Myrkron (Volume Two of The Chronicles of the Myrkron) (32 page)

Michael sighed and nodded.  He was not in the least bit hungry
, but he realized he hadn't eaten all day.  Michael started for the window that Tess always served everyone through.  As he got close to the ring of Weres that had surrounded them, they parted before him, opening a clear path.  As he passed, every single one of them bowed their heads to him.  Micah, Branik and Reek followed Michael through the mass of people.

As Michael approached the window, he saw Miles standing in the opening, watching him with wide eyes.
  “Hello, Miles.  What’s for dinner this evening?”  Michael asked hoping to avoid a lengthy string of questions.

“Are you a king, Michael?”  Miles asked still wide eyed.

“No, Miles.  I am not a king,”

“Are you the Great One?”

Michael nearly choked.  “How could you possibly think that?”  Michael asked in astonishment.

“All those people bowed to you.  People only bow like that to kings or when they pray
, and you said you were not a king,” Miles replied seriously.

             
“I am just Michael, the same as I have always been since you met me.  I am not a god, Miles,” Michael explained gently.

“Then…” Miles began
, but Tess stepped up behind him and placed her hands on his small shoulders.

“It is late, Miles
, and Michael needs to eat and has important things to do; besides you promised to help me with all those dishes, remember?”  Tess said gently turning him from the window.

“Ok,” Miles replied with disappointment as he
walked slowly to the wash tubs.

“Thank you, Tess.  I wasn
't quite sure how to handle that.”

”He is young and doesn’t understand.  He has seen how quickly you have advanced in rank
, and he hears how the other students talk about you.  He sees you as a hero, someone he looks up to.  You have taken the time to talk to him and to listen to him.  You treat him as an equal instead of like a child.  You are his friend, and now he wonders if he should treat you differently.  Seeing important people bow to you and regard you with respect, must make him think you are far too important to be his friend,” Tess explained.

“Wow, you make it sound even more complicated than I first thought,” Michael replied perplexed.

“When you find time, sit with him and talk.  Show him you are still his friend.  No more, no less.”

“You should have your own office.  I think you would make a great teacher,” Michael said sincerely.

“This is my office, and I have been dealing with children for more years than I dare to count.  You pick up a few things along the way,” Tess said handing Michael a tray with a bowl of stew, a piece of buttered bread and a cup of water.

“Thank you again.  I will try to make time to talk to him when I get a break.”
  Michael turned around and looked at Micah.

Micah took him by the arm and led him out of the dining hall and down the corridor to the library at the far end.  At a look from Micah, Reek and Branik took up posts at the entrance.

“No one in,” Micah said softly then followed a still walking Michael.  “Wise lady,” Micah commented as he caught up to Michael.

“So it would seem,” Michael said placing his tray on a nearby table and taking a seat.

Micah pulled out a chair on the opposite side of the table and sat as well.  Michael sat in silence for a few minutes just staring at the tray before him.  Micah allowed him those few minutes of silence.

“Eat before it gets cold.  Rabbit stew it terrible cold
, if I remember correctly,” Micah prompted.

“I’m not sure I can stomach it right now.”

Micah sighed lightly and reached into his pocket and pulled out his silver flask.  He was about to drink from it, but Michael stopped him.

“Please don’t waste it.  Especially on something as trivial as my nerves
,” Michael pleaded.

“Then take care of the nerves yourself.  I know you know how,” Micah replied still holding the flask.

Michael nodded and exhaled slowly, closing his eyes.  “
Alcedonia.” 
Michael’s stomach grew calm, and he felt his mind clear.

Micah nodded his approval and put the flask away.
  “Now eat or do I need to summon Branik in here to feed you?”

“No, no.  That won’t be necessary,” Michael said chuckling.  He knew Micah was serious
, but the sudden vision of Branik wielding a spoon like a sword popped into his head.  Michael tasted the stew.  It was still warm and the spices piqued his appetite.

They sat in silence while Michael finished his meal.  When he was done, Michael pushed the tray to the side and
looked up in shock at Micah.  He began frantically patting his robe searching for the book and glasses.

Micah pulled both from inside his shirt and handed them to a very relieved Michael.

“How did you get them?”  Michael asked in disbelief.

“You do not remember handing them to me as you walked passed in the dining hall?”

“No.”

“Well
, you did.  It was a good thing too, as you seemed to need your hands free to heal those two.”

“Micah, I just don’t know how long I can do this,” Michael told him, staring down at the book.

“As long as you need to, I suspect,” Micah replied, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest.

Michael looked up at Micah with a sour look on his face.
  “That is one of those statements that have a tendency to aggravate more than alleviate.  You have had a lot more time to become accustomed to legendary status.  I’m not legendary nor am I a hero as Tess put it.  I am a man far from home and frankly, I’m scared.  Gods do not get scared, and you and I both know I’m no god.”

“You are wrong, Michael.”

The horrified expression came over Michael’s face once more.  “Don’t tell me you now think I’m a god as well.”

Micah chuckled.
  “No, of course not.  I was referring to your statement that God does not get scared.  I know for a fact that he does.  He fears all the time, for us.  What you are frightened of is not living up to the reputation that everyone has attributed to you.  They have their stories of the great Myrkron from long ago.  Do not be afraid of that, Michael, legends are impossible to live up to.  Take it from one who knows.”

“If it was just a reputation
, it wouldn’t be so heavy of a burden.  If I let everyone down, then we lose,” Michael said in frustration.

“You are ignoring the most important th
ing that King Westan told you.”

Michael looked at him questioningly.

“I understand you had a lot going through your mind, but you need to learn to be more attentive,” Micah chided.  “What he said was that no one man can do everything alone.  He didn’t just say that to hear himself talk.  I mean, he is a king, but I do not get the impression he is a self-absorbed one.  That statement applies to everyone from kings on down or in this case from a Myrkron on down.  I can think of no truer statement.  You are not in this alone.  This war is not riding on just your shoulders,” Micah told him sternly.

“Then why does it feel like it
is?”  Michael asked shortly.

“Because you are making it so.  I’ll admit, King
Westan’s little show out there did not help matters, but he and his people seem to have strong ties to your predecessor.  He only meant to honor you, not burden you further.”

“I know he didn’t mean to cause me distress
, but to hear out loud, from a king no less, that you are the right hand of God is very disconcerting,” Michael explained more calmly.

“Really?”  Micah said with a droll grin.

Michael covered his face with his hands and rubbed his eyes.  “You know, it’s extremely dissatisfying to converse with a man who knows everything,” Michael replied shaking his head.

“Oh, I wouldn’t know.”

Michael laughed, but cut it off as it sounded slightly manic to his ears.

“You should start reading that book while you have the time.  Branik and Reek will make sure you are not disturbed
,” Micah said rising to his feet.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to go to The Slot and check on the situation there.  If I have time before sunrise, I will return.  If not, you know where to find me now.”  Micah pulled his silver flask out and quickly took a drink.

As Michael watched him, he noticed for the first time that a hint of color came into Micah’s usually pale face.  He also thought he detected a flicker of blue surrounding the Avari Lord.  He rubbed his eyes and refocused
, but the blue was gone.  Michael chalked it up to industrial fatigue.

“Be safe.”

“And if you cannot be safe, be more skilled than your adversary,” Micah replied with a wicked grin.  He spoke the words of transport and disappeared from the library.

“Easy for you to say,” Michael called into the emptiness
; then he opened the book and put on the glasses Micah lent him.

Chapter Thirty

Micah materialized in the midst of the command tents in The Slot with Colonel Bastise at his side
; their sudden appearance taking several guards by surprise and raising an immediate alarm.

“Good response time,” Colonel Bastise commented.

“Be glad they were not Avari or you would already have a sword at your neck,” Micah said with a smile.

“I have seen your men drilling.  I could certainly use
the likes of them back in our world.”

“I am afraid, my friend, they would make poor mercenaries.  They have no concept of the weaponry of our world and all the skill in both worlds with a sword will not avail you against a gun.  No, they belong here.”

“It was merely a wishful observation.  I would not take your men away from their world even if they would come.  Micah, I have noticed, your men use no ranged weapons of any kind.  I have seen men with bows and crossbows and elves with bows, but the Avari carry only swords.  Why is that?”  Colonel Bastise asked.

“It is a matter of honor and tradition,” Micah explained.

“I understand,” Bastise replied and let the matter drop.

As they conversed, men had rushed in to surround them and
officers were spilling from their tents.  Commander Salic saw Micah and walked toward him, ordering the men back to their posts.

“Lord Micah, we were not expecting your visit,” Salic said sourly.

“The best inspections are often surprise inspections, General.”

“General?”  Bastise prompted.

“Commander General Salic, may I introduce Colonel Rimel Bastise.  He is a close personal friend of mine and a brilliant military leader.  Colonel Bastise, this is Commander General Salic, commander of the King’s Army of Branna.”

Colonel Bastise stood at attention and saluted Commander Salic.

“Be at ease, Colonel.  Lengthy and official introductions, Lord Micah, what can I do for you?”  Salic asked hesitantly.

“The good Colonel here has been complaining that he is too removed from the action
, and I know you could use another sharp mind.  He is well versed in small raid tactics and undercover operations.  Might you find a place for him?”

Commander Salic looked Colonel Bastise over and nodded.
  “I am sure we can find something for him,” Salic assured.

As Salic finished talking, two Avari came up behind Micah and stopped a respectful distance away.  Without looking back, Micah motioned over his shoulder for them to step forward.  Both bowed and closed the distance.  With his eyes locked on Commander Salic’s
own, Micah gave instructions to the two.

“Trask,
Attis, please take Colonel Bastise and introduce him to the other Avari.  He will be in command in my absence,” Micah told them.

“Yes
, my Lord,” Attis answered.

“Please follow us
, Colonel.”

Micah leaned in close to Bastise and spoke to him in his native tongue.  Bastise was a bit surprised since he didn’t know Micah knew his language
, but he nodded at the instructions and walked off following Trask and Attis.

Commander Salic frowned at the exchange and crossed his arms over his chest.
  “What was that all about?”

“Could we speak privately
, Commander?”  Micah inquired.

Salic sighed heavily and turned, motioning to his tent.  Micah walked passed Salic headed for the tent
, but stopped just outside and held the tent flap open for the Commander.  Once inside, Salic sat down heavily in his chair, indicating Micah should take the chair across from him.

“Now
, you mind explaining why you pop into my command area, scare my men half to death, and wake every man able to sleep?”  Salic asked hotly.

“You have no Avari in the guard around the command center.  That is a grave tactical error on your part
, Commander,” Micah explained calmly.

“Lord Micah, you are a highly respected warrior
, but this is my command,” Salic began.

“And it may very well be your last command if you do not listen to what I have to say
, Commander,” Micah fired back, his voice taking on an authoritative tone that Salic recognized.  His King used the same tone when giving orders he expected followed without question.

Salic calmed himself and bowed his head slightly to Micah.
  “I’m listening.”

“Good,” Micah replied noting the change in Salic’s demeanor.
  “I have no intention of usurping your command.  I merely point out a weakness that Mortow could exploit.  With a couple Avari stationed in the area, anyone trying what I just did will find their lives and plans cut drastically short,” Micah explained.

Salic furled his brow and leaned in a little.
  “Go on.”

“Your men acted quickly and raised the alarm
, but had I been an enemy wizard, they and you would now be dead,” Micah said with finality.

Salic paled a little
, thinking back to what the young wizard Michael had done to all those enemies in the space of a heartbeat.  “I see your point, Lord Micah,” Salic said with a chill.

“That was my intention, Commander.  Now
, as to what I said to Colonel Bastise, I gave him instructions, in the event of your approval, of course, to take a small group of Avari out into the marsh.  They are to conduct raids on scouting parties and to make sure no intelligence makes it back to Mortow.”

“They have
approval, but it may be too late already,” Salic commented.

“Oh?”

“Your two men, Attis and Trask just returned not long ago.  They informed me of their encounter with a twenty man scouting party a few hours run from here.  They managed to kill all but one,” Salic explained.

“
If they encountered scouts that close, then I feel we are about to be in the thick of it.  I had best inform Kantwell,” Micah said rising.

Commander Salic rose as Micah did.  “Lord Micah, will you be fighting with us?” Salic asked hesitantly.

“Nervous, Commander?”

“I’m not afraid to admit it.  One of my long range scouts returned shortly before you arrived,” Salic said lowering his voice.  “We are facing impossible odds here.  He couldn’t give me an actual count of the enemy, but he estimated forty to fifty thousand.  Even defending a narrow pass like this, we cannot hope to hold against that many and the Ogres insist on fighting out in the open.”

“How reliable is this scout?” Micah asked.

“Above reproach.  I have known Rand for a long time, and I have learned to trust him implicitly.”

“
Forty to fifty thousand, backed by magic and reinforced by creatures of legend,” Micah commented reflectively.

“Those are not words that inspire confidence, my Lord,” Salic replied frowning.

“Then hear these words, Commander.  You also are backed by magic and reinforced by legendary warriors.  The Avari are with you.”

“I mean no offense
, but as good as your men are they still number less than one hundred.  Reinforced as we are by the King, we number only seven thousand. Chieftain Karg has brought two thousand and the dwarves have been so decimated that they are only able to field slightly over one hundred warriors.”

“What has happened to the dwarves?”  Micah asked with concern.

“They were attacked within their own lands by ogres; a surprise attack in the night on their city, aided by magic.  According to Axethane Ralk, his race numbers less than three hundred now.  Mortow made sure to take out the source of healers first.  We have three, three to cover all our forces.”

“I will be bringing more Avari to you.  In all we should number
close to five hundred.  Utilize Colonel Bastise. I have told him what to expect and he knows my wishes concerning my Avari.  Give them their orders through him,” Micah said pulling his flask from his pocket.

“As you wish, Lord Micah,” Salic replied.

“Cheer up, Commander.  We are far from beaten,” Micah grinned at Salic as he took a drink from the flask.  Micah spoke the words of transport and was gone from the tent.

Michael looked up from his book as Micah materialized before him.  Reek and Branik had moved into the library with swords drawn and had cover
ed over half the distance before they recognized Micah.  Both sheathed their swords and bowed to their lord.  At a smile from Micah, both men returned to their vigil outside the entrance.

Micah looked questioningly at Michael, having noticed that he
was not wearing the glasses.  Michael returned the look in kind.

“The glasses?”  Micah prompted.

Michael gently slid the little wooden box across the table.  “They were giving me a bad headache so I took them off.  I was trying to relax my eyes when I glanced down at the book and realized I could read it without them.  There are some interesting insights in here.  I can see your frame of mind in what you wrote as I read it.”

Micah sat down opposite Michael and unconsciously pocketed the box containing the glasses.
  “You can read it?  All of it?”  Micah asked stunned.

“Every word.  You were right
, some of the words were completely foreign to me, but as I read more, they became increasingly clear.  The glasses worked perfectly.”

“Michael
, that is not how they work.  They do not teach you the language as you read.  They merely translate it into one you currently understand.  It generally takes me weeks to learn a new language with their aid, and even then it is a difficult process of manual translation,” Micah said incredulously.

Micah spun the book around so he could read it.  He noticed that Michael was nearly three quarters of the way through the book.  He had only been gone about an hour.

“What does this line read?”  Micah asked pointing to a passage on the left-hand page.

Michael glanced at where Micah’s finger indicated
, then looked Micah in the eyes.  “
Knowing what I do now, would I have chosen the same path?  None of it brought Dainy or my sons back to me.  I have become death, and in becoming death I have wreaked upon mankind destruction like no other in history.  I am an abomination that my God can no longer tolerate to look upon.  His very glance burns me like the coals of a forge.
” Michael quoted from memory.

Micah did not need to look at the passage
as he heard his own words repeated to him verbatim.  Micah shook his head in disbelief.  “That is uncanny, Michael.  Do you have a photographic memory?”

“No, well, I didn’t have,” Michael replied with a slight frown as he spun the book around and reread the passage.
  “It must be because I just read it,” Michael offered.

“No, you recited that paragraph perfectly and with exact inflection
; just as if you had written it yourself only minutes ago.”  Micah shook his head again and pushed the mounting questions from his mind.  “Have you learned anything that would be of use?”  Micah asked.

“Many things
.  None that could be used against the Garoliths though.”  Michael cast his eyes down at the table.  “The man who wrote this book no longer exists, Micah.  You know that, do you not?”

“The man who wrote that book sits before you,” Micah replied sharply.

Michael shook his head and looked into Micah’s eyes.  “No, he does not.  The one who wrote this took great pleasure in taking life.  The man who sits before me goes to great length to preserve life.  The Avari are living proof that you are not the same man.”  Michael picked up the book and waved it at Micah.  “The thing that wrote this had no honor and was consumed with a lust for killing and for blood.  I know that I have never met a more honorable
man
than you.  The Avari would never follow the creature that wrote this.  If you cannot find it in yourself to believe you have changed, then you need look no further than the door to find that confirmation,” Michael said calmly.

Micah’s smoldering gaze dropped to the table before him then turned slowly to the door of the library. He could see Reek and Branik standing guard there like two statues
.

“You know, Branik’s grandmother, so far removed as to be uncountable, was the reason the Avari exist today.  She was the first to call me Lord and only the second one in untold centuries to offer me kindness.  Her name was Shane.  It was her cries of terror that brought me to that village so long ago
.  She stood before me, terrified, having witnessed what I had done to the Weres that attacked her people; yet she approached me and offered me food and called me ‘Great Lord’.  Though she bore no physical resemblance, she reminded me much of my Dainy.  Her courage was an honor to her people.  They invited me to stay, not as a protector, but as a guest.  In a way, I never left that little village, though long ago it turned to dust.  I took them to the isle and helped them rebuild.  I became their benefactor and they became my children.  Many years later, when Shane finally passed, I returned her to her village to bury her with her husband and sons who died in the attack that day.  Her surviving son continued her line, and that line stands before me in Branik.  He has her courage and her strength though not her temperance,” Micah said quietly.