Time Well Spent

[Tom Cashel]

He tries to hide a not-insignificant amount of suspicion and annoyance, but cannot shield his true feelings from you. Some sinister resolve in his eyes as you said farewell, perhaps.

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

Wisp, I hope your hunting goes well. I'm coming back to memorize spells. There's a lot of pieces to this puzzle, some of whch make no sense at all. Many people seem to know a lot more than they should. And it seems that only other pawn in this whole mess wants to fight me in a mageduel.

*sigh*

Well, before Gustav will listen to me, we're going to have go through this duel. There's no way I'll be able to beat my old master. But as Iago once told me, "When you can't win ... cheat (then run)."

Wisp, I know you trust me, but I'm about to test that trust. I'll need your help if I'm going to pull this off. So... how comfortable are you with your current form?

 

[Tom Cashel]

You know I'd do anything to help you, Tall magic-one...even taking on another form if that is what you wish. I know you would do the same for me.

You return to the "lodging" area of the crater and seek out a quiet place to light a lantern and pore over your spellbook. Dawn is fast approaching now.

As you begin to study, Wisp speaks in your mind: Tall magic-one, I hear someone creeping about nearby...over there, I think.

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

Thank you, Wisp. You know I would.

I say aloud (without looking up):

"You're either the worst thief I've ever heard or someone in need of a slience spell. I'm studying spells for a mageduel over here. Come out and tell me what you want."

 

[Tom Cashel]

"Fair enough," says a soft voice from the darkness, "but that would also make you the most obvious negotiator in all the North."

You see her eyes first, almond-shaped green-gold eyes that glitter in the lamplight, then her shiny black hair pulled back from high cheekbones, full lips, delicate elfin ears. She wears a dark green cloak over a revealingly form-fitting blouse and deerskin breeches--you feel a stirring of lust as she puts a hand on one shapely hip. A silver longsword and dagger hang at her belt, and around her neck dangles an emerald pendant.

"How many others would you guess--besides me--know that you are looking for Calumn's Timepiece...hmm? All the stall vendors, or just most of them?"

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

I stand up and smooth out my moustach, letting my spellbook hit the floor.

"Timepiece? What need have I of timepieces when I have you to gaze upon? Perhaps a High Wizard has cast time stop upon us? For surely, time seems to be standing still when you are present!

"Speaking of time, I've got about three quarters of an hour before I have to fight in a mageduel. Perhaps we might go for a drink somewhere? Perhaps some wine at my secure shelter? If you're nice, I'll let you play with my unseen servant ... "

 

[Tom Cashel]

Her laughter is musical. "Save the flattery for the tavern wenches," she says, "You wouldn't know what to do with me. Ah, well...if you've no need of a timepiece then I fear I am wasting my time here...best get back to work. Sweet water and light laughter till our paths cross again."

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

"No! Wait... your beauty blinded me to my goals. Please... I need your help.

"Yes, I was told I could find Calumn's Timepiece here. But I've no idea what it does, nor where it is exactly.

"I am but a simple entertainer. Yet I find myself in a mageduel with my former master and still no way of finding this accursed timepiece."

I look up at her (tears in my eyes).

"Tell me, please, what is your name?"

 

[Tom Cashel]

She smiles.

"You certainly have a flair for the dramatic--and the talent to match. I am called Vel'larien Mistmantle...tell me, how do you come by your knowledge of the timepiece?"

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

"Ah, I thank you Lady Mistmantle. It is a small gift.

"As for the timepiece, well...."

I smile broadly at her.

"Calumn sent me to find it."