Murdersphere Mosaic [ManXMan] [BoyXBoy]

Chapter 2 Part 2 The Past As I Know Now (Continued)

I wake up in the present, confused, groggy, feverish even. I weigh the benefits of getting something to drink versus going back to sleep. I choose sleep.

I am stupid because tonight, sleep brings memory.

Back in the past:

The Balobedo docks were fast approaching, illuminated by the steadily rising sun. The knots in my stomach had become stones. Normally my mother visited me in Atlantis. I had not left the continent since Ashake brought me there. I had a good life, modest, but I was happy.

Mother was powerful, blessed by the Goddess Oshtur. She was Sorcoress Supreme, respected even by the mystic masters of Atlantis, and it is only through their desire to curry favor with her that I, an outcast among her people, could live an educated, civilized, life. My home was small. My funds limited, but I had access to libraries. My teachers were thourough. I had access to Quadesh. I was able to make a small living with my magic and alchemy as an apothecary. I was not a great sorcerer, but I was a competent one. One did not have to be a great sorcerer to make a living.

Now I have been brought back to my mother's home at her summons. As the Atlantean ship deftly swung to the dock. I put my hands to my mouth. I open the spell with the Litany, which is more of a prayer, preparation, and admonition to stay humble of the forces of the univere.

"There are three pillars of magic. A sorcerer's mastery is dependent on the strength of the pillars. The pillar of will can be built. The pillar of association can be built. The pillar of potential is born. It can be altered, but not by much. It is there, or not. "

I drew a breath of power from the well of my life, filtered through my Will to give it coherent purpose. The breath became energetic, nd opaque, a whirling sphere in my hand.

"Mother, my ship has docked." I whisphered. "Where are you?"

I released the marble-sized cloud into the air arcing towards the city movng quickly out of eyeshot.

My mother's reply was swift and spectacular.

Her image, a life-sized beacon of golden light appeared on the bow of the ship, in the full view of all creation.

"Mother.." I frowned. "I had hoped conceal who I was."

"Son, if you wanted to conceal who you were, you should have taken a non-Atlantean ship." She replied, ignoring that she had made my travel arrangements.  "At least with this display, they know you are under my protection. Look to the city Exalt."

I followed her arm as she pointed to an elaborate complex of buildings on a tall hill several miles away, encircled by an ornately carved wooden wall. "The Palace of the Rain Queen is where I await you. Walk, or run. Do not fly, the people here are not Atlantean. They are not used to such bawdy displays of power."

Considering who she was and how she raised her daughers, I could not keep the terribly skeptical expression from my face. "You are with your sister aren't you?"

Her voice whispered in my ear. "Yes! And I expect you to be on your best behavior!"

Only if they are. I thought.

"I heard that." She whispered.

"I am honored." I said finally. "I will be there straight away."

"Do not bring much." She said. "All of your needs will be seen to."

Hardly all. I thought.

She did not reply, but her expression said, "behave." So I bowed formally, until the image dissipated in a cloud of dancing motes.