“What?”

Tom couldn't think. The statement was so outrageous that his soul couldn't get a grip on it. You can't imprison demons. You have to banish them. Everybody knows that.

“Forty-five imprisoned demons,” Lord Rivermarch elaborated. “But, that is not the worst of it.”

Tom stared. What could be worse than…? He sucked in a breath. Three demons on the loose?

The very thought was terrifying. There hadn't been a demon outbreak on the surface in years. Banishing a demon was a job for an army backed by a large team of Mages. Fighting three demons…

Lord Rivermarch nodded slowly. “Three demons, free for as much as thirteen days. In my domain, no less.”

“Those fucking bastards,” Tom growled, trembling with mounting anger. “It's not enough that they killed my entire team and all the merchants? They had to go and let fucking demons loose!? I'm glad I slit their fucking thr—” He stopped. Took a breath. His voice got quiet. “Those are the ones who got away.” Tom was trying to hold onto his temper, but he wanted to punch something, badly. There was no wall close enough and he didn't dare walk away from Lord Rivermarch.

Captain Hayward spoke up. “We have three problems. Three kinds of problem, rather. First, there are the sealed cases. Second, there are three crystals in a broken case and liable to break easily, if the others are any indication. Third, the three escaped demons.”

“We will send word to High Pass Temple, so that they know we are coming,” Rivermarch pronounced. “We will muster a large guard and protect that accursed wagon at every step, but I want those seven cases out of my city as soon as humanly possible.”

“The three intact crystals are a big problem,” Hayward continued. “We could try to transport them with the others, but one bad bump in the road…”

“…and you'd be hunting and fighting a demon amongst your own troops,” Simon Law finished. “Can we deal with them here, then?”

“We don't have the power,” High Priestess Anara answered. “But we don't dare move the crystals more than absolutely necessary. We'll have to put out a call for Mages, bring them here, and perform the banishings in the Temple.”

“Can we move them outside the city at least? Do it in another Temple?”

“I would rather not, Lord,” the Priestess replied. “It would bring hazard to those who live there if we took over the Temple of a smaller town. Consecrating new ground is a long and arduous process, plus the lower security, when we know there are demons in the forest now that would want to disrupt us…I'd feel much better performing the ritual in the City Temple.” Rivermarch scowled at her, then reluctantly nodded his acceptance.

“That leaves the demons on the loose.” Everyone turned and looked at Tom.

“You and your elves are the only ones who have seen the bandits we believe are possessed,” Captain Hayward pointed out.

Tom nodded. “Ah. I've got a translator now, so we can talk to the elves and get them to describe them in as much detail as they remember.” Tom wondered whether Kervan's excellent memory extended to faces.

“A translator?” Jalvan Gessa asked. “I would normally perform that function.”

“Oh! Thank you, Mr. Gessa. I'll be sure to call on you if Eubexa isn't up to the task.”

The advisor stiffened. “Did you say Eubexa?”

Tom raised his eyebrows slightly. “I did. Do you know her, Mr. Gessa?”

The elf looked a bit discomfited. “I believe I met her…a long time ago. Where did you find her?”

“Regretfully, I am not at liberty to say. My silence was part of the price of her f—her purchase.” Tom was going to say freedom, but knew he shouldn't in front of these people.

“As soon as the elves have been tested for possession and cleared, I want those drawings of the bandits, Mr. Walker,” Captain Hayward demanded. “Bring them to the City Guardhouse; I'll make sure Ginger is available to draw.”

“Sir, you shall have them,” Tom promised. His soul churned as he tried to think of how best to protect himself and the elves in the middle of this mess. Sheema and Arven and the others are out there in the woods with at least two demons, probably three. I need to find them and warn them. How do I get Rivermarch to let me go?

He thought of and discarded several ideas, then paused as the beginnings of a plan formed in his soul. “Mr. Gessa, are elves more resistant to possession than humans?”

“Somewhat, yes, I believe so. But not immune, so we do have to test all the elves just as they tested you, Mr. Walker.”

“What are you thinking, Tom?” Mrs. Whistler asked.

“I'm thinking of taking my elves and going demon hunting,” Tom told the tailor.

“That's madness!” Lord Rivermarch declared.

“No, Lord, begging your pardon, but I don't think it is. You're going to send riders to warn all the towns nearby that we have a demon outbreak. The messengers will be using the roads. We can go explore through the woods, starting as close to the trail as possible.”

“The heavy rains this week will have obliterated most traces,” Captain Hayward pointed out. “Besides, you need an army backed by spell-casters to beat a demon.”

“Only after it has had time to get established,” Tom countered. “If we hunt it before it spreads too far, it will be a lot weaker. And I'm not proposing we kill or banish the demon ourselves, just that we find it before it gets too far, and then signal the city. My elves are skillful in the woods. They faced down wolf packs, among other things, just with improvised weapons.”

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“And slaves won't get possessed,” Captain Hayward added, beginning to warm to the idea. “The slave collars should prevent it. What demon would want to become subject to death of its host at the Master's whim? You'd be the most at risk yourself, if you did this.”

Tom nodded. “I'll see if there's some kind of charm I can wear for protection.”

“There is. You look too young to remember the last demon outbreak in these parts. I'll get the ones from storage, though they'll probably require fresh blessings. We might be needing all of them before the year is out,” Hayward declared, grimly.

“Thank you, Captain.”

“I think the idea has merit, My Lord,” Simon Law spoke up, eyeing Tom thoughtfully. “Obviously, we should send a number of scouts to seek information, in addition to warning the towns, but a group of protected slaves, good in the woods, and the only ones to have seen the possessed?” He nodded. “You might as well make good use of them.”

“The one I saw was headed east,” Tom mused. “Is there a large town southeast of here, on the far side of the forest? Maybe a bit north of Middleton?”

“Oak Mill, though it's more to the center of the forest than the far side,” Mrs. Whistler spoke up. “Are you thinking of using it as a base, Tom?”

Tom nodded. “Or, at least, a place to bring news if we find one of the demons. Does Oak Mill have a signal stone?”

“Yes,” Lord Rivermarch answered, looking thoughtful.

“Then, that's perfect,” Tom said. “If we search the area around Oak Mill and find anything, we can inform you right away.” Tom hesitated, then took a breath. “My father taught me to always clean up my own messes when I can, Lord. May I have your permission to proceed?”

Lord Rivermarch frowned at him again. “You brought over two score of demons into my city…but that is better than leaving them on the road, to escape by happenstance. You were also not the one to release the demons. You hired the Temple to test for danger, which shows responsibility. Too, you killed Davis the Knife, and avenged Sir Kurt.

“I am disinclined to shoot the messenger, in this case. Assuming your elves are cleared by the Temple, I will not stop you. Coordinate with the Guard. For now, you may go.”

“Thank you, Lord.” Tom backed away cautiously, then got out of the room as quickly as he could with decorum. Behind him, he could hear the others starting to discuss the time it would take to gather Mages. Not my part of the problem.

Tom did not breathe easily until he was outside the Keep and around the first corner. He stepped into the first alleyway he found, then bent double, shivering and breathing hard. He didn't know why he had to do this after stressful situations, but he was just grateful that he didn't have to do it during times of danger.

It was only a few moments before he was able to straighten up again, as usual. Some deep breaths helped to steady him. He glanced around to see whether anyone was watching. He had been mocked before, so did his best to hide for these moments. But he'd done it in front of the elves, and Diavla had not laughed. Diavla would just tell me something encouraging, if she were here.

Tom thought about Diavla's goodwill. That made him think of her smile. Then that made him think of kissing her. Which made him think about how she filled out the blue dress. Which led to the memory of Diavla throwing her hair back, baring herself to him. This led his soul to…other places. Tom sighed. She's wonderful. I wish… Tom shook his head, cutting off the dangerous thoughts. He had to concentrate on cooling his blood before he felt composed enough to leave the alley.

The elves should all be at the Temple, by now. I should head there right away, since they might be very worried, rounded up by the guards. Once they all get a clean bill of health, what do we do next?

Tom considered. He knew that they would need a wagon to transport Eubexa; she was light, but he couldn't carry her all the time and needed his hands free, in case of a fight or other things. He'd already gotten some clothes for the other elves, but could stand to get more. Maybe I can wait and buy some things in Oak Mill?

His soul filled with lists of supplies, and he started a mental list of tasks to complete before leaving Rivermarch: provisioning, getting Eubexa as much healing as possible, buying a bow for Arven and good armor and weapons for everyone, saying goodbye to Miranda, getting a last update from Edge.

Oh, right. He wanted that ruby ring from Davis the Knife, if I have it. And there was that merchant, what was his name? The curios shop? What was the name…Marcus? Tom resolved to look for it that afternoon.

We also need to visit the Library. I need to make copies of some things, and get Diavla to buy maps. Then, before we leave, I need to stop by the Guardhouse and pick up defensive charms for everyone. Make sure to settle up with Vinder Hall…Buy some clothes for Eubexa and see if anything else will be ready before we have to leave…

This is going to get expensive. It might take more than my share to get everything we need. I'll have to ask the elves what they are willing to spend. I also need to decide how we are going to transport all the gold. I'm not sure we want to leave any behind in Rivermarch, because we might not be back.

Tom stopped as another thought struck him. I need to ask Diavla whether she needs magical supplies. Those can get very expensive. And we should have a long talk through Eubexa about what her abilities are. And maybe, some personal things, too…

Tom felt both excited and nervous at the prospect of a long, serious talk with Diavla. There's so much I want to ask her, that we just haven't had the words for. I want to learn all about her, and find out what she really wants, from this situation…and from me.

Tom approached the Temple and straightened his shoulders. I have to look like a Master. He tried to get his soul into the role again. He walked up the steps and into the building, looking for guards. It didn't take long to find one. His face was familiar; Tom knew he had seen the fellow around somewhere, even talked to him. What was his name?

“Hello, again,” he said quietly as he walked up. “Tom Walker.” He offered his hand and the man glanced around, then shook it.

“You're the one with the elves, right?”

Tom grinned. “Exactly. I keep not finding them where I put them. Do you know where they are?”

“Sure thing.” The man pointed. “Down the hall, four doors on the left.”

“Thanks…” Tom paused, deliberately. “I'm sorry, I forget your name.”

“I don't think I told you, but it's Ralph. Me and Finch were at the south gate when you rolled into town.”

“That's right.” Tom shook a finger. “I won't forget again, Ralph. Thanks for your help.”

“No problem with helping. Good luck.”

Tom walked to the room Ralph had pointed out. Two guards stood outside it, one man and one woman. He didn't recognize either of them. He gave them a smile. “Hi. Tom Walker. I just came from the Keep. Ralph said you've got my elves in here?”

“Some of 'em, yeah. These ones are all right. You can go on in.”

Tom took a step and paused. “These ones?”

“Oh, not to worry, they just haven't finished checking the others yet. You know how spell-casters run out of magic at inconvenient times.”

“Oh. Sure. Thanks….”

“Gwendolyn Guard. Call me Gwen.”

Tom nodded. “Thanks, Gwen. Call me Tom.” He walked past.

Behind him, the other guard muttered, “Why does he get to call you Gwen and I don't?”

“He didn't hide my underwrap for laughs yesterday, Horace.”

“I told you, that wasn't me!”

The door had no lock, so Tom worked the latch and walked in.

Varga, Kervan and Orvan got up from stools next to one wall. Varga beamed at him. “Tom! I (something) you (something) come! What (something)?”

“Did they tell you anything? Ah…They say?”

“No, Tom,” Kervan answered. “They no say.”

“Um…they are scared. They think you are sick. They see. You are no sick. Now good. Soon, they see Diavla, maybe Eubexa, then we go.” All the elves breathed sighs of relief to hear it. “I go see Diavla now. You wait. I come soon.”

Varga bounded over to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Tom.” Tom patted her arm, then left the room again.

“Be right back, Gwen.” That triggered another short conversation between Gwen and Horace. Tom ignored it and went to find Diavla.

Maybe we're going to get out of here without a problem, he dared to hope.