A Clash of Magics by Guy Antibes (read this if txt) 📕

to the discussion. If the Maskumites were behind the domination tactics for King Worto, if the Brachian ruler didn’t want to waste his country’s resources on war, then it made sense that they might have to make a move on their own.

Trevor was tempted to communicate with Reena, but he decided to wait until Derwizul in case she had something to say to her former swordmakers. Trevor could use his transfer power. He laughed. Why communicate if he could bring her to Derwizul in the flesh? Lissa could stay for a few hours in Collet while Reena caught up with her former associates.

The journey to Derwizul was much different from the time Akku and Trevor traveled to the same destination. This time they didn’t stay in the grasslands and skipped the little village where Trevor had left the orphaned cubs, and they did make the journey in much less time.

Trevor had expected to spend much of the trip with Mino, but they had hardly spoken. While they visited Mino’s shop, the focus pulled Trevor aside from the rest of the group.

“Teach me how to make the charms,” Mino said. “I brought along some materials that I don’t have in Derwizul.”

“What about the others?” Trevor asked.

“You worry about teaching me, and I’ll worry about them,” Mino said.

Mino took them into a small building that faced the work yard. “The four of us will work on this in private,” Mino told Lissa and Volst as they followed Trevor.

“Secrets?” Trevor asked.

“Confidences let us say,” Mino said.

Mino started by having Lissa demonstrate how to make a charm. They both made two batches of five. The process didn’t take that long, but then Mino sat down on a bench, getting comfortable.

“Now we talk?” Trevor asked, feeling useless watching the others make charms.

Mino nodded. “You have learned much since the time we first met here,” Mino said. “Turgul has great confidence in you, but confidence is not going to win the fight against our enemy.”

“The enemy is?” Trevor asked.

“Maskum, of course. I never thought of them being so intense in their evil quests as I have lately. Your bringing evidence of the Maskumite magicians with you to Jarkan only made the king more convinced that Jarkan will be hard-pressed to fend our southern neighbors off by ourselves. General Henkari understands this more than most. I was impressed when you appeared with Reena at my house to test the rings. I am less impressed with the rings. There is only one person you can talk to, and that may be too confining in an emergency, of which there may be many,” Mino said. “You are the messenger, not your voice.”

“What are the chances of our success? You’ve lived closer to Maskum for longer than anyone here. The last messenger was defeated.”

Mino nodded. “You noticed that eh? I figured that something like that happened since you found the artifact at the bottom of an ancient tower in Viksar. How it got there is anyone’s guess. From what I’ve seen, the cuirass is the most valuable piece of magical gear in the world, so take care of it. Although, I must say that you are the only one who can use it.”

“Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”

Mino looked out the window of the workshop and shook his head. “I agree that the Maskumite magicians are a vicious, unstable lot. They have levels like the Viksaran do, but then they are split into small cabals. There is no overarching organization.”

“Then how do they work together to conquer the world?” Trevor asked.

“A common goal among enemies, I suppose. They have never been so bold since they are so fragmented, but something has brought them together, and I don’t know why. The secret must rest with the cabals.”

Trevor nodded. “They are going after the greater enemy? Why?”

Mino shrugged. “I’ve never been able to figure that out. If you can, let me know. Now a few more thoughts from the king. Trust General Henkari with your life, but don’t put him or Akku in excessive danger. I put in the ‘excessive’ part. Just being on the border is dangerous.”

“Is that a suggestion or a royal command,” Trevor said.

“Royal command for Akku and a suggestion for Henkari. If a war erupts, what happens, happens. Are you here to start a war?”

Trevor shook his head. “I’m a messenger first, but that isn’t really the truth. I am here to find out what is going on in Maskum.”

“The king expects you to run toward the hostiles. Hostiles is his term for Maskumites, not mine.”

Trevor smiled. “I might do a little running, but I didn’t travel to the border to look across at Maskum. I think I will take Lissa to the sea. I’ve never been on a beach before,” he said.

“Just make sure it’s not the last thing that you put your eyes on,” Mino said. He turned toward the door. “I have a lot of work to do here, so I’ll get started. Find a nice inn and rest.”

“Shall I bring Reena here?”

“I don’t have any objections. I think I’ve told you all I need to.”

Trevor exited the small workshop and asked Akku and Volst to find lodgings for them.

“There is a garrison on the south side of town,” General Henkari said. “We will stay there. When will we be leaving tomorrow?”

“Let’s give ourselves a little time. Midmorning. If Akku knows where it is, we will meet you there.”

“Good enough for me. Enjoy your evening in Derwizul.”

Trevor watched the guards and the general leave the work yard and ride away.

“Now what?” Lissa asked.

“Do you want to visit Brother Yvan?”

Lissa furrowed her brow. “You are going to bring him here?”

Trevor shook his head. “I’m bringing Reena here. She worked with these men when