PANIX: Magician Spy Read online

  “Polla, that was wonderful.” The man pecked Panix Gavid’s stepmother on her cheek.

  “I’ll bet you say that to all of your women,” Polla said as she ran the back of her hand on the man’s clean-shaven cheek.

  “Perhaps.” He had blue eyes and a raffish smile on a face just showing the effects of age. In his mind, he was Sovad Mustak, Assassin agent of Murgontia. Polla knew him as Horvo Tasler, an agent for a Nervannan wool cartel.

  “When will you be back?” she asked, sitting up, wrapping her side of the sheet around a rather voluptuous body.

  “Soon. Are you sure Rennis is in White Water?”

  “He just got there, Horvo, and won’t be barging in on us, if that’s what you’re worried about.” She put her hand on his chest. “His last letter said he’d be there for another six weeks. His best shepherd broke his leg in the upper pastures and won’t be bringing wool down until then.”

  “I’ll meet him there and try to talk him out of importing wool directly into Korvanna. He’ll miss the first council meeting of the summer season, either way. His appointment as a First Councillor is quite an honor.” Sovad smiled and rose, pouring them both a goblet of wine.

  “It’s probably better he’s not there to stir up the rest of the Council. If only he didn’t sponsor so much change. What’s wrong with how things are?” Polla said.

  “But he’s done such a good job. With all of this talk about the Murgontian threat, Rennis has got the council ready to go to war.” Sovad propped himself on one elbow, playing with Polla’s long hair.

  “Not war, but on the road to negotiating a restrictive treaty. He doesn’t like all of the technology Murgontia’s army is developing. Rennis has always been sensitive to the threat of magic and technology being used together for military purposes by Korvanna and he’s afraid that will make any conflict worse. Since the Awakening, our wars have been few and he’d like to see that continue. I think we should just leave the Murgontians alone, Rennis always disagrees with me.”

  “I’m sure he would.” Sovad thought of his mission to permanently stop Rennis Gavid. But he kept the details to himself. He might let her know at an appropriate time.

  Polla leaned over and kissed Sovad on the lips. “Horvo, surely you can stay a few minutes more.”

  He wrapped an arm around her, pulling the sheet back over their heads.

  ~

  “Agriculture. Making plants grow.” Merra threw her coat across the room as she stomped into Panix’s chamber. “You said your sister would help me!”

  “She’s the best of the assessors according to Jin. If she said your talent is best at growing then it probably is. That doesn’t mean you have to work in the fields. You can make beautiful flowers—you’re a beautiful flower.” Panix put his arms around Merra, kissing her. She responded, hopefully that meant lessening the sting of her news.

  “When do you get assessed?” Merra asked.

  “I’ve been assessed.”

  “You didn’t tell me.”

  “Well, they aren’t done with me. It seems my choices are a bit more robust. The Academy wants me to certify in at least six fields. I qualified for assessment to everything but I chose the best. The more certifications, the more years of training at the Academy.”

  “Six.” Merra’s mouth dropped open. “I thought two or three certificates were as many as a magician could earn.”

  Six was virtually unheard of except for Fellows who were judged the most powerful of magicians, with virtually all of them teaching or conducting research at the Academy. Panix wanted to leave the Academy as soon as he could and he decided that he’d get his six and go. He even succeeded in making a crude image from iron filings, but no one at the academy could teach him how to go further.

  “Does that mean they want you to be a Fellow?”

  Panix nodded, not happy with the thought. “I’ve tried to tell them I don’t want to be one, but I haven’t exactly succeeded in convincing the Academy that I’m serious.”

  Merra put her arms around Panix. She put her lips to Panix’s and they both forgot what they were talking about.

  ~

  Spring approached and Panix could feel the pull of the season. while Corlee and Jin were prepared to get married. Since Panix continued to spend most of his spare time with Merra, an idea popped into his head. The sun shone down from the window, emphasizing the fine bone structure of her face beneath the dazzling highlights of her golden hair. He just couldn’t get enough of seeing her for parts of a day. He realized infatuation ruled his mind and heart, but he gave into it.

  He crossed the room. “Merra, will you marry me?” Panix said with both of her hands in his. “I’d like a double wedding with Corlee and Jin. What do you say?”

  Merra looked surprised. “This is sort of sudden isn’t it?”

  “It’s done all the time at the Academy. We can continue on with our studies. You’re just about certified. You can work in the greenhouses while I finish up. Then we can start our lives together—somewhere else.” Panix felt excitement well up within him. He loved Merra with all of his heart. He had never tired of looking at her and whenever they had any differences, he could easily change to please her.

  “What about your stepmother and Aston? What about my parents?”

  “We can invite them as well. Polla and Aston will be here. Your mother and father can come with them.” He grabbed Merra and gave her a long lingering kiss.

  “Yes.” She smiled at him. He was dazzled and hugged her again, closing his eyes, feeling on top of the world.

  “Let’s tell Corlee.”

  ~

  Corlee busily packed boxes for her move to larger chambers with Jin. Panix and Merra helped her.

  “Are you two sure?” she said. Panix could sense her hesitation.

  “I don’t want to ruin your day, Corlee, but I thought a double wedding would be great.”

  “It’s not that. Marriage is a big commitment and you’re five years younger than I am.”

  “We are ready,” Merra said, clutching Panix’s hand to her breasts, beaming a beautiful smile that thrilled Panix to no end. “I’ll be certified in a few weeks and Panix can continue his studies for a few months longer.”

  Corlee hugged them both. “Of course you can. Jin won’t mind. He’s just inviting his family. I guess the more the merrier.”

  ~

  Corlee looked at Jin as they sat together on the couch in the unlit space of their larger apartment, looking at the boxes in the light of one of Dornna’s three moons.

  She sat holding his hand in both of hers. “You really don’t mind, Jin?” Corlee didn’t know what to feel. Panix’s excitement was so infectious since her normally reserved brother had come so alive during his relationship with Merra.

  “I don’t mind, but I don’t think we could stop him if we tried,” Jin said. Corlee could barely make out his smile. “He is well and truly smitten. I haven’t seen anyone as infatuated as Panix. I’m not so sure about Merra, though. She seems a bit more demanding of Panix.”

  “I agree. There’s something missing in that girl. It’s as if she always gets her way. She’s not nasty about it, but it’s always Panix who has compromised and rarely her.” Corlee needed to get this out. “I don’t think it’s a marriage that will last. Panix is much too powerful and she’s stuck in a field she has no enthusiasm for. I don’t know, perhaps I’m just worried for him.”

  “I thought Panix said she was excited to work with flowers,” Jin said putting his arm around Corlee and kissing her ear.

  She pushed him away. “That was Panix hearing what he wanted to hear, not Merra talking. Panix is going to be something special. The Dean said he could certify for every single specialty, except perhaps healing…” she knew the reason why he couldn’t deal with healing. “…and still be ready for more.”

  “He sure has the Fellows stirred up.”

  “He’s powerful enough to be Dean some day. I still haven’t convinced him to stay here. H
e’s certain his happiness lies outside the Academy.” Corlee barked out a laugh in the darkness.

  “I’m inclined to agree with Panix, Corlee. I’ve heard rumblings from the Juniors. It seems there are some students that can’t stand your brother jumping ahead of them. In some fields, he’ll instantly move above twenty or thirty magicians seeking Academy posts. That’s a real threat to some. I’m afraid they’ll do something.”

  Corlee gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “They wouldn’t. If anyone uses magic to harm another person in the Academy it’s automatic expulsion. No student or Fellow in their right mind would stoop to that.”

  “Well, all I know is that there are some awfully jealous folks around here. You’d better warn him.”

  Corlee furrowed her brow. Jin smoothed it. She snuggled closer to him and said, “Panix and I talked about it long ago, but I’ll warn him again.” She paused for a minute. Both sat in silence, thinking their own thoughts. “It’s probably for the best for Panix to strike out on his own, even if he has to drag Merra with him.”

  ~

  “The nerve!” Merra waved a letter at Panix. “Your stepmother won’t be able to bring my parents to the wedding. Did you know that?” Her face, flushed in anger, sent thrills through Panix, but Polla never disappointed.

  “So will they be able to come?”

  Merra plopped down on a chair, frustration painted on her face. “No. All of the available coaches from their farming village are booked and they won’t be able to come.” Tears began to track down her face. “I wanted it to be perfect.” She stuck out her lower lip. Panix loved that lower lip and the pout and the way Merra sat.

  “If my father were only here…” He looked at the framed picture of his father standing by the now-familiar float coach. He gazed at that picture for a few moments every day, looking at his father’s face and the scene in Helvanna. He’d love Merra and Merra would love him. Panix wished again for a miracle that would permit his father to attend the weddings of both of his children. His father would have made sure Merra’s parents could to attend, but Polla? She ignored his pleas for help and probably felt good about making the day less comfortable for one of her step-children.

  ~

  Panix spotted the sleek yellow single-bench float coach, except he’d never term that a float coach. He couldn’t help but notice the bright yellow paint and the blue stripes on the two-seater. A matched set of horses stomped the ground as it pulled up in front of the Academy. It didn’t surprise him when he recognized Aston at the reins. He walked down to ground level and out the building to greet them.

  “Oh, Panix,” Aston sneered his name. “Where will we stay?”

  “Hi Aston.” Panix ignored him from that point on. “How was your trip, Polla?”

  “Tolerable, my dear.” Polla waved her hand as if the trip was a bother. “How do you like Aston’s new toy? Beautiful and the horses are a matched set!”

  “It’s stunning. You’ll be staying in the guest quarters. Let me help you with your luggage.”

  Aston moved his tongue around his mouth, undoubtedly searching for something between his teeth. “No servants?”

  Panix shook his head. “I am your servant.” He gave Aston a little bow, trying to lighten the conversation.

  “Hmpf. I’ll not let you carry my bags. You can carry Mother’s.” He lifted a cover over the trunk behind the bench seat and pulled his bags out. Panix could tell Aston purposely closed the lid after he started up the steps to the Academy.

  Panix lifted the cover and grabbed onto two of four bags for Polla. Jin walked up and grabbed two of the bags.

  “Who are you?” Polla said. She could really throw disdain in her voice when she wanted to.

  “I’m Jin, Corlee’s fiancé and you are Polla, right? Glad to meet you.”

  Panix poked his head out to see Polla ignore the proffered hand.

  “You may help my step-son with my bags. Panix lead the way.”

  Jin and Panix walked together, leading Polla up the steps. She didn’t say a word and Panix wasn’t in a position to talk. He noticed Aston, through the windowed doors, impatiently waiting at the top of the stairs.

  “Took your time,” Aston said as he lifted his bags and let Panix and Jin lead the way. Panix heard Aston and Polla discussing how having to come to this trade college was the limit of their gracious condescension.

  ~

  Polla and Aston barely made it to the temple on time. They sat by themselves even though less than thirty people attended the ceremonies, mostly friends of Corlee’s along with Jin’s parents and two sisters.

  Panix couldn’t be more excited. He claimed Merra as his bride and she looked absolutely beautiful in the light blue gown that signified Abbur, God of the sky and the Awakening with the flowers in her golden hair brought out the brightness of her eyes. How could he be so fortunate?

  Corlee had a more serenely beautiful look in the pale orange dress signifying her partiality to Utten. Panix knew Corlee and Jin would be devoted to one another. He sensed a deep compatibility in their relationship. He didn’t have that feeling with Merra, but they were five years younger than Corlee and their love would certainly deepen over time.

  Polla and Aston left directly after the ceremony. Aston obviously had already put their bags back. Panix stood by as Aston helped his mother into the yellow float coach. The sun warmed the day and Aston put the convertible top down.

  “Bye, dears. I wish your father could be here, but he is due back from Helvanna next month. Too bad. The wedding was so beautiful, for you both.” Aston held the reins in total silence, his duty as his mother’s escort complete. He didn’t even turn his head to nod a goodbye. It matched his not even bothering to congratulate either couple on their marriage. Polla blew them a kiss and waved her handkerchief as the coach sped away.

  “That wasn’t too bad, Corlee.” Panix squeezed Merra’s hand as if to make sure she was there by his side.

  “I guess nothing I didn’t expect,” Corlee said. “I wish Father was here,” tears came to her eyes, “I promised I wouldn’t cry on my wedding day.”

  “Not a good promise to make,” Panix said, grinning, a little teary himself.

  ~

  As a married student, Panix increased his focus. It didn’t take him long to achieve basic certificates, but Panix sought master-level certifications. His success didn’t win him any friends, as even former seminar instructors would bump into him with sneers on their faces.

  Why did his success generate such jealous animosity? Could advancement in the Academy mean so much to these people? He remembered his father’s advice on that day at the Hall of Heroes months ago. Politics and threats to upsetting the order of things wouldn’t be received any better at the Academy than at Military College.

  Panix walked alone along a corridor after a night session with one of the Fellows. His footsteps echoed as he walked down a dark hallway. A moon rose on the other side of the building, its feeble light barely allowing him to see his way. Strange that no airlights lit his path, since it was a common talent to make airlights and one that the Academy practiced. Generally the halls were overly bright. A ball of light appeared and then another and yet another. Panix’s thoughts went to Corlee’s warning of an attack that he had dismissed earlier.

  “So you’re the Master Magician, eh?” a hooded man said as he stepped out from behind a pillar. Panix backed up.

  “I’m me, not a master at anything yet.” Panix felt himself surrounded and, looking around, found five more hooded men circling him. Not here at the Academy, he thought, as the first punch landed in the small of his back. The pain sent him arching as another challenger slammed a fist into his stomach.

  “You’ll not make Fellow as long as I’m here,” the voice said. Panix took two blows to his face, sending him twisting to the ground as the kicking began. His military training had taught him to curl into a ball and not much else when it came to hand to hand combat. Although he was sorely tempted to use magic in
self-defense, he realized immediate dismissal would result. He stayed tightly wound until the men had satisfied their anger, leaving him in agony.

  ~

  “Thanks, I’m feeling better. At least I didn’t use any magic,” Panix said, as he lay on his bed, holding Merra’s hand during his sister’s ministrations.

  “And I’m glad you didn’t. But there is something I want you to do,” his sister said, “There is a man who teaches self-defense and does odd jobs for the Academy. His name is Moshin Twent. He used to work for the Korvannan Intelligence Institute and I want you to go to him for training in the martial arts. He works with students who wish to improve their physical fitness.”

  “I need diversion from my magic? I don’t think so.” Panix was a bit indignant.

  “I’m afraid for you, Panix. I’ve never heard of this happening before. You need to learn to defend yourself. I thought they taught that kind of thing at your military school. Don’t think this will be the last time anyone might attack you here. They got away with beating you without using magic. They could easily do it again.” Corlee took a deep breath to calm her anger. “You’re rising too fast in the Academy and they feel threatened. Jin and I have talked about it and right now we believe that your only solution is to keep them from hurting you. If you’re able to fight back, they might stop.” Corlee began to put her healing things back in her bag.

  “I don’t want to be a Fellow. I want to go out and work. Maybe I should wear a sign.” Panix tried to sit up, but realized that his sister didn’t eliminate his injuries, just gave him some comfort.

  “No one believes that, even if it is the truth. See Moshin Twent. He’s worth getting to know, even if it’s just from listening to some of the stories he tells.”

  Merra held his hand. “Your sister is right. I don’t want to have you scaring me again, staggering in our rooms like a drunken man. What will people think of me?”