by Justin Wayne
***
The hooded figure leaned back in his chair and stroked his hands together. His scout had finally returned with news of the battle and he was anxious to hear of his plan’s success or failure.
He had the utmost certainty it went off without a hitch, for Blaine himself had been his negotiator, and the dark elf wasn’t one to banter words. And while he didn’t trust the bounty hunter, he knew enough of his business style to afford a comfortable partnership that as long as they remained a mutual beneficiary, he would not betray him.
He rubbed his hands together again at the thought.
A knock on the door and a voice called for entry, awaiting his permission. He waited a few seconds to show his superiority then announced his okay. The scout came in slowly and saluted before standing on the opposite side of the desk between them.
“Sir, I’ve news of the battle.”
The hooded figure nodded and motioned for him to continue.
“Chief Dunawar and his tribe were successful in destroying the orcs and with minimal casualties.” he spoke quickly. “The orc chief was killed as well.”
The hooded figure smiled and sat forward in his chair. “Did they retrieve the axe?”
The scout nodded the affirmative. “Yes sir, Dunawar himself struck down the beast and took the axe as trophy.”
“Good.” He rubbed his hands together absentmindedly. “When shall they return?”
“This very night they have set out for Rusk, sir. Though they have decided to hunt down any orc trails they may pass along the way.”
A minor nuisance but nothing patience wouldn’t absolve. He nodded and waved his hand at the scout for him to take his leave. The man saluted then executed an about face but halted at the command.
“One last thing.” the hooded figure called. “How did the portal work?”
The scout shrugged nervously and stuttered over his words. “Well, it, the portal I mean, it uh, it worked.” He smiled reassuringly but couldn’t keep the fear from his eyes.
“Permission to speak freely.” he ordered the scout more than suggested.
The man lowered his eyes and shifted uncomfortably. “Well. It, it got me here in an instant. But, I feel..sick. Unfocused and dizzy. I can’t..think straight.”
The hooded figure nodded and pointed to the door. Flustered, the scout left the room, leaving him to his thoughts.
“Everything’s going according to plan.” he remarked with a chuckle. He stared at the jade ring on his finger and couldn’t help but grin as he regarded the intricately carved glyphs upon it that resembled a stone in their shape. A few moments later he heard a commotion downstairs as the scout dropped dead and the others rushed to his aid.
He could picture the scene and knew the cause to be his wondrous ring. It could replicate itself, sharing its wondrous ability to create portals in which one could travel simply by focusing on their desired destination. The copies even disappeared after a single use to afford him extra security.
Unfortunately for the scout, the false rings were powered by the wearer's life force, a substantial drain, which then transmitted into the original ring and empowered it so he could use it without harm. It didn’t allow him much in the way of teamwork but kept him securely on top; a sacrifice he was more than willing to make.
He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his hands together again. “Everything’s going according to plan.”