C8(2) "History"

"History"
(WC 1313)

In truth, though, the king's real reason for naming his daughter had nothing to do with the protector herself. You've heard me mention the ancient book, well, it's the real reason the king chose to name her so.
“Years ago, before Tiala was even born, King Solonom discovered an ancient manuscript buried deep within the King's vault. It was apparent to him that nobody had read or even seen this book for a very long time, so he was naturally very curious about it. Through studying it, the King was able to discover many facts about our past which were quite different than what tradition would tell us. Now, normally nobody would know about this book or what it holds, because the King has kept it hidden away for years in fear of what the scholars might say about it but Tiala here, being a true daughter of the King, caught sight of this book one day and was also overcome by curiosity.”
Jaltizhetobek winked slyly at Tiala, who giggled lightly. “She stole the book away from the King for a time and delved into its secrets. And then she shared it with me, which was a great privilege and honor,” He bowed slightly before continuing.
“The book says many fantastical things. Much of it is difficult or impossible to read, but there are newer sections which chronicle many of the events surrounding the creation and demise of the Ancient Kingdom. Now, to be fair, there really isn't very much that's known about the Ancient Kingdom. We have our traditions and our opinions, sure, but true facts are few and far between.
“I think this is because there are so many different sides to the issue. Each of our three kingdoms has its own opinion about the Ancient Kingdom and tradition holds that the kingdom split because of these differences. Our ancestors couldn't see a way to live all together as one kingdom with so many different ideals floating about between them. That's why there was no great war or cataclysm which caused the separation of the Ancient Kingdom. All we know is the nobles came together in Calugress and mutually agreed to go their separate ways.
“The Jaltikij wanted nothing to do with the mages for some reason. Something about the dealings of Dour Gujhest had angered that entire faction, so they wanted to create a kingdom free from mages, a place where people could live and grow and develop without the influences of magic. It's a tradition that still continues today, as you know well, which is why poor Mesyth here has never set foot in our fair city and why she must be subjected to the noble's endless inquiries
“The Ortakij weren't particularly upset about anything, it seems. They were the faction that most desired to see the Ancient Kingdom continue. The Ortakij claimed to have the true King as their leader and wanted things to stay the way they had been for years. But it was not to be. Seeing that their beloved Ancient Kingdom would last no longer, they clung to the second prophecy as a vision of their future. They choose to believe that one day the true King – whose very heir rules over their lands – will reunite the three kingdoms once again in a new age of peace and prosperity.
“The Sinzakij did not trust the claims of the Ortakij and they did not like the way the Jaltikij shunned the mages. It was the Sinzakij, I think, who felt most strongly that a split in the Ancient Kingdom would serve everyone's interests best. I don't think the Sinzakij ever really wanted to see the kingdom divided, but they were able to recognize the vastness of the gaps forming between the three factions. There is a certain sense of wisdom in their call to draw up border lines and allow each side to take some time and 'clean their wounds' so to speak.
“But the ancient book sheds some more light on what happened at Calugress. Not a lot more, mind you, there are still many things left unsaid but it does give a deeper sense of why it was so important for these three groups to separate. You see, there was actually some kind of conflict that erupted within Calugress between the nobles. I don't know if it was just a friendly row or if more serious things were going on behind the scenes, but the ancient book says that many nobles were lost or killed almost over night because of this great argument. So, the truth is the nobles came together after this tragedy and decided they had to do something to prevent any more people from dying. It seemed the very heart of the kingdom was torn out overnight when they stopped working together and started attacking each other instead.
“Anyway, that's not really the point I was trying to get to. The really interesting thing the ancient book speaks about is the name of the Ancient Kingdom. Have you ever wondered why we are always calling it that? 'The Ancient Kingdom.' It seems so formal and nondescript. Well apparently naming the kingdom had become a big issue with the nobles back in those days. Something had happened which caused their king to decree that they would no longer use their true name – which was the Philosus. I don't know what it was, the book doesn't mention the event specifically, but there was something that happened which grieved them so much they were willing to give up the name which was their birthright. So, for many years they had no name and they sort of seemed to drift aimlessly. The book makes a point about how lost the kingdom was without a name to unite it. This continued until King Machal decreed that the kingdom would be known as Tiala – a new name to unite its people under a common cause.
“Apparently this Tial had done something for the Ancient Kingdom – stepped in somehow and saved it. Because she had done so much for them, King Machal wanted to honor her name and her legacy. There is even talk of an enormous temple which was to be constructed in her honor, so the people could come together and worship Tial, but they must have thought better of it, because there is no temple or even remains of a temple for Tial. It's all for the best, I suppose, since Tial isn't really a deity she probably wouldn't care much for people worshipping her anyway.
“But that's the real reason why Solonom named his daughter what he did. He, like many Kings before him, longs to see the three kingdoms reunited as one, setting aside their differences. He simply took the name King Machal had chosen and gave it to his daughter as an expression of the longing in his heart. It was also a very clever name to give to the daughter who would one day unite the Sinzakij and Jaltikij kingdoms through marriage. With two of the kingdoms linked as they will be, who is to say what the future may hold? Perhaps we will see the second prophecy come true after all.”
Jaltizhetobek stood abruptly after saying this and peered out his window. Mesyth was unsure why, since it was too dark outside to discern anything anyway. But he seemed contemplative, so neither one of the girls wanted to interrupt him. Then he yawned and turned back toward them.
“It is late, ladies, and you should be tucked away safely within the castle. Come, I will escort you back.”
Tiala looked a bit disappointed and Mesyth wondered how many stories she had hoped to hear that night. Neither one of them offered any objection, though. Silently, they stood and followed the burly blacksmith out the door and back to the castle.

C8(1) "History"

"History"
(WC 1481)

“Why were you named Tiala?”
Tiala stopped short at the question. They had been sneaking along the wall of one of the castle's courtyards, but the absence of guards had emboldened Mesyth to ask the question which had been bothering her of late. Indignant that the Jaltikij nobles had locked her new friend away in one of the castle's towers, only letting her out when they wished to ask questions, Tiala had insisted upon sneaking Mesyth away from the castle grounds to show her the city of Calugress. Mesyth objected weakly, but her desire to break the monotony, coupled with her intense curiosity about Calugress had made her resistance weak and half-hearted. This was the fifth evening they had stolen away late in the night.
Tiala was fearless, curious about everything and bold enough to poke and prod until she learned what she wanted. Normally Mesyth would have been scared to lurk through the alleyways of the city so late at night. Calugress was well managed, but no city was entirely devoid of criminal activities. Unsavory characters of all sorts could be seen conducting their evil affairs once the sun had disappeared from the horizon. However, Tiala handled herself with a singular confidence, brandishing her sword aggressively. She had assured Mesyth it would be acceptable for her to use magic on any attackers if they were placed in a dangerous position, but so far nobody had dared to approach them.
“I know some reasons,” Tiala said softly, not turning to look at Mesyth, “Why do you ask?”
“Well,” Mesyth collected her thoughts quickly, “In the temple at Mount Isteray, Tial is a well-known name, but it is not a good name. As priests, we were taught many things about the evils of Tial. We were taught to fear her return. Your name means 'of Tial' and I wonder why.”
“What do the mages say about Tial?” The princess asked after a long pause.
This was an unexpected question. Mesyth had to think about it. “I can't remember the mages ever speaking of Tial.” This suddenly seemed strange to her.
Tiala nodded as though Mesyth had answered her own question, but the young mage was still confused. She wondered if the princess was going to explain herself.
“I want you to meet a friend of mine,” Tiala spoke up again, resuming her walk along the courtyard wall, “Arnold Jaltizhetobek – a blacksmith of Calugress – he'll answer your question best.”
Mesyth stifled another question in her throat, thinking it best to wait until Tiala had answered in her own way before asking any more questions.
Arnold Jaltizhetobek was a huge man, larger than anyone Mesyth had ever met before. His appearance suited his trade well, she thought, taking note of how easily he wielded the massive hammers of a blacksmith. He let out a jolly laugh upon opening his stable doors and seeing Tiala there to greet him.
“Welcome young princess and friend.” He said, smiling broadly. “How can I assist my king's most favored daughter this evening?” The light of amusement danced plainly behind his eyes as he beckoned for them to come in before he closed the door.
“Meet Mesyth, mage of Dour Gujhest,” Tiala giggled with a flourish, but Jaltizhetobek's amused demeanor faded swiftly to seriousness.
“You have stolen the mage from the castle?” He asked earnestly.
“Well, I couldn't just let her sit there and stare at the walls all day...” Tiala put her hands on her hips authoritatively and frowned a little. “I thought you would be excited to meet a mage.”
Jaltizhetobek smiled again. “That I am, your majesty. That I am.” He looked at Mesyth, who stood shyly by the door. “She's a tiny thing.”
“Tiny but strong!” Tiala piped up, “She could defeat you as easily as swatting a bug!” Mesyth doubted this, but it elicited a jovial laugh from the massive Jaltizhetobek.
“That she could,” He agreed, moving back to his anvil to douse a chestplate he had been working on when they came to his door. “But you should both be careful. Without the king's protection... there are many here who would like to hurt this poor girl.”
Mesyth shuffled uncomfortably.
“Her name is Mesyth.” Tiala said, “She grew up in the temple at Mount Isteray and she wants to know why I would be named after the famous evil Tial.”
Jaltizhetobek stopped and looked again at Mesyth. “You were raised by the Eclosei yet you became a mage?” He seemed surprised. Mesyth didn't blame him for that, she knew she could never return home after such a betrayal. Jaltikij distrust of Dour Gujhest paled in comparison to the hatred she had grown up with.
“The Eclosei believe a great many things are evil.” Jaltizhetobek said after a pause. “This is their job.” He frowned, then smiled, then frowned again as he thought. “They aren't always wrong, you know, when they say something is evil. But, they aren't always right either.”
Mesyth nodded in agreement. She hadn't placed much trust in the teachings of the Eclosei. “I only wondered what is significant about this Tial. I know nothing of the name except that the Eclosei believe it evil.”
Jaltizhetobek nodded again. “I grew up in the Ortakij kingdom, did you know that Tiala?”
The princess laughed, “You tell me every time I come here.”
“Well, my father claimed a piece of land north of Celeukra, in territories held by the Ortakij before the great northern assault stole it all away from us. When we lost our home to the conflict, I was very bitter and angry at our enemies for what they had done, but my father laughed at me for it. He taught me to have more understanding for the clans of the north. See, they struggle just to eat every day. They fight amongst themselves and live in danger and desperation. To them, we are the evil ones – we have stolen more from them than they can ever take back. My father said we ought to pity them. Their unwillingness to form a treaty of peace with our kingdoms has condemned them.” Jaltizhetobek nodded to himself, his head bobbing up and down while he agreed with what he had just said. Mesyth found this trait amusing and it placed her at ease.
“See, there are always two sides to every struggle. We can see and understand our side clearly, because it's ours. We feel right and justified in what we have done and what we are planning to do because we understand our reasons. Our enemies are the same way. They feel right and justified in what they are doing because they have their reasons – reasons we may never understand. Just calling our enemies evil is convenient, but wrong. The Eclosei have stopped wondering what the reasons for things are. If they disagree, they just call it evil.”
Tiala found a nearby seat and Mesyth joined her.
“Tial has been called a deity – a goddess – but it is not true. King Solonom knows this and he wants to honor her memory because nobody else will. Our ancestors revered her because of her great power. They did not hate her as the Eclosei teaches now. You may have heard that she is a goddess, yes?” Jaltizhetobek looked at Mesyth, who nodded. “According to the ancient book, she is a protector. The gods are subject to her as are we. She possesses ultimate power over everything in the world – not to rule it as the gods would, but to protect it from chaos.”
Jaltizhetobek pulled a chair of his own over so he could sit and talk to them. “If the manuscripts are true, and she possesses ultimate power, then why would she allow herself to be maligned so by mankind? If her desire was to rule over us, then where is she? There are only two conclusions a reasonable person can come to. Either she is not all powerful like the manuscripts claim and the teachings about her are lies or she is not evil like the Eclosei claim and something has caused her to hide herself from us.
“Do you know why the Eclosei teach Tial is evil?” He asked without waiting for an answer, “It is because she neutered their deity, Smilles. She took some great power away from him. The Eclosei teach she did this just to spite them and make their cause suffer in the world. But this doesn't make sense. She is described as the protector, so if she did take power away from their god, it must have been because he was trying to misuse it. She punished their god and now they are pouting about it.”
Jaltizhetobek smiled broadly. “You ask why Tiala is named after Tial as though this were a bad thing. I can think of no better name to be given.

C7 "North"

"North"
(WC 2371)

“What do you know of the tribes?” Chulon sat with Katarine. It had been years since they patrolled together, but their comradery held fast. He knew that she would have valuable insight to help him in his attempt to infiltrate the clan structure to be found in Vechtazul.
“We know they are not very suspicious of newcomers.” Katarine said after some thought. “We have placed a few scouts in their ranks and the transition has always gone easily. I don't think they expect any of us would leave the comforts of home in favor of the harsh conditions they live in.”
There was something about Katarine's voice that gave Chulon reason to doubt what she was saying. It wasn't that he felt she was lying to him, he simply sensed she was holding something back.
“There's more to it... what else?” Chulon was blunt. Katarine had initially trained him in Laethecna. It seemed a natural course, he was the only one who had survived their mutual encounter all those years ago. He felt they still shared a certain bond because of it though. There was a respect Chulon had for Katarine which would never wane.
“You should know that most of our scouts have never returned.” Katarine looked him squarely in the eye. “They are accepted and they do fine for a long time. Many of them report very important things which help our defense greatly, but.... The longer they stay up there, the more likely it is they will just... disappear.”
“Disappear?” Chulon furrowed his brow at the vagueness. She wouldn't be vague unless there were truly no reason to speculate about what had happened to their scouts. “Do they become sympathetic? Or are they discovered?”
“I believe they are discovered. It doesn't make sense after all the time they spend in the group... they always report acceptance and companionship. We have tried many different means of introducing them to the life up there, exhausted all of our tactics. Somehow, they always lose contact and then they are gone. We send more scouts, but nobody ever sees these missing again.”
Chulon was starting to believe Pinmey's fantastic accusation about a magical society working within the bounds of the northern tribes. Katarine wouldn't make something like this up.
“Do you think there is another force at work... something more powerful and... insightful than the clan leadership?” He baited her, hoping to discover if the Ortakij knew anything of this society Pinmey had told him about. But Katarine shook her head in bewilderment.
“If there is something else at work in the northlands, we have never seen evidence of it. I don't know what it is, but scouting up there is a suicide mission. We don't ask our men to do it any more. Only those who volunteer are sent.”
Chulon sighed. He was hoping to glean some useful information before attempting to infiltrate the clan structure in Vechtazul, but so far he had only encountered fear and resistance to his plan.
“If there is something at work within the tribes, I will find it Katarine. I will find it and get out.”
Now it was Katarine who sighed. Chulon was capable, more capable than any of the scouts they had sent so far. But what he desired was a terrible risk. He represented a resource that the Ortakij could use. She felt strongly that if he wanted to re-engage the fight against the north, there were better ways to go about it. But she sensed there were things Chulon was holding back. He had motivations unspoken which drove him to this course. She could not approve, but there seemed little to be done to stop him. He had always been a stubborn one.
“If you must go, there are two things you should know.” She said at last, resigned to this unfortunate course. “Start with the tribe of Gulala. Our scouts there have always lasted the longest. But don't stay there. Move to different tribes. Stay moving. Don't settle in any one place too long. The only pattern I have seen is that once our men stop moving, they stop reporting back.”
It wasn't much, but it was a starting point. He had already relieved himself of all the valuables he carried. The things which held special meaning for him, he gave to Katarine for safe keeping. There wasn't much, just an old ring and the medallion he had earned from the Ortakij for surviving a demon attack. Katarine promised they would be waiting for him when he returned. Valuables of any sort would immediately raise suspicion from the clans. Nobody in the north had the means to possess such things.
Chulon decided to stay in Guervin for a few more days. Katarine had many stories to tell and if the clans were as dangerous as she was indicating, he felt it wise to enjoy what could be his last days in the civilized world. One of his favorite places in Guervin was atop the Ridgewall, so named because it overlooked the Ridge of Kemolen. He did not know who Kemolen was or what the significance of that ridge had once been, but the name had been passed down diligently through the generations. Chulon assumed it had more meaning to the northern clans who once ruled this region.
As he stood atop the Ridgewall and gazed out over the vast expanse that was Guervin, its five districts and magnificent heart, Chulon was amazed that a society as disorganized and chaotic as the clans were could have come together and manufactured such a marvel. Some said the magnificence of Guervin rivaled the beauty of Calugress. Chulon disagreed, much preferring the beauty of Calugress' intricate architectural feats, but even history showed kings of the Ancient Kingdom giving Guervin preference.
The city certainly offered more protection than Calugress. The latter was built piece by piece, slowly spreading across the Chixsin Plateau. Calugress lacked Guervin's high walls and protected gates. Sometime in the distant past one of the Jaltikij kings had decreed that a defensive wall be built around Calugress, but it was not integrated into the city and it lacked the feeling of strength that Guervin's outer wall exuded. The Ridgewall stood out from the rest of the city's sense of power, rising above the strong heights of the other, simpler walls. The Ridgewall was wide and arched, making a smooth curve around the city from its southern tip to its eastern reprise. As it made the journey from point to point, it rose smoothly into the air from the junction with the southern wall and then sunk down again to meet the eastern wall. Punctuating the length were three towers. What purpose they had originally served was unclear, but they were definitely part of the original design. It was the towers which had first revealed the hidden glories of the Ridgewall to Chulon. They were used now by Dour Gujhest to house its mages. The southernmost tower was for the Red, the middle one for the White and the northernmost tower was reserved for Ortakij emissaries. Once, Chulon had defined himself as a powerful White mage. When he visited Guervin for the White Council, he would stay there in the tower reserved for White Mages. It was well appointed and comfortable in that tower, which made it little surprise to Chulon that so few of the White ever bothered to venture upward onto the Ridgewall. Those who did, though, would always find time to return. He technically had no right to be on the Ridgewall now, but nobody would bother to question his presence.
Legend spoke of a great deity who had constructed Guervin for the tribes, as a place where they could come and settle their disputes. It was supposedly this same deity who had saved the Ancient Kingdom from falling into turmoil on countless occasions. It seemed there could be no other way this magnificent city would have ever existed, so hard was it to believe the clans could have accomplished it. But Chulon had his reservations about the legends surrounding this supposed deity. She was said to be a protector, given supreme power over all of the world, but if that were true why had she not been seen or heard from for hundreds of years? All gods made themselves known, from the greatest to the least among them. Chulon couldn't believe in some fantastical governor who never bothered to govern. Hard as it was to imagine, the clans had somehow come together in Guervin. Perhaps the power which had been invested into the creation of this city was the same mysterious power which was ferreting out the Ortakij scouts in the northlands. Perhaps there was more to the northern clans than any in the Southern Kingdoms had yet dared to imagine.
What would he find in the Vechtazul Solace?

-[ ]-

Several months in the tribe of Gulala had revealed many interesting things to Chulon. He had almost immediately confirmed the source of demons to be at the heart of the tribes somewhere. Gulala was at war with the neighboring tribe of Lom and he was almost immediately accosted by stories of demon attacks occuring even in the northlands. Apparently the leadership in Gulala believed the demons were coming from the tribe of Lom, which had long sought to overthrow them. Gulala survived by virtue of its size, but Lom was making distressing headway against them in recent months.
There was not much more to be learned from Gulala, they knew very little about the demons themselves. Chulon was not sure if the accusations leveled against Lom were accurate or simply guesses prompted by recent losses. Either way, it seemed apparent the tribe of Lom would be the best move for him as he continued his search. Evidence of demonic attacks was plainly visible throughout Gulala's holdings, leaving little doubt in Chulon's mind that he was closing in on the source.
Chulon feared bridging the gap between Lom and Gulala would be difficult, wondering if some hatred between the two clans would prove to be a roadblock. These fears were unjustified, though. Lom welcomed any who would defect into its fold, more than happy to drain resources from their enemy in any way possible. Chulon noted that survival was more important than origins, a tool he knew he could use effectively as he sought to uncover their secrets.
The clans were not as disorganized as Chulon had come to believe. Most of them maintained clear borderlines and established small towns across the countryside. These villages were transient affairs, constantly vulnerable to attack, but if a clan managed to put its neighbors on the defensive, as Lom had done, it would secure as much safety for itself as could be expected. None of the clans respected any other, though temporary treaties seemed to come and go with great regularity. Lom was currently allied with the two tribed of Plooryt and the tribe of Suspralty in their fight against Gulala, but Chulon witnessed firsthand many instances where members of Lom were almost openly plotting against their own allies, making plans for a new war after Gulala was defeated. It seemed to be an endless cycle. All of the clans were constantly locked in battle against each other for some measure of dominance. But there was no dominance to be had. Each clan could sustain a certain amount of power, but no more. Once they grew to a certain size, the clans would fracture from the inside out, splitting into different, new clans which were divided by their own separate interests. These divisions would eventually form into new official clans which would then proceed to war against each other all over again.
There was no rule of law to govern these groups and no central ideal to strive for. They simply chased after whatever appeared most attractive to them at the time. From his dealings, Chulon could clearly see that the clans did not recognize or understand their need for unity and laws because they constantly blamed all of their problems on the kingdoms to the south. In their opinion, if the southern kingdoms did not exist then there would be ample land and supplies to save them all from the cycle of war. Chulon shook his head inwardly at the purposelessness of their endeavors. Nothing Lom or any of the other tribes did would have any meaning or lasting value.
The quickest path to the inner circles and secrets of the clans was through service and displays of power. This was a benefit to Chulon, because he could easily climb the ranks to fame through the clans' incessant battles. It was not long before the leadership of Lom began to take notice of Chulon's incredible battlefield prowess. They showed favor by thrusting him relentlessly into more and more battles. It was primitive, but it served their needs, and he was willing to do what was necessary to work his way into their confidence. He felt comforted in his actions when he reminded himself that all who fell before him on the field of battle were ultimately members of the clans of Vechtazul. Anyone he killed would be one less marauder to harass the northern border of the Ortakij kingdom.
He continued for several months in this way within the tribe of Lom, helping their interests and ensuring they succeeded in all their warlord set his mind to. With the trained expertise of a Laethecna at their back, Lom made new headway against the tribe of Gulala. Chulon had hoped to see them unleash a demon or get some sense of where such attacks stemmed from, but his own prowess seemed to supersede any need the tribe might have for such assistance. This bothered Chulon until he made up his mind to move on from the tribe of Lom and pursue a relationship with one of the tribes further to the north, perhaps one of the eight tribes of Kier-Ree-Tan, which were the most unknown to the soldiers of the Ortakij. Perhaps it was time for some added risk.
Before he could make this move, though, things changed drastically for Chulon.

C6 "The Court..."

"The Court Of Calugress"
(WC 3603)

It was not a long trip from the heart of Dour Gujhest to Calugress, but the diplomatic caravan took their time in getting there. Once Mesyth had spoken with Viligau to accept her release only a few days were available for readying her for her first experiences with the Jaltikij. The White Council seemed especially concerned, not really knowing what to expect from the Jaltikij. A few of the White seemed to know more about the affairs of the Jaltikij because they had been directly involved in making advisements on the political affairs of the Sinzakij, whose relationship with the Jaltikij was open and friendly. King Esric Sinzakij highly valued the assistance of the mages and kept several close to his throne. Still, none of the mages had ever dealt with a Jaltikij noble directly or been allowed to do so.
It seemed that many in the White Council wanted to use the few days they had to fill Mesyth's head with all sorts of information and carefully planned responses, but Viligau stood in the gap for the young mage in all of these matters, reassuring her time and again that she need only be honest about what she knew and everything would be alright. The whole process went by in a blur, but Delyth stayed by her side and kept her calm until the day they departed.
It was hardest for Mesyth to say goodbye to her mother. It seemed unfair to finally get to see Delyth again after all of these years only to be whisked away on an errand of such great importance. She did not know when she would be able to see her mother again or how long she would be expected to stay with the Jaltikij. The gravity of her mission had not yet overtaken her mind either, allowing her to focus on one sadness at a time. Finally, she departed from the White Council in the heart of Dour Gujhest and traveled to the southernmost tip of the rim of Dour Gujhest. There her mage entourage connected her with the diplomatic caravan and said their goodbyes. It was not until this moment that Mesyth realized she would be the only mage making this journey.
She was surrounded by rough men, soldiers mostly, who protected the traveling diplomats. Thankfully there was no call for her to be social. The diplomats and soldiers showed little interest in the mage under their charge, offering her a carriage of her own to ride in, separate from the others. They brought her food and drink regularly, but otherwise ignored her presence altogether. This did not seem strange to Mesyth, who rather preferred the solitude of this arrangement. She was not in the mood to familiarize herself with a group of strangers and felt far more comfortable confining herself to the protection of her carriage walls. Being cut off from all that was familiar to her was difficult enough.
Mesyth decided with firmness, as they plodded across the countryside, that she would work hard and perform all the tasks required of her. She began to take comfort in the importance of her position. The levity of it all made her wonder why the Jaltikij were suddenly so interested in getting to know more about the mages. What had changed? Were they in need of assistance? Did they wish to establish a magic school of their own? What had prompted their desire to build new relationships with Dour Gujhest?

-[ ]-

“Mages aren't allowed into the Jaltikij kingdom. How does that make you feel?” The questioning had started almost immediately after Mesyth arrived. She was given a small chamber not far from the meeting hall where she would discover most of her work was to take place. The caravan had arrived late at night and Mesyth was allowed only as much rest as she could steal before dawn.
The Jaltikij treated her in a gruff manner, sending a stoic guardsman to knock on her door first thing in the morning and escort her directly to the meeting hall. She had yet to see much of the famed city of Calugress. Having heard stories of its beauty, she was hoping to have an opportunity to explore the city, but she was locked away within the castle walls. Her window was a thin slit through the stone that overlooked nothing more spectacular than another castle wall; blank, cold and hard.
There wasn't much time to be disappointed about this, though, because the Court of Calugress required almost constant attention. The Court itself was nothing impressive, just a semicircular table governed by five noblemen. Mesyth could barely remember their names, but after a couple days she had started to get the hang of it. One of the five was obviously compassionate toward her and often rephrased questions in a more comforting way to help her through the process. She remembered his name first and most easily, because Jorit actually seemed to care about her.
There was another who was very loud, but generally happy, and Mesyth found him very amusing. His name was Tomal, but he rarely asked any questions of substance. He seemed mostly interested in what the food and quarters were like in Dour Gujhest. He asked repeatedly about the availability of ale, a question which struck Mesyth as immediately odd, but she was so well humored by his apparent seriousness that she laughingly responded that there was no ale to be had in Dour Gujhest except under special circumstances.
Her giggling was cut short, though, by the harshest of the five. His name was Calte and he quite obviously did not like Mesyth or trust her in any way. He did most of the questioning throughout, repeating many of the inquiries multiple times every day she sat before them.
The other two were harder to remember. One was Kurshid. He seemed largely disinterested in the whole affair. Oftentimes he would arrive very late, walking in casually after Calte had already been hammering away at the same questions for several hours. Kurshid always looked bored, but he did occasionally ask a bizarre question or two, mostly his inquiries frightened Mesyth, but she tried to stay calm and honest. The fifth had been called Intath, but Mesyth often forgot his name. He simply sat in silence, staring at her all day long without saying a word. Truthfully, Intath was the one she feared the most, because of his silence. There he sat, day after day, just looking at her with no expression on his face.
The entire day was not consumed with only questioning Mesyth. Occasionally, the Court would have her sit aside and watch silently as they brought in one of the Sinzakij diplomats and asked them some questions about affairs of state. The noblemen of the Court took some pains to be kinder and more compassionate to the diplomats, setting a stark contrast to their treatment of Mesyth. They would often ask baited questions about the relationship between the Sinzakij politics and Dour Gujhest, but Mesyth was comforted by the shrewd answers that were always offered by the diplomats. Apparently they were very familiar with the Jaltikij mistrust of the mages and well versed in quieting these fears.
“It makes me feel a little sad, but I have always been taught it is my duty and responsibility to respect the wishes of others.” Mesyth answered. They had asked this question over and over again. In some ways it was becoming routine for her, she knew the answers she would give before they even finished asking the question.
“What are you capable of?” This question came from Kurshid, surprisingly, and it was one she had not heard before. Mesyth took a moment to compose her thoughts.
“Sir, I am only a young student in Dour Gujhest so my abilities are not yet completely developed.” She began, hoping as she always hoped when answering a new and unfamiliar question that she was not revealing anything which might be deemed inappropriate or offensive to the Jaltikij. Viligau had assured her simple honest would win the day, so she tried to always rely on his advice. “I study what is called “lesser elemental magic” and this means that I am learning to manipulate the four basic elements of life: earth, water, wind and fire. I must confess that my knowledge of earth, wind and fire is very limited, but I do enjoy working with the water element.”
“You have not told me what you are capable of.” Kurshid retorted with an air of annoyance.
“What he means is,” Jorit spoke up, “What are some of the things specifically that you can do?”
Mesyth thought about this for another moment. It was a strange question, one which was outside of the focus of her training. When studying magic, students were not encouraged to define their progress by a list of things they could or could not do. There were simply too many options available. Magical manipulation of water meant the student was opened to using water in whatever way seemed best to them at the time. All of the attributes of the element lay open before them and were only limited to the student's creativity and needs. Using water was an adaptive process, something that depended entirely upon what the situation might call for. Defining specific abilities was a foreign exercise to Mesyth and it required her to sit and think about some of the things she might do if she needed to. “I suppose I could freeze things, or I could possibly cause it to rain. But sometimes the conditions are not ideal so it takes more ability than I might have to do things like that. But I could turn water into air or make it burn or I could freeze it solid. I might be able to throw a solid block of ice at something. Or maybe if I needed to break through a wall I could freeze the water inside the wall and cause it to expand rapidly so it would break the structure of the wall from the inside out.” Mesyth tried to be as creative as she could. “I could use water to catch someone who was falling, or maybe to make a slide for them. Or I could use it to make a slide just for fun. I could make a wall to protect myself maybe, but that would also depend on the conditions. Oh, I can make water dance. We have fountains at Dour Gujhest and sometimes I just make the water dance. It is so beautiful.”
Mesyth stopped, a little breathless from getting carried away with her ideas. It was a look from Kurshid that made her stop, though, for he was obviously not amused by her speculations.
“Are all of the mages only able to play with water?” He growled once she had fallen silent.
“No, sir.” Mesyth replied respectfully. “Elemental magic is only the beginning of magical training. There are many more abilities to be learned.”
“With so many different abilities to choose from,” Calte began, “What exactly is the mage agenda? What do the mages want? How do they intend to use their power in the world?”
Back to the familiar again, Mesyth took a deep breath and tried to remember her answer. “Mages are charged with the responsibility to help anyone they can in any way they can.”
“Aren't you trained to tell people what to do and to force them to do what you think is best?”
“No sir. Forcing someone to do anything against their will is strictly forbidden. We are taught to obey the laws of our land.” Mesyth responded.
“Do you feel you are better than everyone else because you use magic?” It was another new question.
“No sir.”
“You said you were taught to obey the laws of your land,” Calte leaned forward, “Do you think our laws do not apply to you?”
“No sir. I believe it is my responsibility to respect and uphold your laws while I am present in your land.” Mesyth could muster no better response, but wondered if they were setting some kind of trap.
Jorit sighed and interjected “Can you accept the authority and leadership of those who are not mages?”
Before Mesyth could answer, Kurshid interrupted asking, “If we decided you were dangerous and were to execute you, what would you do?”
“We are taught to respect and obey the leaders of the land.” Mesyth replied cautiously, feeling very threatened by the mention of execution. “However, we are ultimately subject to the rule of our leaders at Dour Gujhest. If you deemed me dangerous and were to execute me, I would attempt to return to Dour Gujhest.”
Calte looked meaningfully at Jorit, as though he had won an argument. Jorit, however, appeared unphased.
“Thank you for your honesty, Mesyth,” He said, “We are going to release you to your quarters today. There are some matters we wish to discuss before we continue.”
Mesyth was a little confused by this turn of events. She couldn't help but wonder how serious Kurshid was in asking her about what she would do if they tried to execute her. She was not sure what to do with herself now that she had been released from the Court in the middle of the day. She did not know if she would be allowed to exit the castle walls and see the city or if she would be expected to sit and do nothing in her quarters.
This question was soon answered though, for the guard returned and escorted her directly back to her room. Feeling somewhat imprisoned, especially after what had just been said, Mesyth fretted for a few hours, pacing and trying to calm herself. Finally, she decided that the best thing she could do with the circumstance was try to get some much-needed sleep. There was little else for her to do anyway.

-[ ]-

“Hey!” A sharp nudge to her shoulder woke Mesyth up suddenly. It was dark in her room, she must have slept away the rest of the day. Someone was standing next to her in the dark, but she was usually woken by the sound of the guard knocking on her door. The door was closed.
“Ah!” Mesyth let out a short, sharp scream and pulled away from the figure next to her bed.
The next thing she heard was the crisp and clear sound of metal on metal and as her eyes adjusted she saw the figure stumble back a step and draw a sword.
Mesyth jumped backward into the corner, throwing her hands up.
“What do you want?” She asked, frightened.
The person with the sword stood still for a moment, then relaxed and stood upright again, re-sheathing the weapon.
“Aren't you the mage the Court is questioning?” It was a female voice and it calmed Mesyth down a little.
“Yes.” She replied timidly.
The strange girl burst into laughter suddenly. “I thought you were going to use some kind of magic on me, I am sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.”
Mesyth hedged a step forward. “Who are you?”
“What do you mean who am I?” The girl retorted with pomp. “Don't you recognize me? I am the Grand Magistrate of... of... Outside Kingdom Affairs.”
“What is that?” Mesyth asked, wondering why an official would sneak up on her in the dark.
“Nevermind that,” The girl snapped, “I am here for questioning. Please sit.”
“I... I would like to ask the guard about this.” Mesyth stammered, edging closer to the door. This girl seemed nice, but mischievous. Besides, she was armed and Mesyth did not trust her.
“No don't!” The girl waved Mesyth away from the door. “Please.”
Mesyth stopped hesitantly. The girl sat down on one of the stools in the room. “I am not a Grand Magistrate.”
“Who are you?” Mesyth asked again.
“Princess Tiala Tulase Fra Jaltikij at your service.” She stood and curtsied abruptly and then sat down again. Mesyth edged closer to the door again.
“Wait!” The girl insisted. “I am telling the truth. My father would be very upset if he knew I was here. Please don't tell the guard.
“You're a Jaltikij princess?” Mesyth asked dubiously.
“I am the Jaltikij princess.” Tiala said importantly. “And since I am the reason you are here, I think I deserve to be able to ask you some questions myself.”
The reason? Mesyth herself did not even know why she had been brought here. The White Council did not know why the Jaltikij were suddenly so interested in the mages. Was it all because a girl was curious? That hardly explained the inquisition Mesyth had endured these past few days.
“What do you mean you're 'the reason' I am here?” Mesyth managed.
“You really don't know?” Tiala raised an eyebrow. “Haven't you heard about the treaty between the Jaltikij and Sinzakij?”
Mesyth thought about this for a moment. Wasn't there already a treaty between the Jaltikij and Sinzakij? She thought there must have been, they were such friendly neighbors. But she shook her head “no.”
“I thought the mages were supposed to know everything.” Tiala looked incredulous. “Don't you guys keep tabs on all our dealing so you can meddle and make sure everything works out the way you want it to?”
Mesyth had not heard this before. She was aware that the White Council had dealings with the Sinzakij and Ortakij kings, but the idea they were meddling or trying to manipulate the turn of political events seemed wholly preposterous to her. She felt a little like she was back in the chamber of the Court, being asked divisive and ridiculous questions by the Jaltikij nobles. Mesyth decided this must be the Jaltikij princess and the whole of the Jatikij nobility must be under some kind of delusion that the mages were evil, conniving dictators.
“No.” It was the only reply Mesyth could muster. She was still struggling with disbelief over how acidic the Jaltikij were toward Dour Gujhest or anything relating to it. No wonder they had closed their borders to the mages. With so much distrust in their kingdom it was amazing they would ever talk to a mage.
“What is this treaty and why am I here?” Mesyth sunk into a stool, now very curious about what this girl had to tell her.
“Well,” Tiala leaned forward, “I am the youngest child of King Solonom. He always hoped to have a son, but it's been a long time since I was born and the kingdom has lost hope that the King will produce an heir. It's just a delicious circumstance, you see, because I was a disappointment to my father when I was born, but now I am the hope of the Jaltikij.” Tiala winked mischievously. “When I was still very young, the King – distressed that he was only able to have daughters – was scared for the future of his kingdom. So he got together in secret with the Sinzakij King and they made a pact. They agreed that if King Solonom did not produce an heir by the time I was ten, then a marriage would be arranged between the Sinzakij Prince and the Jaltikij Princess. That's me. So there you have it, the marriage was arranged and now, with the wedding getting so close, the Jaltikij kingdom is in an uproar. They are all worried about what it means to be joined together with the Sinzakij kingdom and they want to know every detail. So the King brought a mage here – you – to get all the dirty details about what it means to be joined together with the kingdom where the mages live.”
“You're getting married?” Mesyth looked at Tiala, who appeared to be several years younger than she. How could this girl be getting married? Mesyth hadn't even considered the possibility of marriage yet. It seemed so far off to her.
“Well, yeah.” Tiala snorted. “It's part of the treaty.” She shook her head incredulously. “I don't even call it a marriage. I call it the treaty. Although the Sinzakij Prince is... well, most people would say I am a very lucky girl.”
It was a brash way of putting it. But Tiala did not seem concerned about the marriage. She spoke so flippantly, yet something in her demeanor was comforting to Mesyth allowing her to relax around Tiala. They continued talking for a few more hours, Tiala taking in as many details about life in Dour Gujhest as she could manage. Mesyth wondered if the young princess secretly wanted to become a mage. It was certainly obvious that Tiala longed to at least visit the cities of magic.
For her part, Mesyth tried to pry as much information about the Jaltikij out of Tiala as she could manage. It was greatly comforting to her to hear about the nobles in the kingdom from a female's perspective. Tiala openly mocked Kurshid and Calte, assuring Mesyth that the King thought very little of those two nobles and only allowed them in the Court because of their birthright. Something about this revelation made Mesyth feel better. Perhaps the Jaltikij were not all bad. Tiala was certainly very friendly and forthright.
Getting to know her put a new face on Mesyth's visit to the Jaltikij Court. It filled her with assurance and reminded her that she had an opportunity to bridge the gap between the Jaltikij and Dour Gujhest. And her efforts in doing so would be for the betterment of both kingdoms.