniquely alluring. Marianne had long, wavy brown hair and big brown eyes. She was tall and thin, without much shape, but Korin considered it regal.

Alise had straight brown hair and sharp hazel eyes, taking after her father. She was extremely shapely and much less shy than Marianne. Some considered Alise one of the guys, with benefits, and Marianne an untouchable snob. When Alise smiled her entire face lit with an enthusiasm rarely seen. Alise knew how to live for the day and never considered the consequences.

Korin motioned for Alise to sit. He looked down into eyes that outshone all the candles in the keep. “First rule, Alise, is what?” Her thin eyebrows furrowed. Korin repressed another smile. “Never try more than the teacher tells you. Repeat it.”

Alise grinned and repeated it.

“Now close your eyes and clear your mind. Don’t think about anything, not even magic. Relax your limbs and melt into yourself. Good, that’s it,” Korin said as he watched Alise’s features relax. “I want you to become aware of something inside you. It’s always been there. You’ve been aware of it yet you know nothing about it. You’ll find it in your core. It rises inside silently yet forcefully. Do you feel it?”