The Wizard's Council Read Online Free Page A

wall was even smaller than the massive keep at the center of the complex. The height of which was well over one hundred feet. Just the keep by itself was larger than most of the towns in the Southern Kingdoms. Only Galimdor could compare to the Holy Order’s fortress. The differences in the two castles were startling. Where Galimdor housed a Wizard’s Conclave, The Fortress of the Light housed the largest cathedral that Arcantos had ever laid eyes upon. Galimdor was a town within a castle, but the Fortress was a bastion of strength. Within the fortress, there were no houses and exceedingly few shops. The Fortress housed numerous barracks, seven cathedrals, ten blacksmith shops, a larger grocer, and a bazaar.
    “I had not heard there was a bazaar in the Fortress of Light. This surprises me,” Arcantos said as they passed through the stalls.
    “The bazaar is the only area in which the Holy Order permits outsiders to stay, except for special guests and diplomats, of course. We must spread our light to the world somehow, Arcantos. We find that the best manner in which to do so is to let others examine us in our everyday lives. The bazaar brings people from all across the continent, it is our hope that the light stays with them when they leave.” The monk seemed to be aiming his words at Arcantos, as opposed to those who visited the bazaar.
    The reply made Arcantos even more uncomfortable. He knew the King had sent him as a showing of power. As leader of the Knights of Doom, being sent on such an assignment showed that they still bowed to his will. Even in such matters as dealing with one of their sworn enemies. The keep in the center of the stronghold was even more imposing than it looked from far. It was, however, the cathedral that fueled Arcantos’ fear. The Crusaders of Hope, a smaller group within the Holy Order, was dedicated to stamping out the Knights of Doom. Their name and sole purpose both came as a direct result of the actions of the Knights of Doom some years ago. He let out of sigh of relief as they entered the keep.
    Inside the keep was more impressive than outside the keep. The entry led directly to the Holy Order’s version of a throne room. As it was not a monarchy, there was not a King. They had two heads of their faction: the Grand Cleric and the Grand Crusader, together they came up with the rules by which the order operated. On either side of the two were the Grand Champions. Each one of them decked out in gold-plated armor. Neither the Grand Cleric nor the Grand Crusader wore armor while in the keep except when it came under attack. They differentiated themselves in action and in the way they dressed. Though not as regal as the Kings of other Kingdoms, they still dressed as many nobles would. The Grand Cleric rose to greet Arcantos.
    “Greetings, servant of Galimdor. The Grand Cleric and I welcome you to our stronghold,” The Grand Crusader rose and accompanied the Cleric to greet their guest.
    “It is an honor, your greatness. I am but a humble servant of the King and his people. We wish to strike an alliance with you against the evil magic using Southern Kingdoms.” A majority of the onlookers turned their attention to Arcantos as he spoke.
    “Does not the Kingdom of Galimdor have a Conclave of their own? Does not the Kingdom of Galimdor consort with the Knights of Doom?” The Grand Cleric asked.
    “Archwizard Owyn attempted to assassinate the King, and we dealt with his assault appropriately. The Conclave has now been outlawed in Galimdor. As for the Knights of Doom, the King does not admit to having anything to do with them. They may claim to be fighting for Galimdor, but we have no ties to them.” The intricate web of lies woven by Arcantos was so masterfully delivered that those listening instantly found themselves believing him.
    “You have already dealt with the mages in question, I do not see why you rush to attack the other Conclaves. It would be much wiser for us to send our