Sorcerer's Shadow

"Lord Drevolan awaits in the library," Lady Eldora informed me, offering a drink to pass the time.

"Of course."

She led me through a spiraling staircase to the library. After a brief absence, she returned with a glass of red wine. It was slightly too warm and had a strong tannin flavor, but I still appreciated it. I had visited this library before and, while waiting, I browsed some books. Most were about history or magic. A few on the Terran caught my eye, especially two written by Noir Myst, a name I recognized from Venorium. Seeing these books in Drevolan's library intrigued me.

Opal whispered that Drevolan was approaching, saving me from any sudden surprise. Drevolan offered, "You can borrow them, if you want."

"I'd love that," I replied.

"But, I've some books with curses for those who don't return them."

"Can I borrow those as well?"

"What's the purpose of your visit?"

"I've found the name you wanted."

"So quickly?"

"When you deal with Terrans, things move fast."

Opal chimed in, "Do you think he really has cursed books?"

"I wouldn't doubt it, Opal."

"Let's hear the name," Drevolan demanded.

After telling him, his face was unreadable.

"That's it?" I asked.

"No," he paused. "We need to get the weapon back."

"I know people who can retrieve it."

"They wouldn't work for me. And besides, Dragonlords don't steal. What I need is a lesson taught to the Count of Cernan."

"A lesson? You're not suggesting..."

Drevolan's expression tightened. "Are you joking? Avoid such comments in the future."

I didn't respond. I was just glad he wasn't asking me to take on a Dragonlord.

"No," Drevolan continued. "I must wage a war against him."

I stared. "Makes sense. But how does it involve me?"

"Not directly."

"Good to hear."

Opal piped in, "Wish I had a role in it."

"Opal, quiet."

"Lieutenant Opal sounds good, right?"

"Enough, Opal."

"Ready, First Vorgan Lancers…"

"Opal, seriously, be quiet."

"Got it, Colonel. Not a word."

"Do you have any experience in military scouting?"

"Where I come from, that's all we ever talk about."

"I didn't expect you to think so. However, you might come in handy later. For now, I'll send your payment via a courier."

"I always welcome payment. But the 'might come in handy' part has me intrigued. Can you share any specifics?"

"If this was a Vorgan issue, would you share details with me?"

"Always. I believe in transparency and honesty."

He offered a half-smile in return.

I probed, "Just to clarify, how does this proceed? Are you going to officially declare war?"

"No need for formalities in such situations. I'll simply send a message either demanding the sword's return or accusing him of theft. That should do the trick. But first, preparations are necessary."

"Like assembling troops?"

"Exactly. And devising a strategy. Most importantly, finding a seasoned commander."

"You mean hiring a general?" I was genuinely taken aback. "Aren't you going to lead your own forces?"

"Would you do a risky task if you could hire someone like Puzo for it?"

To be honest, I might. But I replied, "I get your point. So, who's this military mastermind you're comparing to Puzo? Let me guess, Alyssra Volade?"

"Spot on."

"I've always been sharp," I remarked. Then, pondering, "Hold on. How do you know about Puzo?"

He looked quite pleased with himself. I should avoid giving him such moments.

I continued, "You're confident Alyssra will take the job?"

"I'm certain of it."

"I didn't expect you to, but you may still prove useful. In the meantime, I appreciate your assistance. A courier will deliver your payment soon."

"Payment is always welcomed. But I'm a bit uneasy about this 'might prove useful' phrase. Could you be more specific about your plans?"

"If it concerned Vorgan, would you share it with me?"

"Certainly. I stand for transparency and honesty."

He responded with a slight smile.

Curiously, I asked, "Just to get an idea, how does this work? Are you going to declare war on him?"

"There's no need for an official war declaration in situations like these. I'll simply send him a message demanding the sword's return or accusing him of its theft. This will suffice. But preparations are needed first."

"Like gathering an army?"

"Indeed, and strategizing a campaign, and most importantly, appointing a general."

"Appointing a general?" I was genuinely surprised. "Aren't you going to lead your own troops?"

"Would you take on a dangerous task yourself if you could get Puzo to do it for you?"

I might, actually. But I replied, "I see your point. And who's this military prodigy on par with Puzo? Wait, let me guess, Alyssra Volade?"

"An excellent guess."

"I've always been quick-witted," I said, then paused, "Hold on. How do you know about Puzo?"

He looked quite self-satisfied. I need to stop providing him with such opportunities.

I continued, "You're certain Alyssra will take the job?"

"I'm absolutely sure."

"Because she's an ally?"

"That, and for other reasons."

"Hmmm."

"Boss, there's a lot here that we're unaware of."

"You think so? You'll tell me next that a wild Pardus could be dangerous."

"How about you handle the danger and leave the irony to me?"

That essentially concluded my meeting with Drevolan. I collected the books I was borrowing and started descending the stairs towards the entrance where a mage was ready to sicken me again. I paused at the landing to examine the painting hanging there. It was meant to be viewed from either the floor below or above, but up close I could see the textural details, and even though it strained my neck, I could study the face of the injured Dragon. In the painting, the tentacle-like extensions around its neck seemed to move unpredictably, yet with intention. The Dragon's expression communicated urgency and a sort of pleasure. The artist depicted the wound skillfully to evoke sympathy but not revulsion, and even the juvenile Dragon hinted at its fierce nature despite needing protection.

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