Download - The Enemy of my Enemy - Chapter 1 SPOILER

8/9/2019 The Enemy of my Enemy - Chapter 1 *SPOILER*

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The Enemy of my Enemy

Chapter 1 Diplomacy

Junie! Come back here with that! I was using it to prepare for my next class.Logan Rostren chased after the giggling girl who streaked through the Academy

hallway, a small crystalline rod in hand. Her green eyes gleamed with mischief and her

dark curls bounced atop her shoulders as she ran. Try as he might, the broad-shouldered

and bearded man could not keep up with the spirited child, stumbling as he rounded thecorner.


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As he put a hand up against the wall to prevent from falling, and glanced ahead

down the corridor, he caught sight of an athletic-looking middle-aged woman

approaching from the other direction, just past the stairwell.Stop her, Dee, Logan called out. She wont give me my rod back.

Dee extended a hand and grabbed the girls arm as Junie attempted to rush past

her. Ah, ah, June Bug. What did your daddy tell you about borrowing things without

peoples permission? Dee said with a feigned frown. Give Logan back his rod.

The girl struggled to free herself from Dees grasp, but to no avail. Somewhatmore muscular than the average woman, Dee had more than enough strength to restrain

the rambunctious child. Eventually Junie ceased her struggling and relented. She offered

the shiny magical trinket back to its rightful owner.

Logan took it back from her with an unhappy sigh. He opened his mouth tospeak, but before he could say anything, there was a loud clatter on the stairs as a tall,

slender, blond man rushed down them, with a full looking satchel in hand. He paused at

the base of the steps, glancing expectantly first at Dee, and then at Logan.

You two dont have time to stand around, he insisted. You need to go pack.Pack? Dee questioned. Why would we need to pack, Clayton? Where are we

going?Seaforest, Clayton stated bluntly heading towards the front door.

Hunh? Dee exclaimed, visibly startled by his response.

Are you crazy? Logan admonished. Never mind the fact that Seaforest is on

the other side of civilization, you two cant go there. Youre Renegades. That would belike leaping into shark-infested water with an open wound.

Clayton shrugged.

Suit yourselves. Youll be the ones scrambling when the time comes.Dee did not argue. She turned into the stairwell and headed up the steps to

prepare for a journey. She realized Claytons conviction was due to the fact that the

clairvoyant had seen something to come. If he believed that they would be travelling toSeaforest in the near future, then that was exactly where they would be going.

Dee had lived much closer to Seaforest once, as a girl, but she had never crossed

the border into the kingdom proper. Such a journey would truly be something new forher. It would be exciting, and she missed exciting.

She was surprised that Logan seemed so resistant to the notion. The university-

trained mage had known Clayton for almost as long as Dee had, and he had spent many

more years exposed to the blond Renegades gift, while Dee was away serving with theTemplars of Oron, a group of holy protector knights and soldiers. She wondered if the

idea of having to journey so far from the Academy frightened the bearded man. He had,

after all, spent all of his life secluded in or around Anthis, and for the most part, at eitherMagic University, or the Cerissa June Academy of Blended Magic. He had also lived in

the shadow of his mentor, Renaldo, for more than twenty years. Dee had a hard time

sympathizing with Logan if he was dreading this voyage. She had been living at theAcademy for more than a year and a half now and was starting to crave the opportunity to

wander. She had not been much of a homebody since she had left her family home as a

girl.


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Logan paused a few moments, staring at Clayton with dismay, before he too

started up the stairs. He could feel a mild panic creeping into his stomach. He knew if

the clairvoyant said that they would be going, then he had no choice in the matter. Thatdid not stop him from being anxious about the trip. He had heard all of the tales about

how Renegades were received in Seaforest, and he could be persecuted just for

associating them. As far as he was concerned, he had already dealt with enough of thestigma in liberal-minded Anthis.

Clayton walked over to the front door, and dropped his bag on the floor just as

Reid was passing by. The half-elfin Renegade paused for a moment, giving theclairvoyant a curious look.

Going somewhere? he asked, sure that the younger man had classes scheduled

for the afternoon.

Seaforest, Clayton insisted.What? Reid exclaimed in disbelief, taking a step back.

There was a knock at the door. Still regarding Clayton with a puzzled expression,

Reid stepped forward again and pulled the door open. Further increasing his surprise, he

found himself face-to-face with Snyder. While he had aged over the years, the bard stilllooked sufficiently like he had when the two men had last parted ways that Reid had no

difficulty identifying him.Well, hello there, the half-elf said, with eyebrows raised. Did you finally

decide to take me up on the offer of a teaching position?

Before the last word had escaped his lips, Reid noticed someone standing in the

shadow of the building, behind the half-satyr. Reid strained his eyes for a moment.Is that Tom with you? the half-elfin Renegade stammered. But I thought

The prince stepped out of the shadows and into the doorway with Snyder. Reid

could see that he had been mistaken. Tom would have been much older than the youthfuladult standing beside the bard, and the Reid could see the glimmer of silver scaling along

the strangers jaw-line.

Im not here looking for a teaching position, Reid. Im here on a diplomaticventure, the half-satyr announced, grinning. Id like you to meet my step-son, and

prince regent of Seaforest, Prince Emrys.

Reid looked startled, but Clayton did not. He nodded, giving the prince the onceover.

Why dont we get the formalities over with so we can discuss the voyage? Dee

and Logan are packing, but theyll be back down shortly, the clairvoyant said

nonchalantly.Reid glanced back at Clayton. Seaforest? Dee and Logan? You do realize that

Renegade magic is illegal there?

Clayton shrugged.Well sort out those details as well. The prince regent here needs our help. Are

you prepared to deny him that? He is, after all, here on behalf of the Renegades in

Seaforest.Well I was prepared to explain all of that, Snyder remarked, wearing a curious

smile. But apparently someone beat me to it. How did you learn of all of this?

Before this gets complicated, how about we make some proper introductions,

and that will clarify things, Reid insisted. Come on in.


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He led the bard and the prince into the Academy Common Room, closely

followed by Clayton.

Ill apologize first for not being better prepared to receive you, but I honestlydidnt know that you were coming, the half-elfin Renegade began.

Then how did he know? the half-satyr asked, gesturing towards Clayton.

Snyder, meet Clayton, one of our instructors and part of the Academypartnership. He also happens to be our local clairvoyant, Reid chuckled, placing a hand

on the blond mans shoulder. Hes Gilliss younger brother. You remember Gillis, my

original partner?As a matter of fact I do, vaguely. Nia and I were with you when you first met

him at the crossroads. Is he around? the bard questioned, glancing about.

No. He and Burrell, the man who apprenticed Reeree after the Admission Trials,

moved to Alma to open another branch of the Academy. Theres actually more of ademand for magical instruction than you might think, especially in a city the size of

Alma, the half-elf admitted. Speaking of Nia, are you still in touch with her?

Reid had not managed to put two and two together the fact that the prince bore

slight scaling and Snyder had referred to the young man as his step-son had not registeredwith him yet.

You could say that, Prince Emrys laughed. Snyder recently married mymother.

Your mother?

The puzzle pieces finally all came together for Reid, but that just led into another

question.How? No, wait a minute. Im sure theres some very bizarre explanation that

I probably dont really want to hear in the first place. Ill just take your word for it. Nia

and Toms son - go figure.As they spoke, the dark-haired girl who had been teasing Logan earlier crept into

the Common Room, her curiosity peaked by the presence of the two strange men.

Junie! a warm, feminine voice called. Junie, where are you hiding now?She jumped, and glanced over her shoulder as she heard her mother calling for

her. The sudden motion caught the mens attention. It also drew the attention of the

persom whom she was trying to avoid. Finch, the elfin redhead who was Junies motherand Reids wife, took notice of the girl from the corridor and headed into the Common

Room after her.

I told you to clean your toys up from the courtyard twice already, but they are

still there, she chastised, and then she stopped abruptly, staring at Reids guests. After afew seconds of looking a little stunned, she approached Reid.

You didnt tell me we had visitors. Very nice to see you again, Snyder. It has

been a long time, hasnt it, she said quietly, with a smile.A long time, her husband agreed. This is Snyders step-son, Prince Emrys. He

has come seeking some assistance with an issue involving the Renegades in Seaforest.

Clayton has suggested that he, Dee and Logan will be going back to Seaforest with theprince. Prince Emrys, this is my wife, Finch.

Instead of greeting the prince regent, Finch instead turned her focus to Clayton,

mortified by the idea that he was considering accompanying Emrys back to Seaforest.


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Clayton, no. Its much too dangerous. You cant go there. Besides, we need

you here, she pleaded.

Youll have no problem replacing me, and Renaldo knows a woman, Danica,who lives close to Marcotta and who will come to fill in for Logan. We have to go,

Finch. Its very important. In fact, were going to go, Clayton informed her.

Finch looked very disturbed by Claytons claims.They wont be travelling alone, Finch, Snyder reported. Emrys brought an

entourage of royal guard with him. And as far as their safety within Seaforest proper,

Emrys is prepared to offer them diplomatic immunity. That means theyll be able to useRenegade magic without fear of any repercussions.

Without fear of repercussions from the authorities, perhaps, but what about the

general public? From what I understand, the average person in Seaforest considers any

Renegade a menace. Why is this necessary? the elfin woman demanded, hands on hips.Because Im two votes away from overthrowing the law against Renegade magic

altogether. I need that one little piece of incentive to lure those last votes to my side. If I

have a well-functioning blended contingent from your school, I can present them as a

good example of how Renegade magic can be used in a disciplined manner, in anacceptable manner. The people positioned against the Renegades in Seaforest are fear-

mongering. If I have a means of assuaging those fears, I can bring an end to thisridiculous law. I wont be left vulnerable to assassins the way that my father was because

the law-makers wish to restrict my ability to protect myself. I wont leave my family

vulnerable either, the prince declared with solemnity.

Finch immediately backed down.Im sorry about your father, and yours is a worthy cause. If you promise to do

everything in your power to keep Clayton, Dee and Logan safe, then Ill withdraw my

objection.Dee and Logan chose this point to also make an appearance in the Common

Room, which was rapidly becoming crowded. They both came to a sudden stop, eyeing

the strange men who sat by Reid.Well, Im not ready to just let them go. I dont care what Clayton says. I have

questions that need answering to my satisfaction. For one, Dees just a student. Why

should she be going? Reid demanded.Well, Im not going without her, Clayton insisted. I dont want to go

anywhere if shes not with me. I spent enough time without her. And for another, who

better to watch out for me and Logan. Shes multi-talented and is well versed in

protecting others, thanks to her time with the Templars. Well have a need for a varietyof her skills. Im sure of that.

I want to go, Dee said stubbornly. Clayton promised me adventure when I

agreed to stay with the Academy. So far, I havent seen any.Alright, how about Logan then. Hes a Master, not a Renegade. Why should he

go? the half-elf protested.

Yes, Logan said supportively. Why should I go?The prince said he wanted a blended contingent, and I cant see you sending

Finch, or Renaldo, so that leaves Logan. Hes right for the task. I think hell even

surprise himself, Clayton told them. He just doesnt know it yet.

I truly believe the best way to get those who are sitting on the fence to listen to


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us is by having a Master there to speak on the Academys behalf, Emrys commented.

What better proof that the Renegades and Masters are able to work well together than

confirmation from someone who has done so for years. We were also planning to headover to Magic University to see if Urwick might be willing to send us a missive

discussing your current alliance. The more support I can get with regards to striking the

Renegade law, the more likely my efforts will come to fruition. We havent executedanyone in Seaforest for the use of Renegade magic since my father took the throne, but as

long as that law exists, every Renegade in Seaforest is at risk. Snyder here can attest to

that. It was a close call on his part.The bard nodded in agreement.

It was a very unpleasant experience, but at least its over and done with, and my

name has been cleared. There are, however, Renegades in prison in Seaforest who dont

deserve to be there, and many more who have been forced into exile to avoid persecution.If the ban is lifted, and the law struck down, Emrys will be able to pardon them. Theyll

be free to return to their homes and their families. Nia and I will also be able to visit

Emrys without fear. Its a matter of righting a wrong created by prejudice.

Reid seemed to be mollified by their explanation. He looked over at Logan.Im not going to ask you to go if you arent truly willing, but I also know how

pointless it is to argue with Clayton. If you wont go, Ill be forced to ask Renaldo tomake the trip. You know he wont refuse me, but you also know he isnt getting any

younger, and this voyage would be hard on him.

Logan frowned. If he said no, his aging mentor would go in his stead, and he was

even more uncomfortable with that idea than he was reluctant to go himself. Succumbingto guilt and peer pressure, he confirmed his willingness to make the journey after all.

Excellent! the prince exclaimed. Gather your things then, and say your

goodbyes. Well be leaving as soon as you are ready to go.

* - * - *

The prince and his entourage, accompanied by Snyder, Clayton, Dee and Logan,

travelled up the road to Magic University. The guard at the gate look startled by their

approach, but he recognized the three mages from the Academy and escorted them in tosee the assistant dean and Academy liaison, Urwick, upon their request. The dark elf

wizard made haste to join them in the University courtyard, upon being notified of their

arrival.

Prince Emrys, Snyder, what a surprise! What business brings you to Anthis?Urwick said, in welcome.

We were hoping to maybe get a written testament from you to help us with our

current cause, Emrys answered, then gestured towards Dee, Clayton and Logan. Immaking the final push to get the law against Renegade magic struck down in Seaforest.

Im bringing a contingent from the Academy to help me present my case and I was

hoping that you might be able to send some supportive words to further my position withthe University-trained mages there as well.

Certainly, why dont you come join me in my office. We can sort out what

exactly you would like me to include in my statement, the dark elf suggested. The


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prince and Snyder followed him into the main hall while the others remained out in the

courtyard, waiting for their eventual return.

Claytons a good choice to be taking with you, Urwick told them, as theywalked down the corridor. Aside from the obvious advantage of having access to his

foresight, he has done a lot for the University. He was party to the group from the

Academy who helped us seal a potentially cataclysmic dimensional tear, he was involvedin our efforts to establish permanent access to the Source of the cure for the Magic

Plague, and he has even assisted in fending off Jadoran raiders, despite his lack of

offensive capability. Im confident he will be able to support your efforts. I can describethe Academys heroic efforts in all of those instances in my letter, if you would like.

They really have been essential allies.

Anything that puts a positive spin on the situation would be of some value.

There are a few members of our legislative council who remain perpetually undecided,but given the proper motivation, I think we can bring them around to our way of

thinking, Emrys responded. Im so close, Urwick. Close enough that Im sure that my

opponents in this are feeling very threatened right now. I have them up against the ropes

and Im a little concerned I might see some sort of backlash from them if I dont bring anend to this soon. I have a lot more backers in this than you might expect. My father did a

tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to try and get this change made. If for noother reason, I have to see this through for the sake of his legacy. He desperately wanted

to see this change come to pass. I only wish he could have provided me with his contacts

in the Renegade Underground before he died. It would have made this a lot easier.

Theres a Renegade Underground in Seaforest? Urwick exclaimed, as hepaused before the door of his office. I had no idea.

The only reason Im aware of it is because my father mentioned it as a means of

helping Snyder escape if the Trial had not gone his way and had you not managed toclear his name, the prince admitted. There was a lot more to my father than what lay

on the surface. He was a very compassionate man who was not able to tolerate what he

perceived as a grievous injustice. The more Ive had to dig to make this happen, themore things I have discovered about him that I never would have suspected. I really do

have to finish this for him. I dont want all of his efforts to have been in vain.

That makes perfect sense, and as I mentioned, I can see why you would want totake Clayton with you, the dark elf remarked. But why Logan and Dee? Im sure that

met with some protest from Reid.

I need Logan to have a blended contingent, Emrys pointed out. I want people

to see first hand that the two types of mages can cooperate and work well together, andDee wasnt my choice. Clayton refused to go without her. He said something about

needing her various skills?

Well, she used to be a Templar, in addition to being a mage, but you have yourguards, so Im not sure why her abilities with a sword would be a requirement here,

Urwick said with a shrug. Let me go write something up for you quickly. I also have a

gift for you that I think you may appreciate a great deal. Wait here, Ill be back.The assistant dean disappeared into the next room. When he returned a few

minutes later, he returned with a letter, bearing the University seal. He also had a small

package of vials. He passed both to the prince.

Thank you. This is the gift you mentioned? the prince asked.


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The dark elf nodded. You can thank Dee for that one. She obtained the sample

we analysed in order for us to be able to reproduce it. We had been experiencing periodic

raids by the Jadorans. Their leader had taken issue with us, and had decided to wreakhavoc on us in every way imaginable. Strangely, the raids ceased not long after we had

an incident just outside of town involving a merchant and a Jadoran cell. From what we

found, the merchant and most of his entourage were slain and his caravan burnt to a blackhusk. Two of Jadorans were also slain, although the remainder of the cell got away.

There was one more attack on the University after that, and then nothing since. Not that

Im disappointed about this in any way, but we did go to some effort to get this. Hewaved at the vials. And as long as the Jadorans are leaving us alone, we have little use

for it.

And it is? Snyder inquired.

Dee called it a Near-Antidote, Urwick reported. One of the Academy studentsbecame a Jadoran after leaving without completing his studies, and he provided Dee with

a sample of it in exchange for some information that he was seeking. While it does not

neutralize Jadoran poison, it slows its progress significantly. I thought it would be best if

you had some, considering the problems your kingdom has had with Jadorans in the past.If you ever need to use it, you should contact us immediately. We have means of

neutralizing the poison, given sufficient warning.And you have proof it works? Emrys demanded.

Dee is living proof. Not that she didnt come close to death, and she was forced

to retire from the Templars because of the way in which the poison ravaged her body, but

she did survive. Do you know of anyone else that can make that claim? the dark elf saidwith a grin. Consider this gift an insurance policy, in case you ever end up on the wrong

end of a Jadoran weapon.

The assistant dean accompanied his two visitors back out to the courtyard. Ablond man, his arms wrapped around the slight figure of a woman, stood talking with

Clayton and Dee there. The couple seemed to shine with a slight golden sheen, barely

noticeable, in the bright sunlight.Ebon! Snyder said happily. And would I be wrong to guess that this is the

amazing Anna that you told us about. Not what I expected when it comes to someone

who managed to tame this brute. I figured you be some strapping lass with a seriousmean streak.

Anna laughed light-heartedly.

I didnt exactly tame him. He did that all on his own. I just urged him back in

the right direction if he stepped out of line, she remarked with a grin.And dont be so quick to dismiss the bit about the serious mean streak. Ebon

whispered. Youve never seen her when shes really mad.

They took the opportunity to chat and get caught up on everything that had beengoing on with one another, before Emrys insisted it was time to move on.

Its time we were getting Snyder back to Ashwood, and then its on the road to

Seaforest, the prince suggested.An excited Dee, an interested Clayton and a reluctant Logan all got back on the

horses that the prince had supplied for them and prepared to head off, not knowing quite

what to expect in the days ahead. The only thing Clayton knew for sure was that it

involved red suns, blue fire and Jadorans


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* - * - *

When Clarke had arrived back at the theatre, he had tried, unsuccessfully to sneak

back in unnoticed. Shasta was there, waiting for him by the door. The woman was too

smart for her own good, he thought.Angellica was looking for you, she informed him, peering at him through her

jet-black curls. And you know you arent supposed to go out without letting someone

know where youre going. Her dark eyes bore into him with accusation. I found a wayto distract her, but I wont do that for you again. Next time you have to be more careful.

I know, Shasta. Clarke sighed. I wasnt intending on going out for very long,

but I got delayed. It was personal.

Personal, my ass. Do you honestly think I havent got you figured out,acquisitions man? What Angellica doesnt know wont hurt her, especially if it helps us,

but you get careless and the gig is up. I wont protect your butt again. If you cant get

your people to work with you properly, if you manage to expose yourself and Angellica

catches wind, youre done here. I didnt get where I am by playing nice. Ill hang youout to dry, she growled, appearing quite threatening, despite her shorter stature. Weve

benefited too much from your secrecy, in the past, for me to turn you in, but the FFP issupposed to be built on trust, and you arent holding up to your end of the bargain.

Im sorry, Shasta. Ill be more careful in the future. I promise, he assured her.

The next time you need to go out, and you cant tell Angellica where you are

going, then you let me know, and Ill come up with a convincing story. She has enoughon her mind without having to deal with the kind of crap that youre dragging in here.

Understand me?

I do. This wont happen again, he said quietly.Clarke was not lying about that either. The next time he went to see his contact, if

he did go to see his contact, he would either be severing his ties with the Jadorans, or

severing them with the FFP.

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