Darkness Awaits

"So Niala, do you believe you are ready to perform the Ceremony in Tarsa's place?" Suivant asked.

"I think so, Councillor." Niala said. "But... I'm a little nervous. I'm not nearly half as good as Tarsa was. We all miss her, Councillor. We miss her very much. Is there no way... we could... maybe..."

"Alas no, my child." Suivant sighed. "Tarsa is forever lost to us. I miss her too, but duty is duty. You understand that Niala... don't you?"

"Y-yes, your Lordship." Niala said, and looked down at her shoes.

Suddenly the door swung open, and an armored young man strode in. Something about him reminded Suivant of someone, although he couldn't quite put his finger on who.

"Suivant, you need to communicate better with your guards." the young man sneered. "I almost had to eviscerate them!"

"Melfice." Suivant said. "I was not expecting you."

"No one ever expects Melfice." said Melfice. "That is Melfice's primary advantadge. You there, little singing bird. Off you go now. We grown-ups have things to discuss."

He reached back with one gloved hand and struck Niala on the butt. She gasped and slapped him. Melfice laughed derisively and Niala cast a disbelieving glance at Suivant before quickly leaving the room.

"Ho, a saucy little wench, isn't she?" Melfice said as the door shut behind her. "Too bad their little Priestess vows forbid them to... you know. I bet you wouldn't mind a little taste too, eh Father?"

"Melfice, your churlish behaviour is making things very hard for me." Suivant said. "How long before people start asking questions?"

"Ah, hell with it. You're not doing that well yourself, Father. Why the hell did you hire that Geohound? He almost messed up everything!"

"I had nothing to do with it. He arrived with a writ of employ from the Blue-Cloaks. I couldn't very well turn away the Pope's seal."

"Well, you had better try harder to avoid such mishaps in the future. That is, if you really want the Gift that is being offered you."

"Immortality..." Suivant breathed.

"Exactly." Melfice grinned. "Immortality... limitless power... your own domain. Our Master promises all that - and more. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain."

"The Ceremony will not succeed." Suivant said. "That much I can promise you."

Trembling, Niala lifted her head away from the keyhole. This could not be! How could the kind, perspicacious, infinitely wise Suivant be cooperating with the forces of Darkness? Was this all a bad dream? Niala shook her head as she hurried down the corridor. She knew what she had heard. She had to tell someone - but who? Who would believe her? Of course - her brother! He was in the Town Guard, and he always knew what to do. He would figure something out.

After several hours, Fred, Skye, Tarsa and Satrina had reached the main road. A drizzling rain began to fall, clouds obscuring the noontime sky. They had spent last night in Satrina's hut, and started out late in the morning.

"I still don't know how you talked me into this." Fred said. "While it might be a good idea to hit Suivant up for the money he owes me, I really don't want to get hassled by the Man again."

"Fred, how can you even think of money right now?" Tarsa chided. "The very fate of the world hangs in the balance!"

"Well I'm sorry, your Highness." Fred said sarcastically. "But my gold pouch got lost somewhere in Valmar's Realm. How are we going to pay for our lunch - with good intentions? Maybe you can convince a tavernkeeper to give us free food because we're out to save the world?"

By the look on Tarsa's face, it was obvious she was about to come up with a biting retort. Satrina intervened. "Quiet, you two. Look, someone's approaching. We can bargain with them for a ride to the town."

Indeed, something was rapidly moving toward them along the road. It was...

1. A merchant caravan.
2. A gypsy caravan.
3. Bandits.
4. Valmar's minions.
5. The Pope's Blue-Cloaks.

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