"And what do you think of him?"
"Do you really want my views?" Council Member Braxton asked as he pondered for a moment over the board before moving a gaming piece and then back up at his friend and student. At Blaine's nod, he sat back in the chair and thought before he spoke. "He has power--that is definite--if he can use it or it use him, I dare not say. He does have a sharp tongue and an iron will--the concern is whether or not he has the wits to survive."
"Court intrigue is verily convoluted--more so than this game," Blaine agreed as he moved a piece in response.
"I am not speaking only of court intrigue," his teacher instructed darkly.
"The Grand Council saw. . ." Blaine began as the full impact of his teacher's unspoken concern filtered into his mind.
"They saw him use his power, yes. They are either going to fear him and leave him alone, or they are going to fear him and act. I shall indirectly pass on exaggerated rumors that he is weak and not learned in his power--that will give you time to complete his training."
Blaine nodded his thanks and looked on as Braxton moved a piece forward to threaten his general.
"I also must thank you, Council Master Braxton," Davin said as he moved further into the room, having held back to watch their game and also to gleam any insights of the Council that Braxton may impart.
"Thank me later on by being my patron when a new Council is tested," he grumbled softly as he waved Davin towards a seat.
"That won't be for another two years, but I would welcome you if the time comes."
"You know I shall be cast against my headstrong student this time and Council has taught me to foresee all avenues and plan ahead--then plan again.
When do you return to Clarmont, Your Majesty?"
"We shall depart a few hours before nooning so we can be back at eve meal."
"Ah, good--then I shall be able to see you off and meet this Heartsworn of yours." It was unclear as to whether Braxton addressed Blaine or Davin.
Michael woke as the patch of sunlight from the open balcony crested the bed. He stretched and yawned then sat up against the bed's headboard and brought the covers up and smiled as he recalled the night and their lovemaking. He had woken up as he felt Davin kissing his neck and wrapping an arm around him. As Davin moved on top of him, Michael ran one hand up and down Davin's spine slowly as his other rested on a shoulder. Davin groaned and they kissed heatedly--Michael's rapid heartbeat matching the quick rise of Davin's arousal. Strong arms had wrapped around his waist, possessively pulling him closer and both of their heavy manhoods rubbed together. Davin broke their kiss and moved down his chin to his throat and then to his nipples, alternatively nipping, licking and kissing. Michael's fingers had woven with the soft strands of Davin's hair as he moaned in utter contentment. He felt Davin's knees push his legs open and his hardness press against him, but a quick bite on his pec distracted him. Before he knew it, he had his lover press into him and slowly pull back and then in again--ecstasy and pain mingling till time seemed to have no meaning. His own hardness was rubbed by Davin's firm stomach as his face was caressed by Davin's hands and lips. All at once, Michael had cried out as he found release as Davin froze and groaned loudly as he too reached his own contentment.
He was brought out of his reverie by Davin entering the room. His blue eyes shone brighter than the summer sky as he looked at his love in the bed and sat beside him and bent down to kiss him. Michael's dark eyes twinkled evilly as he raised his arms about Davin's neck and drew him down.
"If you are planning to waylay me, I must say you are employing good strategy," Davin chuckled.
"Only good?" Michael inquired as one hand moved to stroke him.
"Exceptional," Davin breathed as he caught Michael's wrist. "But we needs be off and returning home." Davin added as he kissed Michael's palm. Davin saw a brief flicker of discomfort flit across Michael's eyes at the mention of 'home.' "Tell me of your family," he whispered gently.
"What--why?" Michael's words stumbled out as he pulled back and looked at Davin from narrowed eyes. "It's just like Thomas Wolfe says, 'You can't go home again' so why even try? Davin, please--don't ask this of me, not yet. If I think on it more, I'll grow mad. I miss them and yet I don't--we were not very close."
"Maybe I could send them a message--invite them all to the Joining. I'd like for them to be here."
"Yeah--just get on a calling circle with Sprint Interstellar--just be sure to invent electricity and fibrotic cable first," Michael muttered as he got out of bed, dressed and moved to drink from a flask of water set on a table.
"Look, I know Cimaera is a goodly journey, but I'm sure they could be here in a quadron's time--that's only seven days wait."
"Cimaera?"
"Yes--Cimaera--the country where Alea hailed from. . .at least according to our records."
"Well, she did, but my side of the family moved away--far away. You'd get no response to a message sent to Cimaera, trust me on that." Michael said as he moved to the door.
"So, where are your family now?" Davin asked, as he heard the door close on his question.
"Okay, Blaine--it's final Jeopardy and I need the correct response."
"I beg your pardon?" Blaine asked as he saw Michael enter after knocking on his door.
"Davin is asking about my family--he would like for them to attend our Joining. See the impossible?"
"Well, what did you tell him?"
"I said that we had not been very close. He pressed and mentioned Cimaera--thanks for the non-information of Alea's birthplace--it almost tripped me up."
"But you were able to work your way around it."
"Yes, but. . .well. . .I hate misleading him," Michael admitted as he slumped into a chair beside Blaine.
"Why not tell him the truth?" Blaine asked with a sardonic lift of his brows.
"Point taken," Michael responded dryly, after staring at Blaine for a spell.
"I do think it is time we begin your education," Blaine reflected.
They started on geography, which led to trade, which then brought up politics and wars that tied back into geography. Blaine instructed Michael even as they were escorted out to the stables to begin their ride back to Ardith. Michael saw Davin talking with a Council Master and smiled lightly at his love as Davin saw him.
"So this youngling is the cause of all the furor," Braxton rumbled as he came up to his old student and Michael. Blaine introduced them, his eyes moving from one to the other.
"Councilor," Michael addressed him, giving a slight nod. His dark eyes rose and met the weighing stare with a calm strength--he knew that he was being evaluated. His eyes caught sight of Davin approaching a few steps then waving them on to mount up. Michael bowed from the neck to Braxton and moved to join Davin. Blaine was about to follow when his old friend fiercely grabbed his arm.
"Watch him--he has a wild streak to him," Braxton cautioned.
"What--evil?" Blaine asked skeptically, yet unsure.
"Worse--love." Braxton explained and looked after the two men talking and laughing as they mounted their horses and made their way to the gates. "Teach him well, old friend." Blaine just looked puzzledly at his old teacher and gave a half-smile in farewell and took off to catch his party. "Pity the poor fool that attempts to come between them--I fear they shall learn a lesson that is all too final and quick," Council Master Braxton murmured, hoping that his fellow Masters would not be learning that lesson. True, his fellows had their own agendas, but one thing the Council did do was to keep each land safe. The Council could reach out and deal with a recalcitrant or ambitious Royal--they were not quite as powerful as all the rumors made out, but they were powerful enough for that thanks to the Heartsworns.
Heartsworns were magic users just as Masters were, but each Joining ceremony--officiated by a Master, naturally--magically tied the Heartsworn not just to the land but also to that Master. That Master could send a spell out along this link and take appropriate action should any be warranted. There never had been any magical monsters to protect the land and people from--this was a screen to camouflage the real reason a Heartsworn was needed. Without this control, wars would be fought for resources were scant--six separate kingdoms were squeezed into a series of valleys surrounded by weaving mountains making trade from the outside almost nonexistent. There had been seven kingdoms at one time, but their only means of trade--a large silver mine--had bottomed out. Alea the Reaper had been blamed for their eradication.
One less kingdom and hundreds of years of orchestrated peace had built up resources so that a balanced trade of goods could be maintained. Sarden was the center of this trading and was busy day and night with merchants and customers from all kingdoms for trade was essential for all to have plenty and the Council had encouraged this trade in lieu of taxing kingdoms. This peace had changed the usage of the Heartsworns--the magical connection was now used for gathering information and the Council had found out that they could keep order better this way.
Council Master Braxton's thoughts turned to the upcoming Joining--along with the problems that may arise. There had not been any Heartsworn powerful enough to be a Mirrorer for hundreds of years--his fellows may wish a short leash. There could be no connection built to a Mirrorer--they'd just toss the spell back. . .unless they were unconscious, weakened or untrained. They would either vote for this Michael of Atwood to be taken unawares or else they would have to be satisfied with sending a bespelled item as a Joining gift. He was strong enough to make the connection, but he really didn't want to. If it were not for the oath he had taken, he would take his student into his confidence. He could not tell Master Blaine--but if he took the words literally, he could tell Michael. Heartsworns were the creation of the Council and could be considered to be 'of them' rather than an outsider. Michael would be either a powerful ally or a deadly enemy. He had been picked by Blaine--he trusted his judgment even if he didn't know Michael very well yet. As Braxton moved back inside, he carefully considered the possible consequences of playing both sides. He could not afford to misstep, for in this game he would get no second rallying.
Michael entered Davin's room as he drew a hand through his sweaty hair--he had ridden for most of the afternoon claiming that he needed to exercise his horse, but the truth of the matter was that he needed air and space. Ever since they had gotten back from Sarden and word traveled about Davin & Michael, people were falling over themselves trying to do any small thing for him. He had understood that they were happy for Davin and wished to make him feel at home and express their gratitude, but to be constantly waited on hand and foot almost drove him insane. He had gotten away only by the grace of permitting a guard to accompany him--the guard had stayed a few feet away and let him have time to himself.
He had thought of the Council--Braxton seemed okay, a bit guarded, but Demel was a wastrel. Would the Council fear his power so much that they'd be slow to act or would they rush to squash him before he could grow stronger? Which way would Braxton lean? How could he safely make his way through their game when he didn't know the rules? How could he protect Davin and himself--and just how far was he willing to go to do so? Only one answer came to mind--Blaine. He would have to rely heavily on him for guidance.
Echoes of those thoughts were broken by a knock on the door. Michael called out to see Blaine and a young guard enter the room. Blaine closed the door and smiled as he greeted Michael.
"How are you Blaine? I thought you'd be with Davin in council."
"No, at least not yet. I wanted someone to meet you--this is Braen, he's an assassin."