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

[Nonlethal Force]

Chapter Ten: YOU CAN’T GO BACK AGAIN

The first of the two teleportations were easy to accomplish. Master Searthu was easily able to place an arcane spying device just outside of the property for the Wizard’s College. Once the arcane spying device was established, he tied it into a crystal ball and the party used the rings to teleport halfway across Tongra. Before any of them could blink, they had changed location from Fingerdale to Eberdeen.

They saw once again how the Wizard’s College rose up from the ground, defying gravity with each additional floor of learning. Ischarus pointed across a short stretch of grass to where they had been shown in on their last visit by Ophee’s former master. “There! Those doors are the way that we were brought into the building before. Once inside, we might be able to teleport to where we need to go.”

There was little hesitation in Master Brandt’s steps. He broke for the door, knowing that time was no longer their friend. If there was one thing that he could be sure about it was that there was little sense in depending upon magic as much as they needed for this plan to succeed. “If we are to win this day, we need to be quick. Hurry, to the doors before our presence can be countered.”

The party was quick to respond, and only Master Searthu offered any kind of hesitation at all. In what looked like a move to position himself so that he was protecting the rear flank of the party, he refocused his concentration over the magic sensor. The arcane eye suddenly sprang into motion and hovered above Ophee as she moved.

In spite of their quick obedience to Master Brandt’s command, they were not nearly as quick as they needed to be in order to get through the doors unmolested. A small group of eight guards flooded through the doorway and quickly formed a line of defense against the would-be intruders. The guard in the center lifted a staff so that it was parallel to the ground at a height equal to his tall shoulders. “Come no further until you have explained your presence!”

Brandt was in no apparent mood to play games with the guard of the wizard’s college. He raised his hand above his head and yelled boldly as he continued the charge. “Kashan Egro!” Six of the eight guards twinkled as Brandt’s magic descended upon them. Just after they began to twinkle, they wavered and then vanished completely. Brandt smiled as his magic worked.

Ischarus was charging immediately behind Brandt. “You killed six of them with a word of disintegration?”

Semeion chuckled as he drew his rapier. “Not disintegration, Ischarus. Dispelling. Brandt threw up a word to dispel the illusions that we apparently saw as real.”

Brandt slowed down to allow Ischarus the ability to overtake his position. “Not even I saw all the ones that vanished as illusions. There is a chance that the remaining two are illusions yet. Try to disbelieve them!”

There was no indication from the rest of the party that the remaining two were actually illusions. Ischarus surged past Brandt and draw his sword in a wide arc through the air. His blade caught the left arm of the guard who held the staff. The guard winced as he drew the staff around to block another strike.

Charis leapt at the second remaining guard. Her pick was already drawn and in motion. The blow was blocked by the second guard’s defensive posturing. The guard had drawn two daggers, and he brought them together and used the combined strength of both his wrists to catch the shaft of Charis’ pick.

The guard with the staff turned around in order to gather momentum for a strike. He lengthened his grip on the staff so that he was only holding the very tip. As the guard spun around, the momentum of the staff increased. Ischarus was able to defeat the easily telegraphed attack by jamming the tip of his sword into the ground so that the blade faced into the oncoming strike. The hollow bamboo pole thumped hard against the steel blade as a crack formed along the staff’s length.

Semeion approached the guard cautiously. The one with the staff had demonstrated better skill with a weapon than he had hoped, and he didn’t want to be forced into using what little magic remained in his body. He waited for the staff to strike Ischarus’ blade before launching a strike at the guard. His hesitation allowed the guard plenty of time to set himself and dodge past the blow.

Likewise, Rhema approached with caution and forced energy from her mind into her crystalline sword. The crystal that hung around her neck spoke with authority, giving her encouragement with each step. “You can be the hero, Rhema. Use the sword like you know how to do. Wait for the right moment.” The crystal around her neck paused for just a moment before sensing the opening in the guard’s defenses. “Swing hard!”

The guard lively stepped out of the path of the swinging blade, exposing his feint. He had used Rhema’s concentration against her. She vowed that the next time would not fare quite so favorably for the guard.

Ischarus used Rhema’s distraction to the best of his ability. He hoisted his blade out of the ground and into a wide arc above his head. The guard had enough time to bring his staff above his head to try and block the blow, but Ischarus’ blade shattered the center of the staff where the crack had formed moments ago. Ischarus’ blade cut deep into the guard’s left shoulder, sparing his life by inches.

The guard received the blow poorly, but handled the broken staff well. It took him little time to reposition each half so that he essentially wielded two much smaller poles. He twirled the poles around in several arcs before striking out at Ischarus. Neither of the half staves connected against Ischarus.

Semeion stepped up and swung, feeling more confident upon seeing Ischarus’ blow. Unfortunately, his aim was no better. His blade slipped through the air and missed the guard’s shoulder considerably.

Once again Rhema’s crystalline assistant cheered her on. “Strike more quickly, and lower this time. Aim for his waist!” Rhema thrust the blade for the guard’s midsection and she connected. A blue glow dissipated from the blade as her stored psychic power slipped through the blade and into the wound.

The guard’s face wracked with pain and his hands clenched forcefully around the halves of the staff. The section of the staff in his right hand shattered under the great strain and bamboo splinters bit into his hands. The guard crumpled to his knees and then fell sideways into a comatose state.

The battle between Charis and the second guard had not fared well for either participant. While the first guard had been triple teamed and brought low, neither Charis nor the second guard could even land a decent strike. They continued to exchange block for blow until Charis was joined by her friends. Even then, the guard was able to block all of the attacks for several sets of exchanges.

The defensive fighting eventually took its toll on the Wizard’s Tower guard. Ischarus and Semeion were able to position themselves opposite one another while Charis and Rhema were able to do the same. Before long, the party had coordinated attacks that even the best swordsman couldn’t block.

Charis began the assault by landing a solid blow with her pick. As she struck, Semeion took advantage of the distraction and in turn pierced a hole with his rapier just under the guard’s right shoulder blade. Rhema’s next attack missed, but it distracted the guard enough that Ischarus’ return smash cut deep into the guard’s leg.

The guard collapsed to the ground and begged for mercy. “I yield, I cannot stand. Don’t kill me!”

Nobody in the party could reply before they heard Brandt call from just inside the door that the guards had been protecting. “Leave the bloody guard! He’s nothing to us. Get in here and move, now!”

The party followed Brandt’s command out of sheer instinct. It was as though Brandt were a mother bear calling her cubs to safety. The party saw that Brandt and Master Searthu had gained access to enough of the bottom of the wizard’s college to make the teleportation happen. In fact, it appeared as though Ophee were already gone. She had taken advantage of the party’s ability to handle the guards and moved into the Wizard’s College with Brandt and Master Searthu.

Master Searthu stared into a crystal ball. Like Master Brandt, he was waiting for the cloud to clear and the image to resolve itself onto Ophee’s position. Once that happened, the second teleportation could commence.

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Chapter Ten: YOU CAN’T GO BACK AGAIN

The first of the two teleportations were easy to accomplish. Master Searthu was easily able to place an arcane spying device just outside of the property for the Wizard’s College. Once the arcane spying device was established, he tied it into a crystal ball and the party used the rings to teleport halfway across Tongra. Before any of them could blink, they had changed location from Fingerdale to Eberdeen.

They saw once again how the Wizard’s College rose up from the ground, defying gravity with each additional floor of learning. Ischarus pointed across a short stretch of grass to where they had been shown in on their last visit by Ophee’s former master. “There! Those doors are the way that we were brought into the building before. Once inside, we might be able to teleport to where we need to go.”

There was little hesitation in Master Brandt’s steps. He broke for the door, knowing that time was no longer their friend. If there was one thing that he could be sure about it was that there was little sense in depending upon magic as much as they needed for this plan to succeed. “If we are to win this day, we need to be quick. Hurry, to the doors before our presence can be countered.”

The party was quick to respond, and only Master Searthu offered any kind of hesitation at all. In what looked like a move to position himself so that he was protecting the rear flank of the party, he refocused his concentration over the magic sensor. The arcane eye suddenly sprang into motion and hovered above Ophee as she moved.

In spite of their quick obedience to Master Brandt’s command, they were not nearly as quick as they needed to be in order to get through the doors unmolested. A small group of eight guards flooded through the doorway and quickly formed a line of defense against the would-be intruders. The guard in the center lifted a staff so that it was parallel to the ground at a height equal to his tall shoulders. “Come no further until you have explained your presence!”

Brandt was in no apparent mood to play games with the guard of the wizard’s college. He raised his hand above his head and yelled boldly as he continued the charge. “Kashan Egro!” Six of the eight guards twinkled as Brandt’s magic descended upon them. Just after they began to twinkle, they wavered and then vanished completely. Brandt smiled as his magic worked.

Ischarus was charging immediately behind Brandt. “You killed six of them with a word of disintegration?”

Semeion chuckled as he drew his rapier. “Not disintegration, Ischarus. Dispelling. Brandt threw up a word to dispel the illusions that we apparently saw as real.”

Brandt slowed down to allow Ischarus the ability to overtake his position. “Not even I saw all the ones that vanished as illusions. There is a chance that the remaining two are illusions yet. Try to disbelieve them!”

There was no indication from the rest of the party that the remaining two were actually illusions. Ischarus surged past Brandt and draw his sword in a wide arc through the air. His blade caught the left arm of the guard who held the staff. The guard winced as he drew the staff around to block another strike.

Charis leapt at the second remaining guard. Her pick was already drawn and in motion. The blow was blocked by the second guard’s defensive posturing. The guard had drawn two daggers, and he brought them together and used the combined strength of both his wrists to catch the shaft of Charis’ pick.

The guard with the staff turned around in order to gather momentum for a strike. He lengthened his grip on the staff so that he was only holding the very tip. As the guard spun around, the momentum of the staff increased. Ischarus was able to defeat the easily telegraphed attack by jamming the tip of his sword into the ground so that the blade faced into the oncoming strike. The hollow bamboo pole thumped hard against the steel blade as a crack formed along the staff’s length.

Semeion approached the guard cautiously. The one with the staff had demonstrated better skill with a weapon than he had hoped, and he didn’t want to be forced into using what little magic remained in his body. He waited for the staff to strike Ischarus’ blade before launching a strike at the guard. His hesitation allowed the guard plenty of time to set himself and dodge past the blow.

Likewise, Rhema approached with caution and forced energy from her mind into her crystalline sword. The crystal that hung around her neck spoke with authority, giving her encouragement with each step. “You can be the hero, Rhema. Use the sword like you know how to do. Wait for the right moment.” The crystal around her neck paused for just a moment before sensing the opening in the guard’s defenses. “Swing hard!”

The guard lively stepped out of the path of the swinging blade, exposing his feint. He had used Rhema’s concentration against her. She vowed that the next time would not fare quite so favorably for the guard.

Ischarus used Rhema’s distraction to the best of his ability. He hoisted his blade out of the ground and into a wide arc above his head. The guard had enough time to bring his staff above his head to try and block the blow, but Ischarus’ blade shattered the center of the staff where the crack had formed moments ago. Ischarus’ blade cut deep into the guard’s left shoulder, sparing his life by inches.

The guard received the blow poorly, but handled the broken staff well. It took him little time to reposition each half so that he essentially wielded two much smaller poles. He twirled the poles around in several arcs before striking out at Ischarus. Neither of the half staves connected against Ischarus.

Semeion stepped up and swung, feeling more confident upon seeing Ischarus’ blow. Unfortunately, his aim was no better. His blade slipped through the air and missed the guard’s shoulder considerably.

Once again Rhema’s crystalline assistant cheered her on. “Strike more quickly, and lower this time. Aim for his waist!” Rhema thrust the blade for the guard’s midsection and she connected. A blue glow dissipated from the blade as her stored psychic power slipped through the blade and into the wound.

The guard’s face wracked with pain and his hands clenched forcefully around the halves of the staff. The section of the staff in his right hand shattered under the great strain and bamboo splinters bit into his hands. The guard crumpled to his knees and then fell sideways into a comatose state.

The battle between Charis and the second guard had not fared well for either participant. While the first guard had been triple teamed and brought low, neither Charis nor the second guard could even land a decent strike. They continued to exchange block for blow until Charis was joined by her friends. Even then, the guard was able to block all of the attacks for several sets of exchanges.

The defensive fighting eventually took its toll on the Wizard’s Tower guard. Ischarus and Semeion were able to position themselves opposite one another while Charis and Rhema were able to do the same. Before long, the party had coordinated attacks that even the best swordsman couldn’t block.

Charis began the assault by landing a solid blow with her pick. As she struck, Semeion took advantage of the distraction and in turn pierced a hole with his rapier just under the guard’s right shoulder blade. Rhema’s next attack missed, but it distracted the guard enough that Ischarus’ return smash cut deep into the guard’s leg.

The guard collapsed to the ground and begged for mercy. “I yield, I cannot stand. Don’t kill me!”

Nobody in the party could reply before they heard Brandt call from just inside the door that the guards had been protecting. “Leave the bloody guard! He’s nothing to us. Get in here and move, now!”

The party followed Brandt’s command out of sheer instinct. It was as though Brandt were a mother bear calling her cubs to safety. The party saw that Brandt and Master Searthu had gained access to enough of the bottom of the wizard’s college to make the teleportation happen. In fact, it appeared as though Ophee were already gone. She had taken advantage of the party’s ability to handle the guards and moved into the Wizard’s College with Brandt and Master Searthu.

Master Searthu stared into a crystal ball. Like Master Brandt, he was waiting for the cloud to clear and the image to resolve itself onto Ophee’s position. Once that happened, the second teleportation could commence.

[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Master Searthu had promised that it would only take his arcane sensor a few seconds to find Ophee once she teleported outside her old master’s office. He was not wrong in his estimation. By the time the party was able to swarm inside the doors and join the two followers of Reah, the crystal ball had cleared and teleportation was once more possible.

The party didn’t need to be told what to do. Each of their fingers raced towards the gold ring on their hands and gave a quick twist as they focused on the scene before them in the crystal ball. Once the party and Brandt had successfully left the bottom floor of the Wizard’s College, Master Searthu completed his own teleportation. A new set of guards rounded a corner on the ground floor as the final follower of Reah disappeared before their eyes.

The party popped back into existence beside Ophee, and they were now several floors up in the Wizard’s College. Brandt began shouting directions immediately. “It won’t take them long to figure out where we’ve gone. Semeion and Ophee, you’re with me. Searthu, stay here with Ischarus, Rhema, and Charis and hold the door!”

Semeion gripped the handle of the door and twisted. It was clearly locked, and his face showed displeasure at his inability to open the door. He lowered a shoulder and tried to jar the door open, but the wooden frame seemed to laugh at the feeble attempt.

Brandt grinned. “Move aside, Semeion.” Brandt almost didn’t wait for Semeion to move before shouting his next magical command. “Crang-d'hai Shintar.”

The door erupted into a mass of splinters. The wood forced itself inward into the chambers where Ophee’s former master resided. As the wood flew inward, the air was clouded and visibility was minimized.

Brant followed the surge of splinters inward, using the cover of the spray to gain entrance into the room. Semeion grabbed Ophee’s arm as Brandt rushed by. Once Brandt was through the door, Semeion pushed Ophee into the room with a shout. “We’ve got to find your master before he has a chance to escape!” He quickly disappeared into the room behind Ophee.

Master Searthu quickly organized the rest of the party into a protective line of defense. He stood in front of the door and pointed to the left down the long narrow hall. “Ischarus, take my left flank. Rhema, take my right flank. Charis, protect Rhema from a direct assault.”

The party quickly obeyed the command, knowing that their task would not be easy. Ischarus adjusted his grip on the hilt of his sword and yelled to Master Searthu over his left shoulder. “Any guess as to the direction that they’re going to come.”

Rhema chuckled and answered, although she knew she wasn’t the one to whom the inquiry was directed. “Both. We’re on their turf, you know. Once they know where we are, they’ll come from all directions.”

Master Searthu shook his head. “We won’t even see them coming, I’d guess. We’ve already demonstrated ourselves to be dangerous foes that can use magic to our own advantage. They’ll respond in turn. Whatever happens, expect magic to come and to come hard.”

Charis sucked in a deep breath and gripped the handle of her pick. She offered up another prayer to the goddess who had comforted her so often in the past. “Bemme, have mercy on our souls. Allow our cause to be just, and let our love for freedom show through our assault.”

The hall was silent as Charis finished her prayer. The rupturing door had settled inside the wizard’s office and the trio inside had moved off. The foursome outside each felt their breathing slow in preparation for sudden movement. It was clearly the calm before the incoming storm.

Inside the office, Brandt, Ophee, and Semeion found the first room deserted. There were three possible choices in the form of archways leading out of the room. There was one archway for each wall in the first room. Ophee pointed to the doors quickly, moving left to right. “Study, Library, Quarters.”

Brandt held out a steady hand. “Stay together. If we face this wizard alone we lose the advantage. I’d rather that he escapes and we have to pursue him than to have one of us face him alone.”

Semeion and Ophee nodded to one another. Brandt would lead. If there was anyone in this group that could protect them from the wizard’s assaults it would be Brandt.

The priest of Reah paused for just a moment. His hand slipped inside of his cloak and a slight smile crept over his face as he noticed Semeion and Ophee fall in line. “I hope the wizard makes the same mistake that you each just made.” He pulled out a simple wooden wand with a red tip. “Take this. The ability to cast the spell contained is well beyond your abilities. But you just might be able to control a wand where the power has already been contained.”

Semeion took the wand. He understood the message contained within Brandt’s words. This wand held a significant key to containing the wizard’s power. Ophee’s former master would expect it to come from Brandt, not him. His eyes met Brandt’s eyes once more as soon as the wand was in his hand. “The command?”

Brandt’s eyes danced a bit with mischievous intent. “Command indeed. Beissah Lahzuhto.” He held a finger to his lips to remind Semeion to not speak the word while the wand was in his hand.

Semeion’s face paled at the realization that Brandt had given him a wand of such a high power. Lahzuhto spells were not the kind of spells that he had any business casting. He swallowed hard and nodded.

Brandt smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “I’ve planned for this. I’ve brought along a bit of parchment that will help stabilize your mind and clear your thoughts. It will help you wrap your mind around the spell contained in the wand.” He pulled the parchment out of a pocket and handed it to Semeion. “Read it and cast the spell. Hurry.”

Semeion’s eyes scanned the words. He was familiar with this spell. “Zysh Sooth Aggior cadrass.”

Brandt turned to the three doors. “Not in the quarters. The library would contain too much valuable research. He’ll be in the study, where he is used to teaching.”

Brandt passed through the arch in the direction that Ophee had stated in order to enter the wizard’s study. He quickly spun around and allowed his voice to seep out through his teeth in a low tone. “Empty. Quarters, then. He’d not fight in his library.” Brandt charged across the room and passed through the doorway with Semeion and Ophee in tow.

Inside the room, a man stood grinning in response to their approach. “Ah, you have finally come back to me, Opheiluka. And you have come to be my betrayer. How touching, isn’t it? Especially since I loved you so, taught you everything that you know, and gave you everything that you have. We could have been so much together, Opheiluka.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Master Searthu had promised that it would only take his arcane sensor a few seconds to find Ophee once she teleported outside her old master’s office. He was not wrong in his estimation. By the time the party was able to swarm inside the doors and join the two followers of Reah, the crystal ball had cleared and teleportation was once more possible.

The party didn’t need to be told what to do. Each of their fingers raced towards the gold ring on their hands and gave a quick twist as they focused on the scene before them in the crystal ball. Once the party and Brandt had successfully left the bottom floor of the Wizard’s College, Master Searthu completed his own teleportation. A new set of guards rounded a corner on the ground floor as the final follower of Reah disappeared before their eyes.

The party popped back into existence beside Ophee, and they were now several floors up in the Wizard’s College. Brandt began shouting directions immediately. “It won’t take them long to figure out where we’ve gone. Semeion and Ophee, you’re with me. Searthu, stay here with Ischarus, Rhema, and Charis and hold the door!”

Semeion gripped the handle of the door and twisted. It was clearly locked, and his face showed displeasure at his inability to open the door. He lowered a shoulder and tried to jar the door open, but the wooden frame seemed to laugh at the feeble attempt.

Brandt grinned. “Move aside, Semeion.” Brandt almost didn’t wait for Semeion to move before shouting his next magical command. “Crang-d'hai Shintar.”

The door erupted into a mass of splinters. The wood forced itself inward into the chambers where Ophee’s former master resided. As the wood flew inward, the air was clouded and visibility was minimized.

Brant followed the surge of splinters inward, using the cover of the spray to gain entrance into the room. Semeion grabbed Ophee’s arm as Brandt rushed by. Once Brandt was through the door, Semeion pushed Ophee into the room with a shout. “We’ve got to find your master before he has a chance to escape!” He quickly disappeared into the room behind Ophee.

Master Searthu quickly organized the rest of the party into a protective line of defense. He stood in front of the door and pointed to the left down the long narrow hall. “Ischarus, take my left flank. Rhema, take my right flank. Charis, protect Rhema from a direct assault.”

The party quickly obeyed the command, knowing that their task would not be easy. Ischarus adjusted his grip on the hilt of his sword and yelled to Master Searthu over his left shoulder. “Any guess as to the direction that they’re going to come.”

Rhema chuckled and answered, although she knew she wasn’t the one to whom the inquiry was directed. “Both. We’re on their turf, you know. Once they know where we are, they’ll come from all directions.”

Master Searthu shook his head. “We won’t even see them coming, I’d guess. We’ve already demonstrated ourselves to be dangerous foes that can use magic to our own advantage. They’ll respond in turn. Whatever happens, expect magic to come and to come hard.”

Charis sucked in a deep breath and gripped the handle of her pick. She offered up another prayer to the goddess who had comforted her so often in the past. “Bemme, have mercy on our souls. Allow our cause to be just, and let our love for freedom show through our assault.”

The hall was silent as Charis finished her prayer. The rupturing door had settled inside the wizard’s office and the trio inside had moved off. The foursome outside each felt their breathing slow in preparation for sudden movement. It was clearly the calm before the incoming storm.

Inside the office, Brandt, Ophee, and Semeion found the first room deserted. There were three possible choices in the form of archways leading out of the room. There was one archway for each wall in the first room. Ophee pointed to the doors quickly, moving left to right. “Study, Library, Quarters.”

Brandt held out a steady hand. “Stay together. If we face this wizard alone we lose the advantage. I’d rather that he escapes and we have to pursue him than to have one of us face him alone.”

Semeion and Ophee nodded to one another. Brandt would lead. If there was anyone in this group that could protect them from the wizard’s assaults it would be Brandt.

The priest of Reah paused for just a moment. His hand slipped inside of his cloak and a slight smile crept over his face as he noticed Semeion and Ophee fall in line. “I hope the wizard makes the same mistake that you each just made.” He pulled out a simple wooden wand with a red tip. “Take this. The ability to cast the spell contained is well beyond your abilities. But you just might be able to control a wand where the power has already been contained.”

Semeion took the wand. He understood the message contained within Brandt’s words. This wand held a significant key to containing the wizard’s power. Ophee’s former master would expect it to come from Brandt, not him. His eyes met Brandt’s eyes once more as soon as the wand was in his hand. “The command?”

Brandt’s eyes danced a bit with mischievous intent. “Command indeed. Beissah Lahzuhto.” He held a finger to his lips to remind Semeion to not speak the word while the wand was in his hand.

Semeion’s face paled at the realization that Brandt had given him a wand of such a high power. Lahzuhto spells were not the kind of spells that he had any business casting. He swallowed hard and nodded.

Brandt smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “I’ve planned for this. I’ve brought along a bit of parchment that will help stabilize your mind and clear your thoughts. It will help you wrap your mind around the spell contained in the wand.” He pulled the parchment out of a pocket and handed it to Semeion. “Read it and cast the spell. Hurry.”

Semeion’s eyes scanned the words. He was familiar with this spell. “Zysh Sooth Aggior cadrass.”

Brandt turned to the three doors. “Not in the quarters. The library would contain too much valuable research. He’ll be in the study, where he is used to teaching.”

Brandt passed through the arch in the direction that Ophee had stated in order to enter the wizard’s study. He quickly spun around and allowed his voice to seep out through his teeth in a low tone. “Empty. Quarters, then. He’d not fight in his library.” Brandt charged across the room and passed through the doorway with Semeion and Ophee in tow.

Inside the room, a man stood grinning in response to their approach. “Ah, you have finally come back to me, Opheiluka. And you have come to be my betrayer. How touching, isn’t it? Especially since I loved you so, taught you everything that you know, and gave you everything that you have. We could have been so much together, Opheiluka.”
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[Nonlethal Force]

Ophee bumped past Brandt’s shoulders as she moved into the room. “Loved me? You used me to try and kill these people! You brainwashed me using the Arum Dracunculus plant so that the people who trusted me would be innocently slain!”

Semeion started to move forward with Ophee, but Brandt hand out a hand to stop him. The priest of Reah shook his head slowly as if to say that Ophee would need these answers. Semeion’s hand clenched the wand that he had recently placed in his pocket. The words for activating the wand were at the front of his mind.

The wizard grinned as Ophee spoke. “Love always requires sacrifice, Opheiluka. Think of marriage. In order for a marriage to work, each member must be willing to suppress part of their independence and personality so that a joint personality might arise.”

Ophee moved to speak, but the wizard simply trumped her voice with a louder one. “Think of your beloved friends, in that they are my pawns. Every time they enter Quehalost there was a sacrifice. They were sacrificing their freedom and possibly their lives for the mere chance to bring freedom to the dark land behind the mountains. All love requires sacrifice, my dear Opheiluka. The love we shared was to be no different.”

Ophee slowly shook her head. “I have no love for you. You offer nothing to me any more.”

The wizard slowly laughed. “Then I suppose it is time that you earn your reward for the many roles that you have played in my overall plan.”

Ophee gripped the dagger at her side and drew it out with a fast motion. “Go ahead. I’m ready to die if necessary.”

The wizard’s laugh became even more boisterous. “Die? Are you not even curious just how many parts you have played under the force of the Arum Dracunculus? I will be happy to kill you, but are you not even curious what secrets you will be taking to the grave?”

Semeion’s hand once more shot to the pocket that contained the wand. It was one thing to speak of fighting, but as the conversation turned to that of death the tone changed. This wizard could no doubt kill with a single word if he so desired.

Brandt glanced to Semeion and with a look he cautioned the young mage about telegraphing his action to the wizard. There was no need to alert the wizard about the fact that Semeion was more of a threat than he could imagine. The longer that secret stayed within the party the better chance this battle would end favorably.

Ophee twisted the dagger in her palm as she spoke in reply to the wizard’s assertion. “Speak, then. If you’re so vile that you not only must control the actions of other people but then tell them about those very deeds before killing them, then I will hear you out. It will only fuel my desire to see this blade sink deeper into your cold black heart.”

The wizard laughed. “Now I am beginning to love you even more than before. You used to be innocent and I cherished that about you, Opheiluka. But now I find this passion and hatred deep within you most desirous. Had I known that you were capable of such depth in feeling, I would have drawn them out earlier.”

Ophee breathed in hard as she choked back a set of tears. “Speak, or fight. I care nothing for your torture. Speak your peace or end this!”

Semeion and Brandt stepped up to flank Ophee. It was clear that he still possessed some amount of control over her and she was having trouble fighting the conflict that was arising within her. The time was drawing close that this conflict would need to find resolution.

The wizard stared at Ophee for a second. “Very well, Opheiluka. I will tell you of the dark role that you played in your own destruction. I will show you to be the pawn that you never would have guessed yourself to be. You see, it all began when you told me about a report that you heard regarding an amazing circumstance in Fingerdale. You told me of the capture of a young Drakontos. Specifically, it was almost a year ago that you told me about the tale of a battle you witnessed between a sword wielding man and a certain flame-haired Drakontos.”

Semeion nearly spat as he involuntarily shouted the name. “Grick.”

The wizard smiled even more broadly. “You remember him? He’ll be so touched when tell him upon seeing to his release once you are all dead. You see, when I heard about a flame-haired Drakontos this far north, I knew it could only mean one thing. Someone had come out of Quehalost. And if someone had come out of Quehalost, someone could go back in.”

Semeion’s eyes narrowed as he thought he was following the wizard’s line of thought. “So why are we involved? Why is Ophee involved? I’m assuming this leads to the Arum Dracunculus. Why did you choose us and not Grick?”

The wizard took his eyes off of Ophee for the first time since they had come into the room. “When I interviewed Grick I discovered that he was far to hostile towards you all. He told of you four and how you had twice traveled into Quehalost. He told of your resourcefulness in finding a way to destroy his own father dragon. Had I set Grick free, he would not have gotten the Arum Dracunculus for me. He would have come straight after you all in revenge. Since he was useless to me, I needed someone who would go into Quehalost and return. I needed someone with a bit of honor.”

Semeion suddenly looked confused. Something no longer added up. “So, you took advantage of our need and used us to get the Arum Dracunculus?”

The wizard allowed a dark laugh to come from deep within his throat. “Oh, it is far worse than that, Semeion.” The young wizard’s name slithered out of the old wizard’s mouth like the hiss of a snake. “I needed your skills. I made the destruction of the villa possible. Remember, I am an information broker. I discovered that there was to be a time when the villa would be vacated. I used the Arum Dracunculus on Opheiluka to make her the liaison between myself and Darkbringer. With the destruction of the villa, I knew that you all would eventually come to me seeking answers that only I could provide. Opheiluka was the one you sought this whole time, although she herself did not know that it was her voice that coordinated the whole attack. How does that make you feel, my dear?”

Ophee’s skin crawled as the wizard’s glance shifted once more to her. She couldn’t offer up any response. She had unknowingly betrayed the very party who had come to help vindicate her name. She had been used and discarded like broken terracotta.

The wizard continued. “Why do you think Ophee was so easy to find in Fingerdale? I knew your plans to search the taverns for Bloodseeker. I told her where to go and what to say to make it sound like she would be helpful. She didn’t know that she was Bloodseeker. She didn’t know that until this very moment. That is the power of the Arum Dracunculus.”

Ophee finally spoke. She had begun to cry at the realization of all that her hands had been responsible for. “I swear, Semeion. If he’s telling the truth at all then he’s telling the whole truth. I didn’t know any of this.”

Brandt placed a reassuring palm on Ophee’s shoulder. “Of course you didn’t, Ophee. We saw how the Arum Dracunculus worked in the barn.”

The wizard mocked Brandt. “Of course you didn’t, Opheiluka. But I didn’t see it work in the barn. Someone hid your presence from me.” The wizard stared into Brandt’s eyes. “But that is no matter now. I needed someone to go into Quehalost and retrieve the Arum Dracunculus for me. To that end, you all were useful. Now that you have accomplished that task, there is no reason to keep you alive. I had hoped that Opheiluka would have killed you so that I could keep her alive and with me. But as I said earlier, sometimes love requires sacrifice. I hope you have considered that in your choice, my dear Opheiluka.”

Ophee drew her dagger back, but Semeion caught her in his arms for a moment. He wasn’t yet done. If he had the wizard figured out, he was too proud to refuse one final question. “So, you used Ophee and us four to get you the Arum Dracunculus. All for the ability to control people? You would kill us because we know that you can control people? Rhema can control people, and we aren’t willing to kill for her protection!”

The question was just enough to catch the wizard’s attention. “I would kill you because you have knowledge that can be used against me. Knowledge is power. The one who controls the knowledge is the one who controls the power. I have sent my servants to kill the king and lords of Tongra. Once the king and his lords are dead, the land will be in a panic and searching for answers. I will have the means to find those responsible. Finding those responsible will elevate my position in popularity at just the right time – when the land is looking for new leadership. I will be ushered in as the force that unified the Confederacy of Tongra into a single domain – my own arcane autocracy. They don’t know it, but I will become the beloved of the people. I will be their dictator. Under my authority Tongra will dominate Enigmatica.”

The wizard’s voice had taken on a new tone. The wizard was no longer speaking to any of the three present. The wizard was caught up in his own personal dream and was talking as if there was some greater audience. He was clearly delusional regarding the amount of power he could safely wield.

Ophee stopped struggling against Semeion’s resistance as her former master unfolded his plan. The others couldn’t sense it, but there was a distinct change in the wizard who now stood before her. This was no longer just her former master. This man was something different – something else. For a man who spent years in plotting a patient use of magic in order to learn secrets, the wizard seemed to be walking the fine line of going out of control.


[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Ophee bumped past Brandt’s shoulders as she moved into the room. “Loved me? You used me to try and kill these people! You brainwashed me using the Arum Dracunculus plant so that the people who trusted me would be innocently slain!”

Semeion started to move forward with Ophee, but Brandt hand out a hand to stop him. The priest of Reah shook his head slowly as if to say that Ophee would need these answers. Semeion’s hand clenched the wand that he had recently placed in his pocket. The words for activating the wand were at the front of his mind.

The wizard grinned as Ophee spoke. “Love always requires sacrifice, Opheiluka. Think of marriage. In order for a marriage to work, each member must be willing to suppress part of their independence and personality so that a joint personality might arise.”

Ophee moved to speak, but the wizard simply trumped her voice with a louder one. “Think of your beloved friends, in that they are my pawns. Every time they enter Quehalost there was a sacrifice. They were sacrificing their freedom and possibly their lives for the mere chance to bring freedom to the dark land behind the mountains. All love requires sacrifice, my dear Opheiluka. The love we shared was to be no different.”

Ophee slowly shook her head. “I have no love for you. You offer nothing to me any more.”

The wizard slowly laughed. “Then I suppose it is time that you earn your reward for the many roles that you have played in my overall plan.”

Ophee gripped the dagger at her side and drew it out with a fast motion. “Go ahead. I’m ready to die if necessary.”

The wizard’s laugh became even more boisterous. “Die? Are you not even curious just how many parts you have played under the force of the Arum Dracunculus? I will be happy to kill you, but are you not even curious what secrets you will be taking to the grave?”

Semeion’s hand once more shot to the pocket that contained the wand. It was one thing to speak of fighting, but as the conversation turned to that of death the tone changed. This wizard could no doubt kill with a single word if he so desired.

Brandt glanced to Semeion and with a look he cautioned the young mage about telegraphing his action to the wizard. There was no need to alert the wizard about the fact that Semeion was more of a threat than he could imagine. The longer that secret stayed within the party the better chance this battle would end favorably.

Ophee twisted the dagger in her palm as she spoke in reply to the wizard’s assertion. “Speak, then. If you’re so vile that you not only must control the actions of other people but then tell them about those very deeds before killing them, then I will hear you out. It will only fuel my desire to see this blade sink deeper into your cold black heart.”

The wizard laughed. “Now I am beginning to love you even more than before. You used to be innocent and I cherished that about you, Opheiluka. But now I find this passion and hatred deep within you most desirous. Had I known that you were capable of such depth in feeling, I would have drawn them out earlier.”

Ophee breathed in hard as she choked back a set of tears. “Speak, or fight. I care nothing for your torture. Speak your peace or end this!”

Semeion and Brandt stepped up to flank Ophee. It was clear that he still possessed some amount of control over her and she was having trouble fighting the conflict that was arising within her. The time was drawing close that this conflict would need to find resolution.

The wizard stared at Ophee for a second. “Very well, Opheiluka. I will tell you of the dark role that you played in your own destruction. I will show you to be the pawn that you never would have guessed yourself to be. You see, it all began when you told me about a report that you heard regarding an amazing circumstance in Fingerdale. You told me of the capture of a young Drakontos. Specifically, it was almost a year ago that you told me about the tale of a battle you witnessed between a sword wielding man and a certain flame-haired Drakontos.”

Semeion nearly spat as he involuntarily shouted the name. “Grick.”

The wizard smiled even more broadly. “You remember him? He’ll be so touched when tell him upon seeing to his release once you are all dead. You see, when I heard about a flame-haired Drakontos this far north, I knew it could only mean one thing. Someone had come out of Quehalost. And if someone had come out of Quehalost, someone could go back in.”

Semeion’s eyes narrowed as he thought he was following the wizard’s line of thought. “So why are we involved? Why is Ophee involved? I’m assuming this leads to the Arum Dracunculus. Why did you choose us and not Grick?”

The wizard took his eyes off of Ophee for the first time since they had come into the room. “When I interviewed Grick I discovered that he was far to hostile towards you all. He told of you four and how you had twice traveled into Quehalost. He told of your resourcefulness in finding a way to destroy his own father dragon. Had I set Grick free, he would not have gotten the Arum Dracunculus for me. He would have come straight after you all in revenge. Since he was useless to me, I needed someone who would go into Quehalost and return. I needed someone with a bit of honor.”

Semeion suddenly looked confused. Something no longer added up. “So, you took advantage of our need and used us to get the Arum Dracunculus?”

The wizard allowed a dark laugh to come from deep within his throat. “Oh, it is far worse than that, Semeion.” The young wizard’s name slithered out of the old wizard’s mouth like the hiss of a snake. “I needed your skills. I made the destruction of the villa possible. Remember, I am an information broker. I discovered that there was to be a time when the villa would be vacated. I used the Arum Dracunculus on Opheiluka to make her the liaison between myself and Darkbringer. With the destruction of the villa, I knew that you all would eventually come to me seeking answers that only I could provide. Opheiluka was the one you sought this whole time, although she herself did not know that it was her voice that coordinated the whole attack. How does that make you feel, my dear?”

Ophee’s skin crawled as the wizard’s glance shifted once more to her. She couldn’t offer up any response. She had unknowingly betrayed the very party who had come to help vindicate her name. She had been used and discarded like broken terracotta.

The wizard continued. “Why do you think Ophee was so easy to find in Fingerdale? I knew your plans to search the taverns for Bloodseeker. I told her where to go and what to say to make it sound like she would be helpful. She didn’t know that she was Bloodseeker. She didn’t know that until this very moment. That is the power of the Arum Dracunculus.”

Ophee finally spoke. She had begun to cry at the realization of all that her hands had been responsible for. “I swear, Semeion. If he’s telling the truth at all then he’s telling the whole truth. I didn’t know any of this.”

Brandt placed a reassuring palm on Ophee’s shoulder. “Of course you didn’t, Ophee. We saw how the Arum Dracunculus worked in the barn.”

The wizard mocked Brandt. “Of course you didn’t, Opheiluka. But I didn’t see it work in the barn. Someone hid your presence from me.” The wizard stared into Brandt’s eyes. “But that is no matter now. I needed someone to go into Quehalost and retrieve the Arum Dracunculus for me. To that end, you all were useful. Now that you have accomplished that task, there is no reason to keep you alive. I had hoped that Opheiluka would have killed you so that I could keep her alive and with me. But as I said earlier, sometimes love requires sacrifice. I hope you have considered that in your choice, my dear Opheiluka.”

Ophee drew her dagger back, but Semeion caught her in his arms for a moment. He wasn’t yet done. If he had the wizard figured out, he was too proud to refuse one final question. “So, you used Ophee and us four to get you the Arum Dracunculus. All for the ability to control people? You would kill us because we know that you can control people? Rhema can control people, and we aren’t willing to kill for her protection!”

The question was just enough to catch the wizard’s attention. “I would kill you because you have knowledge that can be used against me. Knowledge is power. The one who controls the knowledge is the one who controls the power. I have sent my servants to kill the king and lords of Tongra. Once the king and his lords are dead, the land will be in a panic and searching for answers. I will have the means to find those responsible. Finding those responsible will elevate my position in popularity at just the right time – when the land is looking for new leadership. I will be ushered in as the force that unified the Confederacy of Tongra into a single domain – my own arcane autocracy. They don’t know it, but I will become the beloved of the people. I will be their dictator. Under my authority Tongra will dominate Enigmatica.”

The wizard’s voice had taken on a new tone. The wizard was no longer speaking to any of the three present. The wizard was caught up in his own personal dream and was talking as if there was some greater audience. He was clearly delusional regarding the amount of power he could safely wield.

Ophee stopped struggling against Semeion’s resistance as her former master unfolded his plan. The others couldn’t sense it, but there was a distinct change in the wizard who now stood before her. This was no longer just her former master. This man was something different – something else. For a man who spent years in plotting a patient use of magic in order to learn secrets, the wizard seemed to be walking the fine line of going out of control.
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Semeion nearly choked on the wizard’s dreams of grandeur. “That’s what this is about? You desire to seek glory for yourself? You want absolute power over Tongra?”

The wizard was not fazed at all by Semeion’s sense of questioning. “Of course! I have spent years developing my network of sources and waiting for precisely the right moment to strike. Years of my work have been culminating to this very moment in history. Years of work have been building to this point - the moment when I become the arcane dictator of Tongra.”

The wizard’s expression turned to a deep scowl. “And you all will not see it happening. You all will be dead. I am sorry, my dear Opheiluka, that you have chosen so poorly.”

Ophee smirked at the wizard’s bravado. She turned her head slightly to Semeion’s direction, but did not take her eyes of off her former master. “Are you wizard types always this interested in personal power?” Her tone was in about as light-hearted as possible considering that she was facing up against an extremely powerful wizard.

Semeion replied with a very serious tone. “No.”

Ophee returned her full attention to her former master. “Well, then, it really is a shame then that such a wonderfully crafted plan would be defeated so easily.”

The wizard smiled. He had taken the time to outline his plan so brilliantly, yet he was remotely curious about the reason that Ophee seemed so confident that his scheming would be so easily foiled. “Oh? What makes you so sure that my plan can be foiled?”

Ophee allowed an evil smirk to appear on her face, as though she were going to enjoy giving this revelation to her former master. “Your servants have been compromised. Each of my counterparts has already been detained. Your plan has been de-clawed. Your maniacal ravings are nothing more than the annoying meow of your hungry familiar. Your scheme has been destroyed, whether we live or whether we die.”

The wizard did not take the news well. “You lie! You could not possibly have known about my plan.”

Semeion smiled. A look of sarcasm fell upon his face and he enjoyed announcing the truth of their actions to the wizard. “And yet, we foiled it. You see, the problem with using drugs to brainwash people’s actions is that it is detectable. Once we knew what you had done to Ophee, it was no incredible leap of understanding to assume you had done it to the others. So, we detained them. And I suppose that I should also mention that some of them came rather willingly. It would seem that your evil scheming did not produce as loyal of followers as you might have hoped.”

The wizard had heard enough for his liking. His plan had been insulted, foiled, and now mocked. The rage burning inside of him was getting the better of him. “Crang …”

Brandt didn’t let the wizard finish his command. He had been oddly silent ever since the wizard mocked him and began to lose control. “Kashan.”

As soon as Brandt spoke, Semeion realized why he had been so quiet as of late. Brandt’s spell was a simple counter spell. It was designed to absorb any magical energy flowing through the wizard before it could manifest itself in the form that the wizard desired. Brandt had been expecting the angry spell to come quickly, and he was careful to be prepared and wait for the assault.

Brandt pointed to the wizard and spoke in a hurry. “Now, Semeion. His spell was designed to kill one of us!”

Semeion already had the wand out of his pocket and pointed in the direction of Ophee’s former master. The words for using the wand came to his mind quickly. “Beissah Lahzuhto.”

The tip of the wand immediately sparked as if it was highly charged with static electricity. A small circular force erupted from the end of the wand and grew in diameter as it flew across the room to strike the wizard. Brandt’s plan had worked. The wizard was not expecting such a strong attack to come from Semeion. When the force passed through his body, the wizard’s muscles in his face, arms, and legs all relaxed. Outside of his ability to barely remain standing, the wizard looked completely unable to move.

Semeion smiled at the wand. “Now that I could get used to!”

Brandt ignored Semeion’s comments for a moment. “Ophee, take these!” He opened his robe and pulled out a simple set of manacles that were suspended from his belt. “Secure your master’s wrists together behind his body. And hurry, that spell will not have a long effect!”

Once Brandt had tossed the manacles across the room to Ophee, he turned to Semeion and addressed the young mage’s comment. “In due time, Semeion. And you do realize I’ll need a wand of that kind of power back. It is on loan from the temple. Reah will want to make sure it is returned.”

Semeion smiled as he saw Ophee making sure that her former master was properly detained. “Yeah, I figured as much. A wand powerful enough to completely stop someone in their tracks is too powerful to wander the streets of Fingerdale with anyway. Should it ever be stolen …”

Ophee interrupted Semeion once she had completed her task. “The manacles are secure, Brandt. He won’t be using his hands any time soon.”

Brandt nodded. “Those are special manacles. Of course, like any set of manacles they will prevent him from making the gestures needed to cast many arcane spells. However, they have also been created with a subtle negative energy. They will prevent any arcane spell casting for as long as they are on the wearer.”

Ophee frowned as Brandt spoke. “Well, if you don’t mind me saying, then, I thought that was a little anticlimactic. I mean, don’t get me wrong, but I expected more of a challenge out of my former master. His arcane power is greater than any of our own.”

Semeion’s jaw fell slightly open as Ophee spoke. “Oh, sure. Go ahead and jinx us why don’t you? The spell hasn’t worn off yet and the wizard certainly isn’t into custody yet. Besides, we’ve not yet seen how the battle with the Wizard’s College guards has fared. It’s a bit early to be proclaiming victory, no doubt.”

Brandt turned to Ophee and offered a bit more constructive criticism to her comment. “Your master was defeated for two simple reasons. First, we had better strategy. He was not prepared for me to handle the simple task of countering his magic while Semeion snuck in with a greater spell than he is normally able to cast. The fact that I was content to simply counter him no doubt put him at ease and made him unprepared for Semeion’s strike. The second reason as to why your former master was beaten so easily may be even more significant. Your former master had allowed his anger and thirst for power to overcome his mind. He telegraphed his actions to me with every word. I knew precisely when the spell was coming, and who it was coming towards.”

Semeion raised his left eyebrow in curiosity. “Oh?”

Brandt nodded. “Ophee’s betrayal had hurt him badly. The spell was designed not only to slay Ophee, but to destroy every part of her being. I knew what was coming before he even spoke a word.”

Ophee’s expression suddenly took on a more serious tone from her earlier comment about having an easier time with her former master. “Well, I suppose that will teach me to complain. He could kill me with a single word?”

Brandt nodded solemnly. “Kill is not the word I would use for it, Ophee. Obliterate would be more likely to be accurate. He was a dangerous foe. And while I do agree that the action was extraordinarily anticlimactic, do not think the fight was easy. We attained a great amount of knowledge before the fight. Keeping the conflict from beginning too early was no simple task.”

Semeion nodded. “It was a rather successful conflict, wasn’t it?”

Brandt nodded in agreement, but turned to the wizard who in many ways had become his pupil. “Always learn a lesson from your battles, Semeion. Learn how easily power corrupts the soul. Learn how easily a tactical advantage can mean victory even for those who are considered weaker. Learn how arrogance and secrets lead to corruption and destruction.”

Semeion nodded. “And I have also learned how one’s past may come back to haunt them. Without Grick, this wouldn’t have happened. The fact that we considered his life valuable and worked hard to detain him while keeping him alive further opened us up to this abuse.”

Ophee smiled at Semeion. “Yet, because you kept Grick alive I was able to meet you all. Because of Grick being alive and directing my former master’s plan through you all, the evil schemes of my former master were defeated. Had my master gone a different route, they might not have been able to foil his plan. All of this was made possible because you kept Grick alive. Tongra is a safer place today because of the honor among you and your friends.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Semeion nearly choked on the wizard’s dreams of grandeur. “That’s what this is about? You desire to seek glory for yourself? You want absolute power over Tongra?”

The wizard was not fazed at all by Semeion’s sense of questioning. “Of course! I have spent years developing my network of sources and waiting for precisely the right moment to strike. Years of my work have been culminating to this very moment in history. Years of work have been building to this point - the moment when I become the arcane dictator of Tongra.”

The wizard’s expression turned to a deep scowl. “And you all will not see it happening. You all will be dead. I am sorry, my dear Opheiluka, that you have chosen so poorly.”

Ophee smirked at the wizard’s bravado. She turned her head slightly to Semeion’s direction, but did not take her eyes of off her former master. “Are you wizard types always this interested in personal power?” Her tone was in about as light-hearted as possible considering that she was facing up against an extremely powerful wizard.

Semeion replied with a very serious tone. “No.”

Ophee returned her full attention to her former master. “Well, then, it really is a shame then that such a wonderfully crafted plan would be defeated so easily.”

The wizard smiled. He had taken the time to outline his plan so brilliantly, yet he was remotely curious about the reason that Ophee seemed so confident that his scheming would be so easily foiled. “Oh? What makes you so sure that my plan can be foiled?”

Ophee allowed an evil smirk to appear on her face, as though she were going to enjoy giving this revelation to her former master. “Your servants have been compromised. Each of my counterparts has already been detained. Your plan has been de-clawed. Your maniacal ravings are nothing more than the annoying meow of your hungry familiar. Your scheme has been destroyed, whether we live or whether we die.”

The wizard did not take the news well. “You lie! You could not possibly have known about my plan.”

Semeion smiled. A look of sarcasm fell upon his face and he enjoyed announcing the truth of their actions to the wizard. “And yet, we foiled it. You see, the problem with using drugs to brainwash people’s actions is that it is detectable. Once we knew what you had done to Ophee, it was no incredible leap of understanding to assume you had done it to the others. So, we detained them. And I suppose that I should also mention that some of them came rather willingly. It would seem that your evil scheming did not produce as loyal of followers as you might have hoped.”

The wizard had heard enough for his liking. His plan had been insulted, foiled, and now mocked. The rage burning inside of him was getting the better of him. “Crang …”

Brandt didn’t let the wizard finish his command. He had been oddly silent ever since the wizard mocked him and began to lose control. “Kashan.”

As soon as Brandt spoke, Semeion realized why he had been so quiet as of late. Brandt’s spell was a simple counter spell. It was designed to absorb any magical energy flowing through the wizard before it could manifest itself in the form that the wizard desired. Brandt had been expecting the angry spell to come quickly, and he was careful to be prepared and wait for the assault.

Brandt pointed to the wizard and spoke in a hurry. “Now, Semeion. His spell was designed to kill one of us!”

Semeion already had the wand out of his pocket and pointed in the direction of Ophee’s former master. The words for using the wand came to his mind quickly. “Beissah Lahzuhto.”

The tip of the wand immediately sparked as if it was highly charged with static electricity. A small circular force erupted from the end of the wand and grew in diameter as it flew across the room to strike the wizard. Brandt’s plan had worked. The wizard was not expecting such a strong attack to come from Semeion. When the force passed through his body, the wizard’s muscles in his face, arms, and legs all relaxed. Outside of his ability to barely remain standing, the wizard looked completely unable to move.

Semeion smiled at the wand. “Now that I could get used to!”

Brandt ignored Semeion’s comments for a moment. “Ophee, take these!” He opened his robe and pulled out a simple set of manacles that were suspended from his belt. “Secure your master’s wrists together behind his body. And hurry, that spell will not have a long effect!”

Once Brandt had tossed the manacles across the room to Ophee, he turned to Semeion and addressed the young mage’s comment. “In due time, Semeion. And you do realize I’ll need a wand of that kind of power back. It is on loan from the temple. Reah will want to make sure it is returned.”

Semeion smiled as he saw Ophee making sure that her former master was properly detained. “Yeah, I figured as much. A wand powerful enough to completely stop someone in their tracks is too powerful to wander the streets of Fingerdale with anyway. Should it ever be stolen …”

Ophee interrupted Semeion once she had completed her task. “The manacles are secure, Brandt. He won’t be using his hands any time soon.”

Brandt nodded. “Those are special manacles. Of course, like any set of manacles they will prevent him from making the gestures needed to cast many arcane spells. However, they have also been created with a subtle negative energy. They will prevent any arcane spell casting for as long as they are on the wearer.”

Ophee frowned as Brandt spoke. “Well, if you don’t mind me saying, then, I thought that was a little anticlimactic. I mean, don’t get me wrong, but I expected more of a challenge out of my former master. His arcane power is greater than any of our own.”

Semeion’s jaw fell slightly open as Ophee spoke. “Oh, sure. Go ahead and jinx us why don’t you? The spell hasn’t worn off yet and the wizard certainly isn’t into custody yet. Besides, we’ve not yet seen how the battle with the Wizard’s College guards has fared. It’s a bit early to be proclaiming victory, no doubt.”

Brandt turned to Ophee and offered a bit more constructive criticism to her comment. “Your master was defeated for two simple reasons. First, we had better strategy. He was not prepared for me to handle the simple task of countering his magic while Semeion snuck in with a greater spell than he is normally able to cast. The fact that I was content to simply counter him no doubt put him at ease and made him unprepared for Semeion’s strike. The second reason as to why your former master was beaten so easily may be even more significant. Your former master had allowed his anger and thirst for power to overcome his mind. He telegraphed his actions to me with every word. I knew precisely when the spell was coming, and who it was coming towards.”

Semeion raised his left eyebrow in curiosity. “Oh?”

Brandt nodded. “Ophee’s betrayal had hurt him badly. The spell was designed not only to slay Ophee, but to destroy every part of her being. I knew what was coming before he even spoke a word.”

Ophee’s expression suddenly took on a more serious tone from her earlier comment about having an easier time with her former master. “Well, I suppose that will teach me to complain. He could kill me with a single word?”

Brandt nodded solemnly. “Kill is not the word I would use for it, Ophee. Obliterate would be more likely to be accurate. He was a dangerous foe. And while I do agree that the action was extraordinarily anticlimactic, do not think the fight was easy. We attained a great amount of knowledge before the fight. Keeping the conflict from beginning too early was no simple task.”

Semeion nodded. “It was a rather successful conflict, wasn’t it?”

Brandt nodded in agreement, but turned to the wizard who in many ways had become his pupil. “Always learn a lesson from your battles, Semeion. Learn how easily power corrupts the soul. Learn how easily a tactical advantage can mean victory even for those who are considered weaker. Learn how arrogance and secrets lead to corruption and destruction.”

Semeion nodded. “And I have also learned how one’s past may come back to haunt them. Without Grick, this wouldn’t have happened. The fact that we considered his life valuable and worked hard to detain him while keeping him alive further opened us up to this abuse.”

Ophee smiled at Semeion. “Yet, because you kept Grick alive I was able to meet you all. Because of Grick being alive and directing my former master’s plan through you all, the evil schemes of my former master were defeated. Had my master gone a different route, they might not have been able to foil his plan. All of this was made possible because you kept Grick alive. Tongra is a safer place today because of the honor among you and your friends.”
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Outside the wizard’s chamber, the hall remained quiet. The foursome standing in the hall had no idea of what was happening within the walls of the wizard’s chamber as they patiently waited in their protective formation. The longer they waited, the harder it became to manage the silence.

Finally, Charis broke the silence. “Do you think that we managed to get in quick enough that they weren’t able to track us?”

Master Searthu chuckled as Rhema tried to shush Charis. “Charis, they can detect us through sound.”

The follower of Rhea spoke softly, but did not ignore Charis’ original assertion. “She is right, Charis, but they should be able to locate us with their magic well before their hearing would tell them where we are. I have no doubt that since we made it past the guards so easily they are formulating a plan. They are likely devising a plan that will take into account the fact that most of us can utilize magic to our own advantage.”

Ischarus breathed in so that he could speak, but he took a moment to cough instead. Before he could regain his breath he was pulled to the floor. A large tentacle erupted magically from the wooden floor below him. The tentacle took the coloration of the sturdy oak floor paneling, and it was nearly impossible to detect its presence before it struck. In a matter of seconds the tentacle had wrapped itself around his legs and waist and brought him onto his back. As soon as he was on the ground, the tentacle began to squeeze him and suffocate him like he would have expected from a constrictor snake.

Similar tentacles leapt up and latched onto Rhema and Charis, dragging each of them to the ground. The two women fell to the ground easily. They had been caught off guard equally as much as Ischarus.

Master Searthu was not so easily caught. His hands slide between the tentacle and his body and he used his arms to prevent the crushing assault on his waist. His arms helped him slip out of the tentacle’s grasp. Before the tentacle could reattach itself to him, Master Searthu rolled over his shoulder and quickly ran out of the spell’s area of effectiveness. He called out a quick warning to the other three. “The attack has begun, obviously. The tentacles will continue to squeeze you until you are dead or the wizard who cast the spell releases it. Free yourself while I find the wizard!”

Charis stopped struggling against the tentacle for a moment. She hoped that if she could feign death for even a second it might buy her enough time for what she wanted to try. “Daancrah Pashor Shintar.” The spell was one of her favorites, and the tentacles had eased enough in response to her lack of struggling to give her space to speak the words with confidence. She watched from her position along the floor as three brilliantly clad fire beetles emerged before Master Searthu’s position. “Tinko, Hubrah, and Di-Ehlah! Welcome, and go with Master Searthu to find the wizard who cast this spell upon us.”

Rhema also eased her struggle, focusing on the powers of her mind instead. The tentacles would eventually kill her, of that there could be no doubt. She knew she was weak, and if she wanted to be free she would need to help Master Searthu find the location of the guard who had cast the spell. Her mind focused down the hallway in the direction that Master Searthu had escaped. As she focused her thoughts, she quickly became aware of three intelligent minds focused on their position. Her voice burst down the hall with excitement upon her discovery. “Yes! Go down the hall a bit further. I can sense three of them focusing on our position!”

Ischarus was invigorated by the excitement in his wife’s voice. He also knew that while Master Searthu was an adept spell caster, he was not likely going to be able to keep his defenses against three magicians who were strong enough to enforce this kind of power upon the party. He focused all of his might and with a mighty cry he forced the tentacle away from around his waist. Once he had a bit more freedom to breathe, he was able to pry the tentacle away from his legs and regain his feet. Before the tentacle could reattach itself Ischarus was charging down the hall after the follower of Reah.

Master Searthu noticed the commotion behind him and heard Rhema’s call. He spotted Ischarus and knew that he was better suited to challenge the Wizard’s College guards in a direct physical conflict than he was. Besides, he understood that if he could stay behind Ischarus, his magic would be much more useful and creative in its deployment. He waited for Ischarus and the three beetles to pass him before he cast a spell on them. “Meion Shintar cadrass.”

The spell took effect immediately. Each of the fire beetles managed to jump further as their limbs grew stronger. Ischarus could feel his arms and legs grow stronger as well. His heart beat a bit faster, but it beat more confidently as he unsheathed his sword. With a newfound strength, Ischarus and his fire beetle friends surged down the hallway in a speedy search for the spell casters who threatened his wife and friend.

He hadn’t taken too many steps before he saw the forms huddling in a doorway. They were trying to stay out of view, but when they saw that Ischarus had broken free of the bondage of the spell they stepped out. One of the Wizard’s College guards extended a hand towards Ischarus and began casting a spell. “Jiya Diast.”

Ischarus knew that he wouldn’t reach the wizard before the spell took effect, so he braced himself to take the brunt of whatever attack the wizard had planned for him. Much to his surprise, an attack never came. The wizard had not cast an offense spell designed for his destruction or capture.

Instead, the wizard’s skin began to bubble and smoke as though it had come into contact with a fast working acid. The wizard’s fingers and toes doubled in length and quadrupled in thickness. Each of her fingers developed talons where the nails had once been. The wizard’s hands, legs, arms, face, and torso thickened and developed scales as though he were becoming a reptile adorned in the color of a brilliant citrine gemstone. Her face extended in length, producing a jaw like that of a lizard. Her hair fell to the ground and vanished upon impact.

As her body changed, she also doubled over so that she could walk on all four limbs. A long tail developed out of where her tailbone naturally existed. Her eyes began to glow with a bright yellow glimmer. A set of wings grew out of the wizard’s back and remained folded since the hallway was narrow enough to prevent them from unfolding and being used as weapons.

Ischarus could not believe the sight before his eyes. The wizard had turned herself into a dragon. Or, perhaps the wizard was a dragon in human form. He felt a small amount of fear develop inside his chest, but he continued forward. “Citrine Dragon!” He lifted his sword as he charged, but his mind was not far behind his desire to set Rhema free. If this was a citrine dragon, it was not his enemy. Citrine dragons followed Reah and were on the side of justice. They should not be an enemy.

The other two Wizard’s College guards stepped behind their changed associate. They saw the confusion begin to develop on Ischarus’ face as they stared over the scaly back of their friend. Each one spoke quietly in turn. “Doithican Fundar.” They vanished from sight, becoming completely invisible to the unaltered eye. In spite of the magical display, the fact that a dragon had now filled the hallway meant that neither Ischarus nor Master Searthu took notice of their alteration.

Charis could not see the dragon, but she heard Ischarus’ cries from down the hall. She continued to refrain from struggling, hoping that the tentacles would consider her near death. Her voice rang down the hall as she called to the fire beetles that she had summoned. “Do not be afraid, Tinko, Hubrah, and Di-Ehlah. Remember, you cannot be harmed here in my world. You can only be dismissed and returned to Bemme’s side. Fight hard, and do not fear.”

The tentacles began to squeeze her hard once she called out and revealed that she was not dead. They did not grip her severely, however, because she was making little effort to escape. Her mind struggled hard to maintain her composure. She knew that her freedom rested in Ischarus’ capable hands. She could outlast the spell if she needed.

She was not so sure that this was true of Rhema. “Bondras-tol Egro.” Her eyes closed as she focused on Rhema, sending a small ray of Bemme’s love across the space between herself and Rhema. Rhema’s wounds caused by the groping tentacles were healed through the magical words.

Ischarus’ mind continued to work as he charged down the hall. Suddenly, he knew he had to stop. There was no way that he could explain attacking a citrine dragon, even if it was a Wizard’s College rouse. He came to a halt within ten feet of the dragon, well within the creature’s striking range with its sharp teeth. “I follow Ausaphaborishan and am a friend to Llywessiar. They are both members of the Assembly of Virtuous Dragons. I cannot slay one of their own kind.”

In her mind, Rhema swore at her husband’s hesitation. Even with the healing that she had just received there was no guarantee that she could resist the effect of the spell for its duration. Her mind raced in search of a way to resolve this conflict quickly. Finally, she focused her mind on the thoughts of the wizard who had turned herself into a dragon. “Listen to my husband, Wizard’s College guard. He is honorable, and does not desire to act out in violence against those who are also honorable.” Her mental power surged through her voice, and Rhema hoped that her power was enough to implant the suggestion of peace into the mind of the Wizard’s College guard.

Master Searthu spotted the standoff between Ischarus and the Wizard’s College guard. It had not yet come to blows, but a fight was not far off. The beetles had gathered around Ischarus’ feet and were waiting for the sign to attack. Master Searthu turned and pointed to Charis. “Meion Shintar.” The energy that Master Searthu unleashed shot straight for Charis and engulfed her.

Charis did not feel the same effects that Ischarus had felt from the related spell that Master Searthu had cast earlier. Her muscles did not grow strong. Instead, Charis was enveloped by a radiant light, and her voice suddenly felt pure and strong. Her hair began to sparkle as if it had been blessed by some divine spirit.

Master Searthu shouted back to Charis. “I have given you a silver tongue. Use it, for your tongue may be the quickest answer out of this.”

Charis knew what Master Searthu meant. She was the most charismatic of the foursome. Her natural skill with people had begun to reassert itself over the past year. The same charisma that had made her a significant member of her clan in Quehalost had brought her into power within the people of the villa.

Charis breathed in deeply and searched her minds for the words to speak. She breathed in deeply once more and smiled. “Wizard’s College guard, I ask for a truce. You can see that we do not wish violence. But the truth is that we seek to stop a member of your order. One of your order has begun using dark means to brainwash his servants. We have spent much of today capturing his servants so that they could do no harm in the world. Now we have come to find answers for his actions, specifically regarding why he has used the Arum Dracunculus root excretion. If you can sense any honor in this, release us from the spell and speak with us.”

Charis’s voice had rung clearly through the hall. Master Searthu’s magic had given her greater power than normal to speak smoothly and confidently. Her eyes flared with confidence, although the Wizard’s College guard who had turned himself into a citrine dragon would be too far away to see the change.

Suddenly, the tentacles that had wrapped themselves around Rhema and Charis released the women and were reabsorbed into the floor. Before Rhema and Charis could stand, however, they felt cold steel across their throats. A mysterious voice sounded out above Charis. It was about as high as one might expect a person to speak from a kneeling position. “You cannot see us, but we are here. If you make any moves, we will slit both of your throats and our guard in dragon form will attack. Your story is intriguing, however. If there is truth in what you say, we must know.”

Charis swallowed hard. For the moment, she was glad that she wasn’t Ischarus. The invisible Wizard’s College guard kneeling above her held the steel blade to her throat tight enough that if she had an Adam’s apple she would have likely just cut her own throat open. She spoke softly as she heard Master Searthu approaching down the hall. “If you allow it, we submit. I have no desire to die, just to find answers. You may have my weapons as a sign of my faith.”

The blade pressed in harder as Master Searthu approached. “I accept your terms. Tell your follower of Reah to also submit. Speak to the one facing against my counterpart at the end of the hall and dismiss your celestial servant beetles. Then we will speak more.”

Master Searthu had heard the exchange. “I submit as well, if that is what you desire. But I have no weapons, just my magic. You above all others should know that I cannot give that up so easily as a knife.”

The voice above Charis spoke again. “Very well, stand against the wall. What about my other demands, madam?”

Charis smiled nervously. She tried to speak loudly, but to do so the blade dug into the skin on her throat. The cut was not serious, but it would leave a mark for a few days while it healed. “Ischarus, they are willing to talk. Give your blade to the dragon.”

Ischarus sheathed his sword and allowed the scabbard to slide down his leg to his feat. The voice standing over Charis spoke again. “And your beetle friends?”

Charis swallowed once more. “Tinko, Hubrah, and Di-Ehlah: you have once more served me well. Give my regards to Bemme when you see her next!” Charis closed her eyes and negated the magic that she had called upon to summon the creatures. They vanished from their position beside Ischarus.

The invisible figure above Charis lifted his blade off of her neck and stood up. The sound of a dagger slipping into a leather sheath lightly rustled from above Charis. The voice spoke once more. “You have my assurance that there is no more reason to protect this hallway. I think it is time for you four to be escorted into the chamber by my associate in dragon form. As for my invisible friend and myself, I believe it will be in the best interests of truth to remain invisible until we hear what the master of these quarters has to say in his defense.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Outside the wizard’s chamber, the hall remained quiet. The foursome standing in the hall had no idea of what was happening within the walls of the wizard’s chamber as they patiently waited in their protective formation. The longer they waited, the harder it became to manage the silence.

Finally, Charis broke the silence. “Do you think that we managed to get in quick enough that they weren’t able to track us?”

Master Searthu chuckled as Rhema tried to shush Charis. “Charis, they can detect us through sound.”

The follower of Rhea spoke softly, but did not ignore Charis’ original assertion. “She is right, Charis, but they should be able to locate us with their magic well before their hearing would tell them where we are. I have no doubt that since we made it past the guards so easily they are formulating a plan. They are likely devising a plan that will take into account the fact that most of us can utilize magic to our own advantage.”

Ischarus breathed in so that he could speak, but he took a moment to cough instead. Before he could regain his breath he was pulled to the floor. A large tentacle erupted magically from the wooden floor below him. The tentacle took the coloration of the sturdy oak floor paneling, and it was nearly impossible to detect its presence before it struck. In a matter of seconds the tentacle had wrapped itself around his legs and waist and brought him onto his back. As soon as he was on the ground, the tentacle began to squeeze him and suffocate him like he would have expected from a constrictor snake.

Similar tentacles leapt up and latched onto Rhema and Charis, dragging each of them to the ground. The two women fell to the ground easily. They had been caught off guard equally as much as Ischarus.

Master Searthu was not so easily caught. His hands slide between the tentacle and his body and he used his arms to prevent the crushing assault on his waist. His arms helped him slip out of the tentacle’s grasp. Before the tentacle could reattach itself to him, Master Searthu rolled over his shoulder and quickly ran out of the spell’s area of effectiveness. He called out a quick warning to the other three. “The attack has begun, obviously. The tentacles will continue to squeeze you until you are dead or the wizard who cast the spell releases it. Free yourself while I find the wizard!”

Charis stopped struggling against the tentacle for a moment. She hoped that if she could feign death for even a second it might buy her enough time for what she wanted to try. “Daancrah Pashor Shintar.” The spell was one of her favorites, and the tentacles had eased enough in response to her lack of struggling to give her space to speak the words with confidence. She watched from her position along the floor as three brilliantly clad fire beetles emerged before Master Searthu’s position. “Tinko, Hubrah, and Di-Ehlah! Welcome, and go with Master Searthu to find the wizard who cast this spell upon us.”

Rhema also eased her struggle, focusing on the powers of her mind instead. The tentacles would eventually kill her, of that there could be no doubt. She knew she was weak, and if she wanted to be free she would need to help Master Searthu find the location of the guard who had cast the spell. Her mind focused down the hallway in the direction that Master Searthu had escaped. As she focused her thoughts, she quickly became aware of three intelligent minds focused on their position. Her voice burst down the hall with excitement upon her discovery. “Yes! Go down the hall a bit further. I can sense three of them focusing on our position!”

Ischarus was invigorated by the excitement in his wife’s voice. He also knew that while Master Searthu was an adept spell caster, he was not likely going to be able to keep his defenses against three magicians who were strong enough to enforce this kind of power upon the party. He focused all of his might and with a mighty cry he forced the tentacle away from around his waist. Once he had a bit more freedom to breathe, he was able to pry the tentacle away from his legs and regain his feet. Before the tentacle could reattach itself Ischarus was charging down the hall after the follower of Reah.

Master Searthu noticed the commotion behind him and heard Rhema’s call. He spotted Ischarus and knew that he was better suited to challenge the Wizard’s College guards in a direct physical conflict than he was. Besides, he understood that if he could stay behind Ischarus, his magic would be much more useful and creative in its deployment. He waited for Ischarus and the three beetles to pass him before he cast a spell on them. “Meion Shintar cadrass.”

The spell took effect immediately. Each of the fire beetles managed to jump further as their limbs grew stronger. Ischarus could feel his arms and legs grow stronger as well. His heart beat a bit faster, but it beat more confidently as he unsheathed his sword. With a newfound strength, Ischarus and his fire beetle friends surged down the hallway in a speedy search for the spell casters who threatened his wife and friend.

He hadn’t taken too many steps before he saw the forms huddling in a doorway. They were trying to stay out of view, but when they saw that Ischarus had broken free of the bondage of the spell they stepped out. One of the Wizard’s College guards extended a hand towards Ischarus and began casting a spell. “Jiya Diast.”

Ischarus knew that he wouldn’t reach the wizard before the spell took effect, so he braced himself to take the brunt of whatever attack the wizard had planned for him. Much to his surprise, an attack never came. The wizard had not cast an offense spell designed for his destruction or capture.

Instead, the wizard’s skin began to bubble and smoke as though it had come into contact with a fast working acid. The wizard’s fingers and toes doubled in length and quadrupled in thickness. Each of her fingers developed talons where the nails had once been. The wizard’s hands, legs, arms, face, and torso thickened and developed scales as though he were becoming a reptile adorned in the color of a brilliant citrine gemstone. Her face extended in length, producing a jaw like that of a lizard. Her hair fell to the ground and vanished upon impact.

As her body changed, she also doubled over so that she could walk on all four limbs. A long tail developed out of where her tailbone naturally existed. Her eyes began to glow with a bright yellow glimmer. A set of wings grew out of the wizard’s back and remained folded since the hallway was narrow enough to prevent them from unfolding and being used as weapons.

Ischarus could not believe the sight before his eyes. The wizard had turned herself into a dragon. Or, perhaps the wizard was a dragon in human form. He felt a small amount of fear develop inside his chest, but he continued forward. “Citrine Dragon!” He lifted his sword as he charged, but his mind was not far behind his desire to set Rhema free. If this was a citrine dragon, it was not his enemy. Citrine dragons followed Reah and were on the side of justice. They should not be an enemy.

The other two Wizard’s College guards stepped behind their changed associate. They saw the confusion begin to develop on Ischarus’ face as they stared over the scaly back of their friend. Each one spoke quietly in turn. “Doithican Fundar.” They vanished from sight, becoming completely invisible to the unaltered eye. In spite of the magical display, the fact that a dragon had now filled the hallway meant that neither Ischarus nor Master Searthu took notice of their alteration.

Charis could not see the dragon, but she heard Ischarus’ cries from down the hall. She continued to refrain from struggling, hoping that the tentacles would consider her near death. Her voice rang down the hall as she called to the fire beetles that she had summoned. “Do not be afraid, Tinko, Hubrah, and Di-Ehlah. Remember, you cannot be harmed here in my world. You can only be dismissed and returned to Bemme’s side. Fight hard, and do not fear.”

The tentacles began to squeeze her hard once she called out and revealed that she was not dead. They did not grip her severely, however, because she was making little effort to escape. Her mind struggled hard to maintain her composure. She knew that her freedom rested in Ischarus’ capable hands. She could outlast the spell if she needed.

She was not so sure that this was true of Rhema. “Bondras-tol Egro.” Her eyes closed as she focused on Rhema, sending a small ray of Bemme’s love across the space between herself and Rhema. Rhema’s wounds caused by the groping tentacles were healed through the magical words.

Ischarus’ mind continued to work as he charged down the hall. Suddenly, he knew he had to stop. There was no way that he could explain attacking a citrine dragon, even if it was a Wizard’s College rouse. He came to a halt within ten feet of the dragon, well within the creature’s striking range with its sharp teeth. “I follow Ausaphaborishan and am a friend to Llywessiar. They are both members of the Assembly of Virtuous Dragons. I cannot slay one of their own kind.”

In her mind, Rhema swore at her husband’s hesitation. Even with the healing that she had just received there was no guarantee that she could resist the effect of the spell for its duration. Her mind raced in search of a way to resolve this conflict quickly. Finally, she focused her mind on the thoughts of the wizard who had turned herself into a dragon. “Listen to my husband, Wizard’s College guard. He is honorable, and does not desire to act out in violence against those who are also honorable.” Her mental power surged through her voice, and Rhema hoped that her power was enough to implant the suggestion of peace into the mind of the Wizard’s College guard.

Master Searthu spotted the standoff between Ischarus and the Wizard’s College guard. It had not yet come to blows, but a fight was not far off. The beetles had gathered around Ischarus’ feet and were waiting for the sign to attack. Master Searthu turned and pointed to Charis. “Meion Shintar.” The energy that Master Searthu unleashed shot straight for Charis and engulfed her.

Charis did not feel the same effects that Ischarus had felt from the related spell that Master Searthu had cast earlier. Her muscles did not grow strong. Instead, Charis was enveloped by a radiant light, and her voice suddenly felt pure and strong. Her hair began to sparkle as if it had been blessed by some divine spirit.

Master Searthu shouted back to Charis. “I have given you a silver tongue. Use it, for your tongue may be the quickest answer out of this.”

Charis knew what Master Searthu meant. She was the most charismatic of the foursome. Her natural skill with people had begun to reassert itself over the past year. The same charisma that had made her a significant member of her clan in Quehalost had brought her into power within the people of the villa.

Charis breathed in deeply and searched her minds for the words to speak. She breathed in deeply once more and smiled. “Wizard’s College guard, I ask for a truce. You can see that we do not wish violence. But the truth is that we seek to stop a member of your order. One of your order has begun using dark means to brainwash his servants. We have spent much of today capturing his servants so that they could do no harm in the world. Now we have come to find answers for his actions, specifically regarding why he has used the Arum Dracunculus root excretion. If you can sense any honor in this, release us from the spell and speak with us.”

Charis’s voice had rung clearly through the hall. Master Searthu’s magic had given her greater power than normal to speak smoothly and confidently. Her eyes flared with confidence, although the Wizard’s College guard who had turned himself into a citrine dragon would be too far away to see the change.

Suddenly, the tentacles that had wrapped themselves around Rhema and Charis released the women and were reabsorbed into the floor. Before Rhema and Charis could stand, however, they felt cold steel across their throats. A mysterious voice sounded out above Charis. It was about as high as one might expect a person to speak from a kneeling position. “You cannot see us, but we are here. If you make any moves, we will slit both of your throats and our guard in dragon form will attack. Your story is intriguing, however. If there is truth in what you say, we must know.”

Charis swallowed hard. For the moment, she was glad that she wasn’t Ischarus. The invisible Wizard’s College guard kneeling above her held the steel blade to her throat tight enough that if she had an Adam’s apple she would have likely just cut her own throat open. She spoke softly as she heard Master Searthu approaching down the hall. “If you allow it, we submit. I have no desire to die, just to find answers. You may have my weapons as a sign of my faith.”

The blade pressed in harder as Master Searthu approached. “I accept your terms. Tell your follower of Reah to also submit. Speak to the one facing against my counterpart at the end of the hall and dismiss your celestial servant beetles. Then we will speak more.”

Master Searthu had heard the exchange. “I submit as well, if that is what you desire. But I have no weapons, just my magic. You above all others should know that I cannot give that up so easily as a knife.”

The voice above Charis spoke again. “Very well, stand against the wall. What about my other demands, madam?”

Charis smiled nervously. She tried to speak loudly, but to do so the blade dug into the skin on her throat. The cut was not serious, but it would leave a mark for a few days while it healed. “Ischarus, they are willing to talk. Give your blade to the dragon.”

Ischarus sheathed his sword and allowed the scabbard to slide down his leg to his feat. The voice standing over Charis spoke again. “And your beetle friends?”

Charis swallowed once more. “Tinko, Hubrah, and Di-Ehlah: you have once more served me well. Give my regards to Bemme when you see her next!” Charis closed her eyes and negated the magic that she had called upon to summon the creatures. They vanished from their position beside Ischarus.

The invisible figure above Charis lifted his blade off of her neck and stood up. The sound of a dagger slipping into a leather sheath lightly rustled from above Charis. The voice spoke once more. “You have my assurance that there is no more reason to protect this hallway. I think it is time for you four to be escorted into the chamber by my associate in dragon form. As for my invisible friend and myself, I believe it will be in the best interests of truth to remain invisible until we hear what the master of these quarters has to say in his defense.”

[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Charis nodded at the voice’s suggestion. Master Searthu stepped away from the wall and spoke with confidence. “Very well, but I think that I should be allowed to go in first, at least among those of us still visible. The occupant of these quarters may not have been receptive to the questioning of my friends, and we’ve no idea what we may find.”

Ischarus and the citrine dragon approached Master Searthu’s position. The dragon spoke in reply to Master Searthu’s suggestion. “That is acceptable. One of my associates will go first, followed by you all, and I will follow you inside. The other of my associates will remove any traces of combat from the hall area, including the door that you all abused. Then he will join us inside.”

Master Searthu nodded and didn’t waste any time entering the wizard’s quarters. He didn’t particularly care if the invisible guard had entered first or not. Considering the fact that he was not stopped by the citrine dragon, he assumed that the invisible guard had managed to make it into the space before him.

Inside the initial chamber, the conversation between Semeion, Ophee, and Master Brandt was easily heard. Master Searthu turned to the door that lead to the wizard’s personal chambers and walked through it. The rest of the party quickly followed Master Searthu into the quarters and saw the bound wizard still stunned by the spell that Semeion had cast out of the wand.

When the wizard who had shape shifted into the citrine dragon saw the condition of the wizard, he began to speak in outrage. His voice was aided by the increased lung capacity of his dragon form. The bellowing from the beast’s lungs nearly deafened the party. “Why is this one bound? And what spell is he under? You will release him at once or face the consequences!”

Master Brandt turned to face the citrine dragon. “This wizard is the one that you want released? What, has he placed you all under the same effect as everyone else who serves him? Have you tasted from the root of the Arum Dracunculus as well?”

The citrine dragon’s head snaked through the air and challenged Brandt’s position. “Under whose authority do you march into the Wizard’s College and make such demands and accusations? We are capable of administering our own justice here.”

Semeion couldn’t hold back the first thought that crept into his mind. “Apparently not. Tell us, how long have you been aware of the fact that one of your own is using the Arum Dracunculus? We have only known for hours, but I bet that we have known far longer than you. Either that, or your whole precious college has been corrupted.”

The jaws of the citrine dragon opened and closed maliciously as the beast’s head turned and snapped in Semeion’s direction. He was unafraid of the beast and refused to flinch as the dragon bellowed before him. “Silence. You are the unwelcome visitors here, not I.”

Ophee’s quiet voice offered up a simple caution, although her tone and volume indicated uncertainty and even a bit of fear. “Ah, guys …”

Her initial comment passed by unnoticed. The guard in dragon form was in hot debate with Semeion and Master Brandt and the debate drowned out her initial caution. Master Searthu extended a finger in the dragon’s direction and continued the challenge. “Any organization that depends upon its own people to completely police their own ranks is in danger of nepotism. Any organization that cannot stand against outside criticism is already in serious danger. Especially when in this case the outside criticism comes from a former member in Ophee.”

Ophee took the opportunity to speak a little louder. “Hey, anyone smell something burning?”

The question caught everyone in the room completely off guard. The argument had consumed so much of their attention that they had ignored the smell of something smoldering in the room. As they turned to look in Ophee’s direction, they saw what they had only recently begun to smell. The captured wizard’s body was smoking.

The wizard still looked to be under the spell that had paralyzed him. His eyes remained vacant and he didn’t struggle as his body temperature had obviously begun to climb. No sooner had the party turned to face the smoking body than the wizard’s cloak burst into flames. It was as though someone had thrown a flammable agent onto the wizard’s body to cause it to ignite.

Panic spread through the occupants of the room as the flames increased to an unnatural height. Not only were the flames unusual in their ability to reach a greater height than fabric and flesh should allow, but the flames seemed to produce no heat beyond how they burned the wizard’s flesh. It was only a matter of seconds before the wizard’s flesh had completely blackened, blistered, and boiled. In only a matter of seconds the wizard had been consumed beyond the point of even magical healing.

Out of the midst of the flames, a hand with a reddish tint to the skin shot towards Ophee. The hand caught Ophee’s arm and pulled her towards the flames. However, before Ophee’s body could reach the flames a being emerged out of the flames to block Ophee’s path into the flames. The body was clearly feminine, and what little clothing she wore covered only the most delicate parts. In spite of emerging from the flames, neither the dark gray fabric nor her red tinted skin showed any signs of being burned.

The woman was tall and thin in stature. Thin gray spaghetti straps held what little clothing she wore in place across her chest and abdomen. The cloth clung so tightly around her curves that there was little need for imagination. The shirt was open in the back and held tightly into place by a series of overlapping ties. Her flame red hair danced to a length just below her shoulder blades and just above the gray ties.

Ophee struggled against the woman’s grip, but she was helpless within the strong grasp. The two bodies met, and for an instant the woman who had emerged out of the flames looked over Ophee’s body. A slight look of disgust appeared over her face, and as she looked about the room she caught sight of Ischarus. She smiled at him, and her free hand reached behind Ophee’s head. Although she had preferred a strong man like Ischarus, Ophee would have to be the place to start. With a quick thrust of her own head she caught Ophee’s lips with her own.

Ophee continued to struggle against the kiss of the strange woman for only a moment before her body turned limp in the other woman’s arms. The woman released Ophee’s lips and smiled. “Want more, my dear Opheiluka? Kill her!” The strange woman pointed to Rhema as she looked to Ischarus with an evil grin upon her face.

Master Searthu finally put together the information that his eyes were receiving. “Succubus! Kill it and send it back to the pits of the hell from which it came!”

Ophee turned and caught Rhema off guard. She pointed a finger towards Rhema and cast a spell rather than attack. “Lishtal-tol Gunnshaw Egro.”

Rhema felt the world slow down considerably. She felt as if all of her energy drained out from her muscles. It was as though a terrible depression and fear was overcoming her senses. Although she struggled against the effect, Rhema was only slightly aware that her legs were giving out underneath her. She collapsed onto the floor, smacking her head solidly against the carpet that covered the hard wood beneath it. Her mouth hung open, but her chest continued to rise and fall slowly, indicating that she was still breathing.

Ischarus yelled out as he watched his wife fall to the ground. “Rhema! No, Ophee! Don’t finish what the demonic woman desires! You have beaten the control once; do not fall for it again!” Ischarus knew that he should have taken his sword against the succubus. He knew that the only way to truly save Rhema’s life would be to defeat the control that the succubus had over Ophee. But his heart could not bear leaving Rhema defenseless. He drew his sword once more, but he charged towards Rhema in order to block Ophee’s path to her.

The citrine dragon was not subject to the same emotional ties to which Ischarus had fallen. The beast leapt into the air landed upon the succubus. The dragon’s jaw latched down upon the demon and bit hard into her shoulder. The succubus reacted out of instinct and prepared to attack her assailant with her lips. Her instinct gave way to her mind as she formulated an attack against the dragon. She knew that her kiss would not work as well against someone who was not humanoid. Fortunately, she was not able to see through the Wizard College guard’s spell and she believed him to be a true dragon.

Six magical blue orbs, identical to the ones Semeion was capable of conjuring, leapt through the air from two invisible sources. All six of the magical orbs struck the succubus as she howled in pain from the blows. The blasts had landed solidly, but the succubus still remained strong.

Semeion knew that the spell’s ability to target its foe was unerring, but the fact that the spells had come out of nowhere had baffled him and no doubt surprised the succubus. He smiled at the assault, however. If she was from the bottom of the pits of hell, there was little magic that he had that could harm her. He wasn’t completely sure that the power within the wand that Brandt had given to him would even work. He decided to mimic the prior two assaults from the invisible assailants. “Thin-tok Egro.”

Two more blue orbs leapt through the air and smashed into the hide of the succubus. These orbs had sparked into existence along Semeion’s arms and hands. Like the six before his own two, they hit their mark unerringly in spite of the fact that the citrine dragon stood between himself and the succubus.

Charis kept her pick at her side. Neither the succubus nor Ophee was her main concern. She was charged with Bemme’s love and knew that Rhema was in dire need of feeling that love at this moment. She dashed across the room and slid in behind Ischarus, using the carpet along the floor to stop her momentum as she approached Rhema’s body. Once she had stopped moving she wrapped her own body around Rhema’s as though she were the thick carapace of a cocoon. “Bondras-tol Egro.”

The yellow light that Charis was accustomed to seeing upon casting a spell of healing came out of her body from every surface that was in contact with Rhema. The light enveloped Rhema and her breathing became more stable. Around the room, the corner in which Rhema lay glowed and cast eerily dancing shadows upon the opposite walls. However, Rhema still did not open her eyes.

Charis called up to Ischarus who was standing guard over them. “The healing helped, but she’s not out of the woods yet. Protect us further!”

Brandt could see that the battle against the succubus was going as well as could be expected since none of them were prepared to battle a demon warrior. He drew his attention to Ophee, who was slowly making his way towards Ischarus. He needed a distraction, and fortunately he had prepared a spell that just might prove useful. “Ophee!” He shouted to get her attention and it worked. “Daancrah Shintar.”

Ophee was disappointed when she was not assaulted by the wizard’s magic. However, when she turned back to look at Ischarus, she noticed that there were now two Ischarus’ standing guard. In fact, each Ischarus appeared to stand guard over their own Charis and Rhema.

Ophee pulled out her dagger and charged towards the Ischarus that was on her left. As she charged, she swiped through the air with her blade. The blade sunk deep into Ischarus’ chest before he vanished into thin air. The Charis and Rhema below him had also vanished with the disruption of the illusion. Brandt had bought Ischarus a few extra moments of time before having to deal with Ophee.

Across the room, the succubus had enough of the citrine dragon. She smiled and faked a kissing motion in the direction of the dragon’s mouth and then vanished into a puff of brimstone smelling smoke. She appeared immediately beside Ischarus and reached out a hand to grasp his hair. She easily caught hold of a large handful of hair and forced her lips upon his. Like Ophee before him, Ischarus struggled only until their lips touched. Once his lips touched hers, he melted uncontrollably into her arms.

The succubus knew that she had possession of Ischarus in much the same way as she had possession of Ophee. She licked her lips with her tongue as her eyes filled with lust. She pressed her body against his. “I know you want more, so defend me. Start by slaying the jezebel at your feet.”

Charis screamed at the top of her lungs as she could hear the succubus command Ischarus above her. “No, Ischarus. Don’t! You’ll kill her! You’ll kill your wife!”

Ischarus turned on Charis anyway. The fire of the succubus’ passion burned in his eyes. He no longer saw his wife being covered by one of his closest friends. His eyes saw two women who stood between himself and the fire of passion that the succubus could give him. He lifted his sword in a dramatic blow, knowing that Charis wouldn’t move and leave Rhema vulnerable to his assault.

The citrine dragon roared across the room and slammed into the succubus. The beast wasn’t intending to attack her, merely drive her into Ischarus and knock him off balance. The attack worked, although Ischarus and the succubus still both ended up within striking range of the helpless Rhema. The dragon roared to try and scare the unholy duo away from Rhema, but the roar had no effect on the succubus or her charmed warrior.

Master Searthu turned to Ischarus just as the warrior had time to redraw his sword and poise it over his wife. “No! Kashan Aggior.” The spell was a much higher level than he knew that he needed, but he could take no chances. There was no telling just how powerful this succubus had become. She had enough power to influence a mighty wizard from the Wizard’s College.

Ischarus drove his sword downward in a crushing blow. The blade caught flesh, and the sound of snapping bones echoed off the walls. He smiled as he could feel the blade sink into its mark. He jerked and twisted the blade just to make sure that the wound was a killing blow.

He could hear the scream of Charis as the blade slipped through the air. He only vaguely heard Master Searthu’s spell underneath Charis’ scream. But it was no matter. He didn’t need to hear the spell for it to work. He turned away from Charis and Rhema and looked at his blade.

At the last moment, Master Searthu’s spell had broken the succubus’ charm over him. The spell gave him a moment of clarity in his thought. He had driven the blade into the middle of the abdomen of the unsuspecting succubus. The spell had given him a moment to chose his target rather than acting out of the succubus’ passionate fire. He growled as he jerked the blade out of the unholy woman. “Brandt? Is it true that demons cannot be killed here in this world and that they must be slain in their home world?”

Blue blood gurgled up the succubus’ throat, out her mouth, and dribbled down her chin as she nodded in response. A look of joy covered her face as though she had enjoyed the surprise of Ischarus’ betrayal in spite of the fact that it lead to her banishment. In her lust, she had been able to enjoy Ischarus’ own passion. She knew that her banishment would only send her home, and she would be able to begin again with a new victim.

Brandt confirmed the nod with a quiet comment. “Yes, Ischarus. You cannot slay her here.”

Ischarus smiled as he stepped protectively over Charis and his wife. “Good. Then I won’t break my vow. I will see you later in the pits of your own hell, witch. I will follow you there and finish this where you can be killed.”

Ischarus’ sword was already coated in the blue blood of the succubus from his first strike. Spatter fell from the blade as it arced through the air. In a mighty swing, his blade severed the head of the succubus from her shoulders and the creature erupted in another cloud of brimstone smoke. His first blow had made her all but helpless. The second blow sent her body back to the hell out of which she had crawled.

Whereas Ischarus’ link to the succubus had been broken out of force, Ophee’s link was broken by the dismissal of the demonic woman. The force of the dismissal surged through Ophee’s mind as she regained control of her thoughts. Ophee fainted and fell backwards under the shock of freedom as her will returned to her mind.

It was over. Ischarus crumpled to the floor and wrapped Charis and Rhema in a tight bear hug and began to sob. “I was only a second away from slaying you both …” His body heaved with massive surges as he sobbed and breathed. With each breath he held tightly to the women he truly loved more than life itself.


[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Charis nodded at the voice’s suggestion. Master Searthu stepped away from the wall and spoke with confidence. “Very well, but I think that I should be allowed to go in first, at least among those of us still visible. The occupant of these quarters may not have been receptive to the questioning of my friends, and we’ve no idea what we may find.”

Ischarus and the citrine dragon approached Master Searthu’s position. The dragon spoke in reply to Master Searthu’s suggestion. “That is acceptable. One of my associates will go first, followed by you all, and I will follow you inside. The other of my associates will remove any traces of combat from the hall area, including the door that you all abused. Then he will join us inside.”

Master Searthu nodded and didn’t waste any time entering the wizard’s quarters. He didn’t particularly care if the invisible guard had entered first or not. Considering the fact that he was not stopped by the citrine dragon, he assumed that the invisible guard had managed to make it into the space before him.

Inside the initial chamber, the conversation between Semeion, Ophee, and Master Brandt was easily heard. Master Searthu turned to the door that lead to the wizard’s personal chambers and walked through it. The rest of the party quickly followed Master Searthu into the quarters and saw the bound wizard still stunned by the spell that Semeion had cast out of the wand.

When the wizard who had shape shifted into the citrine dragon saw the condition of the wizard, he began to speak in outrage. His voice was aided by the increased lung capacity of his dragon form. The bellowing from the beast’s lungs nearly deafened the party. “Why is this one bound? And what spell is he under? You will release him at once or face the consequences!”

Master Brandt turned to face the citrine dragon. “This wizard is the one that you want released? What, has he placed you all under the same effect as everyone else who serves him? Have you tasted from the root of the Arum Dracunculus as well?”

The citrine dragon’s head snaked through the air and challenged Brandt’s position. “Under whose authority do you march into the Wizard’s College and make such demands and accusations? We are capable of administering our own justice here.”

Semeion couldn’t hold back the first thought that crept into his mind. “Apparently not. Tell us, how long have you been aware of the fact that one of your own is using the Arum Dracunculus? We have only known for hours, but I bet that we have known far longer than you. Either that, or your whole precious college has been corrupted.”

The jaws of the citrine dragon opened and closed maliciously as the beast’s head turned and snapped in Semeion’s direction. He was unafraid of the beast and refused to flinch as the dragon bellowed before him. “Silence. You are the unwelcome visitors here, not I.”

Ophee’s quiet voice offered up a simple caution, although her tone and volume indicated uncertainty and even a bit of fear. “Ah, guys …”

Her initial comment passed by unnoticed. The guard in dragon form was in hot debate with Semeion and Master Brandt and the debate drowned out her initial caution. Master Searthu extended a finger in the dragon’s direction and continued the challenge. “Any organization that depends upon its own people to completely police their own ranks is in danger of nepotism. Any organization that cannot stand against outside criticism is already in serious danger. Especially when in this case the outside criticism comes from a former member in Ophee.”

Ophee took the opportunity to speak a little louder. “Hey, anyone smell something burning?”

The question caught everyone in the room completely off guard. The argument had consumed so much of their attention that they had ignored the smell of something smoldering in the room. As they turned to look in Ophee’s direction, they saw what they had only recently begun to smell. The captured wizard’s body was smoking.

The wizard still looked to be under the spell that had paralyzed him. His eyes remained vacant and he didn’t struggle as his body temperature had obviously begun to climb. No sooner had the party turned to face the smoking body than the wizard’s cloak burst into flames. It was as though someone had thrown a flammable agent onto the wizard’s body to cause it to ignite.

Panic spread through the occupants of the room as the flames increased to an unnatural height. Not only were the flames unusual in their ability to reach a greater height than fabric and flesh should allow, but the flames seemed to produce no heat beyond how they burned the wizard’s flesh. It was only a matter of seconds before the wizard’s flesh had completely blackened, blistered, and boiled. In only a matter of seconds the wizard had been consumed beyond the point of even magical healing.

Out of the midst of the flames, a hand with a reddish tint to the skin shot towards Ophee. The hand caught Ophee’s arm and pulled her towards the flames. However, before Ophee’s body could reach the flames a being emerged out of the flames to block Ophee’s path into the flames. The body was clearly feminine, and what little clothing she wore covered only the most delicate parts. In spite of emerging from the flames, neither the dark gray fabric nor her red tinted skin showed any signs of being burned.

The woman was tall and thin in stature. Thin gray spaghetti straps held what little clothing she wore in place across her chest and abdomen. The cloth clung so tightly around her curves that there was little need for imagination. The shirt was open in the back and held tightly into place by a series of overlapping ties. Her flame red hair danced to a length just below her shoulder blades and just above the gray ties.

Ophee struggled against the woman’s grip, but she was helpless within the strong grasp. The two bodies met, and for an instant the woman who had emerged out of the flames looked over Ophee’s body. A slight look of disgust appeared over her face, and as she looked about the room she caught sight of Ischarus. She smiled at him, and her free hand reached behind Ophee’s head. Although she had preferred a strong man like Ischarus, Ophee would have to be the place to start. With a quick thrust of her own head she caught Ophee’s lips with her own.

Ophee continued to struggle against the kiss of the strange woman for only a moment before her body turned limp in the other woman’s arms. The woman released Ophee’s lips and smiled. “Want more, my dear Opheiluka? Kill her!” The strange woman pointed to Rhema as she looked to Ischarus with an evil grin upon her face.

Master Searthu finally put together the information that his eyes were receiving. “Succubus! Kill it and send it back to the pits of the hell from which it came!”

Ophee turned and caught Rhema off guard. She pointed a finger towards Rhema and cast a spell rather than attack. “Lishtal-tol Gunnshaw Egro.”

Rhema felt the world slow down considerably. She felt as if all of her energy drained out from her muscles. It was as though a terrible depression and fear was overcoming her senses. Although she struggled against the effect, Rhema was only slightly aware that her legs were giving out underneath her. She collapsed onto the floor, smacking her head solidly against the carpet that covered the hard wood beneath it. Her mouth hung open, but her chest continued to rise and fall slowly, indicating that she was still breathing.

Ischarus yelled out as he watched his wife fall to the ground. “Rhema! No, Ophee! Don’t finish what the demonic woman desires! You have beaten the control once; do not fall for it again!” Ischarus knew that he should have taken his sword against the succubus. He knew that the only way to truly save Rhema’s life would be to defeat the control that the succubus had over Ophee. But his heart could not bear leaving Rhema defenseless. He drew his sword once more, but he charged towards Rhema in order to block Ophee’s path to her.

The citrine dragon was not subject to the same emotional ties to which Ischarus had fallen. The beast leapt into the air landed upon the succubus. The dragon’s jaw latched down upon the demon and bit hard into her shoulder. The succubus reacted out of instinct and prepared to attack her assailant with her lips. Her instinct gave way to her mind as she formulated an attack against the dragon. She knew that her kiss would not work as well against someone who was not humanoid. Fortunately, she was not able to see through the Wizard College guard’s spell and she believed him to be a true dragon.

Six magical blue orbs, identical to the ones Semeion was capable of conjuring, leapt through the air from two invisible sources. All six of the magical orbs struck the succubus as she howled in pain from the blows. The blasts had landed solidly, but the succubus still remained strong.

Semeion knew that the spell’s ability to target its foe was unerring, but the fact that the spells had come out of nowhere had baffled him and no doubt surprised the succubus. He smiled at the assault, however. If she was from the bottom of the pits of hell, there was little magic that he had that could harm her. He wasn’t completely sure that the power within the wand that Brandt had given to him would even work. He decided to mimic the prior two assaults from the invisible assailants. “Thin-tok Egro.”

Two more blue orbs leapt through the air and smashed into the hide of the succubus. These orbs had sparked into existence along Semeion’s arms and hands. Like the six before his own two, they hit their mark unerringly in spite of the fact that the citrine dragon stood between himself and the succubus.

Charis kept her pick at her side. Neither the succubus nor Ophee was her main concern. She was charged with Bemme’s love and knew that Rhema was in dire need of feeling that love at this moment. She dashed across the room and slid in behind Ischarus, using the carpet along the floor to stop her momentum as she approached Rhema’s body. Once she had stopped moving she wrapped her own body around Rhema’s as though she were the thick carapace of a cocoon. “Bondras-tol Egro.”

The yellow light that Charis was accustomed to seeing upon casting a spell of healing came out of her body from every surface that was in contact with Rhema. The light enveloped Rhema and her breathing became more stable. Around the room, the corner in which Rhema lay glowed and cast eerily dancing shadows upon the opposite walls. However, Rhema still did not open her eyes.

Charis called up to Ischarus who was standing guard over them. “The healing helped, but she’s not out of the woods yet. Protect us further!”

Brandt could see that the battle against the succubus was going as well as could be expected since none of them were prepared to battle a demon warrior. He drew his attention to Ophee, who was slowly making his way towards Ischarus. He needed a distraction, and fortunately he had prepared a spell that just might prove useful. “Ophee!” He shouted to get her attention and it worked. “Daancrah Shintar.”

Ophee was disappointed when she was not assaulted by the wizard’s magic. However, when she turned back to look at Ischarus, she noticed that there were now two Ischarus’ standing guard. In fact, each Ischarus appeared to stand guard over their own Charis and Rhema.

Ophee pulled out her dagger and charged towards the Ischarus that was on her left. As she charged, she swiped through the air with her blade. The blade sunk deep into Ischarus’ chest before he vanished into thin air. The Charis and Rhema below him had also vanished with the disruption of the illusion. Brandt had bought Ischarus a few extra moments of time before having to deal with Ophee.

Across the room, the succubus had enough of the citrine dragon. She smiled and faked a kissing motion in the direction of the dragon’s mouth and then vanished into a puff of brimstone smelling smoke. She appeared immediately beside Ischarus and reached out a hand to grasp his hair. She easily caught hold of a large handful of hair and forced her lips upon his. Like Ophee before him, Ischarus struggled only until their lips touched. Once his lips touched hers, he melted uncontrollably into her arms.

The succubus knew that she had possession of Ischarus in much the same way as she had possession of Ophee. She licked her lips with her tongue as her eyes filled with lust. She pressed her body against his. “I know you want more, so defend me. Start by slaying the jezebel at your feet.”

Charis screamed at the top of her lungs as she could hear the succubus command Ischarus above her. “No, Ischarus. Don’t! You’ll kill her! You’ll kill your wife!”

Ischarus turned on Charis anyway. The fire of the succubus’ passion burned in his eyes. He no longer saw his wife being covered by one of his closest friends. His eyes saw two women who stood between himself and the fire of passion that the succubus could give him. He lifted his sword in a dramatic blow, knowing that Charis wouldn’t move and leave Rhema vulnerable to his assault.

The citrine dragon roared across the room and slammed into the succubus. The beast wasn’t intending to attack her, merely drive her into Ischarus and knock him off balance. The attack worked, although Ischarus and the succubus still both ended up within striking range of the helpless Rhema. The dragon roared to try and scare the unholy duo away from Rhema, but the roar had no effect on the succubus or her charmed warrior.

Master Searthu turned to Ischarus just as the warrior had time to redraw his sword and poise it over his wife. “No! Kashan Aggior.” The spell was a much higher level than he knew that he needed, but he could take no chances. There was no telling just how powerful this succubus had become. She had enough power to influence a mighty wizard from the Wizard’s College.

Ischarus drove his sword downward in a crushing blow. The blade caught flesh, and the sound of snapping bones echoed off the walls. He smiled as he could feel the blade sink into its mark. He jerked and twisted the blade just to make sure that the wound was a killing blow.

He could hear the scream of Charis as the blade slipped through the air. He only vaguely heard Master Searthu’s spell underneath Charis’ scream. But it was no matter. He didn’t need to hear the spell for it to work. He turned away from Charis and Rhema and looked at his blade.

At the last moment, Master Searthu’s spell had broken the succubus’ charm over him. The spell gave him a moment of clarity in his thought. He had driven the blade into the middle of the abdomen of the unsuspecting succubus. The spell had given him a moment to chose his target rather than acting out of the succubus’ passionate fire. He growled as he jerked the blade out of the unholy woman. “Brandt? Is it true that demons cannot be killed here in this world and that they must be slain in their home world?”

Blue blood gurgled up the succubus’ throat, out her mouth, and dribbled down her chin as she nodded in response. A look of joy covered her face as though she had enjoyed the surprise of Ischarus’ betrayal in spite of the fact that it lead to her banishment. In her lust, she had been able to enjoy Ischarus’ own passion. She knew that her banishment would only send her home, and she would be able to begin again with a new victim.

Brandt confirmed the nod with a quiet comment. “Yes, Ischarus. You cannot slay her here.”

Ischarus smiled as he stepped protectively over Charis and his wife. “Good. Then I won’t break my vow. I will see you later in the pits of your own hell, witch. I will follow you there and finish this where you can be killed.”

Ischarus’ sword was already coated in the blue blood of the succubus from his first strike. Spatter fell from the blade as it arced through the air. In a mighty swing, his blade severed the head of the succubus from her shoulders and the creature erupted in another cloud of brimstone smoke. His first blow had made her all but helpless. The second blow sent her body back to the hell out of which she had crawled.

Whereas Ischarus’ link to the succubus had been broken out of force, Ophee’s link was broken by the dismissal of the demonic woman. The force of the dismissal surged through Ophee’s mind as she regained control of her thoughts. Ophee fainted and fell backwards under the shock of freedom as her will returned to her mind.

It was over. Ischarus crumpled to the floor and wrapped Charis and Rhema in a tight bear hug and began to sob. “I was only a second away from slaying you both …” His body heaved with massive surges as he sobbed and breathed. With each breath he held tightly to the women he truly loved more than life itself.
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Chapter Eleven: KILLING THE ROOTS AND ALL

Ischarus continued to embrace Charis and his wife for several more seconds. He didn’t speak until he heard his wife let out a small cough from just above the carpet floor. Immediately he let his grip slacken to give her room to breathe. “Rhema? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

Charis also slipped away from her position of protecting her helpless form. She knelt beside her recovering friend and began to use her hand to feel several places of Rhema’s skin. She was checking Rhema’s temperature and looking for places of bruising or perhaps even infection.

Rhema didn’t understand Ischarus’ comments at all. “Sorry for what, Ischarus? We all still seem to be alive. It couldn’t have been that bad.”

Ischarus began to speak, but Charis caught his eye and made him hold his tongue. Instead, she took a turn to speak. “Rhema, you’ve hit your head pretty badly, and there is a little swelling. That will eventually go away. I think you’ve had a pretty rough couple of minutes, and I think we’d be wise to let you come back to your senses before telling you about the fight that you missed, don’t you?”

Ischarus smiled, but it was clear that he wasn’t pleased with Charis’ assertion. He knew that it was the wise course of action, but he didn’t like knowing that he was going to have to carry around the burden of his guilt until Rhema was in a better position to hear about his deeds. He sighed, and wordlessly stroked his wife’s hair. There was no need to bring her to a standing position until the party figured out what was happening next.

Charis rose to her feet and moved to check on Ophee. She had seen Ophee pass out upon the dismissal of the succubus, but was more concerned with the immediate urgency of making sure that Rhema was going to recover from Ophee’s spell. She assumed that Ophee had not suffered any injuries from the banishment of the succubus, and when she arrived to check on her she found that she was correct. Ophee was in good condition, simply unconscious.

The Wizard’s College guard, who had turned herself into a citrine dragon, now turned her draconic head to look towards the closest wall. Her gaze was right above where Ophee had fallen and Charis currently knelt. The dragon appeared to be listening to an inaudible voice because it then nodded several times and mentally dismissed the spell that kept her in dragon form. Her body reversed the process it had undergone to place her into the dragon form and in a matter of seconds she had reverted back into a typical Wizard’s College guard.

The party hadn’t had the time to observe her before, but now that they were away from the stress of the fight they had better time to examine her. She was nearly as tall as a typical human woman, but her facial features were much more defined like those of an elf. Her golden hair and her blended green and yellow eyes also spoke of a mixed lineage. When she spoke after dismissing the spell, her voice was in stark contrast compared to the draconic voice that she had used as a citrine dragon. “You have been a great help in stopping a great evil. Your service to our college is highly appreciated, but I am afraid that we must ask you to leave now that your business here is concluded.”

Semeion’s glance turned away from his routine observation of his friends laying and kneeling upon the floor. His eyebrows wrinkled together as he heard the words and a look of shock flashed through his eyes and lips. “What? You are asking us to leave? Without us, you wouldn’t have even known that your colleague was even a threat!”

Master Searthu continued the argument. “Indeed. I know that you all in the Wizard’s College are highly secretive about your methods of teaching magic. But even taking that into consideration your request is simply illogical, especially for wizards. We’re not sure that the succubus’ influence has been dealt with. We’re not sure that the effects of the Arum Dracunculus have been effectively stopped. For that matter, you all don’t seem to even care that the Arum Dracunculus had been used at all!”

One of the invisible Wizard’s College guards allowed the spell of invisibility to lose effectiveness. He appeared in the position that the first guard had looked while in the form of the citrine dragon. “I understand your desire to remain here and find your answers, but you must understand that your presence simply is not allowed. You cannot deny that the only reason that you are standing where you are now is from a series of illegal transports through a security system that was designed to keep you out. In spite of your helpfulness, the fact remains that you are guilty of trespassing. We have the right to ask you to leave.”

Semeion continued the argument. In spite of disagreeing with their conclusions, he couldn’t deny feeling a certain kinship to the Wizard’s College guards and their desire for keeping their methods secret. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m the first one to appreciate the privacy and intimacy of the study of magic. I know that I was taught my abilities by a master who would no doubt be considered a renegade by your terms, but even my master made me understand the importance of knowing to whom you are showing your magic.”

He turned so that his shoulders stood open to his friends. “But are you blind to what just happened here? In an attempt to save you all from a threat that you didn’t even know was in your midst, I almost lost a wife and a few friends. For Reah’s sake, how can you possibly ask us to leave considering the sacrifice we were willing to make for your protection? We’re not asking to stay and observe the teaching of your magic. We are asking to be allowed to stay and find answers regarding how far the plan of the wizard – or perhaps the succubus – had spread throughout the land.”

The female Wizard’s College guard focused upon Semeion as he invoked Reah’s name. “That is twice that you all have made mention of Reah since you have entered the Wizard’s College.” She turned to where her now visible colleague stood and paused for several seconds before finishing her thought. “Very well, we will allow you to stay here in these quarters. You must agree to not venture out into the remainder of the Wizard’s College. You may search for your answers here and here alone.”

Master Brandt frowned, but nodded in agreement. “So long as you two are willing to stay and answer our questions honestly …”

Ischarus lifted his head to the discussion for the first time since collapsing from fear of what he almost unwillingly accomplished. Up until now he had been listening, but his eyes were glued to Rhema’s face. “Three, Brandt. There are three.”

Brandt and Semeion exchanged confused looks and turned their expressions back to the female guard. They didn’t need to say anything; their look of disapproval spoke volumes to the guard. Brandt lifted an eyebrow in anticipation of an answer.

The female guard looked again in the direction of the now visible guard. She breathed in a deep breath and nodded. As with the other guard who had turned himself invisible, the third guard let go of the protective spell of invisibility and materialized before the party. Once he was visible, he addressed the party. As he spoke, his hands and arms opened in a gesture of welcoming. “Very well. We can answer your questions, assuming that you agree to our terms as stated. You will be satisfied with our answers, and if you are not satisfied you will be patient while we try to find deeper answers. You will not leave these quarters.”

Brandt looked to Master Searthu and received an encouraging nod. “That is acceptable.”

The most recently appearing of the guards continued to speak. “And, since you have dealt with the threat that caused you to violate our policy of secrecy we must also ask one other stipulation. When you decide to leave, you may teleport out of the Wizard’s College. But then you may not return except by adhering to the proper channels of addressing the Wizard’s College. In the future, all visits must be prearranged. We will be willing to discuss future inquiries, but once you leave you will not be permitted to return through the use of magic without us considering it an act of aggression.”

Master Searthu smiled deceptively and allowed a slight chuckle to interfere with his normal breathing through his nose. “Of course. We would actually expect nothing different. We get rather upset when people use magic to appear in the midst of our temple, it is only fair to allow you to reciprocate that feeling. And assuming that one of you will be able to be contacted so that we can arrange further inquiries …”

The female Wizard’s College guard threw up her left hand in disgust. “Of course. Must we continue on with all these stipulations? I’d personally rather get to the business at hand so that we can purge this abomination’s influence from our college. Can we just agree that we will respond civilly toward each other and move along?”

Brandt and Semeion exchanged smiles. They knew wizards, and each of them had immediately come up with a sarcastic rebuttal in their mind. Yet, this was no longer the time or the place for sarcasm. If they were to move forward, it would need to be done in honest and respectful relations with one another.

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Chapter Eleven: KILLING THE ROOTS AND ALL

Ischarus continued to embrace Charis and his wife for several more seconds. He didn’t speak until he heard his wife let out a small cough from just above the carpet floor. Immediatemely he let his grip slacken to give her room to breathe. “Rhema? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

Charis also slipped away from her position of protecting her helpless form. She knelt beside her recovering friend and began to use her hand to feel several places of Rhema’s skin. She was checking Rhema’s temperature and looking for places of bruising or perhaps even infection.

Rhema didn’t understand Ischarus’ comments at all. “Sorry for what, Ischarus? We all still seem to be alive. It couldn’t have been that bad.”

Ischarus began to speak, but Charis caught his eye and made him hold his tongue. Instead, she took a turn to speak. “Rhema, you’ve hit your head pretty badly, and there is a little swelling. That will eventually go away. I think you’ve had a pretty rough couple of minutes, and I think we’d be wise to let you come back to your senses before telling you about the fight that you missed, don’t you?”

Ischarus smiled, but it was clear that he wasn’t pleased with Charis’ assertion. He knew that it was the wise course of action, but he didn’t like knowing that he was going to have to carry around the burden of his guilt until Rhema was in a better position to hear about his deeds. He sighed, and wordlessly stroked his wife’s hair. There was no need to bring her to a standing position until the party figured out what was happening next.

Charis rose to her feet and moved to check on Ophee. She had seen Ophee pass out upon the dismissal of the succubus, but was more concerned with the immediate urgency of making sure that Rhema was going to recover from Ophee’s spell. She assumed that Ophee had not suffered any injuries from the dbanishment of the succubus, and when she arrived to check on her she found that she was correct. Ophee was in good condition, simply unconscious.

The Wizard’s College guard, who had turned herself into a citrine dragon, now turned her draconic head to look towards the closest wall. Her gaze was right above where Ophee had fallen and Charis currently knelt. The dragon appeared to be listening to an inaudible voice because it then nodded several times and mentally dismissed the spell that kept her in dragon form. Her body reversed the process it had undergone to place her into the dragon form and in a matter of seconds she had reverted back into a typical Wizard’s College guard.

The party hadn’t had the time to observe her before, but now that they were away from the stress of the fight they had better time to examine her. She was nearly as tall as a typical human woman, but her facial features were much more defined like those of an elf. Her golden hair and her blended green and yellow eyes also spoke of a mixed lineage. When she spoke after dismissing the spell, her voice was in stark contrast compared to the draconic voice that she had used as a citrine dragon. “You have been a great help in stopping a great evil. Your service to our college is highly appreciated, but I am afraid that we must ask you to leave now that your business here is concluded.”

Semeion’s glance turned away from his routine observation of his friends laying and kneeling upon the floor. His eyebrows wrinkled together as he heard the words and a look of shock flashed through his eyes and lips. “What? You are asking us to leave? Without us, you wouldn’t have even known that your colleague was even a threat!”

Master Searthu continued the argument. “Indeed. I know that you all in the Wizard’s College are highly secretive about your methods of teaching magic. But even taking that into consideration your request is simply illogical, especially for wizards. We’re not sure that the succubus’ influence has been dealt with. We’re not sure that the effects of the Arum Dracunculus have been effectively stopped. For that matter, you all don’t seem to even care that the Arum Dracunculus had been used at all!”

One of the invisible Wizard’s College guards allowed the spell of invisibility to lose effectiveness. He appeared in the position that the first guard had looked while in the form of the citrine dragon. “I understand your desire to remain here and find your answers, but you must understand that your presence simply is not allowed. You cannot deny that the only reason that you are standing where you are now is from a series of illegal transports through a security system that was designed to keep you out. In spite of your helpfulness, the fact remains that you are guilty of trespassing. We have the right to ask you to leave.”

Semeion continued the argument. In spite of disagreeing with their conclusions, he couldn’t deny feeling a certain kinship to the Wizard’s College guards and their desire for keeping their methods secret. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m the first one to appreciate the privacy and intimacy of the study of magic. I know that I was taught my abilities by a master who would no doubt be considered a renegade by your terms, but even my master made me understand the importance of knowing to whom you are showing your magic.” He turned so that his shoulders stood open to his friends. “But are you blind to what just happened here? In an attempt to save you all from a threat that you didn’t even know was in your midst, I almost lost a wife and a few friends. For Reah’s sake, how can you possibly ask us to leave considering the sacrifice we were willing to make for your protection? We’re not asking to stay and observe the teaching of your magic. We are asking to be allowed to stay and find answers regarding how far the plan of the wizard – or perhaps the succubus – had spread throughout the land.”

The female Wizard’s College guard focused upon Semeion as he invoked Reah’s name. “That is twice that you all have made mention of Reah since you have entered the Wizard’s College.” She turned to where her now visible colleague stood and paused for several seconds before finishing her thought. “Very well, we will allow you to stay here in these quarters. You must agree to not venture out into the remainder of the Wizard’s College. You may search for your answers here and here alone.”

Master Brandt frowned, but nodded in agreement. “So long as you two are willing to stay and answer our questions honestly …”

Ischarus lifted his head to the discussion for the first time since collapsing from fear of what he almost unwillingly accomplished. Up until now he had been listening, but his eyes were glued to Rhema’s face. “Three, Brandt. There are three.”

Brandt and Semeion exchanged confused looks and turned their expressions back to the female guard. They didn’t need to say anything; their look of disapproval spoke volumes to the guard. Brandt lifted an eyebrow in anticipation of an answer.

The female guard looked again in the direction of the now visible guard. She breathed in a deep breath and nodded. As with the other guard who had turned himself invisible, the third guard let go of the protective spell of invisibility and materialized before the party. Once he was visible, he addressed the party. As he spoke, his hands and arms opened in a gesture of welcoming. “Very well. We can answer your questions, assuming that you agree to our terms as stated. You will be satisfied with our answers, and if you are not satisfied you will be patient while we try to find deeper answers. You will not leave these quarters.”

Brandt looked to Master Searthu and received an encouraging nod. “That is acceptable.”

The most recently appearing of the guards continued to speak. “And, since you have dealt with the threat that caused you to violate our policy of secrecy we must also ask one other stipulation. When you decide to leave, you may teleport out of the Wizard’s College. But then you may not return except by adhering to the proper channels of addressing the Wizard’s College. In the future, all visits must be prearranged. We will be willing to discuss future inquiries, but once you leave you will not be permitted to return through the use of magic without us considering it an act of aggression.”

Master Searthu smiled deceptively and allowed a slight chuckle to interfere with his normal breathing through his nose. “Of course. We would actually expect nothing different. We get rather upset when people use magic to appear in the midst of our temple, it is only fair to allow you to reciprocate that feeling. And assuming that one of you will be able to be contacted so that we can arrange further inquiries …”

The female Wizard’s College guard threw up her left hand in disgust. “Of course. Must we continue on with all these stipulations? I’d personally rather get to the business at hand so that we can purge this abomination’s influence from our college. Can we just agree that we will respond civilly toward each other and move along?”

Brandt and Semeion exchanged smiles. They knew wizards, and each of them had immediately come up with a sarcastic rebuttal in their mind. Yet, this was no longer the time or the place for sarcasm. If they were to move forward, it would need to be done in honest and respectful relations with one another.
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Ischarus stood, resting his wife’s head carefully on the thick carpet. “Wait a minute. The last time that we were here this associate of yours conjured up some kind of illusion. It didn’t fight like an illusion, though. It felt real enough. After what I’ve just seen, I’d be willing to bet that it was no illusion.”

The male guard who had given up his invisibility smiled sarcastically and looked directly into Iscahrus’ eyes. “Our associate was a wizard of significant power. I am sure that an illusion from his hands would not be so easily perceived.” His tone gave credibility to the possibility that the guard’s look was sincerely sarcastic.

The other male guard placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the guard who had just spoken. “Now is not the time for sarcasm. If we are to honor our agreement, we must be willing to work together. Besides, the less sarcastic we are the quicker we will be able to accomplish this task. The quicker we can accomplish this task, the quicker things can revert back to normal and these people can return to their temple.”

Semeion brought the conversation back on task. “No, Ischarus is right. I was sure that the words used were a summoning spell and not that of an illusion. If I recall correctly, the spell cast was at least in the power range of a Diast effect. And if I am still recalling correctly it carried the Pahl descriptor.”

The three guards immediately blanched at Semeion’s description. The male guard who seemed to have authority over the other two spoke hastily upon Semeion’s recognition. “But, that’s impossible. Pahl magic is forbidden in Tongra, much less in the Wizard’s College itself! He would have certainly set off alarms if the magic was used in the vicinity of the college. You must be mistaken.”

Rhema allowed herself to mimic the sarcasm of the guard from only moments before. She was beginning to feel a throbbing in her head from the fall, and she didn’t care much for civility at this point. “Well, you said it yourself. The magic of your associate was quite powerful. Perhaps more powerful than you even thought?”

Brandt decided it was only fair that her sarcasm be reprimanded as well. “Rhema, careful.”

Charis had been studying Semeion’s face since he had spoken the words. Her eyes were looking right into his lips when she realized what she was searching for. “Daancrah. It was Daancrah magic as well. I know it, because much of my magic is Daancrah. It isn’t Daancrah Pahl magic like the wizard’s, though. My magic is Daancrah Teos magic.”

The female guard nodded politely. Her half-elven eyes disclosed the fact that she was processing the information as quickly as it was being spoken. “To be fair, and I assume by the number of people participating in this conversation that I am speaking to people who have familiarity with magic here, but illusion magic by default mimics other kinds of magic. Your ears may have heard Daancrah magic because you are so accustomed to using it. Our associate may have simply been using illusion magic to deceive your ears. If your ears were deceived, then your eyes would be even more easily deceived.”

Charis shook her heard. “No. My ears heard correctly. It was Daancrah magic that was conjured. And I’m pretty sure that Semeion was right. It was at least a Diast effect.”

The most authoritative guard turned to Semeion. “If it was Daancrah magic, a Diast effect, and using a Pahl descriptor, then what exactly was the result of the summoning spell? It couldn’t have been good.”

Before Semeion could answer, Rhema raised a slight hand, indicating that although she was on the ground she’d like another chance at speaking. The conversation paused until she knew they were ready to listen. “I know that I’m still recovering from the fall and everything. And the throbbing in my head is actually getting worse. But I agree with Semeion. If I remember right, Semeion warned us that the wizard was summoning something big and nasty. I can’t remember the exact words Semeion used, but he warned us that something big was coming through the magic.”

Semeion waited for her to finish and then continued the story. “I did, and it was. Looking back, it all makes sense. The creature seemed outraged at being summoned, but once the wizard tried to convince me that it was merely illusion magic I assumed that it was all part of the illusion. Now, I’m not so sure.”

Master Searthu didn’t have any trouble reading the writing on the wall. “You think the succubus inside this wizard gave him the power to summon something evil from her homeland?”

Ischarus smiled, pleased that his original assertion was gaining credibility. “I’d not only think it. I’d guarantee it.”

Semeion quickly spoke after Ischarus’ assertion, taking control of the conversation back in the direction in which he wanted it to go. “The creature only stood about six feet in height, but its dark glowing red eyes and green scaly skin told me that it was not native to the lands of Enigmatica. The eyes were without pupils, and it revealed razor sharp teeth as it spoke. Its appendages looked as though they had been blackened from exposure to heat or soot and it fought with the nastiest looking voulge-guisarme that I have ever seen.”

The three guards were speechless. However, Brandt was not. “I don’t know about you all, but that sounds like something out of the realm of the succubus to me. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good description of a fiend if I’ve ever heard one. It’s either that or a really good illusion. Even if it was an illusion, it is an illusion at the hands of someone who knows what they are trying to fake.”

The guard with the power nodded in agreement. “I don’t think that there can be any doubt. If it was an illusion, it was not an excusable one. But after hearing the description and seeing what I saw in here I actually do not doubt that the wizard was dealing in Pahl magic. I also know that if he was doing that successfully without our awareness, then we have our own problems to take care of once you all are satisfied with the answers that you have received.”

The head guard turned to the one that had made the earlier sarcastic remark and frowned out of sadness before continuing to speak again. “Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that we have been in error, and we do not have as good of a hold on our college as we think. Our security forces will need to tighten.”

The other male guard nodded in reply, but did not make eye contact with the one who had just spoken. He knew that while the message was meant for his ears it, the burden was shared by all. A man had died because they had grown too confident.

Brandt decided that the Wizard’s College guards had made enough concessions for the moment. Ischarus’ sidetrack had bought them understanding, but the direction of the conversation needed to change to prevent shame from entering the relationship. “I’ve been thinking, and I am pretty sure that if you allow us to stay for the evening – under guard, of course – that Master Searthu and myself could be quite useful in performing a detoxification rite should we find anyone else in you college unknowingly suffering from the effects of the Arum Dracunculus. We’d provide this service for free, of course. And that would assume that you all have a need for it.”

The female guard smiled in Brandt’s direction, glad to leave the prior conversation. “Again we would be in your debt. However, your sense of justice is indeed noble. I assume that your program for detoxification would involve magic and it would not be hindered by my presence as a neutral party?”

Master Searthu bowed slightly in respect of the woman’s position. “Justice always works in favor of those who have been abused. Our magic would be working in their favor, although the detoxification process is not easy. This is especially true for those who likely have been brought under its control unknowingly. But I would welcome your presence in the process as an advocate for the abused.”

Master Searthu had chosen the last five words of his response especially well, and Charis smiled as she recognized what he had done. He had taken it upon himself to identify the motivation of the half-elf guard and not only acknowledge it but do so in a welcoming tone. She turned her head to watch the expression of the half-elf and saw how her face warmly accepted the offer.

The half-elf pushed several locks of her hair back from her eyes. “I would be interested in helping your program in any means possible, assuming that we find a few who need the services.”

The odd collection of people that had gathered in the dead wizard’s suite now spent several of the next hours looking for clues that would indicate the need for a detoxification program prescribed by Brandt and Master Searthu. Their search encompassed all the wizard’s rooms. It was Ischarus who found the log book on a shelf.

Ischarus had pulled down a book bound in leather with the title of “Western Indulgences.” He smiled as he pulled the book off the shelf. He knew immediately what he had, even before he opened the book. “Indulgences indeed.”

Rhema was still lying on the floor near to his position and she spoke softly to him. “Did you say something, Ischarus?”

Ischarus smiled as he heard the binding give a slight crack upon the opening of the book. “It’s a book, Rhema. It’s called ‘Western Indulgences.’ It’s about indulgences of the mind, if I’m guessing correctly.” He flipped the book open and a noticeable frown appeared upon his face.

Rhema saw the frown and inquired. “Not what you thought?”

Ischarus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. It was a cookbook of rare delicacies of Tongra. “Not at all. It is a cookbook. There are all kinds of recipes on cooking rabbit, quail, and plenty of other types of game. Not at all…”

His voice trailed off. His eyes had found an interesting entry. Rhema raised an eyebrow in his direction. “Are you going to finish that sentence?”

Ischarus smiled and snapped the book shut. “I found an interesting entry. It was under the ‘S’ heading. Would you care to guess what the main dish was called?”

Rhema shook her head side to side. “I don’t know. Stuffed pheasant?”

Ischarus chuckled at her offering. “Close, but not quite. Stink Lily. And if I am reading the list of ingredients right, we’re missing four of his agents still.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Ischarus stood, resting his wife’s head carefully on the thick carpet. “Wait a minute. The last time that we were here this associate of yours conjured up some kind of illusion. It didn’t fight like an illusion, though. It felt real enough. After what I’ve just seen, I’d be willing to bet that it was no illusion.”

The male guard who had given up his invisibility smiled sarcastically and looked directly into Iscahrus’ eyes. “Our associate was a wizard of significant power. I am sure that an illusion from his hands would not be so easily perceived.” His tone gave credibility to the possibility that the guard’s look was sincerely sarcastic.

The other male guard placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the guard who had just spoken. “Now is not the time for sarcasm. If we are to honor our agreement, we must be willing to work together. Besides, the less sarcastic we are the quicker we will be able to accomplish this task. The quicker we can accomplish this task, the quicker things can revert back to normal and these people can return to their temple.”

Semeion brought the conversation back on task. “No, Ischarus is right. I was sure that the words used were a summoning spell and not that of an illusion. If I recall correctly, the spell cast was at least in the power range of a Diast effect. And if I am still recalling correctly it carried the Pahl descriptor.”

The three guards immediately blanched at Semeion’s description. The male guard who seemed to have authority over the other two spoke hastily upon Semeion’s recognition. “But, that’s impossible. Pahl magic is forbidden in Tongra, much less in the Wizard’s College itself! He would have certainly set off alarms if the magic was used in the vicinity of the college. You must be mistaken.”

Rhema allowed herself to mimic the sarcasm of the guard from only moments before. She was beginning to feel a throbbing in her head from the fall, and she didn’t care much for civility at this point. “Well, you said it yourself. The magic of your associate was quite powerful. Perhaps more powerful than you even thought?”

Brandt decided it was only fair that her sarcasm be reprimanded as well. “Rhema, careful.”

Charis had been studying Semeion’s face since he had spoken the words. Her eyes were looking right into his lips when she realized what she was searching for. “Daancrah. It was Daancrah magic as well. I know it, because much of my magic is Daancrah. It isn’t Daancrah Pahl magic like the wizard’s, though. My magic is Daancrah Teos magic.”

The female guard nodded politely. Her half-elven eyes disclosed the fact that she was processing the information as quickly as it was being spoken. “To be fair, and I assume by the number of people participating in this conversation that I am speaking to people who have familiarity with magic here, but illusion magic by default mimics other kinds of magic. Your ears may have heard Daancrah magic because you are so accustomed to using it. Our associate may have simply been using illusion magic to deceive your ears. If your ears were deceived, then your eyes would be even more easily deceived.”

Charis shook her heard. “No. My ears heard correctly. It was Daancrah magic that was conjured. And I’m pretty sure that Semeion was right. It was at least a Diast effect.”

The most authoritative guard turned to Semeion. “If it was Daancrah magic, a Diast effect, and using a Pahl descriptor, then what exactly was the result of the summoning spell? It couldn’t have been good.”

Before Semeion could answer, Rhema raised a slight hand, indicating that although she was on the ground she’d like another chance at speaking. The conversation paused until she knew they were ready to listen. “I know that I’m still recovering from the fall and everything. And the throbbing in my head is actually getting worse. But I agree with Semeion. If I remember right, Semeion warned us that the wizard was summoning something big and nasty. I can’t remember the exact words Semeion used, but he warned us that something big was coming through the magic.”

Semeion waited for her to finish and then continued the story. “I did, and it was. Looking back, it all makes sense. The creature seemed outraged at being summoned, but once the wizard tried to convince me that it was merely illusion magic I assumed that it was all part of the illusion. Now, I’m not so sure.”

Master Searthu didn’t have any trouble reading the writing on the wall. “You think the succubus inside this wizard gave him the power to summon something evil from her homeland?”

Ischarus smiled, pleased that his original assertion was gaining credibility. “I’d not only think it. I’d guarantee it.”

Semeion quickly spoke after Ischarus’ assertion, taking control of the conversation back in the direction in which he wanted it to go. “The creature only stood about six feet in height, but its dark glowing red eyes and green scaly skin told me that it was not native to the lands of Enigmatica. The eyes were without pupils, and it revealed razor sharp teeth as it spoke. Its appendages looked as though they had been blackened from exposure to heat or soot and it fought with the nastiest looking voulge-guisarme that I have ever seen.”

The three guards were speechless. However, Brandt was not. “I don’t know about you all, but that sounds like something out of the realm of the succubus to me. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good description of a fiend if I’ve ever heard one. It’s either that or a really good illusion. Even if it was an illusion, it is an illusion at the hands of someone who knows what they are trying to fake.”

The guard with the power nodded in agreement. “I don’t think that there can be any doubt. If it was an illusion, it was not an excusable one. But after hearing the description and seeing what I saw in here I actually do not doubt that the wizard was dealing in Pahl magic. I also know that if he was doing that successfully without our awareness, then we have our own problems to take care of once you all are satisfied with the answers that you have received.”

The head guard turned to the one that had made the earlier sarcastic remark and frowned out of sadness before continuing to speak again. “Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that we have been in error, and we do not have as good of a hold on our college as we think. Our security forces will need to tighten.”

The other male guard nodded in reply, but did not make eye contact with the one who had just spoken. He knew that while the message was meant for his ears it, the burden was shared by all. A man had died because they had grown too confident.

Brandt decided that the Wizard’s College guards had made enough concessions for the moment. Ischarus’ sidetrack had bought them understanding, but the direction of the conversation needed to change to prevent shame from entering the relationship. “I’ve been thinking, and I am pretty sure that if you allow us to stay for the evening – under guard, of course – that Master Searthu and myself could be quite useful in performing a detoxification rite should we find anyone else in you college unknowingly suffering from the effects of the Arum Dracunculus. We’d provide this service for free, of course. And that would assume that you all have a need for it.”

The female guard smiled in Brandt’s direction, glad to leave the prior conversation. “Again we would be in your debt. However, your sense of justice is indeed noble. I assume that your program for detoxification would involve magic and it would not be hindered by my presence as a neutral party?”

Master Searthu bowed slightly in respect of the woman’s position. “Justice always works in favor of those who have been abused. Our magic would be working in their favor, although the detoxification process is not easy. This is especially true for those who likely have been brought under its control unknowingly. But I would welcome your presence in the process as an advocate for the abused.”

Master Searthu had chosen the last five words of his response especially well, and Charis smiled as she recognized what he had done. He had taken it upon himself to identify the motivation of the half-elf guard and not only acknowledge it but do so in a welcoming tone. She turned her head to watch the expression of the half-elf and saw how her face warmly accepted the offer.

The half-elf pushed several locks of her hair back from her eyes. “I would be interested in helping your program in any means possible, assuming that we find a few who need the services.”

The odd collection of people that had gathered in the dead wizard’s suite now spent several of the next hours looking for clues that would indicate the need for a detoxification program prescribed by Brandt and Master Searthu. Their search encompassed all the wizard’s rooms. It was Ischarus who found the log book on a shelf.

Ischarus had pulled down a book bound in leather with the title of “Western Indulgences.” He smiled as he pulled the book off the shelf. He knew immediately what he had, even before he opened the book. “Indulgences indeed.”

Rhema was still lying on the floor near to his position and she spoke softly to him. “Did you say something, Ischarus?”

Ischarus smiled as he heard the binding give a slight crack upon the opening of the book. “It’s a book, Rhema. It’s called ‘Western Indulgences.’ It’s about indulgences of the mind, if I’m guessing correctly.” He flipped the book open and a noticeable frown appeared upon his face.

Rhema saw the frown and inquired. “Not what you thought?”

Ischarus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. It was a cookbook of rare delicacies of Tongra. “Not at all. It is a cookbook. There are all kinds of recipes on cooking rabbit, quail, and plenty of other types of game. Not at all…”

His voice trailed off. His eyes had found an interesting entry. Rhema raised an eyebrow in his direction. “Are you going to finish that sentence?”

Ischarus smiled and snapped the book shut. “I found an interesting entry. It was under the ‘S’ heading. Would you care to guess what the main dish was called?”

Rhema shook her head side to side. “I don’t know. Stuffed pheasant?”

Ischarus chuckled at her offering. “Close, but not quite. Stink Lily. And if I am reading the list of ingredients right, we’re missing four of his agents still.”

[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Rhema decided that she had rested enough and was able to stand up. The cookbook had intrigued her, and she wanted a piece of the action after having been lying down for so long. “Cookbook? Now there’s an interesting place to hide some information. Mind if I take a look?”

Ischarus smiled and skimmed over the page one last time before closing the book, using his thumb as a bookmark. Rhema slowly walked over to his position and slipped her finger in the gap between the pages created by his thumb. Once her finger was in the book, Ischarus released his grip and allowed Rhema to take possession.

Her left hand found the gap in the pages and folded the book open. Her eyes couldn’t really believe what they were seeing. It was a legitimate cookbook with some legitimate recipes. The entry immediately preceding the one that had caught Ischarus’ attention was for steamed vegetables with a honey glaze sauce. Her eyes skimmed the recipe and decided that the simple recipe was reasonable.

Once her morbid curiosity about the recipe was satisfied, her eyes turned to the recipe for Stink Lily. Clearly, it was not a cooking recipe. Instead it was a list designed to look like a list of ingredients. She read the list aloud to herself and Ischarus. “Pahk, Thealle, Skuundar, Jerome, Darr, Haroth, Allyssa, Ehre, Eliah, and Barra.”

She paused for a moment, allowing the information to absorb into her mind. “That’s interesting to say the least. The way that the list is designed to look like a series of ingredients is absolutely uncanny.”

Ischarus was a bit ahead of Rhema’s thoughts since he had spent a few more minutes in contact with the names. “I recognize six of those names, of course. Jerome, Darr, Haroth, Ehre, Eliah, and Barra are the ones that we already went against. Do you recognize any of the others?”

The gentle elven voice of the female Wizard’s College guard startled the pair as it intruded upon their private conversation. “Thealle is known to me. She is a full blooded elf here within the Wizard’s College. She had been studying under our associate. In fact, he had requested to work with her. Now, it makes sense. She has a passion for research, especially in discovering substances with potential magical abilities. She really enjoyed any excuse to enter into the library and immerse herself for hours in the books. I can’t imagine that she’ll be too hard to find.”

Ischarus moved so that he could once again look at the list, although he was still looking over Rhema’s right shoulder. “Well, perhaps that tells us something. I was a bit concerned that I didn’t recognize the first three on the list, especially when I realized that the ones I did recognize seemed to be in a descending order of importance.”

Rhema returned her eyes to the list. “You’re right, Ischarus. Of the names that I recognize, the list fits a general description of strength and importance that Ophee told us earlier. So that makes one that we don’t know in the middle and three at the top of the list.”

Ischarus nodded with the words of his wife. “Yeah, that’s what had me a bit worried. Brandt was sent after Jerome, and that was not exactly a simple battle if I understand what happened. Since there are three names above Jerome, I had been thinking that it might not be a good sign. But if Thealle is a simple researcher here in the college, maybe there is a reason that those three names are at the top of the list.”

The half-elven guard smiled as if she enjoyed information not known by the other two. “Well, she’s not just a researcher.” She paused until Ischarus and Rhema looked up to her face. “She is an apprentice to a powerful wizard. Depending on what magic she was taught, I would dare say she could be as skilled in the use of magic as any of you or I.”

Ischarus nodded at the correction. “Would you care to alert the others of your order to see if they know anything more about these other names? There’s no sense getting Semeion or Charis involved quite yet, because they still might turn up something else.”

The female guard spoke flatly. “I’ll get Mallus. Being a routine security officer means he’s more likely to know faces and names.”

The half-elven woman spun on her heels and was gone for a little over a minute. When she returned, she brought the associate who had given up his invisibility first after the fight with the succubus. Mallus stepped over to Rhema and held out a hand to examine the book. “May I examine the list that you have found?”

Rhema handed the book over to the Wizard’s College guard and watched for any change of expression. After a few moments the guard’s face developed a slight sarcastic grin which was followed by several knowing nods. He bit his lower lip for several seconds while his eyes gave the impression that he was deep in thought.

He examined the book for nearly a minute and then spoke while looking at the list, seemingly avoiding eye contact with Ischarus and Rhema. “Pahk I know well. Pahk is best described as the wizard’s servant. Although in truth, slave is probably a better term. Pahk was, or perhaps is, highly devoted to the wizard. The story was that the wizard had saved him from a terrible fate and in exchange Pahk served the wizard willingly. Looking on the situation in the light of today’s findings, I would not be surprised if Pahk was kept continuously under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus and used as a slave. He’s what we here in the Wizard’s College rightly refer to as a Dolos. That’s the name they prefer to give themselves, although fables and myths have given them a different name: goblin. You probably know the type. They’re the short little guys that mythology tells as having sharp teeth and thieving hands.”

Rhema smiled as she thought back to the one who had taught her to use her mind as a force. She knew the type, but to her they weren’t scary or vicious. Their appearance had made them misunderstood. “Yeah, I know the type. Some of them are quick intelligent and have a mind for magic and mental acuity, right?”

Mallus nodded, impressed by Rhema’s conclusion. His eyes drifted up off of the book and met hers. “Indeed. You have a greater respect for their abilities than most. Either way, I can tell you that Pahk has been working for his master quite loyally for several years. I believe that he would learn a few minor magical tricks in exchange for his services, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Pahk is brighter than normal. To exist in the Wizard’s College for any length of time, one cannot have diminished mental capacities.”

Ischarus continued with his recollection of the list. “Well, that would explain why Pahk is at the top of the list. If I recall correctly, that leaves one more near the top and one in the middle that we could not identify. Do you know all the rest on the list?”

Mallus shook his head. “No. Actually, it would seem that you know more than I do. The only names on this list that are even remotely familiar are Pahk, Thealle, and Skuundar. Thealle and Pahk you have been told about. Skuundar is an interesting character. We don’t get many dwarves who qualify for the requirements of the Wizard’s College, but Skuundar surprised most of us. Like Thealle, he has a knack for researching. Unlike Thealle, his area of expertise is cultural history.”

Rhema nodded, easily accepting the information. “Not unusual for a true dwarf, assuming that Skuundar is dwarven to the core.”

Mallus laughed, exposing a crack in the carapace of reserved diligence that had grown over his personality ever since he had been chastised about the necessary improvements needed to the Wizard’s College security procedures. “There is nothing un-dwarven about Skuundar, really. Son of dwarves, he was raised with dwarven pride. He can count back nearly forty generations of true dwarves. He knows a good bit of the royal history of the line from which King Rupert comes. In fact, I think he can recite a good bit of the pedigree from the majority of dukes, lords, and earls of Tongra.”

Semeion’s voice broke in upon the gathering. “Well, that would be important to the wizard’s plan. He was planning on exposing weaknesses in the leadership of Tongra and assuming control of the confederacy. To do that, he’d need to know from where they came.”

Semeion was standing in the doorway, and he hadn’t been there long. He walked over to the book and looked around Mallus’ left shoulder to get a glimpse of the page that had everyone else’s attention. He shook his head as his mind tried to twist itself around the sickness that would be present in a mind that would put this kind of list in a cookbook.

Ischarus caught Semeion and Mallus up to speed on the rest of the names. For Semeion’s benefit, Ischarus explained the first several names. “The first three seem to be people that the wizard used here within the Wizard’s College to gather the information that he needed.” He paused to indicate that his audience was changing from Semeion to Mallus. “The other names, save Allyssa, are people that we have already taken into custody. One in each of the significant towns of Tongra: Eberdeen, Juniper, Bacrothen, Reignsburg, Partuss, and Classo.”

Rhema finished Ischarus’ thought for him. “That leaves Allyssa as the final piece to the puzzle.”

A dark smile passed across Semeion’s face. “I know my kind, as painful as that may be for me to admit from time to time. Think about it. What hole recently developed in the wizard’s plan? What’s missing from the list that Ischarus just gave us?”

Ischarus and Rhema both immediately understood Semeion assertion. Ischarus spoke first. “Fingerdale.”

Rhema nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Fingerdale. Our backyard.”

Semeion smiled. “Yep, we removed Ophee from his plan. There would need to be a substitute.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Rhema decided that she had rested enough and was able to stand up. The cookbook had intrigued her, and she wanted a piece of the action after having been lying down for so long. “Cookbook? Now there’s an interesting place to hide some information. Mind if I take a look?”

Ischarus smiled and skimmed over the page one last time before closing the book, using his thumb as a bookmark. Rhema slowly walked over to his position and slipped her finger in the gap between the pages created by his thumb. Once her finger was in the book, Ischarus released his grip and allowed Rhema to take possession.

Her left hand found the gap in the pages and folded the book open. Her eyes couldn’t really believe what they were seeing. It was a legitimate cookbook with some legitimate recipes. The entry immediately preceding the one that had caught Ischarus’ attention was for steamed vegetables with a honey glaze sauce. Her eyes skimmed the recipe and decided that the simple recipe was reasonable.

Once her morbid curiosity about the recipe was satisfied, her eyes turned to the recipe for Stink Lily. Clearly, it was not a cooking recipe. Instead it was a list designed to look like a list of ingredients. She read the list aloud to herself and Ischarus. “Pahk, Thealle, Skuundar, Jerome, Darr, Haroth, Allyssa, Ehre, Eliah, and Barra.”

She paused for a moment, allowing the information to absorb into her mind. “That’s interesting to say the least. The way that the list is designed to look like a series of ingredients is absolutely uncanny.”

Ischarus was a bit ahead of Rhema’s thoughts since he had spent a few more minutes in contact with the names. “I recognize six of those names, of course. Jerome, Darr, Haroth, Ehre, Eliah, and Barra are the ones that we already went against. Do you recognize any of the others?”

The gentle elven voice of the female Wizard’s College guard startled the pair as it intruded upon their private conversation. “Thealle is known to me. She is a full blooded elf here within the Wizard’s College. She had been studying under our associate. In fact, he had requested to work with her. Now, it makes sense. She has a passion for research, especially in discovering substances with potential magical abilities. She really enjoyed any excuse to enter into the library and immerse herself for hours in the books. I can’t imagine that she’ll be too hard to find.”

Ischarus moved so that he could once again look at the list, although he was still looking over Rhema’s right shoulder. “Well, perhaps that tells us something. I was a bit concerned that I didn’t recognize the first three on the list, especially when I realized that the ones I did recognize seemed to be in a descending order of importance.”

Rhema returned her eyes to the list. “You’re right, Ischarus. Of the names that I recognize, the list fits a general description of strength and importance that Ophee told us earlier. So that makes one that we don’t know in the middle and three at the top of the list.”

Ischarus nodded with the words of his wife. “Yeah, that’s what had me a bit worried. Brandt was sent after Jerome, and that was not exactly a simple battle if I understand what happened. Since there are three names above Jerome, I had been thinking that it might not be a good sign. But if Thealle is a simple researcher here in the college, maybe there is a reason that those three names are at the top of the list.”

The half-elven guard smiled as if she enjoyed information not known by the other two. “Well, she’s not just a researcher.” She paused until Ischarus and Rhema looked up to her face. “She is an apprentice to a powerful wizard. Depending on what magic she was taught, I would dare say she could be as skilled in the use of magic as any of you or I.”

Ischarus nodded at the correction. “Would you care to alert the others of your order to see if they know anything more about these other names? There’s no sense getting Semeion or Charis involved quite yet, because they still might turn up something else.”

The female guard spoke flatly. “I’ll get Mallus. Being a routine security officer means he’s more likely to know faces and names.”

The half-elven woman spun on her heels and was gone for a little over a minute. When she returned, she brought the associate who had given up his invisibility first after the fight with the succubus. Mallus stepped over to Rhema and held out a hand to examine the book. “May I examine the list that you have found?”

Rhema handed the book over to the Wizard’s College guard and watched for any change of expression. After a few moments the guard’s face developed a slight sarcastic grin which was followed by several knowing nods. He bit his lower lip for several seconds while his eyes gave the impression that he was deep in thought.

He examined the book for nearly a minute and then spoke while looking at the list, seemingly avoiding eye contact with Ischarus and Rhema. “Pahk I know well. Pahk is best described as the wizard’s servant. Although in truth, slave is probably a better term. Pahk was, or perhaps is, highly devoted to the wizard. The story was that the wizard had saved him from a terrible fate and in exchange Pahk served the wizard willingly. Looking on the situation in the light of today’s findings, I would not be surprised if Pahk was kept continuously under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus and used as a slave. He’s what we here in the Wizard’s College rightly refer to as a Dolos. That’s the name they prefer to give themselves, although fables and myths have given them a different name: goblin. You probably know the type. They’re the short little guys that mythology tells as having sharp teeth and thieving hands.”

Rhema smiled as she thought back to the one who had taught her to use her mind as a force. She knew the type, but to her they weren’t scary or vicious. Their appearance had made them misunderstood. “Yeah, I know the type. Some of them are quick intelligent and have a mind for magic and mental acuity, right?”

Mallus nodded, impressed by Rhema’s conclusion. His eyes drifted up off of the book and met hers. “Indeed. You have a greater respect for their abilities than most. Either way, I can tell you that Pahk has been working for his master quite loyally for several years. I believe that he would learn a few minor magical tricks in exchange for his services, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Pahk is brighter than normal. To exist in the Wizard’s College for any length of time, one cannot have diminished mental capacities.”

Ischarus continued with his recollection of the list. “Well, that would explain why Pahk is at the top of the list. If I recall correctly, that leaves one more near the top and one in the middle that we could not identify. Do you know all the rest on the list?”

Mallus shook his head. “No. Actually, it would seem that you know more than I do. The only names on this list that are even remotely familiar are Pahk, Thealle, and Skuundar. Thealle and Pahk you have been told about. Skuundar is an interesting character. We don’t get many dwarves who qualify for the requirements of the Wizard’s College, but Skuundar surprised most of us. Like Thealle, he has a knack for researching. Unlike Thealle, his area of expertise is cultural history.”

Rhema nodded, easily accepting the information. “Not unusual for a true dwarf, assuming that Skuundar is dwarven to the core.”

Mallus laughed, exposing a crack in the carapace of reserved diligence that had grown over his personality ever since he had been chastised about the necessary improvements needed to the Wizard’s College security procedures. “There is nothing un-dwarven about Skuundar, really. Son of dwarves, he was raised with dwarven pride. He can count back nearly forty generations of true dwarves. He knows a good bit of the royal history of the line from which King Rupert comes. In fact, I think he can recite a good bit of the pedigree from the majority of dukes, lords, and earls of Tongra.”

Semeion’s voice broke in upon the gathering. “Well, that would be important to the wizard’s plan. He was planning on exposing weaknesses in the leadership of Tongra and assuming control of the confederacy. To do that, he’d need to know from where they came.”

Semeion was standing in the doorway, and he hadn’t been there long. He walked over to the book and looked around Mallus’ left shoulder to get a glimpse of the page that had everyone else’s attention. He shook his head as his mind tried to twist itself around the sickness that would be present in a mind that would put this kind of list in a cookbook.

Ischarus caught Semeion and Mallus up to speed on the rest of the names. For Semeion’s benefit, Ischarus explained the first several names. “The first three seem to be people that the wizard used here within the Wizard’s College to gather the information that he needed.” He paused to indicate that his audience was changing from Semeion to Mallus. “The other names, save Allyssa, are people that we have already taken into custody. One in each of the significant towns of Tongra: Eberdeen, Juniper, Bacrothen, Reignsburg, Partuss, and Classo.”

Rhema finished Ischarus’ thought for him. “That leaves Allyssa as the final piece to the puzzle.”

A dark smile passed across Semeion’s face. “I know my kind, as painful as that may be for me to admit from time to time. Think about it. What hole recently developed in the wizard’s plan? What’s missing from the list that Ischarus just gave us?”

Ischarus and Rhema both immediately understood Semeion assertion. Ischarus spoke first. “Fingerdale.”

Rhema nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Fingerdale. Our backyard.”

Semeion smiled. “Yep, we removed Ophee from his plan. There would need to be a substitute.”
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

The discussion about the list broke up, and the rest of the searching party was told of the discovery. The Wizard’s College guards left the wizard’s chamber in order to seek out the three who had been working as assistants. Brandt, Master Searthu, Ophee, and the rest of the party continued to search while Pahk, Thealle, and Skuundar were found.

Several hours passed by, and as time passed on Brandt became especially confident that the Wizard’s College guards were performing their own version of interrogation upon the trio before they would be brought back for Master Searthu and Brandt to examine. When anyone did return, it was only Mallus who escorted two people into the wizard’s chamber.

Mallus spoke with a heavy tone. “I present Thealle and Skuundar to you for your interrogation and potential detoxification, if they need it. They have submitted to your inquiry voluntarily, so we ask that you treat them accordingly. It turns out that I have been appointed to be the neutral observer to oversee the interrogation and potential detoxification. I don’t mind telling you up front that the administration of the Wizard’s College is expecting a full report of your interrogation, including your methodology.”

Brandt nodded. “To be expected, of course.”

Master Searthu looked to Brandt and then looked back to Thealle and Skuundar. “We could make this quicker if we each take one.”

Mallus was quick to interrupt the potential strategy. “I would like to remind each of you that there is only one representative present, and that is me. You may interrogate them together or separately, I do not care. But you may not interrogate them separately at the same time.”

Master Searthu smiled slightly, although it was not an appreciative smile. “Very well. We will interrogate them together since they have come voluntarily.”

Ischarus toss a bit of a look of confusion in Mallus’ direction. “What of the goblin, or Dolos, as you call it? Was his name Pahk? Where is he?”

Mallus grimaced and nodded silently. “Pahk has yet to be found.” Mallus’ tone indicated that this answer was as much as the party was going to be told, and there was a hint of pain in having to reveal even that much.

Brandt smiled as if he were struck suddenly by an idea that he liked. “I think now is just about as good of a time as any to begin the interrogation. Please have a seat.”

Brandt opened his shoulders to the rest of the room and made a sweeping gesture towards the furniture that the wizard had once offered to the party while he explained the need to go to Quehalost. If the interrogation was to be civil, Brandt knew that allowing Thealle and Skundar the ability to rest comfortably would go a long way in developing lines of honest communication.

As Thealle, Skuundar, and Mallus moved to the chairs and couches, Semeion made eye contact with Thealle. She was elven, and her thin features spoke of a graceful individual. “May I get you some tea? I am sure the wizard has a supply around here somewhere.” Ophee nearly choked upon hearing the question, but a quick glance from Charis caused her to hold her tongue.

Thealle’s face recoiled in an instinctual repulsion. “No, I have had plenty of tea here, enough to last me a lifetime.”

Brandt caught Semeion’s eyes. They both knew what Thealle said. She knew about the Arum Dracunculus. Either she had already been interrogated or she had been in on the wizard’s plan from the very beginning. Either way, caution would be needed when dealing with Thealle.

Semeion then turned to Mallus and Skuundar. “Very well. Would either of you like a cup of tea?”

Mallus was quick to reply. “I was recently refreshed, I think I’ll pass.”

Skuundar was much less quick. He was legitimately considering the offer. “While tea does sound appealing, I was wondering if I could ask for a mug of coffee instead. The bitterness of the coffee sounds more appealing to me today than the mildness of the tea.”

Brandt frowned with the dwarf’s answer. Thealle had given them something to go on, but it was impossible to tell if the dwarf was cunningly avoiding Semeion’s initial probing or if he was innocently suggesting an alternative to the Arum Dracunculus without even knowing what he was doing. Of course, Brandt was not at all surprised with either conclusion. Most true dwarves were naturally cunning, although noble and fair.

Master Searthu waited for Semeion to nod before sitting down in a chair opposite to the couch where Skuundar and Thealle had chosen to sit. “Just so that we understand, could you tell us what exactly each of you did for the former occupant of this residence?”

Thealle nodded, although her face seemed to sour as she formulated her response. “I first met the wizard in my first year here at the college. He was giving instruction to myself and a few other first year hopefuls about how to study plants and animals for innate magic qualities. During my time in the instruction, I found that I not only had a love for that kind of discovery style work, but also a knack for success. The wizard took notice of me and asked if I would enjoy private lessons in exchange for services.”

As she spoke the words, she made eye contact with Ischarus. She noticed the slight smirk appear on his face. “I assure you, it was a completely professional arrangement. For the last several years I have met with the wizard once a week to learn some tricks of the trade that aren’t part of the official curriculum. In exchange, he offered me tea while outlining several plants or animals that he wanted me to study over the course of the following week. It was a fair exchange in that through the arrangement I have consistently managed to stay ahead of my peers in development while honing my research skills. In addition, I have made a name for myself within the community of the Wizard’s College.”

Rhema nodded with Thealle’s conclusion. “It would seem to be quite an arrangement for your benefit, Thealle. Can I be safe in assuming that you would enter into the arrangement again if you were given the chance to go back in time and do it again?”

Thealle looked to Rhema and her eyes softened. She seemed appreciative of hearing another woman’s voice. “In the world of magic, one must often be willing to make choices and sacrifices for advancement. The power of magic is just as much your friend as enemy. To not advance implies falling behind. The trick for me has been learning how to advance in power and willingly make sacrifices without sacrificing one’s integrity. To be able to make scrupulous decisions when there are so many variables to the study of magic is difficult. I have learned that reliability and power are seldom partners. While that is a difficult lesson to learn, it is indeed a valuable lesson to learn.”

Her words were spoken as if they were chosen very carefully, but they didn’t seem to make coherent sense as an answer to Rhema’s question. Before Rhema could respond, Brandt moved on to questioning the dwarf. He had a satisfied look upon his face. “And what of you, Skuundar? What has been your role in regard to the former occupant of this room?”

The dwarf glanced to Mallus to look for reassurance. Once Mallus nodded to Skuundar, the dwarf turned and looked back to Brandt. “Begging your pardon, sir, but I have not had dealings with this wizard. I don’t know why people keep trying to tie me to this wizard, but we’ve never met. Well, I should say that we’ve never met officially, to my knowledge.”

Charis leaned into Ischarus and whispered in his ear. “Do you think Brandt was right, then? It sounds like he’s been down this path before. I think he was already asked this question by the Wizard’s College.”

Master Searthu leaned forward in his chair and looked at the dwarf. “Do you have any objection to my casting of a passive spell? The spell won’t have any effect on you, just my ability to see you.”

The dwarf shrugged his shoulders. “So long as Mallus doesn’t object to magic being cast, it doesn’t bother me any.”

Mallus waved Master Searthu off before he could ask. Mallus knew what Master Searthu was planning and he saw no reason to bar the magic. Master Searthu nodded and spoke the words softly. “Thizzle Soothe.” Semeion smiled as he heard the words of the common spell.

Master Searthu studied the dwarf for several seconds and then leaned over to Brandt as if to have a side conversation. “I don’t see any evidence of an aura.” He waited until Brandt looked at his eyes and then he shifted his eyes in a direction just to the left of Thealle for several seconds. “Feel free to continue.”

Brandt smiled at his associate before leaning back in his chair. Master Searthu had confirmed for him that Thealle and Skuundar were not under the influence of magic at the moment. Their answers were either true or intentional lies. But either way, their answers were their own. “Skuundar, have you ever heard of a plant called Arum Dracunculus?”

The dwarf smiled as Semeion placed the now brewed cup of coffee in front of him. “If it doesn’t grow below ground, then probably not. I don’t care much for fields and the like. I’d rather be spelunking.” He sipped the beverage and returned the coffee to the coffee table in front of the couch.

The party chuckled at Skuundar’s verbal confirmation that he was one hundred percent true dwarf. Brandt continued the explanation. “The Arum Dracunculus is a plant that can have an extract taken out of its roots. That extract can then be administered to a person in a beverage or a piece of uncooked food like candy or many party appetizers. Once the substance is consumed, the mind becomes quite pliable.”

The dwarf had been stroking his beard while Brandt explained the Arum Dracunculus. When Brandt spoke of the mind becoming pliable, Skuundar stopped playing with his braided facial hair. “But, that’s completely improbable. Everyone knows that dwarves are resistant to magic. That’s why you don’t see many dwarves in the college with me!”

Charis smiled and made eye contact with the dwarf. “It’s not magic, Skuundar. It’s like a mind toxin. It works by being added to food or drinks.”

The dwarf’s mind had been trying to understand the strange line of question when a thought suddenly popped into his mind. He turned to Semeion with a look of anger on his face. “Tea? My own coffee? Is that what you plan to do to me? You want to poison my mind and make me talk? Do you think that if you poison my mind that I would tell you anything, even if I do not know it?”

Semeion held up a reassuring hand. “Don’t worry, I didn’t give you any. But the demonstration is quite reasonable, don’t you agree? Had I wanted you to be under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus, you would already be in the palm of my hand. Your mind would already be pliable without your consent. The fact that you are wary at this very moment is proof that nothing has been done to you.”

The dwarf leaned into the back of the couch. He knew the truth. He had met the wizard, but on the wizard’s own terms. He had been used without even realizing the role that he was playing.

Master Searthu stood and turned to Mallus. “I am satisfied. I can cast a spell that will immediately cease any residual effect of the Arum Dracunculus if they are under such an effect. I would guess that at least one of these two would benefit from the spell.”

Mallus nodded. “Heal them.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
The discussion about the list broke up, and the rest of the searching party was told of the discovery. The Wizard’s College guards left the wizard’s chamber in order to seek out the three who had been working as assistants. Brandt, Master Searthu, Ophee, and the rest of the party continued to search while Pahk, Thealle, and Skuundar were found.

Several hours passed by, and as time passed on Brandt became especially confident that the Wizard’s College guards were performing their own version of interrogation upon the trio before they would be brought back for Master Searthu and Brandt to examine. When anyone did return, it was only Mallus who escorted two people into the wizard’s chamber.

Mallus spoke with a heavy tone. “I present Thealle and Skuundar to you for your interrogation and potential detoxification, if they need it. They have submitted to your inquiry voluntarily, so we ask that you treat them accordingly. It turns out that I have been appointed to be the neutral observer to oversee the interrogation and potential detoxification. I don’t mind telling you up front that the administration of the Wizard’s College is expecting a full report of your interrogation, including your methodology.”

Brandt nodded. “To be expected, of course.”

Master Searthu looked to Brandt and then looked back to Thealle and Skuundar. “We could make this quicker if we each take one.”

Mallus was quick to interrupt the potential strategy. “I would like to remind each of you that there is only one representative present, and that is me. You may interrogate them together or separately, I do not care. But you may not interrogate them separately at the same time.”

Master Searthu smiled slightly, although it was not an appreciative smile. “Very well. We will interrogate them together since they have come voluntarily.”

Ischarus toss a bit of a look of confusion in Mallus’ direction. “What of the goblin, or Dolos, as you call it? Was his name Pahk? Where is he?”

Mallus grimaced and nodded silently. “Pahk has yet to be found.” Mallus’ tone indicated that this answer was as much as the party was going to be told, and there was a hint of pain in having to reveal even that much.

Brandt smiled as if he were struck suddenly by an idea that he liked. “I think now is just about as good of a time as any to begin the interrogation. Please have a seat.”

Brandt opened his shoulders to the rest of the room and made a sweeping gesture towards the furniture that the wizard had once offered to the party while he explained the need to go to Quehalost. If the interrogation was to be civil, Brandt knew that allowing Thealle and Skundar the ability to rest comfortably would go a long way in developing lines of honest communication.

As Thealle, Skuundar, and Mallus moved to the chairs and couches, Semeion made eye contact with Thealle. She was elven, and her thin features spoke of a graceful individual. “May I get you some tea? I am sure the wizard has a supply around here somewhere.” Ophee nearly choked upon hearing the question, but a quick glance from Charis caused her to hold her tongue.

Thealle’s face recoiled in an instinctual repulsion. “No, I have had plenty of tea here, enough to last me a lifetime.”

Brandt caught Semeion’s eyes. They both knew what Thealle said. She knew about the Arum Dracunculus. Either she had already been interrogated or she had been in on the wizard’s plan from the very beginning. Either way, caution would be needed when dealing with Thealle.

Semeion then turned to Mallus and Skuundar. “Very well. Would either of you like a cup of tea?”

Mallus was quick to reply. “I was recently refreshed, I think I’ll pass.”

Skuundar was much less quick. He was legitimately considering the offer. “While tea does sound appealing, I was wondering if I could ask for a mug of coffee instead. The bitterness of the coffee sounds more appealing to me today than the mildness of the tea.”

Brandt frowned with the dwarf’s answer. Thealle had given them something to go on, but it was impossible to tell if the dwarf was cunningly avoiding Semeion’s initial probing or if he was innocently suggesting an alternative to the Arum Dracunculus without even knowing what he was doing. Of course, Brandt was not at all surprised with either conclusion. Most true dwarves were naturally cunning, although noble and fair.

Master Searthu waited for Semeion to nod before sitting down in a chair opposite to the couch where Skuundar and Thealle had chosen to sit. “Just so that we understand, could you tell us what exactly each of you did for the former occupant of this residence?”

Thealle nodded, although her face seemed to sour as she formulated her response. “I first met the wizard in my first year here at the college. He was giving instruction to myself and a few other first year hopefuls about how to study plants and animals for innate magic qualities. During my time in the instruction, I found that I not only had a love for that kind of discovery style work, but also a knack for success. The wizard took notice of me and asked if I would enjoy private lessons in exchange for services.”

As she spoke the words, she made eye contact with Ischarus. She noticed the slight smirk appear on his face. “I assure you, it was a completely professional arrangement. For the last several years I have met with the wizard once a week to learn some tricks of the trade that aren’t part of the official curriculum. In exchange, he offered me tea while outlining several plants or animals that he wanted me to study over the course of the following week. It was a fair exchange in that through the arrangement I have consistently managed to stay ahead of my peers in development while honing my research skills. In addition, I have made a name for myself within the community of the Wizard’s College.”

Rhema nodded with Thealle’s conclusion. “It would seem to be quite an arrangement for your benefit, Thealle. Can I be safe in assuming that you would enter into the arrangement again if you were given the chance to go back in time and do it again?”

Thealle looked to Rhema and her eyes softened. She seemed appreciative of hearing another woman’s voice. “In the world of magic, one must often be willing to make choices and sacrifices for advancement. The power of magic is just as much your friend as enemy. To not advance implies falling behind. The trick for me has been learning how to advance in power and willingly make sacrifices without sacrificing one’s integrity. To be able to make scrupulous decisions when there are so many variables to the study of magic is difficult. I have learned that reliability and power are seldom partners. While that is a difficult lesson to learn, it is indeed a valuable lesson to learn.”

Her words were spoken as if they were chosen very carefully, but they didn’t seem to make coherent sense as an answer to Rhema’s question. Before Rhema could respond, Brandt moved on to questioning the dwarf. He had a satisfied look upon his face. “And what of you, Skuundar? What has been your role in regard to the former occupant of this room?”

The dwarf glanced to Mallus to look for reassurance. Once Mallus nodded to Skuundar, the dwarf turned and looked back to Brandt. “Begging your pardon, sir, but I have not had dealings with this wizard. I don’t know why people keep trying to tie me to this wizard, but we’ve never met. Well, I should say that we’ve never met officially, to my knowledge.”

Charis leaned into Ischarus and whispered in his ear. “Do you think Brandt was right, then? It sounds like he’s been down this path before. I think he was already asked this question by the Wizard’s College.”

Master Searthu leaned forward in his chair and looked at the dwarf. “Do you have any objection to my casting of a passive spell? The spell won’t have any effect on you, just my ability to see you.”

The dwarf shrugged his shoulders. “So long as Mallus doesn’t object to magic being cast, it doesn’t bother me any.”

Mallus waved Master Searthu off before he could ask. Mallus knew what Master Searthu was planning and he saw no reason to bar the magic. Master Searthu nodded and spoke the words softly. “Thizzle Soothe.” Semeion smiled as he heard the words of the common spell.

Master Searthu studied the dwarf for several seconds and then leaned over to Brandt as if to have a side conversation. “I don’t see any evidence of an aura.” He waited until Brandt looked at his eyes and then he shifted his eyes in a direction just to the left of Thealle for several seconds. “Feel free to continue.”

Brandt smiled at his associate before leaning back in his chair. Master Searthu had confirmed for him that Thealle and Skuundar were not under the influence of magic at the moment. Their answers were either true or intentional lies. But either way, their answers were their own. “Skuundar, have you ever heard of a plant called Arum Dracunculus?”

The dwarf smiled as Semeion placed the now brewed cup of coffee in front of him. “If it doesn’t grow below ground, then probably not. I don’t care much for fields and the like. I’d rather be spelunking.” He sipped the beverage and returned the coffee to the coffee table in front of the couch.

The party chuckled at Skuundar’s verbal confirmation that he was one hundred percent true dwarf. Brandt continued the explanation. “The Arum Dracunculus is a plant that can have an extract taken out of its roots. That extract can then be administered to a person in a beverage or a piece of uncooked food like candy or many party appetizers. Once the substance is consumed, the mind becomes quite pliable.”

The dwarf had been stroking his beard while Brandt explained the Arum Dracunculus. When Brandt spoke of the mind becoming pliable, Skuundar stopped playing with his braided facial hair. “But, that’s completely improbable. Everyone knows that dwarves are resistant to magic. That’s why you don’t see many dwarves in the college with me!”

Charis smiled and made eye contact with the dwarf. “It’s not magic, Skuundar. It’s like a mind toxin. It works by being added to food or drinks.”

The dwarf’s mind had been trying to understand the strange line of question when a thought suddenly popped into his mind. He turned to Semeion with a look of anger on his face. “Tea? My own coffee? Is that what you plan to do to me? You want to poison my mind and make me talk? Do you think that if you poison my mind that I would tell you anything, even if I do not know it?”

Semeion held up a reassuring hand. “Don’t worry, I didn’t give you any. But the demonstration is quite reasonable, don’t you agree? Had I wanted you to be under the effect of the Arum Dracunculus, you would already be in the palm of my hand. Your mind would already be pliable without your consent. The fact that you are wary at this very moment is proof that nothing has been done to you.”

The dwarf leaned into the back of the couch. He knew the truth. He had met the wizard, but on the wizard’s own terms. He had been used without even realizing the role that he was playing.

Master Searthu stood and turned to Mallus. “I am satisfied. I can cast a spell that will immediately cease any residual effect of the Arum Dracunculus if they are under such an effect. I would guess that at least one of these two would benefit from the spell.”

Mallus nodded. “Heal them.”

[/Sblock]