Mage Mangler -(Crucible of Ascension)

After my moment of madness, I pulled out the communication rods. "Oro?"

"Here."

"I'm out. No idea where I am, other than at the bottom of the valley. I fell out of a damn waterfall."

"Are you safe?"

"I think so. There's no signs of danger yet, but I haven't scouted. Give me five and #ll go take a look."

I could other voices in the background and Oro waited a beat before he replied.

"Don't scout. Hunker down and stay safe. Even if your exit takes us away from the Rift it's better than coming up above this cavern."

"I'd say so as well. Just be warned, the last leg of the journey is steep. You'll want to damn the water flow or you'll be spat out like I was."

There was another pause and then Oro's voice was replaced with the unmistakable voice of Aazi Stormfront.

"Is it likely to cause injury?"

"It's rough and under water for probably a couple of minutes, but, everyone should fit. I blasted a tight section away and I got through relatively unscathed, so yeah. I didn't see a soul under level 32 in your army so they should be fine. The plunge pool is plenty deep."

"Then were coming in hot."

It would certainly be a faster way to get everyone down here, but having had some experience of Waterparks back on Earth I saw potential for disaster.

"Keep the rod active and close by. I'll let you know when each person passes out so you can send the next one." Then I cringed slightly that I'd just given the strongest man in the bloody Union an order.

"Too slow," he replied sharply.

I'd come all the way down here and risked my life to help them. I couldn't in good conscience back down on the matter. I did phrase it as a request this time.

"It's too dangerous. Can we at least send the first dozen down one at a time and if there's no issue we can send them down in quicker succession?"

I expected another rebuttal but was pleasantly surprised by his answer. "Yes. We can do that. We're moving now. You contact me when the first of us arrives."

"Will do." He'd already gone.

While I waited, watching the waterfall opening, I ate a ration block and an energy pouch, and prepared myself for the berating I was going to get from each of the disgruntled soldiers as they unceremoniously arrived.

Because that was the only way to arrive from this particular water slide.

My relief was as big as my grin when Enil Shot out first. Arms flailing in the air as he dropped the fifteen feet to the pool.

I raised the communication rod, "First man down."

The big Unalaran was already swimming toward me as I lay the rod back down. He clambered onto the bank as Oro shot out with an equally amusing flap of limbs and laughed.

I raised the rod to my mouth. "Second one down."

"Okay. I was going to roast you for playing down the descent, but I think I'll just sit and watch everyone come down. This is funny."

I nodded my agreement. "So funny. It's the way the arms flap when you suddenly realize there's nothing solid underneath you."

He grunted amusement.

"How was the ride, anyway? I had to do some remodeling so I didn't get the full experience. Was it smooth enough?"

"Yeah, few bumps and bruises, and a little tight spot, but I still shot through it and I'd say Oro and I are the biggest soldiers here."

"I'd say that as well. Who'd have thought eating bugs would be so fattening."

He gave me a good natured punch in the arm, then looked around as. "Did you take a look around?"

I shook my head. "Oro said not too, and I wanted to make sure everyone got down safely."

Another splash as Oro left the water.

"Third man down." I reported. Then nodded to Oro. "Any issues?"

"Apart from soiling my pants at the end there, no. It was fast and fairly smooth."

"Shall I tell the General just to start sending people down with a small pause between them?"

Oro nodded. "Yes. He's eager to get them down and I think it's pretty straight forward."

At Oro's confirmation I contacted Aazi again. "Okay, it's running smoothly. Just start sending them down with say a thirty-second count between each person."

His reply was short but felt surprisingly respectful. "Understood."

The soldiers who arrived came over to the bank to recover from the journey down here. None of them spoke to me until Commander Kael came over.

"I'm still in two minds about how much I like this plan, but I recognize some of that reticence is born from the indignity of flailing around like an unascended child. In truth, depending on where we are, I suspect you may have saved a lot of lives on this mission. So thank you."

"We should definitely save any thanks until we know where we are," I replied.

"Something I intend to rectify immediately." He walked away and started barking out orders to the soggy soldiers recovering around the pool.

Once he'd sent people to scout with express orders not to be seen under any circumstances, he then set a guard around the perimeter of the pool.

I headed over with Oro and Enil to speak with him again. "Commander Kael, we're happy to help with guard duty. Just tell us where you want us."

He shook his head. "You three rest up. The men we have here are all from one division, they know each other and what's expected of them."

I copied Oro and Enil as they bowed. Oro answered for us. "Understood, Commander. We'll keep out of the way so we don't cause any holes in the defense."

Kael seemed satisfied with that answer and the three of us headed to a clear spot away from where the soldiers were climbing out of the pool.

"I feel bad for not helping," I said once we were out of earshot.

"Don't," Enil said. "We'd just cause a weak spot."

I understood, but it still felt like we were surplus to requirements.

The three of us sat and watched as the area developed into a camp. Tables appeared. Crystal heaters were set out. I wondered if we planned to stay here for a while, or if it was just to plan once Aazi got here. No one had told us anything and it was frustrating.

"Uh oh," Enil said as I pondered.

I followed his gaze and spotted the small group of Archon Warrior-Mages that Artis had first approached. He was with them now, scurrying at the back like the rat he was.

"They look like trouble," I muttered.

"Goes with the territory," Oro agreed.

I checked the leader's identifier as he approached:

Name: Karal Azterel

Title: Knight of the Prime Sovereign. Sergeant of the Marnis 12 Clearance Unit. (Temporary)

Level: 39

Class: Warrior/Mage

He came to stop in front of us, hands on hips, looking down with a scowl. "Could you please explain to me why everyone else here is working on the camp or defensive duties, and you three," he paused to increase the impact of his words. "You, three! Are sitting around chatting and laughing like you're in a city tavern?"

The question caught us all by surprise and no one answered.

"I know you can talk," he pushed. "We could all hear you while we prepare for the most dangerous battle of our lives."

"What would you have us do, Sergeant?" Oro asked.

"I would expect you to report to a superior and ask for a duty."

"We did, Sir," I replied.

"Sergeant or Knight Azterel!" he snapped at me with completely unnecessary aggression. I had to fight to keep from shaking my head in disdain. What was it with Archons and their attitudes.

"We did, Sergeant. We were told to rest and await further orders."

He sneered. "Is that so? And who did you ask?"

"Commander Kael, Sergeant."

He grimaced. "And he told you to sit, rest and laugh while everyone else works. Why do I not believe you?"

I stood at the accusation. "Why is a Knight of the Prime Sovereign so concerned about what we do when we're not under his direct command?" I said trying to reign in the venom I wanted to inject into the reply.

Stolen story; please report.

"Because, not only are you currently part of the Union army but you are part of the Prime Sovereigns army, which means you fall under my authority."

I frowned and wanted to argue, but I could see in some way he was most likely right.

"We were asked not to help with the defense because we weren't part of the team that trained for this mission and our inclusion could cause a weak spot in the line, Sergeant," Oro said getting to his feet. "But if you feel there is an important task we can assist with, then we are more than willing to help."

I was surprised at Oro's deference, but it was understandable. This guy was clearly a big deal and it probably wouldn't do to antagonize him.

"If Kael did give you those orders, then he's right. We don't need you creating a hole in our perimeter, and you're no use in the camp. I suggest you get out there and scout."

Oro and Enil saluted, and with great reluctance I did the same.

"On your way then," he snapped.

The two Unalarans were about to move, but I just couldn't walk away. "Which way should we scout, Sergeant?"

He looked at me like I was mad. "Which way? What kind of soldier are you?"

"A confused one. We're in hostile territory. We don't know the terrain or what has already been scouted. We run the risk of running into active scouts. It's customary when giving orders to provide specifics to avoid confusion."

"Oh, you wish to advise me on how to provide orders now do you, Squire Henshaw?" He glared at me. "Do you know what the punishment is for insubordination and dereliction of duty in a war-zone?"

I doubted it would be good. Especially when his hand fell to his sword.

"It is death, Squire. Execution. So I suggest you choose your next words very carefully."

All the care I'd taken to avoid direct conflict with these people never seemed to serve me well in the end. When bastards like this thought they smelled weakness they just kept taking and taking, and after everything we'd just survived through I'd had about enough of it.

"Executed in the middle of a hostile world for asking for clarification on orders? Executed after I led the army through a an underground labyrinth full of water and submerged tunnels? Executed after being given explicit orders by your commanding officer to sit out and recover? Okay, execute me then." I may have been shouting red faced at this point. "But before you do, I strongly suggest you go and check with General Stormfront or Commander Kael as to what constitutes a Dereliction of Duty and Insubordination as either you don't know, or you have an ulterior motive for seeking out a Squire who has nothing to do with you and giving them ridiculous orders which will see them killed."

"Ahem," a familiar voice interrupted and not a moment too soon as I was still picking up steam.

Commander Kael had somehow approached while I was ranting and it seemed no one else had noticed the formidable Velorian either as they all turned, surprised at his arrival

"Is there a problem here?" He asked.

"Yes," Azterel said, as pompous as any Archon I'd ever seen. "This Squire, from House Garazal seems to think he is at liberty to insult both my honor and that of the Prime Sovereign."

"How so?" Kael answered without even a flicker of emotion on his face.

"By refusing orders and by questioning my capabilities."

Kael nodded as if in agreement and I saw the vindication in Azterel's eyes.

"May I ask what orders you were giving our charges and under whose authority?"

"Charges? This man is a Squire of House Garazal."

"Yes. He is. But he is not currently on duty. His duty ended when he was left behind thirteen cycles ago.

"I assume he explained to you that I gave an order for them to remain out of the way?"

"He did not," Kael said and at that point I noticed a subtle shifting among his men. Away from the idiot.

"We did," Oro said, finally rediscovering his back bone. "Adam also stressed that without adequate direction, scouting the area around us could be problematic."

"Scouting?" Kael snapped at the Knight. "Sergeant Azterel, you have no place ordering anyone other than your own entourage. I suggest you return to your post and look to your own duties rather than harassing our friends and our charges."

Azterel glared at Kael, but still saluted, then he cast his eyes on me. "I will be bringing this altercation up when I return to the Prime Sovereign."

"I can assure you that you won't be alone taking this matter further," Kael said and Azterel spun on his heel and marched off with his group of lackies pointedly looking anywhere and everywhere but at him.

Kael turned back to us, his expression questioning. "Why have you made an enemy of a Knight of the Prime Sovereign?"

I shrugged. "I seem to attract Archons like shit attracts flies."

"Not a skill I envy. Now please, remain where you are, but try not to attract anymore flies if you can manage it. Once Aazi is down from the mountain he wants to speak to you before we set off."

I grimaced. "If it's because I told him to go slow on the tunnel down here, then will you apologize for me? I only meant it as a suggestion."

Kael laughed. "He's not that kind of leader. Cross him and you'll wish your mother never met your father, but doing your duty well, even if it contradicts him is not the sort of thing he'll hold a grudge about."

Kael left us again, and I turned to my friends. "Well, I really didn't need that in my life."

Oro clapped a hand on my back. "No. For all your cleverness, that was not well done."

"So you would have just marched out there against Kael's orders and gotten killed?"

He frowned. "Of course not. I would have either found a quiet spot out of the assholes line of view or went and spoken to Kael or one of his sergeants about it. Have you never humored an arrogant idiot to make them go away before?"

I sagged. "Yes, I have. And yes, that's what I should have done."

Enil chuckled. "I'm glad you didn't. That was way more fun, but when you graduate from your academy you definitely need to get out of House Garazal."

"I wish. But they own my ass."

Enil shook his head. "Under Union Law, as long as you can meet the payment of your services, and whatever they've spent on your training, and equipment, you can leave. I reckon after this," he gestured at the army around us, there'll be plenty of people with the money and interest to sub you out."

"So I can be a slave for someone else?"

"We've all got our masters, Adam. But if you have the bargaining power, then you can pick a better one, and you, Adam my boy, will have bargaining power."

I shrugged. "I don't' think a little cave diving is going to free me."

Enil scoffed. "Of course. Because that's all you've done."

"Sure," I said leaning back on the rock. "I almost forgot I'm also being accused of murdering important Archons."

"We'll sort that out, mark my words."

I knew my luck. That was coming back to haunt me one way or another, but there was nothing I could do about it now.

We settled into an amiable silence and I daydreamed about the possibilities. If I could leave Garazal, I could be part of a unit with people I liked. My friends from the academy. Ora and Enil could join too. It was a fantasy, but it was a nice one.

A better one was of me and Ressa, in a forested cabin, little pale purple children running around carefree. At some point I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was shocked a wake by a deep voice.

"You snore loud for your size."

It was the Stormfront. Oro and Enil had cleared off leaving me alone with the legendary Union General.

I tried to speak, but had to re-moisten my lolling tongue and wipe half dried saliva from my cheek first.

"Apologies, sir." I replied with a sheepish grin.

The Stormfront laughed. The first time I'd seen it and in that moment I recognized Ellaazi so much in him.

"You deserve a rest. Your friends speak highly of you. Kept him alive for the last thirteen cycles they say.

"Don't listen to them. We did it together."

He eyed me, as if trying to weigh me. "You're a strange one Adam Henshaw. You look like an inbred Archon, but you think well, talk well and from what I hear fight well.

All I heard was inbred Archon and chuckled without reply. He continued.

"You did more than help. I'd have given this mission a twenty percent chance of success when we started out. With your help getting this close to the Rift? I'd say it's improved quite a bit."

That caught me by surprise. I had no idea how much closer we were yet. "What percentage are we talking about?"

"Ooh, I'd say at least twenty-three now."

His expression was so serious I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, but I still laughed. Even if he was serious it was funny.

His mouth cracked into a grin and he splayed out his massive hands. "I honestly don't know what the chances are. We have no idea how many Xeo we'll be facing at the Rift and of what evolution. You should know though, if it's too many I'm not risking all these brave souls. We'll give it a go and if we fail, I'll pull back, portal out and we'll try again in the future. Only next time we'll have much better recon.

"Sounds wise," I agreed.

"Of course it does. That's what I'm famous for. Now, I have a question for you. What race are you and what are you doing serving in the household troop of Prime Garazal. Of all the rotten souls in the Union you picked a stinker there."

"There wasn't much choice involved. I'm a human and I was taken from my planet, Earth, by Unalaran hunters. They sold me to Garazal as soon as they realized I had the potential to become a Warrior Mage."

He frowned and his eyes narrowed. "You're the Earther?"

"That depends which one you mean, but if you mean the one bought as a slave by Garazal then yes, that's me."

"I was thinking about the Earther who planned the victory for the Irala Academy's first year Intra-academy tournament. The Same Earther who my precious daughter has not shut up about since she came home for summer.

I winced. "Ellaazi is awesome. I consider her a very good friend. As for the tournament. I didn't do much planning. Unless you count getting our two fastest cross country runners to go and retrieve the flag in a mini relay team.

"I love the tournaments and I know there's a lot more to it than that. You recognized the risk of Bareth and Paleon pincering you.

Granted only Bareth had been bribed, and it would never be spoken of openly, but everyone knows, and you called it perfectly."

He rubbed his beard. "I can't actually believe it's you. You're too talented to be wasted stuck in an Archon house. You should finish your training in the academy, but I'm going to speak to some friends and see what we can do about getting you drafted into the Union forces directly.

"I might not be able to get you free of Garazal if he's determined to keep his hooks in you, despite what Union law states, but I'll see what I can do."

It was a challenge just to keep my eyeballs in their sockets. "Holy shit. You don't have to do that for me. I don't want to cause any trouble for anyone."

He clapped me on my back. "Smart, brave, heaps of potential and modest too. Adam, you're some kind of catch. But I can see compliments land like knife thrusts, so we'll leave it at that. As for this coming fight,"

I perked up. "Yes?"

"I want you to stay as far back as possible. Let us take care of this. It's what we came for."
"No, I can help."

"You definitely could. But you've already helped more than enough, and if you die on my watch, I'll never hear the end of it from Ellaazi."

I shook my head. "If I died well, fighting alongside you, I think she'd be proud."

"Maybe too smart," he said frowning as he eyed me. "Let me put it like this then. The Xeo threat is only going to grow worse. The Union needs Mages and Warrior mages like never before. We need you to get stronger and right now that means in the academy. By the time you finish I'm willing to wager you're going to be one of our very best weapons against the Xeo. And not just the Xeo. Other wars are on the Horizon."

"What do you mean?"

He looked off contemplatively across the gathered soldiers. "I've probably already said too much, but the Siroth are rising again."

"I know. I've already had the dubious honor of fighting against them." I said half despairingly.

"You've been busy. But the Siroth are not the enemy most would have you believe. They're a good organization fighting for the betterment of the Union as a whole. Their issue is with the Archons and the Archons alone."

I'd guessed as much but hearing this man say so was something else.

"There's talk of the Archons having broken a number of important laws. The main one being their involvement in slavery still. Though just as concerning, they've been secretly out competing for and hoarding magical enchantments.

The Velorians have been blind to it for centuries. Now trouble is coming and they've made efforts to locate and acquire artifacts, they've hit a wall. Mercenary buyers turning up before their people can bid fairly for the items in the agreed upon ways.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked suddenly uncomfortable. I'd already had Ressa's dad asking me to spy for him. Now Ellaazi's?

Because, he said gesturing at the soldiers once more. "You're one of us."

"What does one of us mean?"

"It means unless the Archon houses share what they've hoarded and stop trying to play their own game to undermine the rest of the Union there'll be a reckoning and that will need to happen before the worst of the battles with the Xeo start. It also means that you're not an Archon. Just like the magical enchantments they're acquiring, you're a tool. They'll never treat you like a person, and certainly not an equal no matter what platitudes they might give you. No matter how strong you become. For Ellaazi. For myself and your Unalaran friends, It would be better if you were on the right side of this conflict."

I rubbed my face trying to take in the info dump. I could have guessed at most of it, but here was the Stormfront himself laying it all bare.

"Thank you for telling me this. Aren't you risking a lot?"

He shook his head. "I am who I am. All know my stance. I don't like the Archons and they don't like me, but I'll work with them for the good of the Union. The Nyvren have been the sword of the Velorians for a very long time. They're generally pretty shit warriors. We cover that gap." He nudged me in the ribs like an old friend "And do you really think there's a single high ranking official, military or political, who doesn't know."

"Even the Velorian Link to the Siroth?"

"I never said that," he bristled and I held my hands up apologetically.

"I'm sorry, I read between the lines and obviously got it wrong."

He tapped my forehead with a big red finger. "Too smart. Now, stay back. Stay alive and I'll be keeping an eye out for you, Squire Henshaw."

With that, he stood and left, leaving me swamped in a cesspit of dangerous information. The irony wasn't lost on me that if I joined the Velorian side of the coin then I'd be aligned with the Siroth, and that meant Earl too. If he hadn't already taken them down from the inside through pure spite.

I shook my head and pushed down all the thoughts swirling around in my mind. I was in limbo and all I could do was wait, watch, and hope things worked out for the best.

Because things always worked out for the best where Earl and I were concerned.