Deformens et Deficiens

Valores Semel Incliti

Lavinia stood straight in one of her finest gowns. Make-up had been applied and her hair curled and set into an elaborate bun. Even now, a servant fussed about her, brushing her gown and checking her hair over to ensure not a bit of her was out of place. She stood in the atrium, waiting for her new tutor to arrive, unsure who her father had hired. All she knew was that this person would be the one to prepare her for her entrance into society and when a suitor was chosen for her.

Her father entered the room followed closely by a downcast Justinius. Father had been harassing him about his actions in the senate when he volunteered to join the delegation to the Aequendar. She was surprised to see Marius Montinius emerge from the study behind them. She wondered why he could be here. Her father stopped in front of her and looked her over, smiling. “You look beautiful, my dear. You are ready.”

“I’m glad I meet your approval,” she said, bowing. “Father.”

She could see Justinius frown in annoyance at his father's back. Marius stepped forward. “Indeed. You look beautiful. Now we are merely waiting for my niece to arrive.”

“Your niece?” Lavinia asked before she could stop herself.

“Yes, Myra. She is to be your tutor. She has a good head on her shoulders…unlike her brother.”

“I must ask again if you think it's wise to suggest he be one of the three diplomats,” said Horatius.

Marius nodded. “As wise as your son Justinius being one.”

Justinius looked as if he wanted to crawl out of the room in embarrassment as the two men continued to talk around him. Horatius shook his head. “My son has wisdom he doesn’t show. He has studied for years in my private villa. He has knowledge in many different areas…including information about the Aequendar. I don’t recall your nephew Ardellius being particularly learned in anything but drinking.”

“My nephew is a stupid man, yes,” said Marius. “But he doesn’t lack common sense. He has knowledge of life and people. Your son has a great deal of information from books but not life.”

“Then they make a deadly combination,” said Horatius sarcastically.

Marius smiled. “Indeed.”

They both looked to Justinius who could have been embarrassed or pleased in equal measure. Horatius spoke again. “Son, you know what you have been tasked with, yes?”

“Yes.”

“You will tell Ardellius about your mission and work with him to accomplish it.”

Justinius nodded emphatically. “Of course! It will be good to have someone work with me.”

Lavinia desperately wanted to ask what Justinius was supposed to do but knew it was none of her business. “What of this crystal you found,” said Marius. “May I see it?”

Justinius produced a pouch from his pocket and handed it to Marius who emptied the contents into his hand. It was a dark crystal that fit easily into the palm of his hand. She tried to crane her head to get a better look but the servant fussing about her tutted slightly and she was forced to remain still again. Marius studied it with intense interest. “Strange…I have not seen one before. But I have heard of them. Some of the refugees fleeing into my lands mentioned something about a Kautombrai, roughly translating to soul of darkness. I wasn’t sure what to make of these rumors, especially since the people were unclear what they meant either. Only that there was something that gave people power…whatever that means.”

Horatius nodded. “That is why I propose they show this to the Aequendar who summoned them. Perhaps he will know what it is. It is likely a creation of theirs after all.”

“Why do you think he would share any information?” asked Marius.

Horatius shrugged. “It is worth a try. If this Aequendar is a leader of their people, he is likely older in years. Perhaps he will even have been alive during the Fair Folk War. If he has been alive for hundreds of years, he may have some knowledge of these.”

“Um…wouldn’t it be more likely that he would hate me?” asked Justinius nervously.

Marius spoke up. “I hardly think so. Every bit of our research and knowledge indicates that they don’t hold grudges. I suppose when you live for centuries, the quarrels of men don’t seem so important and grudges aren’t worth remembering.”

He handed the crystal back to Justinius when a knock came at the door. Lavinia jumped in surprise and faced the door. The men turned to the entrance as well and waited for the guests to enter. It wasn’t long before Ardellius and his sister, Myra, walked into the Atrium. Ardellius was his usual, cheerful self, undaunted by his uncle’s presence. “Ah, hello all! Nice day to discuss our futures, isn’t it?”

Lavinia ignored Marius who was reprimanding his nephew but, instead, focused on Myra. She was a few years older than her, no more than twenty years old. Her dark brown hair hung in ringlets which managed to escape the braid it was in. Her dark eyes shone with the same mischievous light as her brother, but her face was composed, her countenance serene as she observed the argument between her relatives. Marius spoke harshly. “Why are you here, Ardellius? To rot our minds with your banter?”

“I would,” he responded, “But sadly, everyone here is terrible at banter. Though there may be some hope for Justinius. Speaking of which, I’m going to borrow him if you don’t mind.”

Horatius nodded. “You have things to discuss anyway.”

“Ooooh!” Ardellius put his arm around Justinius’s neck and almost dragged him off his feet toward the door. “I’m sure it will be mildly exciting. Let’s go.”

Justinius regained his feet and followed him out. Lavinia noticed that Myra was still standing silently, not introducing herself or speaking as she waited for her uncle to introduce her. Marius switched his gaze from his nephew to his niece and his gaze softened. “May I introduce Myra Montinius, my niece and the only one in this family intent on playing by the rules?”

“You say that like it's a bad thing,” she responded, smiling as she bowed to Horatius and then turned to Lavinia.

Horatius stepped next to his daughter and put a hand on her shoulder. “This is my daughter Lavinia. We look forward to beginning her training.”

“I am pleased to meet you,” responded Myra. Her gaze focused on Lavinia, her dark eyes studying her up and down. “Tell me, Lavinia, would you like to accompany me on a walk where we may talk in private?”

Lavinia hesitated, unsure of how to answer. When the pause stretched into uncomfortable silence, she suddenly felt her skin burn with the first indication of nervous sweating. Myra smiled at her and nodded. “It is wise to hesitate to access your best option. But to hesitate too long shows weakness. First lesson: never jump into a request from anyone without thought but do so in a way that doesn’t make you appear indecisive.”

“How do I make a decision so quickly?” asked Lavinia.

“That is what I am here to teach you,” said Myra. “I will teach you to be quick of thought, to assess a situation at a glance and make the best decision.”

Lavinia wanted to say it sounded daunting. Her face must have given something away because Myra laughed and said, “Not all in one day! Don’t worry. You have what it takes.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you are Honerius.”

Lavinia frowned and Myra laughed along with Marius and Horatius. “Do you wish to accompany me on a walk?”

Lavinia only took a moment to consider. She seemed nice enough and her father trusted her. She nodded. “Yes. I would.”

“Excellent.”

The pair of women went out on the streets lined with the fine houses of the rich Aquillans. Myra immediately began asking questions. “So, I hear your education is quite extensive.”

“Yes. My brother Justinius educated me for years.”

“Did he train you in social etiquette?”

“Oh…um, no. Not that. There was no one to really practice on.”

“No matter. We can fill in those gaps easily enough. May I ask you about your family?”

“I suppose so. How is this important?”

“People will judge you and try to use you based on your family. As you are an Honerius, your name will garner even more attention.”

Lavinia felt herself wilting at the thought but received an encouraging smile from Myra. “Well…what exactly would you like to know?”

“Your family history isn’t…straightforward, is it?”

“No, my father’s first wife had Corbenus and Paulus, who was banished. Then she died in childbirth with a third. A few years later, my father brought in Justinius who he had with another woman. A few years after that, he married my mother who had me. She died shortly after in the Tyrants' war. I don’t think he ever forgave himself for how she died in that war and never married again.”

“How did she die?”

“I don’t know. I only know she was murdered.”

Myra shook her head. “I’m sorry to hear that. Your family life has been difficult. But that was the path your father chose.”

“What do you mean?” asked Lavinia.

“He has married twice for political motives, lost both, and banished a son to save face. But, in the meantime, he has become a famous general, worked his way up to the highest positions in the senate, and established his family name as one of immense importance…all at the cost of his children.”

“I…suppose so. Be we aren’t-”

Myra turned to her and asked with a serious expression, “Do you love your father?”

Lavinia blushed. “What? Of course, I do!”

Myra raised her eyebrow. “You committed without thought.”

Lavinia wanted to be annoyed and refuse to answer but she knew that would look terrible. She paused and thought for a moment. Did she love her father? “I…I don’t know.”

Myra cocked her head to the side. “Why do you say that?”

“I hardly know him.”

The impact of her statement hit her and she felt a lump of sadness rise in her throat. She wished she hadn’t answered. Myra showed pity and put a hand on Lavinia’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. All of us have family issues. Know that you and your family will be the topic of conversation and there are many people who will seek to tear you down with insults to both. It is our job to remain detached from their barbs and give as good as we get.”

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Lavinia looked down, her arms folded as she thought about this. A sinking sensation began in her throat and settled into her stomach. “I don’t think I could do that.”

“Why not?”

She wanted to say “Because I couldn’t be mean like that,” but felt this sounded too arrogant. She struggled for an answer but as the silence began to stretch, she felt herself panicking and her thoughts became jumbled.

Myra smiled kindly. “Is it because you’ve never spoken unkindly to others?”

“Yes! How did you know?”

“I used to be like you. If you grow up in an isolated home with a strong-minded family that doesn’t allow for argument, you tend to be agreeable whether you want to or not.”

Lavinia looked at her new tutor with renewed interest. “What was your family like?”

“A story for another time,” said Myra. “Now, about your lessons. I will be with you at all public events. In addition, I will visit for the first three days in the week to tutor you in etiquette, politics, current events, household management, and run social scenarios with you.”

Lavinia suddenly realized why her father had insisted on her education under Justinius before. None of her old lessons seemed to be part of her new curriculum. A thought occurred to her. “When will I be introduced in public?”

“That will be up to your father, but if I can convince him, as soon as possible.”

“What? Why?” Lavinia’s voice cracked in surprise.

“I believe in learning on the job. You will never know how difficult it can be or how successful you will be until you face the challenges.”

Lavinia stopped, doubt filling her as she confronted her tutor.

Myra stopped and faced her, an eyebrow raised as she asked, “You doubt me?”

“No…I just…do you think I can be ready so soon?”

“Of course not! But you learn as you go. I will be there to help you so no major harm is done.”

“Harm? What kind of harm?”

“To your family name,” said Myra, her expression turning from lighthearted to somber. “We women are the guardians and gatekeepers of our families' names. The men may have the most influence but we can build them up behind the scenes or destroy them by our actions. Even if the men do the worst possible actions, we can still survive through our own work. How do you think the Cantorius survived after the Tyrant almost destroyed their name and their house so thoroughly? The women lived on to change the tide. Granted, they are on the cusp of dying off with no real heirs in sight…but we can’t salvage every situation.”

Lavinia listened in rapt attention. “So…we are just as important as the men?”

Myra laughed. “Oh! No! I wouldn’t say that. But we have our role to play and, if we play it well, we can have a major influence on the game of politics as well.”

Lavinia’s face fell once again. “You sound so confident…in your abilities and your role. I don’t think I could ever be that confident.”

“I pride myself on being ready for any situation, no matter what it is,” said Myra. “With me as your tutor, you will too. Trust me.”

Lavinia sighed. “I will try.”

“As long as you do, you will succeed,” responded Myra. She gestured back toward the house. “I think we can return now if you are ready.”

*

Justinius followed Ardellius down the road, pulled along by his strong grip. “Where are we going?”

“To see Virgilus! He should know about our plans.”

“What? You don’t even know what they are. And I’m not sure we should be sharing them with anyone…”

“Nonsense! A learned man like Virgilus would keep a secret and it would be a shame to realize that there are some things in life he doesn’t know. It would ruin his reputation for sure.”

“Can we slow down at least?”

Ardellius slowed down reluctantly with a groan and began to walk absurdly slow. Justinius sighed and began to walk faster, forcing Ardellius to catch up. Justinius gave him a withering look. “Are you ready to listen?”

“Of course! Talk as we walk.”

As they made their way along the streets of Aquilla toward the mansion of Virgilus, Justinius explained as best he could, all that his father had imparted to him. “It would seem that my father and your uncle have a shared interest in the Aequendar. Even more so, they are interested to see if they know anything about these crystals that have begun to show up.”

“What crystals?”

Justinius frowned in annoyance at the interruption. “It’s…there is a lot to explain. Short version, they are some sort of dark crystals that hold magic and transfer it to people somehow. Don’t ask me, I don’t know how it happens. I guess your uncle has heard stories about them from up north.”

Ardellius snorted. “Superstitious rumors at best!”

“Not so, I’ve seen it…I think. Or something of that nature.”

“Huh? What are you talking about.”

Justinius removed the crystal from his pocket and handed it to Ardellius. “Be very careful with that, please. I got that off of a creature-man thing. I’m not sure what it was. It looked like a northern man who was part tree. I can’t explain it.”

Ardellius partially studied the crystal while looking at Justinius incredulously. “What? You faced a…plant man-creature? Did you kill it?”

“Lumina did.”

“Really? She must be tougher than I thought. So it’s not just an act…”

“No, it isn’t,” said Justinius, taking the crystal back.

“So, why do they think the Aequendar know anything about them?”

“Because, they are the oldest beings on this planet, supposedly here before even men were. If anyone knows something about magical crystals, I think it's a good guess they would.”

“Unless men made them somehow,” said Ardellius, “or gods.”

Justinius rolled his eyes. “Yes. Deities made magic crystals to mess with men’s power-hungry nature. Hopefully, the Aequendar will have a better explanation.”

Ardellius shrugged. “I’m just speculating. Surely that isn’t the only thing they want us to do. You could have done that easily enough yourself.”

“They also want us to study the Aequendar and find any information on them that could…benefit the Aquillans.”

“Oh no…they want us to spy on the Aequendar while we are their guests?”

Justinius shook his head. “That seems to be the summation of it. Find documents and histories, see if they will tell us anything, or just observe them.”

“This is stupid!” said Ardellius. “I’m not going to stick my neck out for them just so they can have some more information on the Aequendar.”

“I think my father just wants to ensure they won’t be a threat to the Republic,” said Justinius, turning down the cul de sac that led to Virgilus’s mansion. “With the election, the Carxandria debate, and a collapsing economy, it makes sense that he would want to ensure he doesn’t have an imminent invasion from the Aequendar to add to the list.”

“You enjoy that,” said Ardellius, stopping in front of the mansion's door and ringing the bell. “But, I will be keeping to myself when I’m there and my uncle can keep playing politics and eat a…”

The door opened and Virgilus stood in the doorway, smiling mischievously. “I sense a good deal of news. Come in! Leave out no detail!”

*

The water of Lake Copiah was choppy, causing the boat to bump and rock about. Catonus Conditius sat beside the High Priest of the Order of Change, looking sick as the boat heaved beneath him. He glanced over at the high priest, a man whose name he still didn’t know. “Was it entirely necessary to visit in the middle of the night?”

The high priest never removed his mask when out in the open. Even on his private boat in the middle of the lake, he kept it on. The moonlight shone off it, its golden unreadable surface causing Catonus to tremble nervously. He still couldn’t believe he was roped into this business of going to them for aid. The high priest didn’t bother looking at him as he responded. “Progress is going better than expected. I wanted to show you what your heart desires.”

Catonus grew instantly alert. “What do you mean?”

“You will see.”

Catonus gazed ahead at the prow of the ship, still holding the statue of the Lord of Change. There was no party on board this time, only a few guards and the rowers. Beyond the ship, he could see them approaching the docks that connected to a private home. Whether this home belonged to the high priest or not was uncertain. But it seemed to be one of his bases of operation. Perhaps he could finally get some of his more pressing questions at last…like what their goals were.

As they docked outside the high priests' mansion, they were greeted by a voice yelling and screaming loudly. Amid the curses, Catonus could just make out a repeated line. “Where are you?! Let me out! I must lead!”

Catonus looked to the masked high priest who didn’t appear concerned. A soldier met them at the dock and said, “He has continued like this since you left. Will you not pacify him?”

The high priest nodded. “I will.” He turned to Catonus, “I am sorry for this delay if you will excuse me.”

“May I accompany you?” Catonus asked.

The high priest studied him silently for a moment then nodded. “If you wish. Say nothing to the man.”

Catonus was led up the stairs of the pier and into a garden that was filled with various exotic blossoms. It was strange to see such a variety within, a myriad of fragrances filling the air. Though he could not recognize most, the few he could were all poisonous varieties if ingested. Why would anyone want such plants in their garden?

As they rounded a crumbling stone wall, he gasped and pulled up with start. There was a man in a cage, dressed poorly, his tunic stained and frayed, and his feet bare. The man had wild dirty blonde hair and fury in his eyes that could not be hidden under poverty.

The man spotted the high priest and pointed.“Ah! There…I demand to be let out! You cannot keep me here! I must lead! You promised!”

“Sebastien, hush.” The high priest knelt beside the cage and stared in at the disheveled man. “You are in no condition to be leading the way.”

“But I was trained for this! My people need me and you promised to help me in my cause!”

“And I have,” stated the high priest. “However, you have yet to prove to me that you would be beneficial for them…or me.”

“What do you mean? You can trust me to do what is right for them!”

“But can you protect them from yourself? Can I trust you not to destroy my work?”

The high priest reached out and took Sebastiens’s chin in his fingers before the man jerked his head away. The man snarled. “I am fully in control.”

“I think not,” responded the high priest. “You are wild, unpredictable…I cannot have you running about destroying my work. You are a loose player on the board.”

“But…my people…” Sebastien slumped back in his cage, burying his bearded face in his hands. “I promised to help them…we are close to an insurrection…”

“And it will happen, without you.”

The man lashed out, striking the cage. “Gods curse you and your endeavors,” he spat. “Let me out!”

“Not just yet,” said the high priest, standing up and turning his back. “Not until I see what you become.”

Sebastien seemed to fume with anger, his eyes growing brighter with an unnatural fire, and he smashed the cage bars. “You don’t want to find out!”

The masked face turned ever so slightly to glance at his captive. “Oh…but I do. Silence yourself before I force your silence.”

“Let me out!”

The screams had barely begun when a gesture from the high priest caused a nearby guard to smash the butt of his spear into Sebastien’s head, causing him to crumple silently. The high priest turned to Catonus and shook his head. “My apologies for that. Shall we go inside?”

“Who is that?” Catonus asked, staring at the unconscious figure.

“No one of consequence. Just a rebel with the fire to lead his people in overthrowing their oppressors. He wanted help, and I offered him power. He agreed to test a crystal upon himself but has been…uncooperative since then. No more about him. You have your own business to discuss.”

They entered the house and the high priest immediately sat in a chair before a fireplace, gesturing for Catonus to take the other. Catonus took it, unnerved even further at the light of the fire dancing across the masked face before him. The hand emerged from the robes to point at a wine bottle beside the chair. “Drink?”

“No, thank you. I would rather ask you some questions and I hope you will be open and honest with your answers.”

“To the best of my ability, Catonus Conditius.”

Catonus leaned forward, pondering the mask as he constructed his first question. “Why this fascination with magic. What do you hope to gain from it?”

The masked face tilted to the side to study his Aquillan host. “That is a more complex question than you know. Tell me, what do you know of magic?”

“Well not that it came in crystals. That mankind used to have it a long time ago but it disappeared as we became more civilized.”

“Then why did the greatest empire, the Caustillian Empire, thrive on magic?”

Catonus scoffed. “It’s a myth and it's what destroyed them according to the stories.”

“One tale of many,” responded the high priest. “Others say natural disasters, other eternal war. That doesn’t matter. Magic is part of our nature. We were wrong to abandon it.”

“That is your personal belief,” said Catonus. “As for me, I am not so convinced.”

“It is why the world is crumbling. We have lost our way. Now change must come. We need to change or we will die. See the empires now. Carxandria will not last, Aquilla is crumbling within, and even the Warathian Empire does not fare as well as they think. Only magic can save the world from the coming destruction. That is my belief.”

Catonus nodded. “I understand. Not that I agree-”

“You do not have to,” said the high priest. “Only see.”

Catonus leaned back, studying the man with further interest. “And your interest in me?”

“I am not,” was the response. “It is you who are interested in me and need my help. Your nation teeters on bankruptcy. They need the wealth of Carxandria and they need it quickly. Is it not so?”

Catonus didn’t answer at first, his face betraying discomfort at admitting the truth. “There are those in the republic who would see this war happen. Some want it for mere honor’s sake, others for revenge. There are a few, however, that recognize the importance of the invasion for the survival of our nation. Not only will it remove a thorn from our side but it will ensure that the wealth of Carxandria will aid in the rebuilding of Aquilla from our past wars.”

“Of course,” said the high priest. “Wars are expensive and your people now suffer for it. The strong will win out in the end. But why do you think this is important to me?”

Again, Catonus hesitated before starting. “You…can get results…yes?”

A figure stepped into the room: a man who was half wolf, his jaw extending with sharpened teeth and his frame hairy and massive. His contorted mouth appeared to grin or perhaps that was simply how he looked Catonus glanced at the high priest uneasily. If the mask could smile, it might have as the figure leaned forward and the fire light cast shadows on the mouth to give it an amused appearance.

“I can bring you results. All we need is the right opportunity.”