Chapter 6 Part 4

Morteous paced the floor anxiously. He had been healed within a day of his defeat at the hands of the mage, Ultrecht. His thoughts replayed the contest over and over. He bore no real grudge against his opponent. On the contrary, he was quite grateful. Ultrecht had wielded classical spells but at a power level never seen before. It was as if his abilities were finely tuned to the magics they were commanding.

Such control and manipulation offered Morteous two things: first he was offered an opponent whose defeat would result in a great victory for him elevating him to the very pinnacle of the warlock hierarchy; and secondly, if he played his cards right, he could learn how Ultrecht managed to hold such a control on his magic as to wield such power.

"Anxious for a rematch, brother?" Morteous had not heard his half brother enter the room. There were those who had believed that Serpent Blackheart would slay him for his failure, but Morteous knew better. Not only was Serpent too smart to waste a master warlock, but Morteous was quite capable of defending himself against his brother.

"Not quite," Morteous replied. "Their magic is slightly different and quite strong. I sensed that he had no schooling in conjuration, necromancy or any other of the spheres of magic that are taught to all wizards and warlocks."

Serpent sat in a chair and Morteous continued. "I felt a categorical manipulation, but it was not of a familiar nature. I was attacked with cold, but felt no abjuration in the form I know it." Morteous paused in his lecture. "It is quite perplexing."

"It would also be quite useful to have," Serpent said. "And the sooner the mage is dead, the sooner I will absorb his power and you can study this phenomenon at your leisure."

"I would like a little more time to study this before making another attempt."

"Need I remind you that our opponents are nearing their goal?"

Morteous started, then caught his retort before he spoke. "I will make haste, my lord," he said with a respectful nod.

This seemed to satisfy Serpent and he responded with a nod indicating his acceptance of Morteous' submission. "Our operatives in Allentown will soon spring their trap and destroy the other three that Tyson is with. Once they are eliminated, Ultrecht will be alone."

"And the others?"

"Their heads arrived in Aspberg this morning and are enroute to the palace as we speak. That is why I dropped by. I thought you would like to be present when we inspect them."

"I would indeed."

Serpent stood and walked towards the door. "Then will you accompany me?"

Morteous joined him as the monarch opened the door to reveal Miguel. "Listening at doors again," Morteous accused with a smile.

Miguel made a halfhearted effort to look surprised. "Why, uncle! I was just coming to get you." He turned to his father. "They are here. They await you in the small audience chamber."

"Excellent. Shall we go and look at these adversaries who have been an irriatant since the day we conjured them?" Serpent asked rhetorically as he walked down the corridor flanked by his brother and his son, while being trailed by four armed guards.

The small audience chamber reflected the larger one in decor, but was much smaller and did not include courtiers and priests. With the exception of a few guards, it was quite empty when the trio entered. Near the head of the room before the throne lay a large leather sack bound with a shimmering silver cord. Serpent had commissioned the local mages to create the cord and others like it for his own use. Once tied they would not untie for anyone except those who knew a correct command.

To one side of the sack stood the commander of the task force which had accompanied Morteous. Serpent found the smirk on the man's face as a sign of arrogance but overlooked the fault. After all, the man had succeeded where Morteous had failed.

"Greetings, Major," Serpent greeted the man. "I hear that you may have some news for me."

"Indeed I do, my lord." He gestured to the bundle. "I have here the heads of the companions of the mage who escaped." Miguel glanced at his uncle for some signs of resentment and was rewarded to see a stone straight face as if Morteous had heard nothing.

"And your losses?" Serpent asked. The major swallowed hard. Here was unfavorable news. "Our losses were sixty percent including two captains and five sergeants. They gave their lives in your service."

"Well done, Colonel," Serpent replied emphasizing the new rank. "Let us see these giants who so readily whipped my own house guard."

Beaming, the newly promoted colonel brought forth the sack. Serpent leaned close to the sack and whispered a phrase. Instantly, the cord loosened at which time the colonel unfastened it and opened the bag.