Book 8: Chapter 13: Two against one
As all were exhausted from their tribulations, they spoke nothing further that night. They set a watch, including runes and wards, and sought rest.
When he woke, still hurting and bruised all over, Martel considered Atreus’s words again. To call it an ambitious project seemed an understatement; he could hardly see how it would be possible. Above all, a city needed people, and who could be persuaded to settle in the haunted ruins of doomed Archen?
Martel was canny enough to know Atreus did not expect to do this on his own, and once they were all up and about, he decided to address the issue. “Atreus, when you said that you wanted to rebuild Archen…”
The spellbreaker gave his half-smile. “I was wondering when you’d broach the subject. Yes. I have had years since my release from the curse to wander this continent, to ponder the future and the past, and pursue any traces left of Archen. I never placed much faith in the Stars or fate, but it seems too strange that I should be spared the destruction and be placed here, in this time, meeting the two of you, if not for a grander purpose.”
“You want us to help you?” Eleanor asked.
He nodded. “Not just for your invaluable magical skills, which have already proven their use. I have given it much thought, and I believe it can only be done through your aid.”
“The undertaking would be enormous. You need hundreds of settlers, to begin with, to farm the land and carry out basic crafts such as smithing or tanning. People who must be convinced to settle in lands considered cursed.”
“I am aware.”
“If the Tyrians feel we encroach on their lands, we know their reaction will be swift and terrible. Aster is ever hungry for more land, and regardless of our Senate, some will consider the opportunity to seize this place once we have gone through the rigours of taming the land,” she continued. “Worst of all, the southern boundary will be Khiva. They killed all their mages and outlawed magic in response to Archen’s fall. How will they react to its rise?”
“All matters you know better than me, which is why I need you. I’m told the Blackstaff and his protector are famous across the continent, in all the realms you just mentioned.” “Is it wise?” Martel interjected. “To bring the knowledge of Archen back. It unleashed the fiends on the continent. When the city fell, widespread storms caused the worst famine in history. Why would the outcome be better this time?” He stared at Atreus.
“I have given that much consideration as well. Archen was under poor leadership, and in its thirst for magic, it disregarded everything else. We prized knowledge over wisdom, power over responsibility, and secrecy over cooperation. There would be great need to organise the city differently, starting with its leadership.” The spellbreaker, seated on a grassy rock, looked from one companion to another. “Instead of a weak Conclave ruled by a single archmage, Archen should have a Triumvirate to lead it, mirroring that of the heavens. One with the strength of Malac, the insight of Perel, and the wisdom of Glund.”
Martel and Eleanor exchanged looks, both grasping his meaning. “And if they disagree? In matters of crisis, and crisis seems assured, decisions must be made swiftly.”
“Three is an odd number.” Atreus shrugged. “Two against one. Besides,” he added, “I don’t anticipate much disagreement. I’m a powerful mage, undoubtedly. Certainly compared to any from Aster.” He looked at Martel. “But power is different from wisdom. I trust the judgement of a man who held an emperor’s crown in his hands and laid it aside.”
“We need to discuss this among ourselves,” Martel declared.
“Go ahead. I intend to stay a long while in Archen regardless. The lingering magic of the ritual must be purged, and none but me can be expected to have the skill.” Atreus got up. “I will search the area a bit. I shall be back before long.”
“So shall we.”
In the shadow of Archen’s city walls, two Asterian mages walked, in silence at first. Finally, the mageknight broke it. “Are your considerations serious? You understand the multitude of difficulties arrayed against this proposition?”
“I understand.” Martel glanced at the vines covering the stonework. “All the more reason it deserves serious consideration.”
She, in turn, looked straight at him. “The neighbouring realms would never allow this. Khiva will declare war and invade at once. Cannons will tear down these walls before they can even be raised.”
“Quite possibly. I certainly don’t desire fighting that war again.” He returned her gaze. “But if any mages would stand a chance to convince the Khivans to stand down, it would be us.”
“We would need more than that. The nearby river is a tributary to the Savena. Trade and traffic would go through Khivan lands.”
“Along their border, yes. But perhaps being perched precariously between Aster and Khiva could be turned from disadvantage to advantage,” Martel mused. “A guarantor of peace along their northern borders, underwritten by you and me, who signed the current peace treaty between them.”
“You truly are considering this earnestly.” While she did not look surprised, Eleanor’s voice betrayed her.
“We have spoken about settling down. Building a home for ourselves. This could be so much more,” Martel argued. “A home for children like us, being taught magic for the betterment of themselves and others, not the Empire.”
“And a reason why Aster will not allow this either. We would compete with them for control over those born with the gift.”
“Do you remember those fateful days when I was imperator? When I imagined what could be done with such power? Bringing peace and order to the copper lanes, for instance. Using the vast resources of the Empire to take care of its people.”
“And you wish to do that here?” Eleanor glanced at the surrounding landscape demonstratively.
“It was the wrong time back then. Morcaster and the Empire itself is a mess, and there would have been too much opposition. Opposition I was ill-prepared to deal with. But here, we could start anew. Build a city from the ground up.” He found himself some rubble to sit on. “And we could teach children to use their magic in ways that help everyone. Use fire to heat homes and enchant light rather than burn enemies in war. No more battlemages.”
“And when our neighbours invade, what then?”
“I’ll be the only battlemage that Archen needs, as you’re the only mageknight it needs.” Martel gave a wry smile. “It doesn’t hurt to have someone of Atreus’s abilities on our side either.”
She exhaled, looking around. “This is it? This is where you want us to settle down and live out our lives?”
“Well, it’ll be a little nicer once we fix it up.”
“Stars must know that I love you, for there can be no other reason that I consider this.”
Martel smiled and got up, kissing her forehead. “Let’s tell him that we’re interested, at least.”