Free Mindbender by David A. Wells Page A

about the Nether Gate for now.
    “What can you tell me about the fortress islands?”
    Dominic Reishi, the Second Sovereign sat forward. “I created them to provide an airborne defense against naval attack. Each is an artificial island called up out of the ocean floor by magic. They are shielded against scrying or clairvoyance and are designed to withstand a siege. Each has the capability to be completely self-sufficient for several years. They are also virtually immune to magical assault. They were designed to house a flight of five hundred wyverns along with their riders and handlers. They do have a weakness that you can exploit, however. Within a hidden and shielded chamber located deep under the Reishi Keep is a map room of the Seven Isles. From this map room, the one bound to the Stone may destroy any of the fortress islands on command. I built this feature in as a failsafe in the event of treachery.”
    Alexander smiled. “That might become useful. Is there a secret way into the fortress islands?”
    Dominic shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I considered the idea but for purposes of security, I decided against it. The only way in is by air or by sea.”
    Alexander grinned a bit as he turned to Malachi. “I thought you might like to know that the Reishi Coven was founded by Aliyeh Reishi, your wife, for the purpose of preventing Phane from getting his hands on the Sovereign Stone.”
    Malachi turned red with anger and started to speak, but Alexander stopped him with a raised hand. He sat fuming while several of the other sovereigns chuckled.
    “I always like Aliyeh,” Demetrius said. “She had a good heart and took her duty seriously.”
    Alexander turned back to Balthazar. “I just have one more question for the time being.” He paused for a moment as the magnitude of his question weighed on him. “What is the secret of Wizard’s Dust?”
    Balthazar took a deep breath and let it out. “That is the question at the heart of it all, isn’t it? I will tell you if you wish, but I encourage you to wait until you are ready to make use of it. You do not have the necessary talent or power to create Wizard’s Dust, so knowing the secret may prove to be a liability without providing any benefit.”
    “What talent is required?” Alexander asked.
    “Alchemy,” Balthazar said. “An alchemist mage or an arch mage of any talent is required to create Wizard’s Dust. The process is tedious and somewhat time-consuming. Unfortunately, simply understanding the process is not enough, you must also have the right magic to power the process.”
    “Very well,” Alexander said. “Phane must not learn the secret or the world will fall. I don’t fully understand the scope of his power and he may have ways of drawing the knowledge out of my mind without my awareness or consent, so I see the wisdom of your advice.
    “Nevertheless, I’d like to make plans for the future. My childhood tutor and lifelong friend of the family is a master alchemist. How can I help him rise to the level of mage?”
    Balthazar smiled and nodded his approval. “I can provide you with a series of experiments and formulas for him to work through. Each will push him to expand his understanding and develop his connection to the firmament. He will need a well-equipped workshop in order to proceed and the processes are complex, so I doubt it would do any good to teach you at the moment. Just know that the secret is here when you’re ready and that I commend your wisdom in allowing it to remain a secret for now.”
    Four sovereigns nodded their agreement while Malachi shook his head in disbelief and contempt.
    Alexander stood. “Thank you for your counsel.” He turned and strode into the darkness. When he opened his eyes, everyone else save Jataan and Chloe was asleep. The commander sat at the table watching him. Chloe flitted up to eye level when he opened his eyes.
    She spoke in his mind. “You’re back, My Love. Did you find what you