Брюс Корделл - Oath of Nerull

The dwarf pulled out a scroll, reading aloud the inscribed runes. A yellow ray flashed away from one of the dwarf’s gesturing hands, striking the blurred figure of Aganon. Aganon stumbled. He flailed, cried out, and ran straight into the dwarf. The force of the impact knocked the dwarf completely out of the ring onto his back. Aganon was down, too. Even sprawled out as he was, Nebin saw that Aganon remained completely inside the circle. He struggled back to his feet, gradually blurring back to normal speed.

Aganon turned his head toward Nebin and gave the gnome a secret wink, whispering, “All’s fair in the duel, eh Nebin?”

“Foul!” cried the dwarf. “He pushed me out! Disqualify him. That wasn’t magic.”

Aganon looked indignant, saying, “My worthy competitor jokes! I fell, as all could see. It was his ray that caused me to stumble, and he knows it. Besides, I was moving under the influence of an enchantment of acceleration. If striking the dwarf forced him from the circle, it was because the force was magically multiplied.”

The judge conferred with another, and after a few seconds, one called, “The bout goes to Aganon!”

The dwarf mage scowled, rattled off a few choice Dwarvish words, and stalked away. Aganon glanced at Nebin again, giving the gnome a satisfied smirk. Several people in the crowd gave a cheer, chanting, “Aganon! Aganon!”

Nebin didn’t know how to react. He felt a little strange at witnessing the trick the man had played, if it was a trick. Maybe it was a reasonable, if sneaky, tactic? Before he could make any comment to Aganon, a duel official from across the field called Nebin’s name. It was the last round of the day.

Aganon called to him as he moved off, “I will see you, Nebin!”

Feeling vaguely unsettled, the gnome nodded, moving toward his final round.

He thought his final opponent of the day might be a human woman, though her skin had a faint, reddish color. Not that he could see much of it; she was completely wrapped in a shawl of white. She held a slender staff inlaid with runes of glowing pearl. Magical rings clinked on her fingers, and at her belt were girt three wands. Nebin had a sinking sensation. He pulled his goggles down over his eyes.

The judge called, “Nebin Raulnor, wizard, novice, faces off against the White Enchantress, novice. You have three minutes to duel, and they begin… now!”

Nebin fumbled for his wand.

For her part, the White Enchantress beamed a glorious smile at Nebin, and said, “Wouldn’t you like to be my very best friend?”

Her eyes sparked with beguilement. And Nebin realized, that yes, indeed, he would like that, very much. He would do much to please this woman, if only she would tell him her desire. He pushed his wand firmly back into place on his belt. The woman smiled more broadly, if possible.

“You’re a wonderful little man, aren’t you? I can tell we are going to be the best of friends. I have only a small request, between friends. I am so parched! Please, be a dear and fetch me a dipper of water from over there, would you?”

Well, of course he would go get his friend a dipper of water! She was his very best friend, wasn’t she? He laughed, pleased by the absurdity of her request. As if he would refuse her. He began walking to the edge of the casting circle.

“Nebin! Wake up! What are you doing?”

Nebin stopped, looking for who spoke. It was Hennet. The gnome was delighted. Fie would introduce his old friend Hennet to his newest friend, the White Enchantress. A pretty name, that.

Nebin called to Hennet, “I was looking for you earlier. How’d you do? Oh never mind, that can wait; I want to introduce you to the White Enchantress. Isn’t she extraordinary?” Nebin finished with a sappy grin.

The judge watched the discussion with an incredulous look on his face. Nebin wondered why.

Hennet shook his head. “Think about what you just said; she’s an enchantress! You’re in the middle of a match, right now! If you fetch her a dipper of water, you leave the circle, and she wins.

What kind of friend would ask you to do that? She’s enchanted you, and you’d better shake it off, or you’re done.”

Nebin pushed his goggles up onto his forehead. Hennet had a point.

He turned back to the Enchantress and asked, “Can I get you that dipper after we’re done here?”

Her smile turned to a frown, and she growled, “You’re useless! Why would I ever be your friend? Never speak to me again.”

The effect of her words on the gnome was immediate. He wilted, hanging his head. Tears of shame welled in his eyes. He had forgotten what it felt like to be rejected. No, he hadn’t forgotten, it just had never felt this bad before. Maybe if he explained…He looked up and saw that the White Enchantress held one her wands.

She aimed it and said, “Maybe this will make you feel better, poor guy.”

A stupid grin stretched Nebin’s lips as a spray of color showered from her wand, washing over him in a buzz of conflicting urges. How could she use his favorite spell against him? What kind of friend would do that? Realization hit him as he tried shaking off the flashing colors. Hennet called it right; she’d enchanted him. But the charm was broken.

A rush of words tumbled from his mouth, long and loud. The spell was lengthy but had worked to great effect earlier. He had a moment of doubt, remembering the priest’s words. Should he avoid that spell, try something else? No, time was running out and he needed a powerful distraction. The White Enchantress tried to ensorcel him once more, but he shut his ears to her entreaties. She wouldn’t humiliate him twice in a row.

He chanted the last syllable. A roll of noise, like thunder, heralded the appearance of a red-feathered bird of prey. It materialized right next to the White Enchantress. Its beak was stained with blood, and its eyes shone with the fury of Hell. Then it was on her.

The White Enchantress gave ground, crying aloud. The fiendish hawk went for her eyes, beak pecking and talons scratching.

“Forfeit! I forfeit! Get it away,” she yelled.

Nebin had hoped only to confuse her with the summoned creature so he could force her out of the ring in some other fashion, but this was even better. With a snap, he dismissed the spell; the cruel raptor faded away, leaving only a wisp of smoke.

The White Enchantress, with the creature gone, regained her composure, though her face remained flushed.

She said to Nebin, “You are a worthy competitor. Good luck to you.”

Then she walked away, still the image of poise. Despite himself, Nebin felt a small echo of friendliness toward her. She possessed potent magic, and he hoped he would see her again.

Hennet clapped the gnome on the shoulders and said, “That’s it, we’re both in. I had a bye this last round; my first three rounds were laughable. I faced one mage named Harper who didn’t even manage to cast a spell. I wish you had seen him quaking in fear. Well, it’s done. We’re both in the finals!”

The judge called out Nebin’s win. Hennet and Nebin cheered, as did a contingent in the crowd. Apparently, one or both of them had picked up a small following. It was a good day for dueling.

The mages returned to the Cuttlestone Inn, triumphant. After a drink in the common room, they repaired to their quarters. Hennet felt a flush of guilt when he recalled the predicament of Ember, Brek, and the injured elder. They remained behind in the mages’ room while Hennet and Nebin competed in the Duel Arcane.

Hennet knocked, then pushed open the door to their room. “What news?” he called.

Kairoth lay on a cot near the window, propped up with pillows. Ember sat on a stool next to him. The two were in the midst of speaking, but Ember looked up and smiled at Hennet. He realized the smile was the first of real sincerity he had seen from the monk. It’s warmth sent a shiver of excitement thrilling through him.