“I’m speaking to a couple of wizards who lost the battle for this stupid book on their home territory. Who are, once again, going to have to fight the same battle with the same opponent on a different field, with the Rod of Tiernon and an archdemon’s horde on the battlefield as well.
“Not to mention the Council of Wizards, who I am sure would be interested in the book. All trying to grab what these two wizards have already lost once.” He exaggerated about the Rod, he knew they weren’t after the book, but Lenamare and Jehenna didn’t have to know that. “Two wizards who are going to need all the help they can get, and who had best realize it soon, before they are deserted by every possible ally.”
Rupert was squirming madly in his seat, trying bravely not to start cheering. Jenn was staring completely aghast, and Gastropé was shaking his head. Maelen was simply grinning a small tight grin. Jehenna looked as if he’d slapped her. Lenamare was blinking. “You have, a hell of a lot of nerve, young man. More so than is obvious by your appearance. Since you think,” Lenamare smiled condescendingly, “you know who you are dealing with, may I ask who we are dealing with?”
Edwyrd smiled a grim smile. “I would have thought you’d ask that sooner. However, better late than never I suppose. I am Edwyrd. I am” Edwyrd paused recalling the term Maelen had used for him, “a pyromaster as well as the practitioner of several other disciplines.” He was making this up by the seat of his pants. One thing Tom had learned growing up in New York was, if you’re going to bluff, don’t do it halfway and make the bluff worth doing. Actually it wasn’t all bluff, he’d faced Lenamare before, taken the man’s measure. He was almost ready for a rematch.
“You mean pyromancer, don’t you, boy?” Lenamare corrected, Jehenna covered her mouth with one hand, apparently thinking hard about something. It seemed she knew what he was talking about.
“No,” Edwyrd said gently, but forcefully, “I mean pyromaster. As in, I am an animage. I am not a wizard. There is a difference. I do by force of will and by my knowledge of that which I command, what you must do through carefully contrived spells.” He was looking out the corner of his eye at Maelen on this one. It was a leap of faith that this was correct, but that was what it seemed animages did. Maelen simply nodded his head slightly in approval. “Unlike you, I don’t need props.” The wizards at the table all looked horribly shocked. Maelen just chuckled softly.
“I think,” Jehenna broke in, “that for now we should simply accept Edwyrd’s word. He will have ample opportunity to prove himself in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, as we are allies, as our young animage here is wont to point out, we should be civil to each other. I am willing to do that.” That seemed about the closest thing to an apology, as he’d get from her.
“Allow me to rephrase my earlier statement,” Jehenna continued smoothly, Lenamare looking on grumpily. “What I should have said was: it would be best that the number of individuals knowing the contents of the book be kept to a minimum. The more people that know, the more likely the information is to escape and the more players on the field we will have.” Edwyrd refrained from saying that keeping the book a secret hadn’t exactly kept the field empty. “Now, let’s have dessert.”
The remainder of the meal continued in the same manner as the start of the meal, in silence. That was fine with Edwyrd. Less chance of himself blowing up and trying to incinerate Lenamare and Jehenna on the spot. Not that he felt he had an overwhelming chance of success, but it would certainly be fun to try; after all, he didn’t see any pentacles in the dining room.
As they walked back to their rooms that evening, Jenn finally spoke up. “You do enjoy a good argument, don’t you, Edwyrd?” Edwyrd just smiled and shrugged. “First me last night, and now those two. Obviously, I can’t agree with your weird attitude about demons, but I do have to admire you for bearding those dragons in their layer.”
“Well, I just thought somebody needed to put them in their place.” Edwyrd explained.
“Well, I think for the moment, you did,” commented Maelen. “I certainly enjoyed it. I’m not completely sure it was wise, but what you said about allies is true and neither of those two impress me as being stupid. While they may seethe at your temerity, I suspect they’ll also decide you were right and put up with it.”
Sir Talarius rode through the cool night breeze. The heat of the daytime sun now left behind. The Rod’s calvary was camped back at the top of the pass. At their current fast pace, they should be able to reach Freehold at sunset the coming evening. Talarius was pleased with their progress; as always the men of the Rod excelled above all others. They were certainly one of the fastest and most mobile military units he’d had the pleasure of serving with. They were also exceptional warriors, down to the last man.
