Chapter 13: Assassinations and Accusations

After a small meal in one of the two rooms they'd been given, the four mages sat together, talking.

"You two okay?" Vivi asked, eyeing the injuries the taller pair had sustained.

"We're fine," Zentarou replied. He chuckled, rubbing where a small clump of fur had been ripped out. "Nothing that won't heal or grow back."

"We weren't sure what happened to you two," Dregan added. "When I awoke, I was chained and all my things were taken, and I couldn't fine any of you."

"I had a collar on," Zentarou commented with a shudder of disgust. "Like I was some sort of... of... animal." His revulsion kept anyone from asking any questions.

“It’s getting late,” Orko commented. “We should try to get a good night’s rest smile we can.” Dregan’s eyes popped wide.

“Rest! Natar!” They huddled around as Orko pulled out the emerald.

:Is everything okay: came the dragon’s voice. :It’s been so long; I was beginning to become worried.:

"Just a little mix up, but all's okay now."

:Then I take it you've been transported to a better place than before.: They all blinked, feeling a sudden, unified sensation of lightheaded unease.

"Um... we're still on the same plane we first got to," Vivi commented.

:Impossible! You should've been pulled a long time ago.:

"He's right," Zentarou agreed after a moment's thought. "It's been much longer than eight hours, and we're still here. I guess with all that has happened, we didn't realize it, but it's been closer to ten hours."

:Strange. Are you able to summon me:

"Probably not a good idea," from Dregan. "This room is way too confined, and we can't really leave until tomorrow morning. It's too dangerous, with so many out there thinking we're spies or something."

:Very well. Summon me when you're able. Until then, I shall continue to search for your homes.:

"You look while you rest?" asked Orko.

:In a sense.:

"Oh. Well, thanks." Orko put the emerald away as Natar faded from their minds.

"Might as well go to bed," Zentarou stood. Orko and the cat went to the other room, the 'brothers' having decided earlier that evening that, due to the general hostility in the air, it would be safer if they paired up one pure magic user with one who could wield a sword.

Vivi climbed into his bed, and Dregan into his after making sure the windows and door were locked.

"Night, Vivi."

"Night, Dregan."

For the first time in a long time, the Bretheren Arcanum got a full night's sleep in comfortable beds.

Little did they know how much they were going to need that rest.

Vivi, Orko, Dregan, and Zentarou took an early breakfast downstairs in the main room. The innkeeper was courteous enough, but the other patrons gave the mages a wide berth. Then, about fifteen minutes after they were done, Danious entered the inn. He smiled at them, and they followed him back to the castle.

The king would like another sample of your magics. As he sent his thoughts to the smaller pair, he spoke aloud to the other two. Preferably battle magics. Dregan replied, and Vivi caught his name being spoken. Zentarou told the others what was said.

"Vivi, Dregan and I are very limited in what and how much we cast. It could be a long time before we get home, and can restock our crystals. So you'll be the one casing this time."

"Me?"

"You don't use crystals or components, right?"

"No, but casting drains me some." Zentarou smiled.

"You won't be asked to do much. Just one or two spells, likely. Dregan and I can explain everything to the king."

"Okay."

Once more they were led to the throne room, where the king, prince, and vizier were assembled. While King Tazan and his son smiled, the vizier frowned darkly at the four mages, who just politely bowed in return. Dregan spoke with the king, then smiled at Vivi.

"You're on, Vivi. Just tell us what you need."

"I'll need a target," Vivi replied. "One that it's okay for me to destroy." Dregan relayed this, and four practice dummies, on stone pedestals, were brought in and placed near the balcony. Vivi nodded his approval, and took center stage.

Since they'd already seen him create fire, he began with firaga, and all four were ignited. Then he responded with waterga, to douse the flames. Then blizzaga, and a shocking lightening attack. Then, Vivi grinned. Dregan, seeing his posture, chuckled and muttered to the king, who leaned forward a bit.

Can you move two of the targets to against the far wall? the Black Mage asked Danious. The knight did so, and once they were clear, Vivi lifted his staff. "Flare!" he shouted, aiming the spell at himself. The four natives gasped aloud, but the red light made its usual appearance, and the two dummies were utterly destroyed. He motioned for the other two to be put back, and took a deep breath.

"You okay, Vivi?" Dregan asked.

"Yeah. Just preparing for my most powerful spell."

"Most... powerful..." Zentarou echoed. Vivi grinned, lifted his staff again, and...

"DOOMSDAY!"

When the group was able to look in the direction of the dummies again, nothing remained of any of them, save small piles of dust.

For a long moment, all were silent. Vivi sat down heavily, panting, his staff lying across his lap. He could feel their eyes on him, but needed a moment to catch his breath.

"Wow," Dregan muttered at last. "I knew there are powerful spells out there, but... wow. Vivi, are you sure I'm the most powerful?"

"You're are," assured Zentarou, "on the basis that you know more spells than all of us put together. But - " he added, "Vivi, because he is specialized, is able to cast the most powerful, the most damaging, magic."

"I'll say," echoed Orko, floating over to the seated Black Mage. "Trolly-molly, that was incredible!"

"Thanks." Vivi pulled himself to his feel slowly. The king spoke up, and Danious translated.

He wants to see more, but you are obviously exhausted. And,- This was thought with clear amazement and pride. - you impressed him.

And annoyed Vizier Sahadi, Vivi commented with a discreet glance at the fuming man. The knight's mental reply was definitely full of smug satisfaction.

Good. Zentarou stepped forward and spoke briefly with King Tazan, then began to cast. Your friend said that although his battle magic isn't as powerful, not all battle magics are offensive. Vivi nodded, understanding, as Zentarou used his Life Aura spell. Then the cat nodded to Dregan, who drew out his sword and swung. The blade harmlessly glanced off of the bubble-like spell, and Zentarou reached out to touch the elf's arm, showing of the spell's properties. Then he strolled around, displaying its mobility. Rather playfully, he did a little, elf-like spinning dance in a small arc that put him beside Prince Caresh with his back to the balcony, ending it with a little hop.

Suddenly a black arrow whistled through the air, bouncing off of Zentarou's Life Aura. Guards rushed to the group as all realized one chilling fact: If Zentarou hadn't been standing there, the bolt would've flown true to it's target:

Right into the heart of Prince Caresh!

Instantly the Vizier leapt up, pointing at the mages and shouting. Even though Vivi and Orko couldn't understand the language, they could comprehend the intent.

They were being accused!