Fred Speaks Up

Cecilia saw, just for an instant, an expression of irritation flash across Belboz's face, but it passed quickly, replaced by the sorceror's "kindly old fellow" look. "Certainly, my boy," he beamed.

"I agree that a full-on attack is suicidal. I also suspect trying to use magic against the Duke may be counter-productive, or at best, tricky."

"Why?" Belboz asked, intruigued in spite of himself.

"A man as cunning as Rogell, one who expects to have himself named the next king. will be expecting some type of magical assault. Not necessarily from us, but from a rival claimant to the throne. If I were him - or his advisors - I'd have some fairly complex wards set up."

Belboz considered this for a moment. "I hate to admit it, but he has a point. Not to say I couldn't get around the protection, of course, it'll just be that much more difficult. And I'll need to get closer than this to the old lout to do it."

"What about discrediting him?" Cecilia asked. "Exposing him as a fraud?"

"That could work," Fred said slowly. "But there's something else to consider."

"That being?"

"No matter what we do - kill him, disable him, discredit him - it's going to throw Caemlyn into chaos for many years to come. However," he added, turning to Belboz, "If you could wok your magic on him, our best course may be for you to do to him what you did to the Princess. Transform him into some other person, on ewith no memory of being Rogell, and wipe the knowledge of his existence from people's minds. You created a false identity for me, so uncreating a real one should be possisble."

"Is that possible?" Cecilia asked, rather liking the idea.

1. Belboz said that it was possible, but he'd still have to get closer to the Duke.
2. Belboz said it was possible, but he wouldn't recommend it.
3. Belboz said it was possible, but he refused to consider it.
4. Belboz said it was not possible.
5. Belboz swore and cast a spell on Fred.
6. Belboz swore and cast a spell on Cecilia.
7. Belboz suddenly turned and ran from the room.

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