Free The Sorcerer's Destiny (The Sorcerer's Path) by Brock Deskins Page A

order. The boy took off at a sprint and quickly vanished. The soldier saluted once more as Azerick walked unhurriedly toward the castle. He could easily step there using another portal, but he wanted the council notified and assembled before he arrived.
    The doors to the castle opened for him as he approached. Aaron Barker, Jarvin’s steward, stood waiting for his arrival wearing his robes of state.
    “Lord Giles, His Majesty and the council is assembled and awaiting your arrival,” he said as Azerick approached.
    “What is it that requires my immediate attention?” Azerick asked without breaking stride.
    “A conflict has arisen between His Majesty and Lord Atwater. Lord Atwater controls a large area between Brightridge and Argoth and has close ties with Duchess Paulina. Much of his land encompasses the agricultural regions of the Habberback plains, which are vital to the kingdom’s food production and distribution. Due to his vast wealth and plentiful food supply, he has assembled one of the largest individual armies outside of Brelland or Brightridge.”
    Azerick’s face soured as he considered the implications. No single lord would have been allowed to assemble such a large force under normal circumstances for fear of usurpation. But with the mandated conscriptions and massive war effort, those restrictions were removed.
    “What does he want, more land, titles, his own duchy?” Azerick asked. “Jarvin should offer him nothing more than five feet of rope and a six-foot drop.”
    “As well he would, only Lord Atwater’s argument is held with measured support by others. You see, a vast army out of Sumara has appeared just across the border near Argoth. Duchess Paulina has moved the bulk of her forces to block the pass, but given the size of the Sumaran army, she could hold it for only a matter of weeks at best. Lord Atwater is even now marshaling his troops to march to Paulina’s aid. Only Jarvin’s insistence in holding this quorum has held them in place.”
    As ridiculous as the situation was, Azerick understood both positions. Valeria and Sumara were longtime bitter rivals and frequently in conflict. The southern provinces in particular would view any incursion into Valerian territory a hostile act no matter the assurances of Sumaran diplomats or even their own King. Jarvin would have to mobilize a superior army to force Lord Atwater to obey, but he could not get them south before the renegade lord merged his troops with those of Duchess Paulina’s, leaving the heart of Valeria nearly defenseless against the impending invasion.
    Jarvin needed a stick to beat some sense into his wavering nobles, and that stick was Azerick. Azerick’s anger only mounted as he strode down the corridors to the audience hall, and the chamberlain had to nearly jog to keep pace. He was tired of the pettiness, tired of being the voice of reason, and tired of seeing his friends and family suffer. One of his sons was lost to him, possibly forever. His other son was in a state of exhaustion and agony from using his power to try and protect a people that would likely never fully accept him, and now Sandy lay in a state of unconsciousness from which she may never be allowed to awaken.
    Aaron hurried into the audience chamber to announce Azerick’s imminent arrival, knowing the sorcerer would not wait outside for a single moment. The steward barely had time to speak his words before Azerick strode into the hall like a dark cloud moments from becoming a fierce storm. He took only a moment to survey those in attendance. He recognized several of the attending lords as well as The Academy Headmaster and a handful of senior wizards.
    “Wonderful, Jarvin’s dog is here to bark at us,” a man declared vocally.
    “Lord Atwater, allow us to conduct this meeting with civility,” Jarvin admonished from atop his throne.
    “You speak of civility while Sumara marches on our borders, and then you bring in your thug to bully me into compliance