Gateway 7 - Esrin - Mage Sanzar

Gateway 7 -- Kesrin -- Mage Sanzar

"Mage Sanzar seeks an audience, my Lord," The voice of his chief minister was dry, restrained.

"Now?"

"Now, or as soon as possible, sir."

"Any thoughts, Jayan? You were present those other times."

"He certainly seems to be onto something, my Lord. Although I confess myself puzzled as to exactly what that something is. That it has something to do with the portals, of that I am positive."

"The portals, eh?" Prince Alnar pondered. That the portals had been important in the past seemed certain, given the tales that existed concerning them, but how much credence should be given to the 'travel between worlds' tales that had grown about them was far from clear. "I find myself intrigued, Jayan. Almost despite my better judgement. I think perhaps a private audience this evening. Just Sanzar and me, and you of course. In my study, an hour after sunset."

"I shall so arrange it, my Lord."

"For a moment or two, Jayan, be my old friend and not my chief minister. What do you think, I mean really think, about Sanzar's theories?"

"In truth, Alnar?"

"In truth, Jayan."

"I think - I feel - that this time he may well have something. Perhaps we'll find out this evening."

"Perhaps we shall."

"Indeed. And now, my Lord, Justice Olan seeks audience."

Alnar groaned. "Whatever is it this time?"

"The Merchants' League are in dispute with the Farmers' Guild."

"Again?"

"Again, my Lord. Or perhaps still, rather than again."

Alnar waved a weary hand. "Have Olan shown in, please."

"At once, my Lord."

Alnar and Jayan were at ease in the prince's quarters, glasses of wine at hand, when a servant knocked and made his way across, stooping to murmur in the prince's ear.

"Show him in, please," said Alnar. He looked across at Jayan. "Sanzar is here."

"Perhaps now we find out?"

"Perhaps we do."

There was an air of barely suppressed excitement about Sanzar when the servant ushered him in. His bow of greeting and murmured "my Lord" were perfunctory. Jayan scowled but Alnar signalled 'no'.

"Mage Sanzar. What is it you bring me this time?"

Sanzar stared at the prince for a long moment, then sighed. "In truth, my Lord, I do not know, save that I have never seen anything akin to it before."

"Akin to what, Sanzar? You know that too much mystery makes me irritable."

"Indeed, my Lord. May I digress?"

Alnar laughed. "I've never managed to stop you in the past, so why should tonight be different?"

"Quite so, my Lord. You may remember, I told you I had perfected a device to record images, and to transfer the image to paper?"

"Yes, I believe I remember you telling me. And?"

"And earlier today, I recorded this image." He opened a folder and passed Alnar a sheet of stiff paper. Alnar glanced at it, frowned, turned the paper around, stared at it again, then looked up at Sanzar.

"What is it?"

"My Lord, I have no idea whatsoever." Sanzar frowned. "You are aware of the portal in the desert, near the Sapphire Well?"

"Yes, just a ring of stone, or was it metal?"

"Neither, I think. It has been inert since we have been aware of it, but I have been reading the old scrolls, since you gave me access to the Palace library. They indicate that the ring has a purpose, and that there is a key needed to activate it."

"And?" said Alnar, curious about the repressed excitement the usually taciturn old mage was showing.

"The key was illustrated in the old scrolls." Sanzar rummaged in his pouch for a moment, then drew out an object. "Like this." He held the object out to Prince Alnar, who took it gingerly.

"Quite safe, my Lord," said Sanzar. "Quite safe. Perfectly inert, no magic whatsoever."

"None?" said Alnar, surprised.

"None that my tests can determine."

"And where has this - thing - come from?"

"The Palace museum, my Lord, in a box of assorted trinkets dating from some five or six hundred years ago."

"And what does it - do?"

Sanzar - smiled - for no other description quite fitted the grimace which crossed his face. "It opened the portal, my Lord."

"It -

what?

"

"Opened the portal."

"I thought that's what you said," said Alnar weakly. "And? Tell us, man! What did you see?"

"In truth, my Lord, I know not!"

Alnar stared at the old mage. "You do not know? In truth?"

"Aye, my Lord. In truth."

Alnar half smiled. "I thought you knew everything?"

Sanzar laughed. "So did I, once. It is many years now that I have acknowledged how little I truly know." He gave an ironic bow. "It suits me to pretend otherwise, of course."

"Of course," said Alnar, with a wry smile.

"What happened when the portal - opened?" Jayan asked.

"You have seen it? As it stands? In the desert?"

"Aye, a ring, slender enough that a child could step through. That a man, that three men could ride through, if they wished, and many have. I did myself, before I was full grown."

"Aye, and I have, too. The most recent occasion this very day. I went alone into the desert. The Sapphire Well is dry in this season, so no one was about, and I took no one with me." The old mage paused, reflective. "Before I tried the key - or whatever it is - I inspected the portal. Just as it has always been since I have known it. Bare, impervious, no mark of time or weather on it. Even the acid of bird droppings slides off it. Then I pressed the key into the recess to which it seemed fitted."

"And?" said Alnar, as Sanzar paused.

"Nothing, but then I realised, if it was a key, it needed turning, so I turned it."

"Go on, man. What happened?"

"A sound, almost beyond human hearing, but steadying to a low murmur, almost as if it was a chorus far off, chanting in the distance. Rhythmic, but wordless."

"Interesting," said Jayan, "But I have the feeling there was more?"

Sanzar nodded. "Aye, much more." He gestured at the image he had shown to the others. "That was what I saw, in the portal."

"This?" said Alnar, picking the image up and staring at it. "I see the outline of the portal, now that you have told me, but in the centre, there seems nothing but darkness."

"The dark of the night sky, my Lord, when the moons have set. I do not think my image recorder is yet capable of showing fine detail, but what I saw through the portal was a sky full of stars!"

There was a long pause, as the others stared at the old mage. Jayan was the first to find his voice. "You used the key in the full light of day?"

"Aye, minister, that I did. Yet I saw the night sky."

"Did you try to view the portal from the other side, away from the key?"

"I did. A clear view of the well, save there was a shimmer to the image. I felt no urge to try to step through," the old mage added dryly.

"What next? What did you do?" asked Alnar.

"Terrified myself," said Sanzar. "You know the blue pebbles a man can pick up near the Sapphire Well?"

"Yes?"

"I picked one up, a quite distinctive stone, with a pure green streak in the blue. I threw it. I threw it into the portal. Not hard, no more than to have it travel two or three armspans. And it disappeared."

"Disappeared? Surely it just went though. You'd be able to find it again, quite easily I would have thought." Jayan's tone was questioning, despite his confident words.

"As I thought, too. I searched behind that portal for an hour. That stone was nowhere to be found. Wherever that portal leads, there we will find the stone."

/There was a long silence as the two men digested the old mage's words. Jayan was the first to speak.

"What did you do then?"

"Removed the key."

"And?"

"The ring was again a ring, with a clear view through to the surrounding desert."

"And no sign of your stone?"

Sanzar nodded. "And no sign of my stone."

"And then?"

"I came here to seek audience. The rest you know."

Alnar stood, went over to a shelf where there was a tall bottle of his favourite Mu'uran red wine, and poured three glasses. He handed one to each of the other men, then took a deep draught of his own.

"Sanzar, I must see this for myself."

The old man nodded. "I would have you see it, my Lord. When?"

"Tomorrow. Early. Would you care for quarters in the palace overnight? Break fast with me in the morning?"

Sanzar bowed. "I would be honoured, my Lord."

"Jayan, join us. At the fastbreak bell. Bring Tima with you. I think only the four of us. Sanzar, do you know if your key fits the other portals?"

Sanzar shook his head. "I do not know. The portals appear identical, but it would be necessary to try them, although I think the - keys - may be of different shapes, making each unique to a portal. Do we know of any other than the three here? That at the Sapphire Well, one at Musladin, and one in Kera'an?"

"They are all we are aware of. The Sapphire Well is the loneliest, and was well-chosen, I think, for your first experiment."

"Indeed, and that was why I chose it." The old man gave a wry grin. "At my age I do not usually choose to go into the desert in the heat of the day."

"Nor at mine," said Alnar with a smile. "I prefer cooler places, with shade and running water."

"If we go as soon as fast-break is over, the day will not have reached its full heat," said Jayan.

"You are assuming we're flying, then," said Alnar.

"As you are planning to invite Tima to break fast with us, I did rather assume 'yes', my Lord."

"And correctly so. I don't think Hroth will mind carrying four of us for such a relatively short distance. He is the biggest Dracon we have, isn't he?"

"Artor thinks that Hmeth may grow bigger, when he has fully matured, but for now Hroth is the largest, yes." Jayan grinned. "I think my little sister is pleased she became a Dracon-rider."

"After we break fast tomorrow, Sanzar, we shall all go for a ride on Hroth," said Alnar, "and then we shall see what opening the portal again brings us. I confess, I find myself interested."

"And I, my Lord, am nervous, although I think Hroth's presence will make me less so."

"Jayan, my friend, will you escort my guest to the seneschal, and convey my wishes that he be given pleasant quarters for the night."

"At once, my Lord. Sanzar, if you'll come this way, please?"

"Of course. Goodnight, my Lord."

"Goodnight, Sanzar. Jayan, please return when you have seen Sanzar settled. There is more we have to discuss."

The chief minister bowed. "Of course, my Lord."

Jayan was back in short order. Alnar raised an inquisitive eyebrow and Jayan nodded. "Settled for the night, my Lord."

"We speak as friends now, Jayan." Jayan nodded. "Your thoughts?"

"Alnar, I don't know what to think, to be perfectly honest. That Sanzar is telling the truth as he sees it, I do not doubt for a moment. But if the portal is truly a gateway, then where does it open? On the night-side of the planet, or up there?" He gestured vaguely upwards.

"I think we need to see for ourselves. Tima and you I know I can trust." Alnar gave a wry smile. "We have been through too much together to be otherwise." He stifled a yawn. "Bed, I think, and see what tomorrow brings."

A fine day, was the answer, and Alnar, Jayan, Sanzar and Tima broke their fast together.

"Did Jayan say anything about why we asked you here this morning, Tima?" said Alnar.

Tima shook her head. "No, only that you sought Hroth's aid, and thus mine. Why, he did not say, my Lord."

"Will Hroth carry we four to the Sapphire Well?"

"Easily. That is our destination? I see. Then it must have something to do with the ring, I hazard?"

"A shrewd guess. Tell her of yesterday, Sanzar."

"Have you heard the tales that call them gateways, Tima?"

She nodded. "Legend and folklore, surely?"

Sanzar shook his head, his expression solemn. "Truth."

"Truth? How do you know?"

"Because I found the key, and when I fitted it, saw the night sky in full daylight. That is how." The old mage's tone was flat, emotionless, but Tima was in no doubt of his words. She picked up her cup and drained it.

"I had best see to Hroth, and ask his cooperation. How much do I tell him?"

"As much as you need. Only we four, and Hroth, of course, must know our destination, for the moment. Time enough for it to be known more generally when we know more ourselves, so keep it to yourself, please, Tima."

"You have my word, my Lord."

"Will you and Hroth meet us in the south pasture? We won't attract so much attention there, and we three can get there without having to explain ourselves to anyone."

"I don't think I can recall you ever explaining yourself to anyone, my Lord," said Tima, her tone dry.

Alnar laughed. "True, but rank does have some privileges." He sobered. "And responsibilities, too." He looked across at Tima. "Ten minutes?"

"We'll be there, my Lord. For now, I must leave you."

Forty minutes later, the four humans and the Dracon watched as the old mage fitted the key, and gasped in unison as the black of a moonless night appeared in the ring. Hroth stretched out his long neck, then turned to Tima. She shrugged.

"I don't know."

Neither do I

There was a sudden gasp from Sanzar, echoed by the others, as a figure came into view, but a figure such as they had never seen before. Humanoid, or at least biped, the figure was clad in what seemed to be armour, the head with a cyclopean eye, black, showing intriguing reflections, the figure seemed to be hanging in mid-air.

"What is it?" said Alnar, gesturing at the figure.

"If they are 'up there'," Sanzar said, gesturing at the sky, "they will need to carry their own atmosphere with them. Perhaps that is an air suit?"

"Perhaps," said Alnar. "Whatever it is, it does not seem to be hostile."

"How do we tell?" Jayan asked drily.

A very good question

"Any thoughts, Hroth?" Alnar said.

Nothing for the moment, Lord Alnar

Another figure appeared beside the first in the dark of space, carrying a long rod. The first figure gestured, making pushing motions.

"Any idea what that means?" said Jayan.

"Move back, I think," said Tima. "I think they mean to push that rod,whatever it is, through the portal."

I think you are correct, little one

"Thank you, Hroth. I am, sometimes." There was definite humour in the Dracon's glance at his rider. "Move back, my oversized friend, just in case."

The five of them moved back and watched in amazement as the rod extended towards them from the portal, stopping with an armspan or so visible.

"What is it?" said Alnar. "Any thoughts, Sanzar."

"Nothing coherent, my Lord."

"Something to listen with, perhaps, or to sense our atmosphere?" said Jayan.

I think you are correct

They started, sharing confused glances, as what was obviously some form of declaration issued from the rod.

"What was that?" said Jayan.

"Some form of announcement, perhaps?" He shrugged. "No language I've ever heard before." He glanced across at the Dracon. "Hroth? Any ideas?"

I'm not sure. There are familiarities

"Familiarities? To what?"

To a race memory. Outsiders such as this came once before, perhaps six or seven centuries ago

"Through the portal?" said Alnar.

No. From the sky, in a flying vessel

The Dracon's head lifted.

One like that.

Startled, the watchers saw a - vessel - of some form. A blunt cylinder, what appeared to be a control position, and short wings, with cylinders attached. The figure in the portal view indicated the cylinder, and then pointed at the portal, drawing its arm back and making a stabbing motion.

"Shells! I think they mean to bring it through the portal!" said Tima, shock in her voice. Yes, and excitement, too.

"Surely it's too big?" said Sanzar.

"I suspect they know the dimensions, Sanzar," said Alnar.

"Has anyone noticed the decoration on that thing?" said Tima, her voice tense with suppressed excitement.

A Dracon

"Yes, Hroth, a Dracon."

"They have a Dracon painted on that thing?" said Jayan. "Interesting."

"Interesting? You have no soul, my brother. That is more than just interesting, it means they have had contact with Dracons before!" Tima scowled at Jayan, who laughed. "I think they're signalling something else."

They watched as the figure in the portal gestured, pointing first at the five of them, then moving its arm in a big circle, then pointing at itself. More unknown speech came from the rod.

"Any ideas?" said Alnar.

I think they intend to delay, and make their approach tomorrow, or perhaps later today

"Why delay?" said Alnar.

"Perhaps to come with warriors?" said Sanzar. "Although if they are so advanced as to have conquered the skies, perhaps their weapons could destroy us all."

"Or they wish to send ambassadors?" said Jayan. "A moment! They are signalling again. About the rod, I think."

The figure in the portal gestured at the rod, and made pushing motions again. The rod moved back, and this time disappeared through the portal. The other figure they could see dismantled it, showing them how it came to pieces, then reassembled them. The rod then came forward again, towards the watchers, and this time it didn't stop, the full length of it dropping to the sand in the desert before them. They looked at the portal again. The figure saluted, and then made its way towards the vessel and disappeared. A few minutes later, the vessel turned, and moved out of sight. The only sign of the momentous event was the rod lying in the desert.

I counted four

"Two beside the portal, two on top of that vessel?"

Just so, little one. With weapons, I feel sure

"But how many more within?" said Jayan, his tone dry.

"We may never know. Hroth, was any of that language familiar?" said Alnar.

I am not sure. I will discuss it with Gnath and Franth

"Thank you. What next, my friends? Do we go, or do we wait."

"You and I have matters of state, my Lord," said Jayan. "Sanzar? Tima? Hroth?"

"I will stay here, my Lord," said Sanzar, "although I would appreciate water and perhaps some food being sent."

I must discuss this with the others

"Sanzar, what if we close the portal for the moment? We can return later, perhaps with some troops? I gained the definite impression that those - others - were waiting for us to open the portal. I suspect they will wait again, if necessary."

Sanzar nodded, his expression wry. "Just so, my Lord. Very well. Now?" At Alnar's nod, he withdrew the key. He gestured. "What of the rod?"

"We take it back with us." Alnar paused. "Any magic?"

"None I can detect, my lord."

"Very well, let us leave for now. Without the portal, no-one can approach us without our knowledge."

"You plan on returning?"

Alnar laughed. "You doubt me? Of course we will return. The only question is when."

"I think that figure was suggesting a day's passage of time," said Jayan.

Tima nodded. "I thought so too."

As did I

"Very well," said Alnar. "We return at the same time tomorrow."

"Will you bring troops, my Lord?" said Jayan. "I think it wise."

Alnar nodded. "I, too, but how many? And who?"

"Hmeth and Lori have been working with Captain Lemahn," said Tima. "Hmeth can bring six troopers, including the Captain. Would that suffice?"

"As I suspect that the strangers' weapons could probably destroy the whole city in a heartbeat," said Alnar, "I think six is adequate. Enough to show both care and respect. Captain Lemahn it is. Hroth?"

Consider it done, Lord Alnar

"Thank you. May I beg the courtesy of a ride back now?"

You think I would leave you?

"No, my Dracon friend, I don't. Not in these circumstances. In battle, for the greater good, I would expect it."

Wise

* * * * *

And there we'll end part 7. There's more to come, muse permitting.