The Price of Power - Part 1

“That is one of the many things that set freecasters and magi apart.” Cale had purchased a pack mule, of all things, in the last hamlet they passed through. He was rubbing its head now, and feeding the beast the last of their apples. Eirian knew that his attention was focused on her, even though his eyes were not.

“So we continue to use the words, the uh…incantations when we’re stoning, but we still need to learn the ruins silent use?” She thought she knew the why, but decided to wait and see if Cale would provide the answer.

“Yes, and if every superstition-prone commoner thinks the words are really needed, the better for us.”

Yes. That was her theory as well, “But why?”

“Imagine you are captured by a zealot, or a bigot, or…your choice of scum.” He turned from the mule, picked up the reigns and began walking. “It’s a small thing really, but one of the many ‘tricks’ we use.” He held a single finger up to signal that he was getting back to the story, “So now you have been knocked out by some brawler outside a tavern in Veilance. Since they are unenlightened of the higher nature of magic…” he said the word with laughter in his voice, “…they will bind and gag you, thinking themselves somewhat safe; your ability to ruincast now hampered if not thwarted.

“Now I’m not saying this would work in every instance. There are enough people that know the truth out there, that you may just be killed out of hand: If you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“But it would be better to not be caught in the first place.”

Cale smiled then, eyes sparkling, and laughed, “That would be better for a certainty.” He sobered after a moment, “But there are many people in this world who, though their lives are bettered by the stones’ power, are jealous and suspicious of those who wield it.”

“You don’t have to remind me of that.” Eirian flushed in anger at a memory, and then flushed again in anger at herself for her loss of control.

Only three years ago now. It seemed half a lifetime removed.

Eirian had been shopping in the Khallak Distric; full of overpriced stalls, expensive stores, and pretentious merchants. But the bright colors, exotic smells, and amazing music always lured her there in spite of the prices. The market had the feel of a northern bazaar, especially at high summer. It happened that day that her parents were headed to that area, and she had jumped at the chance to go along.

She entered a small shop just inside an alley not far off of Rose. An odd assortment of curios, artifacts, books, dishes, and other unidentifiable objects cluttered the benches and shelves around the room. A tall man sat behind the counter, spectacles perched on the end of his bird-like nose. Eirian stifled a laugh at his disapproving look, and walked into the aisles.

Halfway through the maze she stopped. A fragment of rock, shattered and no bigger than her two hands together, was sheltered under a glass box. Strange symbols adorned the stone. They didn’t seem to be carved, but they also were not painted. For a moment she thought she recognized the strange letter and called over her shoulder to the owner.

“What is this?”

The voice came back, drooling with condescension, “That little girl, is the last fragment of the great Johrish Binding Stone.”

“Impossible…” She meant to say, but instead, “Ko-ha-ra” trickled out in a rushed whisper. The lamps in the shop flared to a sudden, heated brilliance, burning their oil in a second.


“So where are we headed?” Eirian asked, shaking her head to clear the memories.

As usual, Cale’s posture said that he was not going to answer her; at least not directly. After a few moments of silence he asked quietly, “Who is your father Eirian?”

Her mind whirled…… “You know the answer to that question, or you would not have asked it.”

His wry smile was back now, and it irritated her for the first time. Finally it seemed that the old man had worn down her patience. “I would not bring the subject up myself. You need to.”

“But you just did!” Yes her patience had definitely worn out.

“No, I’m just willing to trade information.”

If she was carrying anything, she would have thrown it at him in that moment.