Glandera

Voices could be heard coming from Ferron’s study, and Glandera’s gaze darted to the wall clock. The hands were at a quarter past three. The Arkanum Council had finished. Just like last week, the lower-ranking magicians had been asked to leave the meeting, and she was eager to find out more about the reasons why. With a dull thud, Terrasia’s artefact landed on the feather bed and Glandera yawned widely. I’m hardly making any progress, she thought, frustrated, as she gazed at the blue-violet shimmering crystal. Only this much is certain: the healing cracks running through the quartz seem unnatural. She rubbed her eyes. She had spent the whole day alone in her room, trying to immerse herself in the rock crystal. From the book that was supposedly hidden within the crystal, she had been able to decipher no more than a few images that flashed through her mind for a few seconds.

Glandera stretched her legs and slid off the bed to use the vibrations to find out who was in the room with her Master. She recognised the giant Sverker immediately by his weight. The voices grew louder, and she identified Concetto before he moved. What’s going on? Glandera could barely contain her curiosity, but the effect of the rock crystal steps around her bed gave her clarity: she knew she must not disturb the Archmages. ‘Why is Ferron so upset?’ she wondered, biting her fingernail.

‘Glandera, would you please come to my study?’

She stood there, stiff as a board. She still wasn’t used to suddenly hearing Ferron’s voice in her head. Her heart was racing. A moment later, she had composed herself and hurried over.

Ferron’s cheeks were flushed, but as she drew nearer, his shoulders slumped and he smiled slightly. She bowed her head humbly to greet the fire mages. Sverker’s reddish-blond beard dangled as he greeted her, and his sapphire-blue eyes shone as warmly as ever. The Sicilian, Concetto, was shorter, yet radiated a determination she had never encountered before. With his arms crossed over his chest, he nodded to her. She felt a flutter in her stomach. They are friends, after all. What has happened at the Arkanum College that they are so at odds with one another?

Intuitively, she opted for the formal form of address. “Master, you wished to speak to me?” She noticed, as if by magic, that Ferron’s heartbeat quickened.

“Yes. An important appointment has come up for me tomorrow morning. I am heartbroken, but I will not be able to attend your first arena fight.”

“But …” Glandera pressed her hand to her mouth. I must choose my words more carefully and must not contradict Ferron in public. “It was so important to you.”

“That is correct,” confirmed Ferron. His jaw muscles tensed.

Glandera fought back the tears. “Then will I fight a week later?”

“No. Sverker has agreed to take my place.”

The blond giant took a step forward. “I’ll look after you as if you were my own daughter, and report back to Ferron afterwards.”

The earth mage smiled wryly. “Only if I don’t manage to make it back in time.”

“I see.” She let her head droop.

“Then I’ll expect you in the studio at the eighth hour,” Sverker concluded the conversation.

Glandera stared at the tiles, which had been polished smooth over the centuries by the Archmage’s footsteps. “Master? I have one more question.”

“Of course.”

“You said you’ve been looking forward to this moment your whole life.” Her fingers clenched the fabric of her dress and she lifted her head. “What is so important that you cannot keep this appointment?”

Ferron’s face went pale. He took a deep breath and was about to speak – but Concetto stopped him with a raised hand. “We are planning the next mission, and it requires a little more coordination than usual. As Ferron’s calculations cover a vast area, he has been offered assistance. It was my idea, as I am supervising him.”

“You mean the one in Peru?” Glandera pressed. “Is that why I am being excluded from the Arcanum College?”

Concetto smiled. “That is correct. Many magi are involved, which is why it was decided to give this a higher priority than training.” The fire mage turned his palms upwards. “Ferron is very sorry. As soon as we have received the figures, he will comply.”

The acolyte stared at the floor once more. Ferron had always been dutiful. When the Academy of Magi makes a decision, he has no choice but to comply. Her hands relaxed and she smoothed her dress. “I understand, Magister Extraordinarius. Thank you for the explanation.”

Concetto turned to the blond Viking. “Sverker has offered to help out as a mentor at any time.”

“You can contact me at any time if Ferron is unavailable.”

“Thank you, Magister Sverker,” Glandera replied humbly. She liked him, but she would much rather spend time with her beloved.

“This afternoon, Glandera and Dorianna wish to reveal to her family that she is a mage,” Ferron explained to the fire mages and turned to his acolyte. “I’m giving you the rest of the day off so you can prepare. I wish you every success. See you tomorrow, Glandera.”

“Thank you, Master Ferron.” She swallowed her disappointment and took her leave of the Archmages with a nod before leaving the room.

“Good heavens!” Glandera’s eyes widened as she looked at herself in the mirror. “Is that really me?”

“You look impressive in that robe,” Melody confirmed, tugging at the mage’s belt, which bore the insignia of her rank, element, and the symbol of the Mage Academy. The cream-coloured fabric was a linen-cotton blend that draped softly. Glandera had chosen it herself. It was important to her that she felt comfortable in it. The water mage Marilla had applied subtle make-up to make her look more grown-up.

The acolyte swallowed. “Thank you so much for everything. I don’t know how I can ever make it up to you.”

“You don’t have to.” Melody stroked her shoulders. “You’re part of this community, and we help one another.”

Marilla tugged a lock of hair into place before stepping back. “You’re showing your true nature, Earthmage. By discovering your power and studying your element, you’ll become more and more yourself. It’s in your ancestral line. Your family is part of it too. Remember that later if you get nervous.”

“I’m already nervous.”

“Shall I calm you down?” suggested Melody. The colour of her irises changed, and she held out her hands.

“Very gladly.” Glandera took them. It wasn’t the first time she’d made use of Melody’s talent. Her friend was magically cleansing her blood of the fear hormones. Relieved, Glandera took a deep breath and her gaze drifted to the clock. “Thank you, Melody. And you too, Marilla. I should be off now. Dorianna is waiting for me at the archway.”

“It’ll be all right,” Dorianna encouraged her, no sooner had they reached Webergasse. “Remember. It’ll be easier for me as soon as I touch Gladis.”

Glandera nodded and peered into the neighbouring house as they passed. The silhouettes of the residents vanished behind the window pane, but they had already recognised her. She had only been to see Arno’s master, Mr. Kohlhaas, a fortnight ago. It was nothing short of a miracle that her new status hadn’t been exposed since then. Now she could no longer keep it a secret. As they reached the front door, she tried her best to ignore her racing pulse. “Arno’s running up the stairs to fetch Grandmother.”

“Then now is the right time to go in,” explained the water mage, knocking on the door.

The acolyte narrowed her eyes.

“Glandera, is that you?” called her mother. “Why don’t you come in?”

Now there was no escape. She opened the door. As they entered the house, Hilde hurried to the living room table with the teapot. Her gaze fell on the mages, lingered on the insignia, and her smile froze. Glandera could feel her mother’s heartbeat quickening. She began to tremble and loosened the fist that was clenched around the handle. Instinctively, Glandera held out her hand and the pot stopped mid-fall. With controlled precision, she let it hover over the table. Her mother’s chin dropped further and the thudding of her pulse quickened.

“Greetings, Mrs Berger.” Magistra Dorianna nodded and turned her right hand upwards. A blue-violet mist rose from her palm and swirled around Hilde. Glandera hurried over to her. Gently but firmly, she took her arm and led her to her seat.

Her mother scrutinised her robes—the symbol of earth magic, her rank, and the Academy of Magic—and then her gaze lingered on her face. “Y… your eye colour. Why are they golden?”

Glandera blinked. “I’ll explain that to you later. Sit down first and calm yourself. Arno will be here with Grandmother any moment.”

“How do you know your brother is upstairs?”

“I can sense his footsteps.” Glandera sat down beside her and stroked Hilde’s cold fingers. Frowning, she turned to Dorianna and opened her mind. “Nothing must happen to Grandmother.”

The Magistra smiled. “I promised you that.”

Dorianna’s palm glowed blue-violet and another mist drifted up the stairs. Gladis then appeared on the top step. Her left hand rested on Arno’s forearm and she held onto the banister with her right, yet her steps were steadier. Glandera bit her lower lip as Gladis noticed the water mage.

“Darling, it’s lovely to see you. And you’ve brought a visitor with you?”

Glandera stood up and walked towards her. “Yes, your childhood friend.” Dorianna’s central forehead crease deepened, but Gladis’s pulse remained steady. At the bottom of the stairs, Glandera welcomed her with open arms. “Do you remember Dorianna?”

The Magistra stepped closer, smiling. “Gladis, I’m so glad to see you again. As children, we always played by the river, do you remember?” As she clasped her grandmother’s hand in greeting, Glandera relaxed.

Gladis frowned at first, then her face brightened. “Knauff’s Dorianna? Not her granddaughter?”

“Exactly her, only I’ve got married in the meantime. I’ve learnt to change my appearance.” The Magistra winked and led Gladis to the table. She didn’t let go of her gnarled fingers as she did so.

“Can all water mages purify the blood of fear? Just like Melody?” Glandera asked the water mage.

“We can identify the neurotransmitters, but only a few can purify them. I’m not specialised in this, which is why it takes a great deal of effort. As soon as I have physical contact, it becomes easier. Gladis and your mother have many unanswered questions. You should start explaining yourself so they can calm down.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Hilde eyed Glandera’s clothes suspiciously. The acolyte led Gladis to the table and had her sit between Arno and Dorianna. As she did so, she tried to put on as relaxed a smile as possible. With practised ease, she reached for Dorianna’s plate and placed a slice of onion cake on it. “Grandmother, I’m sure you’re wondering why Dorianna stopped coming down to the river to play back then. Her talent for water magic was recognised and she was sent to school.”

The Magistra nodded. “To a boarding school, to be precise. It’s a full-time school. I was only allowed to come home during the holidays.”

The old woman patted her friend’s hand. “And I thought you’d disappeared because the magicians had kidnapped you.”

Dorianna smiled. “I understand that. My parents were glad to be able to send me there because tuition is free for girls and boys with magical talent.”

“For anyone who is discovered,” explained Glandera, after she had served the food round the table, and turned to Hilde. “But Grandmother had always warned me about the Riders. That’s why I was never tested.”

“Yet I’d learnt at school that magicians are very helpful,” Arno interjected.

Her mother pressed her lips together.

“My talent for earth magic was discovered by chance,” added Glandera. “That’s the real reason why I got a job at the Mages’ Academy. I assumed it was because I was getting more money and didn’t have to see the foreman any more.”

“Which means Glandera can pay for my training,” added Arno.

“Mother, say something,” pleaded Glandera.

“We should start eating.” Hilde stared at her plate. “The onion dish is getting cold.”

Glandera’s voice trembled. “I know. You always warned us about the horsemen. You meant well. I kept my promise and investigated further: no child will be abused for the magicians’ purposes.”

Dorianna nodded. “I can confirm that, Hilde; that’s why I’m here today. As living proof.”

“After school, you’re offered a position at the academy. The less gifted work as staff.” Glandera’s mouth went dry. “Those with an elemental specialisation, like Dorianna or me, receive further training according to their abilities. My training in earth magic will take five years.” The acolyte handed the purse to her mother.

As Hilde didn’t move, Arno reached for the purse and peered inside. His eyes widened. “For five years you’ll receive 50 silver talers every week? Can I have a test too?”

“You’ve already had one.” Glandera couldn’t help but grin before turning back to her mother. “This will secure Arno’s training. And you won’t have to count every penny any longer.”

“Aunt Alice went to this school too.” Hilde’s gaze shifted back and forth between the mages. Her voice grew firmer. “Do you know what happened back then?”

The subtle vibrations of Gladis’s heartbeat quickened. Glandera’s gaze darted to Dorianna and the water mage gave her an encouraging nod. It’s good to clear everything up, thought Glandera. “I spoke to the person in charge. They’d assumed she had magical abilities, but that wasn’t the case. So she had to leave the boarding school. That’s why she was so sad.”

“Why did they take Alice away in the first place, then?” asked Hilde with a reproachful undertone.

“They mistook us for each other,” a soft voice said, and all eyes darted to Gladis. “I was playing with pebbles in the river and making up funny games. Dorianna was there too.”

“Mum?” Hilde’s mouth hung open.

“You were aiming stones at my water balls.” The water mage laughed. “Do you remember how often we came home soaking wet?”

Glandera covered her mouth with her hand. “You remember?”

“Yes, and Mother scolded me.” Gladis now pulled her arm back to rest it on the table.

With her other hand, she reached for the onion tart and took a bite.

“I gave it a little psionic nudge by bringing back shared memories,” Dorianna’s voice sounded in Glandera’s head before she turned back to Gladis. “But when Alice was taken away by the horsemen, you stopped doing that.”

“You’re capable of magic?” Hilde stared at her mother. “Then why have you been warning us about magicians all these years?”

“I didn’t want the same thing to happen to you as happened to my sister,” Gladis explained calmly. “I suppressed it and didn’t want anything more to do with it.”

Frowning, Hilde stared at her hands. “Glandera. ‘How long have you known you’re an earth mage?’ she asked quietly.

‘I’ve always felt a tingling in my fingertips when I touched individual stones, but I thought that was normal. In the mine, I had an unexpected encounter with the Archmage of Earth. He recognised my talent and taught me to trust my magical instincts. And then came the day when the violent storm broke and he had Zulkis arrested. Afterwards, I helped him find the quartz vein in the mountain. In hindsight, that was the day I understood who I am.”

“You also knew before anyone else who was knocking at the front door,” said Hilde thoughtfully. “Why did you keep that a secret for so long?”

Glandera struggled to find the words as Arno spoke up, shaking his head. “Glandera spent weeks wondering how she could break the news to you as gently as possible.”

“You knew?” asked Hilde, surprised.

“Yes. I met her master. An extremely decent man.”

Slowly, Hilde let her shoulders drop and looked back and forth between her children. “Please promise me that from now on you’ll keep no secrets from me.”

“That’s difficult, Mother.” Glandera swallowed and continued hesitantly. “You know I have a boyfriend called Ferron. Well, how should I put it. He is the aforementioned Magister of Earth and he is 378 years old.”

Hilde’s eyelids drooped. Her body went limp and the chair toppled over with a clatter as she landed on the floor. Glandera’s wooden chair rattled as she hurried to her mother’s side. The acolyte switched to magical vision.

Dorianna held out her hand. “Arno. Hold your grandmother tight.” Blue waves of magic flowed towards the old woman. Arno slid closer to her and put an arm around her shoulders, whilst her head sank onto his chest. “Couldn’t you have warned me?” hissed Dorianna, crouching down beside Hilde. She gently stroked her arm. “Please bring her a glass of water.”

The acolyte shrugged and ran into the kitchen. “I had no idea she’d fall straight off her chair.” She glanced over at Gladis, who was sleeping peacefully. Glandera returned, knelt beside her mother, who was slowly opening her eyes, and held the glass of water to her lips. “I… I’m sorry.” After Hilde had taken a sip, the acolyte sank down beside her, exhausted.

“My little Glandera. What am I to do with you?”

“I’m not a child anymore,” she corrected her mother and helped her sit up. “I love Ferron. There is no man more attentive or loyal than him.

He looks after me and at the same time helps me to find my strength. I am happy with him. I am following my destiny.” Glandera looked at Gladis. “Now that you know I am an earth mage, I no longer need to hide who I am in Chattenberg.”

“I would like to meet the man who has such a great influence on you as soon as possible.”

Glandera felt a warmth in her chest. “I’d love to. He’d like to introduce himself to you as well.”

Hilde stared into the half-full glass. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”

“I experience so much when I’m out and about with him, and I’d love to tell you all about it.” Glandera noticed Dorianna’s stern look. “But there’s time for that.”

Concetto

“The preparations are in full swing,” explained Concetto to Aset, no sooner had Arminio closed the door to their prison cell. He paced restlessly back and forth across the room. “Glandera has selected powerful quartz steps so that Ferron can work with focus during the mission. At the same time, they give him energy. Magistra Nereida has examined his state of health and prescribed rest. The Arkanum Council has decided that, with the help of the air mages, he must recalculate all the records of the pressure conditions. The aim is to find the best possible location from which to begin the plate shift. Furthermore, we are planning a large-scale evacuation of the most densely populated areas.” Concetto sat down beside Aset and ran his fingers through his chestnut-brown hair. “It’s so frustrating that I can’t support him with my fire magic.”

“You’re coordinating his mission. That is the greatest honour you could be bestowed. He’s placing his life in your hands because he trusts you.” Aset touched his shoulder. “But that still isn’t enough.”

Concetto stretched his hands forward. “I’m not finished yet. Sverker has offered to support him with rune magic. But he is not an earth mage shaman who can deliberately harness those powers. And Glandera is incapable of it. Sverker has verified that. That is why I have secretly instructed the healers to remove Ferron from the mission site if necessary, even against his will.”

“Ferron is a powerful mage. If you take him on, your psionic power will be exposed.” Aset shook his head. “No mage would trust you anymore, and you’d be thrown out of the Council of the Elements. But that wouldn’t make any difference. He’ll die anyway.”

“Merda!” Concetto’s fist slammed down on the table. “There must be a way to save him.”

“If there is, you haven’t found it yet.”

“Why me, of all people?”

“You know how to bear a burden. That is why you chose this responsibility.”

Their eyes met. 380 years. That was how long his mother had already been in this prison. That was how long Concetto had been absolutely convinced that she was guilty, until he learnt of the existence of the stone tablets on his birthday. These confirmed the story his mother had always told him. Feeling guilty, he bowed his head. “Can you give me a clue?”

“Perhaps the solution is closer than you think.”

“That prophecy could have come from Hora,” joked Concetto.

Aset did not smile.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been racking my brains for days.” Concetto scratched the back of his neck.

“I’ll send Arminio in to see you now. I have one request: would you tell him what really happened back then?”

His mother raised her eyebrows. “The nice version or the unvarnished one?”

“He’s an investigator. He’d notice if you didn’t give him the facts.”

“So be it.” Aset stood up and came over to him. She gently touched his upper arms. “I’m proud of you.”

Concetto swallowed. He couldn’t consciously remember the last time she’d said that to him. Despite everything they’d been through together, he was sure she loved him. He gently pulled her to his chest and hugged her.

Arminio

Arminio sensed the rise in temperature at the door before it opened. He stepped into his grandmother’s prison. “Nonna, I greet you.”

“Arminio, sit down. There’s little time to tell you everything your father has asked me to.”

Concetto nodded. Arminio’s eyebrows shot up as his father closed the door and sat down in Aset’s reading chair. Are we staying in the room together? “History lessons seem to be really important to you.”

The look his father gave him was withering. Half-heartedly, he reached for the book lying on the nearest table.

“I demand more respect!” hissed Aset, and the corner of his father’s mouth twitched upwards. “A conspiracy of unimaginable proportions was necessary to silence me and erase me from the history books. So that you might visit me, I had to swear an oath to your father not to reveal anything to you. But those days are over now.”

Arminio came over to her, grabbed a chair and sat down backwards on it. He rested his arms on the backrest. “You’re making me curious. Please tell me.”

“Sit down properly first.”

Without a word of protest, Arminio stood up and turned the chair round before sitting down again.

“How old do you reckon Hora is?”

“Phew, you ask some questions. Very old. She saved the papyri when the Library of Alexandria burned down, and then founded the Academy of Mages. So she must be at least 1,800 years old.” Arminio’s eyes widened. “That makes her the oldest living mage.”

“We’d already been friends for a few centuries before that.”

Arminio stared at her. “That would mean, as a time mage, she can manipulate her age – she knows the secret of immortality.”

“Neither.”

He stood up and paced restlessly around the room as he thought. His father clasped his hands together and looked at him intently. A cold shiver ran down his spine. No, that can’t be what Nonna means. Very slowly, Arminio shook his head. “Or she isn’t a mage.” He turned slightly. His grandmother nodded, so he continued with his conclusions. “She is, like you, a goddess. The goddess of time. Merda.” Aset’s irises were dark as night. His stomach churned as he grasped the implications of his words. “As a member of the Council of the Elements and head of the Academy of Mages, she holds all the world’s events in her hands.”

“She turns back time until she is satisfied with the outcome of the story.” Aset nodded. “You are merely her puppets.”