Erratic Magic

2. The Art of Manipulation-1

Tahir strode through the camp, a perfect image of a capable leader. The other Elders that had come with them were back in the main tent in the center of camp, squabbling over what they should do next. They didn’t know yet, but Tahir would help them make a decision.

The camp sat in the plains north of Mount Kilimanjaro, behind a psionic barrier he had created himself. He was quite proud of it really. It had taken years of research inspecting the stones that were mined in the quarries. They were in his jurisdiction naturally. But he had made sure of that when he took the position of Elder.

It was already a general belief that the source of the Anunnaki’s power and that of the psionic barrier was due to Aurastone. Previous attempts of moving bits of stone out of the city caused it to c***k and become Deathstone. So no one had ever thought moving massive slabs of stone out instead would prove any different. The idea was his own, noting that the larger quantities of Aurastone in one area, the stronger the barrier that surrounded Rhapta.

A few years ago, he started having slabs of stone moved out here secretly, just in case. One never knew if they needed to flee the city. And he had never planned on bringing over half the city with him either. People clustered together in groups now, many of them reaching out to him as he passed by. Everything was going exactly as it was supposed to.

By now, Zaid and the girl, Kinza Solace, would have arrived. It was unfortunate that his assassins had failed. He had figured as much when they didn’t check in at the designated time. Was it Zaid who killed them, or Kinza? He hoped it was the latter. In fact it was more likely. He probably knew more about her own abilities than she did.

He smiled at that. Tahir loved knowing things others did not.

That knowledge could be used against her of course. If the people knew how destructive and unpredictable her abilities were, they would be more likely to distrust her. It would all work out.

Tahir made his way aimlessly through the people. Despite the sorrowful occasion, the sun was shining down on the plain making everything bright and warm. He wanted the people to see him standing strong and tall; unafraid. It seemed to be working as Rhaptans came up to him, some wanting to touch his hand or bow their heads in respect. He was their savior after all. He was the one who got them out of the city as it was ransacked.

Elder Tahir, a younger man said, approaching him. Please, do you know anything about what happened? Who attacked us? The man had honest, trusting eyes. He believed Tahir would have the answers.

Elder Tahir,Please, do you know anything about what happened? Who attacked us?Tahir adopted a sorrowful expression, placing his hand on the man’s arm. What is your name, son?

What is your name, son?Barwani, the man replied. People had stopped to listen, hoping to get a shred of news. Anything that would reassure them their loved ones were safe and that those behind the attack were held responsible.

Barwani,Barwani, I am sure you are as confused and angered as I am. The great city of Rhapta has been attacked, and for the first time in history, its inhabitants forced out. Tahir made sure he was just loud enough that others could hear, but quiet enough that they needed to draw closer. I am on my way to see Grand Elder Hakim and I hope to learn more through him and his visions. Did anyone see the attackers as we left the city? Any information that would help us? He addressed the crowd at the last part.

Barwani, I am sure you are as confused and angered as I am. The great city of Rhapta has been attacked, and for the first time in history, its inhabitants forced out.I am on my way to see Grand Elder Hakim and I hope to learn more through him and his visions. Did anyone see the attackers as we left the city? Any information that would help us?A short woman stepped forward. I saw several of them with black bands tied around their arms. Several others nodded in unison.

I saw several of them with black bands tied around their arms.A boy spoke up, They set everything on fire! Others nodded along with the boy’s anger.

They set everything on fire!Tahir nodded, acknowledging what they had learned on their own. That is in line with the vision Hakim had before the attack. As many of you know, the only reason I had time to warn you, to get you and your loved ones out was because of Grand Elder Hakim. His vision of destruction, mere minutes before the attack, is what saved us. We must trust in him now!

That is in line with the vision Hakim had before the attack. As many of you know, the only reason I had time to warn you, to get you and your loved ones out was because of Grand Elder Hakim. His vision of destruction, mere minutes before the attack, is what saved us. We trust in him now!A larger crowd had started to gather. People nodded along and shouted in agreement.

Hakim’s vision was of a group of dissenters already known within the city for being chaotic and destructive. He too saw the black armbands and fire in our homes. I believe it is the Unfettered who are behind the attack.

Hakim’s vision was of a group of dissenters already known within the city for being chaotic and destructive. He too saw the black armbands and fire in our homes. I believe it is the Unfettered who are behind the attack.The people roared in anger, crying for justice and retribution.

Quieter, Tahir said, But someone must be leading them. The Unfettered have never had a unified agenda in the past and I find it hard to believe that they do now. Someone had to unite them in this common cause of pandemonium and fear.

But someone must be leading them. The Unfettered have never had a unified agenda in the past and I find it hard to believe that they do now. Someone had to unite them in this common cause of pandemonium and fear.He paused for effect.

Who could have done it? someone asked. Others piped in with suggestions and whispers started through the increasing crowd.

Who could have done it?Was it the Apostles of Truth?

Was it the Apostles of Truth?Could humans have found us?

Could humans have found us?An ubir?

An ubir?People talked amongst themselves until someone spoke a little louder. Elder Tahir, could this be related to the prophecy? The old one? The whispers died out as people shot furtive glances between each other before looking to Tahir. He allowed that thought to plant a seed in their minds, and he would water it.

Elder Tahir, could this be related to the prophecy? The old one?As I said, Hakim’s visions are never wrong. I go to him now to inquire whether he has been given another and we will know who has done this to our home. I don’t want to believe it, but if it’s the outsider from the prophecy, then we have our enemy.

As I said, Hakim’s visions are never wrong. I go to him now to inquire whether he has been given another and we will know who has done this to our home. I don’t want to believe it, but if it’s the outsider from the prophecy, then we have our enemy.People erupted into cries of rage and demand for atonement as Tahir walked away. The whispers would spread throughout that camp that it was a very real possibility that the outsider had attacked them. He had given them an outlet for their anger and he would let it fester.

As Tahir slowly made his way to Hakim’s tent, a figure diverged from the crowds and fell into step with him.

Do you truly believe that? the young man asked.

Do you truly believe that? Yes, Mikah, I do think it’s at least a possibility. Tahir looked at his apprentice, a charming young man who paid close attention to Tahir’s words, as was his job. Mikah had been his apprentice for many years now, Tahir knew the boy’s family paid a great deal of money, and allegiance, to get him that position. It was distasteful in Tahir’s opinion, but he had proved to be attentive, if not open-minded. He could not be faulted for that, and maybe with time, Tahir could mold him into having a bit of initiative.

Yes, Mikah, I do think it’s at least a possibility. Do the other Elders know this? If we have an enemy on our doorstep, the council will need to act fast, Mikah said. He walked straight-backed with a relaxed smile across his face. It was something Tahir had taught him; you never want the public to know what you are thinking, especially when you are nervous.

Do the other Elders know this? If we have an enemy on our doorstep, the council will need to act fast, Patience, Mikah, Tahir said. I do not want to bring this to the Elders if it is not concrete knowledge yet. As you know, some of them are flighty and make quick decisions. We must first find the truth from Elder Hakim.

Patience, Mikah, I do not want to bring this to the Elders if it is not concrete knowledge yet. As you know, some of them are flighty and make quick decisions. We must first find the truth from Elder Hakim.Is there anything you would like me to do? Mikah asked.

Is there anything you would like me to do? Yes, seek out Commander Kartik. I will need a detailed report of how many warriors we have in our number. There is a chance we may enter into battle soon. Tahir knew very well how many warriors there were, but Mikah didn’t know that.

Yes, seek out Commander Kartik. I will need a detailed report of how many warriors we have in our number. There is a chance we may enter into battle soon. Isn’t Elder Yuvaan representative of the warriors? Mikah asked.

Isn’t Elder Yuvaan representative of the warriors? Yes, but Yuvaan is occupied at the moment and I would not disturb him. Go, I’ll receive your report in a few hours.

Yes, but Yuvaan is occupied at the moment and I would not disturb him. Go, I’ll receive your report in a few hours.Mikah gave a short nod and went to find Commander Kartik. Tahir needed to be careful, the boy asked questions where others tended not to. Regardless, he was obedient.

Tahir arrived at the second largest tent in the camp, not far from the center. The warriors at the entrance nodded to him as they pushed the flaps aside. The room was stifling and Tahir could see it was due to the low brazier that sat to one side of the tent, sending perfumed smoke throughout the room. Hakim was cold these days, his body was slowing down, conserving his energy for the visions. The elderly man now lay on a small bed at the back of the room, surrounded by blankets and furs, his attendants close by.

Two others were within the room. Hakim’s apprentice, a quiet young woman whose name Tahir usually forgot. She sat cross-legged on the ground with her eyes closed. At one point, Tahir had hoped to use her visions as well, but they proved to be lackluster and devoid of the magnitude that was Hakim’s Sight. The other was Elder Ekbal, Hakim’s own nephew and representative of agriculture in Rhapta. Ekbal had, unfortunately, never taken to Tahir’s charm and frequently questioned his motives.