Eleck paced in the small chamber that served as his quarters. Dirt trickled from the walls as roots came and went, slithering along like serpents. The wise one still lived. If it were otherwise the roots would be still.

Damn the strangers! If they had simply died in the initial attack as they were supposed to Eleck could have announced the murder of the wise one at their hands and assumed command of the Green Path. If he made the announcement now everyone would know he was lying. The very existence of the still-squirming roots would denounce him.

He clenched his fists, trying to ignore the pain in his hands. He used the black rings Master Connor had given him as little as possible, but even a single blast left his hands aching for days. He raised his sore hands and studied the black veins running along the palms and between his knuckles. The long gloves he favored hid them well enough along with blocking anyone from sensing their corruption. They were potent tools, but like anything, not without cost.

Eleck concentrated on the silver ring studded with black gems. He felt nothing, no stirring, no hint that any of his soul force eaters survived their encounter with the outsiders. The red ring still pulsed with life. Four of the fire breathers still lived, though Eleck doubted their ability to slow his enemies. The demon-tainted beasts lurking in the newly corrupted portions of the Great Green might give them pause, but Eleck held out little hope of ultimate victory there. The only real chance he had was the powerful guardians securing the cave. As long as he kept the outsiders from interfering with the circle nothing else mattered.

“Master?” Delia said from beyond the curtain that separated his room from the tunnel.

“Yes?”

“The people are gathered as you requested. They’re waiting and eager to hear you speak.”

“I’ll be along in a moment.” As soon as I figure out just what I’m going to say.

“Yes, Master.”

Eleck sighed. His acolytes were obedient, but lacking in motivation. He shouldn’t complain. It was that very lack that made them so easy to persuade to his cause. Whispered vague promises combined with a show of force from his monsters convinced them that remaining loyal to the current wise one would be bad for their health.

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Fear did wonders to keep them obedient. Eleck should know, he was terrified of Connor and his black knight, and would do anything they said if it meant avoiding a face-to-face meeting. He didn’t know how much longer he could postpone that meeting. To assure his success Eleck feared he’d need reinforcements. Better to ask for more help than to fail, that was certain.

Eleck pulled on his gloves and straightened his green robes. He couldn’t claim the wise one was dead, but he could still blame the outsiders for kidnapping him. The would give him temporary control of the group and turn them away from helping his enemies. He’d have to find some way to make the wise one’s disappearance permanent before anyone found him.

He brushed the curtain aside and stepped out into the tunnel. Delia flinched away from him before remembering he was supposed to be a beloved leader not a figure of terror. That was the sort of slip that could give people the wrong idea if she made it around those outside their little circle. Chastising her would only make her more jumpy. Eleck put a gentle hand on her back.

“Stay calm, Delia. This matter will be resolved soon. Always remember, outside the cave there’s no reason to fear me.”

“Yes, Master Eleck.” The mousy blond couldn’t even look him in the eye when she spoke.

He needed to order one of the others to take her place. She was the weakest member of the circle, but if she couldn’t even manage the simple tasks he set her, she’d be less of a liability tending the ritual.

Eleck strode through the familiar tunnels with their boring dirt walls and floor, dangling roots brushing his hair. When he assumed full control he’d have the damned things trimmed back and maybe put some stones on the floor. What sort of leader had to walk in the dirt?

He sighed. One who was connected with the earth force at all times, as a proper Wise One should be. Eleck could still see and manipulate the power, but he’d long since lost the easy connection he used to have with the Green Path. He sometimes missed the gentle energy flowing through his feet and up into his body.

Eleck held up his hands. That weak energy was nothing compared to the strength he’d gained from the black rings. His rings gave him real power, real control. As long as he had them Eleck was master of his fate. At least as long as he obeyed Connor.

Out in the clearing all the people of the Green Path had gathered around the entrance to the temple. Everyone wore nervous expressions, the gazes darting from one friend to another in hope of some reassurance.

Perfect.

Eleck would give them false reassurances and they would be all the more eager to believe him.