The dark smudge of shadow seeped in through the fortress window silently. The Master would be angry. It had taken him long enough to get back; being caught in an elaborate trap of mirrors reflecting light on him from every direction had drained much of his strength. Curse that young Wizard, that had to have been a trap of his design, considering the way the mirrors followed the shadow's every move.Gliding silently to a stop, he bowed deeply and waited for acknowledgement from the imposing being scowling at him from the throne.
"Well?" boomed the sinister voice.
"Master," Shadowdemon began. "Dungeon Master has brought more pupils into this world and given them magic weapons. I believe they are from the same world as your other adversaries."
"How many?" came the annoyed growl.
"At least a dozen," Shadowdemon said vaguely, trying to avoid admitting that he hadn't counted. "They were traveling to the city of Yarfell. I believe they were intending to locate Dungeon Master's other pupils."
"They already have."
Shadowdemon looked up in surprise, and cowered before the mocking, icy stare.
"I have other eyes than yours," the horned figure on the throne said with a cold smile, clearly playing with his servant. "There is another group that has been seen which suddenly appeared in the swamp-city of Stinkwell. Perhaps they seek the Wizard Gareth there."
"The ones in Yarfell were seen in the presence of my young enemies. Unfortunately, my otherworldly spy was noticed by a human and a fairy before an accurate assesment could be made."
The scowl deepened and focused on Shadowdemon. "Yet you say you saw a dozen? Describe them. And tell me what weapons they carried."
"There were many, Master." Shadowdemon did not know where to begin. "Several were of different race. Indeed there was a fairy, and one that was at least part kender. One woman had wings. But most were human. And I am sure that many do not know the true nature of their weapons. One carried the enchanted lute and throwing daggers. Another, the winged woman, carried the mirror."
The scowl became dangerous. "The mirror?"
"And she used it most effectively."
A snarl. "Continue."
"Another had what appeared to be a bag of holding. One had what seemed to be a mind gem of sorts."
Interesting. That could prove to be useful.
"One carried a sword."
"Which sword?"
"I do not know, master, I could not get close enough to tell for sure. That one also carried some sort of disconcerting musical instrument. One carried...what seemed to be...an...an enchanted silver tankard.
"WHAT?!" The roar only made it more terrifying as the seated figure sprang up from the throne, wings spread and eyes glowing a deathly red. Shadowdemon quickly decided to stop the roll call and pass along the news that he hoped would gain him some favor in the telling.
"I also saw the one called Zakiyah the Lorekeeper among them."
Venger paused, furling his wings in contemplation. Well, now. Is that not a delightful turn of events? The Lorekeeper, taking sides.
This was clearly a desperate attempt on Dungeon Master's part to present him with a challenge, in the deluded attempt to oppose him. Fool. This was no more than a little sport. The hardest decision would be which little group of otherworlders to go after first.
