Seldarn Empire - Halgo

[arwink]

"Well, technically, we can't copy the learning of the spell. We need to remove it. Permanently. The parts of your mind that comprehend and shape the magic are simply transfered into a storage-device, and given over to another client."

He pulls a slim wand from his pouch.

"But it is possible, yes, if one knows the proper spells. It does have some drawbacks, of course. It's rare that anyone has ever managed to relearn a spell once it's stripped from them. A great sacrafice, we know, so we are prepared to offer what we consider more than adequate compensation."

The slim, pale hand dips into the pouch again, and pulls forth a small stone about the size of your fist. It glows with light, small motes of energy swirling about it in an erratic orbit. Your still-active detect-magic spell suddenly flares, temporarily blinding you.

"We offer you this."

 

[Capellan]

I squint, instinctively shading my eyes, and take a half step back.

"And what is that?"

Something's odd, here. There's no spell I know that couldn't be found easily enough. Why go to these lengths - and this expense - to get it?

 

[arwink]

Kelpreth closes his fist over the stone, dimming the radiance a little.

"It's a whisp of god-essence," he says, and you shudder at how casually he says it. "A goddess actually. A lady of magic, now doomed by her own hand. I'm not sure of the details, but she's no longer in a position to miss it, we assure you. If you ever find the time to visit the Astral, we could probably even organise a short trip to her corporeal remains. There's been some scavenging for the god-flesh, but it's still relatively whole"

He opens his hand again, and holds the stone at eye level. The shimmering silver radiance cast flares to illuminate the intire room like a flash of lightening.

"She exists now only as pure magical energy. Perfect for powering spells, easing the loss of personal essence that comes with binding magic into mundane objects. We're not entirely sure how much energy we captured, but it's in there and it should be enough to last some time. If you truly wish, you could even use the energy to summon her back for a short time."

 

[Capellan]

"Interesting."

And creepy.

"What exactly do you want in return?"

 

[arwink]

"The memory of learning a spell, as I said. It doesn't particularly matter which one, but it must be of the first order or higher. Minor cantrips will be of no use to the third party."

 

[Capellan]

"It's an intriguing offer. Unfortunately, I need all the spells I have now. My selection is limited enough without giving one up - quite possibly permanently."

I set down my drink, still untouched, and walk over the window, opening the shutters to allow in some fresh air.

"Now, if you were willing to wait a few weeks, I might be able to help. But I expect there are many other sources you could get something as trivial as this. The world is full of fledgling wizards."

 

[arwink]

"True, there are many, but few have you're lineage or training. We've had great success with Padbottoms students before, and we were hoping to continue in that tradition."

Kelpreth sighs and places his cup on your small table.

"Very well, if that's your decision. We must be be on my way. The customer will not be pleased if this order isn't fullfilled, and time is becoming increasingly short. It was a pleasure to meet with you, Halgo, Student of Padbottom. If there is ever anything we may do for you, do not hesitate to use the pendent."

 

[Capellan]

"I'm sorry I could not be of more help. I trust that you will be able to meet your customer's order. No doubt your resources are ... extensive."

I walk over to my things and slip the pendant inside a pouch.

"I will contact you if I have need of your services. I'm sure there will be many things you could acquire for me."

 

[arwink]

"Many things. Anything, really, if the price is right."

Kelpreth smiles at you, then places the god-whisp orb and the wand back into his small pouch. He offers you a slight bow, then slowly fades from sight, seeming to shimmer away into nothingness.

 

[Capellan]

I wait silently for five long seconds after Kelpreth disappears, before finally allowing myself a a grimace of distaste.

I walk over to the table and scoop up the jug and cups, then leave my room and head down to the kitchen.

My things needed a wash, anyway.