by Inlo, Jeff
Desiv paused as he eyed the expressions of his three guests and carefully monitored their emotional response. He knew he had more than their attention, he had them worried, even Enin, and he wished to add to that apprehension.
"Don't you wish to know why I'm discussing Bol Folarok?"
Holli sensed the direction of the conversation, one she did not like. She understood the connection between Petiole and Bol. She decided to place both leaders in proper regard before the serp could continue spinning any further web of deceit and confusion.
"Both Bol Folarok and Petiole are no longer significant. Both have been replaced. The elves and dwarves are now both led by more competent leaders."
"Please, elf guard, don't humiliate yourself. We are serp. We can see what's in your mind. You actually already have an inkling of where this is headed. It is a credit to your ability to understand such intricacies before they are even explained."
"I can also understand your schemes," Enin declared. "Quite clearly you wish to create conflict between the elves and the dwarves. I will not allow it."
"And that is exactly why we have brought you here. We want to be quite clear in what we expect of you. For one moment, forget about the elves. Focus instead on the dwarves. We know of King Bol Folarok's exact location. He has exiled himself to an abandoned dwarf outpost. We have agents in position to capture him."
"You mean kidnap."
"No, capture. Your elf guard claims that Petiole was justly handed over to the elves. If that is true, then we will do something very similar. We will apprehend the dwarf king and turn him over to the algors."
"The algors?" Enin questioned.
"They have quite a bone to pick with the dwarves of Dunop, especially their former king. The algors still hold King Bol partly responsible for a great loss of their own. If you don't believe me, ask the delver. He has a special link to the algors. I'm sure he has felt their discontent, and he is well aware that the algors have not forgiven the dwarves, not at all."
And with that revelation, Ryson understood the crushing sense of doom that had weighed upon him. Once he realized the source of the feeling, he could not deny the basis of the sensation. For some reason, the algors accepted the delver into their community, viewed him as one of their own. The delver was thus open to the whispers of algor consciousness.
Their collective awareness could reach out across the land and interact with the entire algor society. It cut across the desert, even spanned Dark Spruce Forest. It found the delver and shared with him their fears, their sorrows, and their anger. The sense of foreboding that he sensed in Burbon was from the algors, and it related directly to the self-exiled dwarf king.
"He's right," Ryson regretfully announced. "The algors haven't forgiven the dwarves, and they blame Bol Folarok as much as any dwarf."
"Very perceptive," Desiv congratulated, "but that comes as no surprise. We understand your connection to the algors, for in a certain manner, we serps share the same link. It is not as strong, but the algors cannot deny our heritage is similar."
As if a curtain opened, Ryson could suddenly see it all. Knowing the source of his consuming sorrow allowed him to reach for it. He took hold of the algor consciousness that was somehow tied to his soul. An image from the desert rushed through his mind. He saw the dead algors expelled from their graves, but unlike the algors, he knew who was responsible.
"You're behind this too," the delver accused. "Aren't you? You've stirred up the algors, made them believe their dead are reminding them of the past. That's what I've been feeling... guilt and anger all mixed together. You did it!"
"The algors have made up their own mind. You know that. We've done nothing but remind them of what happened. I would like you to consider, however, what would happen if we did, in fact, turn Bol Folarok over to the algors. Do you think they would just release him? Or perhaps they will do what the dwarves did with Petiole. They might imprison him, place him in a cage high atop a sand dune where the sun could burn away what is left of his life."
"You speak of things that only might happen," Enin declared. "I could send you all into another dimension right now."
"Yes, you could, but that would not stop this in any way. We have several agents with instructions to capture Bol Folarok and turn him over to the algors. We do not underestimate your power. You could obliterate us with a wave of your hand, but you will still have to deal with a war that has no end."
"War?" Ryson asked.
"Of course, what do you think would happen if the dwarves learned the algors held their king hostage?"
"He is not their king," Holli corrected, trying desperately to defuse the trap the serps had set.
"You think the dwarves will see it that way? Do you believe for one instant they will tolerate a past king chained in the sands of an algor prison?"
"Enough of this conjecture!" Enin exclaimed, growing annoyed with the serps conniving ways. "You spoke of some kind of agreement. Tell me exactly what it is you expect of me!"
"Very well," Desiv said as he folded his hands on the table top before him.
The serp's eyes bore into the wizard. He did not make any attempt to manipulate the wizard, for he knew such an attempt was doomed to failure, but he allowed an image of sheer desolation to bubble gleefully out of his thoughts. Desiv knew a war between the dwarves and the algors would be beyond horrific. He then let the scene of misery mix with his own emotions of growing triumph. He projected those considerations upon Enin so there would be no doubt as to his confidence or the depth of the tragedy that might fall upon the land.
"Whether you admit it or not, you do not like to interfere," the serp announced. "You like to allow others to make their own choices, fight their own battles. We want that to continue. Leave us to our own fortunes, and let others determine their own fate. Stay out of it and we will leave Bol Folarok alone in exile. Choose to act against us in any way, and the dwarf king will be immediately turned over to the algors. The conflict that arises from that simple action will ultimately rest upon your head."
"But what of the dwarves and the elves?" Enin demanded. "You are already stirring mistrust between them."
"Yes, we are," Desiv confessed. "But leave that to the elves and dwarves. Are they not wise enough to make their own decisions without your influence?"
"What of your influence? And at what point do you go to far? When do your actions become so egregious that it becomes irrelevant what happens between the algors and the dwarves?"
"Come now. Think of what a war between the algors and dwarves would mean. Neither side would relent. One race would be decimated, eliminated from Uton. My guess is it would be the algors. Imagine that, stewards of the desert completely removed from the land. The consequences would be beyond belief."
Enin could not argue. He understood what it would mean if the algors were lost, but he believed there remained other options.
"Conflict seems inevitable no matter what I do. It seems the easiest choice would be to deal with you here and now, and then act to prevent such a cataclysm."
Desiv smiled.
"There is something else you should know. While you were in Dunop, one of our spell casters threatened Connel. No damage was done, but a clear display was made to the city and its people. A flood of devastating proportions was brought to its very borders. It was stopped, but it need not have been, and certainly won't be if such an action is required in the future."
"That is nothing more than a bluff," Holli offered. "You lack the power."
"Do we? As serps, I would tend to agree, but we have magic casters in our service such as Neltus and Rivira." Desiv turned his attention back to Enin. "Just as we do, you have the power to pull thoughts, even memories, from others. You have a deep connection with the people of Connel. Use it to see what remains very fresh in their minds."
Enin did just that. He used waves of magic that instantly brought a part of his consciousness back to the people of Connel. A wave of pure terror rushed through his being. He
saw the power of the flood that was sent toward the city. The display of unnecessary yet total destruction left the wizard cold... and angry.
"You are threatening Connel? That, I will not stand for!"
"No, we are not threatening Connel. In fact, we offer the exact opposite. We pledge not to move against the city. It will be left alone, as long as you do not interfere with us."
"I can protect Connel!" the wizard shouted.
"Can you? That was the point of our display. You can't be in Connel every moment. This proves that. We were able to manipulate events to bring you to Dunop and then bring you here. We can do it again, or one of our agents can simply wait until some other cataclysm in the land calls for your attention, like trying to stop a war between the algors and the dwarves. By earthquake, flood, or a swarm of monsters, Connel can be destroyed in but the wink of an eye. Or it can be spared. It's really quite simple... and it's all up to you."
"None of this is simple," Holli revealed in a near snarl. "You are manipulating events and then hoping to profit from it."
"Perhaps it is rather complicated, but the choice itself is simple. Enin can choose to involve himself in our affairs or he can choose not to. If he remains neutral, Connel will be spared and Bol Folarok will remain in exile. Connel's safety is assured and a war between the algors and the dwarves will be averted. If he interferes with our plans, the war will most definitely occur. Connel will eventually be destroyed; whether by flood, earthquake, or a massive invasion of horrible creatures. He can imprison us, banish us to the dark realm, or even kill us, but nothing will stop these events."
"This is nothing more than extortion," Holli accused.
"I suppose it could be labeled that, but it is also a simple agreement based on the wizard's natural inclination not to interfere. We all know he is more than willing to allow others to make their own choices. We want him to extend that courtesy to the dwarves and elves of Dark Spruce. Let them make their own decisions on what to do. Let them fight their own battles."
Before Enin could answer, another voice offered possible objection.
"What about me? Ryson asked.
"What about you?" Desiv replied.
"I can stop you right now."
"Stop what? We have attacked no one. We freed Petiole from prison because we don't believe he committed a crime."
"That wasn't your decision to make."
"Very well. Do you wish to take Petiole from us and return him to the dwarves? I'll bring him to you immediately. I will also bring you Bol Folarok and you can decide what to do with him. Will you bring him to the algors? I sincerely doubt it. I expect you will return him to his place of exile. I will then make sure the algors are aware you released the king they blame for a massacre. How do you think they will respond?"
"I can talk to them."
"Of course you can, and they will certainly listen to you, won't they?" Desiv laughed sarcastically. "They won't show any desire to find the dwarf king, will they? And I would never think to offer them information on where they could find the exiled king. Or are you prepared to kill me right now and end that possibility? I know you, delver, you won't commit murder, not even to stop a war. Answers are not always so easy are they?"
Ryson grimaced, but said nothing further. He tried to plot a clear path of action to stop the serps, but events were spiraling out of control.
"Let's be honest with each other," Desiv announced. "It's best if Bol Folarok is left alone. We all know that."
"What exactly do you propose?" Enin asked, knowing that the serps would require some sign of his capitulation to meet their demands.
Despite a strong desire to revel in victory, Desiv kept any further display of jubilation under wraps.
"As I said, you must refrain from using your magic against us or from interfering in our plans. Of course, we need certain assurances of your cooperation. If you have not already realized, we serps are all connected. A slice of Neltus' magic is within each of us. You will do something similar. You will give a piece of your magic to Neltus. You will stay connected to him, as will we, thus we will know exactly what you plan to do and when. The moment you act against us, we will know it."
Enin gritted his teeth, but continued with the proposition, pointing out his own considerations.
"And you will understand that my cooperation exists only as long as you hold to your word."
"You must not do this," Holli interceded, amazed that Enin would willingly accept such an agreement. "It is a fool's bargain!"
"It probably is," Enin admitted.
"Then why are you doing it?"
"Because I can hold them to this bargain, even if it is one for a fool. I can guarantee Connel's safety and I can ensure the algors are not removed from the land. If Connel is placed in any danger by their actions, or if the dwarves and algors enter a conflict, the agreement is broken, and I can deal with the serps on my own terms... with a clean conscience."
"And if the dwarves and elves enter a conflict? Will your conscience remain clean?"
"That will be up to them. I can't make every decision for every race."
Holli could not accept that line of reasoning, and despite her allegiance to the wizard, she rebuked him harshly.
"That seems like more of an excuse than a reason! This is not about interfering in the lives of others. It is just the opposite. You are allowing these serps to dictate their terms upon you. You are giving in to extortion. You are surrendering!"
Enin held any anger in check. A growing sadness, a sense of futility, kept it at bay. Rather than argue with the elf, he revealed what he viewed as a cold reality.
"Let me ask you this; if the dwarves and elves entered a conflict, who would come to me first asking for aid? Would it be the elves? No, it would be the dwarves. They would point to our strong relationship. We are allies, and they would expect us to help them. Would you be so willing to have me intervene when that request is made? How would you feel if I sided with the dwarves to defeat the elves?"
"You do not have to side with either. You could put a stop to all of this."
"No, I can't. They have set the wheels in motion. I make no excuses. It is indeed extortion, but I have to choose the path which will lead to the least amount of destruction. Even if I wipe their decrepit souls from this existence, they will cause damage to the land. I can only limit it, and that's what this will do."
Enin no longer wished to debate the issue. He quickly turned to Neltus.
"Are you ready?" the powerful wizard asked, ready to give up a small slice of his magical core.
The wizard of crimson magic looked to the serps.
"Are you sure about this?" Neltus asked of the council. "You really want me to take part of his magic? He'll know everything I do."
"You were never meant to be a weapon," Desiv admitted. "Your role is to keep us all connected. Take the magic from the wizard."
It was a clear order and Neltus could not refuse. He nodded toward Enin and allowed a minuscule fraction of white magic to enter his essence. He was shocked by the sensation that rumbled through his being, for it was both benevolent and unrestrained, a pulse of integrity beyond anything that he had ever experienced before. He was forced to suppress a sudden urge to strike out at the serps, for he found them substantially more repulsive than he did before.
"If you have nothing further for me, I would like to leave," Enin stated, as if asking for permission.
"Our business with you is complete," Desiv responded, unceremoniously dismissing the wizard and quickly turning his attention to other matters. "Neltus, would you bring Okyiq to us, and be respectful to the goblin. You must remember he is now a member of the council."
Enin walked outside. He said nothing to his companions as Holli and Ryson followed him. He stepped directly to the edge of the cliff. He was tired, and he hoped the view would refresh him.
Inspiring beauty stood before him. He could see it in so many different ways and on so many different levels. He saw both simplicity
and complexity. He saw nature and the hand of providence shape the land before him. The magic of so many different elements exploded through his spirit. The water, the land, the wind, the light, even shadow and transformation; it was all there. It gave him a sense of strength and hope, but it was only fleeting.
He reflected on his decision, one he believed was the only choice he could make. Despite all his power, he felt helpless, weak. He was without question the most powerful human in all the land, and yet five serps bound his hands as if he was nothing more than a common thief caught by a local constable.
He would not, however, accept defeat. He believed patience was the necessary trait to see him through the ordeal. The serps believed they had the upper hand, and so they did, but only for the moment. He would wait and watch, and when the serps grasped for far too much than they could hold, he would end their schemes.
"It is time for us to go," the wizard stated.
"What are we going to tell Queen Therese?" Ryson wondered aloud.
"I will explain that Petiole is beyond our reach."
"She's not going to be happy with that answer."
"I'm not happy with it, either, but that doesn't seem to matter."
Enin said nothing more as he cast his spell of teleportation, and left the serps to their own designs.
Back inside the mansion, Desiv informed Okyiq of some very welcome news.
"It is time for you to return to Dark Spruce and lead the army we have amassed for you. Strike at Burbon, bring fear to the humans."
"Should have let me do it a long time ago," the goblin grumbled. "Waiting for wizard was stupid."
"I will have to disagree with you on that point. If the wizard from Connel decided to involve himself, he could have destroyed your army. That would have been a disaster for all of us, especially you. Now, you don't have to worry about it. The wizard has been neutralized."