Sorcerer's Shadow

76  Internal Meeting

In one meeting, I was with Drevolan, Alyssra, Thaleia, and an unfamiliar, pale Dragonlord.

Drevolan skipped introductions. I remained silent, partly because I was unsure of what to convey, and partly due to the awe of being near Alyssra Volade.

She unfolded a map, marked a location, and declared, "Our target is here. We'll strike, brace for their counter, then pull back towards the Terran Mountains."

There were nods of agreement. I had barely been in the meeting for a few moments and was already lost.

She continued, "If they don't counter our move, we press forward, striking at these points. Once we reach this position," she indicated a spot on the map, "we can consider a siege. Though, honestly, I doubt it'll get to that."

"How will our forces be structured?" Drevolan inquired.

"Three units. Each independent, equipped with infantry, horsemen, mages, and engineers. I'll command the First Unit, leading the charge. The rest will shield our side and manage the fallback."

"Traveling in a line?" Thaleia queried.

"We've got enough well-maintained roads to and from our target. Once we're closer to the mountains, we'll regroup for camp," she pointed to a location on the map. "We can source supplies along this pathway. But if we end up west of Flatstone River or beyond Turtle, we'll need to plan ahead. Who's overseeing supplies?"

"I'll handle that," Drevolan assured.

Alyssra acknowledged, then shifted topics. "Magic."

The pale woman, with striking black hair and a gentle voice, interjected, "Their chief sorcerer goes by Ari."

"Ari!" The name slipped out of my mouth.

"What's the matter, Viktor?" Drevolan prodded.

"It's nothing," I muttered, flustered. The woman observed me intently before proceeding, "Ari excels in spying spells, particularly during gatherings. I've shielded our conversation today. But we must always remain cautious, not disclosing our strategies without security. In conflict, while he might not surprise us, he'll continuously cast spells to divert our mages from executing significant moves." Alyssra nodded, "Anything else?"

Thaleia interjected, her gaze fixed on me, "Why is he here?"

Drevolan, with an authoritative tone, answered for Alyssra, "Because I desire it." Before Thaleia could respond, she chose silence. The gathering dispersed, leaving Drevolan and Alyssra discussing logistics and strategies, topics that were beyond my grasp. I just focused on the map, which was clearer and more detailed than any I'd seen.

16:00

"Just admiring the map. I have an affinity for them."

"Any concerns?"

"I've got queries. Not sure if you'd entertain them."

"Such as?"

"Why prepare to pull back?"

Alyssra responded, "When possible, I favor a defensive approach, especially when forces are nearly matched, and this time, we might even be at a disadvantage."

"I'm not following. What's our goal?"

Drevolan explained, "We aim to limit his reach. The best approach is a resounding defeat. Alyssra believes luring him into attacking us is the key. Our engineers are superior, so we'll invite, then overpower him."

"Understood. Once we win, do you anticipate he'll surrender the pilfered sword?"

"We might have to negotiate."

"What's so unique about that sword?"

"The fact that he sought it out."

"Out of all weapons, why that one?"

Drevolan nodded, "Exactly my query. We'll uncover the truth in due course."

"Got it." After a pause, I added, "Can you share more about Verill?"

"What do you wish to learn?"

"What led to his demise?" I questioned.

Drevolan hesitated, "I can't disclose that."

"Just wonderful," I retorted.

"If this mission was straightforward," Drevolan remarked, "your compensation wouldn't be this hefty."

"Enough with the riddles, Drevolan."

"This isn't a game," he snapped back, shooting me a piercing glare. I assumed it was to unsettle me, and it did its job. He looked like he wanted to say more but refrained.

Trying to divert the conversation, I inquired, "Who's the pale-skinned lady?"

"She's the Necromancer," he answered. "She will be supervising our mages."

"Ah, 'The Necromancer'. Rings a bell. Quite a title. Is she going to resurrect the fallen for us?"

"If need be," Drevolan replied. "Although, I could manage that. If things turn south, she can create a portal leading us to a realm where time stands still, life and death are inconsequential, and the very fabric of space is abstract, defined only by the soul's anguish. A handy exit strategy."

I gulped, "Wish she was with me in the Labyrinth of Spirits."

He chose to ignore my comment.

"Honestly, I'm trying to grasp the bigger picture here."

"It's about dominance," he said.

"Dominance over what?"

"To some extent, it's about resisting territorial expansion."

"He's encroaching on your turf?"

"Not yet. But he might if he senses a weakness."

"And what else?"

He paused before revealing, "Verill was a force to be reckoned with as a mage. His influence was vast, both in the House and the Empire. He had a knack for achieving his goals. Before the Regency Split, he held the title of Imperial Mage for centuries. He fended off multiple threats impressively. Simply put, he was a Master."

"I'm following."

"He was almost too effective."

"Come again?" Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"He performed feats that seemed impossible. Like repelling entire armies single-handedly. He even challenged the Imperium's decree and succeeded."

"You remind me of him."

"Indeed."

"So, what's the mystery?"

"I've long speculated on his secret. My guess is he had an ally."

"What kind? A god?"

"Either divine intervention or perhaps a potent relic."

"Maybe a blade?"

"Could be."

"A Legendary Weapon?"

He nodded, "That's my suspicion, given it was swiped."

"So, we wage war to retrieve it because it's of value to you, and you don't want Cernan in possession of it," I pondered aloud.

"Precisely," he confirmed.

"And I'm in this because he crossed me."

"Correct."

"Think this artifact might be a concern?"

Drevolan mused, "Cernan is no fool. He dared invade Verill's sanctuary while I guarded it. He anticipated repercussions. Facing the likes of Alyssra Volade, Thaleia D'Kyran, the Necromancer, and yours truly, he's got to be wary. He must have a strategy."

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