Mage Mangler -(Crucible of Ascension)

We were among the last through the portal, which I'll admit I didn't appreciate. As we filed slowly closer to safety, I had that unwavering belief that the portal would close before we made it through.

You can think all you want, that I'm a pessimist, but when life pesses all over your plans and your dreams as much as it has mine, it's called being a realist.

Stepping through was like having a concrete block lifted from my soul. I didn't know what would happen next, and part of me didn't care. I was away from Marnis 12 and for now that was enough.

Union Headquarters was unlike anything I expected. For a start, it was nothing like Garazal's home. The place was clean and efficient with neat stone buildings that wouldn't have looked out of place in a modern Earth city.

Enil didn't care about any of that. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and squeezed. "We're gonna be pulled apart soon but I wanted you to know I've grown quite attached to you. So as soon as you can, reach out. You know where we're both from, I expect to hear from you again soon, understand?"

"That's right," Oro said with a meaty hand on my shoulder. "You're family now."

I chuckled lamely. "You bet I will. And the same goes to you. If you can get a message to me, then do so."

"I'd try to get you in our Division," Oro replied. "But I don't think our little unit will serve where you're going."

I shook my head. "I don't want to go anywhere. I'd rather be in a solid unit like yours with people I can trust to have my back."

"Then" he said squeezing the shoulder. "Stop being so damn brilliant."

I shrugged, a little embarrassed. "I don't feel like I am. I'm just trying to survive.

"Well Adam Henshaw, you're one of the best I've ever seen at it."

That soured my mood. "I've had a lot of practice."

While we spoke the army dispersed until no one with any seniority remained. Oro frowned. "I honestly thought someone would debrief us. You at least," he said nodding to me. "Come on, we'll make sure we get you somewhere they can get you home. I take it you'll have to go to Garazal first?"

I nodded, equally bemused that we seemed to have already been forgotten. I was content to slip off all the same.

"Hopefully not for long. I'm ready for the academy again and I never in a million years thought I'd say that.

"I felt the same about home after I got married," Enil said wistfully as we set off.

A few yards down the street someone called after me. I turned and clocked a neatly dressed Velorian man with UCPF Clerk as his title.

"Adam Henshaw! Corporal Oro, Private Enil, could you please come with me. Your presence is requested in the chambers. Chancellor Maesha would like to speak to you regarding your time on Marnis 12."

For a moment I genuinely thought Enil was going to decline. He looked utterly crestfallen, but like Oro and I, he headed over and followed the Velorian as he stalked off.

"Why do we have to go?" Enil hissed to Oro. "We need to report with our chief, not here."

Oro scowled at the younger man. "I have no idea, but it will most likely be to do with Adam and if he needs backing from me then I'll be there. After his heroic deeds I think he deserves that from us, don't you?"

"There were no heroic deeds," I muttered angrily. "This is getting ridiculous."

Enil scoffed. "If I trip over and save a child I still did it."

"That makes no sense," I replied.

"Neither do you Adam. Neither do you."

I had no reply for the man. Being home had clearly gone to his head.

We were led into the main buildings, and down a central corridor until we came to an office. The Clerk knocked and a voice answered. "Enter!"

"Here he is," Aazi said as we walked into the expensively furnished but functional room.

"Garazal's Prodigy." The other man said.

Name: Arvellan Turei

Title: Chancellor of the UCPF – Union Executive Authority

Level: 52

Class: Mage/Tradesman

Aazi grunted. "I think he'd prefer to go by Adam Henshaw."

The Velorian Chancellor laughed. "Quite right. My apologies, young man. I wished to see you for myself. General Stormfront speaks very highly of you."

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I remained neutral. how could I respond. "I just did what I could my lord. Nothing special," Aazi grunted. A laugh, I guessed.

"I see. Well, word of your survival has been sent to Prime Garazal and he is on his way now to discuss your role and to take you home."

"Thank you sir. I did wonder how I'd get back."

"Well fear not. You have raised your head above the water high enough to ensure you are never forgotten again.

"Such are the reports that I will be making certain recommendations to Prime Garazal. I'd like to have you enrolled in the Union forces charter if that pleases you."

"I'm not sure I'll have a choice."

Turei grinned. "Oh, but you absolutely do. You have rights, Adam Henshaw and I will make sure you can exercise those rights. At this stage, all this will mean is you will be drafted into a specially prepared unit once you graduate from the academy. He will be reimbursed for your service and it is considered a high honor to serve the union in this way for both soldier and House.

"Even archon houses?" I asked and the Velorians face soured. "Yes, even Archon houses, apparently."

"Well, thank you for your trust and high opinion. I hope, if it comes to pass I won't disappoint."

"More than that, General Aazi and Commander Kael have both recommended you for a Field Medal for your role in this mission. According to them your assistance was paramount in the success of the mission. Combined with your rather impressive survival for over thirteen cycles on a hostile planet."

"Agreed!" Oro said. "He kept us two oafs alive that's for sure."

"Do not understate your part in this, Corporal. You and Private Enil will each receive the Line Medal."

Oro gaped, Enil choked, the Chancellor smiled a row full of pearly white teeth. I didn't know if he was good or bad or in the middle like the rest of us, but anyone who reached the pinnacle of politics deserved additional scrutiny.

"Then it seems all are in agreement!"

I found my hands up and my feet carrying me backward. "Please don't. You pin something like that on me in the academy... at the Garazal barracks… You're going to finish me off. And any chance of getting away from House Garazal with honors…?"

Aazi frowned but nodded. "He's right."

The chancellor smiled again. Looked side to side, then lowered his voice. "It has been decided. We want you away from the Archons and you are right. The more honors you acquire, deserving or not will make that task harder. So how about this. We shan't mention anything about your heroics? Those who matter will know, but all anyone else will know is that you survived and you were rescued?"

I almost replied. As long as you do remember when the time is right. But I held my tongue. "I'm more than happy with that arrangement."

I feel I must speak," Oro said, moving closer. "Excuse me if I overstep my lords, but I have heard witness from members of House Garazal's 4th Cohort that Squire Henshaw was intentionally mistreated. The Cohort he was part of were given an express order from a high ranking officer to alienate him and to forbid him from using magic.

During his placement he was not given direction, though he would be disciplined if he didn't carry out his duties correctly."

He then held up his hands. "I know you may think I'm elaborating, but no. We were trapped with others of his Cohort and their treatment of him was abhorrent."

"Go on," the Chancellor replied.

Oro went on to list everything that had happened on Marnis 12 including the accusations and his own beheading of Roan.

I cringed as he confessed, and opened my mouth to defend him further, but Aazi held up a hand to silence me as Oro continued.

"I will take full responsibility for the murder of Private Roan, but know that Adam had no part in any deaths beyond Sergeant Brin and that was in a fair fight in a life and death situation."

The Chancellor nodded and turned to me. "Answer my next questions, swiftly and succinctly so we may move on. Where you mistreated by the 4th Cohort of House Garazal in the manner outlined by Corporal Oro?"

"I was, Chancellor."

"And did you feel your life was at risk through Sergeant Brin's actions in the cave?"

"Mine and everyone else's with us, Chancellor. His behavior was irrational and born of hatred toward me."

"Could you have helped Corporal Sizec when he was caught outside of your shield?"

I shook my head. "No. He panicked and broke from the plan. I liked the man very much. If I could have saved him without killing everyone else, I would have in a heartbeat."

"Very well. I have heard both of your words and," he cracked a small smile. "And I hear only truth. Those deaths will be mourned appropriately, but I find no fault. No further action is deemed necessary." He turned to the clerk writing notes in the corner of the room. "Is my truth telling and judgement recorded, Fillorn?"

"Yes, Chancellor. I will file it in the High Council records this evening."

Not paying the clerk any more mind he turned back to me. "The Prime Sovereign will have access to the judgment, but he will have to know about it first.

Should any charges be brought against you regarding this matter, do not fear. This matter is dealt with by the highest court in the land. Namely me, with General Stormfront and a High Council Clerk as witness.

"Should it crop up in house and Prime Garazal tries to deal with it under the radar you must get a message to us. I will see to it that you have the necessary means, once you are back in the academy."

Aazi mumbled something we couldn't hear and the Chancellors eyes lit up. "Ah of course."

Refocusing on me, he beaned. "You will not accept a Field Medal, can I perhaps convince you to accept an honorary position in the Union troops? It will make you officially a Union soldier even though you will not be part of an active unit."

"If that's something I can accept without Garazal's permission then yes. I'll take it. As long as it doesn't cause me problems."

He rubbed his chin and then nodded. "As these witnesses can confirm, I dub you:

UCPF – Honor Sworn

"It may raise a few Eyebrows, but it is innocuous enough, and not unexpected considering your acknowledged service for the Union whilst being stranded on Marnis 12. More importantly, If Prime Garazal wishes to formally punish you for anything, we will need to be alerted and involved."

I felt uncomfortable with the title, but I couldn't help but admit it was a hell of a thing. A backer and supporter looking out for my wellbeing that was more powerful than Garazal.

"I honestly don't know what to say. You're all being incredibly kind. I don't feel like I deserve such treatment."

The Chancellor turned to Aazi, "You were right. I like him a lot."

Aazi grinned. "Told you. Now that's done I should really get off home. The wife will kill me if she hears I'm back and haven't made it home for dinner."

The Chancellor laughed and while I was no expert, it was filled with genuine warmth for the Nyvren powerhouse. For me, it made me like him even more. A beast of a man who single-handedly killed a monster the entire universe fears, and he's rushing home for his dinner before his wife gives him earache.

Seeing the other side of Union Leadership lit an entirely different fire under me. My new quest was to get free of Garazal and join these men in protecting this crazy empire.

We all wished Aazi goodbye, and then the Chancellor bowed to us. "I too have a great deal of work to do after this momentous victory, my aide will take you to the canteen to be fed while you wait for…"

The clerk cleared his throat. "Warden Anso is here to collect the two survivors."

"Ah," The Chancellor said shaking his fist at the unfairness of it all. Then he turned to me and stuck his hand out. "I wish you nothing but the best and I hope to see you again soon, Honor Sworn."

I shook the proffered hand. "As do I, Chancellor."