by Jeff Inlo
"What I achieve and how I do it is my own business," Jure responded coldly.
"Is that belligerence or modesty? I hope it isn't the latter. It's a useless characteristic. I have no use for braggarts, mind you, but humility is a self-imposed impediment. In order to achieve greatness, you can't deny it. Modesty is just one more weakness that must be cast aside. You should be more attentive to yourself and willing to learn what I can teach you."
As if to contradict that very point, Jure ignored the sorcerer and checked on the others. With one spell, he brought them all to the dark realm; Holli, Enin, Dzeb, Ryson and Linda, as well as Birk Grund and Shantree Wispon. He wanted to ensure their safety, for he knew they were in a perilous situation. To his relief and satisfaction, they were all on stable ground, well away from any of the dangerous ledges that, beyond the sorcerer, represented the most immediate threat.
They stood upon a high plateau elevated well above the lands of the dark realm where horrific creatures stalked. It was a simple stretch of ground, but it was lifted into the vast heights by one towering mass of solid gray rock. They ventured into a region of the dark realm far above the tallest cliff walls where hook hawks and spin vultures built their nests. There were no other apparent hazards nearby-no lakes of fire, shifting sand pits, or dark caves with unknown terrors-but a fall from that height would have been devastating, even to the cliff behemoth that made his home in the majestic Colad Mountains.
The ground at the top of the plateau was flat, hard, and devoid of all life. There were no warped, half-dead trees jutting out of the gray rock or disfigured insects burrowing into the dry soil. It was empty and dim, shadowed from the flickering lights of the fire pits below.
The plateau existed in the vast gray reaches of the dark realm's sky, but the dimension was so very different from the lands of Jure's home. It was shrouded in the shadows of a gray canopy that gripped the realm with unforgiving sameness. There were no stars, no sun above. They stood upon the upper reaches of that dreary existence, a dimension without beauty or joy. It was not a scenic overlook that allowed for glorious views of some distant horizon. There was just turmoil and hopelessness below, and the plateau served as a detached platform to overlook it all. Perhaps Ansas used it as a testing ground for spells of various nature, or perhaps he just liked to place himself high above the other dark creatures.
Jure believed the high plain was created by the sorcerer, another sanctuary like his simple wooden house, but one that was neither simple nor ordinary. The plateau was not merely some tall peak of a vast mountain. It was an area totally isolated from the rest of the dark realm.
Physically, the flat ground sat atop a mystifying spire that defied its surroundings. While very little in that nightmare world appeared natural, the solid column of gray rock appeared to reach beyond the limits of even twisted sanity. It was as if the plateau tested the very confines of the dark realm, pressed against the edge of the nightmare existence.
While many winged beasts of the realm could reach dizzying heights, none of the flying monsters dared to soar overhead. Jure realized they stood at the upper boundary of existence and any airborne creatures that dared to pass beyond the peak were risking entering a void.
Jure also understood that was why he had such difficulty in pinpointing Ansas' location. They stood upon an area that marked the upper boundary of the dark realm, and the haze he had to reach through was the twisted mix of one existence over another. There was the dark realm and the void beyond, and the flat ground of the plateau served as the last stop before emptiness.
"Is everyone alright?" Jure asked of those gathered around him, his spirit somewhat dimmed by the surrounding gloom.
"We're all fine," Enin answered. "You did very well."
"Oh, please," Ansas interrupted. "How condescending. I already acknowledged his effort. What does your little platitude add? Why not pat him on the head?"
"Perhaps I should pat you on the head," Enin replied, "and reassure you that you can do better next time."
"Better?"
"Yes, you clearly failed to hide from us."
"Hide?" the sorcerer sneered. "Is that what you think?"
"Certain facts are clear. You fled from your home when you knew we were coming for you. When you realized Jure would follow your magic, you tried to cover yourself in the haze of this place."
"Hiding would have meant I didn't want you to find me. That's not even remotely true. I wanted you to find me, but in the place of my choosing. I led you here."
"Led us?" Enin scoffed. "That almost sounds like you wanted us to follow you. I find that difficult to accept."
"And why is that?" Ansas challenged the wizard.
"You are skilled in magic enough to understand that I am prepared to deal with you."
"Of course! I should have realized that," the sorcerer jeered with dripping sarcasm. "I can't believe I made such a terrible mistake. I am inconsequential to your greatness."
"No one is inconsequential, and I am not deluded with such arrogance," Enin replied. "If there is anyone with a warped sense of self-appreciation, it is you."
Ansas actually smiled.
"You think I'm arrogant? You really are a disappointment. I am simply self-aware. Nothing more and nothing less."
It was Ryson who interrupted the relentless banter.
"Why are we wasting time? If someone doesn't make him remove those arasaps, I will!"
"Ah, the delver, coming to save his wife. How gallant. Unfortunately for you, I have no plans to remove the arasaps. If anything, I will be adding several more."
Holli realized that would be enough to send the delver racing toward the sorcerer, and there was no one fast enough to stop him. She spoke out just in time to keep Ryson from rushing forward.
"Ryson, do not let him goad you into a mistake. There is nothing that can save him here."
"And is there something that will save you, elf witch?"
"Enough of all of this," Enin stated as he stepped forward. "You will remove the arasaps from Linda Acumen and you will also remove the mark of your energy from Shantree Wispon."
"And if I refuse?"
"I will not allow you to refuse," Enin stated with casual regard.
Ansas smiled again, but it was a darker grin, a wicked self-indulgent smirk.
"Then we have exactly what I hoped for. I must admit, I've always wanted to face you. You might cast in two perfect white circles, but this realm works to my advantage. I created this rock edifice with the help of one named Neltus. It brings me to the very limits of this realm, not so I can overlook the creatures of the existence, but so I can be closer to the fringes of other realms. From here, I can reach into areas of complete darkness. I can find the strength to beat you."
"This is not some duel I intend to fight," Enin revealed.
"But it is… perhaps not a perfect duel. You've brought your friends, but I have allies of my own."
At his call, four magic casters appeared on the plateau; an infern, two humans, and an elf. Many recognized Scheff, the elf that abandoned his camp to join Ansas. Most also recognized Neltus, as they had dealings with him previously.
While Ansas did not introduce them by name, he did not hesitate in revealing their powers.
"They all carry my energy, so they all represent a part of me. They have obtained sufficient skill to cast in a single perfect circle, but they also have been instructed to remain absolutely loyal to their respective hues. They are pure and so they represent a distinct element of magical strength."
"And you think this will change the outcome?" Enin asked.
"No, I believe the outcome remains in doubt. The challenge exists. I will pit my power against yours. Their arrival simply levels the field."
"Their arrival means nothing," Enin stated firmly. "This will end badly for all of you. I give you one last chance. Remove the arasaps and your magic from my friends and vow on your beloved ebony energy to never take action against them again. I will allow you to remain
in this realm with your powers intact."
"You think I would just give up?" Ansas asked with a rather amazed expression.
"What I think is irrelevant. I simply give you a choice to make."
Ansas considered the proposition, not for its ultimate intention, but for how it was offered. He wondered how far Enin was willing to go.
"I find this even more interesting," Ansas revealed. "Your power is indeed immense, but your perception is flawed. You have the ability to make your word absolute law, and yet you leave decisions to others. You are much too passive. You should be forcing your will on others, not giving in to their inconsequential decisions."
"I am not so corrupt."
"Corrupt? What a ridiculous concept. Corruption is nothing more than a point of view. What you see as-what? perhaps immoral? — I see as inevitable. The quest for a higher existence is paramount to petty judgments."
"Your concept of life is frighteningly empty."
"Is it? You talk about choices. Will you allow others to choose? I have at my side an elf that wishes to test his abilities. I can feel it. He is actually looking forward to a conflict. I see no reason to deny him that opportunity. While he is the least experienced of those I have called, I still believe he can defeat the old man that stands beside you. Will you let your wizard friend choose to meet the elf in battle or will you dictate what happens?"
Enin answered without hesitation.
"I will leave that to Jure."
"What?!"
It was not Jure who questioned Enin's response, but Ryson.
"I'm not going to stand here while they fight some idiotic wizard's duel!" the delver shouted. "We're here for Linda! Help her… now!"
"Patience Ryson. If we are to save Linda, Ansas must be defeated."
"I know, so why are we wasting time?!"
"He must be defeated completely and unquestionably. This is the first step. And each individual must make his or her own choice."
Jure quickly entered the conversation.
"I see no need to delay things," Jure advised as he addressed Enin. "You can stop all of this in an instant."
"Is that what you want?" Enin asked.
"It doesn't matter what I want."
"Actually, it matters very much. I am beginning to sense that this is all more than it appears. We have all been brought here for a reason… you as much as anyone else. I am not about to simply place my will above a higher purpose. I don't think I could if I wanted to."
"The only purpose I care about is helping Linda," Ryson interrupted. "Nothing else matters!"
"Ryson, I know you are very concerned about Linda, but trust me. There is something building here. There is a larger issue at stake. I have no idea where it's ultimately going to lead, but it involves all of us. That's why we're here, including you and Linda. If you want to save your wife from Ansas, we have to see this through to the end. If not, she'll never be safe from him. Never. Do you understand?"
Ryson looked over at his wife, saw that she had heard everything that had been said, and yet, she still didn't care about what was happening around her. The delver knew he couldn't allow that to continue, and he didn't want to have to face it again.
"No, I don't understand," Ryson admitted, but in a far less emotional tone. "If you think this is what we have to do to help her, then I'll do whatever it takes."
"I'm not sure I understand, either," Jure added. "You think this is about me?"
"I know you're part of it," Enin revealed. "Something tells me you have to decide for yourself."
Jure looked over at Ansas. He had nothing but contempt for the sorcerer. Ansas was everything Jure previously revealed to Enin, arrogant and self-centered. Still, the sorcerer was growing more powerful, strong enough to believe he could actually defeat Enin. But that might have been nothing more than additional conceit.
The elder wizard considered the elf, Scheff. It was the elf that would be his challenge, an elf that abandoned his camp to grow stronger. The elf, however, chose a darkened path, one that relied on self-indulgence and vanity.
With that thought, Jure considered his own path. He, too, had become stronger over the past several seasons, but he did not believe that his aim was solely to better himself. At every opportunity, he had used his magical talents to help the land, not just himself, and he had willingly taken direction from those he trusted.
He searched his own soul to determine what he should do. He knew he did not wish to battle the elf for his own glory, but he also believed, just as Enin had said, that he was there for a reason.
The elder wizard stepped towards Ansas and the spell casters he summoned, creating a large buffer between himself and his friends.
"You want me to face your elf, fine."
Chapter 28
Scheff eagerly stepped away from Ansas. It was his moment and his alone, the first test of his abilities after he cast out the mistakes of his past. From that moment forward, he believed a total immersion in violet castings would bring him closer to fulfilling his absolute potential. He would no longer be saddled with the failings and weaknesses of external influences.
High on the barren plateau, he felt an invigorating rush of anticipation as he faced the elder wizard. He knew little about Jure but understood the old wizard cast white magic in a perfect circle. Previously, he considered striving to attain the same level of proficiency, but that was before he assumed what he believed was a more enlightened course.
After accepting the slice of ebony magic, casting in white was almost an abomination, a deviation from purity. The concept of casting in anything beyond the inherent hue was a consideration that needed to be soundly defeated. By overcoming what he once hoped to achieve, Scheff would bury his previous and faulty convictions once and for all. It was a challenge he relished.
Jure felt no such thrill. He was tired and slightly confused. Very little of what was happening made sense. He felt as if he was being thrust into a struggle that had great significance, but he wasn't sure who had the most at stake.
For his own part, Jure felt he had very little invested in the events transpiring on the high plateau. He wouldn't have minded knocking Ansas around a bit, but he had no quarrel with Scheff. He tried to make that clear as he wished to avoid needless conflict.
"This is rather pointless," Jure confessed, hoping to stir some sense of reason in the elf. "I've never met you before. Why do you think this is necessary?"
"There are very few that can cast in a circle of pure white magic. You are a challenge I have to overcome."
"What in blazes for? I'm not challenging you."
"I am challenging myself. You represent what I once hoped to attain, when I was ignorant of my true potential."
"So you're going to force me to fight you just to prove you made the right choice?"
"No! I already know I made the right choice. The magic within me is now pure. I am centered on the violet hue of my natural abilities. There are no obstacles in my way. All I have to do is remain true to myself and I will be beyond legendary."
"You're kidding, right?"
"Are you mocking me?"
"Mocking? No. I just can't believe what you're saying. What you do here isn't going to make you legendary-no matter what happens."
"This is my first step. Once I defeat you, then there will be no doubt that my pure energy is stronger than any mix of hues. I am pitting my future against my past."
"So you think this is all about what you can do?"
"That is all that concerns me."
"Despite the fact that there's a piece of Ansas in you?"
"That is only a necessary reminder. I can't utilize that energy for myself. It is only the base for what now keeps me focused."
Jure just shook his head.
"You disagree?" the elf asked with a hint of anger.
"You're being used," Jure noted as plainly as he could.
"Used? I am doing this because I desire to do so. Why are you?"
"I wish I knew. Like
I said, I think this is rather pointless."
"Yet, you stepped forward anyway," Scheff remarked.
"Because I think I'm supposed to, not because I want to. Big difference."
"Then it is you who is being used."
"Maybe, but we've all got our orders."
"Then that is the difference between you and me. I no longer take orders." Scheff glanced quickly toward Birk Grund and Shantree Wispon. "Not from a captain of the elf guard, and not from a camp elder."
"What about that guy behind you? Aren't you here because he called you?"
"He offered me an opportunity, an opportunity to do what I wish to do… to test my abilities. And it is time I do just that. Prepare yourself."
Scheff brought his hands together. A dark purple ring formed around his wrists. Pointing his arms to the gray skies, he willed the energy up over Jure. The dark violet circle took a position high over the elder wizard's head. It swirled about as it flashed several bolts of lightning at its target.
Jure moved with equal speed. A circle of white magic formed around his body and remained there as it absorbed each fiery flash of violet mayhem. The power of each impact jolted the wizard, but when the purple ring finally dissolved, Jure was still standing.
"You're strong," Jure remarked, "I'll give you that, but I think your bolts would have been even stronger if you mixed in a little yellow or orange magic."
"You are mistaken."
"I don't think so."
"Then cast the same at me, and let us see."
"I don't want to hurt you. I think you're just being misguided."
"Then prove me wrong!" demanded the elf.
Jure shrugged but decided to do exactly that. He cast a ring of power of his own that combined purple, orange and yellow magic. He placed it over the elf and willed it to strike.
The elf reacted by casting a small violet cloud over his head to absorb the energy, but when the bolts of lightning hit the cloud, flames burned through the folds and surges of light erased the purples shadows. The sheer force staggered the elf. Scheff managed to remain on his feet, but the power of Jure's magic shattered his confidence.
