by Jeff Inlo
Confident the threat had passed for the moment, Enin turned his attention to other matters. Preparations were now vital. Holli would warn the elves and they would in turn assist in protecting the forest.
The trees, however, were not one of Baannat's true priorities. The slink ghoul had a mind to other targets, and they would have to be protected as well.
Ryson would be sent to the desert. That would be a problem in itself, but Enin believed it could be overcome. Many were at risk, one in particular, and that's where the delver would find issue.
Enin, however, had no real choice. Though he blinded himself to the destinies he could once see, he saw the direction laid out before him like lines on a map. He would have to make a stop at the Colad Mountains before returning to Connel. As Baannat had warned, wars were made up of many battles. The fires were just the beginning. Enin had to prepare for many more encounters or discover a way to end the war before it began.
Chapter 14
Upon the wizard's return to Connel, Enin needed to address his plans for Ryson in the most sensitive fashion possible. He sent word to recall the delver, Linda, and Sy Fenden to a private room at a small tavern near the edge of the city.
Before setting his plans in motion, the wizard took a brief moment to size up the city that was becoming his second home. He considered the history of the legends and how they played out in Connel. As he took one brief moment to stroll the perimeter of the inn before entering, he patted the ancient wall built by dwarves countless cycles ago.
The wall served as the barrier that protected the five races when spell casters and dark creatures aligned to take Ingar's sphere by force. It was built to deflect magic—spells cast by wizards and sorcerers to kill the innocent. The spell casters didn't care about right or wrong during that legendary battle. They only wanted the captured energy freed, but they were defeated at Connel. The sphere was taken to Sanctum Mountain, buried, and then forgotten.
In more recent history, the sphere was destroyed and the magic set loose once more, but the disgrace could not be forgotten—not by Enin nor by any other spell caster who arose to utilize the return of magic. He cursed the memory of now long dead wizards and sorcerers, despised their desire to remain relevant—powerful—even to a point of risking the very safety of the land. The stain of their selfishness may not have tainted the newly released magic with any poison, but it certainly left a bitter taste to any spell caster who now benefited by powers previously unimagined. It was an injustice that perhaps could be corrected.
Enin looked down the streets and alleys. Connel itself remained bustling with activity. The citizens of the city, as well as those new settlers willing to join in the burgeoning and lucrative trade with the dwarves, were not yet aware of the new threat. They certainly knew of Enin. Many didn't comprehend the full extent of his power, but with each day the inhabitants of Uton were growing more accustomed to magic. These people knew he placed his watchful eye over them, and the city's population grew because of that simple fact.
His involvement allowed Connel to revive from near devastation. He was not quite the leader of the city, more of a guiding patron, but his counsel and contributions brought stability and security.
He looked once more upon the intricate weave of stone that made up the wall around the city. It represented a connection between dwarves and humans, a strong tie between the races that existed in the past and that was being rekindled in the present. Connel was becoming a beacon of hope and a model that others could follow.
As he watched individuals of different backgrounds and different races come together to rebuild, he made a personal note of conviction. Connel had been through enough. The city and its people needed—no, deserved—a reprieve. He would see to it, but before he could set about his plans for battling Baannat, he had to convince Ryson to take on responsibilities that would certainly go against the delver's deep-seated priorities.
Enin exhaled deeply as he entered the tavern and moved deliberately to the private room where those he called waited for him. The delver had much to do, and convincing him of what needed to be done would not be easy.
"You have two important duties," Enin said to Ryson after a quick explanation of his encounter with Baannat.
Ryson listened carefully with both Linda and Sy by his side. It pleased him to see that Enin took on an aggressive role in assisting Uton. Seemingly gone was the passive stance of the wizard to let others dictate the outcomes of such serious events. Enin held power beyond the normal and ordinary, and Ryson would not question the intent of the spell caster, or so he thought.
"I am convinced we face many threats," Enin continued. "Baannat clearly stated he would attack Uton from the desert to the plains. As I explained, I could not close the portal, thus, we know the bulk of the assault will come from just beyond the western edge of Dark Spruce. While I have plans for defending the areas to the east of the forest. It is the desert that concerns me the most. That is why you are needed there."
"The algors?" Ryson asked.
"Yes. There is nothing between them and the portal, save spell casters practicing in the desert, and they will not be there for long. The desert and its inhabitants will be a crucial target, of that I am certain. While the algors did not actively battle Baannat, they are linked to you, and the ghoul knows that. He will strike at them in so much as that it is a strike against you."
Ryson found it difficult to hear that his actions had put others at risk. The algors had already suffered, and through no fault of their own. They did not deserve further affliction, and thus, Ryson would eagerly do what was necessary to defend the unique desert dwellers.
"What do you suggest?"
"They have to be warned. Algors do not store magic for long. They must collect it and use it almost simultaneously. They must be given enough time to prepare. Otherwise, they would be overwhelmed by the forces that I believe will attack them. In fact, the Lacobian is so important that I believe Baannat will make it a priority."
"Wouldn't it be faster if you just flew there yourself," Sy asked. "Ryson can move fast, but you can get to places in an instant."
"It would indeed be faster, but there are other considerations that I will explain. The algors must also be advised to expect allies. It will be difficult for them to survive on their own, even if prepared."
"You're going to send them help?" Ryson asked.
"Yes, you... and two battalions of dwarf warriors."
"Dwarves?"
"Yes, they are best suited to fight in the sandstone caves that the algors use as shelter. The dwarves are also more than capable to deal with the harsh environment of the desert, certainly more so than elves or humans."
"Dwarves from Dunop?" Ryson wished to confirm.
"Yes, well at least most from Dunop. They will come from other cities as well. About five thousand warriors in total. I have already talked to a representative. That is what I have been promised."
Ryson immediately saw the trouble with the strategy.
"The algors were attacked by dwarves from Dunop," Ryson reminded Enin.
"And that is why the dwarves are willing to assist," Enin explained. "They still view that as a mark against their honor, just as they saw their attack on Connel as a disgrace. They wish to rectify those errors."
"That's fine for the dwarves," Ryson offered, "but what about the algors? They weren't just attacked, they were decimated... in their homes. Now you want to send the dwarves back into those caves? That's not going to go over well."
"That's why you must go. The algors will trust you. In some strange way, they have accepted you as no other. There is no one else to send who comes close to your standing. In many regards, you have earned their trust. That's why you must go."
"I'm not sure how much they've accepted me."
"Do not underestimate your bond to their community. They think with a like mind, and they can act as one. You have a greater standing among them than you can imagine."
Ryson did not see it
quite the same, but he felt compelled to help in any way.
"I'll do everything I can."
"Then I am convinced you will succeed, and we can't accept failure. The algors must be convinced to fight with the dwarves as opposed to fighting against them, and you must stay and assist them in any way you can. The Lacobian must not be lost. Baannat's legions can not be allowed to utilize it as a breeding ground for additional forces or a base of operations for incursions into other areas. It must not become an access route to the western coast. As long as the algors remain a cohesive unit in the desert, the Lacobian will remain guarded. If they are decimated, Baannat will grow infinitely stronger."
None of those attending, not Ryson nor Sy, could argue with the strategy. While Dark Spruce functioned as a sanctuary for dark creatures fleeing into Uton, the Lacobian served as far more than a practice ground for human spell casters. The algors remained in tune with their desert home, and for the same reason a bird guards its nest against predators, the lizard-like desert dwellers protected the Lacobian against the hordes that might wish to gain access to the western ocean.
"What's the second duty?" Ryson asked, no longer questioning his appointed role to help defend the algors.
Enin did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned his attention to the delver's wife.
"Linda, you allowed me to save you once by keeping you from following Ryson into the monsters' realm. I must ask that you allow me that service again."
"What do you mean?" Linda asked, clearly caught off guard.
"Of all those in this land, you are the most in danger. Baannat understands that you are the biggest threat to him. He is a magic caster, and though he has lost much of his strength, that is still his true power. You helped defeat him once, and he fears you most of all because his magic cannot harm you. He will seek to destroy you with the creatures he now controls."
"He's going to hunt me down?"
"Yes, and we must protect you, and I believe I have an answer."
Enin eyed Ryson and noted the growing anxiety. The delver was going to be difficult to convince.
"I am going to ask that Ryson escort you with all possible speed to the foot of the Colad Mountains. You will utilize the swiftest horse in Connel, and with Ryson's speed, you should reach your destination before Baannat can act. There, you will be turned over to the protection of the cliff behemoths. There are none better in all of Uton to protect you."
Ryson broke through the shock of this revelation. His wife was now the target of an insane and evil slink ghoul with the power to control perhaps every dark creature in existence. It was almost a death sentence to be carried out in horrific ways he dared not imagine. He would not accept that, and he would fight with his last breath to protect her, and yet he quickly realized a simple truth behind Enin's plans.
"Just hold on!" Ryson demanded, "How can I stay with Linda in the mountains and go to the desert to meet with the algors?"
Enin stiffened to face the true challenge of this meeting. "You can't. You are only to escort Linda to the mountains. You cannot stay. Once you meet with the cliff behemoths, you will begin your journey southwest to the desert. I have already communicated with Dzeb and he has agreed. We have designated a meeting area..."
He did not get a chance to finish as the delver spoke with cold determination.
"I don't care what you agreed to," Ryson interrupted. "If she's in danger, I'm not leaving her side."
It was not with anger that he eyed the wizard, but with impenetrable determination. It was not up for debate. There was not a question in his mind. The algors' dilemma evaporated from his concerns like a single rain drop in their desert home.
Enin saw no other way to argue. He came right to the point.
"Then I suggest you come to grips with the reality that you just sentenced the algors to extinction and perhaps every inhabitant of the western coast once Baannat's forces claim the Lacobian."
Ryson was prepared for almost any argument, but that single accusation stung like a quick slap to the cheek.
"What? You can't place that on me!"
"You defeated Baannat. You are linked to the algors. He will kill them because of that."
"But that's Baannat's fault, not mine."
"And what of your failure to warn the algors?"
"Don't mix the issues! You're talking about my wife here! There's absolutely no way you can expect me to let anything else be of greater importance. Someone else can go to the desert!"
"True, someone else can send a warning, but who else can convince them to accept help from the dwarves? You are connected to their tribe. You. No one else. If you don't go, I cannot send the dwarves as aid. It would not only be useless, it might start a skirmish between them that would weaken both forces."
"That's not right. Just because the dwarves once attacked the algors doesn't mean I have to leave Linda."
"I'm afraid it does, for that is the situation at hand. You can blame destiny or chance, it doesn't matter which. The truth of the matter is that, while I understand your desire to protect your wife, you are needed elsewhere. The algors trust you and you alone. That is what the situation demands."
Ryson shook his head. He could not accept those demands.
Enin understood, but he could not allow a refusal.
"Understand, I don't wish to put you in this situation. In fact, I've done everything I can to come up with the best solution. Ask yourself this, who better to guard Linda than the cliff behemoths?"
"I can do it better!"
Enin raised an eyebrow.
"You can? You are an amazing individual, I do not deny it, but are you telling me you are a better defense against an army of dark creatures than a host of cliff behemoths?"
The description surprised the delver.
"A host?"
"Ryson, I am well aware of the loyalty you have to your wife. Did you think I was just going to turn her over to one or two cliff behemoths in the wilderness. Give me a little more credit. I did not waste time speaking with Dzeb. My effort was deliberate in every way."
"But how can I leave her?"
"By understanding what is at stake. There are many lives in the balance and I view them all as precious. I don't wish to sacrifice any, not one. Why would I waste valuable time with these plans, and now arguing them with you, if I didn't understand the magnitude of what we face. Now you must accept that I have taken the proper precautions. Every cliff behemoth understands the need to defend Linda. They will do so."
Ryson felt trapped, cornered. What was not even supposed to be up for debate was turning into an argument he was actually losing. He looked to Linda.
"I don't want you to be in this kind of danger, and I don't want you to face it alone."
Linda felt pulled in every direction. She wanted Ryson with her and the thought of being hunted by an army of beasts left her beyond terrified. For her, it was more than a death sentence. It was a punishment of torment. That is why she remained quiet, until that moment.
"I don't think what we want matters anymore," she said, barely above a whisper.
Ryson saw her fear and his emotions took over.
"You see?!" he demanded of the wizard. "She's terrified."
Enin bowed his head. He had lost the delver. He was sure of it, until Linda changed the outcome.
"Of course I'm terrified," Linda managed through labored breaths, "but what can we do? Even if you do stay with me, wouldn't it be best to seek the safest place? Can't the cliff behemoths protect me?"
"I don't know," Ryson admitted.
"If they can't, can you?"
"I'd die before I let something happen to you."
"Then we both might be dead, maybe all of us—the algors, the humans, the dwarves, the elves—every last one of us."
Ryson found no way to answer that.
"Ryson," Enin joined with his optimism renewed. "There is a way, but you will have to trust in Dzeb and the cliff behemoths."
"It's not about trust, it's
about responsibility," Ryson shot back, becoming angrier and now feeling outnumbered.
"I know it is, and unfortunately, your responsibilities are split. You have a responsibility to your wife and a responsibility to the algors. You believe the former is greater than the latter. No one will argue that point, but I have given you the opportunity to meet both responsibilities. You can escort your wife to the safest place in the land, leave her knowing that she will be protected by the mightiest beings of Uton, and move on to fulfill what you must do in the desert."
"There's got to be another answer. What about you? Can't you protect Linda right here? You could wipe the land clean of goblins with your power."
That solution seemed to hold merit, hope even for Linda. Enin, however, pointed out what he gleaned from Baannat as he shook his head at the proposal.
"We three—Linda, you, and I—we are the main targets of Baannat. We are the ones who defeated him. He wants revenge... on all of us. We must remain separated. If two of us come together, Baannat can combine his forces. If he knew I was with your wife, think of what he would send against us. It would not be just goblins. Do you remember what you saw in the dark realm? Multiply that a hundredfold. That is what he would send at us. Do you still want me to guard Linda?"
"No," Ryson admitted, but then jumped on another option. "So you don't guard Linda, but what about the algors? It doesn't have to be me. You could do that. I heard what you said before about convincing the algors to accept the help of the dwarves, but why even bother with the dwarves? Why can't you protect the algors?"
"Because I'm going to have to eventually face Baannat," Enin revealed, "and he's going to want to do more than destroy me. He wants to humiliate me."
Ryson found that explanation lacking and looked to the wizard with a doubtful expression.
Enin tried to erase those doubts.
"Maybe you think I can stand with the algors. It is a false hope. Once more I ask that you look at the situation in total. Baannat is planning my destruction, but he has many objectives. If I remain away from Linda, away from you, and away from the desert, Baannat must divide his forces. If you demand I go to the desert, he will focus all his might there and then turn upon you and your wife. You might as well open the path for Baannat's victory right now."