“Why are all of the new uses so destructive?” asked one of the newcomers.
Klora looked briefly at Lord Marak before answering. “Not all of our studies are directed toward exploding things,” Klora explained, “but you must admit, it does make for an interesting demonstration. We are interested in any improvement of knowledge in the area of magic, but we are also pursuing the use of magic as a weapon. Lord Marak has embarked upon a campaign to elevate the status of mages in Khadora. As you know, we are considered no higher than a hoe or a rake on many of the estates in Khadora. Lord Marak is using that misconception to gather as many of the mages in Khadora as he can. You are the first new group to arrive, but you will most certainly not be the last.”
“I have already contracted to purchase six hundred mages,” Lord Marak interjected. “Most of them are slaves and will gain their freedom when they arrive. What the Mage Corps is doing out here has been kept a secret, even from the rest of Fardale. We must maintain that secrecy until we have gathered as many mages as we can. Battle magic is not the main goal of this training program, although it is important. I consider magic to be an important and constructive segment of Khadoran society and I hope to convince the rest of the nation of its importance. Many of the menial tasks in our society depend on mass labor. Magic can change that. If we can prove that there is no need to enslave people, Khadoran society will be the better for it.”
“Are you suggesting that our magic can eliminate the need for slaves?” asked one of the newcomers.
“Exactly,” agreed Lord Marak. “At Lituk Valley slaves are used to carry water to the fields to irrigate the crops. A Water Mage can use her powers to drive a stream into those same fields and permanently supply irrigation for the crops. That is only one example of reducing the need for slave labor. There are many more. The battle magic is going to be necessary because Khadora is not ready to accept new ideas and Lords will try to eradicate us. I can not allow that to happen. I plan to change Khadora by example, rather than by force, but I will be prepared if others should choose to eliminate me.”
“That is the reason each of you are required to give another oath,” interrupted Klora. “Your Vows to the Mage Corps, are meant to constrain our knowledge to those who have sworn to Lord Marak. We are not permitted to share our knowledge with mages who have not sworn allegiance to Lord Marak.”
“Mages outside the Mage Corps will find out soon enough,” lamented Lord Marak. “The first report of us using magic in battle will spread like the coming dawn and we will soon be facing other magicians in battle. That must be delayed as long as possible. If we are forced to use magic in battle, we will attempt to hide its use so that no one will know. Klora, why don’t you interview the newcomers and get them situated in their respective disciplines? I must return to the mansion and get the guilds started on new housing for those who will be arriving soon.”
Klora moved off to interview and dispersed the group. Glenda remained with her son, Lord Marak. “She does not know of your abilities,” Glenda whispered. “I can tell by her actions.”
“No, she doesn’t,” admitted Marak. “No one does. I do not believe that I am the only male with abilities and I do not wish the other Lords to start looking for others. They believe that I am sitting in on the sessions because I have a particular interest in their progress.”
“Then you go off and practice on your own?” Glenda inquired.
“Yes,” confirmed Lord Marak. “There is never enough time to devote towards practice, but I am doing well enough. Maybe you could join me in those sessions. It would be wonderful and everyone would suspect that we just want some time together.”
“Don’t we?” smiled Glenda. “You do make a mother proud, Marak, but I worry about you. You have tackled so much at such a young age. Khadora will never welcome your ideas. You realize that, don’t you?”
“They will resist,” acknowledged Lord Marak. “I do not believe that I will have to fight all of them. Surely, they can not all be blind to what I am trying to do?”
“They will not care what you are trying to do,” stressed Glenda. “They will only see you as a threat to their way of life and will attempt to eradicate you like a pest. The Mage Corps will not save you. Within months of your first use of magic, the Lords Council will outlaw its use in battle while bringing in their own mages to defeat you. Do not make the mistake of depending on it.”
“I will try not to,” promised Lord Marak. “I trust that everyone’s new quarters and wardrobes are satisfactory?”
“Everyone is thrilled, Marak,” beamed Glenda. “I am especially happy that you have chosen such a fine, young woman to be your assistant. Kasa is so full of life and smart, as well.”
“Mother,” scolded Lord Marak, “Kasa is not my assistant. She is the Bursar of Fardale and an excellent one at that. Do not attempt to marry me off. I have too much to deal with as it is. Besides, Kasa has no interest in me. She is only interested in being the best Bursar that she can be.”
“You are so blind in some areas,” laughed Glenda. “Very well, you will learn in your own time. I must get back to the group. Most everyone has already been assigned and I do not want to miss the first session.”
Lord Marak watched his mother join the other new mages before he turned and walked back towards the mansion. The field the Mage Corps had claimed for their own was out of the way and in an area where people had no reason to venture. As he approached the main gate, Lord Marak saw a flurry of red and yellow uniforms and quickened his step. Cortain Tagoro rushed out to greet him.
“Lord Zawbry of Woodville is here,” Cortain Tagoro explained. “He brought a Squad of Ragatha soldiers with him as an escort.”
“Did we have any advance notice of his arrival?” inquired Lord Marak.
“No,” replied Cortain Tagoro. “Should I prescribe punishment for the lax patrols?”
“No,” Lord Marak answered. “Schedule them for further training. Explain the need for absolute security of the estate and make sure the training is intensive. Another lapse by the same group will be dealt with more harshly. Make sure they know.”
Cortain Tagoro nodded and sprinted off in the direction of the Ragatha border. Lord Marak strode into the courtyard with a purposeful stride. Lord Zawbry was all smiles while Marshal Tingo whispered in his ear. Marshal Tingo straightened as Lord Marak approached.
“Lord Marak,” introduced Marshal Tingo, “I have the pleasure to introduce Lord Zawbry, Ragatha Lord of Woodville.”
“Thank you, Marshal Tingo,” uttered Lord Marak. “Welcome to Fardale, Lord Zawbry. Will you join me in the Meeting Chamber?”
“It will be my pleasure, Lord Marak,” smiled Lord Zawbry as he followed Lord Marak up the steps.
Lord Marak paused at the top of the steps and saw the Ragatha Squad following their Lord. “Lectain Zorkil,” Marak ordered, “see to Lord Zawbry’s men. Make sure they are refreshed from their long journey. Marshal Tingo will be joining his Lord in the Meeting Chamber. I wish you to join us after the Ragatha are settled.”
Lord Marak glanced at the surprised look on Lord Zawbry’s face as he turned and led the way into the mansion. Several of the visiting Lord’s men would normally have been allowed into the Meeting Chamber to act as bodyguards, but Lord Marak wanted to gauge Lord Zawbry’s reaction to surprises and he was not disappointed. Lord Zawbry did not know how to react and sought some sign of approval or complaint from his Marshal. Unfortunately for Lord Zawbry, Marshal Tingo was not a quick thinker, either, and the three men continued into the mansion to the Meeting Chamber without any guards at all. By the time Lord Marak got Lord Zawbry settled, Lectain Zorkil appeared.