Chapter I
Qwandra
"You called, Master Wyrlik?" Qwandra asked in her watery voice, entering the Dean of Swordhaven University's study.
"Yes, Qwandra Searunner. You full well know that you are the top student in this school,"--Qwandra drew herself up higher--"and so far the only mancer—aquamancer-- known to exist at this moment. When accepting the scholarship to Swordhaven, you agreed to take any difficult mission that the Board of Swordhaven sees fit to assign you." said Wyrlik.
Qwandra nodded, but silently thought, Board Shmord. Wyrlik knows I'll do whatever I can to help.
Wyrlik continued, "What do you know about Hijrel, Qwandra?"
The 16-year-old brunette rolled her bright blue eyes and recited, "Hijrel is a city near the edge of the Jrill desert. The city is controlled by a council, with the council chairman being Rajidd Hrim. Order in the city is kept by a group called the Djud, who are also private investigators. The city is a trade center, with people selling everything from spices to enchanted stones. The city's average rainfall is less than…"
"Yes, and what do you know of the lower classmen?" Wyrlik said hurriedly before she could continue.
Qwandra wrinkled her nose. "Most of the lower class has respectable jobs such as shopkeepers and healers. But some children my age organize themselves into gangs, taking on names like the 'Snakes' or the 'Hammers'. They consider their gang to be their family. They organize the city into different sections of land, and defend their own land from rivals, or try to attack their rivals. They also steal from the civilians when they want to. The annual percentage of the Hijrelian population in gangs…"
"Yes, well a lady named Sijli Dajha has become involved with a particular gang called the Citylords." Said Wyrlik, cutting her off. "She's a well-respected lady, the aunt of a council member and owner of a rich spice company, so no one suspects her of associating with a gang. But she most definitely has been. One of her longest rivals in business was killed a week ago by the Citylords. A week before that, her son's wife was killed by the Citylords in her sleep. Rumor has it that Sijli hated her daughter-in-law. But the Djud hasn't come up with enough evidence to prove her influence so she can be stopped."
Qwandra adjusted her blue mage robes nervously. "So you want me to stop this…this Sijli?" She asked.
Wyrlik nodded. "You will be given lodgings in the upper-class part of Hijrel. You may take all the time you need, but you must get the Citylords out from under Sijli's foot."
Qwandra nodded, and turned to go. "I will leave as soon as possible, Master Wyrlik." She said. Just great, she thought, I have to get involved with gangs? In the city of Hijrel? That city is supposed to be dusty and unclean and…I don't know what else!
"One more thing, Qwandra…try not to harm the Citylords too much, please. It's Sijli that we want." With that, Wyrlik dismissed her with a wave of his hand. As she closed the door on his study, he put his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes. She is the most powerful spellcaster in all of the country of Rini. I hope she can make it. The old white-haired man looked around his study. Because once Sijli is done with Hijrel, she will come for me, the man who stood between her and control of this university.
Wolf
This is stupid thought Wolf, as he entered the estate of Madame Sijli in the high-class part of Hijrel. Wolf was walking with his gang the Citylords, following his leader, Bane. He had loved life in a gang, stealing and living on the edge of Hijrel. He had worn his black sash around his head with pride, because it signified that he was a Citylord. But Bane had, by some stroke of luck, good or bad, attacked the well-dressed Sijli when she was leaving the marketplace. Sijli could've ordered him killed then and there, but instead she was impressed with his ferocity and invited him to work for her in exchange for weapons and food, and a gold earring for each Citylord, in place of their black sash.
As Bane's deputy, Wolf was inclined to follow his each and every command, which he was happy to do. But at the moment, Bane was taking orders from Sijli and relaying them to the Citylords. No matter what Bane says about that dragon-lady, I'll never trust her. The Citylords walked through bright marble hallways with airy lighting and windows, and traipsed through lush gardens that were stocked with exotic plants and sparkling fountains.
They entered Sijli's chamber, which was a cool room with red wall hangings and tile. She sat on a backless chair that was covered with red silk. She was wearing the traditional Hijrelian dress for the upper class: embroidered red and gold silk draped over her shoulders, and a matching long skirt underneath, with a red mark in the center of her forehead to signify that she was a widow. Bane knelt down in front of her, and the rest of the Citylords followed his lead and knelt also, Wolf's black hair falling in front of his light blue eyes. But don't think that kneeling to you means I like you, Sijli. Wolf gritted his teeth and bowed his head. Then Sijli spoke.
"Well, Bane? Are you ready to do me another favor?" Sijli said, in the silkiest, creepiest voice you can imagine. At least that's what Wolf thought. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up to hear that voice. Bane nodded.
Aargh! Not another wild goose chase for that lady! It was hard enough going after her rivals and daughter in law! Wolf fingered his gold earring. The first chance I get, I'm taking this stupid earring off. Sijli cleared her throat.
"I have heard that Wyrlik of Swordhaven University has found out that you have been killing my enemies."
US killing her enemies?! She's the one that wants them dead!
"They have sent out a student to stop me." She gave a tinny laugh that made the hairs on Wolf's neck stand up higher. Bane and a few others forced some laughs out. Sijli continued, "Yes, a student, but admittedly quite an exceptional one. She's the top student in all of Rini, and is the only mancer--aquamancer--walking the earth. She's more powerful than any spellcaster there is, but you should be able to handle her, won't you?" The air stood still. Bane looked like he was about to protest, but knew better. Wolf didn't blame him. He was shocked himself.
Go up against the most powerful spellcaster in the world? She could liquefy us with one spell! What chance do we have?
"The girl's name is Qwandra Searunner. She'll be moving into the Jihadd district." She dismissed them with a wave of her hand and Bane rose, taking the rest of the Citylords out of the house and back outside.