Mageborn The Line of Illeniel by Michael Manning (top novels of all time TXT) 📗

After a few formalities I was able to get to the point of my visit, “Your majesty I have learned some things you should hear.”

“Feel free to speak, we are all ears,” he answered.

I had decided to leave Penny’s gift out of the discussion, so I jumped straight to what Marc had told me, “Marcus Lancaster visited me today with a message from Millicenth.” Edward’s eyebrows went up at that. “He told me that Gododdin prepares for war and will march on Lothion in the spring.”

The king held up his hand, “We have received reports that they were preparing for something militarily, training exercises and such. We had not thought they would try something like this however. Gododdin cannot hope to win such a war.”

“They do not follow the dictates of reason your majesty, but the insane motives of their god instead,” I answered. “There are also shiggreth loose in Arundel and within my lands as well. The goddess believes they were created by Mal’goroth to sow confusion before the war commences.” I wasn’t sure if he had heard of the shiggreth but I was prepared to explain if he asked.

Edward leaned forward, surprise on his face, “Shiggreth! They are creatures of legend only. Surely you are mistaken. According to the tales they were wiped out after Balinthor’s defeat.”

“I would find the tale hard to credit your majesty, even coming from a god, but for my own experience before traveling to Albamarl,” I spent a few minutes describing the creature Penny and I had slain, as well as the disappearances that had preceded the encounter. Edward was quick to ask questions but his wits were still sharp and he soon had a full grasp of what I could tell him.

“How many men can you muster in Cameron?” he asked.

“I have only begun to restore my mother’s estates sire, at present I have no men at arms at all,” I responded honestly.

“Then your town is lost. Arundel cannot hope to face so many, and his lands will be the first they cross. Even with Lancaster’s aid you could do no more than delay them, and perhaps not even that.”

“Surely you will meet them at the border?” I was shocked, even though Rose had warned me this would be his likely response.

“The border itself is indefensible. It would be folly to meet them there. We will consult with Lord Hightower of course, and the marshals, but it is likely that we will face them at the river Trent where the crossing will leave them vulnerable. Unless they plan to turn north and cross the mountains they will overrun your lands and Lancaster as well.” Edward was matter of fact, though he spoke of the loss of lives and livelihood for many people.

“Where does that leave my people your majesty?”

“My advice is to abandon your land. Evacuate everyone that can move at the first of spring. Once the war is won you can rebuild.” Edward’s tone was hard.

“Your majesty, begging your pardon, they will starve. With nowhere to go I cannot hope to find homes and food to feed them while they are dispossessed. Those that survive will return to find their homes gone and their livestock butchered to feed the invader, if we ever get to return,” the volume of my voice was perhaps a bit strident.

“Don’t presume to teach us our part young lord! We are well aware of the sufferings our subjects will bear if war comes to our lands. Our task is to ensure there is a kingdom left to recover once the war is won. We have more to consider than just Cameron! As it stands we could have you fined for not being able to answer the levy call!” the king was red-faced now. The levy he referred to was the call to arms, in which all the nobles would be asked to provide knights and men-at-arms to fill the ranks of his army. Having none of my own yet I would stand in breach of my oath by failing to respond. “So what will it be?” he asked.

“I cannot abandon my land or the people there that depend upon me,” I answered.

“Be wary, you stand close to crossing the line into treason young Illeniel.”

“I am the last wizard and the only defense those people have. If no one else will guard them then I shall. The enemy will pay dearly for every step they take into Cameron lands. You may judge for yourself whether that be treason or not!” As I spoke I felt my blood rising and my temper grew hot. For a moment it seemed I could feel the very earth throbbing underneath me, as if some giant heart beat far beneath the ground. Grinding out the last words I brought my foot down heavily and it felt like the earth moved. The sensation startled me and I wondered if it was a product of my imagination. My thoughts were far from clear.

King Edward’s face had gone white and a fine trickle of stone dust filtered down from the ceiling above. He gripped the arms of his chair as if he were afraid he might fall out of it. Perhaps I hadn’t imagined it. “Very well, we are sympathetic to your plight. If that is your wish so be it, you have our leave to do so.” His tone made it clear that the audience was over, but my magesight could detect the fear he carefully concealed.

I bowed and rose to leave but as we reached the door he called out to me, “Mordecai!”

“Yes your majesty?”

“The trainer, Cyhan is his name, is here. Adam will show you to him when you leave. He will remain with you and Penelope until the training and bond are complete. Do you understand?”

“Of course your majesty,” I bowed again and left, quietly gritting my teeth. Of course I understand, you want a muzzle on the dog before it goes rabid and bites