Spirit Past (Book 8) (4 page)

"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."

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.

Storms moved and developed in so many ways. Over time, they grew into tempests, tornadoes, and hurricanes, but they could also diminish into nothing more than a passing shower. They cut across both the land and the sea, moved in all directions, sometimes at the same instant.

Focusing upon rains that could turn into downpours and just as quickly fade into a light mist, Scheff shaped a
n ambition to utilize the same aspects into energy that would flow through an entity of any substance. A perfect circle formed around the two fingers of his right hand as he touched the leaves of a wilted plant. The magic rolled off his hand and swirled about the yellow and brown edged leaves.

Almost immediately, the discoloration disappeared, replaced by a vibrant green. The healing effect was beyond doubt, but the elf needed to confirm the stability of the process. He wanted to ensure that the magic did nothing more than relieve the malady as opposed to change the essence of the plant.

Scheff used his magical abilities to look deeper into the stems and leaves. Beyond returning to full health, the plant was not altered in any other way. Scheff had succeeded in restoring vitality without disturbing the balance of nature. It was a small step toward gaining a greater perspective for the natural progression of life, but one the elf felt was extremely important. 

Despite his success, a voice from behind him mocked the elf's achievement.

"Healing plants?" Macheve asked. "What's next? Walking canes for worms?"

Scheff jumped slightly and twisted about to face the distraction. He scanned the forest but saw only one intruder. The elf disregarded the insult, offered no explanation or defense for the purpose of his spell, but rather immediately focused on the serp's presence.

"And what is a serp doing in Dark Spruce Forest? Hoping to recruit a few goblin minions?"

"I am well beyond the need for minions," Macheve responded, "but I am here for recruitment purposes."

"Beyond myself and the trees, this area is clear. Are you hoping to place an oak under your powers of persuasion?"

"No, I am here for you."

The threat was beyond preposterous. Scheff did not fear the influence of any serp. He did not even have to cast a defensive spell. The powerful magic that surged within him would serve as a natural and impenetrable shield.

"Leave now, serp, before you get hurt," the elf warned.

"I am well aware of your powers, Scheff Rutlan. You cast in a perfect circle of violet magic, you have a strong will, and your reserves of energy are vast."

"Then you know that even a most extraordinary serp could never break through my defenses."

"That is true, but I am also aware that you once accepted the core slice of a powerful sorcerer. You embedded the magic of another into your own essence—by your own choice—and that will lead to your downfall."

Scheff found the accusation painful, and he was not pleased the serp threw his mistakes out with such irreverence, but he would not hide from his past errors.

"A mistake I do not deny, but one I will not make again. Was that your plan? Did you think you could entice me somehow to join you?" Scheff shook his head as an answer to his own question and as a sign of disgust with his own past. "If you think you can seduce me with promises of new powers and abilities, you are quite wrong. I will not walk that path again."

"What you think is a path before you is nothing compared to the consequences of your previous decisions. Your choice has already been made. You will walk where you are directed."

"Directed? You make it sound as if you can force me. You just admitted you lack the strength to influence me."

"Indeed
I
do, but I am not here to place you under
my
control."

Scheff assumed he understood the threat, but found it both inadequate and pathetic. The elf believed Macheve must have been referring to a coordinated effort between herself and other serps.

Such a council had recently caused more than just turmoil in Dark Spruce. They had incited anger and resentment between the races, had hoped to cause a war and almost succeeded. Their influence had been a testament to their combined talents and their twisted desires. Still, Scheff knew that he could fight off even the collective influence of several serps.

"I have heard of a serp council," the elf stated. "Several serps managed to join their talents by the same method in which Ansas placed his ebony magic within me. I was told the council had been defeated, but it appears another has managed to take its place. If that is the case..."

"No," Macheve corrected, "not a council of serps. I am connected to only one other, but his power is nearly unlimited. Where even a council of serps would have difficulty manipulating one such as you, the one I serve can do so with ease."

Scheff believed the serp was only bluffing. His own magic served as a powerful barrier. If there were several serps before him joined in magic, he might have felt the slight biting edge of concern. Macheve, however, was alone, and Scheff remained confident that any connection to other forces could be overcome by his own superior talents.

"Then try it, and let us be done with this game."

Macheve smiled maliciously. Had it been up to her, she would have done exactly as Scheff requested. She would have unleashed the full power at her disposal and taken over the elf's mind with absolute authority. She would make him crawl across the forest floor with his elf nose in the dirt.

It was not, however, Macheve's decision to make. She was more than joined to the demon master through magic. Her individual resolve had been pressed aside and replaced by the twisted ambitions of Reiculf.

The demon tyrant placed not only his magic within the serp, but also his consciousness. He had given a miniscule portion of his evil core to the serp and took part of Macheve's magical essence to complete the unbreakable bond. Because the energy was shared in such a manner, the magic of both beings had become intertwined in a way that could transcend dimensional barriers. In essence, the serp became more than just a pawn of the daokiln; Macheve was an extension of Reiculf's corrupt thoughts.

With Reiculf's twisted and hateful spirit participating in the confrontation with the elf, the demon decided to play with his prey, though he did so through the serp's body.

"I have a better idea," Macheve responded with a wicked grin. "Why don't we have a test of spells?"

Scheff saw the contest as pointless. He had nothing to prove.

"I have no time for such trivial games."

"Do you believe my magic is trivial?" Macheve taunted.

"Serps are notorious for weak spells," Scheff declared. "Even if you have developed some skill, I doubt you would be anything more than a minor challenge. What do I have to gain from such inconsequential exploits?"

"Gain? You seek to make a wager?"

"No, I seek nothing from you. I issue this last warning. These woods are the domain of the elves. There are no goblins here for you, nor river rogues or shags. Leave before I decide to bring you before the elf captain. He will not be so lenient to a serp who trespasses in Dark Spruce."

The serp did not respond with words. Macheve simply stepped over to the plant Scheff had healed and touched it with her finger. It withered and died instantly.

The suddenness of death surprised the elf, but only briefly. The plant was small and the serp could have focused all her magical power to create such an effect.

"Is that supposed..." the elf began, but the serp interrupted him before he could finish.

Once more Macheve responded with deeds over words. Remaining quiet, she moved to a sapling, much larger than the initial plant, but nowhere near the height or bulk of a mature tree. She grasped the thin stem that had hoped to one day become a thick and sturdy trunk. It would never have the chance. The entire sapling withered into a dark brown and lifeless mass in but the wink of an eye.

Scheff's surprise grew. Killing plants was not a great magical deed, but the extreme suddenness of death revealed a deeper power, one that should have been beyond the magic of a serp. Life—even that of a small plant or sapling—should have resisted, should have been able to at least fight against the ultimate transformation. To the elf's eyes, there was no struggle at all.

He wondered if it was all some kind of an illusion. He reached out and pulled the spindly stalk from the hand of the serp. He allowed pure violet magic to wash over the dead stem, energy that would clear any remnants of an illusion, but to no avail. He even focused the spell of healing he had just perfected on the remains of the sapling, but that, too, failed. The serp's magic was stronger than he anticipated.

"You should have known better than to waste your magic," Macheve finally replied. "Your particular casting was meant to heal, not reverse death. That was the whole purpose of your spell, was it not... to create healing energy that would not transform the recipient? Altering the state of an object from death back to life is in direct contrast to the intent of the casting you devised."

Unlike the spells which withered the plants, Macheve's revelations failed to surprise the elf. Scheff was well aware of the serp's ability to read the subtle intricacies of even hidden thoughts.

"Reaching into my mind for the mechanics of my magic?" Scheff accused.

"Still pretending you are dealing with an ordinary serp?" Macheve responded. "You obviously need a larger display."

Macheve raised her arms out to her sides and pointed her hands in opposite directions. Three rings of energy swirled around her midsection, but they lacked any particular color. They were near transparent, but they could not be dismissed. They would have been invisible had their borders not twisted the edges of space into a blurred state of existence. While they were perfect in both roundness and conformity, they seemed to betray a warped control over the energy itself.

Before the serp even released her spell, the significance of the three rings and their lack of color shocked the elf. Elflore described only one creature capable of casting with such skill and power.

Reiculf!

The name burst into Scheff's mind, affording answers to the mysteries he witnessed. While an ordinary serp could not hope to overwhelm life with magic, the daokiln held the power to annihilate all living things.

Sensing the elf's fear, Macheve laughed and expressed her own satisfaction.

"So I am a poor challenge for you. Isn't that what you professed?"

"How is this possible?" Scheff muttered in near disbelief.

"You should know. You helped achieve this end... and you will help me again."

Rather than explain further, Macheve unleashed her spell. The entire area of woods surrounding the elf died instantly. There was no struggle, no slow progression, just the immediate destruction of life. Bushes and small plants collapsed to the ground. Ivy that had once worked vigorously to wrap around tree trunks and climb toward the sun fell to the forest floor in masses of limp yellow strands. Every leaf withered up into small brown clusters and then crumbled into dust. Several branches fell to the ground in a cascade of brittle destruction, and even sturdy tree trunks succumbed to rot and decay.