Chapter 9:  In the Heavens

Now after the fall of Kilkretha, Milyos was held in high regard in the city and his phial was enshrined in the highest chamber of the amber tower. Likewise, he was greatly honored in the city for the work and service he had given to them in the healing of the Dreaming Fever. Milyos was ever after honored above all in Irrkengrond, for it was by his might that Kertriss raised the wave of earth and saved the city.

In time, word of the deeds of the arch mage came to the ears of Aientas. He was greatly disturbed, for he knew that no mortal could have produced such magic of their own power. Rumors had also reached heaven that the great cloud of Milyos descended on the city shortly before its salvation. So the Aientas, ruler of the heavens, called forth to those who served in his house in the heavens and bid them go into the world and summon the gods from the heavens and the earths to hold council in his hall about what had happened in Irrkengrond. And so the servants of Aientas journeyed forth to find the gods. Myliayar, Ewathat, and Ikata were found in the heavens and Silnethren in his crystal halls. But others took much time and journeying to find. For Boltumeth was found in the depths of the sea, and Kalikel in a wild grove, each reluctant to join the council of the gods, though they honored the request of Aientas. Finally, they came upon Milyos, enthroned in glory in Irrkengrond, being worshiped and served by the people there. For since they had deemed to honor him such, he had taken to residing there for long periods, only returning to the heavens when some question of his lofty mind demanded the use of the great library or of one of his secret studies there.

When the emissaries of Aientas arrived they spoke.

“Great god of magic! Aientas wishes to hold council with you and the other gods! There have come to pass a great many acts on the earth of which Aientas would hear what you know and he believes that you know much of what transpired here.”

Rising from the great seat in the heart of the amber tower, a hulking throne of gold which Milyos had set there for himself, the great god of magic replied:

“Very well. I will answer Aientas as best I know. Let us away.”

“Let it be so,” responded the emissaries, “before we depart, do you know where we might find your brother? For Aientas would also have him at this council.”

“I know not where Colthan is, for I deem it is Colthan you are asking after,” spoke Milyos, “he left the city accompanied by a human woman not long after I first came here. I have not seen him since.”

For after the siege of Irrkengrond was broken, Coraadrin’s heart was turned to those who may be ill beyond the walls of the city. So she and Colthan set about wandering the earth, teaching how to cure the Dreaming Fever, and many other kinds of illness throughout the world wherever it was found. Thus, the emissaries of Aientas found them not, for they traveled simply and without fanfare, teaching their arts to whoever would listen and was in need. So, the healing arts were spread far and wide, and Colthan was not present at the council of the gods.

Now when the time came for the council of the gods, all had arrived in the halls of Aientas, save Colthan. Once all were seated at the council table, a faint, small knock came on the door to the halls, as though the one who knocked wished to be let in, but was ashamed of their coming. Rising from his seat at the head of the council of the gods, Aientas commanded that the chief of his servants, Rorlal, should answer it before the council began. At the door, they found the mighty Tilsitar who worked the bellows of Kilomond’s forge, and her face was downcast and covered in soot in ash. When Rorlal opened the door, she bowed before them and pleaded her cause.

“Servant of the mighty Aientas, please, hear me! I have heard the sweet sound of my master’s tools working at their craft! Is there news of his return? For the spirits of forge craft, and many spirits of fire are lost and confused. Many believe that Kilomond is dead. But when we heard the sweet noise of his hammer and tongs I and many others came to the great forge and searched for him, but he was not found. We know that the gods were angry with him when he sought to destroy the mortals and that he was cast into the void. We had hoped in time that their wrath had diminished and that perhaps our lord had returned from the depths and that there was peace between those who rule in heaven and Lord Kilomond. When we saw the great number of the gods coming to the heavens, that even wild Kalikel had come, we hoped that there was a celebration! But we see now that they have been called to council. Is your council to discuss the fate of our lord? Please speak to us so that we might know what is happening. Please break the silence of the gods about our master.”

Rorlal, unsure how to answer, and more unsure of what should be done with the desperate Tilsitar, relayed this to Aientas. Aientas was greatly troubled to learn that someone had disturbed the tools of Kilomond. Thus he bid that Tilsitar be brought into the council so that she might tell her tale in conjunction the discussion of the events that had come to pass in Irrkengrond. For he deemed that this matter also deserved the attention of the council of the gods.  

Here the gods were arrayed at the council table. At the head of a great table, a large rectangle, sat Aientas, on his right the great mother, Myliayar. On his left was Ewathat, who did not often speak in the presence of others. On the right side of the table sat Milyos and by him an empty seat for Colthan, and then on the right of Colthan’s seat sat Ikata. At the end of the table sitting opposite of Aientas was Boltumeth, the sea god, not frequently seen in the heavens. On the other side of the table across from Milyos, was Sil, without his winged helm, his pale hair coming down over his shoulders. Behind him stood Kalikel forgoing her seat across from Ikata and next toBoltumeth, pacing behind the Lord of Death. To Sil’s left sat Haulduran, his mother, the dream weaver. Her face was worn with age and grief, and sleep gently calling to her. Into this scene was brought Tilsitar. Raising from his seat Aientas greeted her.

“Come, Tilsitar, servant of Kilomond, and sit here in the seat set aside for Colthan, as it seems that he will not be joining us to speak on these matters. I have been told that you have knowledge that relates to what we must discuss today. But before we hear from you, I will give an account of what I have come to know of the events that have transpired.

“It was late in the siege of Acretia, when I looked to the earth below and it seemed that days of the city were numbered, for the Dreaming Fever raged in the city and the Lady of War’s army tightened the noose of their siege. This state was stable for many weeks and I saw no reason for this state to change, unless some great aid came to the city. Yet it seems to my eyes that is exactly what happened. For the sickness was rolled back and when the siege was growing to its tightest, the very earth rose up and drove them back. So Irrkengrond was saved, and their armies marched to Kilkretha and drove Acretia from her city. Now, I spoke to all here that after the battle with Kilomond in the heavens that we should not oppose or battle amongst ourselves and those like us, yet some individual or party among you seems to have done just this. I wish to discuss this matter for I do not take the transgression of my counsel or transgression of my rule lightly. Now, I would hear what you all have to say on this matter.”

Silence settled upon the hall. Aientas looked slowly round the table. His face was dark and grim. Kali shifted behind Sil. Ikata stared at her lap. Milyos met Aientas’ gaze.

“Well,” coughedBoltumeth, “I for one have nothing to say here. This is the first news of these things that has come to me. We did not hear of it in the sea. With that in mind I will kindly return to my waters and let you attend to matters here.”

The Ocean Lord began to rise from his seat.

“Stay,” spoke Aientas firmly. “I would have all witness these proceedings and know the consequences of transgressing my council.”

His deep tone reverberated around the halls. The Ocean Lord slowly returned to rest in his seat.

“Very well,” he replied, “I shall stay. The oceans can attend to themselves for a while I suppose.”

Silence again filled the hall and all at the table were ill at ease.

“I will speak my part then,” said Silnethren.

“I have learned much of what happened only recently from the souls of the dead. They come from Irrkengrond’s army, and they speak of how a wave of earth spurred them on to victory, and of the god who came into the city and healed the people. There were also romours among them that a second god visited the first, and that he also gave the city some sort of power. They do not name this god and I was unable to confirm their accounts in any substantial way. None of the dead have brought me any news of the city since the fall of the Kilkretha. I know not what came to pass after Acretia’s city was sacked and purged. Many have come to me from Acretia’s army, but they know nothing of what transpired within Irrkengrond. This is what I know and can offer to this council.”

And Silnethren was quiet, looking to Aientas.

“Thank you,” replied Aientas surveying the table. “I hope each of you would be as helpful as Silnethren has been.”

“My Lord,” said Ikata, voice tight and anxious. “You know where I have been. For I have been toiling in the heavens to repair the damage done by Kilomond in the heavens. You know I could not aid my city no matter how much I may have desired it. For I had work only I could…”

“Enough!” Shouted Milyos rising to his feet, “I will not go around this whole table hiding what I have done, for I feel no shame for what I and my brother have done! So let me speak the truth of what happened in Irrkengrond!”

“I have kept a close eye on my city, watching their mastery of my arts grow and the city prosper. When Acretia came against the city it perturbed me greatly and more so when her devilry produced the illness that we all saw blight the city. I was greatly grieved for I was now certain the city would fall and the hard work I had poured out into the city, into teaching them the magic arts would be wasted. It seemed their doom was secure.”

“But then I saw a truly strange sight. My Brother, Colthan, going to and fro in the city with a mortal woman, treating the sickness. I thought how could this be? Aientas spoke clearly his advice: ‘Do not oppose other gods.’ All in heaven were unsure if Acretia was to be counted among us so we did nothing.”

“But my brother seemed to show no regard for this instruction. I needed to know why. So I went to him and asked him what he was doing. Did he not hear Aientas’ instruction to us? I asked him if he had no concern for his own standing in the heavens. Why go against what the Everwise has said?”

“But he seemed unconcerned by my question. Colthan said to me that he was alleviating the suffering of the people and that you, Aientas, would not begrudge him that. That you would see and approve of his work. And this I understood. So moved was I that I determined in my heart that I would act to alleviate their suffering.”

“I came to the library of heaven and searched my studies for a way to give them access to my power, so that they might use it as a salve and balm to their pain. Many nights and many days I delved into the texts and tomes of wisdom. When all was searched, I had found a path. I could make a vessel to hold my power so that it might be tapped by those who would use it. A vessel that would never empty, that would be a very part of myself, of my own blood.”

At this, concerned glances began to be exchanged around the council table. Aientas’ visage remained flat and unmoved as Milyos continued. 

“There was only one challenge. I did not possess the tools to make this phial. But I knew who did. As this servant of Kilomond has informed this council, the hammer and tongs of the Forge Lord have been set to work once again. I went to the great forge of heaven, and I took tongs to handle the metals, a hammer to shape and work it, and finally, an awl to pierce myself so that I could pour myself into the vessel.”

With these words Tilsitar grew stiff, back straight in her chair and the eyes of Myliayar grew wide. Both turned to Aientas, hoping that he would cut off the lord of magic but the Aientas said nothing and Milyos continued scorn in his eye.

“With these tools I crafted my gift for Irrkengrond and I gave it to the Archmage Kertriss. He used its power to drive back Acretia and lay waste to the city of Kilkretha and I believe the world is better for it.”

“The dead tell you the truth, Silnethren. There is a god who dwells in Irrkengrond. I watch over them and over my gift. All is laid bare now. My works testified to, and all I have wrought justified.”

Silent tears streamed down the face of Tilsitar, eyes searching the depths of the dark wood of the back of Kalikel’s empty seat across the table.

“So my lord has not returned? Nor is there any sign of his coming?” spoke Tilsitar to Aientas, voice broken. “We have come together for nothing?”

“That remains to be seen,” replied Aientas, “You may leave this council now Tilsitar, if you so desire. For I suspect that what you would have said on this matter is now explained by Milyos. Go. Console yourself.”

Rising from her chair, the weeping bellows woman nodded her head and stepped away from the council at the table.

Turning to Rorlal, Aientas gave instructions for her to be given a room in the halls of heaven until she desired to go, and that she should be given peace undisturbed.

When the grieving bellows women had left, Aientas spoke again.

“Milyos has laid his course of action before us. Do we believe he has been honest with us? Or do we believe he has hidden more from us? Speak now, council, as you would.”

Boltumeth was first to reply to Aientas.

“There is no report in the sea that contradicts what he is said, though no news of the comings and goings of the surface makes it to my depths frequently. And not much of the surface is of consequence to us in the depths.”

“Thank you, Ocean Lord,” opined Milyos, “It is good to know the ocean does not consider me a liar.”

Myliayar then spoke next.

“I did not teach you to be a liar, my son, and it seems to me you have told the truth of what has come to pass. Though I wish you had told it more thoughtfully and with greater respect for those in our presence who hear your words.”

“Mother, I know you taught me tactfulness,” replied Milyos, “But I will not be ashamed of what I have done. It is both right in ending suffering and right because I have used what is mine to foster my arts.”

“Foster your arts?” questioned Myliayar, “That is not the reason you gave before. What do you mean?”

Milyos paused for a moment, knowing that he had slipped in his deception, a wry smile crossing his face.

“Though it was not what I originally intended, I have found that I have been able to promote my magics amongst the peoples of Irrkengrond. They have delved into my arts in glorious ways, revealing new knowledge and understanding! It is beautiful to behold!”

And his mother believed, for she saw in Milyos empowering the city of Irrkengrond that which had motivated her to go to Coraadrin. But Aientas was not convinced of the purity of Milyos’ motivation. Further, he feared what should happen if Milyos gained standing among mortals on the earth and his eyes drifted to the heavens. Even so, Aientas was not first to speak of his deceit. Kalikel pierced the deception of Milyos and she spoke, for it disgusted her.

“You lie, god of magic! I can smell it on your breath! It is like the guts of a deer that has been torn open and left in the woods for the scavengers!”

“Now Wild Lady, why should I lie to the council? What would I gain from making enemies of you in this place?” Milyos replied.

“It is true that he has said nothing that can be contradicted by either the living or dead,” Said Silnethren, “It is undeniable that his actions have alleviated the suffering of the city, for many were the dead who came to me from Irrkengrond before the wave of the earth rose up and drove back Acretia. Now, there are few.”

“It may be true that what he says cannot be contradicted,” said Ikata, “But let us not forget that he did seek to sway Jirnan to embrace his power. I chose him to be the first king for this reason. Milyos has always sought to sway mortals into embracing his power. Mayhaps he has given them this taste of his might to lure them to himself.”

“See, I am not alone in finding out his stench! He seeks his own power! He has done it in the past and he does it again now,” followed Kalikel, stepping between the seats of her mother and brother, her face twisting into a fierce snarling maw. Her body tensed preparing to pounce upon Milyos from across the table.

But Haulduran stood and placed her hand across Kalikel’s chest, turning her away.

“He has no answer for my charge, mother! Let me take this fool from the heavens so he may be dealt with in the wild.”

“That is yet to be seen, my daughter,” intoned Haulduran. “What say you god of magic? You defiled the forges of my eldest son. Did you do so for your own gain, or for the sake of the people of Irrkengrond?”

A long silence filled the meeting hall. Milyos’ eyes flicked from one god to another around the table. He breathed deeply, casting his eyes to the floor before he spoke, and broke the silence.

“Once, I would have taken Kilomond’ tools for my own benefit.” replied Milyos, “But I learned much from my dealings with Ikata. I may have once only sought to sway mortals, but I appreciate them more now. The Architect showed me that power is not all that there is. Those simpler things can be of greater value. Jirnan was right to rebuff my offers of power. He had no need for it. I would have given it to him only to have him under my sway. That is not why I offered my power to the city of Irrkengrond. They truly needed it.

“I request the council vote on my fate. I understand your suspicion but judge me on what I have done. If you believe that I have sought only my own gain in this matter, turn me over to Kalikel, and let the wild deal with me as it may. But if you believe I have told the truth, let me go. I will take all that is mine from the heavens and only return when I am summoned here.”

Milyos said this knowing that if those who were not convinced by his argument did not wish to see him killed, they would choose his self-imposed banishment. Allowing them to feel as though he had been punished but without destroying him. He would have what he desired, his place in Irrkengrond and his troves of secret knowledge from the heavens.

“No!” burst out Ikata, “That will be giving him what he desires! I will not have my city turned over to him so lightly.”

But Aientas held his hand out indicating that she should not continue. A scowl grew across her face though she complied.

Rising from his chair, his Aientas’ mind turned, considering what might be best for his power and rule in heaven. After a brief pause, he addressed the council.

“Very well. Either Milyos will be expelled from the heavens with all that is his, or he will be turned over to Kalikel and her wild. All those in favor of expelling him from the heavens raise your hand. Since I accuse Milyos, I will not be afforded a vote. Since Milyos defends himself he shall not be afforded a vote. Now, you who are here, decide.”

Quickly, Myliayar raised her right arm high, followed shortly by Boltumeth. Ewathat quietly raised his, and Haulduran did likewise. Ikata withheld her hand, brooding anger in her eyes. Silnethren sat pensively on his seat. Kalikel paced once more behind him.

“I will recuse myself of the vote,” said Silnethren softly, “I do not know enough to judge Milyos.”

“So be it,” replied Aientas, “Milyos, gather what is yours in the heavens! For you are expelled from them at your own request.”

At this Kali rushed from the council hall, her great wind filling the chamber.

“Always in a rush,” sighed Haulduran, disheveled by her daughter’s exit, “Now, I must go and rest, for the grief of my oldest son is fresh and my eyes heavy.”

The other gods took their exits. Ikata sat unsatisfied with the proceedings. Aientas lingered as well, for he saw in Milyos a desire to rule and command. This was a desire he feared lest it turn on him and the heavens. Turning to Ikata he spoke. 

“I am glad you stayed, for I would speak with you. I have a task for you.”