“Longevity is the key. When you have thousands of years to prepare, plan, and execute your vision, there is very little that can surprise you.” – Arch Mage Arinelle

Arinelle looked out over the city from his lighthouse, admiring the view. Though he had seen it thousands of times over his unnaturally long life, it never ceased to be pleasing.

The buildings at the edges of the metropolis were small, frail, and often unlit on nights like these. As his gaze moved toward the city center, the buildings grew taller and the streets were well lit. There were a few structures that rose above the lighthouse itself, but they were far enough away that they hardly affected the magnificent sight.

Four other moons, as well as the planet Penthulan, were visible and reflecting light from the twin stars. Even humans could see well on nights like these. It had been millennia since Arinelle considered himself a human, however, for long ago he transcended the normal limitations a mortal body held.

The pieces were all falling into place, almost exactly as predicted. A plan almost four thousand years in the making was about to come to fruition. Even the elves, who occasionally lived over a millennia, did not have the foresight that Arinelle had. They did not have the determination, drive, or will to execute a grand plan for the world.

There were hiccups along the way, of course. A particular dragon being one that had delayed his plans for a couple millennia on its own. Back then, Arinelle orchestrated for a group of “heroes” to deal with the ancient creature. Even then, they needed a lot of help along the way. It was not that he was incapable of dealing with the dragon himself, though it would have been difficult, but the fact that he had to remain hidden. A man of his power out in the open could never truly hide, no matter how well he could disguise himself or his surroundings. Besides, manipulating the strings of mortals was much more entertaining.

Soon after the heroes slew the dragon, they disappeared. Not only that, but the entire population of the city of Mith-Fell had, too. This had caused problems for him, back then, though he had since rebuilt his connections. It was a blessing, really, since he was essentially able to shape the city, and therefore the region, to his liking.

It took several hundred years to figure out what had happened the day the city’s population vanished. For a while, it was all he could think about; the greatest mystery since the creation of the planet, moons, and creatures that inhabited them. That, however, he had yet to discern.

Penthulan was the answer. Somehow, he always knew it, feeling foolish once he discovered the truth. The heroes had found a way to transport all the people of the city to the planet’s surface. Using magic, Arinelle was able to observe them. Like any other burgeoning civilization, there were issues. Wars seemed common, from what he could tell. The whole situation had given him ideas for which he was thankful.

Knock, knock, knock.

The ancient man turned from watching over the city, heading down the long spiral staircase to the door below. As he descended, the mage waved a skeletal hand, altering his appearance to that of a handsome middle aged human. He opened the door.

One of his messengers stood there, hunched over with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. The young human rose up, saying, “Sir, we just received word from Mith-Fell, by magic. Apparently someone has shown up that may cause trouble.”

“What do you mean?” the disguised man asked.

“Well, one of your informants said a soldier has returned to the city, one that has been asking questions you said to inform you of.” The boy’s panting had tapered, but there was a nervousness to his voice.

Many of Arinelle’s subjects displayed similar mannerisms. Though he was glad that his presence instilled fear, it was often annoying when they were reluctant to just give him the information he wanted. “Very well, who is the soldier and what have they been asking?”

“I don’t know what he has been asking, I ran up here right away to give you the news. The man’s name is Toren Eringer.”

Sighing, the ancient former human replied, “Let us get moving then.” He picked up his staff, which was waiting next to the door. Waving it with his hand, he enchanted the young human and himself. The magic flowed through their veins, similar to adrenaline but ten times more powerful.

The ancient mage took off at a jog, heading for one of his many hideouts. The messenger was close behind, in awe of his own speed.

It took less than two minutes to cover the distance, which had taken the young man nearly a half hour to reach the lighthouse.

Arinelle magically unlocked the door from the outside, entering and ushering the messenger in hurriedly. It was one of many shops he owned throughout the city. This particular one was one that brewed and sold potions, which were lined up on the shelves around the main room. There was no one present. Security is lacking, he thought.

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A few moments later, two of his employees came into the room with swords at the ready.

“Too slow, but that cannot be helped at the moment,” the mage stated. “Tell me what you know about the man asking questions.” He strode past the two subjects, entering the back room. There was a round dining table in the middle of the room with a large wooden bowl at the center. Around the wall were various shelves and cupboards, including a weapon rack.

The only female in the room spoke up, “We don’t have much right now, sir, but we anticipate getting more information shortly.”

Again, with the delays. “I did not ask what you will have, I asked what you know.”

“Yes sir. A soldier named Toren Eringer arrived at Mith-Fell, about a day and a half ago.” She seemed more confident than the messenger, continuing, “He was asking if anything strange was happening in the city. When he was told no, he pressed on, asking more specifics. Things going on that seem normal, but aren’t.”

The young woman continued, “Well this resulted in one of our groups there capturing the man, as best we can tell.”

“As best you can tell,” he repeated. “So he escaped?”

“Yes sir. He also killed the men that captured him.”

“Does it occur to any of you, that the fact this man was asking questions and was attacked so quickly…” he paused, “that it confirms his suspicions?”

Looking around the room, they all avoided his gaze, looking down guiltily. He walked over the weapon rack and placed his staff there while he thought.

Arinelle had learned long ago that killing his subjects did not always elicit desirable outcomes. It would work for a short time, as fear was a powerful motivator, but in the long run it was unwise. Ordinary people would start asking questions, inevitably getting authority involved in the city. This led to investigations, as well as time consuming cover ups and explanations. Coin often worked, but even that was no guarantee.

He could make someone disappear when he wanted to, but that was generally to ensure his longevity, not because he was angry. The immortality he possessed came at a great cost, but it was necessary to carry out his plans.

The mage moved to the table, casting a spell upon the large bowl. Wispy smoke emerged, forming a small, spherical cloud about a foot above the wooden object. For several long heartbeats, nothing happened.

The cloud shifted, forming into the shape of a human’s head. It then spoke, “Sir? Can uhh… can I help you?”

“Yes, I wish to know the circumstances and events of what is happening with the soldier there.”

Despite just being a cloud, the man appeared quite frightened as he explained what happened.

“I understand. For now, do nothing to the man. Get some more information and follow him. Cover up the incident as best you can. When the soldier asks more questions, give him some fake leads. I have more important things to deal with at the moment, but I will intervene if necessary.” The mage waved a hand, causing the connection to one of his informants in Mith-Fell to sever.

He turned back to three of his subjects currently with him. “I have to travel, but I will be back soon.” He pulled out a Sending Stone from his cloak pocket, one that would allow them to reach him no matter where he was. Handing it to the nearest of them, he said, “Should something else arise, whisper a brief message into this after you roll it over in your hand three times. The information will get to me right away.”

The half-elf female accepted the stone, then bowed her head, “Yessir. As you command.”

Arinelle telekinetically pulled his staff off the weapon rack, which flew directly into his outstretched hand. “Good day.” The mage raised the staff up and vanished.

The once mortal man materialized on the side of a mountain. The trees were sparse, allowing a nearly unobstructed view of the night sky. Despite travelling hundreds of miles, it still appeared the same. He dropped the illusion, projecting his true form, knowing the disguise was unnecessary here.

After pausing for only a moment, Arinelle hiked up to the entrance of the familiar cave he had visited over the years. A pale green glow dimly lit the massive opening, an expected site. He reached out a skeletal hand once again, as he called upon his powers to lower the defenses of the lair and allow him through.

An imperceptible aura covering the entrance fell to the words he spoke. The mage strolled down a gradual slope, heading toward the source of light deep in the mountain. He was prepared for many potential outcomes of this encounter, which he went over in his head as he walked. He had his preference, of course, but expected the worst.

Arinelle entered a cavern the size of a small town with a height double that of his lighthouse. At the far end an ever growing mound of silver, gold, and various treasures lay. Several pieces emitting light that combined into the green glow.

“What do you want, Lich?” A deep, gravelly voice shook the cave.

“I have come to see your end of our bargain fulfilled,” the mage replied.

There were vibrations sent through the ground as the gargantuan creature stood up, emerging from the darkness. “After all these years?” The ancient black dragon paced, slowly, in front of the humanoid.

“I told you this day would come,” Arinelle replied, calmly.

The massive creature snorted, expelling a small cloud of foul acid as he did so. “And if I refuse?”

“Neither of us would want that. You know my capabilities.”

The dragon snorted again, anger etched in his voice, “I know what you can get others to do, you mean!”

“Chauris, we have had this discussion. You gave me your word.”

As he continued pacing, Chauris’ breathing rate gradually increased.

“Betraying me would not be wise.”

The large head swivelled, with both green eyes now focused on the lich. “This was never a good deal for me.”

“Nevertheless, it was the bargain you struck.”

Chauris raised his head up, body swinging around behind him to face the man. For the briefest instant, it seemed the dragon had resolved to comply. He opened his mouth, but wider than necessary to speak.

Not entirely unexpected, Arinelle mused as he raised the staff to defend himself.