Mortality: The Story of Mortanius

Chapter Forty-One

The northeastern lands of Nosgoth were full of rocky hills, sparse woodlands, and wide meadows of coarse grass. The temperature was generally cooler in the summer, but the winters tended to be harsh. That, combined with rocky soil that made farming difficult, made the region less-populous than the south. For centuries, the only residents were from isolated communities of hearty men and women whose lifestyle was somewhat more crude than their southern neighbors. But recently, advances in farming and a gradual spread northwards for available land had increased the population tenfold.

The carriage Mortanius rode in bumped over another hole in the dirt road that led north through the hills. He rocked back and forth, accustomed to the motion by now, having traveled for over twelve hours along the curving road. Mortanius considered casting a spell to fly the rest of the way there, but flying for long periods of time was both physically and mentally challenging. Riding in a carriage was still the most convenient method of travel over long distances.

Thankfully, at least the trip was almost over. He pushed the window curtain aside to see lines of dwellings up ahead, and beyond that a sprawling city nestled between ranges of hills. Lines of smoke rose into the air from hundreds of chimneys, and even from this distance Mortanius could hear the bustle of civilization.

The trip was Moebius’s idea. In the past forty years or so, a city called Winterheim had gained some local influence, led by a charismatic ruler named Wulgren. Unexpectedly, Wulgren had died of an illness some years before, but his eldest son followed in father’s footstep, and Winterheim had grown into the capital of a thriving and popular province. The son’s name was William, and Mortanius was traveling to Winterheim to attend his twentieth birthday celebration. Many local leaders would be there, from nearby cities such as Willendorf and Alamire. Some of the other Guardians were supposed to be there as well.

Not Azimuth, though. She was busy with her new discoveries and didn’t want to leave the Cathedral for any reason. Mortanius respected her hard work and intensity, but at the same time he felt that it was better to take time away now and then. They were immortal, after all. There was no reason to work yourself to exhaustion.

His carriage passed the outskirts of the city and the dirt road became a roughly-paved street, which was possibly even more bumpy and uneven. Mortanius sighed and looked out the carriage window again. Based on his view, Winterheim was a rustic sort of place, full of homes with thatched roofs and large yards. As the carriage made its way to Winterheim Castle, it became more dense and crowded with people, as the celebration attracted almost everyone in the city.

The carriage pulled to a stop at the end of a long line of other carriages out in front of the castle, most of them much more expensive and luxurious than his own. He stepped outside and began walking toward the huge front gate of Winterheim Castle.

People milled around everywhere. They came from all walks of life: nobles, soldiers, merchants, laborers, peasants. A few enterprising individuals were selling muffins and other small treats for a few coppers each. Mortanius guessed that by the end of the day, their money sack would be full to bursting. There were entertainers as well, jugglers and acrobats staking out profitable corners were they could draw an audience.

“Ah, there you are,” came the voice of Moebius from off to his left. “I was wondering when you’d show up.” The Guardian of Time emerged from the crowd and walked over to him with a natural smile on his face, tapping his staff on the pavement.

“The roads are so blocked, I’m lucky I got here at all,” Mortanius said, smiling as well. “How have you been, Moebius?”

“I’m doing wonderful, and yourself?”

“I’m well.”

“Still living with Azimuth?”

“I suppose you could say we’re living together, yes.”

Moebius grinned conspiratorially and patted Mortanius on the shoulder. “Well, I’m happy for you. She’s quite a woman. It’s a shame she couldn’t be here.”

“Did any of the other Guardians come, or is it just us?”

“Bane said he was coming, but I haven’t seen him.”

Mortanius gestured to the castle and the growing crowd as Moebius led him through the gate to the outer courtyard, where if anything the crowd was even more tightly packed. “This crowd is so big, I’m not surprised. There’s a lot of people here for a province this far north. I’d expect a gathering like this in Willendorf or Meridian. They really have brought people from all over Nosgoth.”

“I told you,” Moebius said with a hint of pride. “William is very popular. You should pay more attention to politics.”

“I gave up on politics a long time ago,” Mortanius muttered. A servant came by with a tray of water glasses and he took one. He would have preferred wine, but the cold water was enough to soothe his thirst after the long carriage ride.

“I’ve arranged a meeting with William,” Moebius said. “So you’ll get to meet him.”

“How did you manage that?”

“I’ve met him a few times already. He and I are very nearly friends.”

Mortanius raised an eyebrow at the odd phrasing. “Very nearly?”

“Well, you know how it is,” Moebius said with a wave of his hand.

In fact, Mortanius didn’t know how it was. But he was accustomed to Moebius’s occasionally strange behavior, so he let the subject drop.

They crossed the threshold from the outer courtyard to the inner yard, which was a more exclusive area. It was less crowded there, with a greater concentration of minor nobles, but very few commoners allowed in. Guards wielding pikes let Mortanius and Moebius pass without so much as a glance. Most of the nobles, Mortanius and Moebius excluded, traveled with entourages of bodyguards and assorted hangers-on, unwilling to risk being in too close proximity to the commoners. Although the fact that members of such vastly different economic statuses mingled at all in a place like this was rather remarkable.

“How many times have you visited this place?” Mortanius asked.

“Oh, maybe a dozen times.”

“The guards here recognize you.”

“That’s probably true.”

The other end of the yard led through a set of huge doors into the main hall of Winterheim. The castle was built of imposing blocks of white and gray stone, and the walls slanted almost imperceptibly inward before curving to an arched ceiling high above. Statues of the previous rulers of Winterheim lined the hall, or at least historically inaccurate depictions of them. Mortanius doubted that the tribal rulers of this region more than three hundred years ago had hired sculptors to carve lifelike statues of them during their own lifetimes.

A portly man in a dark blue royal cloak approached them, spreading his arms wide. “Ah, Lord Moebius. It’s wonderful to see you again,” he said in a rich voice. “How was your trip?”

“Uneventful, but I prefer it that way,” Moebius said, shaking the man’s hand. “Master Delvinius, may I introduce you to Lord Mortanius of the Pillars. Mortanius, this is Master Delvinius, one of William’s advisers.”

Delvinius’s eyes lit up and he eagerly shook Mortanius’ hand as well. “Another Guardian! What a pleasure to meet you!”

“And you as well,” Mortanius said. “I’m happy to be here.”

“Is William free to meet with us?” Moebius asked.

Delvinius rubbed his chin and looked over his shoulder at the closed doors at the other end of the main hall. “Well, we can certainly go and and find out. He’s obviously very busy today, but I’m sure he can make time to meet with two Guardians of the Pillars, at least for a moment or two.”

He led Mortanius and Moebius through the doors to a smaller chamber dominated by a huge wooden table. About two dozen well-dressed nobles were standing around, talking in loud voices, trying to be heard. Another dozen armed soldiers – William’s personal guard – stood close by, their faces stern and hands ready at the hilts of their swords.

At the center of the group was a tall, handsome young man with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, standing with his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was that of infinite patience in the face of so many needy and demanding subordinates. He nodded occasionally and even rewarded one or two of his advisers and counselors with an approving smile as they flooded him with questions and opinions. Despite his age – he was only twenty years old, younger than Mortanius had been when they rebelled against the vampires – he had the bearing of a leader. Of course, he’d been ruler of Winterheim for a few years now, and had clearly grown into the role.

William cut down the babble of voices with a quick swipe of his hand. “Lord Moebius,” he announced, stepping out of the circle of men. “Welcome back to Winterheim. It’s good to see you again.”

Moebius gave the slightest hint of a bow. The gesture of respect was rare, and Mortanius noticed it right away. “How could I possibly miss your birthday?” Moebius asked with a smile. “I hope I’m not intruding on an important discussion.”

“Nothing that can’t wait,” William said, and then turned to face Mortanius. “You must be Mortanius. It’s an honor to meet you, Guardian. Moebius told me you’d be coming.”

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Mortanius said, following Moebius’s lead and giving a respectful bow. “You have a lovely city here, my Lord. I regret not visiting sooner.”

“You’re certainly welcome to come by any time you like.”

One of the other men in the room, an older gentleman in a dark blue outfit, came up to William and said, “My Lord, we’ve begun seating guests in the throne room.”

“Good,” William said. “Carry on.”

Moebius said, “I suppose that means Mortanius and I should be on our way. If we arrive at the throne room early, we’ll get good seats.”

William chuckled good-naturedly. “Yes, I can sense that my advisers are already impatient to get back to our discussion. A ruler’s work never ends, isn’t that so? Hopefully I’ll be able to talk to you both later, but I’m afraid I might not have a chance.”

“I understand, my Lord,” Mortanius said. “You’ll be busy today, I’m sure. Perhaps we can meet up in private later, when the time is right.”

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