Disclaimer – I do not own BMT world, it belongs to Trudi Canavan
Akkarin's Decision
They were seated around the table, the King at the head, Balkan on his right opposite Akkarin, while she sat beside her lover and faced Osen. The refreshments had been offered and received and now they were waiting for the King to start.
The High Lord and his Administrator listened in silence as the King outlined the information he had obtained from spies. There was no mention of where the spies came from or of Akkarin's involvement, but Sonea was sure Balkan would have guessed. She was conscious of some mental conversation between the other two magicians in defiance of convention, but she could not distinguish any words. After Merin had finished, Balkan considered what had been said for a moment.
"The situation could become a grave one, Your Majesty, except for one thing." Here Balkan paused before looking round the table with what could only be described as a self-satisfied expression. "Since the last attack, I have been making plans to put more Warriors into the field. I can now report that the Warrior Discipline has more members than at any time in its history. We will be ready to meet any attack."
"Except for the inconvenient truth that one Ichani magician has the power of twenty brave Warriors." Akkarin's tone was pleasant, but Sonea could detect the underlying amusement she was so familiar with.
Balkan kept his face expressionless and his tone equally pleasant, "True, but the Warriors have been training hard for a number of years perfecting their battle skills. I am confident they can outwit a few Ichani. They have done it before."
That old lie! Sonea was furious that Balkan still peddled his story about the Warriors defeating the last Ichani attack on the Guild. She opened her mouth to argue, but Akkarin's mental voice whispered No, Sonea. Let it be. She snapped her mouth shut and stared down at the table, unwilling to meet anyone's eye in case they could see just how furious she was.
Akkarin made no response to Balkan's statement, so the King asked the High Lord if he saw any significance in the mention of ships picked up by one of the spies. Balkan, a true Warrior to the core, had a soldier's typical disdain for the sea. He dismissed it as simply talk and suggested that perhaps the spy had mistaken a jest for real information.
Merin was disconcerted by this response and cast an anxious glance towards Akkarin who remained silent. There was an uncomfortable pause, then Sonea could stand it no longer and asked, "What is the Warrior strength at Corres Fort?"
If she had sprouted wings and flown up to the ceiling, Balkan and Osen couldn't have looked more surprised.
"Corres Fort?" the Administrator asked, "Why do you mention Corres Fort?"
It was Sonea's turn to look surprised, "Ichani, ships, fort, sea coast," she said emphasising each word.
Balkan gave her a withering glance, "Corres Fort is a small fort in an out of the way part of the Kingdom. It has never been attacked and its main task is to ensure that traders pay their custom dues."
"So, not many Warriors?" Sonea asked patiently.
"No!" Balkan snapped and turned his attention back to the King. Merin pulled the map back on the table and pointed to Corres Fort, "Lady Sonea has a point, the fort has few warriors, has a land side as well as a sea entrance, so if the Ichani were thinking of a sea-borne attack, then Corres Fort would seem a good place to choose, don't you think so, High Lord?"
The King's question forced Balkan to consider the point. He stared at the map before saying grudgingly, "It's one possibility, I suppose, but there has never been an attack from Sachaka which has been by sea."
"All the more reason to consider it, High Lord." Akkarin's voice was matter-of-fact. "The Ichani have been defeated using their usual approach across the wastelands and through the Northern and Southern Forts. If they have a new leader, with new ideas, then we should consider the possibility that the King's spies are correct and the Ichani have been making enquiries about obtaining ships."
"Hmm, there's no reason not to consider it as a very remote possibility," Balkan replied, "but I consider any attack will come through our land borders, that's why I have reinforced our existing strength. There are only two places an attack can come by land, the Northern and Southern Forts. Anything else is a distraction."
Akkarin stared at the High Lord for a moment, then turned to the King, "Your Majesty, I would like to investigate the situation at Corres Fort."
"Lord Akkarin, you've heard my opinion," Balkan said sharply, "I do not consider there is a need to investigate the situation, as you put it. You do not have permission to leave the Guild environs."
"I am the King's Magician, High Lord, and I do not need your permission to visit the King's Fort." Akkarin's voice was cold and two spots of high colour bloomed on the High Lord's cheeks as he remembered the special position Akkarin held.
"My pardon, Your Majesty," he said stiffly, "of course if Your Majesty wishes your…err...Magician to visit Corres Fort, then, naturally, I have no objection."
"Of course Lord Akkarin has my permission to go anywhere in the Kingdom any time he deems necessary," Merin said quickly. "Now, let us consider the information my spies have gathered. What is your opinion regarding the reports of meetings between Ichani clans, High Lord?"
"It's difficult to gauge the degree if threat because we have so little information about the Ichani. It may be merely the meeting of a few isolated groups and could be concerned with trade rather than invasions."
"I beg to differ, High Lord," Akkarin said. "I have intimate knowledge of how the Ichani operate and different groups meet only in exceptional circumstances. They are not like our villagers, regularly meeting up at markets or other events. Each clan operates very much on its own, taking and holding territory by driving out the inhabitants and keeping out rivals. They capture slaves to feed their magic and they have a strong suspicion of other clans. If these reports are true, then something much more significant is happening."
"Just how close is your involvement with the Ichani, Lord Akkarin?" Osen asked slyly.
Before Akkarin could answer, Sonea broke in, "He fought them for years and prevented them from entering the Guild when they invaded Imardin. If anyone in Kyralia knows anything about the Ichani, it is Akkarin!"
"Thank you, Sonea, but the Administrator is not interested in old history," Akkarin said coolly. "You will have to take my word for it, Osen. I have studied them for years and even lived among them. Believe me, if various clans are seeking each other out, then something is afoot."
The Administrator didn't seem disposed to take Akkarin's word for anything. His lips thinned in disapproval and he opened his mouth to continue the argument, but Merin had had enough.
"You will listen to Lord Akkarin. I have complete faith in his understanding of our enemies." Merin said firmly in that regal tone which could not be argued with.
"Of course, Your Majesty, I am sure we are all grateful for Lord Akkarin's contribution." Although Balkan didn't sound particularly grateful, his words were sufficient to cause Osen to subside.
"Now, gentlemen, we must decide what action to take. Lord Akkarin, as we know, wants to investigate the situation at Corres Fort, but what about you High Lord? What action will the Guild take?"
"I shall increase my Warrior patrols, redoubling those in the foothills of the Steelbelt Ranges. That is where I'm sure the threat is greatest. I'm happy that both Forts are well resourced both with Guards as well as Warriors."
"Lord Akkarin?" Merin asked.
"I would like to take my group of Warriors with me to the Fort. As you know, we have been training specifically to meet the threat of a number of black magicians. If our intelligence is correct, Corres Fort is at risk of being overwhelmed. I need to see what steps must be taken to reinforce it."
During this speech, the High Lord had been looking increasingly uncomfortable with Akkarin's plan and as soon as he had finished, he said sharply, "You may have the King's permission to go anywhere in Kyralia, but you cannot take my Warriors with you!"
"Then what was the point in allowing Akkarin to train them?" Sonea burst out. She was tired of being left out of any serious discussion and continued despite the mental instruction from Akkarin to keep quiet. "He has been spending hours and hours creating a force capable of at least holding their own against the Ichani. Are they to stay behind Guild walls because the High Lord has personal issues with their leader?"
Balkan turned his furious gaze on her, "Keep quiet!" he hissed. "You are back in the Guild under sufferance. You are not protected by the King and if I wish to send you away from here to somewhere like Greyfort where you can spend the rest of your days filling out papers, I will do it!"
Sonea felt a cold hard lump form in her stomach. She had no doubt that if pushed too far, Balkan would make good his threat. The King's protection didn't extend to her, Merin had made that quite clear. His involvement with her had ended with her pardon. What happened to her afterwards was a Guild matter. She didn't need the warning glance from Akkarin to know she must curb her unruly tongue. Luckily, the King had something to say and the High Lord's attention was diverted away from her.
"It is my wish that my Magician be accompanied by those Warriors he has trained specifically for battles with the Ichani. I am sure the High Lord will be agreeable. After all he did allow the training to take place and it would seem a foolish waste to keep them away from where their skills are best used. I'm sure, on reflection, you will see that is a sensible position to take, High Lord."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Balkan didn't look particularly happy but the King's words had put him in a difficult position. To continue his opposition to Akkarin taking his Warriors would have looked petty at best and stupid at worst, but at the same time, he was distrustful of Akkarin's motives. After a moment of thought, he found an answer.
He looked directly at Akkarin, "The King is correct, Lord Akkarin. It is a sensible proposal to take the specially trained Warriors. I will join you on your journey to Corres Fort, along with some of my Warriors and together we will investigate the possibility of an attack in that area."
Balkan's going too. That will be interesting, Sonea thought to herself. I'll be able to keep a close eye on him and his private little army!
"Thank you, High Lord, your presence and your additional Warriors will be most welcome." Nothing of Akkarin's real thoughts could be discerned through his pleasant expression and warm tone.
Sonea almost hugged herself with glee. To be free of the Guild with its factions and hostility would be most welcome to her too. A task at last where my skills can be put to a proper use!
"I'm pleased we have agreement. Now time for some refreshments I think." The King got up and honoured his visitors by personally fetching glasses of wine, juice and plates of savouries. Conversation reverted to the meaningless pleasantries exchanged at such times. Sonea found herself talking with Osen, who seemed curious about her daily life now she had returned. She managed to describe her days in such a way as to let him think she was engaged in private study. As I am, she thought, but not the kind he thinks!
After a suitable period of relaxation, the King called the meeting to order again. "We must consider when your journey to Corres Fort will take place," he said.
"I feel there is some urgency in the situation," Akkarin responded. "The information from your spies shows that the meetings have been more frequent in the last month or so which leads me to think that any invasion is likely to take place soon. The quicker we can assess the situation at the Fort and its surrounding areas, the better. Otherwise we risk the Ichani getting across our borders before we know it and can react properly."
"Yes, I agree with Lord Akkarin," Balkan said. "The sooner we can put this idea to rest, the better we can concentrate on the areas where an attack is more likely. I suggest we leave by next Freeday. It shouldn't take long to organise our party."
Finally, the King took notice of Sonea's presence, "And your companion will accompany you, Lord Akkarin?"
"No, Your Majesty, my companion will remain at the Guild."
It hit her with all the impact of a blow to the gut. Remain at the Guild! How could he say that? How could he betray everything she stood for? With an effort, she kept herself still and hoped nothing of her inner pain showed on her face.
Akkarin, what do you mean, remain at the Guild? Her mental voice was heavy with disbelief.
We'll talk later. Keep silent!
Somehow she got through the rest of the time in the King's apartments. Their journey back to the Magicians' Quarters passed in a blur. She couldn't prevent her mind chasing round and round in circles to the refrain of 'He's leaving me behind!' By the time they reached her rooms, she had got herself into a state of cold fury. The door closed behind them and she turned to let fly with her rage.
Akkarin didn't give her the opportunity. He seized her in a tight grip and stopped her mouth with a fierce kiss. She tried to fight him off, but he was too strong and she was unable to move. In her belly, cold rage was at war with hot desire, and she had no way of knowing which would win.
You are beautiful when you are angry….. She hated the amusement in his mental voice and refused to reply, merely redoubling her efforts to escape. But it was no use.
She felt herself being lowered on to her bed, his body hard against hers, holding her down. His hands began their knowing drift over her breasts and down to her thighs. Despite herself, she could feel heat overcome the chill of her rage and desire blossomed along all her nerves. He no longer had to hold her down, she embraced him willingly, her own hands tracing the smooth muscles of his back, lower and lower until she found the firm swell of his buttocks.
He took her swiftly and fiercely, setting up a steady rhythm which drove her desire deeper and hotter until all her existence was concentrated deep within herself as pleasure flared then exploded in the white heat of passion. Her heart was pounding and her breathing ragged as she came back to herself. She was lying crushed in his arms. She could hear how his heartbeat matched her own, feel the quick rise and fall of his chest and knew that his pleasure had been as great as her own.
Gradually his grip relaxed as their breathing slowed. I think you are ready to talk now, his mental voice whispered, now that some of your furious energy has been put to a much better use…..
In spite of herself, she laughed. "You know me too well, Akkarin, whereas sometimes I think I hardly know you at all."
"I know you are angry at being left at the Guild, but we've been here before, haven't we? Once before I needed you here to ensure there was at least one black magician able to organise the defenders, and that time you outwitted me by refusing your judgement. This time, you have no option but to do as I say."
"My place is with you, watching your back," Sonea said softly, "not left here with nothing to do. You need me."
"I need you here. I shall not be gone for long, but just in case I do not return, the Guild will still have you. Merin will make you the next King's Magician and you can continue my work."
Now that her rage had been channelled into more interesting areas, she was able to think clearly about what Akkarin proposed. She could see his point of view, she didn't agree with it, but she could understand it. If they were two different black magicians, she would not quarrel with his plan. But they weren't two different black magicians, they were Akkarin and Sonea, with all that implied, their history together, what they had shared, the pain and the suffering, discovery and longing, and she could never agree.
However, now was not the time or the place to argue. It would spoil what they had just had. Better to let him think he has convinced me, she thought, and I'll decide what to do in the morning…
She smiled up at him and took his face between her hands, reaching up she covered his mouth with her own, letting the tip of her tongue trace the outline of his lips before slipping it inside to entwine with his. He responded as she thought he would, so she gave herself over to the pleasant task of giving and receiving pleasure, deliberately thinking of nothing else except the long night ahead.
