Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)

It was near dark once more when the underground oven was ready to produce another bounty back at the villa. For the dinner, Rhema and Iasho had purchased several turkeys. The birds had already had their feathers and internal organs removed. When the party returned to the villa, it was merely a matter of cutting the birds in half so that they could be arranged in the smoking oven properly.

When the sun descended low enough to have its light dampened by the surrounding trees, Iasho called a halt to the work and brought the workers in from the fields in order to eat. The bird and the stuffing placed inside the underground oven had taken hours to cook, but only minutes to consume. By the time that the sun had fully descended and the stars were shinning brightly above, the oven contained only the steaming remains of turkey carcasses.

Rhema gazed towards the well fed workers and a look of satisfaction appeared. “You know, they’re likely to get spoiled if we keep feeding them feasts.”

Iasho laughed. “They deserve it lately. Between the lumbering, the replanting, and the stone polishing I would say they’ve worked quite hard. It won’t be too long before things are back to normal around here.”

Rhema smiled as she realized her father was seeing the end of the rebuilding process for the first time. However, it was Ischarus who added to his father-in-law’s sentence. “Including the meals, no doubt. It won’t be long until breakfast is back to oatmeal and dinner has more vegetables than meat.” His teasing smile informed those gathered around the oven that while his predictions were no doubt accurate, he wasn’t dreading the food as much as his voice indicated.

Semeion sipped a bit of water out of a glass that had been sitting at his feet. “So, another feast behind us, and another free meal for Brandt, too. Tell us, what advice can you give us to earn your keep?” Like Ischarus before, his own expression told Brandt that he was only joking.

Brandt leaned back and stretched his hands out behind him. “Well, I don’t know. I’ve noticed that it gets harder and harder to think in this place once the sun goes down. It must have something to do with a full belly and the dropping nighttime temperatures.”

Charis laughed at Brandt’s comments. “And you, sir, are stalling.”

Brandt returned Charis’ comment with a chuckle of his own. “Perhaps. But I’ve been doing some kind of thinking about that magical spy I almost caught today. We know that it must have been a powerful wizard who was looking in on your actions.”

Semeion grinned with a knowing smile. “Yes, and I think I know where you are going with this one. If I am correct, I’ve been thinking about the same thing.”

Brandt nodded to Semeion and continued after sipping a bit of his own water. “While I don’t know for certain who this mage is, I did find something interesting out from the warden earlier today.”

Ischarus’ eyes jerked up to lock in a stare with Brandt’s eyes. “Warden Farette? Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier?”

Brandt grimaced at Ischarus’ implication, but he continued to speak in a calm tone. “I didn’t think it was particularly important to mention it before you performed the ritual today at noon. Once I saw the magical sensor, I needed time to analyze each piece of the puzzle.”

Rhema looked on impatiently. “And? Have you been able to make any conclusions? Or are you in need of a bigger basis for opinion?”

Brandt smiled and pointed to Rhema as she added the second option. “The latter. I don’t know if the warden’s information is relevant or not. In fact, neither did the warden. You see, Warden Farette contacted me at the temple as I was researching this morning and added an unusual piece of information. He didn’t remember it until this morning, and he apologizes for not remembering it when you all were present for the interrogation of Darkbringer. But the Warden told me that about eight months ago a prisoner known as Grick was taken from the prison.”

Charis’ eyes widened at the mention of Grick’s name. Her voice confirmed the alarm that was present on her face. “Grick is free? And we are just finding out about this now? Grick had been following us long enough to know where to find us. I could see him taking revenge upon us and especially the villa for the sake of the father dragon that was destroyed over the mountains by Ausaphaborishan, Llywessair, and Sappurapolician.”

Brandt shook his head side to side in disagreement in response to the conclusion to which Charis leapt. “No. You see, that is the particularly odd thing about it. The reason that you were never notified is because Grick was found back in his cell less than an hour after he was discovered missing. Grick was found, and he was unconscious. He clearly couldn’t have escaped and returned in the state he was found. In fact, Warden Farette told me that Grick didn’t regain consciousness for almost two days.”

Ischarus thumped the table before him solidly with the bottom of his fist. “We should have been told, all the same.”

Brandt nodded. “Agreed, and you are being told now. Warden Farette didn’t seem to see the importance once Grick’s return was confirmed and it was proven that it was actually Grick who was returned. It was no magical doppelganger, just so you know. They tested him very thoroughly. Once it was confirmed that Grick was back, the warden didn’t think anything else of it. He wouldn’t have ever thought anything else of it had you all not showed up in his prison once more.”

Ischarus nearly spoke out again in disapproval of the warden, but Rhema softly placed a hand on her husband’s knee. “Let it go, Ischarus. It’s been eight months since the incident and I doubt it is related. I am assuming, Master Brandt, that Grick is currently residing in the prison still?”

Brandt smiled. “Quite securely, actually. And he has not disappeared again.”

Semeion interjected his own logical process into the conversation as a dark figure emerged out of the forest at the other end of the villa’s main planting field. “Either way, Grick was placed in a cell preventing the use of his powers of destruction. What happened must have been done to him, not by him. That makes him much less likely involved in this destruction.”

The figure walked confidently across the field and did not attempt to hide herself. Charis was the first to notice her, and as Semeion finished with his thought Charis stood up and pointed towards the woman. Ischarus and Iasho stood to investigate while the rest of the party persisted with the current conversation.

Semeion continued his thought. “But, I am equally surprised at the realization that it would take a powerful mage to defeat the prison’s magical warding. This is especially true given the coincidence of the realization that a powerful mage was spying on us in the square today.”

Brandt breathed in deeply at Semeion’s assertion as Ischarus, Charis, and Iasho moved out of earshot. “That has me surprised just as much. Hence the reason that I have been contemplating this all day. Why would a mage who was powerful enough to defeat the magical warding of the prison want to spy on you all? And if those two events can be connected to the destruction of the villa, why would a mage powerful enough to do all of those things want the villa destroyed and the occupants left unscathed?”

Semeion snarled as he felt Brandt’s thoughts merging with his own conclusion. “I don’t know, but I do know about a certain wizard who deals in information and who seemed reasonably powerful. I know that most wizards hide their true power as best as they can, but this mage in particular fits the bill.”

Rhema nodded as Brandt suggested the wizard to whom Semeion was alluding. “The wizard in Eberdeen?”

Semeion also nodded, but didn’t get a chance to speak. From a short distance away, Ischarus called back to the party. “Guess who finally showed up to join the party?” His voice was filled with encouragement.

Semeion, Rhema, and Brandt each turned to see Ischarus, Charis, and Iasho escorting Ophee towards them. Although the foursome was smiling, Semeion frowned upon seeing her. She was the last person that he expected to see in his current antagonistic frame of mind against the wizard of Eberdeen.

Ophee greeted the trio who hadn’t come out to investigate her appearance. “I’ve just arrived in Fingerdale, and I wanted to look you all up. My master finished his training for me earlier in the week, and as it turns out he’s especially grateful for the service that you all provided for him. He’s granted me a week of freedom from my next assignment specifically so that I can lend you all a hand in catching the ones who are responsible. I’m not too late, am I?”

Semeion shook his head in disbelief. He spoke under his breath, just loud enough for only Rhema and Brandt to hear. “Well, so much for my theory.”

Brandt smiled. “Never fear, Semeion. There are plenty of other strong mages in the world. Immediately finding the right one on the first guess would have been impossible odds anyway. Perhaps the one we seek isn’t even known outside of Quehalost?”

Rhema and Semeion both laughed at Brandt’s disturbing thought. That conversation would wait for another day. For the time being, they decided to get up from the table and greet Ophee with a hug.

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It was near dark once more when the underground oven was ready to produce another bounty back at the villa. For the dinner, Rhema and Iasho had purchased several turkeys. The birds had already had their feathers and internal organs removed. When the party returned to the villa, it was merely a matter of cutting the birds in half so that they could be arranged in the smoking oven properly.

When the sun descended low enough to have its light dampened by the surrounding trees, Iasho called a halt to the work and brought the workers in from the fields in order to eat. The bird and the stuffing placed inside the underground oven had taken hours to cook, but only minutes to consume. By the time that the sun had fully descended and the stars were shinning brightly above, the oven contained only the steaming remains of turkey carcasses.

Rhema gazed towards the well fed workers and a look of satisfaction appeared. “You know, they’re likely to get spoiled if we keep feeding them feasts.”

Iasho laughed. “They deserve it lately. Between the lumbering, the replanting, and the stone polishing I would say they’ve worked quite hard. It won’t be too long before things are back to normal around here.”

Rhema smiled as she realized her father was seeing the end of the rebuilding process for the first time. However, it was Ischarus who added to his father-in-law’s sentence. “Including the meals, no doubt. It won’t be long until breakfast is back to oatmeal and dinner has more vegetables than meat.” His teasing smile informed those gathered around the oven that while his predictions were no doubt accurate, he wasn’t dreading the food as much as his voice indicated.

Semeion sipped a bit of water out of a glass that had been sitting at his feet. “So, another feast behind us, and another free meal for Brandt, too. Tell us, what advice can you give us to earn your keep?” Like Ischarus before, his own expression told Brandt that he was only joking.

Brandt leaned back and stretched his hands out behind him. “Well, I don’t know. I’ve noticed that it gets harder and harder to think in this place once the sun goes down. It must have something to do with a full belly and the dropping nighttime temperatures.”

Charis laughed at Brandt’s comments. “And you, sir, are stalling.”

Brandt returned Charis’ comment with a chuckle of his own. “Perhaps. But I’ve been doing some kind of thinking about that magical spy I almost caught today. We know that it must have been a powerful wizard who was looking in on your actions.”

Semeion grinned with a knowing smile. “Yes, and I think I know where you are going with this one. If I am correct, I’ve been thinking about the same thing.”

Brandt nodded to Semeion and continued after sipping a bit of his own water. “While I don’t know for certain who this mage is, I did find something interesting out from the warden earlier today.”

Ischarus’ eyes jerked up to lock in a stare with Brandt’s eyes. “Warden Farette? Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier?”

Brandt grimaced at Ischarus’ implication, but he continued to speak in a calm tone. “I didn’t think it was particularly important to mention it before you performed the ritual today at noon. Once I saw the magical sensor, I needed time to analyze each piece of the puzzle.”

Rhema looked on impatiently. “And? Have you been able to make any conclusions? Or are you in need of a bigger basis for opinion?”

Brandt smiled and pointed to Rhema as she added the second option. “The latter. I don’t know if the warden’s information is relevant or not. In fact, neither did the warden. You see, Warden Farette contacted me at the temple as I was researching this morning and added an unusual piece of information. He didn’t remember it until this morning, and he apologizes for not remembering it when you all were present for the interrogation of Darkbringer. But the Warden told me that about eight months ago a prisoner known as Grick was taken from the prison.”

Charis’ eyes widened at the mention of Grick’s name. Her voice confirmed the alarm that was present on her face. “Grick is free? And we are just finding out about this now? Grick had been following us long enough to know where to find us. I could see him taking revenge upon us and especially the villa for the sake of the father dragon that was destroyed over the mountains by Ausaphaborishan, Llywessair, and Sappurapolician.”

Brandt shook his head side to side in disagreement in response to the conclusion to which Charis leapt. “No. You see, that is the particularly odd thing about it. The reason that you were never notified is because Grick was found back in his cell less than an hour after he was discovered missing. Grick was found, and he was unconscious. He clearly couldn’t have escaped and returned in the state he was found. In fact, Warden Farette told me that Grick didn’t regain consciousness for almost two days.”

Ischarus thumped the table before him solidly with the bottom of his fist. “We should have been told, all the same.”

Brandt nodded. “Agreed, and you are being told now. Warden Farette didn’t seem to see the importance once Grick’s return was confirmed and it was proven that it was actually Grick who was returned. It was no magical doppelganger, just so you know. They tested him very thoroughly. Once it was confirmed that Grick was back, the warden didn’t think anything else of it. He wouldn’t have ever thought anything else of it had you all not showed up in his prison once more.”

Ischarus nearly spoke out again in disapproval of the warden, but Rhema softly placed a hand on her husband’s knee. “Let it go, Ischarus. It’s been eight months since the incident and I doubt it is related. I am assuming, Master Brandt, that Grick is currently residing in the prison still?”

Brandt smiled. “Quite securely, actually. And he has not disappeared again.”

Semeion interjected his own logical process into the conversation as a dark figure emerged out of the forest at the other end of the villa’s main planting field. “Either way, Grick was placed in a cell preventing the use of his powers of destruction. What happened must have been done to him, not by him. That makes him much less likely involved in this destruction.”

The figure walked confidently across the field and did not attempt to hide herself. Charis was the first to notice her, and as Semeion finished with his thought Charis stood up and pointed towards the woman. Ischarus and Iasho stood to investigate while the rest of the party persisted with the current conversation.

Semeion continued his thought. “But, I am equally surprised at the realization that it would take a powerful mage to defeat the prison’s magical warding. This is especially true given the coincidence of the realization that a powerful mage was spying on us in the square today.”

Brandt breathed in deeply at Semeion’s assertion as Ischarus, Charis, and Iasho moved out of earshot. “That has me surprised just as much. Hence the reason that I have been contemplating this all day. Why would a mage who was powerful enough to defeat the magical warding of the prison want to spy on you all? And if those two events can be connected to the destruction of the villa, why would a mage powerful enough to do all of those things want the villa destroyed and the occupants left unscathed?”

Semeion snarled as he felt Brandt’s thoughts merging with his own conclusion. “I don’t know, but I do know about a certain wizard who deals in information and who seemed reasonably powerful. I know that most wizards hide their true power as best as they can, but this mage in particular fits the bill.”

Rhema nodded as Brandt suggested the wizard to whom Semeion was alluding. “The wizard in Eberdeen?”

Semeion also nodded, but didn’t get a chance to speak. From a short distance away, Ischarus called back to the party. “Guess who finally showed up to join the party?” His voice was filled with encouragement.

Semeion, Rhema, and Brandt each turned to see Ischarus, Charis, and Iasho escorting Ophee towards them. Although the foursome was smiling, Semeion frowned upon seeing her. She was the last person that he expected to see in his current antagonistic frame of mind against the wizard of Eberdeen.

Ophee greeted the trio who hadn’t come out to investigate her appearance. “I’ve just arrived in Fingerdale, and I wanted to look you all up. My master finished his training for me earlier in the week, and as it turns out he’s especially grateful for the service that you all provided for him. He’s granted me a week of freedom from my next assignment specifically so that I can lend you all a hand in catching the ones who are responsible. I’m not too late, am I?”

Semeion shook his head in disbelief. He spoke under his breath, just loud enough for only Rhema and Brandt to hear. “Well, so much for my theory.”

Brandt smiled. “Never fear, Semeion. There are plenty of other strong mages in the world. Immediately finding the right one on the first guess would have been impossible odds anyway. Perhaps the one we seek isn’t even known outside of Quehalost?”

Rhema and Semeion both laughed at Brandt’s disturbing thought. That conversation would wait for another day. For the time being, they decided to get up from the table and greet Ophee with a hug.
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Once the hugs were given out and the group was gathered once more around the table – this time with Ophee – Rhema turned to their newest arrival and altered the conversation. “So, is your master’s business private or is it a matter of public knowledge? I am curious about what kind of work you do for the wizard in Eberdeen.”

Ophee smiled at Rhema’s inquisitiveness. “Oh, I can certainly speak about my mission, although I doubt that you all will be able to help me. You see, my master has instructed me to find a certain woman of duplicity.”

Charis snickered at Ophee’s description. “You make it sound so mysterious! She’s a ‘woman of duplicity.’ What’s that supposed to mean? Does she lead a double life?”

Ophee and the rest of the gathered people laughed at Charis’ suggestion. “No, not exactly. Although in truth you aren’t very far off. Apparently there is an anchor to a slave trade organization residing somewhere here in the region that I oversee for my master. My master doesn’t know exactly how the slaves arrive here in Fingerdale, but the person that my master’s services are being contracted for does know that this area is a major hub of activity.”

Brandt frowned. “Slaves passing through this area? That is a bit disturbing to me to be honest. We haven’t had a substantial problem with slavery since the lords of Tongra were united in the Confederacy of Tongra hundreds of years ago. Before then the lords would raid each other’s lands in an attempt to undermine their economy and morale. If people were taken during the raid, they often became slaves to the households that were responsible for organizing the incursion. But that regime hasn’t been around for centuries. Certainly there isn’t any current market for slaves in Tongra.”

Ophee shook her head in disagreement. “Well, my master did tell me that the slavers are not exactly well known. That is why my master talents and my services were needed to find them. The slaves are kept here long enough for them to trade hands, and then they are sent abroad.”

Ischarus looked as though he were in deep thought. “It actually sounds as the type of fight that we try to disrupt ourselves. We are completely opposed to slavery and tyranny of any kind, and would gladly fight against it. If you are successful in your search, let me know. I’d gladly have a hand in the disruption of any slave trade.”

Ophee smiled and nodded at Ischarus’ support. “I will be sure to tell my master. He can pass along the information to the person that has contracted out my master’s services.”

Semeion wasn’t satisfied with the way the discussion of Ophee’s newest job was wrapping up. “Does your master know how these slaves are leaving Fingerdale? I’d be absolutely surprised if they were leaving by land. Driving slaves through a land where slavery isn’t acceptable tends to be rather obvious. I’d bet the slaves were being moved by sea, to be honest.”

Brandt chuckled as his mind registered Semeion’s oversight. “Or by magic, Semeion. Don’t forget your first love, after all.”

A look of obvious disappointment passed over Semeion’s face as everyone else enjoyed another good laugh. Semeion smiled back to Brandt and corrected his earlier conclusion. “I suppose that teleportation magic may well be the method of travel. It would certainly be safe and unrecognizable, that’s for sure.”

Brandt nodded and continued with Semeion’s conclusion. “But, that still leaves out the question of where. If they are going by the sea, then they could be headed anywhere. But if they were leaving by teleportation magic, well that would narrow the span of movement. Teleportation magic has its range limitations. I doubt that the slaves could be leaving the land of Enigmatica by the means of teleportation magic.”

Iasho nodded in agreement as Brandt spoke. “I agree, although I’ve lived near enough to the port to know that it could be possible at the very least. With the right map and the right services of a disreputable captain, it would be possible to ship slaves out of the port to an uncharted island. Teleportation magic might get them the rest of the way.”

Semeion also nodded as Iasho spoke. “Or, perhaps they have multiple places from which they teleport. If a wizard of high enough power visits any of the uncharted islands in the sea and becomes familiar enough with its location, they could teleport unerringly from the mainland to the island. Another wizard could be waiting for them to complete the trip and complete the deal. For the system to work well and be profitable, that would require a few wizards of high power working together. They would burn through their magical aptitude pretty quickly teleporting people across the seas like that.”

Brandt agreed, but spoke to the logistics of what Semeion proposed. “That many higher level wizards working in conjunction with one another would be hard to keep quiet. I’m sure we’d have heard rumors, at least.”

Ophee shook her head from side to side slowly. “Unfortunately, while you all are coming to reasonable conclusions I think you are looking too far. My master has reason to believe that the slaves are going no further than Fenneress and even Barghost.”

Brandt nearly choked on the water that he was sipping as Ophee suggested that the land of Barghost involved slave trade. “What? Your master cannot be serious! As evil as the land of Quehalost is, the land of Barghost is just and righteous! While demons and dark lords rule Quehalost in an eternal struggle for power, the land of Barghost is led by divine agents who seek righteousness and justice above all else. Slavery would be crushed as soon as it was discovered.”

Ophee shrugged her shoulders. “That is what I told my master when he suggested that citizens of Barghost might be involved. But he was adamant that his contact had told him quite definitely that the slaves are occasionally shipped into Barghost. He suggested that it may be possible that the slaves are being used underground or in other areas where visibility is not quite so prevalent.”

Charis shook her head in disagreement. “I remember Ausaphaborishan’s valley. I find it nearly impossible that such a land could hold such an evil.”

Rhema looked at the problem through a more pragmatic lens. “Unfortunately, through the means of things like the magic of Semeion and Brandt or even the intimate powers that I wield this is possible. I find it difficult to believe, but not impossible.”

Ischarus returned the conversation back to the original roots. “And we cannot rule out the possibility, however so small. But, Ophee, you say that you will find this slave trade by looking for a duplicitous woman? Do you know more than that?”

Ophee nodded and replied to Ischarus’ question. “Yeah. I was told that the duplicitous woman was once almost a slave herself. In fact, she still carries the mark of her slavery with her no matter where she goes. My master says that this woman is even so bold as to carry the mark openly. My master says that it should be able to be seen by anyone who knows what to look for.”

Charis’ curiosity was piqued by Ophee’s statement regarding the boldness of the woman. “Do you know what to look for? It seems like a mark of slavery would be so rare that it shouldn’t be hard to track down.”

Semeion concurred. “I agree. It might appear as a simple tattoo at first glance, though. If there truly is a slave trade going on through the city of Fingerdale, the marks for slavery would probably appear similar enough to a normal tattoo to be overlooked by anyone who isn’t looking for a mark of slavery specifically. However, it would be distinct enough so that a slaver would easily identify it on sight.”

Iasho agreed with Semeion’s conclusion. “That would certainly make sense from a business perspective. The thing that I find curious is that this woman doesn’t take any steps to hide her own tattoo. I find that particularly strange.”

Ophee grinned at the older man’s words. “I asked the same thing of my master. He said that the one who contracted his services had little answer for that question in particular. There is some thought that the woman earned her place among the slavers by betraying her own people rather than entering slavery herself. She didn’t want to betray her own people, but she couldn’t deal with the possibility of being a slave herself. Thus, she arranged a bargain with the slavers. She agreed to betray the location of her own people and help to bring them into slavery so long as she did not have to go herself.”

Charis nodded as she thought she understood Ophee’s rationale. “So the woman took the mark anyway to represent her guilt? She did it as a permanent reminder for herself of the evil that she performed to save her own skin?”

Ophee shook her head in disagreement. “In truth, my master suggested that his source provides a much more sinister reason than you suggest. Your words would indicate that the woman had guilt for her actions and realized the evil within them. My master suggested that what you propose isn’t what actually happened. He said that the story is actually that the woman was so eager to avoid slavery by selling her own people into slavery that even the slavers were embarrassed by her willingness to betray her own people. So, they accepted her terms and marked her as a slave anyway. She never served as a slave, but she was marked as one even still. Of course, I understand from my master that this explanation is probable, but speculation at its core nonetheless.”

Brandt continued to look displeased at the news which Ophee had brought forth. “I still don’t like what this represents. I’ve worked and studied in Fingerdale for many years now. I’ve yet to hear of this before today. Of course, I don’t pretend to know everything that happens, but surely something this evil would at least have come before my desk in the form of a rumor if nothing else. Furthermore, my father dragon has dwelled in Barghost for my more years than I have been alive and I’d have certainly thought that this is the kind of thing that would have gotten a sniff from him. Do you mind if I investigate this a little among the people and records of my temple, Ophee?”

Ophee shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me so long as I am informed of what you find. I’ll need to report back to my master in the Wizard’s College.”

Brandt nodded in agreement and Ischarus spoke for the party. “Keep us informed as well. This is the type of fight that we typically like to undertake. Besides, fighting that kind of evil in our own land may have profound ramifications in the Quehalost, at least potentially.”

Ophee shook her head in agreement. “I’ll take all the allies I can get. The quicker I dig up information on this, the more my master will be pleased. I appreciate your offers for help.”

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Once the hugs were given out and the group was gathered once more around the table – this time with Ophee – Rhema turned to their newest arrival and altered the conversation. “So, is your master’s business private or is it a matter of public knowledge? I am curious about what kind of work you do for the wizard in Eberdeen.”

Ophee smiled at Rhema’s inquisitiveness. “Oh, I can certainly speak about my mission, although I doubt that you all will be able to help me. You see, my master has instructed me to find a certain woman of duplicity.”

Charis snickered at Ophee’s description. “You make it sound so mysterious! She’s a ‘woman of duplicity.’ What’s that supposed to mean? Does she lead a double life?”

Ophee and the rest of the gathered people laughed at Charis’ suggestion. “No, not exactly. Although in truth you aren’t very far off. Apparently there is an anchor to a slave trade organization residing somewhere here in the region that I oversee for my master. My master doesn’t know exactly how the slaves arrive here in Fingerdale, but the person that my master’s services are being contracted for does know that this area is a major hub of activity.”

Brandt frowned. “Slaves passing through this area? That is a bit disturbing to me to be honest. We haven’t had a substantial problem with slavery since the lords of Tongra were united in the Confederacy of Tongra hundreds of years ago. Before then the lords would raid each other’s lands in an attempt to undermine their economy and morale. If people were taken during the raid, they often became slaves to the households that were responsible for organizing the incursion. But that regime hasn’t been around for centuries. Certainly there isn’t any current market for slaves in Tongra.”

Ophee shook her head in disagreement. “Well, my master did tell me that the slavers are not exactly well known. That is why my master talents and my services were needed to find them. The slaves are kept here long enough for them to trade hands, and then they are sent abroad.”

Ischarus looked as though he were in deep thought. “It actually sounds as the type of fight that we try to disrupt ourselves. We are completely opposed to slavery and tyranny of any kind, and would gladly fight against it. If you are successful in your search, let me know. I’d gladly have a hand in the disruption of any slave trade.”

Ophee smiled and nodded at Ischarus’ support. “I will be sure to tell my master. He can pass along the information to the person that has contracted out my master’s services.”

Semeion wasn’t satisfied with the way the discussion of Ophee’s newest job was wrapping up. “Does your master know how these slaves are leaving Fingerdale? I’d be absolutely surprised if they were leaving by land. Driving slaves through a land where slavery isn’t acceptable tends to be rather obvious. I’d bet the slaves were being moved by sea, to be honest.”

Brandt chuckled as his mind registered Semeion’s oversight. “Or by magic, Semeion. Don’t forget your first love, after all.”

A look of obvious disappointment passed over Semeion’s face as everyone else enjoyed another good laugh. Semeion smiled back to Brandt and corrected his earlier conclusion. “I suppose that teleportation magic may well be the method of travel. It would certainly be safe and unrecognizable, that’s for sure.”

Brandt nodded and continued with Semeion’s conclusion. “But, that still leaves out the question of where. If they are going by the sea, then they could be headed anywhere. But if they were leaving by teleportation magic, well that would narrow the span of movement. Teleportation magic has its range limitations. I doubt that the slaves could be leaving the land of Enigmatica by the means of teleportation magic.”

Iasho nodded in agreement as Brandt spoke. “I agree, although I’ve lived near enough to the port to know that it could be possible at the very least. With the right map and the right services of a disreputable captain, it would be possible to ship slaves out of the port to an uncharted island. Teleportation magic might get them the rest of the way.”

Semeion also nodded as Iasho spoke. “Or, perhaps they have multiple places from which they teleport. If a wizard of high enough power visits any of the uncharted islands in the sea and becomes familiar enough with its location, they could teleport unerringly from the mainland to the island. Another wizard could be waiting for them to complete the trip and complete the deal. For the system to work well and be profitable, that would require a few wizards of high power working together. They would burn through their magical aptitude pretty quickly teleporting people across the seas like that.”

Brandt agreed, but spoke to the logistics of what Semeion proposed. “That many higher level wizards working in conjunction with one another would be hard to keep quiet. I’m sure we’d have heard rumors, at least.”

Ophee shook her head from side to side slowly. “Unfortunately, while you all are coming to reasonable conclusions I think you are looking too far. My master has reason to believe that the slaves are going no further than Fenneress and even Barghost.”

Brandt nearly choked on the water that he was sipping as Ophee suggested that the land of Barghost involved slave trade. “What? Your master cannot be serious! As evil as the land of Quehalost is, the land of Barghost is just and righteous! While demons and dark lords rule Quehalost in an eternal struggle for power, the land of Barghost is led by divine agents who seek righteousness and justice above all else. Slavery would be crushed as soon as it was discovered.”

Ophee shrugged her shoulders. “That is what I told my master when he suggested that citizens of Barghost might be involved. But he was adamant that his contact had told him quite definitely that the slaves are occasionally shipped into Barghost. He suggested that it may be possible that the slaves are being used underground or in other areas where visibility is not quite so prevalent.”

Charis shook her head in disagreement. “I remember Ausaphaborishan’s valley. I find it nearly impossible that such a land could hold such an evil.”

Rhema looked at the problem through a more pragmatic lens. “Unfortunately, through the means of things like the magic of Semeion and Brandt or even the intimate powers that I wield this is possible. I find it difficult to believe, but not impossible.”

Ischarus returned the conversation back to the original roots. “And we cannot rule out the possibility, however so small. But, Ophee, you say that you will find this slave trade by looking for a duplicitous woman? Do you know more than that?”

Ophee nodded and replied to Ischarus’ question. “Yeah. I was told that the duplicitous woman was once almost a slave herself. In fact, she still carries the mark of her slavery with her no matter where she goes. My master says that this woman is even so bold as to carry the mark openly. My master says that it should be able to be seen by anyone who knows what to look for.”

Charis’ curiosity was piqued by Ophee’s statement regarding the boldness of the woman. “Do you know what to look for? It seems like a mark of slavery would be so rare that it shouldn’t be hard to track down.”

Semeion concurred. “I agree. It might appear as a simple tattoo at first glance, though. If there truly is a slave trade going on through the city of Fingerdale, the marks for slavery would probably appear similar enough to a normal tattoo to be overlooked by anyone who isn’t looking for a mark of slavery specifically. However, it would be distinct enough so that a slaver would easily identify it on sight.”

Iasho agreed with Semeion’s conclusion. “That would certainly make sense from a business perspective. The thing that I find curious is that this woman doesn’t take any steps to hide her own tattoo. I find that particularly strange.”

Ophee grinned at the older man’s words. “I asked the same thing of my master. He said that the one who contracted his services had little answer for that question in particular. There is some thought that the woman earned her place among the slavers by betraying her own people rather than entering slavery herself. She didn’t want to betray her own people, but she couldn’t deal with the possibility of being a slave herself. Thus, she arranged a bargain with the slavers. She agreed to betray the location of her own people and help to bring them into slavery so long as she did not have to go herself.”

Charis nodded as she thought she understood Ophee’s rationale. “So the woman took the mark anyway to represent her guilt? She did it as a permanent reminder for herself of the evil that she performed to save her own skin?”

Ophee shook her head in disagreement. “In truth, my master suggested that his source provides a much more sinister reason than you suggest. Your words would indicate that the woman had guilt for her actions and realized the evil within them. My master suggested that what you propose isn’t what actually happened. He said that the story is actually that the woman was so eager to avoid slavery by selling her own people into slavery that even the slavers were embarrassed by her willingness to betray her own people. So, they accepted her terms and marked her as a slave anyway. She never served as a slave, but she was marked as one even still. Of course, I understand from my master that this explanation is probable, but speculation at its core nonetheless.”

Brandt continued to look displeased at the news which Ophee had brought forth. “I still don’t like what this represents. I’ve worked and studied in Fingerdale for many years now. I’ve yet to hear of this before today. Of course, I don’t pretend to know everything that happens, but surely something this evil would at least have come before my desk in the form of a rumor if nothing else. Furthermore, my father dragon has dwelled in Barghost for my more years than I have been alive and I’d have certainly thought that this is the kind of thing that would have gotten a sniff from him. Do you mind if I investigate this a little among the people and records of my temple, Ophee?”

Ophee shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me so long as I am informed of what you find. I’ll need to report back to my master in the Wizard’s College.”

Brandt nodded in agreement and Ischarus spoke for the party. “Keep us informed as well. This is the type of fight that we typically like to undertake. Besides, fighting that kind of evil in our own land may have profound ramifications in the Quehalost, at least potentially.”

Ophee shook her head in agreement. “I’ll take all the allies I can get. The quicker I dig up information on this, the more my master will be pleased. I appreciate your offers for help.”

[/Sblock]

Ischarus responded to Ophee’s appreciation. “Think nothing of it, Ophee. We’re not about only helping ourselves. We’re about helping to stop any kind of injustice.”

Brandt chuckled. “I agree. That pretty much sums up worshipping Reah, for the record. Where the worship of Reah is strong, justice is sure to predominate within the town.”

Rhema agreed, but was less fascinated with Reah as her husband. Of course, her ties to Brandt were not nearly as aligned as Ischarus’ ties. “Might I remind everyone here that we’re no closer to planning a solution to our own dilemma? A dilemma that I think Ophee has come here to help with?”

Ophee grinned and held out a hand in Rhema’s direction. “Of course, I’m sorry to have diverted your attention onto my own problems.”

Rhema chuckled in response. “Don’t worry about it. Actually, if I recall correctly I am the one who asked you about your mission. So if we’re looking for blame it rests with me.”

Ophee grinned broadly once more. “Fair enough. But I would be interested to hear if my master’s information was helpful to you all. What exactly did you find out, and how can I help?”

Semeion explained the message that was retrieved from Darkbringer as well as the trip earlier in the day to the town square in Fingerdale. Of course, he left out any specific mention of the Whetting One in case the caution against speaking the name was legitimate. In addition, Semeion said nothing about the Darkbringer’s unusual trancelike state out of which she had retrieved the information. While he was grateful about the help from Ophee, she hadn’t yet earned his trust completely.

Ischarus began the discussion about how to plan for the unknown. “So as you can see, Ophee, we have a few days to plan before the fateful day. I suggest that tomorrow we head south of Fingerdale and search for the barn. If we have the lay of the land, we can make our plans even more specific tomorrow evening.”

Ophee nodded. “Have you all ruled out some kind of summoning? Because it sounds to me like you all performed some kind of summoning this afternoon at the statue. Considering that you apparently triggered some sort of magical spying sensor, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if there is some kind of summoning going on here.”

Brandt fielded Ophee’s question. “Well, I had ruled out that the original ceremony at the town square was a summoning. Semeion was careful to only use magic that wouldn’t be able to be perceived across any unnatural boundaries. But with the presence of the sensor, I don’t think it would hurt to through up some kind of magical warding – or even warning – around the barn. I can research an effective spell and make sure that it is in place before we go into the barn.”

Semeion nodded along with Brandt’s precaution. “That is wise, Brandt. Might I suggest both? A warning would be effective in any regard. The warding may be able to be overcome. After all, we’ve already determined that the magician who was spying on us was able to rival your power.”

Brandt smiled grimly. “I’ve been doing a bit more thinking, and I don’t believe that we can rule our suspects down to only those who wield arcane power. Remember, Darkbringer herself wielded power that came from Yrraxea. We could be dealing with a powerful divine force all the same. Either way, both the powerful wielders of the arcane and divine are capable of summoning something fierce. A warding and a warning system would be wise. I’ll make sure that it is researched and in place before you all have need of it.”

Charis nodded in respect. “You seem to be doing much for us in this matter, Brandt. I doubt that we can repay the debt that we are incurring.”

Brandt waved off Charis’ need for repayment with a simple gesture of his hand. “With each person you free from the slavery of Quehalost you earn my respect and the gratitude of my temple. Consider my role as fulfillment of Reah’s desire to help you spread justice across the land.”

Iasho brought the group back to the reality of the situation. “I don’t personally like the thought of my daughter, son-in-law, and their close friends eagerly going into a situation that could get out of your collective ability to control it. If it is a summoning and the power to summon is more powerful than Brandt’s power, I hope that I don’t need to remind you all that you’ll be in significant danger.”

Silence hung over the party for several minutes while they thought about Iasho’s grim reminder. Charis spoke once she had enough of her doubts. “We’ve taken on dragons and evil druids. We’ve routinely made a habit of playing the antagonist of powers that should crush us. Isn’t that what we are?”

Semeion proudly placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “She’s right, Iasho. Every time we go into Quehalost we are facing up against enemies that are more powerful than we are. Besides, so far this conversation has banked on the fact that a summoning is coming. Before noon today we were convinced that there was no way this could end in a summoning from another world. I think we should pursue that avenue.”

Brandt concurred. “Yeah, let’s move off the summoning angle. The best we can do is ward ourselves from the possibility. If it turns out to be a summoning, I’ll make sure that we know it is coming.”

Rhema shook her head slowly. “Just remember Darkbringer’s words. We are invited to make as many preparations as we can. We were even encouraged to make sure that we took all the steps necessary to feel comfortable and safe.”

Ischarus laughed, and a hint of superiority flowed from his mouth as he spoke. “Yeah, and that means one of two things. It could simply mean that the one we are seeking is an ally to us and our protective plans will be unnecessary. It could also very well mean that the one we are seeking is confident that they are more powerful than anything we could do. If that’s the case, then we’ve bitten off more than we can chew.”

Semeion completed the second half of Ischarus’ thought. “And if that is what is too happen, then the least we can do is be there when it comes. After all, we are the ones who set it into motion in the first place.”

Brandt saw how the party seemed determined to focus on the worst case scenario. He stood up to stretch his legs, but he also realized that his height would subtly demonstrate his seniority. “There are many in my temple who can monitor our lives. If you all are worried about unleashing some greater force into our world, I’ll simply have one of my fellow priests monitor our life signs. If something should happen to one of us, the word will be spread through the ranks quickly.”

Ophee questioned Brandt’s plan. “And what will you say to your superiors regarding the necessity of this plan? They will no doubt want to know why our lives may be at stake.”

Brandt smiled politely. “I am so confident that this is not going to result in a summoning that we cannot handle that I am willing to take that risk. Leave my temple to me. In fact, leave the whole possibility of a summoning to me and my acolytes. You all can work on the remainder of the possibilities.”

Iasho could see that his participation had been disruptive to this conversation. He simply had desired to be cautious, but his concern for the safety of the people he loved had come across as frustration. “Forgive me. I haven’t been very productive tonight. For the sake of moving forward, I think we should agree with Master Brandt. If he is confident that he can handle the summoning possibility through his magic, then I think that we should trust him.”

Semeion smiled in Brandt’s direction. “The wisdom of the temple of Reah has not failed us to this point. So, if Reah will handle the summoning aspect, what else is there to consider?”

Charis chuckled. “Well, I’ll plan for the possibility that the one that we seek is friendly. So, if that’s the case then I suggest we invite them to the villa and feed them well. Then we get the answers that we need. So, I’m done with my part!”

Charis’ interjection was the point of humor that was needed to break the tension of the more serious possibilities. Ischarus spoke through the tail end of his laugh. “Well, we’ve done a good job planning for the extreme possibilities. Now, anyone care to handle something a little more likely to happen?”

Rhema nodded and took her husband’s and her father’s lead to let go of the possibility of a summoning. “Well, the way I see it, we are likely going to face some kind of physical opponent who has magical abilities. If that’s the case, a straight forward assault with weapons is going to be more likely to succeed if things go poorly. Using magic, or even my mind control, isn’t going to be a good strategy if our opponent is a good spell caster.”

Ophee nodded in agreement. “I can plan a few illusions and tricks to deceive the senses. If the one you are seeking is antagonistic to your search I can make it a little harder for them to distinguish which one of us is a legitimate target and which one is an illusion. That could make them use up precious resources.”

Ischarus allowed a smile of pleasure to pass over his face. “Now we’re talking in the right kind of direction. I’ll make sure the edges of my weapons are sharp. Charis, will you join me in frontal assault if it comes to it?”

Charis nodded in agreement. “That goes without saying. And I can even use a bit of my newest powers to bring some real threats among Ophee’s illusionary ones.”

Semeion looked to Brandt, who sat back down. “Good, so we have a plan. Tomorrow we’ll investigate the barn and lay down some more specific plans.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Ischarus responded to Ophee’s appreciation. “Think nothing of it, Ophee. We’re not about only helping ourselves. We’re about helping to stop any kind of injustice.”

Brandt chuckled. “I agree. That pretty much sums up worshipping Reah, for the record. Where the worship of Reah is strong, justice is sure to predominate within the town.”

Rhema agreed, but was less fascinated with Reah as her husband. Of course, her ties to Brandt were not nearly as aligned as Ischarus’ ties. “Might I remind everyone here that we’re no closer to planning a solution to our own dilemma? A dilemma that I think Ophee has come here to help with?”

Ophee grinned and held out a hand in Rhema’s direction. “Of course, I’m sorry to have diverted your attention onto my own problems.”

Rhema chuckled in response. “Don’t worry about it. Actually, if I recall correctly I am the one who asked you about your mission. So if we’re looking for blame it rests with me.”

Ophee grinned broadly once more. “Fair enough. But I would be interested to hear if my master’s information was helpful to you all. What exactly did you find out, and how can I help?”

Semeion explained the message that was retrieved from Darkbringer as well as the trip earlier in the day to the town square in Fingerdale. Of course, he left out any specific mention of the Whetting One in case the caution against speaking the name was legitimate. In addition, Semeion said nothing about the Darkbringer’s unusual trancelike state out of which she had retrieved the information. While he was grateful about the help from Ophee, she hadn’t yet earned his trust completely.

Ischarus began the discussion about how to plan for the unknown. “So as you can see, Ophee, we have a few days to plan before the fateful day. I suggest that tomorrow we head south of Fingerdale and search for the barn. If we have the lay of the land, we can make our plans even more specific tomorrow evening.”

Ophee nodded. “Have you all ruled out some kind of summoning? Because it sounds to me like you all performed some kind of summoning this afternoon at the statue. Considering that you apparently triggered some sort of magical spying sensor, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if there is some kind of summoning going on here.”

Brandt fielded Ophee’s question. “Well, I had ruled out that the original ceremony at the town square was a summoning. Semeion was careful to only use magic that wouldn’t be able to be perceived across any unnatural boundaries. But with the presence of the sensor, I don’t think it would hurt to through up some kind of magical warding – or even warning – around the barn. I can research an effective spell and make sure that it is in place before we go into the barn.”

Semeion nodded along with Brandt’s precaution. “That is wise, Brandt. Might I suggest both? A warning would be effective in any regard. The warding may be able to be overcome. After all, we’ve already determined that the magician who was spying on us was able to rival your power.”

Brandt smiled grimly. “I’ve been doing a bit more thinking, and I don’t believe that we can rule our suspects down to only those who wield arcane power. Remember, Darkbringer herself wielded power that came from Yrraxea. We could be dealing with a powerful divine force all the same. Either way, both the powerful wielders of the arcane and divine are capable of summoning something fierce. A warding and a warning system would be wise. I’ll make sure that it is researched and in place before you all have need of it.”

Charis nodded in respect. “You seem to be doing much for us in this matter, Brandt. I doubt that we can repay the debt that we are incurring.”

Brandt waved off Charis’ need for repayment with a simple gesture of his hand. “With each person you free from the slavery of Quehalost you earn my respect and the gratitude of my temple. Consider my role as fulfillment of Reah’s desire to help you spread justice across the land.”

Iasho brought the group back to the reality of the situation. “I don’t personally like the thought of my daughter, son-in-law, and their close friends eagerly going into a situation that could get out of your collective ability to control it. If it is a summoning and the power to summon is more powerful than Brandt’s power, I hope that I don’t need to remind you all that you’ll be in significant danger.”

Silence hung over the party for several minutes while they thought about Iasho’s grim reminder. Charis spoke once she had enough of her doubts. “We’ve taken on dragons and evil druids. We’ve routinely made a habit of playing the antagonist of powers that should crush us. Isn’t that what we are?”

Semeion proudly placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “She’s right, Iasho. Every time we go into Quehalost we are facing up against enemies that are more powerful than we are. Besides, so far this conversation has banked on the fact that a summoning is coming. Before noon today we were convinced that there was no way this could end in a summoning from another world. I think we should pursue that avenue.”

Brandt concurred. “Yeah, let’s move off the summoning angle. The best we can do is ward ourselves from the possibility. If it turns out to be a summoning, I’ll make sure that we know it is coming.”

Rhema shook her head slowly. “Just remember Darkbringer’s words. We are invited to make as many preparations as we can. We were even encouraged to make sure that we took all the steps necessary to feel comfortable and safe.”

Ischarus laughed, and a hint of superiority flowed from his mouth as he spoke. “Yeah, and that means one of two things. It could simply mean that the one we are seeking is an ally to us and our protective plans will be unnecessary. It could also very well mean that the one we are seeking is confident that they are more powerful than anything we could do. If that’s the case, then we’ve bitten off more than we can chew.”

Semeion completed the second half of Ischarus’ thought. “And if that is what is too happen, then the least we can do is be there when it comes. After all, we are the ones who set it into motion in the first place.”

Brandt saw how the party seemed determined to focus on the worst case scenario. He stood up to stretch his legs, but he also realized that his height would subtly demonstrate his seniority. “There are many in my temple who can monitor our lives. If you all are worried about unleashing some greater force into our world, I’ll simply have one of my fellow priests monitor our life signs. If something should happen to one of us, the word will be spread through the ranks quickly.”

Ophee questioned Brandt’s plan. “And what will you say to your superiors regarding the necessity of this plan? They will no doubt want to know why our lives may be at stake.”

Brandt smiled politely. “I am so confident that this is not going to result in a summoning that we cannot handle that I am willing to take that risk. Leave my temple to me. In fact, leave the whole possibility of a summoning to me and my acolytes. You all can work on the remainder of the possibilities.”

Iasho could see that his participation had been disruptive to this conversation. He simply had desired to be cautious, but his concern for the safety of the people he loved had come across as frustration. “Forgive me. I haven’t been very productive tonight. For the sake of moving forward, I think we should agree with Master Brandt. If he is confident that he can handle the summoning possibility through his magic, then I think that we should trust him.”

Semeion smiled in Brandt’s direction. “The wisdom of the temple of Reah has not failed us to this point. So, if Reah will handle the summoning aspect, what else is there to consider?”

Charis chuckled. “Well, I’ll plan for the possibility that the one that we seek is friendly. So, if that’s the case then I suggest we invite them to the villa and feed them well. Then we get the answers that we need. So, I’m done with my part!”

Charis’ interjection was the point of humor that was needed to break the tension of the more serious possibilities. Ischarus spoke through the tail end of his laugh. “Well, we’ve done a good job planning for the extreme possibilities. Now, anyone care to handle something a little more likely to happen?”

Rhema nodded and took her husband’s and her father’s lead to let go of the possibility of a summoning. “Well, the way I see it, we are likely going to face some kind of physical opponent who has magical abilities. If that’s the case, a straight forward assault with weapons is going to be more likely to succeed if things go poorly. Using magic, or even my mind control, isn’t going to be a good strategy if our opponent is a good spell caster.”

Ophee nodded in agreement. “I can plan a few illusions and tricks to deceive the senses. If the one you are seeking is antagonistic to your search I can make it a little harder for them to distinguish which one of us is a legitimate target and which one is an illusion. That could make them use up precious resources.”

Ischarus allowed a smile of pleasure to pass over his face. “Now we’re talking in the right kind of direction. I’ll make sure the edges of my weapons are sharp. Charis, will you join me in frontal assault if it comes to it?”

Charis nodded in agreement. “That goes without saying. And I can even use a bit of my newest powers to bring some real threats among Ophee’s illusionary ones.”

Semeion looked to Brandt, who sat back down. “Good, so we have a plan. Tomorrow we’ll investigate the barn and lay down some more specific plans.”
[/Sblock]

The following days kept Brandt and Semeion busy, specifically on the magical defense front. Semeion and Brandt both spent time researching detailed arcane defenses not knowing exactly what they would be facing. Ischarus, Charis, Rhema, and Ophee traveled south of Fingerdale until they found the barn in question. The barn was precisely where Darkbringer had said that it would be. They found out that it was a simple and abandoned structure on a field of overgrown grasses. It would draw very little attention from anyone.

The remainder of the days we spent making sure the party was going to be prepared. The blades were sharpened, the horse’s gear was tested for durability in case there would be some need to flee rapidly, and a few potions and salves were purchased just in case there would be a need for quick healing or other various remedies. Between the preparations and the work happening around them at the villa, the party found themselves arriving before noon on the proper day quicker than they imagined. Iasho stayed outside with the horses.

The barn was long and narrow, and it had two equal doors on each end. The doors were wide enough to accommodate some type of livestock; presumably the barn had once stored cattle or horses. The barn had a loft that ran the entire length of the structure. The loft looked to have once been a storage area for hay and alfalfa. There were several pens that were visible, but many of the dividing structures had rotted away and it was unlikely that any of the pens could successfully hold a horse or a cow.

Brandt and Semeion turned around in circles once they stepped inside the barn. Brandt immediately began formulating a tactical plan. “We should occupy one end of the barn, preferably the north end. That way we have access to flee. Although it seems to be more stable, if we take the southern end and we have to flee we’ll be riding past the north end and possibly the danger on our return to Fingerdale. The north end will allow us to flee without passing by whatever we are going to face.”

Charis nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a good strategy to me. Just let me know when you are ready for me to try and contact Bemme for an indication of what is to come.”

Brandt smiled politely. “So, you have chosen a deity to venerate since coming from Quehalost? Of the choices, I think that Bemme and her compassion fit you well. Although, I would be remiss in my duties as a servant of Reah if I did not tell you how much Reah will miss your service.”

Charis looked embarrassedly towards Brandt’s feet as he spoke and then she replied. “Don’t get me wrong. I certainly am grateful to your temple and Reah herself for all that she has done for me. And I certainly respect her work through her temples and followers. Yet, if I have learned anything about who I was in Quehalost I know that it is love that kept me strong. Love for my people is what guided me to be the person that I am. Of course Reah’s justice is necessary, but Bemme’s love is what draws life from my soul.”

As Semeion’s hand and arm wrapped around Charis’ waist in a brief and loving embrace, Brandt wished her well. “I have many friends who choose to venerate Bemme. She herself is worthy, as is her consort Ahtoe. I know you will serve them well.”

Ischarus unsheathed his sword and investigated further into the barn. “Charis, didn’t you say that your connection to Bemme only allows you to see vague impressions of the upcoming hour or so?”

Charis turned her eyes to Ischarus and replied. “Yes, I did.”

Ischarus replied, “Then I would suggest that we wait on your impression until we are closer to noon. The closer we get to the noon hour, the more likely you’ll be able to focus on the right impression. Brandt and Semeion can begin laying down their magical protections until we draw closer to the appropriate time.”

Brandt knew his cue when he heard it. He knelt to the ground and slowly lifted a long narrow tube over his shoulders. The tube rested across his back like that of an archer’s quiver, although Brandt’s tube contained no arrows. Brandt touched the end of the tube for precisely two seconds before unscrewing the cap. “My tube knows me, and it only lets me open it.” The priest of Reah began pulling out a series of pieces of parchment with magical writings upon it.

Semeion saw the writing on several of the sheets of paper as Brandt rested them on the ground. The writing was identical on each piece. Brandt slowly walked around to each person within the barn and placed a hand on their forehead. “Al-Doithican Zhendahl Sooth.” When Brandt had completed the cycle of the six people inside the barn, he rested his hand upon the barn and spoke the same words as before.

When he was done with his first task, Brandt’s hands now held seven blank pieces of paper. “That should make us all invisible to someone’s attempt to locate us or magically spy on us.”

Semeion chuckled at Brandt’s magical cunning. “And you’ve even blanked the barn from magical spying? I must say, that’s ingenious.”

Brandt grinned at the praise. “Well, not knowing exactly what is coming, I assumed that someone would be trying to find out if we’ve actually come at the right time. So, I figured that if I was able to blank all memorable objects that could act as foci, they’d have greater difficulty accomplishing their purpose. Of course, that won’t prevent them from actually coming. The only spells that I was able to research to prevent them from coming were far beyond my scope to cast. However, I was able to find a spell that would delay their coming and instruct me regarding the precise nature of anything that would come. That is going to be my next trick.”

Ischarus, Rhema, Charis, and Ophee sat down upon the ground as it appeared that Brandt and Semeion would be stealing the show for a while. They were appreciative of the arcane warding, but they had no desire to stand while the warding would take place. The casting, as well as Brandt’s and Semeion’s enjoyment of performing the warding magic, would simply need to be endured.

Brandt pulled out another scroll and carefully unrolled it before placing it on the ground and kneeling before it. “Thizzle Placilicuhn” He smiled and rolled the paper up and returned it into the tube with the other seven pieces of parchment.

Semeion knew that he was up next. He had spent quite some time researching a spell that would signal an alarm if anything tried to enter the barn area. It was one thing to ward off any sort of teleportation; it was another thing to be aware if a creature simply walked up to the barn and entered it much like they had just done. When he had finished researching the spell he had asked Brandt to review the spell dynamics with him. Brandt assured Semeion that the spell would work as planned. He inscribed the spell onto the piece of parchment from which he now cast the spell.

Semeion drew his rapier out of its scabbard he tied a small piece of twine around the hilt and attached the other end of the twine to a small bell. He spun around in a circle, and as he did the twine began to grow in length magically. The bell rang as Semeion spun around. Eventually the twine grew long enough to strike one of the walls of the barn and as the bell dropped to the ground Semeion called out another magical command. “Thizzle Shintar.” When he had finished, he nodded to both Brandt and Charis. “I will be alerted to any new presences within the barn for several hours. Now, if I recall correctly, it is time to ward each of us against evil.”

Charis and Semeion each received a pair of scrolls from Brandt, who had kept a pair for himself. Brandt looked to Ophee, Ischarus, and Rhema and informed them of the next step. “Rest assured, these magical wards were each prepared by me, so they will all be equally effective. Do not fear that just because I am not the one casting a spell upon you that it is less effective. This spell should help defend each of you from possession, among other things.”

Brandt approached Ophee and again touched her forehead. “Paash Ahrah.” Brandt then touched his own forehead and spoke the same words. Charis cast the same spell over Rhema and herself while Semeion cast the spell over himself and Ischarus. For several seconds the effect of the magic made the entire group appear as though they were protected by a shimmering golden barrier.

Semeion handed the now empty parchments back to Brandt and added one final instruction. “Brandt and I have prepared one last precaution. However, due to the nature of the magic involved we can only cast it upon ourselves. There is the possibility that we could run across an invisible enemy. In fact, it is quite possible that an invisible being could already be here. To prevent that possibility from taking us by surprise, we’re going to make ourselves capable of seeing the unseen.”

Simultaneously, Brandt and Semeion spoke the magical words as if they had rehearsed together for hours. Charis noticed that her husband’s eyes appeared to radiate a faint glow that was nearly imperceptible without focusing on the eyes. Brandt and Semeion turned around in the barn and examined each section closely before indicating that the barn was free from anything invisible.

Brandt turned to Charis and smiled. “As predicted, the magical protections have almost brought us up to noon. I would suggest that you contact Bemme for your glimpse. With our spells already cast, I think that your perception will be more accurate.”

Charis continued to stay seated as she closed her eyes and brought her hands together in front of her. “Most loving Bemme, I ask for a glimpse of your foresight to look into the future. Can you give me any hint as to what might come?” Charis paused for a moment to allow a silent prayer to be offered from her mind before adding a magical command. “Xyzzyx Egro.”

Semeion grinned at Charis’ command and whispered a response to Ophee, who sat beside him. “The nonsensical sound of that command has got to be one of my favorites that my wife can perform.”

Charis smiled briefly as she heard Semeion’s comment. The smile didn’t last long, however. Her mouth opened in shock as her eyes snapped open. Her eyes were both completely out of focus for several seconds before they began to register that they were open. Semeion shook his head slowly and spoke. “Not good, people.”

Brandt knew the expression without needing to be told. “Charis, what did you see?”

Charis shook her head slowly in disbelief. “I saw flames. The barn was consumed in flames.”

Rhema began to speak, but Brandt cut her off. “No, we’ve come too far to simply turn around. Whatever is coming is apparently going to be evil and use fire. Fortunately, I anticipated a magical attack of elemental proportions. I am prepared to protect each of you.”

Brandt walked to the center of the party. “Join hands and circle around me.” When the other five people had complied, Brandt closed his eyes and spoke another magical command. “Terisse Kelath Cadrass.” Brandt opened his eyes and smiled. “There, we are all warded against much of the dangers of fire. You need only fear the greatest of flames.”

Charis shuddered. “I’ve feared fire much of my life. I hope that the two are not connected.”

Brandt nodded. “As do I. The time is almost at hand. I have one last spell that will allow me to detect any evil presence immediately. Once that spell has been cast, I suggest we wait in silence until Semeion calls out the name once more.”

Brandt waited for a response that never came. Charis’ vision was disturbing. Now it was important to trust in Brandt’s ability to protect them. Brandt spoke the words of his final spell. “Thizzle Pahl”

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The following days kept Brandt and Semeion busy, specifically on the magical defense front. Semeion and Brandt both spent time researching detailed arcane defenses not knowing exactly what they would be facing. Ischarus, Charis, Rhema, and Ophee traveled south of Fingerdale until they found the barn in question. The barn was precisely where Darkbringer had said that it would be. They found out that it was a simple and abandoned structure on a field of overgrown grasses. It would draw very little attention from anyone.

The remainder of the days we spent making sure the party was going to be prepared. The blades were sharpened, the horse’s gear was tested for durability in case there would be some need to flee rapidly, and a few potions and salves were purchased just in case there would be a need for quick healing or other various remedies. Between the preparations and the work happening around them at the villa, the party found themselves arriving before noon on the proper day quicker than they imagined. Iasho stayed outside with the horses.

The barn was long and narrow, and it had two equal doors on each end. The doors were wide enough to accommodate some type of livestock; presumably the barn had once stored cattle or horses. The barn had a loft that ran the entire length of the structure. The loft looked to have once been a storage area for hay and alfalfa. There were several pens that were visible, but many of the dividing structures had rotted away and it was unlikely that any of the pens could successfully hold a horse or a cow.

Brandt and Semeion turned around in circles once they stepped inside the barn. Brandt immediately began formulating a tactical plan. “We should occupy one end of the barn, preferably the north end. That way we have access to flee. Although it seems to be more stable, if we take the southern end and we have to flee we’ll be riding past the north end and possibly the danger on our return to Fingerdale. The north end will allow us to flee without passing by whatever we are going to face.”

Charis nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a good strategy to me. Just let me know when you are ready for me to try and contact Bemme for an indication of what is to come.”

Brandt smiled politely. “So, you have chosen a deity to venerate since coming from Quehalost? Of the choices, I think that Bemme and her compassion fit you well. Although, I would be remiss in my duties as a servant of Reah if I did not tell you how much Reah will miss your service.”

Charis looked embarrassedly towards Brandt’s feet as he spoke and then she replied. “Don’t get me wrong. I certainly am grateful to your temple and Reah herself for all that she has done for me. And I certainly respect her work through her temples and followers. Yet, if I have learned anything about who I was in Quehalost I know that it is love that kept me strong. Love for my people is what guided me to be the person that I am. Of course Reah’s justice is necessary, but Bemme’s love is what draws life from my soul.”

As Semeion’s hand and arm wrapped around Charis’ waist in a brief and loving embrace, Brandt wished her well. “I have many friends who choose to venerate Bemme. She herself is worthy, as is her consort Ahtoe. I know you will serve them well.”

Ischarus unsheathed his sword and investigated further into the barn. “Charis, didn’t you say that your connection to Bemme only allows you to see vague impressions of the upcoming hour or so?”

Charis turned her eyes to Ischarus and replied. “Yes, I did.”

Ischarus replied, “Then I would suggest that we wait on your impression until we are closer to noon. The closer we get to the noon hour, the more likely you’ll be able to focus on the right impression. Brandt and Semeion can begin laying down their magical protections until we draw closer to the appropriate time.”

Brandt knew his cue when he heard it. He knelt to the ground and slowly lifted a long narrow tube over his shoulders. The tube rested across his back like that of an archer’s quiver, although Brandt’s tube contained no arrows. Brandt touched the end of the tube for precisely two seconds before unscrewing the cap. “My tube knows me, and it only lets me open it.” The priest of Reah began pulling out a series of pieces of parchment with magical writings upon it.

Semeion saw the writing on several of the sheets of paper as Brandt rested them on the ground. The writing was identical on each piece. Brandt slowly walked around to each person within the barn and placed a hand on their forehead. “Al-Doithican Zhendahl Sooth.” When Brandt had completed the cycle of the six people inside the barn, he rested his hand upon the barn and spoke the same words as before.

When he was done with his first task, Brandt’s hands now held seven blank pieces of paper. “That should make us all invisible to someone’s attempt to locate us or magically spy on us.”

Semeion chuckled at Brandt’s magical cunning. “And you’ve even blanked the barn from magical spying? I must say, that’s ingenious.”

Brandt grinned at the praise. “Well, not knowing exactly what is coming, I assumed that someone would be trying to find out if we’ve actually come at the right time. So, I figured that if I was able to blank all memorable objects that could act as foci, they’d have greater difficulty accomplishing their purpose. Of course, that won’t prevent them from actually coming. The only spells that I was able to research to prevent them from coming were far beyond my scope to cast. However, I was able to find a spell that would delay their coming and instruct me regarding the precise nature of anything that would come. That is going to be my next trick.”

Ischarus, Rhema, Charis, and Ophee sat down upon the ground as it appeared that Brandt and Semeion would be stealing the show for a while. They were appreciative of the arcane warding, but they had no desire to stand while the warding would take place. The casting, as well as Brandt’s and Semeion’s enjoyment of performing the warding magic, would simply need to be endured.

Brandt pulled out another scroll and carefully unrolled it before placing it on the ground and kneeling before it. “Thizzle Placilicuhn” He smiled and rolled the paper up and returned it into the tube with the other seven pieces of parchment.

Semeion knew that he was up next. He had spent quite some time researching a spell that would signal an alarm if anything tried to enter the barn area. It was one thing to ward off any sort of teleportation; it was another thing to be aware if a creature simply walked up to the barn and entered it much like they had just done. When he had finished researching the spell he had asked Brandt to review the spell dynamics with him. Brandt assured Semeion that the spell would work as planned. He inscribed the spell onto the piece of parchment from which he now cast the spell.

Semeion drew his rapier out of its scabbard he tied a small piece of twine around the hilt and attached the other end of the twine to a small bell. He spun around in a circle, and as he did the twine began to grow in length magically. The bell rang as Semeion spun around. Eventually the twine grew long enough to strike one of the walls of the barn and as the bell dropped to the ground Semeion called out another magical command. “Thizzle Shintar.” When he had finished, he nodded to both Brandt and Charis. “I will be alerted to any new presences within the barn for several hours. Now, if I recall correctly, it is time to ward each of us against evil.”

Charis and Semeion each received a pair of scrolls from Brandt, who had kept a pair for himself. Brandt looked to Ophee, Ischarus, and Rhema and informed them of the next step. “Rest assured, these magical wards were each prepared by me, so they will all be equally effective. Do not fear that just because I am not the one casting a spell upon you that it is less effective. This spell should help defend each of you from possession, among other things.”

Brandt approached Ophee and again touched her forehead. “Paash Ahrah.” Brandt then touched his own forehead and spoke the same words. Charis cast the same spell over Rhema and herself while Semeion cast the spell over himself and Ischarus. For several seconds the effect of the magic made the entire group appear as though they were protected by a shimmering golden barrier.

Semeion handed the now empty parchments back to Brandt and added one final instruction. “Brandt and I have prepared one last precaution. However, due to the nature of the magic involved we can only cast it upon ourselves. There is the possibility that we could run across an invisible enemy. In fact, it is quite possible that an invisible being could already be here. To prevent that possibility from taking us by surprise, we’re going to make ourselves capable of seeing the unseen.”

Simultaneously, Brandt and Semeion spoke the magical words as if they had rehearsed together for hours. Charis noticed that her husband’s eyes appeared to radiate a faint glow that was nearly imperceptible without focusing on the eyes. Brandt and Semeion turned around in the barn and examined each section closely before indicating that the barn was free from anything invisible.

Brandt turned to Charis and smiled. “As predicted, the magical protections have almost brought us up to noon. I would suggest that you contact Bemme for your glimpse. With our spells already cast, I think that your perception will be more accurate.”

Charis continued to stay seated as she closed her eyes and brought her hands together in front of her. “Most loving Bemme, I ask for a glimpse of your foresight to look into the future. Can you give me any hint as to what might come?” Charis paused for a moment to allow a silent prayer to be offered from her mind before adding a magical command. “Xyzzyx Egro.”

Semeion grinned at Charis’ command and whispered a response to Ophee, who sat beside him. “The nonsensical sound of that command has got to be one of my favorites that my wife can perform.”

Charis smiled briefly as she heard Semeion’s comment. The smile didn’t last long, however. Her mouth opened in shock as her eyes snapped open. Her eyes were both completely out of focus for several seconds before they began to register that they were open. Semeion shook his head slowly and spoke. “Not good, people.”

Brandt knew the expression without needing to be told. “Charis, what did you see?”

Charis shook her head slowly in disbelief. “I saw flames. The barn was consumed in flames.”

Rhema began to speak, but Brandt cut her off. “No, we’ve come too far to simply turn around. Whatever is coming is apparently going to be evil and use fire. Fortunately, I anticipated a magical attack of elemental proportions. I am prepared to protect each of you.”

Brandt walked to the center of the party. “Join hands and circle around me.” When the other five people had complied, Brandt closed his eyes and spoke another magical command. “Terisse Kelath Cadrass.” Brandt opened his eyes and smiled. “There, we are all warded against much of the dangers of fire. You need only fear the greatest of flames.”

Charis shuddered. “I’ve feared fire much of my life. I hope that the two are not connected.”

Brandt nodded. “As do I. The time is almost at hand. I have one last spell that will allow me to detect any evil presence immediately. Once that spell has been cast, I suggest we wait in silence until Semeion calls out the name once more.”

Brandt waited for a response that never came. Charis’ vision was disturbing. Now it was important to trust in Brandt’s ability to protect them. Brandt spoke the words of his final spell. “Thizzle Pahl”
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Brandt nodded to the others as his spell was finished. “The time has come, Semeion. Wait for the rest of us to be prepared and then speak the name when I indicate. Noon is upon us.”

Brandt turned and glanced to Charis. She knew what his look meant. She stepped to Semeion’s left and took up a flanking position ten feet away. “Don’t worry, Semeion. I’ve got my spells ready. If something comes that we can’t handle, I have a few friends of Bemme that can buy us a bit of time. When in doubt, make for the door.”

Once Charis was in position and ready, Brandt turned to Ophee. She moved to a position that was the same distance away from Semeion as Charis but behind him and to his right. “My spells are ready as well. As soon as you move away, I can create a perfect illusion of you. Hopefully that will be enough to distract whoever comes so that we can assess the situation properly.”

Brandt nodded to Rhema. She knew that her powers of mind control would be unlikely to work against a dangerous threat. However, she could still assault the creature’s mind like she had done so many times traversing the tunnels into Quehalost. Rhema swallowed hard, still not completely confident that Brandt had been able to ward the party from Charis’ omen. “I am ready.” She stood fifteen feet behind Semeion, just inside the large door in the north end of the barn.

Ischarus was next. He hadn’t waited for Brandt to motion him into position. He was confident that they would overcome whatever threat Charis had seen in her brief vision. His sword was already drawn, and he strapped his shield into place. There wasn’t any need to say anything. He was the image of readiness. He stood to Semeion’s right, directly opposite Charis.

Brandt waited until everyone else was prepared before stepping into a position mirroring Ophee. He was also fifteen feet from Semeion; but unlike Ophee, Brandt was behind him and to his left. He stood between Charis and Rhema, and he concentrated for just a moment to make sure that his magical spells were each still in place.

Semeion swallowed hard and turned his head to look in Brandt’s direction. He saw the priest of Reah standing with his eyes closed, concentration on the magic he had laid down in preparation. He didn’t realize that Brandt was counting the seconds.

At precisely noon, Brandt opened his eyes and stared directly into Semeion’s eyes. “Now, Semeion. Speak the name now!”

Semeion’s heart stopped as if time stood still. At this very moment he could hear the anticipatory inhalations of the companions around him. He could hear the leather of Ischarus’ glove rubbing against the hilt of his sword just above the pommel. He swore for an instant he could even hear Charis’ heart beat in her chest. “Whetting One.” His voice was strong and confident.

Time stood still for several seconds as all the eyes of the party darted around the inside of the barn toward the far end. Semeion and Brandt focused hard on their magic and tried to pick up any indication of a presence coming to them. Nobody noticed Ophee lift her hand and point it towards Semeion.

Ophee spoke with an emotionless, flat tone in her voice. “Thin Zhendahl nuan Kelath”

Semeion erupted in fire before he could react. The fire quickly moved to engulf the entire party, including Ophee. The flames easily engulfed the foursome and Brandt but it could not approach Ophee’s position. The flames desperately tried to consume her, but a magical sphere around her prevented the flames from approaching.

Semeion turned and looked towards Ophee as his body fell to the ground. He noticed that her eyes had a look identical to that of Darkbringer when the Phoenix command had been given to her. As his body crashed to the ground, he remembered Darkbringer’s strange flat tone after being given the Phoenix command. His eyes closed against the oppressive heat as his mind finally put together what had happened. The intense flames licked at his skin, immediately blackening the flesh.

Neither Ischarus nor Charis were able to prepare themselves against the blow of Ophee’s spell. They had been so anticipating the coming of the Whetting One that they had never suspected that the Whetting One was already within their ranks. Their backs had been to Ophee as she cast the spell stored in the ring. The concussive blast from the flaming ball of hatred knocked them off of their feet. Charis crashed into the left wall of the barn and flames from her cloak smoldered before catching the dry wood of the side of the barn on fire.

Ischarus was also blown away from Semeion. Flames magically honed in on his position and arced away from Semeion in a thirsty lust filled race to consume his flesh. His clothing burned with intense rage and the iron of his sword glowed with a dull red. His skin along the palm of his hand that held the hilt of his sword burned so quickly that it fused into the melted leather of the glove and the cushioned hilt. The force of the blast had knocked Ischarus unconscious and in an act of grace felt none of the scorching effects of the flame.

Rhema was also knocked away from Semeion by the blast. Her soft brown hair singed and melted against the oppressive heat. The power that she held in her mind vanished in the face of the intense burning pain. As her burning body flew backwards through the air, small embers fell from her cloak and started the surrounding grass on fire. Only a matter of seconds passed by until the dry and neglected field around the barn was in danger of ignition.

Brandt himself was unprepared for the seemingly friendly fire assault. Although he was highly skill in magic, his mind was too distracted with his other spells to focus on weaving his body around the flames. He was blown into the northeast corner of the barn, and like the others his clothes smoldered and caught flame under the intense heat. His hair also began to singe and melt as he lay upon the floor in the corner of the barn. Mentally he cursed himself for failing to raise a person barrier like the one that protected Ophee. It was in his power to have done so; it was an oversight.

Ophee stood in her bubble of protection until the flames decreased to a manageable level. Her face remained vacant in expression as she looked around the barn. A slight smile of pleasure crossed her face as she realized that Rhema had been ejected from the barn completely. She brought her hands together and joined her fingers, flexing them away from her body. Several of her knuckles popped as if celebrating the easy victory. “Fools. They didn’t even see it coming.”

Ophee chuckled unenthusiastically as her eyes caught Charis through the flames. It would only be a minute or two before the walls of the barn had burned enough to weaken them. The roof would begin to collapse, ensuring that they would all die. The smile vanished from her face as she focused on Charis. “Actually, they did see it coming. They saw it coming in perfect clarity and could do nothing to stop the power of my master. The pathetic fire protection was nothing to my master’s spell.”

As Brandt’s mind wracked with pain, he found himself focusing on a series of magical words. His lips were dry and cracked, and moving them brought searing blood to the surface and through the thin dry skin. He whispered, more out of minimizing the pain than alerting Ophee to his presence. “Ragnoll Diast Nuan” He could see the protective barrier magically form around him.

Ophee didn’t turn in his direction. She hadn’t noticed that he was still alive. He lifted himself slowly up onto an elbow. He managed to bring his knees under him and rise to a kneeling position. He thought about challenging Ophee but decided against it. She had given them no warning of impending danger and he would repay the sentiment. “Thin Diast poisse Fashiir.”

Coldness shot forth from his hand and quenched the fire burning between Brandt and Ophee. Unlike the flames, Brandt’s attack of frozen air held no respect for the magical barrier that had kept out the flames. Ophee was hit by the attack from behind and was pushed into the wall of the barn. Her skin instantly turned blue as her lungs burned against breathing in the arctic air. With little grace she dropped to the floor of the barn.

Icicles had formed above her body, and the heat of the fire began to melt the icicles as soon as the effect of Brandt’s spell ceased. Brandt slowly stood to his feet and tried to lick his lips. He had no saliva left, but the moisture from his own blood soothed his burned skin enough that he could speak. “When you knock a wizard to the ground, Ophee, make sure they never get back up. When you knock a priest of Reah to the ground, be doubly sure. Justice will find you, and often following the quickest path!

Brandt couldn’t bring himself to feel smug, however. Too much had been lost. Nobody was left moving in the barn except him. Ophee had been frozen and her skin showed signs of deep frostbite. Ischarus, Charis, and Semeion had been burned almost beyond recognition. There was no sign of Rhema among the now burning grasses. Only the shouts and cries of Iasho told him that anyone had survived beside himself.

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Brandt nodded to the others as his spell was finished. “The time has come, Semeion. Wait for the rest of us to be prepared and then speak the name when I indicate. Noon is upon us.”

Brandt turned and glanced to Charis. She knew what his look meant. She stepped to Semeion’s left and took up a flanking position ten feet away. “Don’t worry, Semeion. I’ve got my spells ready. If something comes that we can’t handle, I have a few friends of Bemme that can buy us a bit of time. When in doubt, make for the door.”

Once Charis was in position and ready, Brandt turned to Ophee. She moved to a position that was the same distance away from Semeion as Charis but behind him and to his right. “My spells are ready as well. As soon as you move away, I can create a perfect illusion of you. Hopefully that will be enough to distract whoever comes so that we can assess the situation properly.”

Brandt nodded to Rhema. She knew that her powers of mind control would be unlikely to work against a dangerous threat. However, she could still assault the creature’s mind like she had done so many times traversing the tunnels into Quehalost. Rhema swallowed hard, still not completely confident that Brandt had been able to ward the party from Charis’ omen. “I am ready.” She stood fifteen feet behind Semeion, just inside the large door in the north end of the barn.

Ischarus was next. He hadn’t waited for Brandt to motion him into position. He was confident that they would overcome whatever threat Charis had seen in her brief vision. His sword was already drawn, and he strapped his shield into place. There wasn’t any need to say anything. He was the image of readiness. He stood to Semeion’s right, directly opposite Charis.

Brandt waited until everyone else was prepared before stepping into a position mirroring Ophee. He was also fifteen feet from Semeion; but unlike Ophee, Brandt was behind him and to his left. He stood between Charis and Rhema, and he concentrated for just a moment to make sure that his magical spells were each still in place.

Semeion swallowed hard and turned his head to look in Brandt’s direction. He saw the priest of Reah standing with his eyes closed, concentration on the magic he had laid down in preparation. He didn’t realize that Brandt was counting the seconds.

At precisely noon, Brandt opened his eyes and stared directly into Semeion’s eyes. “Now, Semeion. Speak the name now!”

Semeion’s heart stopped as if time stood still. At this very moment he could hear the anticipatory inhalations of the companions around him. He could hear the leather of Ischarus’ glove rubbing against the hilt of his sword just above the pommel. He swore for an instant he could even hear Charis’ heart beat in her chest. “Whetting One.” His voice was strong and confident.

Time stood still for several seconds as all the eyes of the party darted around the inside of the barn toward the far end. Semeion and Brandt focused hard on their magic and tried to pick up any indication of a presence coming to them. Nobody noticed Ophee lift her hand and point it towards Semeion.

Ophee spoke with an emotionless, flat tone in her voice. “Thin Zhendahl nuan Kelath”

Semeion erupted in fire before he could react. The fire quickly moved to engulf the entire party, including Ophee. The flames easily engulfed the foursome and Brandt but it could not approach Ophee’s position. The flames desperately tried to consume her, but a magical sphere around her prevented the flames from approaching.

Semeion turned and looked towards Ophee as his body fell to the ground. He noticed that her eyes had a look identical to that of Darkbringer when the Phoenix command had been given to her. As his body crashed to the ground, he remembered Darkbringer’s strange flat tone after being given the Phoenix command. His eyes closed against the oppressive heat as his mind finally put together what had happened. The intense flames licked at his skin, immediately blackening the flesh.

Neither Ischarus nor Charis were able to prepare themselves against the blow of Ophee’s spell. They had been so anticipating the coming of the Whetting One that they had never suspected that the Whetting One was already within their ranks. Their backs had been to Ophee as she cast the spell stored in the ring. The concussive blast from the flaming ball of hatred knocked them off of their feet. Charis crashed into the left wall of the barn and flames from her cloak smoldered before catching the dry wood of the side of the barn on fire.

Ischarus was also blown away from Semeion. Flames magically honed in on his position and arced away from Semeion in a thirsty lust filled race to consume his flesh. His clothing burned with intense rage and the iron of his sword glowed with a dull red. His skin along the palm of his hand that held the hilt of his sword burned so quickly that it fused into the melted leather of the glove and the cushioned hilt. The force of the blast had knocked Ischarus unconscious and in an act of grace felt none of the scorching effects of the flame.

Rhema was also knocked away from Semeion by the blast. Her soft brown hair singed and melted against the oppressive heat. The power that she held in her mind vanished in the face of the intense burning pain. As her burning body flew backwards through the air, small embers fell from her cloak and started the surrounding grass on fire. Only a matter of seconds passed by until the dry and neglected field around the barn was in danger of ignition.

Brandt himself was unprepared for the seemingly friendly fire assault. Although he was highly skill in magic, his mind was too distracted with his other spells to focus on weaving his body around the flames. He was blown into the northeast corner of the barn, and like the others his clothes smoldered and caught flame under the intense heat. His hair also began to singe and melt as he lay upon the floor in the corner of the barn. Mentally he cursed himself for failing to raise a person barrier like the one that protected Ophee. It was in his power to have done so; it was an oversight.

Ophee stood in her bubble of protection until the flames decreased to a manageable level. Her face remained vacant in expression as she looked around the barn. A slight smile of pleasure crossed her face as she realized that Rhema had been ejected from the barn completely. She brought her hands together and joined her fingers, flexing them away from her body. Several of her knuckles popped as if celebrating the easy victory. “Fools. They didn’t even see it coming.”

Ophee chuckled unenthusiastically as her eyes caught Charis through the flames. It would only be a minute or two before the walls of the barn had burned enough to weaken them. The roof would begin to collapse, ensuring that they would all die. The smile vanished from her face as she focused on Charis. “Actually, they did see it coming. They saw it coming in perfect clarity and could do nothing to stop the power of my master. The pathetic fire protection was nothing to my master’s spell.”

As Brandt’s mind wracked with pain, he found himself focusing on a series of magical words. His lips were dry and cracked, and moving them brought searing blood to the surface and through the thin dry skin. He whispered, more out of minimizing the pain than alerting Ophee to his presence. “Ragnoll Diast Nuan” He could see the protective barrier magically form around him.

Ophee didn’t turn in his direction. She hadn’t noticed that he was still alive. He lifted himself slowly up onto an elbow. He managed to bring his knees under him and rise to a kneeling position. He thought about challenging Ophee but decided against it. She had given them no warning of impending danger and he would repay the sentiment. “Thin Diast poisse Fashiir.”

Coldness shot forth from his hand and quenched the fire burning between Brandt and Ophee. Unlike the flames, Brandt’s attack of frozen air held no respect for the magical barrier that had kept out the flames. Ophee was hit by the attack from behind and was pushed into the wall of the barn. Her skin instantly turned blue as her lungs burned against breathing in the arctic air. With little grace she dropped to the floor of the barn.

Icicles had formed above her body, and the heat of the fire began to melt the icicles as soon as the effect of Brandt’s spell ceased. Brandt slowly stood to his feet and tried to lick his lips. He had no saliva left, but the moisture from his own blood soothed his burned skin enough that he could speak. “When you knock a wizard to the ground, Ophee, make sure they never get back up. When you knock a priest of Reah to the ground, be doubly sure. Justice will find you, and often following the quickest path!

Brandt couldn’t bring himself to feel smug, however. Too much had been lost. Nobody was left moving in the barn except him. Ophee had been frozen and her skin showed signs of deep frostbite. Ischarus, Charis, and Semeion had been burned almost beyond recognition. There was no sign of Rhema among the now burning grasses. Only the shouts and cries of Iasho told him that anyone had survived beside himself.
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Chapter Eight: ARUM DRACUNCULUS

Rhema’s eyes opened with a start. The brightness of space around her made her squint until only the smallest amount of light was being allowed in. Her vision was incredibly narrow, but after a few second she saw fuzzy movement above her. She allowed her eyelids to part slightly and she was able to make out the face of a woman with blonde hair. The woman was dressed in white robes and had the hood of her cloak lifted above her head.

Gradually, Rhema became aware of her surroundings as well as the fact that she was lying upon her back. “Am I dead?”

The woman standing above her smiled compassionately. “Yes. But don’t worry about it.”

Rhema could her snickering from across the room. The snickering sounded familiar, but her mind wasn’t making connections as quickly as she was accustomed. “What’s so funny?”

The voice that she thought she had recognized spoke to her in a quick reply while the white-robed woman applied an annoying pressure to the side of Rhema’s neck. “What a stupid question to ask. ‘Am I dead?’ Don’t you think if you were really dead that you’d know you were dead?”

Rhema’s head throbbed. At first she thought it was from the pressure being applied to her neck, but eventually her mind realized that the pain was from trying to think too hard about the logic from the familiar voice. “I’m not dead?” Rhema’s words were slow in coming and slurred together.

The woman standing above her smiled broadly and the familiar voice laughed even harder. This time, the familiar laugh was joined by another familiar chuckle. This new chuckle was feminine in pitch. Eventually the familiar voice spoke to her again. “Rhema, this is Ischarus talking to you. Remember me, your husband?”

Rhema’s head throbbed some more as she recalled her husband’s face to her mind. “Ischarus? Then you’re alive, too? But, if I’m alive, why would this woman lie to me?”

The woman brought a single finger up to her lips as if to indicate that she needed to be quiet. Ischarus answered Rhema’s questioning. “How else are bedridden people supposed to have fun if they aren’t allowed to poke fun at the person waking up from a deep slumber?”

The other familiar voice spoke next, forcing Rhema to obey the blonde woman’s suggestion about staying quiet. “Rhema, do you remember me? I am Charis, and I stood up for you at your wedding as you stood up for me.”

Rhema smiled, but Charis didn’t let her speak. “We were almost killed, Rhema. But if it makes you feel any better, each of us asked if we were dead upon waking up. It seems to be such a natural question and all. No doubt the brightness of the room blinded you from having your eyes shut for so long. The intensity of the brightness does bring to mind the question of the afterlife.”

Rhema closed her eyes as if to agree with Charis’ conclusion. Ischarus took over telling this part of the story. “It seems like Ophee got the best of us. I don’t remember any of the details, but the acolytes that have been taking care of us tell me that they found us burned pretty badly. In fact, they even found Master Brandt burned pretty badly. Apparently Ophee got off a spell and none of us saw it coming. It was a whopper of a spell, and the acolytes tell me that it was far beyond her ability to cast. It is likely that she was sent in with the spell in hand.”

Rhema’s eyelids clinched even more tightly. She drove the pain out of her mind by a sheer force of willpower. “The wizard in Eberdeen?” After speaking, Rhema was immediately shushed by the blonde woman. With her eyes closed Rhema couldn’t see the acolyte, but the woman continued to stand over her and perform a visual examination.

Charis responded to Rhema’s inquiry. “As far as we can figure and as far as the acolytes tell us, you’re right. This all seems to have something to do with the wizard in Eberdeen.”

Ischarus continued to tell the story. “So, it seems like we were set-up and double-crossed. It cannot be any sort of coincidence that when we were looking for Bloodseeker we found Ophee. Then, when we were looking for the Whetting One we found Ophee again. I think we’ve been set-up the whole time by our friend the wizard.”

Charis could tell that Rhema was struggling with not speaking, so she tried to assume the answers to the questions that Charis was trying hard to not ask. “We don’t know why, if that’s what you are askingin your mind. It doesn’t make any sense. Why would the wizard draw us to himself and then try to destroy us after we were free from his presence? If he wanted us dead, why wait until after we had left and returned home? And what does this all have to do with the villa? It just doesn’t make any sense at all.”

Rhema shook her head slowly. Pain shot through her neck, but it was not the pain of injury. Her muscles were stiff from having rested in the same position without movement for so long. “Semeion?”

Ischarus chuckled. “See, Charis? I told you there would be nothing wrong with her mind.”

Charis smiled, but Rhema could not see the expression with her eyes closed. Instead, Rhema could hear the pain in Chrris’ voice in spite of the smile. “He’s yet to wake, Rhema. The acolytes were the most worried about you two. Ischarus and I were badly injured but still alive when they found us. They refuse to comment on the condition that they found the two of you in.”

Ischarus wasn’t about to let Rhema speak before trying to answer her questions. “We just needed some healing, Rhema. We were unconscious and near death. They healed us, and our bodies slept for just over a day. The acolytes say that we slept for so long because our bodies needed to relieve themselves from the stress and shock of the fire and of the healing. Each of our bodies was badly burned. They say that they found my hand fused to the hilt of my sword – and I was one of the least burned.”

Charis continued the story. “The burns of our flesh were easily enough handled by the magic of this temple, though. Our skin could be repaired. It was the emotional and psychological shock to our system that was traumatic. Our minds shut themselves off to keep out the pain and assume the state of death. But rather than die, Ischarus and I were restored. Our minds had to cope with the suddenness of the healing as well. The shock to the body takes time to wear off.”

Rhema spoke quickly, not knowing if the acolyte was going to shush her once more. “How long?”

Ischarus motioned to Charis that he would field this question. “How long have you been unconscious? You’ve been resting motionless for the better part of a week. Charis and I were unconscious for a little of it. But you’ve been motionless in that bed for four whole days since Charis and I came to. With any luck,” Ischarus reached a hand out from the side of his bed and embraced Charis’ hand, “Semeion will wake up shortly. Your waking up with your memory intact for the most part is a good sign.”

Charis squeezed Ischarus’ hand in appreciation of the support. “He’ll make it. The healing magic of this place is strong. I’m just surprised we haven’t seen Brandt.”

The acolyte had moved away from Charis for some time, but now she chose to enter into the conversation. “Master Brandt was wounded much like you two. He had to expend a considerable amount of himself to deal with the effects of the flames. Fortunately we were monitoring your situation from the temple in safety. When we became aware of your sudden and dramatic injuries, we came quickly. By the time we got there, Master Brandt was unconscious. Since then, he has been recovering in a separate room. Unlike you all, he does not listen to our orders. He has not listened to our claims for bed rest. The body can be healed easily enough through our magic, but the muscles and nerves need time to adjust and heal.”

Charis looked over to her husband as he lay silently and motionless on the bed. “Aren’t all wizards stubborn to the core? I thought that was the very definition of what it meant to cast arcane powers.”

The acolyte smiled. “Don’t let my master know that I agree with you.”

Ischarus laughed once more. “Yes, and one day you’ll be just another stubborn wizard in Reah’s service. You know it, so don’t deny it. When you wield that kind of power, you won’t be able to help calling the shots.”

The acolyte smiled and chose not to reply to Ischarus’ assertion. Instead, she moved across the room and began to do a visual inspection of Semeion. She also decided that it was time to change the subject. “I believe that the two of you should be able to be removed from bed rest in another day. Now that Rhema is awake and seemingly healthy, she’ll have about five days bed rest to make up before she’ll be cleared. The same will be true for this one.” The acolyte looked over towards Charis and smiled before finishing her though. “When his mind has finally decided to wake up and put the strain of his healing behind him.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Rhema’s eyes opened with a start. The brightness of space around her made her squint until only the smallest amount of light was being allowed in. Her vision was incredibly narrow, but after a few second she saw fuzzy movement above her. She allowed her eyelids to part slightly and she was able to make out the face of a woman with blonde hair. The woman was dressed in white robes and had the hood of her cloak lifted above her head.

Gradually, Rhema became aware of her surroundings as well as the fact that she was lying upon her back. “Am I dead?”

The woman standing above her smiled compassionately. “Yes. But don’t worry about it.”

Rhema could her snickering from across the room. The snickering sounded familiar, but her mind wasn’t making connections as quickly as she was accustomed. “What’s so funny?”

The voice that she thought she had recognized spoke to her in a quick reply while the white-robed woman applied an annoying pressure to the side of Rhema’s neck. “What a stupid question to ask. ‘Am I dead?’ Don’t you think if you were really dead that you’d know you were dead?”

Rhema’s head throbbed. At first she thought it was from the pressure being applied to her neck, but eventually her mind realized that the pain was from trying to think too hard about the logic from the familiar voice. “I’m not dead?” Rhema’s words were slow in coming and slurred together.

The woman standing above her smiled broadly and the familiar voice laughed even harder. This time, the familiar laugh was joined by another familiar chuckle. This new chuckle was feminine in pitch. Eventually the familiar voice spoke to her again. “Rhema, this is Ischarus talking to you. Remember me, your husband?”

Rhema’s head throbbed some more as she recalled her husband’s face to her mind. “Ischarus? Then you’re alive, too? But, if I’m alive, why would this woman lie to me?”

The woman brought a single finger up to her lips as if to indicate that she needed to be quiet. Ischarus answered Rhema’s questioning. “How else are bedridden people supposed to have fun if they aren’t allowed to poke fun at the person waking up from a deep slumber?”

The other familiar voice spoke next, forcing Rhema to obey the blonde woman’s suggestion about staying quiet. “Rhema, do you remember me? I am Charis, and I stood up for you at your wedding as you stood up for me.”

Rhema smiled, but Charis didn’t let her speak. “We were almost killed, Rhema. But if it makes you feel any better, each of us asked if we were dead upon waking up. It seems to be such a natural question and all. No doubt the brightness of the room blinded you from having your eyes shut for so long. The intensity of the brightness does bring to mind the question of the afterlife.”

Rhema closed her eyes as if to agree with Charis’ conclusion. Ischarus took over telling this part of the story. “It seems like Ophee got the best of us. I don’t remember any of the details, but the acolytes that have been taking care of us tell me that they found us burned pretty badly. In fact, they even found Master Brandt burned pretty badly. Apparently Ophee got off a spell and none of us saw it coming. It was a whopper of a spell, and the acolytes tell me that it was far beyond her ability to cast. It is likely that she was sent in with the spell in hand.”

Rhema’s eyelids clinched even more tightly. She drove the pain out of her mind by a sheer force of willpower. “The wizard in Eberdeen?” After speaking, Rhema was immediately shushed by the blonde woman. With her eyes closed Rhema couldn’t see the acolyte, but the woman continued to stand over her and perform a visual examination.

Charis responded to Rhema’s inquiry. “As far as we can figure and as far as the acolytes tell us, you’re right. This all seems to have something to do with the wizard in Eberdeen.”

Ischarus continued to tell the story. “So, it seems like we were set-up and double-crossed. It cannot be any sort of coincidence that when we were looking for Bloodseeker we found Ophee. Then, when we were looking for the Whetting One we found Ophee again. I think we’ve been set-up the whole time by our friend the wizard.”

Charis could tell that Rhema was struggling with not speaking, so she tried to assume the answers to the questions that Charis was trying hard to not ask. “We don’t know why, if that’s what you are askingin your mind. It doesn’t make any sense. Why would the wizard draw us to himself and then try to destroy us after we were free from his presence? If he wanted us dead, why wait until after we had left and returned home? And what does this all have to do with the villa? It just doesn’t make any sense at all.”

Rhema shook her head slowly. Pain shot through her neck, but it was not the pain of injury. Her muscles were stiff from having rested in the same position without movement for so long. “Semeion?”

Ischarus chuckled. “See, Charis? I told you there would be nothing wrong with her mind.”

Charis smiled, but Rhema could not see the expression with her eyes closed. Instead, Rhema could hear the pain in Chrris’ voice in spite of the smile. “He’s yet to wake, Rhema. The acolytes were the most worried about you two. Ischarus and I were badly injured but still alive when they found us. They refuse to comment on the condition that they found the two of you in.”

Ischarus wasn’t about to let Rhema speak before trying to answer her questions. “We just needed some healing, Rhema. We were unconscious and near death. They healed us, and our bodies slept for just over a day. The acolytes say that we slept for so long because our bodies needed to relieve themselves from the stress and shock of the fire and of the healing. Each of our bodies was badly burned. They say that they found my hand fused to the hilt of my sword – and I was one of the least burned.”

Charis continued the story. “The burns of our flesh were easily enough handled by the magic of this temple, though. Our skin could be repaired. It was the emotional and psychological shock to our system that was traumatic. Our minds shut themselves off to keep out the pain and assume the state of death. But rather than die, Ischarus and I were restored. Our minds had to cope with the suddenness of the healing as well. The shock to the body takes time to wear off.”

Rhema spoke quickly, not knowing if the acolyte was going to shush her once more. “How long?”

Ischarus motioned to Charis that he would field this question. “How long have you been unconscious? You’ve been resting motionless for the better part of a week. Charis and I were unconscious for a little of it. But you’ve been motionless in that bed for four whole days since Charis and I came to. With any luck,” Ischarus reached a hand out from the side of his bed and embraced Charis’ hand, “Semeion will wake up shortly. Your waking up with your memory intact for the most part is a good sign.”

Charis squeezed Ischarus’ hand in appreciation of the support. “He’ll make it. The healing magic of this place is strong. I’m just surprised we haven’t seen Brandt.”

The acolyte had moved away from Charis for some time, but now she chose to enter into the conversation. “Master Brandt was wounded much like you two. He had to expend a considerable amount of himself to deal with the effects of the flames. Fortunately we were monitoring your situation from the temple in safety. When we became aware of your sudden and dramatic injuries, we came quickly. By the time we got there, Master Brandt was unconscious. Since then, he has been recovering in a separate room. Unlike you all, he does not listen to our orders. He has not listened to our claims for bed rest. The body can be healed easily enough through our magic, but the muscles and nerves need time to adjust and heal.”

Charis looked over to her husband as he lay silently and motionless on the bed. “Aren’t all wizards stubborn to the core? I thought that was the very definition of what it meant to cast arcane powers.”

The acolyte smiled. “Don’t let my master know that I agree with you.”

Ischarus laughed once more. “Yes, and one day you’ll be just another stubborn wizard in Reah’s service. You know it, so don’t deny it. When you wield that kind of power, you won’t be able to help calling the shots.”

The acolyte smiled and chose not to reply to Ischarus’ assertion. Instead, she moved across the room and began to do a visual inspection of Semeion. She also decided that it was time to change the subject. “I believe that the two of you should be able to be removed from bed rest in another day. Now that Rhema is awake and seemingly healthy, she’ll have about five days bed rest to make up before she’ll be cleared. The same will be true for this one.” The acolyte looked over towards Charis and smiled before finishing her though. “When his mind has finally decided to wake up and put the strain of his healing behind him.”
[/Sblock]

It was another day before Semeion woke up from his magical rest. Once Semeion regained consciousness and it was determined that there wasn’t anything lasting that was wrong with him, the acolytes underneath Brandt’s authority explained that the sleep which the party had been put under was a magical one. Ischarus’ and Charis wounds were not as life threatening as Rhema’s and Semeion’s wounds and thus they didn’t have a great need to be kept asleep for as long a period of time. Rhema’s and Semeion’s wounds were described as being life threatening, and thus they were kept in a magical slumber for a longer period of time. The magical sleep allowed their bodies to remain still and not risk further injury from the typical movements of normal sleep. Furthermore, the first few days after magical healing were usually the most painful, and by keeping the injured asleep for the days of the most pain they were actually spared some agony.

Charis and Ischarus remained in the recovery room during the remaining days of Semeion’s and Rhema’s bed rest. There was little else that could be done anyway. In no uncertain terms could a portion of the foursome dream of challenging whatever the true force was that had given Ophee her power. In fact, they weren’t even sure that the foursome could challenge Ophee even if they were all together. She hadn’t seemed quite so powerful on the way to Eberdeen, and she certainly didn’t appear to have that kind of power when they were traveling through Quehalost. Something had happened to her since they returned.

Brandt returned to the party on Semeion’s last day of bed rest. The master of the acolytes came into the room still using a wooden staff as a sort of cane. His injuries had been healed and his skin no longer appeared to have once been badly singed and cracked. However, his age slowed his body’s ability to recover from the stress of the injuries and the stress of the rapid magical healing. Even Semeion, the last of the party to wake from the magical slumber, was now further along in his recovery than Brandt. Of course, the fact that Brandt refused to accept the orders of bed rest may have delayed his recovery as well.

Brandt didn’t pause for pleasantries as he entered into the room. “We’ve discovered something interesting in our examination of Ophee.”

Ischarus looked back to Brandt with a bit of surprise. “Ophee is here?” He stood up quickly and reached for the hilt of his sword. “We were made to believe that she had escaped. Why were we not told about the truth?”

Brandt chuckled as he watched Ischarus’ reaction to the news. “Because we knew how you would react. The truth is, we’ve been surprised by what we’ve found.”

Ischarus wasn’t convinced. He drew his sword and inch out of the scabbard and then pushed it back in the whole way. The leather on the hilt of his sword would need to be replaced, but the blade itself was still quite functional.

Charis ignored Ischarus’ swordplay and turned back to Brandt. “What have you found? Can you confirm that there is more to Ophee than what we originally thought?”

Brandt smiled, and the expression on his face told the party that there was more truth in Charis’ question than she knew. “Actually, less.”

Rhema and Charis exchanged confused glances before Charis replied. “Less, Brandt? That’s rather cryptic. Just what do you mean by that?”

Brandt’s smiled opened into a full faced grin. “When she woke up, she didn’t remember a thing past a certain point. She remembered all the time that we spent casting spells in preparation. She could describe the layout and planning of the party to intricate detail. She was able to describe the inside of the barn and even the plans for escape if they had been needed. But the last thing that she remembers is me telling you that it was noon. According to her mind, she woke up here at the temple immediately after I told Semeion to speak.”

Semeion looked displeased. “And this isn’t some kind of ploy?”

Brandt chuckled again. “Actually, Ophee has been quite helpful in doing our evaluation. Since she doesn’t remember anything from a few seconds before the command of the Whetting One was given, she still sees herself as our ally. We’ve given her little reason to think that we consider her anything less.”

Semeion continued to look displeased as Brandt spoke. “You mean to tell me that you aren’t treating her as a hostile captive? She tried to kill you, Brandt! She wanted you dead!”

Charis shook her head and countered her husband’s protective assertion. “Either that, or have you not told her about the role that she has played? If she doesn’t remember, have you kept the truth from her?”

Brandt put out his hands in a reassuring gesture. “We have done nothing of the sort. We couldn’t very well bring all of us back without bringing her back as well. When we got her back here, we discovered that she wasn’t dead. So, we began to treat her wounds. We were honor bound to help and try to save her life. Once she was healed, we treated her as a captive in spite of the fact that she bitterly complained about not having done anything to deserve her captivity. Eventually we discovered that her claims about not understanding why she was imprisoned had some merit. We examined her both with and without magic, and we discovered that she lacked the memories of the fight. Since then, we have loosened security around her, although we still keep her under watch. And she does know what happened, although she continues to have no recollection of those events.”

Semeion’s eyes drifted to a position that told Brandt he was deep in thought. Rhema didn’t see Semeion’s expression and she asked continued the conversation. “Is it possible to see her, Brandt?”

Brandt lifted up a finger to Rhema in order to indicate that he was waiting for something. He turned back to Semeion and waited for him to complete his thought. “Semeion, what are you thinking about?”

Semeion shook his head slowly, as if he were trying to shake the memories free. “Now that I think about it, Ophee did change when the Whetting One command was given. Just out of curiosity, have you tried the command again with her?”

Brandt nodded. “We did, and there was no effect.”

Semeion smiled as if a secret had just been unlocked in his mind. “Just like Darkbringer. In fact, this is almost exactly like Darkbringer.” Excitement poured into his tone, and it was clear he was no longer interested in making sure that Ophee was treated like the enemy.

Ischarus replied to Semeion. “Darkbringer? You mean the way that she gave you the information?”

Semeion nodded vigorously and pointed to Ischarus. “Exactly! Remember how I said that during my interrogation with Darkbringer she seemed to give me the impression that she didn’t realize she was doing it?”

The party nodded as they remembered. Semeion continued to speak. “Well, it would make sense that two people involved in the same plot would react the same way. Think about it. The wizard in Eberdeen led us back to Darkbringer, who reacted strangely when we used the Phoenix command. Darkbringer gave us another command, and this command for the Whetting One gave us a similar strange reaction out of Ophee. It makes sense.”

Brandt was following Semeion’s line of reasoning. “It sounds almost like there is some kind of mind control going on. In fact, it sounds like some kind of suggestion. It is as if people are being brainwashed or hypnotized to perform a certain set of actions upon receiving a code word.”

Rhema shook her head from side to side. “Wait a minute. If Ophee was the Whetting One, and it seems like she was, then was there a deeper meaning as to why we had to wait three days before speaking the name? Think about it. If the name ‘Whetting One’ was the command word, then we were completely wrong in our assessment of why we couldn’t say it? It wasn’t that the command would be countered at all. It was because this way the creator of the command could guarantee that the effect would go off as planned. Ophee wasn’t with us when we first heard about the name. In fact, Ophee didn’t come to us until after we had put the command into effect by the statue.”

Brandt concurred. “Of course she didn’t. If what you all are saying is true, then my guess is that the arcane sensor that we saw at the statue belonged to whoever it was that was putting the command into Ophee’s mind. Our speaking the name by the statue wasn’t to call the Whetting One; it was the originator’s way of seeing that we agreed to not speak the name again until the third day.”

Charis continued the thought. “And, by making sure that we didn’t speak the name until the appropriate time the wizard in Eberdeen knew that the Whetting One command wouldn’t draw suspicion. If we had spoken the word to Ophee and happened to be here in Fingerdale, innocent people would’ve been hurt and there would have been an investigation. But, a dilapidated old barn catching fire in the middle of a dry abandoned field wouldn’t have even drawn attention, much less suspicion. We helped to set our own trap, you know?”

Brandt nodded, and Ischarus was quick to correct Charis. “We don’t know for certain that it was the wizard in Eberdeen, though.”

As if on cue, a firm knock sounded at the door. Brandt motioned for one of his acolytes to open it. Another temple acolyte stepped through the door and bowed humbly before Brandt.

Brandt bowed lightly and spoke to the acolyte. “Theirin, do you have news about the means of mind control over Ophee?”

Theirin returned to an upright position. “Master Brandt, does the plant known as Arum Dracunculus mean anything to you?”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
It was another day before Semeion woke up from his magical rest. Once Semeion regained consciousness and it was determined that there wasn’t anything lasting that was wrong with him, the acolytes underneath Brandt’s authority explained that the sleep which the party had been put under was a magical one. Ischarus’ and Charis wounds were not as life threatening as Rhema’s and Semeion’s wounds and thus they didn’t have a great need to be kept asleep for as long a period of time. Rhema’s and Semeion’s wounds were described as being life threatening, and thus they were kept in a magical slumber for a longer period of time. The magical sleep allowed their bodies to remain still and not risk further injury from the typical movements of normal sleep. Furthermore, the first few days after magical healing were usually the most painful, and by keeping the injured asleep for the days of the most pain they were actually spared some agony.

Charis and Ischarus remained in the recovery room during the remaining days of Semeion’s and Rhema’s bed rest. There was little else that could be done anyway. In no uncertain terms could a portion of the foursome dream of challenging whatever the true force was that had given Ophee her power. In fact, they weren’t even sure that the foursome could challenge Ophee even if they were all together. She hadn’t seemed quite so powerful on the way to Eberdeen, and she certainly didn’t appear to have that kind of power when they were traveling through Quehalost. Something had happened to her since they returned.

Brandt returned to the party on Semeion’s last day of bed rest. The master of the acolytes came into the room still using a wooden staff as a sort of cane. His injuries had been healed and his skin no longer appeared to have once been badly singed and cracked. However, his age slowed his body’s ability to recover from the stress of the injuries and the stress of the rapid magical healing. Even Semeion, the last of the party to wake from the magical slumber, was now further along in his recovery than Brandt. Of course, the fact that Brandt refused to accept the orders of bed rest may have delayed his recovery as well.

Brandt didn’t pause for pleasantries as he entered into the room. “We’ve discovered something interesting in our examination of Ophee.”

Ischarus looked back to Brandt with a bit of surprise. “Ophee is here?” He stood up quickly and reached for the hilt of his sword. “We were made to believe that she had escaped. Why were we not told about the truth?”

Brandt chuckled as he watched Ischarus’ reaction to the news. “Because we knew how you would react. The truth is, we’ve been surprised by what we’ve found.”

Ischarus wasn’t convinced. He drew his sword and inch out of the scabbard and then pushed it back in the whole way. The leather on the hilt of his sword would need to be replaced, but the blade itself was still quite functional.

Charis ignored Ischarus’ swordplay and turned back to Brandt. “What have you found? Can you confirm that there is more to Ophee than what we originally thought?”

Brandt smiled, and the expression on his face told the party that there was more truth in Charis’ question than she knew. “Actually, less.”

Rhema and Charis exchanged confused glances before Charis replied. “Less, Brandt? That’s rather cryptic. Just what do you mean by that?”

Brandt’s smiled opened into a full faced grin. “When she woke up, she didn’t remember a thing past a certain point. She remembered all the time that we spent casting spells in preparation. She could describe the layout and planning of the party to intricate detail. She was able to describe the inside of the barn and even the plans for escape if they had been needed. But the last thing that she remembers is me telling you that it was noon. According to her mind, she woke up here at the temple immediately after I told Semeion to speak.”

Semeion looked displeased. “And this isn’t some kind of ploy?”

Brandt chuckled again. “Actually, Ophee has been quite helpful in doing our evaluation. Since she doesn’t remember anything from a few seconds before the command of the Whetting One was given, she still sees herself as our ally. We’ve given her little reason to think that we consider her anything less.”

Semeion continued to look displeased as Brandt spoke. “You mean to tell me that you aren’t treating her as a hostile captive? She tried to kill you, Brandt! She wanted you dead!”

Charis shook her head and countered her husband’s protective assertion. “Either that, or have you not told her about the role that she has played? If she doesn’t remember, have you kept the truth from her?”

Brandt put out his hands in a reassuring gesture. “We have done nothing of the sort. We couldn’t very well bring all of us back without bringing her back as well. When we got her back here, we discovered that she wasn’t dead. So, we began to treat her wounds. We were honor bound to help and try to save her life. Once she was healed, we treated her as a captive in spite of the fact that she bitterly complained about not having done anything to deserve her captivity. Eventually we discovered that her claims about not understanding why she was imprisoned had some merit. We examined her both with and without magic, and we discovered that she lacked the memories of the fight. Since then, we have loosened security around her, although we still keep her under watch. And she does know what happened, although she continues to have no recollection of those events.”

Semeion’s eyes drifted to a position that told Brandt he was deep in thought. Rhema didn’t see Semeion’s expression and she asked continued the conversation. “Is it possible to see her, Brandt?”

Brandt lifted up a finger to Rhema in order to indicate that he was waiting for something. He turned back to Semeion and waited for him to complete his thought. “Semeion, what are you thinking about?”

Semeion shook his head slowly, as if he were trying to shake the memories free. “Now that I think about it, Ophee did change when the Whetting One command was given. Just out of curiosity, have you tried the command again with her?”

Brandt nodded. “We did, and there was no effect.”

Semeion smiled as if a secret had just been unlocked in his mind. “Just like Darkbringer. In fact, this is almost exactly like Darkbringer.” Excitement poured into his tone, and it was clear he was no longer interested in making sure that Ophee was treated like the enemy.

Ischarus replied to Semeion. “Darkbringer? You mean the way that she gave you the information?”

Semeion nodded vigorously and pointed to Ischarus. “Exactly! Remember how I said that during my interrogation with Darkbringer she seemed to give me the impression that she didn’t realize she was doing it?”

The party nodded as they remembered. Semeion continued to speak. “Well, it would make sense that two people involved in the same plot would react the same way. Think about it. The wizard in Eberdeen led us back to Darkbringer, who reacted strangely when we used the Phoenix command. Darkbringer gave us another command, and this command for the Whetting One gave us a similar strange reaction out of Ophee. It makes sense.”

Brandt was following Semeion’s line of reasoning. “It sounds almost like there is some kind of mind control going on. In fact, it sounds like some kind of suggestion. It is as if people are being brainwashed or hypnotized to perform a certain set of actions upon receiving a code word.”

Rhema shook her head from side to side. “Wait a minute. If Ophee was the Whetting One, and it seems like she was, then was there a deeper meaning as to why we had to wait three days before speaking the name? Think about it. If the name ‘Whetting One’ was the command word, then we were completely wrong in our assessment of why we couldn’t say it? It wasn’t that the command would be countered at all. It was because this way the creator of the command could guarantee that the effect would go off as planned. Ophee wasn’t with us when we first heard about the name. In fact, Ophee didn’t come to us until after we had put the command into effect by the statue.”

Brandt concurred. “Of course she didn’t. If what you all are saying is true, then my guess is that the arcane sensor that we saw at the statue belonged to whoever it was that was putting the command into Ophee’s mind. Our speaking the name by the statue wasn’t to call the Whetting One; it was the originator’s way of seeing that we agreed to not speak the name again until the third day.”

Charis continued the thought. “And, by making sure that we didn’t speak the name until the appropriate time the wizard in Eberdeen knew that the Whetting One command wouldn’t draw suspicion. If we had spoken the word to Ophee and happened to be here in Fingerdale, innocent people would’ve been hurt and there would have been an investigation. But, a dilapidated old barn catching fire in the middle of a dry abandoned field wouldn’t have even drawn attention, much less suspicion. We helped to set our own trap, you know?”

Brandt nodded, and Ischarus was quick to correct Charis. “We don’t know for certain that it was the wizard in Eberdeen, though.”

As if on cue, a firm knock sounded at the door. Brandt motioned for one of his acolytes to open it. Another temple acolyte stepped through the door and bowed humbly before Brandt.

Brandt bowed lightly and spoke to the acolyte. “Theirin, do you have news about the means of mind control over Ophee?”

Theirin returned to an upright position. “Master Brandt, does the plant known as Arum Dracunculus mean anything to you?”
[/Sblock]

Ischarus breathed in quickly at the recognition of the name. “You know what? Forget what I said earlier. I think we can now safely concur that the wizard in Eberdeen is behind this all.”

Brandt offered a confused look back to Ischarus. “You can determine this simply from hearing Theirin’s introductory statement? If so, I think there is some piece of information that has not been told to me that I should know.”

Rhema had looked to the floor as Theirin indicated that the Arum Dracunculus was involved. She continued to look to the floor as she processed her thoughts. “Arum Dracunculus? Otherwise known as Black Arum or even Stink Lily?”

Theirin nodded, but only after nodding did he realize that Rhema couldn’t see his gesture. He looked to Brandt for permission to speak freely about the evidence and Brandt nodded in order to give it to Theirin. “Yes, milady. That plant is one and same. Although among some of the more native communities to the south the plant is also called the Voodoo Lily.”

Semeion’s fist slammed down onto the soft mattress upon which he was laying. His action drew the eyes of all those in the room. “Now that would have been information that would have been useful a few weeks ago!”

Ischarus laughed in disgust. “No doubt, that’s for sure!”

Brandt didn’t appreciate the direction to which this conversation was turning. “You all seem to have information that I don’t have, and I get the feeling that I’m not going to like finding out what all has happened. Someone tell me why you know of this plant and I am just now finding out about it.”

Charis breathed in deeply and began the explanation. “Arum Dracunculus is familiar to us because that is the species of plant that we went to Quehalost to retrieve. When Ophee led us to the wizard’s college in Eberdeen, we were told that Ophee’s master would be willing to use his magical powers for gathering information to help us make a connection in the Ephistaemi and find out who ordered the destruction of the villa.”

Rhema nodded along as Charis began to tell the story, and when Charis paused to breathe Rhema continued. “The wizard said that he needed a favor in exchange, and so far I believe that we have informed you of this much. But what we didn’t inform you about is the name of the plant we were sent into Quehalost to retrieve. Up until now it didn’t seem to matter. It was just a plant. We were sent in to retrieve this Arum Dracunculus.”

The party expected Brandt to look upon them with outrage, or at least to view them with disappointment. Instead, Brandt allowed a slight smile to cross his face. “I see. Well, to be honest, the plant would have meant little to me had someone told me to go and get it for them. I wouldn’t have known what the plant could be used for. I might have wanted to go and do a bit of research on the plant before heading out to retrieve it, though. Of course, I was not in your position. I can understand your actions.”

Charis cautiously returned Brandt’s smile. “Then, you are not disappointed in us?”

Brandt’s smile grew slightly. “Disappointed? Of course I am. But what good will it do to berate you all about something that happened many days ago and is already in the past. I can tell by your expressions that this is a hard lesson to learn and that you have learned it. I also know that even combined you all do not have my power or life experience. You have erred, but your mistake was at least logical. And, since Reah is most interested in justice, I can see no better punishment for each of you than to work to undo your mistake. I think it is important that we learn what this Arum Dracunculus can do and try to figure out what exactly this wizard plans on doing with it. Then, you all can help to thwart his plans. You will have paid for your mistake and the world will have suffered nothing for it. I can live with those terms.” He smiled once more in a reassuring manner.

Semeion turned to Theirin. “Well, sir, if you could tell us a little about this plant of yours, I’d be grateful. We don’t know much about the plant except for a few of its names.”

Theirin nodded and began his explanation. “Well, to be honest I didn’t know much about the plant as well, so I stopped by the library before seeking Master Brandt. I knew that it would do me no good to come with a list of symptoms but no name or description. As far as other names for the plant, you should also know that in some areas this plant has been called dragonwort and dragon lily.”

Brandt chuckled. “Well, that certainly makes it interesting. I wonder why it has so many odd names?”

Theirin replied quickly. “Well, I believe it has something to do with its unusual appearance.”

Charis looked confused. “Appearance? The plant didn’t look like anything that was particularly odd. In fact, the plants we received looked like a sack of potatoes. Of course, they were much lighter in weight than potatoes would have been.”

Theirin nodded and smiled. “Ah, I see. Then it is my guess that you received what I have since learned is called tubers. Some plants grow from seed and some plants grown from bulbs. Apparently some plants also grow from what are called rhizomes. But this particular plant grows from what is called a tuber. The tuber is the place where both the stem and the roots connect. It is the place where nutrients are stored over the winter months so that in the spring the plant can grow and flower in the early summer.”

Rhema concurred. “Well, what we received were covered in dirt, mostly. It appears as though they had been dug up and broken off. They were probably separated from other Arum Dracunculus plants in the druid’s grove.”

Theirin continued to brief the party and Brandt on the plant. “The plant itself is actually quite interesting in appearance when it grows. In truth, it is a rather bizarre plant, and our books indicate that at first it appears to be nothing more than a typical calla lily. However, as the plant grows taller it takes the form of what is called a spathe. The spathe continues to grow until it is several feet tall, at which point it begins to unfurl. Once the leaf begins to unfurl it reveals a slender center appendage known as the spadix. This central appendage can be as tall as four and a half feet, although most grow only two or three feet tall. The plant doesn’t produce flowers that can be seen. Instead, the plant’s flowers remain hidden deep inside the spathe, which features a bulbous chamber.”

Ischarus smirked as Theirin gave a deeply scientific explanation of the plant. “Well, I am certainly no botanist, but I would imagine that keeping its flowers inside that central appendage must make it rather difficult for insects to spread the pollen around. I can’t see a butterfly – or even a bee – being that persistent to actually crawl into a plant to get the pollen.”

Theirin laughed at something unspoken. From the timing of his laugh it was clear that he wasn’t laughing at Ischarus. “Perhaps you are more of a botanist than you give yourself credit for, Ischarus. The plant’s pollen isn’t spread by butterflies and bees at all. The pollen is spread by flies. As you know, flies are considerably more persistent than your typical butterfly.”

Semeion had been captured by the interesting details of the plant’s description. “Flies? That is certainly odd. But I don’t recall flies being attracted to flowers in general. Flies are attracted to much less pleasant smells and substances.”

Theirin smiled again at the thought of the information that he was about to share. “That is an excellent conclusion, sir. You see, for a period of a few short days just after the plant completely blooms, the Arum Dracunculus emits a putrid smell. The books indicate that the smell is often as if the plant contained a mixture of dung and rotting meat. The plant does not give off this smell to eat the flies, but rather because it needs the flies for pollination.”

Semeion nodded as he followed the acolyte’s explanation. “Well, I can certainly understand why the flies are attracted to the plant, then. Although, I don’t think that is the kind of plant that I would want growing too closely to my villa. Can you imagine what the druid’s grove must smell like when the plant begins to bloom?”

Charis wanted to turn the subject away from the descriptions of the plant’s odor. “What does the plant look like in bloom, though? You have told us about the stem – what did you call it? Was it called a spathe? But what of the colors and what does its big unfurling leaf look like?”

Theirin replied, seeming to enjoy the discussion about the color less than the more unusual aspects of the plant. “Arum Dracunculus typically produces one giant cup shaped leaf that ranges in color from crimson to scarlet to maroon. It also does produce small scarlet colored berries that last until frost in the fall or winter. Personally, I think that its crimson appearance gives it the look of a mouth.”

Rhema added to Theirin’s assertion. “Well, and if the spadex is also dark red, it could look like a giant tongue. Maybe that is why it became connected to the name dragon. Maybe that is where the name dragonwort of dragon lily come from.”

Brandt chuckled at the mental image that Rhema painted with her words. However, he was more interested in the usefulness of the plant. “Theirin, you’ve done a good job talking about the plant and even its propagation techniques. But why should this plant concern us?”

Theirin nodded to Master Brandt. “Yes, sir. Given the right base solution, the roots of this plant can be cut to release a type of sap. This sap can be collected and added to the base solution. When the right magical words are spoken over the solution the result is a slightly bitter liquid that can be ingested, perhaps by adding it to another food or drink. Consuming this liquid means that the body has ingested a non-lethal toxin. The subject’s reflexes and mental capacities are impaired. They sink into a state where deep hypnosis is possible. I think this is why it has the name Voodoo Lily.”

Ischarus didn’t need to hear any more. “At last, it is coming together. Now we know how the wizard in Eberdeen has been able to accomplish what he did through Darkbringer and Ophee.”

Semeion sat up in his bed slowly. “Now we just need to know why. And we need to know why our involvement was necessary.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Ischarus breathed in quickly at the recognition of the name. “You know what? Forget what I said earlier. I think we can now safely concur that the wizard in Eberdeen is behind this all.”

Brandt offered a confused look back to Ischarus. “You can determine this simply from hearing Theirin’s introductory statement? If so, I think there is some piece of information that has not been told to me that I should know.”

Rhema had looked to the floor as Theirin indicated that the Arum Dracunculus was involved. She continued to look to the floor as she processed her thoughts. “Arum Dracunculus? Otherwise known as Black Arum or even Stink Lily?”

Theirin nodded, but only after nodding did he realize that Rhema couldn’t see his gesture. He looked to Brandt for permission to speak freely about the evidence and Brandt nodded in order to give it to Theirin. “Yes, milady. That plant is one and same. Although among some of the more native communities to the south the plant is also called the Voodoo Lily.”

Semeion’s fist slammed down onto the soft mattress upon which he was laying. His action drew the eyes of all those in the room. “Now that would have been information that would have been useful a few weeks ago!”

Ischarus laughed in disgust. “No doubt, that’s for sure!”

Brandt didn’t appreciate the direction to which this conversation was turning. “You all seem to have information that I don’t have, and I get the feeling that I’m not going to like finding out what all has happened. Someone tell me why you know of this plant and I am just now finding out about it.”

Charis breathed in deeply and began the explanation. “Arum Dracunculus is familiar to us because that is the species of plant that we went to Quehalost to retrieve. When Ophee led us to the wizard’s college in Eberdeen, we were told that Ophee’s master would be willing to use his magical powers for gathering information to help us make a connection in the Ephistaemi and find out who ordered the destruction of the villa.”

Rhema nodded along as Charis began to tell the story, and when Charis paused to breathe Rhema continued. “The wizard said that he needed a favor in exchange, and so far I believe that we have informed you of this much. But what we didn’t inform you about is the name of the plant we were sent into Quehalost to retrieve. Up until now it didn’t seem to matter. It was just a plant. We were sent in to retrieve this Arum Dracunculus.”

The party expected Brandt to look upon them with outrage, or at least to view them with disappointment. Instead, Brandt allowed a slight smile to cross his face. “I see. Well, to be honest, the plant would have meant little to me had someone told me to go and get it for them. I wouldn’t have known what the plant could be used for. I might have wanted to go and do a bit of research on the plant before heading out to retrieve it, though. Of course, I was not in your position. I can understand your actions.”

Charis cautiously returned Brandt’s smile. “Then, you are not disappointed in us?”

Brandt’s smile grew slightly. “Disappointed? Of course I am. But what good will it do to berate you all about something that happened many days ago and is already in the past. I can tell by your expressions that this is a hard lesson to learn and that you have learned it. I also know that even combined you all do not have my power or life experience. You have erred, but your mistake was at least logical. And, since Reah is most interested in justice, I can see no better punishment for each of you than to work to undo your mistake. I think it is important that we learn what this Arum Dracunculus can do and try to figure out what exactly this wizard plans on doing with it. Then, you all can help to thwart his plans. You will have paid for your mistake and the world will have suffered nothing for it. I can live with those terms.” He smiled once more in a reassuring manner.

Semeion turned to Theirin. “Well, sir, if you could tell us a little about this plant of yours, I’d be grateful. We don’t know much about the plant except for a few of its names.”

Theirin nodded and began his explanation. “Well, to be honest I didn’t know much about the plant as well, so I stopped by the library before seeking Master Brandt. I knew that it would do me no good to come with a list of symptoms but no name or description. As far as other names for the plant, you should also know that in some areas this plant has been called dragonwort and dragon lily.”

Brandt chuckled. “Well, that certainly makes it interesting. I wonder why it has so many odd names?”

Theirin replied quickly. “Well, I believe it has something to do with its unusual appearance.”

Charis looked confused. “Appearance? The plant didn’t look like anything that was particularly odd. In fact, the plants we received looked like a sack of potatoes. Of course, they were much lighter in weight than potatoes would have been.”

Theirin nodded and smiled. “Ah, I see. Then it is my guess that you received what I have since learned is called tubers. Some plants grow from seed and some plants grown from bulbs. Apparently some plants also grow from what are called rhizomes. But this particular plant grows from what is called a tuber. The tuber is the place where both the stem and the roots connect. It is the place where nutrients are stored over the winter months so that in the spring the plant can grow and flower in the early summer.”

Rhema concurred. “Well, what we received were covered in dirt, mostly. It appears as though they had been dug up and broken off. They were probably separated from other Arum Dracunculus plants in the druid’s grove.”

Theirin continued to brief the party and Brandt on the plant. “The plant itself is actually quite interesting in appearance when it grows. In truth, it is a rather bizarre plant, and our books indicate that at first it appears to be nothing more than a typical calla lily. However, as the plant grows taller it takes the form of what is called a spathe. The spathe continues to grow until it is several feet tall, at which point it begins to unfurl. Once the leaf begins to unfurl it reveals a slender center appendage known as the spadix. This central appendage can be as tall as four and a half feet, although most grow only two or three feet tall. The plant doesn’t produce flowers that can be seen. Instead, the plant’s flowers remain hidden deep inside the spathe, which features a bulbous chamber.”

Ischarus smirked as Theirin gave a deeply scientific explanation of the plant. “Well, I am certainly no botanist, but I would imagine that keeping its flowers inside that central appendage must make it rather difficult for insects to spread the pollen around. I can’t see a butterfly – or even a bee – being that persistent to actually crawl into a plant to get the pollen.”

Theirin laughed at something unspoken. From the timing of his laugh it was clear that he wasn’t laughing at Ischarus. “Perhaps you are more of a botanist than you give yourself credit for, Ischarus. The plant’s pollen isn’t spread by butterflies and bees at all. The pollen is spread by flies. As you know, flies are considerably more persistent than your typical butterfly.”

Semeion had been captured by the interesting details of the plant’s description. “Flies? That is certainly odd. But I don’t recall flies being attracted to flowers in general. Flies are attracted to much less pleasant smells and substances.”

Theirin smiled again at the thought of the information that he was about to share. “That is an excellent conclusion, sir. You see, for a period of a few short days just after the plant completely blooms, the Arum Dracunculus emits a putrid smell. The books indicate that the smell is often as if the plant contained a mixture of dung and rotting meat. The plant does not give off this smell to eat the flies, but rather because it needs the flies for pollination.”

Semeion nodded as he followed the acolyte’s explanation. “Well, I can certainly understand why the flies are attracted to the plant, then. Although, I don’t think that is the kind of plant that I would want growing too closely to my villa. Can you imagine what the druid’s grove must smell like when the plant begins to bloom?”

Charis wanted to turn the subject away from the descriptions of the plant’s odor. “What does the plant look like in bloom, though? You have told us about the stem – what did you call it? Was it called a spathe? But what of the colors and what does its big unfurling leaf look like?”

Theirin replied, seeming to enjoy the discussion about the color less than the more unusual aspects of the plant. “Arum Dracunculus typically produces one giant cup shaped leaf that ranges in color from crimson to scarlet to maroon. It also does produce small scarlet colored berries that last until frost in the fall or winter. Personally, I think that its crimson appearance gives it the look of a mouth.”

Rhema added to Theirin’s assertion. “Well, and if the spadex is also dark red, it could look like a giant tongue. Maybe that is why it became connected to the name dragon. Maybe that is where the name dragonwort of dragon lily come from.”

Brandt chuckled at the mental image that Rhema painted with her words. However, he was more interested in the usefulness of the plant. “Theirin, you’ve done a good job talking about the plant and even its propagation techniques. But why should this plant concern us?”

Theirin nodded to Master Brandt. “Yes, sir. Given the right base solution, the roots of this plant can be cut to release a type of sap. This sap can be collected and added to the base solution. When the right magical words are spoken over the solution the result is a slightly bitter liquid that can be ingested, perhaps by adding it to another food or drink. Consuming this liquid means that the body has ingested a non-lethal toxin. The subject’s reflexes and mental capacities are impaired. They sink into a state where deep hypnosis is possible. I think this is why it has the name Voodoo Lily.”

Ischarus didn’t need to hear any more. “At last, it is coming together. Now we know how the wizard in Eberdeen has been able to accomplish what he did through Darkbringer and Ophee.”

Semeion sat up in his bed slowly. “Now we just need to know why. And we need to know why our involvement was necessary.”
[/Sblock]

Brandt nodded with Semeion’s assertion. “And my guess is that in order to understand why we are going to have to interview Ophee.”

The acolyte who had been largely serving as the party’s nurse smiled at Brandt’s assertion and likewise replied. “Well, the good news is that she’s in no better shape than you all. She’s not likely to be very dangerous.”

Charis affirmed the acolyte’s opinion. “And, if she doesn’t see herself as our enemy, we shouldn’t have too much to worry about. In the same light, though, we should be careful to make sure that we give her no reason to begin considering us as enemies. I think it might be wise if we interview her in a manner that lets her do most of the talking. That way, we’ll be less likely to mess something up with an errant word or two.”

Brandt concurred quickly. “Agreed. Besides, the more she talks the less we’ll have to worry about accidentally feeding her information through our questioning. The greater the ratio of her speech to ours will mean a greater accuracy of response. Since she knows what happened but lacks the memories of the event, she has been able to keep from seeing us as the enemy. The facts suggest to her that some force took over her body and she was no longer consciously in control.”

There was little else to be said until the party had gone with Brandt to meet with Ophee. Just to be on the safe side, the acolyte that had been serving as the party’s nurse went with them. It was the acolyte’s job to be strong enough to resist Ophee should she suddenly grow aggressive towards the party and Brandt once more.

The door to Ophee’s room opened into a brightly painted room. It was clear that her room had been designed with healing in mind. The walls had been dyed a pale yellow, and the effect of the dye was that of enhancing the sunlight as it poured in through the window.

Ophee grinned and stretched out her arms as she sat up in bed. She was covered from the waist down with a thin blanket. Her chest and arms were covered with a loose fitting white tunic. “Friends! Rhema and Charis, please come in. It is good to see you alive after what they have told me. And, Semeion and Ischarus too! They informed me during my healing process that there were grave injuries, injuries not unlike the injuries I was healing from. Although, they told me that while my injuries came from the peril of frostbite and extreme coldness, your injuries came from burning.”

Charis blushed at the greeting. She had prepared herself to display a steely resolve, but Ophee’s warmth melted her resolve. She walked over to Ophee and embraced her before sitting on the bed beside Ophee. “Ischarus and I were not in as grave of danger as Semeion and Rhema, Ophee. Our wounds have been largely healed for days. But we didn’t want to come and bother you until we were sure that you were ready to see us and that we four could come and visit you together. Actually, Semeion and Rhema just came off of a mandatory bed rest.”

Ophee looked to Rhema and Semeion with eyes that reflected sorrow. “I’m sorry.” She looked like there was more that she wanted to say, but she couldn’t bring the words to her lips.

Brandt waited for a few seconds of an awkward pause to linger among the seven occupants of the room. Once he had endured the pause long enough, he changed the subject. “Ophee, we need a bit of help from you. If you could, tell us what you remember about your training back in Eberdeen. We are trying to make sense of what has happened since you all returned from Quehalost. In order to do that, we may need for you to fill in some of the pieces. Since you were alone in Eberdeen for several days, only you can fill in exactly what happened.”

Ophee nodded, and she paused for a brief moment to collect her thoughts. “Well, I suppose one could say that it all began over tea. My master likes to drink tea, and every training session that he starts with me or any of his other informants always begins with tea.”

Semeion, Brandt, and Rhema all exchanged knowing looks as Ophee continued. “Over the next several days he began telling me much about what I told you when I first came back to you at the villa. I was sent to find a woman who betrayed her own people and brought them out of Quehalost.”

Ophee’s speech slowed dramatically as the final words came out of her mouth. Her eyes fixed on Charis, who was sitting right beside her. Ophee’s eyes shifted from Charis’ hair to the almost unnoticeable flecks of red contained within the natural coloration of her irises.

It was clear that this was not like the other episode in the barn. In the barn, Ophee had lost control unwillingly. Here, Ophee’s concentration had slowed her speech while her mind caught up with the words that she spoke. Her eyes told her what she needed to know. There couldn’t be any more doubt.

Charis smiled uneasily as Ophee stopped relaying her story and began to focus in on her. “What’s wrong, Ophee?

Ophee breathed in deeply and slowly shook her head. Her eyelids narrowed as she peered straight into Charis’ face. “You. It was you all along. My master sent me to find you and told me that I would be able to see the signs if I knew what to look for. You are the duplicitous woman! Tell me, Charis, where are your people? You are clearly from the clan of an evil dragon. I can see your Drakontai heritage now that I know what to look for. So where can I find your people? Didn’t you lead them away and isn’t it true that you didn’t go with them?”

Charis’ mind raced back to the conversation they had over a week ago at the villa. “Me? But, you said you were looking for a slaver! I fight against those who enslave others. That’s why I helped bring my people out of Quehalost! My dragon father was enslaving them. I helped free them from their suffering!”

Ophee paused and thought for another moment. “You simply traded masters over your people. You gave them to a new master in return for your own freedom! Do you deny that your people are no longer visible in the world? I was told that the slaver woman sent her people into an area of diminished visibility. So, if what you say is true, then tell me where I can find your people!”

Rhema smiled. She saw what was happening here. “So you think that Charis is the woman that you were sent after? Actually, I think you might be right, Ophee.”

Ophee was shocked to her Rhema agree with her. For that matter, Charis, Ischarus, and Semeion were each shocked at Rhema’s assertion. Semeion began to defend his wife. “Now, just wait a minute, Rhema.”

Rhema took advantage of the look on Ophee’s face. She had made an ally and wouldn’t let Semeion ruin her progress. Rhema spun around on her left heel and raised an accusatory finger toward Semeion. “No, Semeion. You wait. Don’t get all defensive on me. Get off of your emotional high horse of rising to defend your wife and actually use that logical brain of yours.”

Semeion’s mouth hung agape as Rhema turned back to Ophee. Her expression melted into one of compassion as she turned. “It makes sense to me, Ophee. Didn’t you say that the woman of duplicity was almost a slave herself? Well, Charis did come out of Quehalost like her people. And didn’t you say that the woman of duplicity would betray her own people to get them out of Quehalost? Well, Charis did that, too.”

The look on Charis’ face was priceless. Charis couldn’t decide whether to be hurt or angry with each of Rhema’s words. Rhema glanced in Charis’ direction long enough to silence her. This needed to be Rhema’s moment. She was the one skilled at manipulating situations. “I think each of the things your master told you was meant to lead you to Charis. It makes sense, Ophee. Your master wanted your subconscious to be drawn in antagonism to Charis. That way, your mind would believe the lies much easier than without the antagonism.”

Ophee suddenly looked confused. “You’re suggesting that I’ve been played by my master?”

Semeion now understood Rhema’s approach and was grateful that she had cut him off. “The tea, Ophee. My bet is that the tea had a suggestive drug inside. You remember that root we had to bring your master? It turns out that a secretion from the root makes the mind pliable.”

Rhema nodded. “Exactly, Ophee. Think about it. We had earned your trust and loyalty. Your master knew that he couldn’t set you against us directly. He had to implant a suggestion and a believable story. Everything you said about Charis is grounded in the truth. But, everything you said about Charis has also had a poor spin upon it.”

Charis smiled cautiously. “My people have switched their allegiances, Ophee. I can see how it would seem like they went from serving my original dragon father to that of Ausaphaborishan. But their service to Ausaphaborishan was desired, and it is certainly not slavery.”

Ophee turned to look at Charis and a single tear fell from her eye. It had been a rollercoaster of emotion so far. “And what I was told about the slave trade extending in Barghost?”

Brandt replied to this newest inquiry. “Ophee, remember how vehemently I objected to slavery existing in Barghost? Think and remember!”

Ophee nodded as she paused to think. “It didn’t make sense to me either. But when the words came out of my master’s mouth, they seemed so plausible.”

A slow grin began on the left portion of Rhema’s lips. In the span of a few seconds the grin had spread across her face and encompassed both halves of her lips. “That’s why they call it the Voodoo Lily, Ophee. You were brainwashed with it. You were told just enough truth to make the lies seem plausible.”

Semeion still didn’t have the answer he sought. He watched as the truth sunk into Ophee’s mind. She had resisted, but the fact that her master had used her and betrayed her loyalty through the use of the drug could not be denied. She had been the one enslaved. Semeion looked on with reserved compassion as Ophee buried her head into her hands and cried. “We still don’t know why.”

Ophee was quickly flanked by Rhema and Charis. They held her in a sturdy hug. No words were shared until Ophee stopped crying. She would need to sob and let the betrayal out.

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Brandt nodded with Semeion’s assertion. “And my guess is that in order to understand why we are going to have to interview Ophee.”

The acolyte who had been largely serving as the party’s nurse smiled at Brandt’s assertion and likewise replied. “Well, the good news is that she’s in no better shape than you all. She’s not likely to be very dangerous.”

Charis affirmed the acolyte’s opinion. “And, if she doesn’t see herself as our enemy, we shouldn’t have too much to worry about. In the same light, though, we should be careful to make sure that we give her no reason to begin considering us as enemies. I think it might be wise if we interview her in a manner that lets her do most of the talking. That way, we’ll be less likely to mess something up with an errant word or two.”

Brandt concurred quickly. “Agreed. Besides, the more she talks the less we’ll have to worry about accidentally feeding her information through our questioning. The greater the ratio of her speech to ours will mean a greater accuracy of response. Since she knows what happened but lacks the memories of the event, she has been able to keep from seeing us as the enemy. The facts suggest to her that some force took over her body and she was no longer consciously in control.”

There was little else to be said until the party had gone with Brandt to meet with Ophee. Just to be on the safe side, the acolyte that had been serving as the party’s nurse went with them. It was the acolyte’s job to be strong enough to resist Ophee should she suddenly grow aggressive towards the party and Brandt once more.

The door to Ophee’s room opened into a brightly painted room. It was clear that her room had been designed with healing in mind. The walls had been dyed a pale yellow, and the effect of the dye was that of enhancing the sunlight as it poured in through the window.

Ophee grinned and stretched out her arms as she sat up in bed. She was covered from the waist down with a thin blanket. Her chest and arms were covered with a loose fitting white tunic. “Friends! Rhema and Charis, please come in. It is good to see you alive after what they have told me. And, Semeion and Ischarus too! They informed me during my healing process that there were grave injuries, injuries not unlike the injuries I was healing from. Although, they told me that while my injuries came from the peril of frostbite and extreme coldness, your injuries came from burning.”

Charis blushed at the greeting. She had prepared herself to display a steely resolve, but Ophee’s warmth melted her resolve. She walked over to Ophee and embraced her before sitting on the bed beside Ophee. “Ischarus and I were not in as grave of danger as Semeion and Rhema, Ophee. Our wounds have been largely healed for days. But we didn’t want to come and bother you until we were sure that you were ready to see us and that we four could come and visit you together. Actually, Semeion and Rhema just came off of a mandatory bed rest.”

Ophee looked to Rhema and Semeion with eyes that reflected sorrow. “I’m sorry.” She looked like there was more that she wanted to say, but she couldn’t bring the words to her lips.

Brandt waited for a few seconds of an awkward pause to linger among the seven occupants of the room. Once he had endured the pause long enough, he changed the subject. “Ophee, we need a bit of help from you. If you could, tell us what you remember about your training back in Eberdeen. We are trying to make sense of what has happened since you all returned from Quehalost. In order to do that, we may need for you to fill in some of the pieces. Since you were alone in Eberdeen for several days, only you can fill in exactly what happened.”

Ophee nodded, and she paused for a brief moment to collect her thoughts. “Well, I suppose one could say that it all began over tea. My master likes to drink tea, and every training session that he starts with me or any of his other informants always begins with tea.”

Semeion, Brandt, and Rhema all exchanged knowing looks as Ophee continued. “Over the next several days he began telling me much about what I told you when I first came back to you at the villa. I was sent to find a woman who betrayed her own people and brought them out of Quehalost.”

Ophee’s speech slowed dramatically as the final words came out of her mouth. Her eyes fixed on Charis, who was sitting right beside her. Ophee’s eyes shifted from Charis’ hair to the almost unnoticeable flecks of red contained within the natural coloration of her irises.

It was clear that this was not like the other episode in the barn. In the barn, Ophee had lost control unwillingly. Here, Ophee’s concentration had slowed her speech while her mind caught up with the words that she spoke. Her eyes told her what she needed to know. There couldn’t be any more doubt.

Charis smiled uneasily as Ophee stopped relaying her story and began to focus in on her. “What’s wrong, Ophee?

Ophee breathed in deeply and slowly shook her head. Her eyelids narrowed as she peered straight into Charis’ face. “You. It was you all along. My master sent me to find you and told me that I would be able to see the signs if I knew what to look for. You are the duplicitous woman! Tell me, Charis, where are your people? You are clearly from the clan of an evil dragon. I can see your Drakontai heritage now that I know what to look for. So where can I find your people? Didn’t you lead them away and isn’t it true that you didn’t go with them?”

Charis’ mind raced back to the conversation they had over a week ago at the villa. “Me? But, you said you were looking for a slaver! I fight against those who enslave others. That’s why I helped bring my people out of Quehalost! My dragon father was enslaving them. I helped free them from their suffering!”

Ophee paused and thought for another moment. “You simply traded masters over your people. You gave them to a new master in return for your own freedom! Do you deny that your people are no longer visible in the world? I was told that the slaver woman sent her people into an area of diminished visibility. So, if what you say is true, then tell me where I can find your people!”

Rhema smiled. She saw what was happening here. “So you think that Charis is the woman that you were sent after? Actually, I think you might be right, Ophee.”

Ophee was shocked to her Rhema agree with her. For that matter, Charis, Ischarus, and Semeion were each shocked at Rhema’s assertion. Semeion began to defend his wife. “Now, just wait a minute, Rhema.”

Rhema took advantage of the look on Ophee’s face. She had made an ally and wouldn’t let Semeion ruin her progress. Rhema spun around on her left heel and raised an accusatory finger toward Semeion. “No, Semeion. You wait. Don’t get all defensive on me. Get off of your emotional high horse of rising to defend your wife and actually use that logical brain of yours.”

Semeion’s mouth hung agape as Rhema turned back to Ophee. Her expression melted into one of compassion as she turned. “It makes sense to me, Ophee. Didn’t you say that the woman of duplicity was almost a slave herself? Well, Charis did come out of Quehalost like her people. And didn’t you say that the woman of duplicity would betray her own people to get them out of Quehalost? Well, Charis did that, too.”

The look on Charis’ face was priceless. Charis couldn’t decide whether to be hurt or angry with each of Rhema’s words. Rhema glanced in Charis’ direction long enough to silence her. This needed to be Rhema’s moment. She was the one skilled at manipulating situations. “I think each of the things your master told you was meant to lead you to Charis. It makes sense, Ophee. Your master wanted your subconscious to be drawn in antagonism to Charis. That way, your mind would believe the lies much easier than without the antagonism.”

Ophee suddenly looked confused. “You’re suggesting that I’ve been played by my master?”

Semeion now understood Rhema’s approach and was grateful that she had cut him off. “The tea, Ophee. My bet is that the tea had a suggestive drug inside. You remember that root we had to bring your master? It turns out that a secretion from the root makes the mind pliable.”

Rhema nodded. “Exactly, Ophee. Think about it. We had earned your trust and loyalty. Your master knew that he couldn’t set you against us directly. He had to implant a suggestion and a believable story. Everything you said about Charis is grounded in the truth. But, everything you said about Charis has also had a poor spin upon it.”

Charis smiled cautiously. “My people have switched their allegiances, Ophee. I can see how it would seem like they went from serving my original dragon father to that of Ausaphaborishan. But their service to Ausaphaborishan was desired, and it is certainly not slavery.”

Ophee turned to look at Charis and a single tear fell from her eye. It had been a rollercoaster of emotion so far. “And what I was told about the slave trade extending in Barghost?”

Brandt replied to this newest inquiry. “Ophee, remember how vehemently I objected to slavery existing in Barghost? Think and remember!”

Ophee nodded as she paused to think. “It didn’t make sense to me either. But when the words came out of my master’s mouth, they seemed so plausible.”

A slow grin began on the left portion of Rhema’s lips. In the span of a few seconds the grin had spread across her face and encompassed both halves of her lips. “That’s why they call it the Voodoo Lily, Ophee. You were brainwashed with it. You were told just enough truth to make the lies seem plausible.”

Semeion still didn’t have the answer he sought. He watched as the truth sunk into Ophee’s mind. She had resisted, but the fact that her master had used her and betrayed her loyalty through the use of the drug could not be denied. She had been the one enslaved. Semeion looked on with reserved compassion as Ophee buried her head into her hands and cried. “We still don’t know why.”

Ophee was quickly flanked by Rhema and Charis. They held her in a sturdy hug. No words were shared until Ophee stopped crying. She would need to sob and let the betrayal out.
[/Sblock]

Once Ophee had stopped crying, she released Rhema and Charis. “You all are so kind, considering what I’ve done to you.”

Semeion spoke from the other side of the room. “You were under the delusions of a powerful twisting of your mind. You were drugged, lied to, brainwashed, and sent out into the world. What happened is not entirely your fault.”

Ischarus grinned and approached the edge of Ophee’s bed. He turned his head to Brandt and winked before turning once more to face Ophee. “A very wise person once explained to me, ‘I can tell by your expressions that this is a hard lesson to learn and that you have learned it. You have erred, but your mistake was at least logical. Since Reah is most interested in justice, I can see no better punishment for you than to work to undo your mistake.’ The way I see it, you can help us thwart the plans of your master. And then like us, you will have paid for your mistake and the world will have suffered nothing for it. Personally, I think that we can live with those terms.”

Brandt grinned broadly in response to Ischarus’ remembrance of his earlier expression. “You learn well, Ischarus. And you lead with the hand of faithful justice. Perhaps there is hope for you yet.” He chuckled and turned to allow Ophee the chance to speak.

Ophee smiled in response to Ischarus’ kind words, but simply shook her head. “I appreciate your kindness, really I do. But to be honest with you I don’t know that I can be much help. I don’t know anything other than what I have told you. Apparently I was affected enough by this drug you claim was in the tea that I don’t know anything other than my orders.”

Rhema stood up from the bed and pulled her hair back into a single ponytail to get the hair out of her eyes. “Perhaps you weren’t told anything, Ophee, but that doesn’t mean that you still can’t be of help to us. I think it is reasonable to assume that your master needed the Black Arum for mind control. Yet, we returned with a significant amount of the Black Arum, far more than he could have used on you alone.”

Ischarus interrupted his wife. “I hear where you are going with this, Rhema. But we shouldn’t also forget that if this wizard is smart then he’ll likely try to cultivate his own supply. So, some of what we brought back is likely to have found a home in the ground.”

Rhema nodded and continued her thought. “True, but we also know that the Voodoo Lily is hard to grow outside of its natural environment in Quehalost. Personally, I’d like to believe that it thrives on the evil aspect of the land enough that its sap can be used to poison the mind. But that’s neither here nor there, really. Even if we assume that half of the supply that we brought back from Quehalost was used to cultivate his own supply, it still leaves a significant amount left over.”

Ophee nodded with the rest of the occupants of the room. It was clear from the pause that they were waiting for Rhema to continue. “So, that means that the wizard had a significant supply of Voodoo Lily root to use. Assuming that he had the magical capacity to brew up a significant amount of poison from the root, it could have been used to brainwash more people than you.”

Ischarus had begun to follow his wife’s reasoning. “Of course, that makes sense. Why would the wizard in Eberdeen want us dead?”

The light of understanding passed to Charis. “Because we got the root out of Quehalost for him! If anyone is discovered to have been brainwashed by Voodoo Lily root, we’d be able to point the authorities in a likely direction. We were liabilities!”

Semeion was excited to see Charis filling in some of the pieces. “And if you’ve got a supply of Black Arum root that can be made into a brainwashing poison, what better way to exterminate the party than by sending in a friend whom they trust?”

Ophee looked down to the bed and shook her head. “How could I have been so stupid? I joined up with the wizard because I had heard that working for that wizard all but guaranteed social movement. My master – although I guess that’s an inappropriate title now – is known for getting people advanced. My job with him was supposed to lead me to new heights, not into the possibility of slaughtering my friends!”

Brandt chuckled at Ophee’s comment. “There is seldom any meaningful quick way up the social scale, Ophee. But don’t worry. You were duped just as much as the Rhema, Charis, Ischarus, and Semeion. None of us saw this coming. The important thing now is to try and determine what possible goal this wizard could be working towards. There is much that can be done with a brainwashed victim. And we have no idea who these brainwashed victims just might be.”

Semeion snapped his index finger and thumb together and pointed to Brandt. “That’s it. It has to be. Think about it. Ophee and Darkbringer both showed the effects of the poison. And what did they have in common?”

Silence hung in the room for several seconds before Ophee spoke. “We were both in the wizard’s service? We were paid to do a job?”

Semeion smiled broadly and his eyes flashed with excitement. “Bingo! You win the prize, milady. The wizard uses the brainwashing treatment on those who already trust him. He is using people in his employ to carry out tasks without their knowledge. You never know, Ophee. You could have done countless tasks in his service and never recalled any of them.”

Charis absorbed much of her husband’s excitement as he spoke. As she sat beside Ophee upon the bed, she turned and spoke. The flecks in her eyes glistened as her face brightened with anticipation. “How many people are in the wizard’s employ, Ophee? How many people hold information gathering positions like you?”

Ophee began chewing on her bottom lip as she thought. “There are seven of us like me, one for each of the major cities of Tongra. Angelique, Garnet, and Scarhaus are too close to Quehalost to warrant the wizard’s expenditure of resources. But there is an agent in Eberdeen, Juniper, Bacrothen, Fingerdale, Partuss, Classo, and even Reignsburg.”

Brandt nodded as Ophee listed the major cities. “That’s all of them: King Rupert’s domain, Duke Norford’s domain, Lord Chauvre, our own Lord Ironblood, Earl Patron, Earl Boniface, and Earl Sniblett. Of course, that leaves out the Counts and their lands: Count Poltier, Count Gravous, and Count Ahlstrom. But as you said, Ophee, the likelihood of anything significant happening in those lands besides the security of the mountain range is unlikely.”

Charis smirked as Brandt finished speaking. “By significant, you mean something like a fight between dragons and the presentation of a whole new populace to Ausaphaborishan?”

Brandt nodded and smiled. “Exactly. Nothing so significant would surely happen there.” He laughed, and he was quickly joined by the rest of the occupants of the room.

Semeion returned the party to the proper discussion. “We have a couple of things in our favor, of course. The most significant of those things is that the wizard likely thinks that we are dead. When the barn burned, it would be easy to assume we all burned up with it.”

The acolyte who had served as their nurse spoke softly so as not to interrupt offensively. “Yes, my lords. That is a safe assumption. Little was done to stop the barn from burning once you all were removed. We thought it best to allow the barn to burn to the ground and smolder before protecting the surrounding fields. And, this place is protected against magical information gathering. So long as you remain in here, it should be impossible to know that you are alive so long as the one who seeks such information is an enemy of justice and Reah herself.”

Brandt concurred. “Indeed. The wizard in Eberdeen should be blind to our movements. We definitely have that in our favor. We also have someone who can give specific descriptions of those who are in the wizard’s employ. That may prove significant.”

Ophee smiled at the mention of the possibility that she might be able to help. “I can also give you the places that each member of the wizard’s information team is likely to frequent. We learn each other’s routines from time to time just because when the wizard calls us together we share about the contexts of our assignments.”

The color drained out of Ophee’s face as soon as she spoke the words. Charis was the first to notice that Ophee’s attitude had dimmed. “Ophee? What’s wrong?”

Ophee swallowed hard. “I remember that my master told me that once I had successfully accomplished this current mission that he was going to immediately recall me and give me a second urgent mission here in Fingerdale. I would guess that if he has assumed that I am dead, that he may have moved on without me.”

Rhema’s eyes darted across the room to meet Brandt’s eyes. “It sounds like our deaths were to be the catalysts of something fairly significant. We may already be too late, you know.”

Brandt agreed with Rhema. “It’s possible, of course.” He turned to the acolyte, who was standing behind him near the door. “Go, and bring me Master Searthu. Tell him that the case that began with Darkbringer has grown increasingly deep. Truth evades me at every turn, and I may be running out of time. His talents are needed if we are to act quickly.”

The acolyte darted out of the room and Brandt turned back to Ophee. “If you don’t mind, Ophee, could you begin to bring to mind a few memories of the other agents? Master Searthu can use that information when he comes.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Once Ophee had stopped crying, she released Rhema and Charis. “You all are so kind, considering what I’ve done to you.”

Semeion spoke from the other side of the room. “You were under the delusions of a powerful twisting of your mind. You were drugged, lied to, brainwashed, and sent out into the world. What happened is not entirely your fault.”

Ischarus grinned and approached the edge of Ophee’s bed. He turned his head to Brandt and winked before turning once more to face Ophee. “A very wise person once explained to me, ‘I can tell by your expressions that this is a hard lesson to learn and that you have learned it. You have erred, but your mistake was at least logical. Since Reah is most interested in justice, I can see no better punishment for you than to work to undo your mistake.’ The way I see it, you can help us thwart the plans of your master. And then like us, you will have paid for your mistake and the world will have suffered nothing for it. Personally, I think that we can live with those terms.”

Brandt grinned broadly in response to Ischarus’ remembrance of his earlier expression. “You learn well, Ischarus. And you lead with the hand of faithful justice. Perhaps there is hope for you yet.” He chuckled and turned to allow Ophee the chance to speak.

Ophee smiled in response to Ischarus’ kind words, but simply shook her head. “I appreciate your kindness, really I do. But to be honest with you I don’t know that I can be much help. I don’t know anything other than what I have told you. Apparently I was affected enough by this drug you claim was in the tea that I don’t know anything other than my orders.”

Rhema stood up from the bed and pulled her hair back into a single ponytail to get the hair out of her eyes. “Perhaps you weren’t told anything, Ophee, but that doesn’t mean that you still can’t be of help to us. I think it is reasonable to assume that your master needed the Black Arum for mind control. Yet, we returned with a significant amount of the Black Arum, far more than he could have used on you alone.”

Ischarus interrupted his wife. “I hear where you are going with this, Rhema. But we shouldn’t also forget that if this wizard is smart then he’ll likely try to cultivate his own supply. So, some of what we brought back is likely to have found a home in the ground.”

Rhema nodded and continued her thought. “True, but we also know that the Voodoo Lily is hard to grow outside of its natural environment in Quehalost. Personally, I’d like to believe that it thrives on the evil aspect of the land enough that its sap can be used to poison the mind. But that’s neither here nor there, really. Even if we assume that half of the supply that we brought back from Quehalost was used to cultivate his own supply, it still leaves a significant amount left over.”

Ophee nodded with the rest of the occupants of the room. It was clear from the pause that they were waiting for Rhema to continue. “So, that means that the wizard had a significant supply of Voodoo Lily root to use. Assuming that he had the magical capacity to brew up a significant amount of poison from the root, it could have been used to brainwash more people than you.”

Ischarus had begun to follow his wife’s reasoning. “Of course, that makes sense. Why would the wizard in Eberdeen want us dead?”

The light of understanding passed to Charis. “Because we got the root out of Quehalost for him! If anyone is discovered to have been brainwashed by Voodoo Lily root, we’d be able to point the authorities in a likely direction. We were liabilities!”

Semeion was excited to see Charis filling in some of the pieces. “And if you’ve got a supply of Black Arum root that can be made into a brainwashing poison, what better way to exterminate the party than by sending in a friend whom they trust?”

Ophee looked down to the bed and shook her head. “How could I have been so stupid? I joined up with the wizard because I had heard that working for that wizard all but guaranteed social movement. My master – although I guess that’s an inappropriate title now – is known for getting people advanced. My job with him was supposed to lead me to new heights, not into the possibility of slaughtering my friends!”

Brandt chuckled at Ophee’s comment. “There is seldom any meaningful quick way up the social scale, Ophee. But don’t worry. You were duped just as much as the Rhema, Charis, Ischarus, and Semeion. None of us saw this coming. The important thing now is to try and determine what possible goal this wizard could be working towards. There is much that can be done with a brainwashed victim. And we have no idea who these brainwashed victims just might be.”

Semeion snapped his index finger and thumb together and pointed to Brandt. “That’s it. It has to be. Think about it. Ophee and Darkbringer both showed the effects of the poison. And what did they have in common?”

Silence hung in the room for several seconds before Ophee spoke. “We were both in the wizard’s service? We were paid to do a job?”

Semeion smiled broadly and his eyes flashed with excitement. “Bingo! You win the prize, milady. The wizard uses the brainwashing treatment on those who already trust him. He is using people in his employ to carry out tasks without their knowledge. You never know, Ophee. You could have done countless tasks in his service and never recalled any of them.”

Charis absorbed much of her husband’s excitement as he spoke. As she sat beside Ophee upon the bed, she turned and spoke. The flecks in her eyes glistened as her face brightened with anticipation. “How many people are in the wizard’s employ, Ophee? How many people hold information gathering positions like you?”

Ophee began chewing on her bottom lip as she thought. “There are seven of us like me, one for each of the major cities of Tongra. Angelique, Garnet, and Scarhaus are too close to Quehalost to warrant the wizard’s expenditure of resources. But there is an agent in Eberdeen, Juniper, Bacrothen, Fingerdale, Partuss, Classo, and even Reignsburg.”

Brandt nodded as Ophee listed the major cities. “That’s all of them: King Rupert’s domain, Duke Norford’s domain, Lord Chauvre, our own Lord Ironblood, Earl Patron, Earl Boniface, and Earl Sniblett. Of course, that leaves out the Counts and their lands: Count Poltier, Count Gravous, and Count Ahlstrom. But as you said, Ophee, the likelihood of anything significant happening in those lands besides the security of the mountain range is unlikely.”

Charis smirked as Brandt finished speaking. “By significant, you mean something like a fight between dragons and the presentation of a whole new populace to Ausaphaborishan?”

Brandt nodded and smiled. “Exactly. Nothing so significant would surely happen there.” He laughed, and he was quickly joined by the rest of the occupants of the room.

Semeion returned the party to the proper discussion. “We have a couple of things in our favor, of course. The most significant of those things is that the wizard likely thinks that we are dead. When the barn burned, it would be easy to assume we all burned up with it.”

The acolyte who had served as their nurse spoke softly so as not to interrupt offensively. “Yes, my lords. That is a safe assumption. Little was done to stop the barn from burning once you all were removed. We thought it best to allow the barn to burn to the ground and smolder before protecting the surrounding fields. And, this place is protected against magical information gathering. So long as you remain in here, it should be impossible to know that you are alive so long as the one who seeks such information is an enemy of justice and Reah herself.”

Brandt concurred. “Indeed. The wizard in Eberdeen should be blind to our movements. We definitely have that in our favor. We also have someone who can give specific descriptions of those who are in the wizard’s employ. That may prove significant.”

Ophee smiled at the mention of the possibility that she might be able to help. “I can also give you the places that each member of the wizard’s information team is likely to frequent. We learn each other’s routines from time to time just because when the wizard calls us together we share about the contexts of our assignments.”

The color drained out of Ophee’s face as soon as she spoke the words. Charis was the first to notice that Ophee’s attitude had dimmed. “Ophee? What’s wrong?”

Ophee swallowed hard. “I remember that my master told me that once I had successfully accomplished this current mission that he was going to immediately recall me and give me a second urgent mission here in Fingerdale. I would guess that if he has assumed that I am dead, that he may have moved on without me.”

Rhema’s eyes darted across the room to meet Brandt’s eyes. “It sounds like our deaths were to be the catalysts of something fairly significant. We may already be too late, you know.”

Brandt agreed with Rhema. “It’s possible, of course.” He turned to the acolyte, who was standing behind him near the door. “Go, and bring me Master Searthu. Tell him that the case that began with Darkbringer has grown increasingly deep. Truth evades me at every turn, and I may be running out of time. His talents are needed if we are to act quickly.”

The acolyte darted out of the room and Brandt turned back to Ophee. “If you don’t mind, Ophee, could you begin to bring to mind a few memories of the other agents? Master Searthu can use that information when he comes.”
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