Tartarus Beckons by Edmund Batara (reading an ebook .TXT) 📕

issues. I guess, like you, I thought there was a chance of going back to Earth, and deep down, I didn’t want to lose my First World sense of reality,” remarked Ivar. “It was only when I accepted that I’d be here for the rest of my life that my wrestling with moral and judgmental issues stopped. Of course, acceptance of the time dilation effect also helped. Even if I were to go back to Earth now, I would be in a strange and unfamiliar world. Your arrival and the information you gave me only reinforced my conclusion that my decision was correct.”

Tyler nodded and glanced at Ivar.

“I did find a portal back to Earth. One of those one-way things. But I gave the chance to go back home to another visitor, Liam. An Australian.”

The look on Ivar’s face was beyond description. The mage wryly smiled as he took in Ivar’s slack-jawed and stupefied expression.

“Don’t get your hopes up, Ivar. It was a portal of another race. Ancient beings, very powerful, and extremely deadly, as in predatorial, to ordinary humans. They look upon us as mere resources or tools. A source of flesh, bones, and souls. Way beyond most of the pantheons expected or practiced. They were humans once but of a different level now. More like deities. Very dark and more formidable ones. But they are abominably focused on bringing over their revolting gods to this plane of reality. I was just lucky.”

“Sire.” Tyler heard X’s warning voice and realized he just told Ivar something the mage wanted to keep secret. And Kobu was also in the room.

Oh, shit. Got carried away.

“Though I would suggest keeping that bit of information to yourself. I don’t know how the pantheons would react if they knew they have a bigger problem on their hands,” added Tyler quickly. He turned to Kobu.

“You too, Kobu.” The exile merely bowed in reply.

Ivar gaped at him.

“Lovecraft?” was all the Gothi said, though in a low voice.

Tyler nodded.

“Skit!”

The mage didn’t understand the expression but sympathized with the tone of the priest. The Gothi gave a shudder.

Oh, he reads Lovecraft too.

“And you faced off against their kind? As I said, having real, extremely powerful magic is a nice ability, but I don’t think I could handle the kind of responsibility that comes with it. The stress must be intense. Like in your case.”

“I did learn to live from day-to-day, and I have companions to help me. But you’re right. The job description was outrageously brutal and unforgiving.”

The Gothi could only shake his head.

“Anyway, enough bad memories. How’s your plan for a center for magical arts coming along?” Tyler asked, remembering the Gothi’s grand plan.

“It’s already being implemented. Though the site had been moved to the coast because of one significant consideration,” answered the priest.

“And that is?”

“I’ll tell you later. After I show you your surprise,” said Ivar with a secretive, funny grin.

“It’s not my birthday, Ivar. But I believe your boss mentioned something about a surprise,” countered Tyler.

“I know. You want to see it?”

“Of course! What did you think?”

An hour later, the trio found themselves on a beach some distance from the town. The area was inaccessible by road, and virgin forest greeted Tyler when they waded to the shore from the karve. The water was shallow, and the ship was able to navigate close to the beach.

“This is the site for the new center,” said Ivar when they stood on the beach, the cold water lapping at their feet.

“No road?” asked Tyler as he looked around. Virgin forest greeted him.

“No. I am still thinking about that part – whether to make it relatively out-of-the-way or have a road leading directly to town. Maljen is not far, about five to six miles that way.”

“A road would be necessary, considering the reality on this world. You might need to help the town,” volunteered Tyler.

“True. Though the distraction of a town might affect what the center is for – a center for magical studies and regulation.”

“Worried about mages sneaking off to go whoring or getting plastered?” laughed Tyler. “Speaking from experience?”

“You got it in one shot. The first part of your question. The second is just nasty. I’ve seen a lot of mages in Skaney, and they’re human, despite the magical abilities,” commented the priest. “Considering that battle magic is going to be one of the areas of specialization of the institution, warriors of both sexes would also be around. It’s bound to be a disciplinary nightmare unless we prepare for potential problems.”

“The potential issues won’t go away, you know. Remoteness will just turn the focus of the possible temptations inward, and you’ll have to contend with the smuggling of liquor and women into the center. Not to mention watching out for nightly trysts,” added Tyler with a chuckle.

“You’re right. A road then,” replied Ivar, looking in the direction of the town. Then he turned to the mage.

“Now then, for your surprise,” the priest grinned broadly. “Care to guess what it is?”

“Nope. I absolutely have no idea. Though I’d be happy with a revolving-door portal to Earth.”

“Me, too. But from what lore I’ve read, they’re one-way gates. And rare. Now, turn around,” said the priest.

Tyler did as the Gothi asked. Kobu followed suit after a final investigative glance at the surrounding area.

“What do you see?” asked Ivar, excitement palpable in his voice.

Tyler observed the seascape before him. Only the dark blue of the restless waves and a large flat island about three miles offshore greeted him.

“What am I supposed to see? The sea?” he eventually asked after a few minutes.

“The island, idiot. It’s for the High Mage. Leading deities of the Norse and Greek pantheons raised it for you.”

“Nice.” It was all Tyler said.

“Nice? It’s an island! Your very own! Made by and given to you by deities! I didn’t even think they had it in them to do such a thing for mortals!” exclaimed the mystified priest. Ivar couldn’t understand Tyler’s reaction. It was bland, to say the