by Jeff Inlo
Linda's fear and anxiety turned to fury. It seemed that logic had no bearing on the circumstances they faced. Her mind was a swirling mix of horrific and confusing thoughts, and she could barely keep focus on what was happening around her. A surprise visit from the trusted cliff behemoth had turned into yet another nightmare for her and Ryson to face.
She made another attempt to ignore it all, to wipe the bizarre conversation from her memory. She shook her head in disgust, even turned away and looked out through one of the very few narrow and barred windows.
She could see the citizens of Burbon reluctantly leaving, but still taking quick glances back toward the armory. Their curiosity was real, as was their concern. She could see it in their faces. The people of Burbon did not take well to breaks in their routine. She knew they wished for a return to order, as did she, and her anger grew.
Turmoil had returned to Burbon, and it was centered on Ryson Acumen. She had great respect and even love for the cliff behemoth, but Dzeb became a messenger of doom. Linda had traveled that path before, and it always seemed Ryson was the intended victim for some atrocious creature bent on causing pain and destruction.
She had had enough, enough of watching her husband sacrifice himself with barely a thought for his own welfare. Suddenly she was being told that as payment for such selfishness, Ryson was being hunted by some king of demons. She lost control as she turned back to the giant.
"So this is his reward for everything he's done?!" Linda nearly shrieked. "Haven't we gone through enough of this? Hasn't he done enough?!"
"He has done more than anyone could have asked," Dzeb agreed.
"Then why is this happening?!"
"The daokiln would not seek to reward your delver for his compassion."
"And what about your Godson? What about Him? Does He care?"
"He never stops caring."
"Does He care enough to help us?"
"Of course He does," Dzeb insisted, and then pointed out what he saw as absolute proof of that knowledge. "I would not be here if He didn't."
"That's not good enough!" Linda raved. "This shouldn't even be happening. Why does this daokiln even exist?"
"Discussing that would take far more time than we have available to us."
"Because you don't have an answer!"
Ryson couldn't really argue with his wife. She was right. He himself had, on more than one occasion, felt crushed by the enormity of the calamities that seemed to strike out of no where. No matter what they did, it seemed as if misfortune followed them. He had already paid a heavy price, lost close friends while battling despicable creatures bent on causing havoc. If Dzeb's warning held true, perhaps the greatest peril of all would soon be upon them. That in itself would justify doubts in a sane and just existence.
He, however, was a delver, and above seeking justice or even simple fairness, he sought answers. Dzeb had delivered a mystery to their doorstep, and rather than initially worrying about the dangers, he needed more information.
"Linda, hold on. We're jumping ahead of ourselves. None of this makes sense to me. Blaming Dzeb, or Godson, doesn't answer any of this."
Linda did not wish to argue with her husband, but she could not believe, or accept, his response.
"When has it ever made sense?"
"Sometimes it does. We've seen that, but for now, we need to know more... I need to know more." Ryson turned to the behemoth. "Reiculf is mentioned in many legends. He's not supposed to be able to reach directly into this land. What's changed?"
"I do not know," the behemoth admitted.
"But you're sure he's able to escape Demonspawn?"
"I know he can reach out from his realm and that he will set his wrath upon Uton. That means he will eventually have to eliminate the protectors of this land. That is why you are in danger."
"That's a bit vague. Do you know what he's planning?"
"To cause harm."
"That's not much better."
"He wishes to cause harm and he views you as an enemy. Isn't that enough?"
If not for the significance of the threat, Ryson would have laughed. Dzeb had delivered something less than a mystery and something more than a puzzle. Delvers served as explorers and scouts because they lived to find answers. A maze of intricacies was their playground, and Ryson craved to understand each obscure passage.
"For me? You're not serious are you?"
"I am."
"Dzeb, think about it. You come out of no where, show up at my door, and tell me I'm in danger. The only thing you can do to explain all of this is to say that Reiculf—the master of all demons—is somehow able to reach out of Demonspawn and he wants a piece of Uton. That doesn't answer anything. It just makes things more confusing, raises more questions."
Dzeb appeared somewhat confused. He did not wish to bring anguish to the delver and his family. He had come to help them, but he believed he had said everything that they needed to know. He could not comprehend what was left to explain.
"What answer have I failed to deliver?" the giant questioned.
"Just about all of them. I don't know how Reiculf is able to get to me. I'm not sure why he wants to, and I don't know what he's going to do. Godson, I don't even know how you know all of this."
"It is Godson's will."
Ryson rubbed his forehead with his palm, trying not to groan in frustration. He did not want to insult his giant friend, did not want to bring the cliff behemoth's faith into question. He did, however, reveal why he believed such an explanation was inadequate.
"Dzeb, what did I just say? We're talking about Reiculf. I'm trying to figure out how and why he would choose to come after me. Is it Godson's will that the master of all demons wants to strike me down? Is that what you're telling me?"
"Of course not. It is Godson's will that you be protected."
"Then why is Reiculf even after me?!"
"Life is complicated."
Ryson almost threw up his hands in surrender. Dealing with the overwhelming yet simple faith of the cliff behemoth was at times difficult, but Ryson could not give up on seeking answers. He tried to narrow his questions in order to get the information he required.
"What made you leave the Colad Mountains?"
"I needed to retrieve you."
"Because I'm in danger, I got that, but what brought that knowledge to you?"
"I believe we have discussed this before," Dzeb replied, as the giant realized the delver wanted him to explain the unexplainable. "You've asked me before how I know Godson's will. He delivers it to me and I am aware. It is simple to hear the word of Godson, but not so simple to explain."
Dzeb saw the confusion etched in both Linda and Ryson's faces. He knew he was not reaching them, but then he noticed the sword on Ryson's back.
"I see you still carry the Sword of Decree," the giant declared.
"So?" Ryson responded, wondering what his enchanted blade had to do with the word of Godson.
"In your hands, the blade has become more than a weapon. Its enchantment has expanded, and it now delivers inspiration, does it not?"
"Inspiration? I'm not sure about that, but it has, at times, given direction. It doesn't change perspective, and I don't think it reveals Godson's will."
"Do not be so hasty in your judgment. Godson's will is vast and complex."
"Fine, but my point is that the sword doesn't answer every question. It doesn't reveal every secret. It doesn't tell me what to do every step of the way. There are times it leaves me completely in the dark. Sometimes I think it's almost random when it decides to give out information."
"But it has... and it will again."
"I suppose," Ryson allowed, "but what does this have to do with Reiculf?"
"You asked how I knew Godson's will. When the sword imparts knowledge upon you, does it speak to you?"
"No. It doesn't say anything."
"Does it whisper words through the wind?" Dzeb pressed.
"No, I just know. The message becomes clear in my
mind."
"As does the will of Godson in my mind... when He commands it."
"So that's why you came here? It's like when I hold the sword and suddenly know what to do?"
"I believe that is the best explanation I can give you."
Ryson wondered if he would get anything clearer from the giant. Dozens of questions still danced through his mind, and his curiosity and desire for answers continued to burn deep within him. He did not wish to simply stifle either. He wanted greater understanding, especially considering the depth of Dzeb's message.
He wondered if he could simply accept that Reiculf was suddenly able to reach across the boundaries which once separated the demon master from Uton. As a delver, how could he—or any delver—just submit to the belief that he was in such danger without proof? Would he be willing to race away without seeing or hearing anything beyond a cliff behemoths recital of faith?
He knew he could not, but in considering Dzeb's response, he believed he might have found a possible solution.
"Okay," Ryson began, "I can understand that. Enchantments and magic are difficult to explain. You got a message from Godson... like I get a message from my sword. It's difficult to describe how it happens. It just does. Maybe I need to try that now."
The delver said nothing further. He pulled the Sword of Decree from the sheath across his back and looked deep into the glowing blade.
The sword reflected natural light and it bathed the interior of the once dim armory with glorious radiance. For a brief moment, the blade appeared to pulsate, somewhat like a star twinkling in a clear night sky.
Ryson lifted the blade a bit higher, but only for a moment. He quickly returned it to its sheath. He looked first at Dzeb and then to Linda.
"He's right. I'm not sure how, but I know everything he said is true."
Linda's fear began to rise and she quickly grasped for any hope.
"Are you going to be alright? I mean is it possible to get away from... what did you call it? A daokiln?"
Ryson wondered about that himself, but he quickly came to reassuring conclusion.
"It has to be possible. And I'm not just saying that. If I didn't have a chance, why would the sword warn me? Why would Dzeb even be here?"
"He is correct," Dzeb added. "As I said before, it is Godson's will he be protected."
"And can you protect him?" Linda demanded.
"I will do whatever needs to be done."
Linda wanted more. She wanted to be certain that her husband would be safe, but before she could continue, their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of several soldiers.
Captain Klusac entered with four other guards. He stepped directly up to the cliff behemoth to get a good look at the giant. Klusac, the soldier who had taken charge of the town guard after Sy Fenden's death, was a large man compared to most, but he appeared insignificant compared to the behemoth. He did not, however, let the difference in size alter his view of authority.
He had never met Dzeb, had no idea exactly what to expect, but he couldn't allow for such disorderly behavior, not with the town still in such a fragile state. Burbon had lost its leader when goblins had swarmed through its streets. Captain Fenden's death shattered the morale of the guard and the town as a whole. They were all still recovering from that loss, and Klusac wanted to restore some aspect of stability. Giants parading through town were not helping his cause.
Klusac spoke calmly but with conviction.
"You were told to remain at the gate. You ignored that request. I can't have that."
Ryson tried to intervene.
"Captain, this is Dzeb. He's a friend."
Klusac did not take his eyes from the giant. He did not ignore the delver's words, but he made it clear they were not sufficient in defending the behemoth's actions.
"I would hope a friend of yours is also a friend of Burbon. Friends do not disregard the instructions of the town guard."
"The instructions of Godson take priority," Dzeb answered without a desire for confrontation but with certainty towards his own actions. There was no arrogance in his words, nor was there dismissal in the concerns of the captain. He spoke as if they all answered to Godson with the same level of regard.
Once more, Ryson attempted to intercede. He knew a debate over such authority would lead them to difficult ground.
"Klusac, please understand, this is an extremely unique situation. He had news for me, important news. He couldn't wait."
Ryson's tone caught the captain's attention. A soldier's intuition led Klusac to believe that the warning delivered by the giant extended beyond the welfare of the delver.
"Is the town in danger?" Klusac asked, as he immediately altered his priorities.
"No, but it looks like I am."
Ryson went on to explain everything he knew. He realized the story had holes, and he began to appreciate Dzeb's quandary in explaining the will of Godson. He had to tell the town captain that an enchanted sword confirmed the danger. He knew his story sounded absurd, but they were all living under the whims of magical energies which constantly sculpted the land, changed the rules of life and understanding.
"So you see," Ryson said upon completing his explanation, "Dzeb had to get this message to me. He was trying to help."
Klusac ignored Dzeb's intentions. The captain remained focused on the safety of the town he swore to protect.
"Hey, I like helpful rock monsters as much as anyone, but..."
"Cliff behemoth. Not a rock monster," Ryson corrected.
"Okay, a cliff behemoth, but Ryson, you and I talked about this. This town needs you, but it also needs normalcy, routine. A rock... I mean a cliff behemoth walking down the street is not normal. Now you're telling me some demon lord is after you? I know you didn't ask for this, and I'm not trying to blame you, but this is the last thing we need right now."
Ryson understood exactly what Klusac meant. The loss of Sy Fenden burned grief into the delver's heart. He knew the town had lost more than a captain of the guard; they had lost their leader, the soldier who served as both the unyielding shield and the very point of the sword that defended them. It was all the more reason to listen to both Dzeb and the enchanted blade.
"I know, but don't worry about it. We're leaving. All of us."
The delver's resolute response surprised them all, save for Dzeb. Ryson declared what was the obvious solution.
"We'll be leaving immediately. We just have to go back home to gather a few things. Everything will be back to normal for Burbon as soon as I'm gone."
Klusac appreciated the delver's concern for the town, but he also did not casually dismiss the loss of the delver's services, or Ryson's welfare.
"Do you need additional protection? I can send a detachment of soldiers to escort you."
"No, that won't be necessary."
"When it's over, will you be coming back?" the captain requested.
"I hope so."
Despite the delver's claim, it seemed as if a chasm had suddenly opened between Ryson and Burbon. The captain hoped to bridge that gap before it became too wide to overcome. To his dismay, he could not find the words to define his sentiment and the growing silence became too much to endure.
"Where are you going now?" Klusac finally asked.
Ryson revealed what the sword had shown him.
"I'm supposed to go to Connel," the delver admitted. He then looked to Dzeb. "Is that where you were going to take me?"
"I meant only to retrieve you. I acknowledge Godson, and I allow Him to ultimately direct my path. If the sword says we must go to Connel, then so we shall."
Chapter 4
When Macheve appeared in Dark Spruce Forest, there were no elf guards stationed in the nearby trees, no deer traipsing through the underbrush, not even a single goblin hiding in the thicket. There was only one elf in that otherwise deserted area of the forest, and that was exactly what she, and Reiculf, wanted.
Scheff Rutlan had purposely sought out an area where he could test a
spell without endangering other elves or animals. He had informed the elf guard of his intentions and they would see to it he was not disturbed. Scheff and the other elves, however, had no idea he was being monitored from Demonspawn. The guards kept watch over the perimeter, and Scheff's mind remained focused on the aspects of a new and potentially beneficial spell.
Scheff's magical energy cascaded with a violet hue, and he held sway over the power of the storm. His concentration afforded him the ability to cast with a perfect circle, a symbol of great control over both the energy itself and the direction with which he molded it.
Despite once losing himself to selfish aspirations, the elf became more aware of external influences. He never lost his respect or his affection for the energy that coursed within him, but he did not allow it to become his sole inspiration. As he continued to experiment with his spells and sharpen his skills, he did so with a desire to find wisdom beyond shaping incantations. He shunned the arrogance that once led him astray. He hoped to find a new direction, a path that allowed the magic within him to be a guide toward greater understanding rather than an instrument for his own glory.
With such motivation, Scheff considered the properties of violet magic and how he could apply them to a healing spell which might be used with greater frequency. Healing spells could cure diseases, mend bones, and erase severe injuries, but they also slightly altered the subject receiving the treatment.
In most cases, the alteration was minor, barely traceable, and faded after a few days, but several treatments could lead to more lasting effects. These, too, would eventually disappear, but Scheff hoped to find a spell that would heal without magically altering the natural structure of living creatures, one that would not interrupt the basic principles of life.
Healing was a natural process, but it was often as slow as it was deliberate. Magic was utilized to quicken and augment that process. To succeed, he needed to find the proper connection between the element of his core magic and the process he wished to enhance.