A knock at the door saved me from having to reply to Leif’s question. One of the housekeeping maids handed me a message from the Commander. We were invited to dine with him in his war room.

“You don’t have an answer for me. Do you have an answer for the Commander? Are you going to stay and be his adviser?” Leif asked when the maid left.

“Actually Leif, I don’t have any answers. I’ve no idea what I’m doing or going to do.” I went into my room and shut the door.

The Commander’s war room was located in one of the four towers of the castle. With long stained-glass windows reflecting the lantern light, the circular chamber reminded me of the inside of a kaleidoscope.

Our conversation followed mundane topics while we ate spiced chicken and vegetable soup. Leif wolfed his food with obvious relish, but I took my time, sampling all the dishes with care. A few guards stood near the Commander. Star hovered close by, ready to taste the Commander’s food whenever a new course was served. Moon Man and Tauno remained quiet during dinner.

We discussed the new general in MD-5. Colonel Ute from MD-3 had been promoted and transferred. The Commander thought it best an officer from outside the district be in charge. In other words, a loyal person who had not been tainted by General Brazell’s attempt to become the new leader of Ixia.

When the subject turned to General Kitvivan’s worry over the upcoming blizzard season, I told the Commander about the Stormdance Clan and how they handled the storms from the sea.

“Magicians could harness the power of the blizzard,” I said, “saving the people in MD-1 from the killing winds. Then you could use the power for General Dinno’s sawmills in MD– 8.” Dinno used the wind to fuel his mills, and calm days hurt production.

“No. The matter of magicians and magic in Ixia will not be discussed,” the Commander said.

His stern tone had once intimidated me, but not this time. “You want me to be your adviser, yet you won’t consider using magic for the good of your people. I’m a magician. How can I be an effective adviser to you?”

“You can advise me on how to counter the magicians in Sitia. I’m not interested in what magic can do for Ixia.” He made a cutting motion with his hand. End of discussion.

I wouldn’t let the subject drop. “What happens when one of your generals becomes ill or injured and I can save their life with my magic?”

“You don’t. If they die, I’ll promote another colonel.”

I considered his answer with mixed feelings. I knew his firm style of governing was inflexible. The Code of Behavior’s strict list of proper Ixian conduct left no room for debate. However, I hoped once he saw the benefits of magic to his people, he might relax his views.

As if reading my mind, the Commander said, “Magic corrupts. I’ve seen it before with the King’s magicians. They start out wanting to help and performing great deeds, but soon the power consumes them and they hunger for more despite the cost. Consider what has occurred to Moon Man’s clan. Frankly, I’m surprised something like that hasn’t happened sooner.”

“My clan will repopulate,” Moon Man said. “I have no doubt.”

“And I have no doubt if these Vermin of Sitia are conquered, it’s only a matter of time before another magician wishes to take over the current government. The talent to control another’s mind and body is intoxicating and addicting. Better to ban magic and eliminate magicians altogether.”

I wondered if the Commander’s views would change if he knew he might possess the skill to access magic. My thoughts returned to Opal’s bat and his ability to see the glow, mulling over the implications.

“Better to kill people the old-fashioned way,” Leif said, his voice indignant. “You’re saying that taking over a government with poisons, knives and swords is much better than using magic. Frankly, I see no difference.”

“Magic forces a person to do things they don’t want to. It controls their will.” The Commander leaned forward; his eyes lit with an intense passion.

Leif quailed under the Commander’s scrutiny, but he continued with his debate. “And your Code of Behavior doesn’t force people to do things they don’t want? Everyone in Ixia wants to wear uniforms? They want to obtain permission to marry or move to another district?”

“Small inconveniences to live in an area where there is no hunger and no corruption. To know exactly where your place is in society and what is expected from you. Being rewarded for your abilities and efforts instead of getting privileges because of who you were born to or what gender you are.”

“But the reward for having magical abilities is death,” Leif said. “I’m sure the families of those potential magicians don’t feel the loss of their loved one as inconvenient. Why not send them to Sitia instead?”

“Send them so they could be used against me?” The Commander’s voice reflected his incredulity. “That would be poor military strategy.”

Leif remained quiet.

“No government is perfect,” the Commander said, relaxing back into his chair. “The loss of a few personal freedoms has been embraced by most of Ixia, especially those who suffered under the King’s corruption. However, I know the younger generation is feeling restless and I will have to address that issue fairly soon.” He stared at Leif as if contemplating the future. “Yelena, I see your intelligence is a family trait. I hope you both decide to stay.”