Chapter 62

Zeke wondered where all this was going.

The Matriarch said, “Zeke, I wish for you to think on something. Do humans always make logical and rational decisions? Or do they sometimes act upon what their hearts tell them, rather than their heads?”

The Matriarch smiled at Zeke’s pensive face. “It may also interest you to know that the other two guides involved in this matter have been loved by Akl since not long after he first entered into service as a guide. During that time, they have often been apart for very long periods. Sometimes, thousands of years.”

“As you and Queen Wizard Lee know, when a host, particularly of strong magical items, decides to die or is rejected, it may be many years until a suitable host can be found again by the item and its guide.”

“Guides who love each other can be separated for long periods because one is claimed, and the other is not. Most accept this as part of the job. It also means they can let their hosts choose who to love and accept them, as long as they don’t try to corrupt the host.”

“While Akl was not magically bonded to the other two guides until Ptah, in his mind, he was. Unfortunately, Ptah had a ruthless streak and was prone to jealousy. Akl had accepted Ptah when he was at an age not much older than you were, Zeke.”

“As I’m sure you are aware, the minds of children are very malleable. Ptah had a cruel, selfish, and self-centred Uncle as his human guardian. He didn’t teach the boy to be the best a human can be. Akl had a hard time keeping Ptah on the straight and narrow.”

“Akl is not sure how Ptah learnt of his love for the guides linked to the head chains. However, if he tried to pull Ptah in line, Ptah would have one of the slave girls severely punished or put to death.”

“Traumatised, Akl would retreat. It was during one of these times that Ptah learned some very bad magic. He performed an incantation to stop Akl from leaving the magical items you wear. If you decide to reject him, the items will have to be destroyed to release him.”

The Matriarch gave Zeke a serious look.

“Queen Lee can’t make you a replacement. She stretches the rules as it is. Unfortunately, it may be some time before she can be released from some of the duties she has taken on. Because of who she is and her strong beliefs in the good of magic, we are happy to let her situation exist.”

“So, Zeke, what is your opinion?”

“Thank you, Matriarch, for sharing some of Akl’s history with me. However, he has put me in an untenable situation. He took from me the right to choose who I love. He has manipulated people I’m responsible for into believing they are in love with me.”

“But did he?” the Matriarch provoked.

“What?” Zeke yelled in confusion and anger.

Lee chuckled softly, “Zeke, what did I tell you about wizards and love?”

Gently, the Matriarch said, “One of the beauties of magic is that it cuts through the bullshit you humans befuddle your minds with. The criterion for a guide is to find a host, who not only has the abilities to wield magic enhanced by using the items, but also to find a host they can live with.”

“Sometimes they get it wrong. Sometimes, the very era the host is living through makes the guide’s job extremely difficult. However, to use the words of your world. The souls of some people just know who they are looking for, be it as a friend or a lover.”

“Good guides can recognise the people that you need. If it so happens that the person is also compatible with someone they need, then it’s all good. You don’t know how uncommon that is, Zeke.”

“It’s a shame that a better method of communication wasn’t considered when the people who stumbled upon a method to keep strong magical people in check was devised. I believe it was so the guide also has constraints and couldn’t overwhelm the host.”

“Checks and balances, as I believe your friend Esha told you. I do agree that it appears that Akl manipulated you. However, an item can’t and won’t go to someone who can’t use it or doesn’t want it.”

“You say Carly can understand the guides. This is a very rare ability. If the guide she accepted wished to be dishonest, why did it let her know that Akl had been looking for them? That it was pleased that you had found someone acceptable to all concerned.”

“To be honest with you, I think it was simply a miscommunication of intent. Akl doesn’t want to leave you, Zeke. He loves you and is in pain because you believe he was trying to hurt you.”

“After Ptah, you were a balm to his soul. It wasn’t a random coincidence that let you find him, Zeke. As soon as he felt you, he called for you. Other magically gifted people had come within his vicinity since your people first colonised Mars.”

“He could have called them, but he wanted you, Zeke. He could feel your compassion and desire to be a good person. Your zest for life, knowledge and adventure. Your desire to keep your family and friends safe.”

Zeke looked over at the small man beside him. His head was bowed, and the Kohl was streaked down his face. Tears dripped on his crossed legs in splashes. His arms were limp in his lap as if he had given up.

“Shit!” Zeke said as he reached over and pulled Akl into his lap.

Zeke hugged Akl as the smaller man sobbed louder and hugged him back tightly.

“Fuck, I hope you’re right, mate. It looks like we are in it together for the long haul,” Zeke said hoarsely.

Zeke closed his eyes as his own tears fell. He felt Akl’s love wash over him. They had been together for nearly fourteen years, and Zeke knew Akl had gotten him through the worst of them. He couldn’t stay mad at him. He realised that he would be lost without Akl.

He felt ashamed for overreacting. Zeke knew being lied to by someone he trusted was one of his go-buttons. A lot had happened to him on this trip. He hadn’t really had time to process it all. Even wizards have emotional limits.