Vias et templus para

Sentire sanguinum flexus

Justinius sat quietly, feeling the tension among his fellow Aquillans, as they waited to hear from the Aequendar. No one knew how long they had sat there. After the evening's events, Justinius and his companions had been taken to their quarters by the Aequendar and shoved in. Shortly after, they had been joined by the rest of the Aquillan nobility who were herded into the room with shouts of anger. Laurentius moved directly for Justinius as soon as he entered the room. “What did you do?”

“What did I do?”

“Now wait a minute,” said Ardellius, stepping in. “He didn’t do anything. We just ran into a…well a monster of some kind, and it killed a bunch of Aequendar. It wasn’t our fault. We were innocent bystanders.”

Laurentius looked at Justinius, his eyebrow raised. “How much of this is true?”

“Oh sure, don’t believe the inebriated man,” said Ardellius.

Justinius took Laurentius by the shoulder and pulled him aside. “It’s true. A daemones came out of an exhibit room and attacked us. We barely escaped with our lives.”

“A what?” said Laurentius.

“It was a big-” began Ardellius.

Laurentius shoved him away. “Sleep off the alcohol,” he said angrily.

Ardellius snorted in anger and moved to his bunk. Justinius shook his head. “It was a daemones, a creature from ancient times. Someone must have summoned it here to our world. I don’t know how they could have done that.”

“Forget the how,” said Laurentius. “I’m more concerned with why. Did you antagonize it?”

Justinius couldn’t help himself. “Yes. We antagonized the daemones pet of the Aequendar because we thought it would be funny. No! It attacked us and the Aequendar guards without warning.”

“There were Aequendar with you?”

“Not at first. We heard it before we really saw it. I think it was going for us.”

Laurentius shook his head. “This is bad. We are going to take the blame for it. If no one was there to see it appear except you four then it doesn’t make any difference. They will see us as the ones responsible for summoning it.”

“But why?” asked Justinius. “What would we have to gain?”

Laurentius shrugged. “I can’t pretend to read their minds. Maybe they will think we wanted to cause mischief…or were messing with whatever dark magic they have here in an attempt to discover their secrets. In any case, we need to prepare an argument if we are to defend ourselves…if they will let us.”

And so they talked for some time, through the night and into the day. All day, the two senators sat, waiting for their chance to defend themselves as their fellow Aquillans complained, ranted, only the more sensible appearing scared. It was at the setting of the suns that, once again, the doors finally opened and several guards entered. Falehiem walked in last and beckoned to the two senators.

“Come, you are summoned to defend yourself before the high prince Mephanor.”

Justinius and Laurentius once more found themselves in front of the large double doors to the Aquendar audience chambers. The tension was palpable, filling Justinius with a sense of dread and causing his mouth to become dry. A pang of panic hit him at this. He needed to be in his best form for speaking to high prince Mephanor. He turned to Laurentius who looked pale and said, “You can lead the conversation here.”

He turned to glare at Justinius. “You cannot back out now! You and I both know that you have more skill than you or I are willing to admit, especially with these Aequendar. Lord Falehiem has taken an interest in you and you aren’t allowed to sit aside.”

Justinius looked at him, eyebrows raised in astonishment. “Are you asking for my help?”

Laurentius turned, refusing to meet his gaze. “No…you are simply the one who got us into this mess.”

“Don’t you think we were already a mess before this happened?” asked Justinius.“We weren’t really ingratiating ourselves with the locals, to begin with.”

“This is not the same as rude behavior!”

“I agree,” said Justinius. “Summoning a daemones to get rid of us for rude behavior seems like an overreaction.”

The doors opened and the pair strode in to find the hall once more packed with courtiers in the seats, watching the humans approach the high dais. High Prince Mephanor sat in the center, Falehiem and Wilkias flanking him as before. The scene was so similar to their previous visit the day before that he almost felt like he was reliving the events. Mutters echoed around, stern looks followed them, and the pair bowed once again to the high prince.

“Senators of Aquilla,” Mephanor began, “You were invited by Lord Falehiem as guests into his home to discuss terms of peace and compromise. Instead, you have abused the hospitality shown to you with insolent behavior within the first day and caused the deaths of Aequendae.”

“We haven’t caused any Aequenda deaths,” Laurentius responded. “Any accusation of that nature is without proof.”

“Impudens Wir!” cried Wilkias before cutting short at Mephanor’s raised hand.

The high prince leaned forward in his seat, his fingers laced together and unable to hide the concern on his face. “This entire affair is most troubling. Not only have our people been attacked by our enemy of old, but in pursuit of your people.”

“And you think we were the cause?” asked Laurentius. “Surely you see how this doesn’t make sense.”

“Perhaps not directly,” said Mephanor.

“If you accuse us, state your case and be done with it!” said Laurentius.

Justinius put a hand on his shoulder and stepped in. “High Prince Mephanor, we would know your thoughts on this matter so that we may respond appropriately. What is it you suspect.”

Faleheim’s smile only briefly touched his lips while Wilkias glowered more darkly. Mephanor stared into Justinius’s unwavering gaze and nodded. “It is only fair. I do not suspect you summoned that creature to attack us. If that was truly your intent, not only would you have more control than you did, but it would have been fruitless to summon only one. My greater concern is that you…through some strange means, summoned it out of misguided searching for power. Where were you when the daemones first appeared?”

“In the hallway to our quarters, just before the bridge.”

“Id est quod crystallum est,” said Wilkias.

“It is indeed,” said Mephanor. “That is where we house a museum of ancient paintings and artifacts, including a large crystal. Did you touch it?”

“We did not see it,” said Justinius. “The daemones came from that room though.”

“I see.”

Mephanor sat back as Falehiem took over. “It seems unlikely anyone could summon a daemones from it. We have studied it since its discovery. Nothing indicates they could summon something from it.”

“Nevertheless,” said Wilkias, standing from his seat. “They were near the one object connected with the daemones.”

The two Aquillans looked at him, surprised to hear him speak in their tongue. He stalked toward the edge of the dais to stare down imperiously at them. “I am all too aware you humans have become recently fascinated with the arcane in your world. Rumors among our contacts circulate that certain people seek powers beyond their comprehension. Did you think to come to our home and steal more secrets for yourself?”

“We don’t know what you are talking about,” said Laurentius, his face turning a bright red.

“Don’t you?” Wilkias. “The war in the north sees men of clay with magic springing up. An Ice King that claims power over the people. Carxandria holds rumors as well and was it not in the civil war ten years ago that your so-called “tyrant” sought magic for his crusade? The record for men of clay and their uses for magic does not speak well to your character.”

“So you would blame us for all other humans actions?” asked Justinius. “If you were to question every one of us, you would find no knowledge of magic among us.”

“And yet, men of clay so often lie to get their way,” spat Wilkias. “Were you in my home, I would wring the truth from you and be done with this charade-”

“Wilkias, stat!” said Mephanor.

Wilkias bowed to the high prince, and gave one last look of disdain before saying as he retreated to his seat, “They should be punished. Clementia infirmus agimus.”

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“Perhaps,” said Falehiem. “But they are my guests. I will not harm guests upon suspicions alone.”

Mephanor raised a hand before the two Aequendar lords could continue. “This tact is pointless. What do we know? We know that a daemones, our hated and ancient enemy, was summoned into this world and killed several of our brethren. It is a tragedy we have not had to suffer in centuries and it affects us all strongly. But let us not abandon reason for anger or sorrow. This creature attacked the Aquillans as they wandered our halls. Daemones are known for notoriously turning on those who summoned them if they are not strong-willed enough, but I do not sense this to be the case. I am more apt to believe it a foolish accident on the part of the humans which summoned it where it proceeded to attack all in sight.”

“You are missing another possibility in this case,” said Justinius slowly, thinking it through. “Perhaps…it was summoned by someone who meant us harm.”

“You accuse us now?!” said Wilkias. “What trial is this?!”

“I do not accuse,” said Justinius. “I simply want it to be noted that it chased us, down hallways and across bridges. It seemed determined to find and kill us. If this thing could not have appeared in our world unless summoned, someone must have called it. And since it meant to kill us, it seems likely it was summoned by someone who wanted to do us harm.”

“You think an Aequendar who wished you harm summoned it?” asked Falehiem, his eyes growing distant as if he saw another scenario play in his head.

“Have a care of who you accuse,” said Wilkias.

“It is only fair,” said Falheim, snapping back to the present. “If we lay accusations at their feet without solid proof, why are they not able to do the same?”

“Because neither argument does us any good,” said Mephanor, his voice loud and commanding. “We will deal no more in what if’s, only in what we know.”

Silence fell upon the room as he studied the two senators. “Whether it be by foolish accident or directed attack, I cannot say. But this tragedy has left a bitter taste to your visit and proceedings. Not only have you turned the disdain of others upon your people but you have left us with sorrow in our hearts at the death of our kindred. I think there is little left to speak of here. Return to your homes, Aquillan’s, without a peace agreement but with no enmity toward your people…yet.”

“Surely that decision is up to Lord Falehiem,” said Laurenitus. “After all, we are negotiating with him, not you.”

Audible gasps came from the crowd and Justinius threw a worried look at Laurentius who stood his ground. Mephanor leaned back in his seat. “I speak for all my people when we ask you to leave our lands, including Lord Falehiem. Know this as well, Aquillan. Though we do not treat with you now, we do not forget what goes on out in the world. If these rumors of magic prove to be true…if it should begin to spread and undo everything we have worked so hard to eliminate, then we will have no choice. We must act in preservation of the world and humanity will regret their decision to seek more power than they already possess.”

***

Lumina helped to steer the boat into the harbor of Carxandria just as the first light of day was touching the horizon. It had been a struggle to manage the choppy waves in the dark so they were forced to skim their way around the edge of the lake before reaching the docks. Sebastian did little but sit, shivering on the deck of the boat. He looked terrible, his eyes gaunt and all energy seemed to have left his body when he finally calmed down.

The fisherman was all too pleased to be rid of them and launched his craft out again as soon as they stepped foot off his boat, Lumina helping to guide Sebastian to a warehouse wall where he slumped gratefully. Lumina stared at him warily, on one knee to look into his face but a foot away to avoid physical contact in case he started vibrating again. “Are you alright?”

He nodded slowly, struggling to stand. “I will be. I have to go.”

“What? But you just escaped a cage! You are in no condition to be moving about.”

“I can’t stay here. If I’m not caught again, then I will still be too late to join my companions.”

“Your companions?”

He struggled to his feet and leaned against the wall, eyeing her. “You shouldn’t ask questions. That's dangerous to do.”

Lumina backed up, hands loose by her side and ready to reach for her sword. “I thought we were past threats.”

“I wasn’t,” he said, shaking his head.

“Then what do you mean by that?”

He sighed. “My power. And my quest.”

Lumina had to stifle a laugh that almost escaped her. “Quest? What…what quest?”

“To free my people from their oppressors,” he said. “Don’t ask me anything else. It doesn’t concern you. Your city has its own enemies. But, if you do survive, perhaps we will meet again in the future as allies.”

Sebastian pushed away from the wall and, clutching his side, began his walk toward the city gates. “Beware the cultists of the Lord of Change! Don’t meddle with things you don’t understand. And…good luck.”

Lumina stood, startled into silence before answering, “Of course…Cause be with you!”

She stood by the docks for a while longer, pondering everything that had occurred, before she came to her senses. Not only was there a dangerous cult threatening her city, but she was across the lake from her home and the sun was about to rise. Her family was likely to worry if they woke and didn’t find her there, especially if Ignatius told them about her late night venture.

She shook her head and searched the dock for a ship that would be kind enough to charter her a course back across the lake.

***

Ignatius was putting the finishing touches on his charcoal sketch when his brother Orin came down and stared about, blinking sleepily. “What are you doing up, Ignatius?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” said the young man, sticking his tongue out as he gazed up from his parchment to scan the city of Carxandria through the open doorway. The sunlight rising just above the city’s towers blinded him and he shielded his eyes. He frowned. It had changed back again. It was difficult to draw something when it kept changing.

Orin shuffled to the pantry and returned shortly after with bread. “Have you seen Lumina?”

“She left early,” said Ignatius, focused on his drawing. The smoke had to be just right.

“To go where?”

“I don’t know.”

Orin leaned over his drawing and a scowl darkened his face. “What is this? What are you drawing?”

“What I see.”

Ignatius looked up and saw the scene changed again. He threw up his hands and dropped the charcoal pencil. “It is difficult to draw when it keeps changing though. I just decided to draw the one that scares me the least.”

Orin studied the drawing. Ignatius knew it was not the best but he was still learning. The picture was clear enough though. Orin snatched it up and stared at it, his eyes blazing and yet shimmering. Ignatius did take notice of that. His brother was crying. He had never seen that before. “Orin…what is it? Did I do something wrong?”

Orin looked down at him and cleared his throat. “Is…is this what you see?”

“Sometimes. Sometimes it's on fire and burning to the ground. Other times, it’s just smoking and parts of it are ruined.”

Orin stared back at the picture of the smoking city. “And…is it ever…unharmed?”

Ignatius shook his head. “No. Well, it is when I can see it normally. It's…very confusing. I can’t always tell what’s real and what isn’t.”

Orin’s gaze grew distant and his expression dropped into an agony of sorrow. Then, almost as quickly, it hardened. “We will see.”

He tossed the paper down and marched toward the docks. Before he left, he turned back to say, “If you see anything different…let me know.”

Ignatius sat confused. It was the first time his brother had ever taken the time to ask about his visions or show any interest in their belief. He watched his brother board their small sail boat and head toward the city.

***

Augustina Ambitious watched her husband, Rufus, nervously pacing about the atrium as she sat listening. He was sardonically detailing the recent set of elections. “That last round was closer than I would have liked. Since when have the populace started listening to radicals on the extremes who come from questionable backgrounds?”

“Since they have been made grand promises by the candidates,” said Augustina. “They are tired of the status quo. They want a change.”

“Change,” scoffed Rufus. “Do they even know what that would mean?”

“Something grand in their minds, I’m sure,” said Augustina.

Rufus shook his head. “We all know that Antoninus is going to get their affection with grand promises of returning land to them and offering more programs. I just can’t believe Alexus Dignius is gaining so much popularity. His policies are nothing but bloodthirsty rants and grand promises of giving them more wealth…with no explanation how.”

“I know, my dear. As I said, grand promises and passionate speeches go a long way to sway fools.”

“Yes, but your father should know better! The fact that he wants me to run as Consul alongside that lunatic…it's absurd. It’s insulting! What does he see in that man?”

“Another puppet,” said Augustina. “He will push for his extreme policies but will get the slightly less extreme pass that my father wants. They will seem tame in comparison.”

“I won’t work with him,” said Rufus, pausing in front of her. “How was your last conversation with Corbenus Honerius?”

“It went well. He and I are coordinating drops of money for the local leaders to encourage their campaign efforts.”

“Excellent. And your father doesn’t suspect?”

“Not at all. He thinks I am tame to his every whim still. My sister might be a bigger problem.”

Rufus shook his head. “Why? What interest would she have?”

“None if it were just politics,” said Augustina, pursing her lips in annoyance. “But Lesbia is not one to pass up showing me up. She has been jealous since we were children. Any chance to hurt me or make me look poor in my father’s eyes gives her delight. She can’t help it.”

“Does she suspect anything?”

“Maybe. If she does, she hasn’t made her move yet. I will be careful with my task and make sure I am not seen.”

Rufus sighed and took her hands. “Good…good. Make sure the servants don’t talk either. Threaten them with punishment and offer rewards if they remain silent on all internal affairs of this house.”

“It is already done.”

He smiled and sat beside her, putting an arm around her waist. “How did I get so lucky, to have a brilliant woman as my wife and partner?”

Augustina smiled and kissed him, whispering, “By being charming, handsome, and a brilliant and ambitious man yourself. I wouldn’t have settled for anything less.”

“Then I shall work never to disappoint you,” he said, pulling her in and kissing her again.

Augustina pulled away after a moment, staring at him. “You are sure Horatius can be trusted though? That he is willing to work with you as Consul?”

“He and I want similar things,” said Rufus. “A strong arm to stabilize the empire.”

“And what of Carxandria?”

“One of the few things we disagree on. I would rather we take it for Aquilla, with all its riches, to bolster our failing economy. Horatius doesn’t seem interested in it at all. In fact, I’m not sure what he plans to do.”

“He still houses the diplomat,” said Augustina. “Perhaps he intends to extend a peace treaty with them?”

“Withdrawing our troops would be good for us,” said Rufus. “But I don’t see the benefit in any other way.”

“I didn’t say he would act to our benefit,” commented Augustina.

Rufus pulled her in again and she rested her head on his shoulder. “No, Horatius never does anything that is not for the good of Aquilla. He even abandoned much of his family for that goal. Whatever his decision, it will be to the benefit of our nation…or as he sees it anyway. One thing I know for certain, the matter with Carxandria is going to have to be settled once we are in office. There is no way it can continue as it is.”

“So it will be war then?” she asked, looking up at him.

He stared at something she couldn’t see as he nodded. “If I have any say in it, yes. It will be a war.”