Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

H earing the soft sound of her gasp, Solomon entered the room. Preserving some part of that small abandoned boy, he wouldn’t tumble over his feet to accept a mother back in his life. Not right now in the midst of all this danger. And not after a few simple exchanges.

There were a couple of extra surprises that he didn’t expect.

Several large tables filled the room. Stacks of boxes covered one wall. There were large maps spread out. Another table held refreshments and snacks to keep everyone revived through the long night.

Pausing his perusal of the map, Andre waved a hand. “About time you arrived.”

“Had to take the roundabout route,” Solomon said.

“Told you he would find a way. We all heard about that snafu you encountered. Figured you would land on your feet.” Lennox walked around the table. “Good to see you’re still standing, Solomon.”

“Lennox. How was your trip West?”

“Long, but productive and met up with a few colleagues who instantly joined us. Left with one bag of stones. Return back with another bag. All different kinds of gemstones. What’s up with that?”

“Not sure, but I got the same,” Solomon said. “What about everyone else?”

“Bag of gemstones from the South,” Andre said. “We put all of the bags over there.” He motioned to another table.

“The East gave us more stones too.” Walking over, Julian placed his hands on Solomon’s shoulders and studied him. “How are you?”

Knowing the question went far deeper than his current mood, Solomon appreciated the gesture and concern. He squeezed Julian’s hand. “I’m good. Honest. Thanks to Mr. Ame and the carnival, we made it here.”

“You found it.”

“It was in a northern realm. I escorted Mac around. We took a spin on the carousel. He had to have a Pegasus,” Solomon said.

“Pegasus are awesome!” Cormac added.

“Really?” Emrys asked.

“What? They are,” Cormac said.

Gray soft smacked both of them on the back of their heads. Then he rolled his eyes behind them.

“You also took me on my first carousel ride,” Julian said.

“I did along with the kids. You chose a dragon,” Solomon said.

“Best mount ever. It was lovely and my favorite memory. Along with meeting Madame Persephone. I could have done without bursting in flames, but—” Julian shrugged.

“It helped change a lot of things,” Solomon said. Then he leaned over and found Gray. “Wasn’t expecting to see you here, Gray.”

“I’ll need to return to the others, but I wanted to make sure both of you came through all the realms and made it here,” Gray said. “By the way, the purple tags you mentioned.”

“Yes?”

“It worked. After locating multiple tags, I called in a RASI team. We rounded up over a hundred soldiers and a couple of leaders. They’re locked up and out of the fight.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Solomon said.

“Helps even up the odds a bit more,” Andre said.

“I’ll take any advantage we can get,” Solomon said.

Julian drew Solomon to where they left the gemstone bags. “How are you and Mac?”

“We’re talking and he’s here. Still have more things to figure out.” Solomon pulled out the bag of stones he collected. “Now to figure out what does all this mean.” He upended the bag and sorted out the colors. “There’s five of each one.”

“What’s in my bag?” Julian upended the bag he collected with Emrys. “Five of every realm gemstone. Here are the laumeldites from Gloriosa.”

“Five… What…” Solomon looked around. “I need to see a map of the Liontooth Bastion.”

“It’s over here,” Julian said.

Scooping up the five stones from Gloriosa, Solomon walked over to the largest table. The map of Abbethan was spread out along with another map of Esterville.

The others, including the elders, gathered around the table.

“Show me where the Liontooth is, Layton,” Solomon said.

Moving his hands over the map, Layton enlarged the magical map down to the area. Then he pulled up his hands to raise everything into a 3D view. “It’s here.” He pointed to the marble and brick building. “The Elysian Gardens occupy this end of the central square. The Liontooth is here. These other buildings belong to the council, justice, and RASI.” While Layton spoke, the buildings lit up in different colors.

“Five stones of each color. What do they want us to—” Solomon worked out the problem while spinning the stones.

“Compass points,” a lady suggested.

Recognizing the voice, Solomon looked around. “It is wonderful to see you again, Lady MacNia.”

“Bah! Stick with Nana,” Fionnula MacNia said with a wave of her hand. “I’m here to support my family and knock those evil flames out of the realms. It’s about time we confront them.”

Solomon glanced between Nana, Emrys, Gray and Mac. “I take it the rest of the family will be joining us?”

“The stronger ones with battle, defense, or healing experience will be on the field with us,” Emrys said.

“They’re gathering outside the Central realms with the labs and clinics. I’m going back and forth to keep watch over everything and pass on altered plans or timings,” Gray said.

“The compass points, young mage.” Taking one of the laumeldites from Solomon, Nana placed it on a specific point on the map. “Use them as the anchor points for a spell. Like a witch draws a protective circle and calls to the four points for a blessing upon their work.”

Setting a gem on each of the natural cardinal points, Solomon spun the last gem with his fingers. “What about the fifth?”

“I believe the vines will guide you once you step upon the field,” Fionnula said.

“They would want to have some say about what is happening.”

“You mentioned a containment spell. Will something like that work here?” Andre asked.

“Containment spell?” Thurston asked.

“How many Carmine members are gathered in there?” Percival asked.

“There have been droves coming in from all over the realms these last two weeks,” Layton said. “I reached out to some friends in other realms and the majority of the Carmine members are gone.”

“What about the portals and gates?” Cormac said.

“Those are pulled too,” Layton said. “Just after they followed Solomon, but lost him in Gledinium. Guess someone didn’t like what happened.”

“I didn’t like what happened,” Solomon grumped.

“We still kicked their arses back to the portal,” Grayson said. “I haven’t seen any during my trips through the nearby gate. Figure my repetition would flag something, but it hasn’t.”

“Then we’re looking at almost the entire Carmine force. From the lowest rank soldiers to the Prime Justicar,” Victoria said.

“Prime Justicar?” Emrys asked.

“The official title of the Carmine’s lone leader. The overseer and sole provider of the true justice of the realm,” Layton said. “The next level are called justicars, but they are closer to army generals.”

“That’s ridiculous and pompous,” Emrys said.

“Yet it continues to stand,” Victoria said.

“A friend managed to get inside after posing as a potential trainee. As for how everyone fits, there’s an ancient spell within that increases the interior size,” Layton said.

“That explains it,” Gray said. “Always a spell somewhere.”

“Does mean less chasing down missing ones,” Lennox said.

“Either way that means everyone can rest up, learn what they need to do, gear up, and be transported to wherever they need to attack,” Andre said. “That’s convenient.”

“The same could happen for us if we can contain them. Or at least hamper their ability to use their numbers against us. I can’t hold a spell that large for an extended time, but long enough for us to get their attention,” Solomon said.

“They must fire the first shots and threats. Not us. We must not appear to be the aggressive force. That status must remain with the Carmine for us to prove all they say are lies,” Victoria said.

“I contacted certain trusted members of the media. They will cover and report the entire battle,” Thurston said.

“Media?” Lennox asked.

“What do you mean that you contacted the media?” Emrys asked. “How will all of this help end the Carmine?”

“We must break down the secrets surrounding the dangers of the Carmine. At the same time, we’ll reveal their connections and betrayals within the council and justice governments. They don’t only control the Central realms so our coverage must spread out to all four corners of the realms.”

“But the media?”

“They are a neutral voice. With their assistance, we can prove our claims about what is happening. We need the media on our side,” Victoria said. “There will be no more hiding in the shadows. This confrontation will change our world.”

“Then we’re going for the full destruction of Carmine,” Gray said.

“Yes,” Victoria said.

“Along with a full restructuring of the entire Central government due to the deep infiltration of the high positions. The governments of other realms will also happen throughout the following months,” Thurston added.

“Do we need to place barriers around those other buildings?” Grayson asked.

“They will fall once we take hold of the Justicar. RASI and the Consortium will force the government to resign,” Thurston said.

“Which is why I’m here,” Fionnula said.

“Along with me and other members from the RASI Consortium team. We’ll concentrate on guarding those buildings and securing control of the government, justice, and RASI,” Lennox said. “This will leave you free to concentrate on the Liontooth, Solomon.”

“What? I’m not doing this alone,” Solomon said.

“As the strongest arcane mage in generations, you must be the one to confront the Prime Justicar, Solomon. No one else can stand against him,” someone else said.

Straightening from the table, Solomon looked around to see who spoke.

The others stepped back to reveal an older man who entered the room and using a long staff to balance his body. With a stoic face, the man had white hair that flowed back from his face with a pair of pale blue eyes that were bright and responsive behind the half-moon glasses.

“Greetings, Ewen, I wasn’t expecting you.” Fionnula moved over and took his arm to support him.

“Couldn’t miss the chance to meet this young arcane mage,” the elderly gentleman said.

“Solomon, this is one of the members of the Consortium and your grandfather, Ewen Augustus Spencer,” Victoria said.

“In my younger time, I was considered the strongest arcane mage and did what I could within the confines of the Consortium and the beginnings of the Guild,” Ewen said, “but from what I understand, you far surpass my gifts, Solomon. My gift has faded and my immortality with it.” He placed a hand on Solomon’s shoulder. “Our arcane gift passed through our bloodlines, down the generations, from two members of the Circle of Elysium. The gift has ebbed and flowed in strength through the generations. Until it reached you.”

Solomon shifted his gaze from Cormac, to Victoria, and back to the older gentleman. He could feel the arcane gift in his touch, but as Ewen mentioned, the energy was fading. “The Circle…”

“We are the descendants of two of the ancient Elysium mages. Though the Prime Justicar claims his family line descended from them, we have the bloodline records that proves otherwise,” Ewen said. “While others can lead this battle, you must be the one to confront him.”

“Not to kill…”

“Unless he forces your hand, no, because the Consortium justice will be swift and harsh against him and others. Though we require your magical gift to subdue them to the point they concede defeat,” Ewen said.

“With the rest of us backing you up all the way,” Andre added.

Not sure what to say or how to respond, Solomon kept quiet. He glanced back at the raised map and wondered how he would do everything they wanted from him.

“We need to figure out a containment spell which is an excellent suggestion. Perhaps we should add a compulsion spell to bring in any lingering members,” Thurston said.

“To enforce and assist the spells, my family can add a protection circle,” Fionnula said.

“Excellent idea, my lady. Percival, Ewen, do either of you have an idea?”

Patting Solomon’s shoulder, Ewen wandered over to the old historian to begin looking over ideas. Fionnula joined the group.

Solomon looked to Victoria. “Will he concede? After all he’s done.”

Moving closer, Victoria led him away from the others. “You’ll have to force it from him. He will fight every step and send all of his followers to wear you down. Allow the others to fight them while you reserve your strength. There are extra gemstones and we’ll store energy in them.” She motioned to one of the tables. “I’ll set up that energy boost right now while I’m thinking about it. Please spread the word that there are refreshments and food in the garden room. Everyone can help themselves. Guest rooms are open upstairs if anyone needs a nap.”

“Thank you.” Solomon returned to the map table.

“No matter what they tell you, do not kill yourself trying to follow their orders. There will be no martyrdom on that field,” Julian snapped in a low voice.

“I promise that I will not go there,” Solomon said.

“You better not or I’m dragging your arse out of the afterlife and smack you around,” Cormac threatened.

“The rest of us will help,” Gray said.

Solomon grinned as his friends tried to lighten the mood.

“We’re not treating you like a wunderkind. Got it,” Lennox said after he walked by with a plate of food and caught the conversation. He wagged a finger at him.

“Would never have crossed my mind to ask for it,” Solomon promised.

“Ooh, food looks yummy,” Cormac said. “I’ll grab plates for everyone.” He took off before anyone could give him specific orders.

“Where do you want to start?” Emrys asked.

“We’ll need to sort the gemstones into five piles. Each bag will contain one entire set. Then we’ll assign a bag to each cardinal compass point,” Solomon said. “I’ll take the last bag and connect with the vines about how to use the remaining gems.”

“I can work on that.” Julian collected the four gems from the map.

Solomon handed the fifth gem to Julian. “As for the rest, I’m not used to planning everything out.”

“That’s what the rest of us are here for with the logistics,” Andre said. “I’ll work on that end with Grayson and Cormac.”

“I’ve got the other buildings covered with my team,” Lennox said.

“Did you ever hear from your undercover agent?” Solomon asked.

“Not yet, but he’ll run out with the others. He knows to mention one of those special Guild sayings so you don’t hit him. Hopefully, that still works,” Lennox said.

“How did you know about the Guild’s safe statements?” Layton asked.

“We’re RASI.” Popping one of the stuffed pine potato wedges into his mouth, Lennox walked off to plan the attack on the other buildings.

“Does anyone else want to smack him?” Layton went off in another direction when someone called his name.

Returning with food, Cormac handed off the different plates to everyone. “Drinks are on you.” He offered one plate to Julian. “Vegan only. I double-checked everything.”

“Appreciate it,” Julian said while he studied all the offerings on it. “This looks lovely.”

“How about you speak with the elders and assist with that spell. You know your limits better than them. We got the rest of it covered and will fill you in,” Andre said.

“Right.” Solomon located the group of older mages and the queen dryad gathered together. Lowering his gaze, he studied the plate of food and chose a small tart that had a scallop and peach in it. “Spell. Without the spell…” Pausing, he continued to chew the tart, enjoyed the mix of flavors.

“It might be a little more difficult, but we can adjust,” Andre said. He picked up a cheese and pear wedge and bit into it. “Yum.”

Wandering off with his plate of goodies, Solomon could only hope he would live up to his end of the bargain with this spell.