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\title{Kingdom of the Mind}
\author{\copyright 1990 Daniel Lee Rouk\\gt6940a@prism.gatech.edu}
\date{Georgia Institute of Technology}
\maketitle

{\it
{\noindent \Large T}hese are the first two chapters of a story
Dan began writing back in
March. Lucky for us other writers out there, he doesn't yet know how good
he is...\\}

\begin{center}
{\Large One}
\end{center}

{\noindent {\Large T}he old chancellor looked up from his desk and planted
me with his gaze.  ``What do you mean, you wish to speak to
His Grace?"}

    ``I need to see him at once, Lord Torsa, as I have a message from
the captain Stormright, sir." I answered. I hate this runaround
I get each time I come here. Someday Lord Chancellor is going to
get it.  Old Drago should have this mans head on a stake for all
his trouble.  To think that anyone should question Loric, son of
Stormright.

    ``Well, why don't you just give this message to me and I'll 
go ahead and pass it on the king."

    Go to hell, I thought.  ``I'm sorry, my Lord, but I was told
to specifically give it to His Grace, King Drago Vlan Shipwain.
I will give this message to no one else, not even the trusted
Lord Chancellor."  He'll let me in eventually, but I'm in a hurry 
so I think I'll just have a little fun with him now. 

    Slowly, now, lest he suspect.  Ha, the old fool forgot even
his basic protections, so trusting in his power.  Now...

    As the mind of the chancellor was suddenly seized, a look of pain
passed over his face and then slowly changed to one of joy.
``I'm sorry for the trouble, oh masterful lord of the South Coast,
the King will see you now I'm sure.  Here let me kiss your feet and
give praise for your allowing me to see you."  A look of pain again comes
to the chancellors face, but eventually it passes and he leads the way
through the Hall of Swords.  Guards wave us past, recognizing us both.
Only Lordamar, the King's personal bodyguard, remains to be passed.

    ``Hail Lordamar, how are you?" I say as I approach him.

    ``Release Lord Chancellor Torsa, Loric, before I take action." 

    I hesitate a bit, wanting to embarrass the chancellor some more, but
Lordamar is not one to play with.  Pain rushes though my mind like a 
firestorm, then quickly fades.  Yes, he reminds me that he can not be 
trifled with.  I relinquish my control.

    ``Lordamar, do something to this delinquent!"  Torsa shouts 
as he regains possession of his body.  He shakes his head as if to
clear it.  A person who is being dominated loses control of his body,
but remembers and feels everything that happens.  Were Torsa not such
an arrogant lout I might just feel guilty about what I'd done. 

    ``I don't think you need worry about him, my Lord Chancellor.  The
King has some plans for him which will be quite punishment enough, I
do believe."  

    I can't tell what he means, as his mind is closed and his face
expressionless, but a feeling of dread slowly creeps upon me.  The
King Drago Vlan Shipwain is not one to take lightly.  In addition to 
being King of HighReach, he is the rightful Lord of the Anacists, 
the people of the mind, and strongest of any of that class since 
Quillion the Bright.  Only Lordamar could challenge the king mentally,
for he is the King's Apprentice and Protector, learning secrets that
no others of the Anacim alive now know.  

    The three of us entered the main hall, Lordamar on my right and
the chancellor to my left.  We waited at the base of the throne
for some minutes, bowing low so as to not see the king's entrance.
``You may rise" said an old voice, but still a strong one.  I looked
up and beheld my King once again.  He looked to be about 50, with
half his hair turned grey and worry lines about his face.  His robes
gave him a deservedly regal look.  His hands were clasped together
and he was leaning slightly forward to see us better.  He was not
a weak king by any means.  The absence of guards in his throne room
was not due to a shortage of gold to pay them, but rather to a feeling 
that nothing could harm this man, so powerful was he.  Any who might
even try to harm him would either feel the bite of the runed sword
sitting at his side, or would not leave this place with their 
minds intact..

   ``My King, I bring a message from my father, Lord Stormright of the
South Coast.  He says that the Magi of Arcanium are abroad again and
to be warned, the seas are no longer a safe road to travel.  They have
raided Townharbour and taken the supplies of grain held there against
the upcoming winter.  Also no ships have been seen from the south in
two weeks.  The warships we sent out have not returned, despite calm
seas and experienced captains.  My father Stormright wishes to muster
again the Anacim and to finish these Magi for once and for all."  
  
   A pained look passed quickly on the kings face.  It was well known 
that Princess Thelina, heir and daughter of the king, was overseas in her
mothers homeland.  She was beloved by all, and a gem too precious for 
any to own.  Normally the passage across the White Sea would be an easy
one, but now danger has come.

   ``Loric, this is grievous news you bear, but not terribly unexpected.
A number of messengers are long past due from both the South Coast and 
also, fearfully, the Norloc Woods themselves."  He pauses to let that
information sink in, then begins,  ``In the older days of my great 
grandfather they killed bearers of bad tidings, believing them
to carry bad luck.  I'll spare you this pain, however, but give
you a new one.  I charge you to seek out the land of Queen Helena, 
and to bear my daughter, the Princess Thelina, back to me.  Make all
due haste and do not tally.  I will not allow even death to keep you
from this task.  Lord Chancellor Torsa, send those who are able to
light the beacons.  We will begin the gathering of those remaining
Anacists who can answer the call." 

   The dread I had been feeling, suddenly came to full growth.
Queen Helena is the aunt of the princess and will never let the
Princess go.  After the death of Drago's wife, Queen Helena's younger 
sister, last year, the two countries have not had even a single
messenger pass between them.  It is said that Helena blames King Drago
for her death. ``And the rumors might not be all that far off," I
thought.  Much more important however was the news that the Norloc
Woods had been cut off.  The greatest strength of the Anacim remain
there.  To come at the beacon's call they might have to break through
some unknown force of the Arcanium.  For the Magi to have divided us 
so soon is a terrible blow, and possible our doom. 

   ``Lordamar will accompany you on this quest, but again, make all 
speed.  Soon war will sweep the land again and I want my heir near
me should I fail and fall."

   We left the high room and went back to the lower chambers.  I felt 
as if a weight had been placed on my shoulders.  In addition I was 
exhausted from my long ride here.  But rest is not a pleasure I
now can permit.  I gathered my belongings and turning to Lordamar said,
``Well, cousin, let's be off; there's work to be done."\\

\begin{center}
{\Large Two}
\end{center}

{\noindent \Large ``W}ell, cousin, let's be off; there's work to be done," I said 
to Lordamar as we left the High Room.

   ``Yes, Loric, we have need of great haste.  How are the road
conditions between here and the South Coast?" Lordamar answered.
He appeared deep in thought, as if planing something. 

   ``The road is dry, a miracle after the last weeks of rain. It is very
busy, however.  I passed two caravans of wagons as I came here.  Many 
people told stories of strange riders and odd lights in the night. 
My guess is that half the stories are meerly lies designed to make a 
story teller look good."  I recalled my ride a second, then resumed, 
``There was a look of fear in their eyes, as though something
scared them.  The people did not trust me until I told them who
I was."

   ``Hmm, it appears, should some of the stories be true, that groups of 
the Magi of Arcanium are also in the Southron Woods.  It would be folly
for an Anacim to take the road to South Coast now."  Lordamar paused,
as if thinking and then resumed, ``Here, go down to the stables and ready
our mounts.  I am going to take care of some unfinished duties and will 
join you in the Crystal Room within the hour.  We will depart then."  He 
walked beside me till we came to the passage I needed to take.  
``Within the hour now." I heard as I turned off.

   I went to the stables and looked in on our horses.  Mine was a black
stallion with a white mane.  He looked magnificent and stood tall and proud.
Nighthoof was his name.  He was breed from the very seed of Tolmar's
Daymare, a noble blood to say the least.  After placing the saddle and other
pieces of gear on him, I looked over to Lordamar's stallion.  His was a 
great white steed born out of legend.  Greatsword was the horse's name.  He
was taller than any horse I've seen before.  None could ride him but by his
leave.  Greatsword was unequaled by any horse alive.  None knew his
history but Lordamar, who quested long years to find him.  Many peasants 
say that Greatsword isn't a horse at all, but a demon in disguise.  Whatever
the answer, he was a horse to put awe in a king.  I saddled him and, taking
my leave, headed toward the Crystal Room.

   Arriving early, I looked about.  The Crystal Room was the place of meditation
for Anacim masters.  I had been to Castle HighReach often in my youth, 
even studying there for a number of years under old Master Torsul, but
never had I been allowed to enter this room.  In the center of this large 
chamber stood a huge crystal.  This I knew to be the MindGlass.  It was found
during the time when King Shipwain's grandfather ruled. Even standing by the 
door I could already feel its effects.  The crystal calms the nerves and opens 
the mind of anybody who would come close to it.  Few secrets could be kept here if
one wished to pry.  I gazed up at the MindGlass and felt my muscles relaxing.
I could feel my guard slipping and resting.  One could not, lest he be mentally 
blind, commit violence here.  The crystal removes violence before it can take
root.

   {\em ``Loric, speak to me.''}

   I jumped some, not realizing someone else was there. ``Who's there and what
do you wish?"

   {\em ``Please, use your mind if you have one child.  Speech resonates badly
here.  I am Master Guldson and was sent by King Drago Shipwain to test
how your studies have been going down in South Coast.''}

   Proudly, I responded using the mind speech of the Anacim, {\em ``My studies are
proceeding excellently, Master.  I even bested Chancellor Torsa today.''}

   {\em ``Fool!  I'll be the judge of your studies, boy.  The very act you speak
of belies your confidence.  Torsa has been blind now for a month.  He lost
his Talent fighting the late Lord Baruso in a duel of honor!  Now quit
bragging and open to me, so I can see how well your Masters in South Coast
have taught you.''} 

   I felt the fool he called me.  Of course!  How could I not have seen?
I had thought Torsa overconfident in his power since he didn't have defenses
raised.  Blind he was, and a fool I was for not having seen the absence of
mental ability.  Lucky that Torsa did not report me, for it is criminal to
assault a Blind.  I should have known better.  How could I have known from
looking, though?  Chancellor Torsa was numbered among the most powerful of
the Anacim.  What a tragedy for something like this to have happened to 
one like him! 
   
    I lowered the last of my defenses that had not succumbed to the 
MindGlass's effect.  The touch of Master Guldson's soul was at first  
sharp and painful.  For a second I tried to bring back my defenses,
but Guldson held them back and rushed into my mind.  I felt naked before
him.  Before I knew it, however, he was gone.

   {\em ``You are progressing well, son, but need some work still.''}  Guldson
rested a moment and continued, {\em ``Your strength is surprising for one so
young.  I am tired from reading you.  In another few years you might make
Adept.  Now don't jump to conclusions.  You still have a lot of work to
come yet.  I will give the King a favorable report.  You have tremendous
raw talent.  Your training at South Coast is slower than what you might
have had here, but I believe you adequate for your mission.  Good luck.''}
He rose up from where he was sitting by the crystal and started to leave.
{\em ``Oh yes, your trainer in South Coast claims to have taught you all he 
can and states that you need a new teacher.  The King has decided that 
Lordamar is to be the one responsible.  Obey him, as you are now his
apprentice.''}  

   Master Guldson left and soon Lordamar entered.  {\em ``I hear you are to
be my new trainer, Lordamar,''} I said, using the mindspeech still, {\em ``Should
I call you Master Lordamar now?''}  Sarcasm seeping from my voice.

   ``Don't get smart with me Loric." His voice shattering the peace 
of the Crystal Room, ``I dread this duty also, but the King's law 
shall not be challenged, especially by the King's Protector.  I hope
the horses are prepared as I asked?"  I nodded so.  ``Good.  We ride now
east toward the Norloc Woods, and there we will lay a trap for an unlucky
Mage."

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