The Codex of the Hidden

By Robert Collins

Denys has come to the mighty city of Bladeport to become a proper wizard. He also wishes to learn more about a book his Duke gave him, “The Codex of the Hidden.” The riddle of this mysterious and magical book will make Denys a wanted man and expose him and his friends to Bladeport’s bloody past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Collins
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005979560

Robert Collins

Two people with different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities met at a European and Balkan music and dance ensemble named Koroyar and their lives became intertwined, combining their gifts to continue exploring life as an avenue of creative expression. Robert Collins has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, and has been an educator in the Los Angeles area for thirty years. He studied writing with Joan Oppenheimer in San Diego, with Cork Millner privately, and also in the Santa Barbara Writer's Conferences. Elizabeth Herrera Sabido, at the age of sixteen years, began working as a secretary at the Secretaria de Industria y Comercio in Mexico City where she was born, then she was an educator for twenty-six years, and a teacher of international dance for The Los Angeles Unified School District. She has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Reiki Master Teacher. Attracted by the Unknown, the Forces of the Universe, and the human psyche, during their lives they have studied several different philosophies. Elizabeth has been involved with various religions, Asian studies, and Gnosticism with SamaelAun Weor, and Robert has explored spiritual healing practices in Mexico, and studied with Carlos Castaneda's Cleargreen and Tensegrity. Elizabeth and Robert start their day at four-thirty in the morning. They enjoy playing volleyball and tennis, and in the afternoons play music, alternating between seven different instruments each. Their philosophy of Personal Evolution has led them to explore over 110 countries between the two of them such as Japan, Nepal, Egypt, Bosnia- Herzegovina, the Philippines, Turkey,Russia, etc.

Book preview

THE CODEX OF THE HIDDEN

by

Robert Collins

Ebook Edition

Copyright © 2020 by Robert Collins

Ebook Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

About the Author

ONE

For all but one coming into the city of Bladeport that day, it was a day like any other. It was a sunny but otherwise temperate day. There wasn’t the great rush into the city that happened at festival time, nor was there the trickle that marked winter or dire situations. While there was the usual foot traffic into and out of the city, most of the traffic was due to wagons arriving or departing. It was another busy day in the busiest city in the known lands.

For that one exception, though, the day was extraordinary. That one was a wizard by the name of Denys. He was entering Bladeport for the first time, full of hope that he might make a life for himself in the Wizards’ Guild of Bladeport.

He’d been told before heading out from home that Bladeport was named so because of a spit of land that jutted out from the coast like the blade of a knife or a sword. He glimpsed that slice of land that morning as the city came into his sight. It marked one edge of the Bay of Bladeport, and told him that his journey was almost done.

He’d been eager to come to Bladeport for months. It was an important city not only because of its bay but also because of its location in relation to just about every domain on the continent. The city sat at where the Great Middle River flowed into the Western Sea. A few days’ ride to the east is where the Green Hills River flowed into the Great Middle River. That meant easy access to goods from the dukedoms and princedoms along those rivers.

There was more to the city’s importance than just that. The Northern River was not an ideal trade route because in that region winter lasted about half the year. The Southern River was not a long as either the Northern or the Great Middle Rivers. The Northern River was bounded by mountains to the north and sharp hills to the south. The Southern River was bounded by hills, but at various times outlaws had hidden out in those hills to rob those taking the various overland roads. Geography meant that any goods or people that needed to go the northern or southern lands tended to have to go by sea at some part of their journey. The Bay of Bladeport was an ideal seaport. All that makes the city perhaps the most important trade hub on the continent.

This information had put ideas about Bladeport into Denys’ mind. He imagined a city of great towers and vast markets. Perhaps the city streets were paved in gold or silver. It could be that everyone lived in mansions like Dukes. Rationally, such notions were wild fancies. Yet it seemed to him that the city ought to be grand.

His first look at Bladeport told him it was large but not quite that grand. There were a pair of lighthouse towers facing the sea, and a few guard towers watching over the city’s overland approaches. The streets weren’t paved in gold or silver but with stone. There appeared to be small houses for the poor, small mansions for the wealthy, and more common homes for everyone else.

There was some grandeur to the city, though. He’d been studying the last few years in the seat of the Dukedom of Oak Woods, Oak Town. The main road through the city was paved in stone, as were all the major roads in the region. The other streets were simply cleared dirt topped with gravel. In Bladeport, though, every single street was paved in stone.

There wasn’t one vast market, either. As he walked through the city he discovered that there were small markets scattered here and there. The main feature of these small markets were food vendors offering what they grew or cooked. They were for people going place to place through the city as they went about their work.

The central marketplace of the city was in fact a few marketplaces. One section seemed to be where merchants stored their goods and made deals with each other to ship their goods here and there. Past that section were the docks where ships were moored. Another, slightly isolated and patrolled by soldiers, was for the buying and selling of luxuries to the wealthy, from rings to fine cloth. The remaining section was for everyone else, and consisted of stands that either sold goods directly or were Guild Stands, where you could get information on tradesmen in the various Guilds.

He was feeling hungry by the time he reached the center of the city. He wanted to know where the Wizards’ Guild was located. He bought a few balls of meat from one vendor, but the fellow was too busy with other buyers to talk. Other food sellers were just as swamped with business. Finally he happened on the stall of a fruit seller at a time when the market seemed to be quieting down.

What can I do for you, young man? the fellow asked Denys. He was a round man, old enough to be Denys’ father, with dark hair, a strong voice, and a decided lack of grand gestures. In search of an apple, or a pear, or a peach, perhaps?

Information first, if I could ask, and then an apple later, Denys said.

The man looked Denys up and down for a moment. If you’ll keep your word to buy, I can answer a question or two. What would you like to know?

I’m trying to find the hall for the Wizards’ Guild.

You don’t know?

I’ve just arrived from Oak Woods this day.

And you have a message for a wizard?

I am a wizard. I want to be admitted to the Guild.

The man smiled to Denys. Ah, I see. He pointed. You have no ring to mark you.

No. I was told before I set out that I shouldn’t cast spells until I spoke with a guild member in the city.

Good. That will keep on the proper path. The man pointed across the market. Go north to Salt Spray Street. A short walk will take you right to the front of the hall. Can’t miss it.

Thank you. Denys picked out an apple, then handed over a copper. Who should I thank for the help?

Aldus the fruit seller, of the Shopkeepers’ Guild.

Thank you. I’m Denys, from Oak Woods. Did you say the Shopkeeper’s Guild?

Oh, yes. Every man, and a few women, who own proper shops or stands in the Grand Market must belong to the guild.

What about those in the smaller markets I saw?

Aldus shrugged. Most are poor folk selling what they can. They don’t make enough for the guild to worry about, and don’t cheat enough for the guild to notice.

Cheat?

Oh, yes. Guild membership is a sign that you will not be cheated. You’ll not be overcharged. Well, not that much. You’ll not be sold rotten food or drink. All members of the guild must obey the law or risk expulsion.

Denys bit into the apple. Would that be bad?

Indeed it would be. To buy from a fellow outside the guild is to risk your life. As I said, you risk being cheated or being sold bad food. You might risk being made a mark for unsavory characters. The trouble is, too much of that, and folks can’t trust shopkeepers. They get the notion of taking the law into their hands. That’s a good way for fires to start, or to excuse theft, or to get innocent folk hurt or killed in the passion of the moment. It’s far better for there to be a guild that assured everyone that laws are being followed and all are as honest as they can be.

I see. I’d heard guilds ran the city.

To be correct, young man, the Council of Guilds runs the city.

How?

Each member guild of the Council sends a Master to represent their guild. The Masters on the Council elect one among them to be the Council Presiding Officer for one year. All actions of the Council require a majority vote. The Council meets once every ten days to talk over business and see what needs to be done.

And there’s no Duke or Prince?

Not at all. There’s so much trade that no one noble could likely keep track of it. Certainly no one nobleman could balance all the interests of the guilds.

Denys tried to comprehend the idea. No nobility at all?

None. I think we might have had Kings once, or Princes, or something like that. Somehow or another the ruling family came to a bad end. The guilds remained, and they took the reins of power.

Just like that?

Just like that, young man.

And the guilds rule the dukedom, or princedom, or whatever this is?

Just the city and the villages around it. The villages choose their own headman who serves for a year. He must come to the city once a season to report on matters. Sooner if he’s summoned because of a concern, or an allegation, or some matter has come up there that requires some sort of aid to the city.

And the guilds have no trouble ruling the city?

As I said, none at all. There’s too much going on for one man to keep everyone in line.

His Grace had no trouble dealing with us.

Aldus smiled. "The master of one small dukedom? I don’t suppose he would. But this city is far larger and richer than most dukedoms, and the equal to a couple of princedoms. It would be difficult for one man to master the city.

"Take my guild as an example. We comprise fellows like me who sell out of stalls, and fellows who run shops in buildings. Some of us require clean streets. Some merely want streets that a safe to walk or drive a cart down. I depend on what I can get from farmers outside the city. A fellow who sells shoes requires leather from those same farms, but also nails from smiths, who in turn need iron and other metals brought in from the north in ships.

"We all have our own interests for our shops and stalls. Sometimes our complaints can be resolved within the guild. Sometimes they can be resolved by dealing with one other guild. Beyond that and we need more powerful assistance.

Would we get that from a Prince or a King? Perhaps. But what if our complaint pits us against, say, the Wizards’ Guild which you hope to enter. Would such a ruler have a Royal Wizard of some sort? Probably he would. Which could mean he might be inclined to protect the guild of said Royal Wizard over a bunch of shopkeepers.

Denys thought about that for a moment. But that would turn you against the King.

"Indeed it would, young man. Most wise of you to observe that. What if in the dispute we were in the right? Would the King taking our side hurt him with a Royal Wizard he depends upon to keep his title? Would going along with his King hurt that Royal Wizard with his guild?

There lies the problem of Bladeport, young man. In any conflict between the guilds, preference could be given to wealth, or talent, or magic, over the others or over what is just or wise. A ruler pitting one against the others invites turmoil in the city. It’s better for all if the interests of the guilds are kept in constant balance.

Are they?

They are. Each guild must make allies to get things done. Each guild makes allies by making promises to help the others if they are given help. Each guild must keep their promises if they hope to get help at another time. Bladeport, you see, runs on deals more than gold or soldiers. Without deals we would be at each other’s throats.

Does it always work so well?

Not always. There can be some stubborn mule who makes trouble. There’s always been one every now and again. I imagine there will always will be one every so often. But without deals the members of the guilds make no profit. It’s always better to give the mule the boot than let him interfere in the trade of everyone.

That certainly made sense to Denys. He knew he would not get work, in the city or anywhere else, if folks bore a grudge against wizards. There was simply no other way to earn coins from the talent of magic than to have someone paying you to cast spells. I think I understand this city better. Tell me, how many guilds are there?

Well, aside from the Wizards’ Guild and the Shopkeepers’ Guild, there’s also the Merchants’ Guild.

What do they do?

They are the owners of the shipping companies and the men who work for them. Draftsmen, docks men, clerks, fellows like that.

I see. Go on.

There’s also the Sailors’ Guild.

Not covered by the Merchants’ Guild?

No. Some are sailors aboard merchant ships, but some are fishermen. Also in that guild are the fellows who build and repair ships.

Of course. Is that all?

There’s also the Tradesmen Guild.

Who are they?

Blacksmiths, weapons smiths, scribes, stonemasons, wood workers, and the like.

Ah.

There is also the Mercenary Guild. They provide the soldiers you see keeping the peace. They also can be hired out to protect overland merchants and travelers. Last is the Guild of Bards.

They too have a guild.

And why not? They keep us entertained and informed. Indeed, it’s they and the Tradesmen Guild that keep our library.

Oh, excellent. What of the priests and priestesses of the Gods?

There’s no guild for them, but they do have seats on the Council.

I see. Is there anything else I should know?

Aldus nodded. Tread lightly as you make your way in the city, young man. Some criminals are lone rogues, but others are gathered together in groups. There is a rumor that they have their own guild, of sorts. The best way to avoid them is to keep off the streets late at night, and steer clear of the rougher taverns around the city. Men who walk the streets late at night are often asking to be robbed. As for the taverns, the games are rigged and the women not always honest in what they’ll give you for a few coins.

Denys swallowed. His Grace was not wrong there, I see.

You were warned about the city?

I was cautioned.

Then why come at all?

There is little coin to earn from serving His Grace, or any one Duke. Better to have the ring from the Wizard’s Guild of Bladeport to make my own way. There is also something that His Grace found that he wished me to learn more about. Perhaps it’s a curiosity, but perhaps the Wizards’ Guild will find it important. It seemed wise to resolve both matters at once.

I pray it will be, young man.

As do I. Though he didn’t have to, and wasn’t a wealthy young man, Denys felt it best to hand over another copper. Would that be enough gratitude for your time?

Two would express so much more.

Denys sighed. Of course it would.

TWO

It took Denys about half an hour to walk from the fruit seller’s stand to the Bladeport Wizards’ Guild Grand Hall. He saw it well before he arrived at the entrance.

It was a stone structure, almost a square, with a pointed roof. It was constructed of great stone blocks that appeared to be half as tall as a man and as long as an average man was tall. There was no effort on the exterior to hide what it was built from. Denys guessed that was to make it all the more impressive. It was a statement that the guild was able to have such stones carved and put into place. He imagined them brought to this site with magic, just to prove the power of those who would erect a structure like this.

It was a tall building, too, all of three floors. He was certain the hall had a cellar, and he thought that the wizards might have been rich enough to afford to build a cellar under that cellar. There were no windows at the front of the building, but a handful along the side he saw, with about the same number along each floor.

Yet despite the impressiveness of its construction, the hall did not have an opulent appearance. The name of the building was carved onto the wall over the entrance, and that was it. There were no pillars or columns in front, and no statues either. Nothing was gilded in gold or silver. There was no color to the exterior; the stones were tan, while the window trim was plain white. The building itself seemed to be its own statement of wealth and power; decoration would almost undermine its impressiveness.

There was only a single step up from the street to the platform around the front of the hall. He strode across the stone platform to the double doors that marked the entrance. He touched one of the handles of the door to pull it open. Instead he heard a sound, and the door opened inward. He stepped through once the door stopped.

He entered a room several paces wide but only a few deep. The only feature of the room, aside from doors to the right and left, was a desk facing the two doors. Light came not from candles or lamps, but from globes enchanted with light spells. Behind the wooden desk was a man dressed commonly in a shirt and leggings. He appeared young, but not as young as Denys; perhaps a couple to five years older.

You are a wizard, my good man, the other fellow said, but I do not know your face. Who are you and why have you come?

I am Denys, from Oak Woods, Denys answered. I have come to seek admittance into the guild.

The other man smiled. You need not be so fancy, Denys of Oak Woods. Do you have a letter from your Duke?

Denys reached into his travel satchel hanging from his shoulder. He took out the piece of paper from His Grace and handed it over. The young man glanced at it before handing it back. Wait here.

Of course.

The man sat back down behind the desk. He pulled opened a drawer. He picked up something and spoke into it. An application from the south has arrived, sir.

A voice from the air replied. I’ll send down Martyn at once.

Yes, sir. The young man put down what he had picked up and closed the drawer.

What was that? Denys asked. He suspected he knew, but he wanted to be certain.

A crystal with a communication spell, the other man answered.

I thought so. Is that how you speak with the guild master?

The man smiled. There is a crystal for all the important leaders of the guild.

Denys took in a breath. I see. Depending on who comes in and what they need, you can contact whoever might help them.

You understand such things.

Of course. His Grace secured me spellbooks. But it hadn’t occurred to me that you might make multiple communication crystals for something like this. Now it seems so obvious.

When you have centuries to research magic, there’s a great deal you can come up with. It just takes time.

Not within one lifetime?

"No. The communication crystals took a few lifetimes to create. It took a little longer to understand that they could be associated with a place rather than a person. Even then, over time