Jeff Inlo - Chain of Bargains

"If that's a concern, maybe we should take her out of the city," Jure offered. "I could take her to the Lacobian. I've spent a great deal of time there myself. I could watch out for her and she would be isolated."

Enin looked up as if startled.

"What's that? Take her to the desert? No. I appreciate the sacrifice, but it's not a good idea. You can't forget about the magic itself. She is more than just a conduit, she draws in the magic naturally. That's why your spell won't fade. It also means she's drawing in magical energy from any source. What happens if she is exposed to some twisted piece of incantation blurted out by some halfwit practicing spells out in the Lacobian? There's way too much spell activity out there to risk it."

"So the best answer is still to repair her mind."

Jure again looked to Heteera who seemed to be ignoring the conversation as if it had nothing to do with her. Jure felt great pity for the sorceress, and then felt a surge of guilt. He wasn't sorry he cast the spell that created the barrier, but he was sorry how Heteera seemed to embrace it, utilized it as a way to escape reality and sink into an abyss of confusion.

"I still think I should try a spell of reversal," Jure offered in a moment of desperation.

"And I still agree with you," Enin added. "Unfortunately, we still haven't figured out the right way to cast it. Do you simply attempt to end the spell? If so, what happens to the magic when it's suddenly unleashed? That's not something we want to deal with on a trial and error basis. Even if the magic is freed without incident, what happens to Heteera's consciousness? Her mind is in a shambles. Releasing the magic in one immediate burst may drive her into deeper confusion."

"But we don't seem to be getting anywhere."

Enin didn't completely reject Jure's assertion, but he didn't wish to accept it, either. He started to pace around the room again as he considered the measurable progress.

"She's not getting better. That's true. I am learning, though, and that has to be taken under consideration. I know there are certain things I must not try. I know what's not wrong with her as well. Sometimes when you rule out certain options, you get closer to the true answer. I'm also gaining a greater understanding of how the magic can be utilized when under proper control. That's going to help her in the future… if we can ever reach her again."

Enin then cast a quick glance to Jure. "You're learning as well."

"Yes, but I don't want it to be at her expense."

"You make it sound like it's your fault."

"It was my spell."

"And she's the one who allowed it to take such firm hold of her consciousness. We could have removed the spell after but a few days if she did not welcome what she saw as a relief from her perceived shortcomings. She's not reaching out to us. A very large part of her wants to remain in that state."

"I know you keep telling me that, but I just can't accept it."

"Neither can I." Enin sighed. "I believe there's a part of her that wishes to be saved. I just don't know how to reach it. Well, that's all we can do today. You'll keep watch over her?"

"Of course."

"Anything else we need to discuss?"

There were many things Jure would have liked to discuss. His own control over the magic was growing. After the encounter that led to Heteera's state of near oblivion, he reached the level of casting white magic with a single perfect circle. He maintained that precision even after separating himself from the sorceress' vast magical reserves, but he remained far removed from Enin's aptitude. Though he was many cycles of the season the elder to Enin, he could not match Enin's depth of experience regarding magic. Still, he continued to develop his skill with enthusiasm, and the great wizard of Uton proved to be a vast resource of knowledge.

He would have liked to ask Enin about the intricacies of entering Heteera's mind, and he would have greatly enjoyed discussing the development of other self sustaining spells. He wondered if Enin ever assessed Heteera's mental limitations and how they might have been altered by the staggering flow of magic within her. He also would have loved to delve into the division of magic with respect to different hues and if it were possible to isolate certain aspects of one color shade within a similar barrier.

Unfortunately, there was a difference between what represented a true need and what fell into the category of desire. Jure could not constantly ask Enin for new insight regarding spells and the utilization of magical energy. Enin's time was simply growing too valuable. He watched over two towns-Connel and Burbon-worked with the dwarves of Dunop, and dealt with the constant flow of settlers coming across the plains. While Jure did not wish to pester Enin, he could not refrain from asking about the last of these issues.

"Any word from Holli and Ryson?" Jure asked.

"Word? No, but to some degree I have been following their progress. As you know, Holli and I share a rather intimate link. I have not pressed her thoughts to ascertain much detail, but I know they have reached the Great Valleys. They have covered a great deal of ground. She has not been in any peril that she could not handle, but it's clear to me that she continues to be puzzled by what she uncovers."

"What about word from the settlers. I can't help but see that they just keep coming in from the east. It seems they're still leaving the valleys."

"Yes, they are. They talk about the goblins and other dark creatures, but there have been no battles. Most of them can't fully explain why they left. They just felt as if they had no choice."

"Do you have any ideas?"

"No. I admit I have not given it much thought. There's so much to do here. Simply not enough time in the day."

"I understand, but I have to say it has me concerned."

Enin eyed the older wizard. He knew Jure remained very sensitive to the magic.

"Have you sensed anything… something in the magic?"

"Nothing in particular," Jure admitted. "It's not like there's some great alarm ringing through the magic, but something's… well, something feels odd."

"Explain, please."

"I wish I could. It's like a stain that somehow gets completely washed out of a shirt. If you look close, it's gone. There's no sign of it, but every now and then, you think you see it. Like it came back, but it's not really there. You're not sure if it's a memory of the stain, or if somehow it left some kind of imprint that can only be seen in a particular light. That's what it's like."

"Interesting. When Holli returns, I would like you to talk to her about that. Perhaps the two of you can find some significance in the matter. As for now, it all remains a puzzle. Let us hope Holli and Ryson find the right pieces."

Jure nodded in agreement.

"Ashlan isn't just some small town. It's more than three times the size of Huntston."

"I understand that," Holli replied, but she remained uncertain of Ryson's plans. "That does not mean we should put each other at risk."

"I think we're risking more if we stick together."

"How so?"

"People are looking for us, but they'll be looking for the two of us… together. If we separate, it's going to be that much harder for them to recognize us."

Ryson paused as he realized the elf guard wasn't going to like his next suggestion, either. He decided not to dance around the subject. Holli appreciated decisiveness and clarity, and so, he would make his case expressing those attributes.

"You also have to take my sword. They're looking for two travelers, one with a sword on his back. If I'm not carrying this, what are the chances anyone's going to recognize me? I look like a human, and Ashlan is a big city. I'm going to blend right in. If I don't have the sword and I'm by myself, no one is going to even ask me any questions."