Jeff Inlo - Pure Choice

"Is everyone alright?" Jure asked of those gathered around him, his spirit somewhat dimmed by the surrounding gloom.

"We're all fine," Enin answered. "You did very well."

"Oh, please," Ansas interrupted. "How condescending. I already acknowledged his effort. What does your little platitude add? Why not pat him on the head?"

"Perhaps I should pat you on the head," Enin replied, "and reassure you that you can do better next time."

"Better?"

"Yes, you clearly failed to hide from us."

"Hide?" the sorcerer sneered. "Is that what you think?"

"Certain facts are clear. You fled from your home when you knew we were coming for you. When you realized Jure would follow your magic, you tried to cover yourself in the haze of this place."

"Hiding would have meant I didn't want you to find me. That's not even remotely true. I wanted you to find me, but in the place of my choosing. I led you here."

"Led us?" Enin scoffed. "That almost sounds like you wanted us to follow you. I find that difficult to accept."

"And why is that?" Ansas challenged the wizard.

"You are skilled in magic enough to understand that I am prepared to deal with you."

"Of course! I should have realized that," the sorcerer jeered with dripping sarcasm. "I can't believe I made such a terrible mistake. I am inconsequential to your greatness."

"No one is inconsequential, and I am not deluded with such arrogance," Enin replied. "If there is anyone with a warped sense of self-appreciation, it is you."

Ansas actually smiled.

"You think I'm arrogant? You really are a disappointment. I am simply self-aware. Nothing more and nothing less."

It was Ryson who interrupted the relentless banter.

"Why are we wasting time? If someone doesn't make him remove those arasaps, I will!"

"Ah, the delver, coming to save his wife. How gallant. Unfortunately for you, I have no plans to remove the arasaps. If anything, I will be adding several more."

Holli realized that would be enough to send the delver racing toward the sorcerer, and there was no one fast enough to stop him. She spoke out just in time to keep Ryson from rushing forward.

"Ryson, do not let him goad you into a mistake. There is nothing that can save him here."

"And is there something that will save you, elf witch?"

"Enough of all of this," Enin stated as he stepped forward. "You will remove the arasaps from Linda Acumen and you will also remove the mark of your energy from Shantree Wispon."

"And if I refuse?"

"I will not allow you to refuse," Enin stated with casual regard.

Ansas smiled again, but it was a darker grin, a wicked self-indulgent smirk.

"Then we have exactly what I hoped for. I must admit, I've always wanted to face you. You might cast in two perfect white circles, but this realm works to my advantage. I created this rock edifice with the help of one named Neltus. It brings me to the very limits of this realm, not so I can overlook the creatures of the existence, but so I can be closer to the fringes of other realms. From here, I can reach into areas of complete darkness. I can find the strength to beat you."

"This is not some duel I intend to fight," Enin revealed.

"But it is… perhaps not a perfect duel. You've brought your friends, but I have allies of my own."

At his call, four magic casters appeared on the plateau; an infern, two humans, and an elf. Many recognized Scheff, the elf that abandoned his camp to join Ansas. Most also recognized Neltus, as they had dealings with him previously.

While Ansas did not introduce them by name, he did not hesitate in revealing their powers.

"They all carry my energy, so they all represent a part of me. They have obtained sufficient skill to cast in a single perfect circle, but they also have been instructed to remain absolutely loyal to their respective hues. They are pure and so they represent a distinct element of magical strength."

"And you think this will change the outcome?" Enin asked.

"No, I believe the outcome remains in doubt. The challenge exists. I will pit my power against yours. Their arrival simply levels the field."

"Their arrival means nothing," Enin stated firmly. "This will end badly for all of you. I give you one last chance. Remove the arasaps and your magic from my friends and vow on your beloved ebony energy to never take action against them again. I will allow you to remain in this realm with your powers intact."

"You think I would just give up?" Ansas asked with a rather amazed expression.

"What I think is irrelevant. I simply give you a choice to make."

Ansas considered the proposition, not for its ultimate intention, but for how it was offered. He wondered how far Enin was willing to go.

"I find this even more interesting," Ansas revealed. "Your power is indeed immense, but your perception is flawed. You have the ability to make your word absolute law, and yet you leave decisions to others. You are much too passive. You should be forcing your will on others, not giving in to their inconsequential decisions."

"I am not so corrupt."

"Corrupt? What a ridiculous concept. Corruption is nothing more than a point of view. What you see as-what? perhaps immoral? — I see as inevitable. The quest for a higher existence is paramount to petty judgments."

"Your concept of life is frighteningly empty."

"Is it? You talk about choices. Will you allow others to choose? I have at my side an elf that wishes to test his abilities. I can feel it. He is actually looking forward to a conflict. I see no reason to deny him that opportunity. While he is the least experienced of those I have called, I still believe he can defeat the old man that stands beside you. Will you let your wizard friend choose to meet the elf in battle or will you dictate what happens?"

Enin answered without hesitation.

"I will leave that to Jure."

"What?!"

It was not Jure who questioned Enin's response, but Ryson.

"I'm not going to stand here while they fight some idiotic wizard's duel!" the delver shouted. "We're here for Linda! Help her… now!"

"Patience Ryson. If we are to save Linda, Ansas must be defeated."

"I know, so why are we wasting time?!"

"He must be defeated completely and unquestionably. This is the first step. And each individual must make his or her own choice."

Jure quickly entered the conversation.

"I see no need to delay things," Jure advised as he addressed Enin. "You can stop all of this in an instant."

"Is that what you want?" Enin asked.

"It doesn't matter what I want."

"Actually, it matters very much. I am beginning to sense that this is all more than it appears. We have all been brought here for a reason… you as much as anyone else. I am not about to simply place my will above a higher purpose. I don't think I could if I wanted to."

"The only purpose I care about is helping Linda," Ryson interrupted. "Nothing else matters!"

"Ryson, I know you are very concerned about Linda, but trust me. There is something building here. There is a larger issue at stake. I have no idea where it's ultimately going to lead, but it involves all of us. That's why we're here, including you and Linda. If you want to save your wife from Ansas, we have to see this through to the end. If not, she'll never be safe from him. Never. Do you understand?"

Ryson looked over at his wife, saw that she had heard everything that had been said, and yet, she still didn't care about what was happening around her. The delver knew he couldn't allow that to continue, and he didn't want to have to face it again.

"No, I don't understand," Ryson admitted, but in a far less emotional tone. "If you think this is what we have to do to help her, then I'll do whatever it takes."

"I'm not sure I understand, either," Jure added. "You think this is about me?"