Nonlethal Force
First Post
Master Searthu stepped forward and complied with Mallus’ request. He reached into a tube fastened to his waist and removed two pieces of paper. There were words written on the paper that he had prepared earlier in his office. “Kashan Umaam Diast.”
As his associate waved his hands over Thealle and Skuundar, Brandt smiled and nodded. “My associate’s magic will remove the compulsion caused by the Arum Dracunculus, if any residual effect remained. However, their recovery will be long. They will need to be told of what happened and encouraged to try and get at any residual memories that might have been implanted. The compulsions are no longer present, and with the wizard now dead they’ll not be revived. But subconscious memories might still linger behind. These should be explored and dealt with, as we have done with Opheiluka.”
Mallus nodded and listened as Ischarus continued the discussion. “Is it safe to assume that we will not be seeing Pahk today? Since you were searching for several hours without finding the little guy, are we to assume that we’ll never get a chance to speak to him?”
Mallus smiled, obviously amused by Ischarus’ inquiry. “Pahk is an interesting creature. He is more resourceful than one might expect. And there is no telling just how much he learned from his master wizard. He didn’t let on that he knew much at all, but he may have surprised us. At the very least, we are convinced that he was taught how to hide from magical detection. Unless he’s dead, we should have been able to locate him by now. At the very least, it goes to show that magic cannot be used to solve all problems. It also goes to show that even those with a small amount of magical knowledge can be quite formidable so long as the knowledge that they do know is useful.”
Ischarus couldn’t help but conclude that there was more to the story than they were being told, but he also knew that a wizard within the Wizard’s College would not reveal more than they were willing to reveal. The whole truth would have to wait, if they learned it at all.
Ophee looked to Thealle and Skuundar with a sympathetic glance. “Don’t worry, you weren’t the only ones to be used by the wizard.”
Charis smiled and rested a hand upon Ophee’s shoulder. “Nope, that’s for sure. You’re among a long list of people that the wizard used. Some were used with their knowledge and consent. Some were used without their knowledge but still with their consent, like us for example. Others were used without their knowledge and without their consent. This wizard was a remarkable soul, and he almost succeeded. But don’t be too hard on yourselves for being used. You’re in good company on those terms.”
Mallus spoke, relieving Thealle and Skuundar of the ability to reply to Charis. “The wizard had many of us fooled. Even still, there are no doubt consequences from what happened in this place. Every action that we take has consequences in the lives of those around us. We cannot escape the fact that our actions affect other people whether we intend it or not. From those to whom little is given, little is expected. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. The gift of magic is significant; and the world, much less the Wizard’s College, expects much from those of us who wield magic.”
Thealle and Skuundar took their cue from Mallus and stood up from the couch. Thealle spoke first. “I am ready to await my hearing.”
Skuundar nodded in agreement. “If I was under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus, I will accept the ruling of the administration.”
Mallus dismissed the Skuundar and Thealle. “Your hearing will take place at a later time. Until you are summoned, consider yourselves confined to your personal quarters. You are dismissed.”
Thealle and Skuundar walked out of the room without a word. Mallus watched them leave, knowing that their punishment would not be as severe as they were imagining that it would be. The transgression had been the wizard’s. Skuundar had no recollection of aiding the wizard, and Thealle’s assistance was clearly not completely of her own choosing. However, by Thealle’s own admission she did not regret the learning and elevation of status that she received for her participation. Her punishment would be more severe than Skuundar’s.
When Skuundar and Thealle had closed the door behind them, Mallus turned back to the party. “You should consider yourselves lucky that you are not under the jurisdiction of the Wizard’s College. The fact that the four of you traveled to Quehalost willingly and returned with a harmful substance would not sit well with our administration. Ignorance is no excuse for the danger that you four introduced into our land. However, since you are not under our jurisdiction we cannot restrain you and keep you here. We hope that your conscious weighs heavily and like Thealle and Skuundar you will learn your lesson so we do not need to fear you repeating it.”
Mallus’ voice had taken the tone of a disciplinarian. Of course, he was part of the Wizard’s College guard, so discipline would be part of his duty. Semeion, Ischarus, and Rhema hung their head as Mallus spoke.
Instead of hanging her head, Charis replied to Mallus’ insinuation. “I would suppose that it is a matter of interpretation, then. I have seen my three associates do far more good than evil. They have saved countless lives from evil, including being the force that foiled this threat here. Yes, we were fooled by the wizard and brought a portion of Arum Dracunculus to him. And we have learned the importance of investigating the possible outcomes from accomplishing tasks that we know little about. But if the wizard’s influences had been checked before he could impact the world outside of the Wizard’s College, we wouldn’t have been in the position in which we were placed. I cannot deny that we made a mistake, but we have corrected that mistake as best we could.”
Semeion smiled as his wife spoke and interjected a statement into the middle of her speech. “And we are not yet done. We will find this Allyssa and stop her assignment as well.”
Charis grinned as she paused to let her husband speak. She was glad that he had been brought out of the guilt that Mallus had placed her associates under. When he finished, she continued. “While we have learned our lesson, it is my hope that the Wizard’s College has likewise learned yours.”
Brandt spoke quickly. He approved of Charis’ words, but knew that they would likely only refuel the argument from earlier in the day. It was clear that the party and the Wizard’s College were at odds in how they looked at the world and duty. “And I do believe that it is time for us to leave, unless you have a reason for us to stay in your presence longer, Mallus.”
Mallus was quick to offer up no resistance to Brandt’s assertion. “You are free to leave. The magical barrier will not prevent you from teleporting away from the Wizard’s College. Remember, though, that once you leave you have already promised to adhere to the proper regulations for reentering.”
The seven wasted no time leaving the Wizard’s College. Brandt took Ophee with him, and the rest used spells or a ring to return them to the temple in Fingerdale. The spells had brought them back to Master Searthu’s office. It was a relief to see the symbol of justice that marked Reah’s territory hanging upon the wall.
Rhema sighed. “I never imagined that seeing the symbols of justice would feel so welcoming.”
Brandt smiled and nodded in appreciation. “Reah can be a difficult master to serve, but she is always welcoming. Even the guilty are welcomed onto a path of repentance.”
In their own way, each of the party found warmth in Brandt’s words. He had offered up a sentiment almost opposite to the implications of Mallus. Here they were welcomed, even as often as they had made mistakes in the past.
Semeion turned to the two priests of Reah. “If we’re going to find this Allyssa, don’t you think we should try and find out a little more about that succubus? I didn’t expect the Wizard’s College to offer up any information, and I didn’t come across anything while looking through the wizard’s residence.”
Rhema nodded in agreement. “If nothing else, I would like to learn more about her in case we see her again.”
Ophee had a sour look on her face as Semeion and Rhema spoke of the demonic woman. “Personally, I’d rather just avoid her in the future. Once was already too often.”
Ischarus allowed his left fingers to run along the hilt of his sword as it hung at his side. “I think a little research is a fine idea. I know that I’ve got a score to settle with her, anyway. I hope I do see her again, and next time I’d like to know a little more about what she is and how to stop her more permanently.”
Brandt nodded, feeling the party straying away from the task of finding Allyssa. “And what of Ophee’s replacement?”
Charis smirked, knowing that Brandt was trying to refocus them. “We don’t even know if Allyssa is here in Fingerdale, Brandt. It is a good guess, but it is only a guess. Besides, the day is getting late and soon it will be too difficult to search for her anyway. If we take advantage of the library here in the temple, we could research tonight and go out to find Allyssa tomorrow. Besides, if we wait for tomorrow we’ll be more prepared to find her and be able to do something about it.”
Master Searthu smiled, and Brandt grinned at his fellow priest. “I know, they make a strong argument. They aren’t as helpless as they would have the world believe.” He stepped towards the door leading out of Master Searthu’s office. “Come, then. I’ll show you to the library and set you loose upon the histories contained with its walls. But I will not be joining you. I’ll spend the rest of this evening trying to find Allyssa’s location. Perhaps by dividing our efforts we can accomplish the necessary task at hand even quicker.” He led the party out of Master Searthu’s office.
[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Master Searthu stepped forward and complied with Mallus’ request. He reached into a tube fastened to his waist and removed two pieces of paper. There were words written on the paper that he had prepared earlier in his office. “Kashan Umaam Diast.”
As his associate waved his hands over Thealle and Skuundar, Brandt smiled and nodded. “My associate’s magic will remove the compulsion caused by the Arum Dracunculus, if any residual effect remained. However, their recovery will be long. They will need to be told of what happened and encouraged to try and get at any residual memories that might have been implanted. The compulsions are no longer present, and with the wizard now dead they’ll not be revived. But subconscious memories might still linger behind. These should be explored and dealt with, as we have done with Opheiluka.”
Mallus nodded and listened as Ischarus continued the discussion. “Is it safe to assume that we will not be seeing Pahk today? Since you were searching for several hours without finding the little guy, are we to assume that we’ll never get a chance to speak to him?”
Mallus smiled, obviously amused by Ischarus’ inquiry. “Pahk is an interesting creature. He is more resourceful than one might expect. And there is no telling just how much he learned from his master wizard. He didn’t let on that he knew much at all, but he may have surprised us. At the very least, we are convinced that he was taught how to hide from magical detection. Unless he’s dead, we should have been able to locate him by now. At the very least, it goes to show that magic cannot be used to solve all problems. It also goes to show that even those with a small amount of magical knowledge can be quite formidable so long as the knowledge that they do know is useful.”
Ischarus couldn’t help but conclude that there was more to the story than they were being told, but he also knew that a wizard within the Wizard’s College would not reveal more than they were willing to reveal. The whole truth would have to wait, if they learned it at all.
Ophee looked to Thealle and Skuundar with a sympathetic glance. “Don’t worry, you weren’t the only ones to be used by the wizard.”
Charis smiled and rested a hand upon Ophee’s shoulder. “Nope, that’s for sure. You’re among a long list of people that the wizard used. Some were used with their knowledge and consent. Some were used without their knowledge but still with their consent, like us for example. Others were used without their knowledge and without their consent. This wizard was a remarkable soul, and he almost succeeded. But don’t be too hard on yourselves for being used. You’re in good company on those terms.”
Mallus spoke, relieving Thealle and Skuundar of the ability to reply to Charis. “The wizard had many of us fooled. Even still, there are no doubt consequences from what happened in this place. Every action that we take has consequences in the lives of those around us. We cannot escape the fact that our actions affect other people whether we intend it or not. From those to whom little is given, little is expected. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. The gift of magic is significant; and the world, much less the Wizard’s College, expects much from those of us who wield magic.”
Thealle and Skuundar took their cue from Mallus and stood up from the couch. Thealle spoke first. “I am ready to await my hearing.”
Skuundar nodded in agreement. “If I was under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus, I will accept the ruling of the administration.”
Mallus dismissed the Skuundar and Thealle. “Your hearing will take place at a later time. Until you are summoned, consider yourselves confined to your personal quarters. You are dismissed.”
Thealle and Skuundar walked out of the room without a word. Mallus watched them leave, knowing that their punishment would not be as severe as they were imagining that it would be. The transgression had been the wizard’s. Skuundar had no recollection of aiding the wizard, and Thealle’s assistance was clearly not completely of her own choosing. However, by Thealle’s own admission she did not regret the learning and elevation of status that she received for her participation. Her punishment would be more severe than Skuundar’s.
When Skuundar and Thealle had closed the door behind them, Mallus turned back to the party. “You should consider yourselves lucky that you are not under the jurisdiction of the Wizard’s College. The fact that the four of you traveled to Quehalost willingly and returned with a harmful substance would not sit well with our administration. Ignorance is no excuse for the danger that you four introduced into our land. However, since you are not under our jurisdiction we cannot restrain you and keep you here. We hope that your conscious weighs heavily and like Thealle and Skuundar you will learn your lesson so we do not need to fear you repeating it.”
Mallus’ voice had taken the tone of a disciplinarian. Of course, he was part of the Wizard’s College guard, so discipline would be part of his duty. Semeion, Ischarus, and Rhema hung their head as Mallus spoke.
Instead of hanging her head, Charis replied to Mallus’ insinuation. “I would suppose that it is a matter of interpretation, then. I have seen my three associates do far more good than evil. They have saved countless lives from evil, including being the force that foiled this threat here. Yes, we were fooled by the wizard and brought a portion of Arum Dracunculus to him. And we have learned the importance of investigating the possible outcomes from accomplishing tasks that we know little about. But if the wizard’s influences had been checked before he could impact the world outside of the Wizard’s College, we wouldn’t have been in the position in which we were placed. I cannot deny that we made a mistake, but we have corrected that mistake as best we could.”
Semeion smiled as his wife spoke and interjected a statement into the middle of her speech. “And we are not yet done. We will find this Allyssa and stop her assignment as well.”
Charis grinned as she paused to let her husband speak. She was glad that he had been brought out of the guilt that Mallus had placed her associates under. When he finished, she continued. “While we have learned our lesson, it is my hope that the Wizard’s College has likewise learned yours.”
Brandt spoke quickly. He approved of Charis’ words, but knew that they would likely only refuel the argument from earlier in the day. It was clear that the party and the Wizard’s College were at odds in how they looked at the world and duty. “And I do believe that it is time for us to leave, unless you have a reason for us to stay in your presence longer, Mallus.”
Mallus was quick to offer up no resistance to Brandt’s assertion. “You are free to leave. The magical barrier will not prevent you from teleporting away from the Wizard’s College. Remember, though, that once you leave you have already promised to adhere to the proper regulations for reentering.”
The seven wasted no time leaving the Wizard’s College. Brandt took Ophee with him, and the rest used spells or a ring to return them to the temple in Fingerdale. The spells had brought them back to Master Searthu’s office. It was a relief to see the symbol of justice that marked Reah’s territory hanging upon the wall.
Rhema sighed. “I never imagined that seeing the symbols of justice would feel so welcoming.”
Brandt smiled and nodded in appreciation. “Reah can be a difficult master to serve, but she is always welcoming. Even the guilty are welcomed onto a path of repentance.”
In their own way, each of the party found warmth in Brandt’s words. He had offered up a sentiment almost opposite to the implications of Mallus. Here they were welcomed, even as often as they had made mistakes in the past.
Semeion turned to the two priests of Reah. “If we’re going to find this Allyssa, don’t you think we should try and find out a little more about that succubus? I didn’t expect the Wizard’s College to offer up any information, and I didn’t come across anything while looking through the wizard’s residence.”
Rhema nodded in agreement. “If nothing else, I would like to learn more about her in case we see her again.”
Ophee had a sour look on her face as Semeion and Rhema spoke of the demonic woman. “Personally, I’d rather just avoid her in the future. Once was already too often.”
Ischarus allowed his left fingers to run along the hilt of his sword as it hung at his side. “I think a little research is a fine idea. I know that I’ve got a score to settle with her, anyway. I hope I do see her again, and next time I’d like to know a little more about what she is and how to stop her more permanently.”
Brandt nodded, feeling the party straying away from the task of finding Allyssa. “And what of Ophee’s replacement?”
Charis smirked, knowing that Brandt was trying to refocus them. “We don’t even know if Allyssa is here in Fingerdale, Brandt. It is a good guess, but it is only a guess. Besides, the day is getting late and soon it will be too difficult to search for her anyway. If we take advantage of the library here in the temple, we could research tonight and go out to find Allyssa tomorrow. Besides, if we wait for tomorrow we’ll be more prepared to find her and be able to do something about it.”
Master Searthu smiled, and Brandt grinned at his fellow priest. “I know, they make a strong argument. They aren’t as helpless as they would have the world believe.” He stepped towards the door leading out of Master Searthu’s office. “Come, then. I’ll show you to the library and set you loose upon the histories contained with its walls. But I will not be joining you. I’ll spend the rest of this evening trying to find Allyssa’s location. Perhaps by dividing our efforts we can accomplish the necessary task at hand even quicker.” He led the party out of Master Searthu’s office.
[/Sblock]
As his associate waved his hands over Thealle and Skuundar, Brandt smiled and nodded. “My associate’s magic will remove the compulsion caused by the Arum Dracunculus, if any residual effect remained. However, their recovery will be long. They will need to be told of what happened and encouraged to try and get at any residual memories that might have been implanted. The compulsions are no longer present, and with the wizard now dead they’ll not be revived. But subconscious memories might still linger behind. These should be explored and dealt with, as we have done with Opheiluka.”
Mallus nodded and listened as Ischarus continued the discussion. “Is it safe to assume that we will not be seeing Pahk today? Since you were searching for several hours without finding the little guy, are we to assume that we’ll never get a chance to speak to him?”
Mallus smiled, obviously amused by Ischarus’ inquiry. “Pahk is an interesting creature. He is more resourceful than one might expect. And there is no telling just how much he learned from his master wizard. He didn’t let on that he knew much at all, but he may have surprised us. At the very least, we are convinced that he was taught how to hide from magical detection. Unless he’s dead, we should have been able to locate him by now. At the very least, it goes to show that magic cannot be used to solve all problems. It also goes to show that even those with a small amount of magical knowledge can be quite formidable so long as the knowledge that they do know is useful.”
Ischarus couldn’t help but conclude that there was more to the story than they were being told, but he also knew that a wizard within the Wizard’s College would not reveal more than they were willing to reveal. The whole truth would have to wait, if they learned it at all.
Ophee looked to Thealle and Skuundar with a sympathetic glance. “Don’t worry, you weren’t the only ones to be used by the wizard.”
Charis smiled and rested a hand upon Ophee’s shoulder. “Nope, that’s for sure. You’re among a long list of people that the wizard used. Some were used with their knowledge and consent. Some were used without their knowledge but still with their consent, like us for example. Others were used without their knowledge and without their consent. This wizard was a remarkable soul, and he almost succeeded. But don’t be too hard on yourselves for being used. You’re in good company on those terms.”
Mallus spoke, relieving Thealle and Skuundar of the ability to reply to Charis. “The wizard had many of us fooled. Even still, there are no doubt consequences from what happened in this place. Every action that we take has consequences in the lives of those around us. We cannot escape the fact that our actions affect other people whether we intend it or not. From those to whom little is given, little is expected. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. The gift of magic is significant; and the world, much less the Wizard’s College, expects much from those of us who wield magic.”
Thealle and Skuundar took their cue from Mallus and stood up from the couch. Thealle spoke first. “I am ready to await my hearing.”
Skuundar nodded in agreement. “If I was under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus, I will accept the ruling of the administration.”
Mallus dismissed the Skuundar and Thealle. “Your hearing will take place at a later time. Until you are summoned, consider yourselves confined to your personal quarters. You are dismissed.”
Thealle and Skuundar walked out of the room without a word. Mallus watched them leave, knowing that their punishment would not be as severe as they were imagining that it would be. The transgression had been the wizard’s. Skuundar had no recollection of aiding the wizard, and Thealle’s assistance was clearly not completely of her own choosing. However, by Thealle’s own admission she did not regret the learning and elevation of status that she received for her participation. Her punishment would be more severe than Skuundar’s.
When Skuundar and Thealle had closed the door behind them, Mallus turned back to the party. “You should consider yourselves lucky that you are not under the jurisdiction of the Wizard’s College. The fact that the four of you traveled to Quehalost willingly and returned with a harmful substance would not sit well with our administration. Ignorance is no excuse for the danger that you four introduced into our land. However, since you are not under our jurisdiction we cannot restrain you and keep you here. We hope that your conscious weighs heavily and like Thealle and Skuundar you will learn your lesson so we do not need to fear you repeating it.”
Mallus’ voice had taken the tone of a disciplinarian. Of course, he was part of the Wizard’s College guard, so discipline would be part of his duty. Semeion, Ischarus, and Rhema hung their head as Mallus spoke.
Instead of hanging her head, Charis replied to Mallus’ insinuation. “I would suppose that it is a matter of interpretation, then. I have seen my three associates do far more good than evil. They have saved countless lives from evil, including being the force that foiled this threat here. Yes, we were fooled by the wizard and brought a portion of Arum Dracunculus to him. And we have learned the importance of investigating the possible outcomes from accomplishing tasks that we know little about. But if the wizard’s influences had been checked before he could impact the world outside of the Wizard’s College, we wouldn’t have been in the position in which we were placed. I cannot deny that we made a mistake, but we have corrected that mistake as best we could.”
Semeion smiled as his wife spoke and interjected a statement into the middle of her speech. “And we are not yet done. We will find this Allyssa and stop her assignment as well.”
Charis grinned as she paused to let her husband speak. She was glad that he had been brought out of the guilt that Mallus had placed her associates under. When he finished, she continued. “While we have learned our lesson, it is my hope that the Wizard’s College has likewise learned yours.”
Brandt spoke quickly. He approved of Charis’ words, but knew that they would likely only refuel the argument from earlier in the day. It was clear that the party and the Wizard’s College were at odds in how they looked at the world and duty. “And I do believe that it is time for us to leave, unless you have a reason for us to stay in your presence longer, Mallus.”
Mallus was quick to offer up no resistance to Brandt’s assertion. “You are free to leave. The magical barrier will not prevent you from teleporting away from the Wizard’s College. Remember, though, that once you leave you have already promised to adhere to the proper regulations for reentering.”
The seven wasted no time leaving the Wizard’s College. Brandt took Ophee with him, and the rest used spells or a ring to return them to the temple in Fingerdale. The spells had brought them back to Master Searthu’s office. It was a relief to see the symbol of justice that marked Reah’s territory hanging upon the wall.
Rhema sighed. “I never imagined that seeing the symbols of justice would feel so welcoming.”
Brandt smiled and nodded in appreciation. “Reah can be a difficult master to serve, but she is always welcoming. Even the guilty are welcomed onto a path of repentance.”
In their own way, each of the party found warmth in Brandt’s words. He had offered up a sentiment almost opposite to the implications of Mallus. Here they were welcomed, even as often as they had made mistakes in the past.
Semeion turned to the two priests of Reah. “If we’re going to find this Allyssa, don’t you think we should try and find out a little more about that succubus? I didn’t expect the Wizard’s College to offer up any information, and I didn’t come across anything while looking through the wizard’s residence.”
Rhema nodded in agreement. “If nothing else, I would like to learn more about her in case we see her again.”
Ophee had a sour look on her face as Semeion and Rhema spoke of the demonic woman. “Personally, I’d rather just avoid her in the future. Once was already too often.”
Ischarus allowed his left fingers to run along the hilt of his sword as it hung at his side. “I think a little research is a fine idea. I know that I’ve got a score to settle with her, anyway. I hope I do see her again, and next time I’d like to know a little more about what she is and how to stop her more permanently.”
Brandt nodded, feeling the party straying away from the task of finding Allyssa. “And what of Ophee’s replacement?”
Charis smirked, knowing that Brandt was trying to refocus them. “We don’t even know if Allyssa is here in Fingerdale, Brandt. It is a good guess, but it is only a guess. Besides, the day is getting late and soon it will be too difficult to search for her anyway. If we take advantage of the library here in the temple, we could research tonight and go out to find Allyssa tomorrow. Besides, if we wait for tomorrow we’ll be more prepared to find her and be able to do something about it.”
Master Searthu smiled, and Brandt grinned at his fellow priest. “I know, they make a strong argument. They aren’t as helpless as they would have the world believe.” He stepped towards the door leading out of Master Searthu’s office. “Come, then. I’ll show you to the library and set you loose upon the histories contained with its walls. But I will not be joining you. I’ll spend the rest of this evening trying to find Allyssa’s location. Perhaps by dividing our efforts we can accomplish the necessary task at hand even quicker.” He led the party out of Master Searthu’s office.
[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Master Searthu stepped forward and complied with Mallus’ request. He reached into a tube fastened to his waist and removed two pieces of paper. There were words written on the paper that he had prepared earlier in his office. “Kashan Umaam Diast.”
As his associate waved his hands over Thealle and Skuundar, Brandt smiled and nodded. “My associate’s magic will remove the compulsion caused by the Arum Dracunculus, if any residual effect remained. However, their recovery will be long. They will need to be told of what happened and encouraged to try and get at any residual memories that might have been implanted. The compulsions are no longer present, and with the wizard now dead they’ll not be revived. But subconscious memories might still linger behind. These should be explored and dealt with, as we have done with Opheiluka.”
Mallus nodded and listened as Ischarus continued the discussion. “Is it safe to assume that we will not be seeing Pahk today? Since you were searching for several hours without finding the little guy, are we to assume that we’ll never get a chance to speak to him?”
Mallus smiled, obviously amused by Ischarus’ inquiry. “Pahk is an interesting creature. He is more resourceful than one might expect. And there is no telling just how much he learned from his master wizard. He didn’t let on that he knew much at all, but he may have surprised us. At the very least, we are convinced that he was taught how to hide from magical detection. Unless he’s dead, we should have been able to locate him by now. At the very least, it goes to show that magic cannot be used to solve all problems. It also goes to show that even those with a small amount of magical knowledge can be quite formidable so long as the knowledge that they do know is useful.”
Ischarus couldn’t help but conclude that there was more to the story than they were being told, but he also knew that a wizard within the Wizard’s College would not reveal more than they were willing to reveal. The whole truth would have to wait, if they learned it at all.
Ophee looked to Thealle and Skuundar with a sympathetic glance. “Don’t worry, you weren’t the only ones to be used by the wizard.”
Charis smiled and rested a hand upon Ophee’s shoulder. “Nope, that’s for sure. You’re among a long list of people that the wizard used. Some were used with their knowledge and consent. Some were used without their knowledge but still with their consent, like us for example. Others were used without their knowledge and without their consent. This wizard was a remarkable soul, and he almost succeeded. But don’t be too hard on yourselves for being used. You’re in good company on those terms.”
Mallus spoke, relieving Thealle and Skuundar of the ability to reply to Charis. “The wizard had many of us fooled. Even still, there are no doubt consequences from what happened in this place. Every action that we take has consequences in the lives of those around us. We cannot escape the fact that our actions affect other people whether we intend it or not. From those to whom little is given, little is expected. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. The gift of magic is significant; and the world, much less the Wizard’s College, expects much from those of us who wield magic.”
Thealle and Skuundar took their cue from Mallus and stood up from the couch. Thealle spoke first. “I am ready to await my hearing.”
Skuundar nodded in agreement. “If I was under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus, I will accept the ruling of the administration.”
Mallus dismissed the Skuundar and Thealle. “Your hearing will take place at a later time. Until you are summoned, consider yourselves confined to your personal quarters. You are dismissed.”
Thealle and Skuundar walked out of the room without a word. Mallus watched them leave, knowing that their punishment would not be as severe as they were imagining that it would be. The transgression had been the wizard’s. Skuundar had no recollection of aiding the wizard, and Thealle’s assistance was clearly not completely of her own choosing. However, by Thealle’s own admission she did not regret the learning and elevation of status that she received for her participation. Her punishment would be more severe than Skuundar’s.
When Skuundar and Thealle had closed the door behind them, Mallus turned back to the party. “You should consider yourselves lucky that you are not under the jurisdiction of the Wizard’s College. The fact that the four of you traveled to Quehalost willingly and returned with a harmful substance would not sit well with our administration. Ignorance is no excuse for the danger that you four introduced into our land. However, since you are not under our jurisdiction we cannot restrain you and keep you here. We hope that your conscious weighs heavily and like Thealle and Skuundar you will learn your lesson so we do not need to fear you repeating it.”
Mallus’ voice had taken the tone of a disciplinarian. Of course, he was part of the Wizard’s College guard, so discipline would be part of his duty. Semeion, Ischarus, and Rhema hung their head as Mallus spoke.
Instead of hanging her head, Charis replied to Mallus’ insinuation. “I would suppose that it is a matter of interpretation, then. I have seen my three associates do far more good than evil. They have saved countless lives from evil, including being the force that foiled this threat here. Yes, we were fooled by the wizard and brought a portion of Arum Dracunculus to him. And we have learned the importance of investigating the possible outcomes from accomplishing tasks that we know little about. But if the wizard’s influences had been checked before he could impact the world outside of the Wizard’s College, we wouldn’t have been in the position in which we were placed. I cannot deny that we made a mistake, but we have corrected that mistake as best we could.”
Semeion smiled as his wife spoke and interjected a statement into the middle of her speech. “And we are not yet done. We will find this Allyssa and stop her assignment as well.”
Charis grinned as she paused to let her husband speak. She was glad that he had been brought out of the guilt that Mallus had placed her associates under. When he finished, she continued. “While we have learned our lesson, it is my hope that the Wizard’s College has likewise learned yours.”
Brandt spoke quickly. He approved of Charis’ words, but knew that they would likely only refuel the argument from earlier in the day. It was clear that the party and the Wizard’s College were at odds in how they looked at the world and duty. “And I do believe that it is time for us to leave, unless you have a reason for us to stay in your presence longer, Mallus.”
Mallus was quick to offer up no resistance to Brandt’s assertion. “You are free to leave. The magical barrier will not prevent you from teleporting away from the Wizard’s College. Remember, though, that once you leave you have already promised to adhere to the proper regulations for reentering.”
The seven wasted no time leaving the Wizard’s College. Brandt took Ophee with him, and the rest used spells or a ring to return them to the temple in Fingerdale. The spells had brought them back to Master Searthu’s office. It was a relief to see the symbol of justice that marked Reah’s territory hanging upon the wall.
Rhema sighed. “I never imagined that seeing the symbols of justice would feel so welcoming.”
Brandt smiled and nodded in appreciation. “Reah can be a difficult master to serve, but she is always welcoming. Even the guilty are welcomed onto a path of repentance.”
In their own way, each of the party found warmth in Brandt’s words. He had offered up a sentiment almost opposite to the implications of Mallus. Here they were welcomed, even as often as they had made mistakes in the past.
Semeion turned to the two priests of Reah. “If we’re going to find this Allyssa, don’t you think we should try and find out a little more about that succubus? I didn’t expect the Wizard’s College to offer up any information, and I didn’t come across anything while looking through the wizard’s residence.”
Rhema nodded in agreement. “If nothing else, I would like to learn more about her in case we see her again.”
Ophee had a sour look on her face as Semeion and Rhema spoke of the demonic woman. “Personally, I’d rather just avoid her in the future. Once was already too often.”
Ischarus allowed his left fingers to run along the hilt of his sword as it hung at his side. “I think a little research is a fine idea. I know that I’ve got a score to settle with her, anyway. I hope I do see her again, and next time I’d like to know a little more about what she is and how to stop her more permanently.”
Brandt nodded, feeling the party straying away from the task of finding Allyssa. “And what of Ophee’s replacement?”
Charis smirked, knowing that Brandt was trying to refocus them. “We don’t even know if Allyssa is here in Fingerdale, Brandt. It is a good guess, but it is only a guess. Besides, the day is getting late and soon it will be too difficult to search for her anyway. If we take advantage of the library here in the temple, we could research tonight and go out to find Allyssa tomorrow. Besides, if we wait for tomorrow we’ll be more prepared to find her and be able to do something about it.”
Master Searthu smiled, and Brandt grinned at his fellow priest. “I know, they make a strong argument. They aren’t as helpless as they would have the world believe.” He stepped towards the door leading out of Master Searthu’s office. “Come, then. I’ll show you to the library and set you loose upon the histories contained with its walls. But I will not be joining you. I’ll spend the rest of this evening trying to find Allyssa’s location. Perhaps by dividing our efforts we can accomplish the necessary task at hand even quicker.” He led the party out of Master Searthu’s office.
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