To Be Grand Maestro (Book 5) (67 page)

Daniel had to end the standoff in the conference room. It was a matter of fighting or fleeing the city, which would mean surrendering the capitol to Aakadon. His mind was made up, there would be no running.

“After I have dealt with the Grand Maestro, I will see what I can do to stop the fighting outside, and the attack on the Northland Holding,” he replied through the array while dampening his irritation over the needless deaths.

“Understood, I only ask that you hurry up,” Samuel said and then ended the communication. He was always in a hurry but this time Daniel agreed whole heartedly.

The double doors burst into splinters and Sero ran in, with the Royal Guardsmen wisely staying out in the hall. “Maestro,” he called out, while flinging two diamond-bladed knives from his hands.

Daniel caught the crescendo out of the air and focused the spell, Shield Potential, backed by fourteen lightning bolts of power, at Efferin. It only took a few moments for the near blinding topaz beam to overwhelm the Grand Maestro’s conjuration and then shield off his potential completely. Daniel added a Da Capo and tied it to his life force, rather than Efferin’s or the crescendo.

“Terroll, I’ll shield while you attack,” Talmon directed when the diamond point was aimed at him.

Sero aimed his baton and focused a beam of energy at the Maestro of the Zephyr Guild, making it two four-bolt Accomplisheds going toe to toe, each using level four crescendos, and for now they were evenly matched, although Terroll was by far the more experienced. The Assistant made it possible for Daniel to finish his chore by making the Ecoppian-born Accomplished stay on the defensive, for now.

Sherree and Jason were faced off against each other, Instructor against former student, but she was using the better crescendo. The best he could put into his shield with the aid of his energy amplifier was four bolts and she now commanded nine. The glow of his spell winked out, indicating her success at shielding off his potential.

Daniel’s energy beamed into Talmon’s shield, glowing brighter as the two potentials resisted each other and then the king Eagle’s power flickered and he was deprived of the ability to cast a spell beyond his own body.

Efferin straightened his shoulders, “I do not know how you are still able to remember your repertoire but it is clear you do. Be that as it is, I demand that you release me at once.”

Daniel ignored him and focused on Terroll. “I know you were only following orders, but I am not accepting that excuse today and intend to shield off you potential.”

Sero ceased his assault and Terroll lowered his shield, leaving himself completely vulnerable. “I place myself at the mercy of the Chosen Vessel. Do with me as you will,” the Maestro of the Zephyrs spoke in a quiet tone.

Rather than use the crescendo, Daniel focused a hair fine beam of potential into Terroll’s forehead, and established the shield. “I have added a Del Segno that will end the Da Capo after ten days. Talmon, I will consider releasing you at that time, and Efferin, I never will. Jason, it is up to the First Lady of the Atlantan Guild if and when she chooses to release you.”

Talmon shook his head. “You have only won for the moment. We had you, now you have us, but my Eagles are closing in on the palace, and this contest is not yet finished.” He was so smug and cock sure of himself.

Daniel looked him in the eyes. “I have composed a spell that can erase your repertoire. I will cast it now if you do not use the array on your head to order the Eagles and Coronas here and those attacking Shantear to stand down. There have already been deaths on both sides and it will only get worse.”

Talmon placed both hands on his hips. “You would not dare Silence me.”

At that moment a visual from Willis the owl showed Daniel what remained of the stables at the Northland Holding and the torn flesh of men and horses. The horror made him think about what he wanted to do to the Accomplisheds of Aakadon who chose this terrible time to attack him and his guild. He grinned and the Maestro of the Eagle Guild began to sweat. “Reese, this is not a good time to question what I would dare to do.”

Whatever the man saw in the eyes of the Chosen Vessel, it was enough to make him nod. “It will be as you say,” Talmon agreed.

“I forbid you to relay that order,” Efferin said, while summoning potential as if he could do more than shatter everything in the city made of glass. The harmonic waves were also hard on the ceramics and pottery.

Daniel summoned the potential for the spell, Forgettable, added the fourth harmony line, and focused the energy through his diamond-bladed crescendo. A bright topaz beam struck Efferin in the forehead and his spell ceased. The fifth harmony line would have given him the mind of a child but Daniel chose not to add it. He wanted this man to know why he was being deprived of his repertoire.

“You, you, Silenced me,” the Grand Maestro stated accurately as his eyebrows lifted in astonishment.

“Maybe in ten days Terroll will have pity on you and restore your repertoire, but I will not,” Daniel gave the only hope the Grand Maestro had of ever summoning potential again.

“Chosen Vessel, your will has been done,” Maestro Reese quickly announced his compliance with the order.

“Maestro, the Eagles have ceased casting spells. Whatever you did to finish the chore certainly has worked. Leah is staring down Senior Soarers Renford Winthrop and Elias DeSumma, but neither Eagle is telling us their reasons for signaling a truce. The Solars have also ceased hostilities,” Samuel’s voice came through the array.

“We have captured their leaders and I just gave Maestro Reese a very good reason not to question my resolve. He has wisely followed my demand that he order a stand down of the assaults here and at Shantear,” Daniel replied.

“Works for me, especially since Circles of Twenty are now assaulting the Benhannon Northland Holding and Leah has ordered me to take my teams and fight off the raiders,” Samuel replied, along with a strong sense of determination to start hacking away at the new chore.

“Acknowledged, the stables have been destroyed, and your presence is definitely needed there,” Daniel sent, and then ended the communication. He truly hoped to soon join the ISIG Conductor at the holding.

Feelings of firm determination mixed with caution and a sprinkling of hope came ahead of the words, “Maestro, the Senior Soarers and Coronas have discontinued their assault here at Shantear. I do not as of yet know if this is merely a fall back and regroup maneuver or a pause to reflect on the wisdom of continuing the fight,” Jeremiah Lassiter sent.

“The order to stand down came from the top and I doubt hostilities will resume any time soon. I believe Maestro Reese and the Grand Maestro realize the grave error they made in choosing to act as they have. However, Efferin and Talmon have proved to be slow learners and so be prepared for yet another betrayal. Offer healing to anyone who needs it. I also want you to return our guests, those twelve surviving Soarers who sided with us in defense of the Northland Holding months back. The gesture might give Tobermin the sense he has accomplished something worth making the trip for,” Daniel replied.

“It will be as you say, Maestro,” Jeremiah sent and then ended the connection while projecting a much stronger sense of hope.

Daniel summoned the potential for the spell, Find All, added a Da Copa, and sensed Leah and Chas entering the Palace and heading towards the conference room. Queen Cleona and the delegates were several halls away and being protected by squads of Royal Guardsmen. Accomplished Meado and the twenty members of the Benhannon Guard with her approached the royals, adding to their security.

“You cannot possibly think you can get away with Silencing the Grand Maestro of Aakadon,” Efferin stated. “The wrath of the entire city will come down upon you.”

“Several thousand Accomplisheds of the Atlantan Guild and eight thousand members of the Chosen’s Sentinels have this palace surrounded,” Sherree replied. “My husband has gotten away with Silencing you and none of the Eagles can get in here or reverse what he has done.”

Efferin cringed at her use of the word, “Husband,” which is likely why she used the designation. “If either of you think I will resort to begging, know that it will not happen,” he stated firmly.

Daniel smiled. “Good, because the shield I placed on you remains indefinitely, no matter who or how many people beg on your behalf.”

“I think you are being a little harsh,” Jason ventured to say.

“Firstly, he is being lenient, secondly, you should be concerned about your own predicament, and thirdly, I will consider freeing you in ten days. Perhaps by then I will not be so furious with you for taking part in this sham of a conference,” Sherree responded. “It is obvious the only reason you are here is because Daniel and I trusted you.”

Jason wisely decided to say no more and Terroll did not bother to comment or make excuses for his part in the affair. Bella eyed his fellow Accomplisheds from Aakadon and shook his head. “Had I known this conference was meant to be a ruse and a snare, I would have had no part in it. The champion came in good faith, willing to find a way for us to work together, and after this breach of honor even I would not recommend he place his trust in us,” the elderly Accomplished stated and then looked at Daniel. “I apologize for arranging this meeting and for not stopping the Grand Maestro from casting that spell.”

“I have absolutely no hard feelings towards you, my old friend. Sherree and our daughter were never in danger,” Daniel replied.

“What?” Efferin blurted, evidently he was still under the misguided belief he had succeeded in stopping the pregnancy.

Daniel merely glanced at him. “Be glad, it is the only reason you are alive,” and then looked up at the vent. “Prince Rorie, it is safe to come down now.”

The cover popped off and a face appeared just as the grill clattered to the tiles. “It is too high for me. The one in my room is by the floor.”

Sherree summoned potential and levitated him out of the vent and down onto the floor. “My spell is not actually touching him. Daniel, you threw a shield on him,” she correctly surmised.

Rorie’s eyes widened “You protected me?”

Daniel bent down on one knee. “Everyone else heeded the warning Maestro Reese gave about aggressive spells being focused here. He was correct and you should have listened.”

“And miss watching Eagles and Rogues being played out for real?” Rorie asked without a trace of concern.

Prince Collin entered first and then Queen Cleona, who was followed by the other delegates. “Rorie Kadeem KaTaar, what are you doing in here?” Queen Berona demanded of her son, triggering concern in his eyes, especially as her tone sharpened. “What have you been crawling in? Your bed clothes are filthy.”

The Queen of Cenkataar quickly ushered her boy out and down the hall while the King remained in the conference room. Cleona eyed Efferin, Terroll, Jason, Talmon, and Bella. “I did tell you, Scholar Sander, when I accepted the Grand Maestro’s terms that Sir Daniel would still be able to call in the Atlantan Guild.”

Bella gave a nod of agreement. “You did and I took note of the fact, which is doubtless why I am the only one from the Aakadon delegation who is not currently being held captive.”

Daniel gave a quick report of what was happening, including the battles at New Oben, the Benhannon Northland Holding, Shantear, in the streets of Ducanton, and ending with, “Maestro Reese cooperated in ordering a cease to all hostilities here and at the mountain. Accomplisheds from the Health Department will be here shortly to restore the injured and members of the Design and Development Department will be assigned to repair the damage to the city.”  

By the time he finished his report, Leah and Chas entered the conference room along with Silvia, David, and Carlos. “Maestro, the Accomplisheds of Aakadon are holding their positions in the streets leading to the palace. I hope your influence extends to persuading Talmon to order a complete withdrawal of forces, otherwise evicting them will be costly on both sides,” the First Accomplished told him after a quick visual assessment of the captives and a nod of satisfaction. “All commerce and civic activities in the city have ceased and people are wisely staying wherever they were when the invasion occurred, but that does not guarantee their safety should the battle resume.”

Cleona walked over and stood in front of Efferin. “Grand Maestro, you violated the terms of the truce, have invaded my capitol, and brought harm to my subjects. Your presence in Ducaun is no longer welcome and I insist you vacate Ducanton tonight and be on your way out of my realm at dawn.”

She turned to the other monarchs and representatives. “You are all still guests of my kingdom and welcome to stay and negotiate how our realms can cooperate with each other in the war effort, apart from the Accomplisheds of Aakadon. Sir Daniel, we are pleased by how you once again overcame and prevailed against our foes.”

Queen Clarees walked up to Leah. “First Accomplished, I give you thanks on behalf of Lobenia for repelling the raid on my capitol,” she stated and then glanced at Efferin before continuing. “The Atlantan Guild has been a great help, unlike the Aakacarns we originally placed our trust in.”

Leah gave the traditional nod of respect. The focus of her eyes flicked from Silvia, to Daniel, and then back to the Queen. “Thanks are not necessary. Earning your trust is reward enough.”

“Queen Cleona, our compliance with your insistence that we withdraw from Ducanton will only be honored when your Knight releases us,” Efferin stated, rudely interrupting the conversation.