by Jeff Inlo
"You're not going to trust him, are you?" Jure questioned.
Enin paused to find exactly the right words. He wanted everyone to understand his view of the situation, including Ansas himself.
"Trust is a complicated word," the powerful wizard finally replied. "I do not trust him as I would trust you, or Holli, or Ryson, but I do believe he will act in a certain manner. He is here to help us defeat Reiculf, and in that regard, I think he will be an asset."
"Help us? He doesn't help anyone but himself."
"That is true," Enin admitted, "but in this case, by helping himself, he will have no choice but to help others. Baannat made the same claim.
"And that reassures you?" Jure asked with obvious surprise. "Because Baannat told you so?"
"Actually, yes. That is a very large part of it. I trust Baannat even less than I trust Ansas, but I also understand the slink ghoul. If the daokiln can reach beyond Demonspawn, then Reiculf is a threat to all realms... including a realm of nonexistence. Baannat would not have released Ansas into our care unless it was a benefit to him. Defeating Reiculf is the only thing that matters."
Jure was not so sure. He could not argue that Ansas' black energy was indeed powerful, perhaps even enough to turn the tide of battle against Reiculf himself, but he remained cautious about the intentions of the sorcerer... and the slink ghoul.
"So what do we do now?" Jure asked.
"We let Ansas formulate our strategy," Enin replied.
"You can't be serious?" Jure responded.
"What?" Ryson echoed. "Ansas?"
"Didn't you hear what I just said?" Enin questioned, becoming slightly annoyed with the constant resistance he faced.
"I heard it," the delver answered, "but there's a big difference between using him against Reiculf and putting him in charge."
"Absolutely!" Jure agreed.
Holli almost spoke out against the idea as well, but she held off on any response... for two important reasons.
The first dealt with her loyalty to Enin. She did not believe it was her place to side with those disagreeing with her mentor. As Enin's guard, faithfulness remained as important as watchfulness. She would not pile her objections upon the outcries of others, especially when she had not yet heard Enin's reasoning. She would render an opinion if asked or if Enin's welfare was in jeopardy, but she would not join in a chorus of dissent.
The second reason dealt with Ansas himself. Enin was right regarding trust. It was a complicated concept. She did not trust Ansas in any fashion, but she did not necessarily believe it was wise to reveal such suspicions. At times, it was better to remain silent... and vigilant.
Despite the bitter opposition, Enin defended his position.
"I did not say I would be placing him in charge—not fully anyway. I only said we need to let Ansas formulate our strategy. He is not directly linked to Reiculf, but his magic is being utilized by the daokiln. He is in the unique position of being able to sense the demon master's plans. Are you forgetting that he directed us here? He is the one who said Shantree was in danger."
With such a revelation, Birk Grund could not remain silent.
"He was aware we would be attacked? How did he come about such knowledge?!"
Initially, Ansas ignored the elf captain's question. The sorcerer simply stared at the elf commander as if Birk was nothing more than a petulant child crying for more sweets. He had no intention of bending to the will of others, but there was one among them he could not simply refuse, at least not at that moment.
"Answer him," Enin nudged the sorcerer.
Ansas glared at the wizard briefly, but then spoke out. He addressed them all, intent on making it clear he was revealing his knowledge in a general manner as opposed to submitting to Birk's demands.
"You are now all aware Reiculf is in possession of my notes. He shares my understanding of ebony magic and its powers of alteration. He is also aware of the process I used to share portions of my magical core, though he has altered the process in a way I never would. He is barred from leaving Demonspawn, but he can now reach beyond the barriers by mixing his essence with those who have made certain decisions... those who have chosen to accept the magical energies of another. "
"And what does any of this have to do with our camp elder?" Birk asked impatiently.
Ansas leered at the elf captain.
"Are you that dense?" the sorcerer questioned while suppressing the urge to brush the elf aside with a blast of his ebony magic.
"No, I am not," Birk defended himself. "I can understand why it involves Scheff. You are implying his past mistakes made him vulnerable to Reiculf."
"Then why must I explain further?"
"Because it appears you warned Enin that Shantree was in danger. Why was she singled out? Other than her status as the elder of the council, she has no connection to Scheff."
"Indeed, you have a limited memory."
"Then enlighten me!"
"Explain it, Ansas," Enin ordered.
"Very well. Your camp elder is just as vulnerable as was Scheff. She was singled out because she made a similar choice in accepting my magical essence, and now Reiculf wants to take her as well."
Shantree would not let the accusation stand.
"Your analysis is both inaccurate and insulting," the elf elder admonished the sorcerer. "I made no such choice. I never accepted your magic, never became one of your followers hoping to become something more than I was ever meant to be."
"You may not have been one of my followers, but your memory is as limited as your captain's if you are suggesting you did not accept my magic."
"My memory in that regard is flawless. I recall how you captured our entire camp and held us captive in the dark realm."
"Then you should also recall how you chose to accept my magic during that time, or have you forgotten?"
"I could never forget such a heinous crime! I made no choice! I did not ask for the magic you placed within me... left as a mark upon me as some kind of trophy for your victory."
"Don't be so naive. You allowed it to happen. I couldn't have done it otherwise."
"I allowed nothing! You forced your magic into me!"
"Nonsense."
Ansas almost turned away, believing further argument was no longer worth his time. He had more important matters to address, a war to win, but as he looked upon the faces of the soldiers he would need to utilize, he realized they doubted him as well. If he was going to be victorious, he needed to convince them. He sighed, but then offered an explanation despite his frustration.
"You were concerned about your camp," the sorcerer reminded the elder. "You worried that I would destroy all the elves. You would have done anything to protect them. You may not have asked for, or even wanted the magic I gave you, but you used it. That was your choice. We can debate how it was used or the innocence of your intentions until Reiculf returns to take you, but that will not change the circumstances you face."
"And could you please specify those circumstances to all those concerned?" Enin requested.
"Reiculf deals in the past... the decisions we made and the paths we chose. The elf elder chose to utilize the power I placed within her. At that moment, her conscious choice opened her up to my energy. Reiculf is using the echoes of my ebony magic to gain control over certain individuals... individuals such as Macheve, Gnafil and Scheff. He mixes his malice with their magic and extends his power and influence beyond the barriers of Demonspawn."
The situation horrified Shantree, and it infuriated the captain of her guard.
"It seems we are still paying for your actions," Birk growled. He then pointed toward his camp, toward the corpses of both river rogues and elves scattered across the forest ground. "Our camp has been attacked, our elder is now in grave danger... all because of you! How long and how much must we pay for your arrogance?"
Ansas, however, would not back down from the elf's display of seething anger.
"Pay? I have paid a price you cannot fathom!"
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Birk considered drawing his sword and skewering the sorcerer through his dark heart, but as a soldier he believed such rash actions could lead to disastrous consequences. He had heard what the wizard Enin had proposed. It was possible the sorcerer held importance in their fight against Reiculf. He would not, however, let certain assumptions go unquestioned.
"And you remain convinced we should listen to this sorcerer?" Birk demanded as he turned his attention from Ansas to Enin. "He is treacherous by nature. I will admit Scheff's responsibility in the recent attack against our camp, but Ansas is the one who seduced Scheff with promises of power."
"What else can we do?" Enin explained. "We are fighting Reiculf. You saw what he has done here. I know I cannot protect you all. Point me to another alternative and I will gladly listen."
"Listening to a mad sorcerer who took our entire camp hostage hardly stands as a reasonable alternative on its own merit."
"It should," Ansas argued, defending his previous actions. "It shows I understand how others will both act and react. You were unable to defend yourselves against me, and now you question my abilities?"
"I question your motives!"
"As do I," Jure added.
"So the old wizard has doubts about me as well?" Ansas battled back against all who opposed him. "Well, what does it matter? Reiculf threatens us all."
"He threatens us because of your mistakes."
"As well as the mistakes of others, as I have already pointed out. Those who are most vulnerable to the daokiln are in jeopardy because of their choices, not mine."
"You can't be serious?" Jure challenged. "You were the one who recruited Neltus and the infern, Gnafil. You're the one who convinced Scheff to join you, and you're the one who placed your magic in Shantree... forced it within her!"
"You make it sound as if I made each decision for them. Nothing could be further from the truth. You remain as narrow-minded as when I first met you."
"And time with Baannat hasn't seemed to have changed you much, either," Jure shot back. "You're just as arrogant as you were when we first fought."
"It has changed me quite a bit. You just don't know where to look."
"Why don't you help me out on that?"
"Because it's none of your concern."
"It is if you're working with Baannat."
"I assure you I am not working with Baannat... or Reiculf."
Holli finally decided to speak, and offered a way for them all to determine what course to take.
"Let the sorcerer reveal his strategy to us," she advised. "Rather than base our decisions on conjecture, we can base them on principles we can examine."
"That seems like an excellent idea," Enin agreed, hoping to get past the growing hostility, and then the wizard cast and expectant glance upon the sorcerer. "Well, Ansas?"
"Do you believe I have already designed some great strategy... that I have already determined how to fight someone like Reiculf? I'm afraid you overestimate me. What I find even more amazing is that you would actually expect me to discuss the details of any such plans here and now."
Holli stepped up to the sorcerer, undeterred by his protests.
"I do not overestimate you at all," she stated coldly, staring into Ansas' eyes and defying him to reject the basis of her assumptions. "If anything, I probably am underestimating your diabolical nature. While I do not expect you to lay out every detail of your defenses, I do believe you should reveal the general nature of your strategy. You have already come to certain conclusions about Reiculf, which also means you are able to speak rationally on methods to counter the daokiln. Everyone here has a stake in this. We all deserve the right to hear your desired approach and determine for ourselves if we should follow your advice."
Ansas nodded, congratulating the elf in her candor.
"Very well, I would advise that we disperse immediately, break into three distinct groups based on Reiculf's objectives. We know he wants Neltus and the elf elder. I also believe he will set his sights on Enin. Those three should initially be separated."
"Shantree will not leave without the protection of the elf guard!" Birk argued.
"Am I to be interrupted in the middle of every suggestion?" the sorcerer objected in growing frustration.
"You will be questioned, and you should expect as much," Holli responded, her resolve equal to the sorcerer's irritation.
"Fine, but have the courtesy to at least let me finish. If you wish to leave the elder under the protection of the elf guard, so be it, but then Enin and Neltus must seek sanctuary elsewhere. It is clear to me that Reiculf will wish to extend his reach, which means possessing those few individuals that can be turned into his pawns. He has three servants at the moment, we must not let him increase that number."
"But why separate?" Ryson questioned. "Shouldn't we consolidate our strength?"
"You don't fight Reiculf in a broom closet. You utilize mobility on a wide battlefield. You of all people should understand that. We force him to spread his own forces to create an opportunity that can be used against him."
"What kind of opportunity?"
"Whatever kind emerges. You do not place limits on such things. It is important to remain fluid in action."
The delver could not argue the point. Speed and movement saved his life countless times. Where there was space, there was opportunity.
"But what are your objectives?" Holli pressed. "We can not simply fight a defensive war. How do we engage Reiculf to our advantage?"
"We attempt to cut his reach. As I said before, he has three pawns he can utilize to extend his power. Not only do we hope to limit that number, we have to reduce it. We take back what he has already captured."
Holli looked to Enin and nodded.
Chapter 12
When Shantree Wispon was called away for a private meeting with the camp council, Jure stood patiently beside the elf sorceress, Haven Wellseed, and waited for the elder's return. He accepted the conference as part of normal camp activity, nothing more and nothing less. The surrounding forest remained mostly quiet and calm. The wizard noted some activity to the northwest of the camp's center, but nothing that raised his concern. He remained protective of the elf leader, for her defense had become his mission, but he had to allow Shantree some latitude to meet her responsibilities.
Before Ansas had left with Enin for Connel, the sorcerer of ebony magic insisted that both Jure and Haven remain near the elf elder. Together, they had sufficient power to protect Shantree from certain threats. If they were overwhelmed, they were to teleport to safety. It was a strategy with which Shantree, Jure, and even the captain of the elf guard, found difficult to criticize.
Jure was actually very thankful for the opportunity to remain with the elves. He found their lifestyle intriguing, and he could not deny he enjoyed the company of the elf elder. With the harvest season coming to a close, he could enjoy the colors of the forest while watching the elves prepare for the dormant season. If it hadn't been for the looming threat of Reiculf, he would have found his time with the elves totally restful.
Several days had passed since the attack on the elf camp. The slaughtered rogues had been removed and the elf dead had been buried. Those who were injured were already healed, many by Jure and Haven—another benefit to Ansas' overall plan.
Initially, the entire camp remained on edge, even the chaotic movements of small goblin raiding parties took on greater significance. But such incidents had always been common in the forest, and every encounter was easily handled. With each passing day, the tension slowly subsided. While the elf guard appeared more watchful around their leader, the rest of the elves eventually returned to a more normal routine.
In order to ease the guards' task, Shantree had remained with Haven and Jure near the center of the elf camp. The three passed the time with earnest discussions of elf history and magic. Jure could not forget why he was there, but he also vowed to make the best of a stressful situation. Remaining watchful for a possible attack from the d
aokiln was somewhat like waiting for an executioner's blade to fall, but the three managed to find a level of comfort in each other's company.
When the elf council called for Shantree's attendance for a confidential meeting, Haven understood the request, and Jure believed it was nothing more than standard practice. Whether Reiculf was willing to attack or not, life for the elves continued to march forward, and their leader was required to make certain decisions that need not be discussed in public.
As Jure and Haven found a quiet moment alone, the wizard decided to approach a topic of personal interest. He had avoided discussing the matter in front of Shantree, for he wanted to assess Haven's response without any potential influence from the elf elder. Knowing of Haven's unique abilities—accented by her inspirational aura—Jure hoped the sorceress might be able to add intriguing insight.
"Haven, how much did you see of my fight with Scheff and the serp, Macheve?"
"Very little," the sorceress admitted. "I was engaged with the river rogues. The fog created substantial confusion. Right when the mist was cleared, we were hit by a burst of great power. I was almost thrown to the ground."
"That was a force blast used by Scheff, or rather by Reiculf through Scheff. It was a demonstration... an arrogant one. Reiculf wanted me to know he had complete control of your elf spell caster and that he could bring the full weight of his energy into Uton."
"Not a pleasing thought."
"No, it's not, and that's one of the reasons why I want to know what you saw."
Haven understood that something else troubled the wizard, or at least confused him. She knew he was curious about the transference of energy from Reiculf to other spell casters, but she believed there was something else about the confrontation that bewildered the human. Hoping to offer illumination, she focused on what she could remember after the force blast nearly knocked her from the trees.
"When I regained my balance, I cast several spells to save elves that were not as lucky as I. Many had been jostled from the trees and were in jeopardy from the rogues. My attention remained on the grounds near the center of the camp. I believed the elf guard had taken Shantree to safety, and at that time, I did not realize she was engaged with Scheff and the serp."
