Castellan's Plan

There were few even amongst the most sapient mages who could have pulled it off. But Castellan had made studies of how to control the mind of a man, and had long to brood over how to do it. And Fred, not aware of the techniques to fend off Castellan's attack, quickly lost control over his nerves.

The image of Astra glowered. She said, "You are not a superior man, Castellan. You are a jackel. That life is not yours."

"Possession is nine tenths of the law. I forgot how clammy this place was. It will be glorious to get back to a fire and warm myself. And eat real food again! I will leave you to this place, lady. I have business above."

"What happened to Fred?"

"Fred's soul is still here. It is cut off from its ability to move its body and sense the world, but I need it for the time being. His memories and knowledge of this world, as crude and simple as they are, will be most useful to me. I may even give him back his body at some point. Although as he is young and has taken good care of it, I might not be in that great a hurry."

As Castellan started to turn away, Astra mocked him. "If you were so smart, and so superior, how did you get caught here?"

Castellan turned back to face the princess, and glowered back at her. Then he composed himself, and said, "Why are you implying that I did not choose to be here as part of a wider plan? You have a long time to figure it out in any case. Good luck, lady."

As Castellan walked away from the unteathered spirits, he looked for a quiet spot to sit and think.

He thought to himself as he started reading Fred's memories as if one was reading a book, "This will be the most difficult part. Now, Fred - ooh, Lord Fred - very nice - I am not going to hurt you. In fact, it is in my interest not to hurt this body or your memories. The speech has changed a bit since I walked in this world. I probably need a few days to get used to it. You are heir to the Duke of Suffex. I wonder how powerful the duchy is? Any enemies, foreign or domestic? Ah, the dragon. And there are some rivalries, as there are in any court. Yes. What is the state of the arcane arts today? Hm. It does not appear that the superior men are in the ascent. Today is an auspicioius day."

Castellan's plan:

1. Kill the dragon and go back to the Duchy of Suffex, where Fred would get a hero's welcome. After that, he would be in an advantageous position to regain power.
2. Get out of the caves as quickly as possible, and spend some time in the wilderness. Once he had studied Fred's memories, he would come up with a plan.
3. Get out of the caves as quickly as possible, and find a magic user, pretending to be mad and in need of help. He could then take over the body of a local mage, which would be more convenient for him.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree