The Accidental Archmage - Book Five, Edmund Batara [best way to read ebooks txt] 📗

in scope than mere battle magic. Though in all the kingdoms, magical practitioners were subjected to a form of structured teaching. Here in the Barrens, they found a woman warrior not of the known kingdoms, with skills similar to what the Norse called battle magic. It was a surprising exception to what was practiced in the larger realms.

Tyler observed the woman carefully. She had a brown complexion and a small but wiry frame. She was beautiful though a facial scar running down the left cheek marred her looks. The mage tried to examine the men at her back, but armor hid most of their features. However, the complexion and height of most mirrored that of the woman.

Then he observed variations in the armor worn by the strangers. The cuirasses were indeed Greek in design, but complemented by chainmail. The chainmail extended to the upper arm and also had a cowl, over which the metal cone helmet, framed by studded iron or steel, was worn.

They also wore thin pants looking to be made of some sort of cloth. Cotton, assumed Tyler. The strangers had metal greaves, leather sandals, and gauntlets, though the armor pieces looked like they were made of bronze.

Below the Greek cuirass was a kind of tasset—bands of metal connected or tied with leather to form a low skirt. The entire combination looked strange to Tyler, not falling into what he remembered as hoplite or Roman armor.

The woman also raised her right hand and answered in Greek. Unfortunately, Tyler’s mind during the exchange was on observing the strange armor and he missed the discussion.

“Sire?” asked Kobu.

“Oh, sorry about that,” apologized Tyler, “I got caught up observing their armor.”

“They said they come from a small village right in the direction where we are headed. At the foot of the mountain range. They’re on their way to trade with the Pelasgians. Of course, they thanked us. Their leader says you’re a mighty mage. Her name is Keshini.”

“Keshini? Doesn’t sound Norse or Greek. I doubt she comes from Kemet or the southern lands. Those territories are too far from here,” remarked Tyler.

“They could be descendants of ancient exiles from those lands. But, I agree, it’s not a possibility. Such migrants would have been welcomed in Kemet,” observed Kobu. “That land accepts people from everywhere provided they hew to the traditions of Kemet and are willing to fight for the kingdom.”

“What we do now?” asked Tyler. “Wait. What I meant was–are they hostile? And if not, what are their plans? As for us, we know where we’re going.”

“I believe they’re not hostile. Rather, they’re quite afraid of us. They did see the impressively murderous show we displayed. They know even one of us can wipe them out,” said Kobu.

“Their plans then? Casualties? We could help in the healing, if needed,” Tyler continued.

Kobu asked the woman, though Tyler could perfectly understand the reply. He appreciated Kobu’s small deception. Better to let strangers underestimate what you know or can do.

“They suffered three dead and some injuries among their men. The leader says thank you, but they can handle the healing themselves. They plan to continue with their trade mission, although I inferred we can’t go with them as they hold those routes secret.”

“That’s fine with me. We don’t plan on going that way. That would be a circuitous way to get to Skaney. Well, if they don’t need our help, I guess we best be on our way,” answered Tyler.

Kobu talked at length with Keshini. He felt some fear from the leader when the exile mentioned the direction where they were headed.

Curious, concluded Tyler.

As the companions continued their journey, Keshini gave Kobu a token by which they would be identified as friendly by the village. Tyler glanced at the object. It was shaped like a rune plate, but the characters inscribed on it were neither Greek or Norse.

***

“You believe that village story, sire?” asked Habrok when they were out of sight of the caravan.

“No, Habrok,” Tyler laughed. “The caravan was a sizeable one and meant to encounter trouble along the way. The warriors were well-equipped and armored. Their leader was a warrior-mage. No mere village could come up with that ensemble.”

“True,” added Kobu. “We will find a village, maybe a large one. But that settlement would be just for show. There’s a civilization in these parts, surprising as that may seem, being on the edge of the Barren Lands.”

“They must have excellent concealment magic,” spoke Tyndur, “I didn’t come across such a civilization the last time I was here.”

“I guess we’ll know when we get there. We…” The mage started to speak and then stopped.

“Sire, you might want to know, several energy signatures are coming straight for the group. Still at a distance but moving fast. And the Elder signal has become quite clear and distinct. But we guess that can wait,” said Hal abruptly, jolting the mage from his reflections.

“Isn’t that obvious, Hal? Of course, it can wait!” answered Tyler with some irritation as he immediately let his energy examine the area.

Hal was right. He could feel several distinct and strong energy forms coming for them.

“Something’s coming! From that way! Burrowers!” he immediately shouted as he faced in the direction of the incoming threat. The rest followed suit.

Damn these open plains. Crawling with all kinds of predators, I presume. We are at a distinct disadvantage here. They’re underground. Surprise would be on their side, seeing that they could just pop out from anywhere, assessed Tyler. I have to bring them out into the open. But this goddamned land will just soak up any magical energy. 

Then an idea came to him.

“Kobu! Dig me a hole past the topsoil!

The exile immediately transformed his weapon into a Shaolin spade and quickly dug as Tyler swiftly strode to his position.

“Is this sufficient, sire?” asked Kobu.

“It will do, as long as it’s past the magic-absorbing topsoil. Take your positions! I’ll try to drive them out into the open!”

Tyler held his staff up and softly called to it.

“Nehua. Come. We need you. But don’t step