Chapter 24 - The Enticing(F1)

-” Show yourself, Barstein. “ The man’s voice continued, there was tiredness and resignation in it, but it had a smooth, gentlemanly tone and a perfect british accent. -” I did not expect that a goon like you would find me so quickly, but I should not have expected anything less from that witch. “ There was an audible sigh from several yards away. -” Anyway. Come, let us end this farce. “

Led by unknown yearning and curiosity I stepped forward. After few steps the mist suddenly parted, revealing a big, at least twenty yard wide, magical circle that glowed with a dark red light that was repelling the mist. -’ That damn yearning got me good. I had gotten away from my companions not because of my force of will, but because there was something bigger and tastier here. ‘ I could feel a droning urge, that insisted that I come closer, inside the circle.

In the middle of the circle stood a man clad in the silken, cerulean robe, richly decorated with complicated embroidery made of silver and gold thread, though its glory was in the past as it was riddled with dirt stains and tears.

The man was around six feet tall and athletically built. He had a round shaped jaw, distinct cheekbones and a bit sunken cheeks. His hair was a bit longer than a norm, at around two inches, and slicked to the back. He also had a goatee that completed his gentleman like look, which easily could vie for supremacy with celebrities.

But what really grabbed my attention was the book. There was a book floating next to the mage and it was radiating such a deliciously malicious aura that it took all of my willpower to stop myself from running in and pouncing at it.

-” Wait, you don’t look like one of Barnstein's cronies… “ His tense and determined expression relaxed marginally when he saw me. -” ...an adventuress by the look of things and a strange one at that… “ He shrugged, as if my presence was of no consequence to him. -” No matter. Please go die somewhere else, I still have things to do here. “

Being brushed off like some trash did wonders on boosting my annoyance level and making me focus on something else than a book, but I was not going to behave like some half brained idiot  with *look I am here, don’t ignore me*. I realized that there was an opportunity in front of me and I needed to play this right.

-’ Calm down, there’s a dark mage here and he may know something that may help me, if I want to get something out of this situation I need to play him well.’  I concentrated and managed to focus on the mage, though my eyes kept darting to the book. -”  From the look of things you are having trouble with tapping the mists power. I do wonder why, I did it easily enough. “

He sent me an annoyed look. -” What would you know? A half dead adventuress that dabbled with the power she does not understand. “

I fought the urge to come closer and take the book from him. I knew that it probably wouldn’t help me in any way, but the damn urge kept gnawing at me, and being annoyed wasn’t helping at all. I forced myself to smile and to speak confidently about things that I barely knew anything about.  I hoped that the facts that I had would be enough.

-” Oh, I know a lot. Though maybe a wanted dark magic user would deign to enlighten me on what exactly am I missing? Draining few brigands out of vitality to fuel his magic? Maybe, stealing the treasure from the mist’s guardian, or a failure at tapping its magic? “ I put a lot of effort in radiating sarcasm with my every word, though my act was wearing thin. The grip on my muscles kept failing me, and the wobbly balance that I held thus far was becoming shakier and shakier. Hollow beat of my heart was so loud that I could barely hear what was happening around me.

I wanted to cry out in joy when he finally responded in thoughtful voice. -” Most curious, I will hear you out. What are you offering exactly? “ Mage’s guarded answer made my thoughts surge frantically, I had to think up some proposition.

-’ What can I hook him with? ‘ I looked wildly at the scene in front of me and considered the facts. -’ He can’t tap the power, so can’t I… and both of us are using dark magic. ‘

My gaze wandered to the book again and I risked a guess. -” You are unable to tap the power... but I can. You could use me to tap the mists power… “ While I was speaking I was watching him anxiously and the tiniest change on his face did let me know that my guess was close enough. I quickly changed the subject before I could reveal something that would make him realize that I was tricking him. -” ...and, in return, I want your help on this matter. “ I waved a hand to indicate myself.

-” How do you know about the curse? “ He looked at me inquisitively. -” Are you one of Barstein’s flock after all? Using a dark mage seems too high handed even for him. “ I smiled widely and received another guarded glance in response. -” Who are you? “

The moment he started wondering who he was dealing with was the moment I had him in the palm of my hand. I won. -’ He’s hooked, now all that’s left is to reel him in. ‘

-” Who am I is of no concern to you. The facts stay the same, we need each other and that’s it. Time is short for both of us. “ I straightened up and tried to assume a position of absolute confidence. -” Do we have a deal? “

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Our gazes met and I did my best to keep mine even. He had to believe that he was dealing with something much more complicated than a misguided adventurer. -’ As a wise person once said - keep your enemies guessing and they will always find the illusion scarier than the reality… and fear is what motivates people the most. ‘

Moments passed in intense silence, interrupted only by my wildly beating heart.

His hesitation was evident, so I spoke again, in hope that this one last push would be enough. -” You seem to have plenty of time for a wanted man. I will leave you to your book then, good luck on cracking it open… “ It took an immense effort to say that nonchalantly and to make a semi fluid turn, and even more to make those parting steps with the need ferociously gnawing at me to come closer not further.

I moved slowly, like in the molasse, each step took an impossible effort, but I was walking away and my determination rose with each wobbly stomp that I made. One step, then another, I moved away and a burning feeling to come back couldn’t force me to do otherwise...

-” Wait. “

...but the words could do something that the hungering need couldn’t. I stopped.

-” I accept your proposal, though there might be some... “ He hesitated as if unsure of something. -” ...additional details that we need to discuss. “

-” I am listening… “ I turned to face him and added threateningly with all of the strength that I had left. -” ...but I really do hope that you won’t waste my time. “ It was laughable in my state, but I just had to give out a strong impression. Otherwise I risked that he would try to force some unreasonable condition on me.

-” … “ To my surprise his voice failed and he had to swallow before continuing. -” Khm, first things first, I am Velar and I can’t guarantee your survival… “

I interrupted him. -” I am Almisha, and stop with the haggling. Tell me what can you do and don’t waste our time on trying to manipulate me. “ I spent enough time fiddling with the books on psychology and on exploiting my player’s weaknesses and fears to quickly spot the same tactic used on me.

-” Very well. “ He gave me a nod and assumed a deadpan tone. - “ As I was saying I can offer you a chance, though how you use it is… “ I furrowed my brows and he quickly continued. -” Anyway, I can either try to purge your mana forcefully and then use your body as a channeling conduit to gather the energy from the mists... “ I gave him a nod to continue. -” That option will probably let you survive and I will be able to gather substantial amount of aether to power my spell. “

-” So I will be left broken and useless, and you are all about caring, is what you are saying? “ I interjected neatly into the pause that he made. -” I will pass on that, I probably would rather die. “

-” Say what you will, but I take my vows seriously, thank you very much. “ To my surprise he really seemed offended by my insinuation.

I sighed and asked in resignation. -” So, what’s the other option? “

-” You take the book. “ He said simply.

-” I what? “ I couldn’t believe my ears, but the need made me take three steps before I forced myself to stop. I looked at him hatefully and demanded. -” Explain. Now. “

-” It really is quite simple. The book is an artifact used to help young mages master their magic. “ He must have spotted that I was on the verge of hitting him for spewing lies, because he took a step back and finished quickly. -” But that one is cursed and has a will of its own. What I offer is that I bind you with the book and apply some safeguards, what happens next is ultimately up to you, but it should be able to save you. I guarantee that you will not be controlled by it... “

I wanted to ask about many more things, but I could feel my time was really at its end. I had to make a choice. The dimness that began permeating my vision was no illusion. The darkness was coming.

I raised my hand and interrupted Velar’s explanation.

-” Do what you have to do. “ I spoke before the darkness engulfed me.

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Hey~, Author’s Here~

I wanted to thank all of the people who liked and supported me thus far. I really hope that you will continue to like my story.

As always, and I drone this on and on, don't hesitate to comment on things you like or don't. They really help me find the right direction, or left, depends on the side i guess. :P

Cheers,

Mea

Ps1 As usual lately Owlbear General took a peak first and gave his thumbs up.

Ps2 I know that the chapter is 200 words short, don't worry I am going to make up for it in the next chapter.

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 25 - The Rising (Special, Extended)

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