It did not take Kyjus long to understand the concerned look that he had seen from Syrus just a day before. It seemed that their travels where taking them in the general direction of the research facility. This was a concern for everyone but most specifically Kyjus as this is where his parents were unwittingly stationed.
Fear started to creep into the heart of the young mage, not for the battle that was about to take place between his group of adventurers and the Eerikye but rather it was fear of what would happen if this battle took place after the Eerikye arrived at the science facility.
The young mage approached Syrus cautiously. "Sir, do you have a moment," he asked as he broached his horse up next to Syrus'. They were trotting at a normal pace in the hot sun. The sweat glistened off Kyjus' brow as the sun beat down upon him.
His vestments were becoming soaked. In fact, most were in the same situation Kyjus noticed as he glanced at all who surrounded him.
They were a formidable force the young mage thought to himself. The original adventurers were already a force to be reckoned with but with the addition of nearly fifty hardened, experienced soldiers to help aid them Kyjus smiled at thinking at the retribution that could be enacted with their help.
"Yes, young master you were asking if we could talk," Syrus said pulling Kyjus from his daydreaming.
"Oh, yes I did indeed sir if you have a moment," he said trying to fake a smile as best he could.
"Until we find the Eerikye young master all I have are spare moments," the old mage replied. He tried to keep the comment lighthearted as he was fairly certain what was to come.
Kyjus was no dummy, he had figured out that the birdmen appeared to be heading in the direction of the science facility as in accordance with the map he had been viewing. It was only logical that he was concerned for his parents. There had been enough families lost to the Eerikye the old mage had thought to himself last night as he gazed upon the stars. He vowed then to do everything in his power to see that no others losses occurred in the days to come.
"Well sir, I cannot help but notice the general direction that we are following is slightly north but mostly west, according to my northern focus spell. I have casted it many times over the last ten or so hours of travel and always with the same result. I guess I am worried, do you think the Eerikye are heading to the science facility," the young mage asked. His tone was one in which he was certain of the answer and was merely seeking confirmation.
"I am afraid that too has been my suspicion young master. Although admittedly I cannot fathom why this would be as the science facility offers the birdmen nothing of useful value. Their intellect is not of a state that they would understand anything that is going on within the facility," the old mage replied, a bit perplexed.
"Do you think the being that has taken over the chieftain's body could be behind this attack," Kyjus questioned.
"Without question the chieftain is responsible for the actions that are being committed against the people of Minlas. I guess the only question would be, is this being responsible or is it simply doing what it is told," Syrus commented to the young mage.
"You think that it might be a pawn of something bigger then," Kyjus responded.
"A pawn, perhaps not. I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you the events that may have lead up to the start of this war. I was not made aware of these facts until a few months ago; sometime in June, I believe it was the early part. In fact, it was the information that I am revealing to you now that led the council leader toward her recommendation of your immediate extraction from Earth," Syrus said as he ducked his head under a low hanging tree branch.
Kyjus said nothing but he raised his eyebrows suddenly very interested in the conversation.
"The first fact is that we suspect one of our assassins went rogue and is selling magical secrets to our enemies, most specifically the Dylonian's. While this is bad it gets worse, I am afraid. We have learned that the Dylonian's have partnered with Muskavalcic in the upcoming war," the old mage paused at this point knowing the young mage would ask a question.
"Who or what is Musklavich," Kyjus asked right on queue.
"No, his name or its name in this case is Muskavalcic. He is an ancient Red Dragon and a mean one at that," Syrus responded.
"Dragons, they really do exist," Kyjus responded without thinking.
"Yes, they do. I am not really sure why that surprises you given everything else you have went thru," Syrus responded with a confused look upon his face.
Kyjus merely shrugged as if he had no idea why this surprised him.
Syrus continued, "Our story takes place nearly three hundred years ago. Council Leader Czelak was a new council woman at that time not even a year on the bench."
Kyjus raised his eyebrows. He knew the council leader looked a bit aged but over three hundred years that was a bit of surprise.
Syrus thought about bringing up that not everyone ages as humans and even they as mages or alchemist have the ability to increase their life expectancy, but he shrugged that notion off. A conversation left for another time he thought to himself.
"Scorched Earth was in dire need of assistance as a brood of dragons (mostly red) were tormenting the members of the planet, wreaking havoc on the residents, the science facility and the planets resources. All total there were over one hundred and fifty dragons involved in the declaration of war on the planet. Although Dragons seldom directly war, in all appearances this is what was going on," Syrus said, pausing for a second he took out his canteen for a drink of water.
Kyjus thinking this an excellent idea followed suit as he was most definitely parched.
Princess Kelsee had been doing her best to eaves drop on the conversation, now tired of the game, walked her horse up to get in stride with the two mages.
"Did I hear something about Dragons," she asked with a smile?
"Yes, you did, kindly keep your voice down if you don't mind this information is not for everyone," Syrus said in a somewhat chastising manner.
"Oops," the princess said as she put her hand over her mouth. She looked around to see if anyone had overheard her. When she was satisfied, no one did, she looked back to Syrus.
"As I was saying, nearly three hundred years ago Dragons were wreaking havoc upon this planet. In an act that the council called not defiant against the treaty, for reasons I will explain in a minute, they sent help to the planet of Scorched Earth…"
"Wait a minute how can they say that help was not against the treaty, the treaty states they are not to assist realms that are not a part of the Minlavian Council," the princess asked.
Syrus of course was a bit miffed at the interruption but deciding it was not worth the argument he reworked his conversation to address that issue first.
He first however, cast the princess a stern look letting her know he did not appreciate the interruption.
This in turn caused Kyjus to chuckle a bit to himself, which was louder than he intended. He covered his mouth immediately after he did it but both Syrus and the princess looked in his direction.
Their looks to him different of course, as the princess' was more an unappreciative glare, and the old mages was a sideway amused glance.
Syrus not wanting to allow an argument to fester continued his story. "The council's feelings on that matter were two-fold. First and foremost, that the dragons having the ability of flight could most directly move their plans of a hostile takeover to regions that would effect members of the council and to wait for this to happen would be a breach in morality against people of the area. Of course, there was also the fact the scientific post was in the general vicinity of the attacks and having all of those resources go up in flames from the dragons was not something the council wanted to see happen, not to mention there are several hundred people in the facility that the council was directly responsible for," Syrus stated hoping his explanation would appease the princess.
He could tell there was something she wanted to say, and it was right there on the tip of her tongue but wisely she kept the comment to herself.
With no comments forthcoming Syrus continued. "Well as you can imagine there was a horrific battle that involved many heroes, Merlin was among the most prolific of the combatants for the council's side. The fight lasted nearly ten years before the dragons were all but decimated. In the end only a handful of Dragon's remained alive, and they were vanquished from the realm. As luck would have it Muskavalcic was one of the Dragon's that was vanquished. Since Merlin's death removed the spell of vanquishing, it would appear that Muskavalcic (or Ole Musky as I like to call him) has returned with some foul intentions," Syrus said sourly.
"I am sorry perhaps I am misunderstanding the situation here Syrus but why does one dragon concern the council so much," Kyjus asked a bit confused by the story.
"Most excellent question young masters, for centuries the Dylonian's have been at war with virtually every other civilized faction of society. They have preferred to deal with cultures that are not as culturally advanced and thus provide no real threat to them. Cultures like the Orcs and the Yeti for example. With me so far," he asked of the young mage.
Kyjus nodded his head.
Syrus continued, "The Dylonian's bane in every war has been one of three things. Lack of destructive power or magic necessary to compete with other civilizations, weak allies, and last but not the least important poor military planning. Should someone or something be able to change any or all of these the odds could be greatly rebalanced."
"And the dragon could do this," Kyjus asked a bit concerned as he was now seeing the bigger picture.
"He already has young master. The defection of an assassin was no accident. The plans that were stolen were of the ancient magical texts will help equal out the destructive magical balance should the Dylonian's be able to decipher the texts written by Merlin. Of course, they would have to accurately learn, prepare, and complete the spells but there are those capable of helping them. Those that already at odds with the council," the old mage said hoping that one of the two of his audience could discern the situation he was hoping to reveal.
"You mean the Gnolls", Kyjus said somewhat disheartened as he remembered his conversation with Magus Shepplin
"Exactly young master the help from the Gnolls is believed to be secured, most likely paid for no doubt, but they will decipher the ancient texts and help to train the armies of the lizardmen shaman. Although this is merely speculation or rumor on our part, I believe our sources that led us to our conclusion on this matter to be very reliable."
Kyjus noted the deep concern etched upon the old mages face.
"And lastly and most critically a strategist for war, as a Dragon Muskavalcic has been around for several thousand years and been in campaign after campaign. This creature knows the art of war as well as any. He knows how to play each side against the other. It is for this reason I believe we are here today," he said as he looked over to study his two young students.
"I am still a bit confused," Kyjus replied, to which the princess nodded her concurrence with the confusion.
"Well young master it's like this, we know we are not facing an ordinary Eerikye here, so what are we facing. Flodius, myself and a few other sources believe that we are soon to be facing a Demon of sorts. Now while demons, especially ones as strong as the one that we will be facing, are not known for their servitude they have been known to jointly operate with a person or party to mutually agreed upon outcomes should the chaos involved be worth the binding," Syrus said hoping to clear up the confusion.
When it was obvious that he did not he explained further. "It's like this master Kyjus, a demon cannot exist on any plane of existence but its own, unless it is summoned and then bound by its summoner. The summoner must be familiar with the art of summoning and the ways of magic, in accordance with the power of the demon. What I mean is the stronger the demon the more power the summoner must have in order to command it, otherwise the demon kills the summoner and wreaks havoc among the plane."
Syrus paused for another drink which opened up the opportunity for a question.
"So, what do you think happened? The dragon summoned the demon and then the demon killed the dragon," Kyjus asked somewhat puzzled by the conversation.
Syrus chuckled at the thought. "No master Kyjus no demon could kill a Dragon of Ole Musky's caliber. That would take more a demi-god of some sort and even then, it would be a battle for the ages," the old mage responded.
"So, you think the dragon summoned him and bound him and the demon is doing his bidding in the Scorched Earth territories," Kyjus asked but he had already guessed the answer.
"Yes and no," the old mage responded.
Kyjus again gave him a puzzled look.
"Yes, I think Ole Musky summoned the demon, most probably I would guess it to be a Balor judging by the weapons it possesses. From the rumors I have heard it has a lighting charged sword and a whip with glass sharded tentacles, a balors' delight one might say," Syrus said with a smirk.
"So, the Demon then changed into the form of the chieftain," Kyjus asked.
"Well not exactly as I do not believe this to be a power within their arsenal of spells. This polymorph spell, as that is what it is called, would be in the spell repertoire of Ole Musky however," the old mage replied.
"Oh, I get it, so the dragon summons the demon, explains his plan of havoc and chaos the demon is pleased, so it is easily bound by the dragon. The dragon then polymorphs the Balor or demon and sends him to this region to do his bidding. In the form of the Chieftain, he easily disposes the real Chieftain and inherits his command upon the Eerikye," the young mage stated as a matter of fact.
"Yes, I believe you have it correct young master."
"When I asked you if he was here doing the bidding of the dragon your answer was somewhat cryptic as you said yes and no, what exactly does that mean," Kyjus asked.
"It was not meant to be cryptic at all young master. The demon is here at the bidding of the dragon in the form the dragon has chosen. The dragon has placed him here to gather and unite the forces of the Eerikye. I believe the final objective is to attack and defeat the Science facility. Unfortunately for Ole Musky and as I mentioned earlier all demons (especially balors) are hell-bent on chaos. So, it is my belief that not only did the Dragon not sanction the attacks on the other villages, but he was also not pleased in the least that they occurred," Syrus paused a second choosing his next words carefully.
Unfortunately, those words were postponed as Kyjus' question interrupted his thoughts. "Ok I have two questions, well actually three. Number one, why do you think the Dragon was unhappy with the attacks, aren't dragons hell-bent on chaos too."
"Well not all dragons are young master; in fact, some dragons are good in nature. The great and ancient reds are not among those of the good or even the neutral. They are in fact evil to be the most precise, but they are not chaotic in nature. Their evil is more calculated and precise as are their actions. They all have some sort of purpose; their actions only sometimes belay that purpose. Random killing to just kill is not something that is in any dragon's arsenal except on the rare occasion you meet an ill-tempered mountain black and that would be an ill-fated day indeed," Syrus said with all sincerity.
"To answer your question however, I believe Ole Musky was unhappy as the attacks wrought undo and unwanted attention to Scorched Earth. Case and point our presence here. Had these attacks not occurred we would not have suspected anything until it was far too late. The last thing our dragon fiend would want is attention here as he knows that will make his ultimate goal of destroying the science facility that much more difficult," Syrus answered.
"Ok then that leads me to question two. If the ultimate goal of Ole Musky it to defeat the Minlavian Council then can you tell me why he is so concerned with the destruction of the science facility," Kyjus asked with a hint of concern etched upon his face.
"I am not sure that Ole Musky thinks he has any hope of defeating the council although I doubt, he has told the Dylonian's any such thoughts. Ole Musky is intent on retribution and that is destruction of anything or anyone the council deems as valuable. The science facility provides nearly seventy percent of the Minlavian Empires herbs for potions and elixirs and the crude sap that is harvested from the blackthorn trees is refined into a type or oil for lamps that is almost completely nontoxic and burns for much longer than any of the oil-based fuels that we have discovered. By eliminating the facility and its inhabitants it would severely impact the economy of those products. That is why the dragon is interested in its destruction," Syrus said answering the second of Kyjus' three questions.
"OK, that makes perfect sense, war is not always about the biggest army, a well laid out plan of economic impact can often cripple an economy without firing a single shot or drawing blood. I learned that in history class this year," Kyjus responded.
"Well said master Kyjus and very true but ruining the economy is only the start of the venerable reds plan. You can be sure his latter plans include plenty of death and destruction. He will use the Dylonian's and other races as pawns until he figures that the war cannot be won and then he will disappear without a trace to enact another plan against the council or too fade into nothingness, depending upon whether his thirst for revenge and his lust for treasure has been satisfied by this war," the old mage said as he looked over his two young pupils.
They were amply entertained, but they were also a bit tired, he could see this in their eyes. They had been riding for more than half a day, so Syrus called to the Captain for a stop and a quick bite to eat and a stretch.
"We will continue with our conversation when we resume the trail," Syrus said to both Kyjus and Kelsee.
They both nodded their understanding. Syrus then left the two of them to attend other matters.
The captain acknowledged Syrus request for a halt to the procession. He then began to bark out orders to his troops, setting up cooks, positioning guards, and unpacking the gear necessary to prepare a quick (albeit late) lunch of sandwiches and fruit.
There was a small stream near the camp. This enticed the bear to see if a meal of fresh fish could be caught. Weemus followed her just to make sure she would be alright, plus it had been a long time since he had observed a bear in the wilds. Nature thrilled him as it did most children of Baervan and who knew when he would get this opportunity again.
The bear had some luck as it wrangled up one fish. The Taquka brought it back to the edge of the encampment. It ate as the inhabitants of the encampment ate.
Barely more than thirty minutes after they had paused for lunch, they were back on the trail heading west toward the science facility.
Kelsee and Kyjus were talking as they walked, when Syrus followed up behind them. "Now where were we in our conversation," he asked both his students.
"I had one more question for you sir," Kyjus responded.
"Ah yes master Kyjus and that question would be," he asked.
"Well, this is somewhat a minor question in the scheme of things, but I am quite curious as to what the Wyvern's role was in all of this," Kyjus asked of the old mage.
Princess Kelsee nodded in agreement as she too had wondered the very same.
"A most excellent question, the purple Wyvern was a very ancient being and was most probably on this very planet some three hundred years ago during the dragon wars. Whether he left when the war was over or whether he changed shape to that of something less noticeable is not known. What is surmised is that Ole Musky sought this being out and with promises of retribution the Wyvern was agreeable to the Dragons plan," Syrus said to his two students.
They both were enthralled with this conversation as they waited on the mages every word.
"Being an ancient Wyvern, it had the ability to polymorph itself that much we know but if my guess is correct, it also had the ability to telepathically communicate over long distances, so it would deliver orders to the Demon in the form of the Black Unicorn. It would also keep tabs on the Demon and report back the events that unfolded in Scorched Earth. So, as you can see with the death of that ancient beast, we have already impacted Ole Musky's plan, to some extent at least," Syrus said with a smile.
"And if we can defeat his demon and the small army he has apprised in this realm before they can attack the science facility then that's another blow to the dragon's plan. He may stop the war before it even starts," Kyjus suggested to the old mage.
"Well, I seriously doubt our small victories here will have that much of an impact on whether the dragon decides to go through with the war or not, but it may anger and frustrate him and perhaps that will lead to mistakes in his planning and preparation," Syrus responded.
"Mistakes that we can capitalize on," the princess said teasingly to both of the mages.
"Exactly" was Syrus' response.
Kyjus just stood and smiled, not really knowing what to make of the situation.
The three of them kept their horses together for a bit. Kyjus was deep in thought about his parents. He still had a nagging question that had been bothering him since he had heard they were placed on this planet for their own protection. Kyjus very much appreciated this, but he still had a burning question on his mind, one that was wrought out of curiosity more than anything else.
He had decided that he had burdened Syrus enough this day so it would have to wait.
Syrus had sensed that something was on his mind as he was abnormally preoccupied, so he prodded the young mage into opening up. "Something troubling you young master, perhaps one last question or concern that I might answer," he asked with sincere interest.
"It's nothing really," Kyjus replied not really wanting to be a bother.
"Are you sure, it really is no bother at all. I am more than happy to be of service," Syrus replied.
"Well OK then I have had a question for some time now, it's more a curiosity than anything else. If you don't mind, I would like an answer to it so I can put my mind at ease about the matter," Kyjus asked of his friend.
"Of course, young master, anything as long as it is within my power to answer," Syrus replied.
"Well and don't get me wrong in my line of questioning here as I am quite grateful that we got my parents off of earth and away from danger but why did we put them in a place that was going to be a part of the upcoming war," he asked most curiously.
Syrus put his one hand to his face with his index finger tapping lightly upon his lips. "Well young master I am afraid that is my fault, I did not do my homework, I guess. I mean I have lived near Scorched Earth for a very long time and from what you told me about your mother and father I had figured they would love the science facility," the old mage said in response.
"Well, I do not doubt their love for it, especially my father. We may never get him away from it if I read the look in his eyes the last time we talked. However, my question was more meant for their safety. I mean isn't what we did to them kind of like taking them out of the frying pan and tossing them into the fire," Kyjus asked in a non-disrespectful tone.
After all he was not yet upset with his teacher but rather, he was more curious of the choices made in this situation.
"That is a most interesting anecdote," Syrus said with a chuckle. "I shall definitely have to remember that one young master. I am assuming that you meant did we not remove them from a bad situation only to have put them in a similar or worse one," Syrus paused for confirmation.
Kyjus nodded.
"Well had we but known everything then that we know now I can give you my assurance that I would have made a different decision. They would have went to Desmonia where even though we know war is coming we have some time to evacuate them back to earth if need be. After the war is over, they will have lost all value to the Dylonian's so they will no longer be in peril. As it were my young friend the only thing, I knew back then was that Ole Musky was involved. We had no way of knowing there was any connection to that region or the comings and goings within it. The Eerikye were being bothersome, but we did not suspect anything above that. So, my choice was simply to take them to a place that I thought they would be safe and would enjoy. I must apologize for my failure young master," Syrus said with all sincerity.
"I surmised as much Syrus, but I had to ask the question anyway. Even it if was for no greater reason than confirmation. There is no need to apologize," Kyjus responded with equal sincerity.
"One more curiosity you could appease for me if you have a second," Kyjus asked of the old mage.
He nodded his agreement as he adjusted his position atop his horse.
"How on earth did you keep my parents from knowing they are not still on earth? I mean they think they were removed by the FBI on a matter of national security and that I too was taken but I was taken to a different facility only to be transported to them later. I mean there have to be non-humans in this science facility. Wouldn't that give it away? You did not brainwash them, or anything did you," Kyjus asked a bit more apprehensively than he intended.
Syrus chuckled a bit which put Kyjus somewhat at ease but not entirely as he desperately wanted to know the reasoning behind how his parents had no clue they were removed from earth.
"No young master I most certainly did not brainwash them, nor did I do anything to their memory or brain in any way shape or form," Syrus replied.
Kyjus blushed at the thought now and how ridiculous he must have sounded.
"We had to give them a natural sedative so they would not be awake during the gate transport. I then opened the gate to this world in a deserted woods not more than ten miles from your house. It was in a park towards the back, it was quite late, and I do not believe anyone saw. I then took them into a central medical room within the facility until they awoke from the sleep the sedative placed them in," Syrus responded.
"OK well that answers the how they got here but how have they not figured out they are no longer on earth," Kyjus asked again in an inquisitive tone.
"Well, that explanation is a bit trickier. However, I will say that in the northwestern part of this planet it looks much like it does on earth. There are several species of plants and some animals that are not indigenous to your world so that is why we told them we took them out of the United States but even still I am betting your dad is asking all sorts of annoying and probing questions," Syrus said to which Kyjus could not help but chuckle and shake his head.
"As to the people there, you are absolutely correct in there are several non-humans within that facility. How we have managed to keep your parents from noticing is actually quite simple. We gave each of the non-human species housed within the lab a device that they wear around their neck. This device acts as a polymorph type spell in that it transforms the wearer into the desired form that is contained within the spell cube. The spell determines each users race, color, gender, physical attributes etc. The spell gem is then placed into the portable neck device (called a Scone). The Scone is then placed upon the person's body (typically necklace, bracelets and watches are the most common devices). This device then creates the desired change once the wearer places it upon their body," Syrus said finishing his long-winded explanation.
Kyjus nodded, "that is so cool," he replied. Another question then if I may," he said to the old mage who begrudgingly nodded his acceptance of it.
The young mage was becoming quite the inquiring mind of late he thought to himself. He understood of course, as any kid his age would be concerned for his parent's lives and wellbeing. He was doing remarkably well in his training and studies all things considered. There certainly can be no harm to come from the divulging of a bit of information.
"My most likely final question," Kyjus said with a smile. "We are going to tell them the truth eventually, right," he asked with a great deal of curiosity.
"We, young master," Syrus responded shaking his head indicating a lack of involvement on his part. "These are your parent's young master, we abducted them that is true, but it was by your direct request. The council has no desire to keep anything from them but nor do they have the desire or the feeling of necessity to explain the situation to them. Regrettably that explanation and concern is all yours, much the way the council's concern is you. I am sorry Master Kyjus but when it comes to your parents, I am afraid good sir, you are on your own," Syrus said with all seriousness.
"I had a feeling you were going to say that" Kyjus replied trying and miserably failing to hide his dread of the upcoming conversation.
"I will want to inform them of everything once we arrive and get the building secure," Kyjus indicated to Syrus.
The old mage nodded his understanding.
"I have a question," the princess asked startling both of the mages. She had been quiet for so long they had forgotten she was even there.
"Yes, my lady. As with Kyjus if it is within my power of course I will answer," Syrus said with all sincerity.
"What is this FBI you spoke of earlier. I am not familiar with that name," she asked.
Syrus and Kyjus both turned to each other and busted out laughing. It wasn't so much the question but in the way it was phrased.
After a stern look from the princess, they both quieted down. Kyjus gave her the answer she sought, plus some if the truth be told, and they rode their horses the remainder of the day in virtual silence with each to their own thoughts.
There were no significant traces of the army deviating from its course and there was a definite feeling from the signs along the path that they were catching up to the Eerikye. It only stood to reason since they were on horseback and the birdmen army was not.
Still, they were not making ground up as fast as the adventurers would have liked. The demon must be pressing the army to get them to move at such a great speed.
* * * *
It was late that same night; the soldiers and adventurers had already eaten and settled in for the night when Syrus asked for entry into the young mages tent.
"Yes, come in please," the answer came from within.
Syrus entered to see that Kyjus was reading a book. He presumed that it was not the book written by the gnomes nor was it his spell book although he did have that open and lying out beside him.
"May I," Syrus said as he extended his hand toward the book.
"Sure," Kyjus responded and then realized he had borrowed this book from Syrus, library without his permission. He gulped at the thought of failing to bring this up earlier.
"Creatures of the Abyss, interesting reading here young master; I believe I have this book in my library would that be the origin of this particular copy," Syrus questioned in only a slightly concerning tone.
Kyjus nodded his head. "We were so rushed I failed to ask you to borrow it. I was going to return it to you when we are done here, I swear I was," Kyjus replied perhaps more frantically then he had intended.
"Well, I guess we were rushed at that. As it turns out it was probably a good thing that you took this particular book as you will most probably be encountering an inhabitant from here," he said as he pointed to the book indicating the abyss.
Kyjus nodded.
"I would pay particularly close attention to the section on Balor's, but then again I believe I already told you that is what we may be dealing with" Syrus said as he handed the book back to Kyjus.
Syrus turned to walk out of the tent.
"Syrus, did you need me for something," Kyjus asked, questioning why the old mage had entered his tent in the first place.
"Oh yes please come to my tent. We are to learn of the repercussions of relaying to the princess and yourself the information from today's question and answer session," Syrus said with none too happy a look.
"Repercussions why would there be any repercussions and from where would they come," Kyjus asked sounding more than mildly concerned.
"I will fetch the princess while you make your way to my tent, I will see you there in a few minutes," Syrus said as he exited the tent, closing its flap behind as he exited.
Kyjus entered Syrus' tent waiting only a few minutes before the old mage and the princess entered.
"Please be seated," Syrus told both of the chosen.
"I am going activate a scrying crystal with the council leader. I need to inform her of the status of our mission. I was not given approval to divulge the information that I did to you so this may not go well. However, I thought it was something you guys needed to hear in order to prepare for the quest at hand. At any rate we shall see how it goes," Syrus said as he sat and pulled out a large opal gem.
He placed his hand above the gem and moved it in a clockwise motion. He said the magic words to activate the spell, unfortunately these words were inaudible to both the princess and the young mage.
Moments later the council leader or rather her image appeared above the device.
"Good Evening Syrus," she said as her image began to clear. "Oh, and to you too Kyjus and Princess Kelsee, I am sorry I did not expect to see you on this call," she said in a somewhat surprised tone.
"Ah yes well there is a reason for their being here council leader. I have already told them what I am about to tell you in regards to what I have learned about the Chieftain. It turns out Flodius was more helpful than expected…" Syrus continued weaving his story of everything he had discovered since they had arrived in the valley of Scorched Earth.
He talked of the basilisk that wasn't a basilisk but was rather an ancient wyvern. He talked of how the group destroyed the creature and then about why this was important in accordance with the information that he had learned from Flodius.
He talked about the information that he had learned about the demon and lastly, he talked of the help in the form of men that his old mage friend was able to provide.
The council leader sat and took all of this in before commenting. "And you burdened the chosen with this knowledge why exactly," the council asked in a very teacher like demeanor.
"Because they need to know what we are up against if they are to help defeat this creature. Thinking you are facing one thing and planning for it is all well and good. Finding out during that encounter that you are facing another thing altogether would not be beneficial to anyone," Syrus responded.
It was a gravely serious demeanor in which he pursued this conversation. Hoping that this may in some way be convincing to the council leader.
Whether it was his delivery or his tone or perhaps it was just the council leader being in agreement with his decision no one can really say but in the end, she concurred with the old mages decision.
She responded, "I put you in charge of this mission to find out what is going on. Based on what you have told me, information that I have gathered from my scouts and other various sources, I now believe we have bought some time before the war will start. At any rate I now think you need to complete your mission on Scorched Earth. By that I mean destroy this demon. The council cannot and is not involved however just so I make myself clear in the matter. You now have more time to complete your mission and its completion is now of more import then the time it takes to do so" she said to Syrus who simply smiled and nodded.
She then turned to the chosen. "You both have done well to this point, but your quest has just begun, use the knowledge he has given you too formulate a battle strategy against the evil that threatens your group. If we are to succeed in this war, I cannot worry about what is happening in Scorched Earth nor can I afford to worry whether or not its resources are in jeopardy. The oil and the herbs are vital for the long-term on-going success of the council and its allies. Destroy the demon before it completes its mission. Do I make myself clear to the three of you," she said as she glanced in all three of their directions?
They all nodded in unison.
"Very well then, good luck to all of you. Report to me in fourteen days' time with an update Syrus," the council leader said and then her image dispersed into a million tiny pieces.
The old mage turned to the both of them, "well that went rather well all things considered," he said with a smile.
"I will report this to the Captain Theodius, Hawk, and Magus Shepplin. You two get some sleep, we have a long thirty days ahead of us," Syrus said in a most reassuring voice.