Now many of those, known as the Glamredhel, those rustic elves who had once lived north of the Teeth of the World mountains, had migrated to Baranor, swelling the population and revitalizing the community. Temar was originally from the Tsurani world of Kelewan, an Eldar Spellweaver who had come out of simple curiosity, liked what he found, and remained. He, as much as Pug and the other magicians, was fascinated by the mysterious Svenga-ri and their Quor protectors.
Speaking to the Quor was as frustrating an undertaking as Pug could imagine, for they appeared primitive, even simple at times, while at other times they made observations that hinted at a deep, perhaps even profound understanding of things beyond Pugs own considerable intellect. Over one hundred times Pug had come to speak with the Quor and the Svenga-ri, and each time he felt as if he had gained a tiny bit of insight, yet no whole picture emerged. He was convinced the Quor were not native to this world, but nothing they said indicated that. They spoke without regard for time, being content to live in the moment, and their only concerns for past and future revolved around protecting the Svenga-ri.
Those alien beings were most certainly not originally of this world, yet somehow they were connected to Midkemia in a vital, perhaps essential way. They didnt communicate in any fashion Pug understood, but rather filled the air around themor the minds of those with whom they spokewith music. Their music was unlike anything Pug had heard from the dozens of races he had encountered over the years; it was pure feelings distilled.
Pug wished to remain and study the Quor and Svenga-ri as originally planned, but it was clear his son thought the arrival of this stranger a more pressing matter. Besides, he had asked them to find him an expert on demons.
Pug said to Temar, Farewell. I will return again, soon.
You are always welcome, said the elf, who bowed slightly to the others, then turned and began descending toward the pathway that would lead him home.
Both Pug and Magnus reached out and took a grip on Amiranthas arms, and suddenly they were standing in Pugs study. Amirantha said, I am now convinced that is the most wonderful thing a magician can achieve. To go where one wants by thought!
Magnus and Pug exchanged glances. In their experience, no practiced magician was unaware of the ability to transport either via a Tsurani orb or through spells that take years to master. Even if he had never utilized the talent, he must have been exposed to it.
Pug moved behind his desk and motioned for Amirantha to take a seat opposite, while Magnus remained standing near the door. Pug said, You are welcome here, Amirantha.
The man smiled, though it was clearly not a genuine sign of pleasure but a social concession. I came with a friend, who I believe is being held hostage somewhere against my good behavior?
Pug glanced at Magnus, who said, Your friend is hardly being held hostage, but I didnt feel the need to drag both of you along to find my father. I brought you with me in case he was unable to return here. If youd like, Ill send for Brandos.
Id like that very much, thank you.
Magnus left the room, leaving Pug and Amirantha alone. Why dont you tell me why Kaspar thought it important to bring you here?
Amirantha smiled and this time it was a genuinely amused smile. And thereby betray his relationship to another authority besides the Maharaja to whom hes sworn fealty?
Hardly a betrayal, said Pug. Kaspars relationship to the Conclave of Shadows predates his taking service with the Maharaja. His service to his lord and to us is not in conflict. Our interest and the interests of the Kingdom of Muboya are never in conflict and occasionally overlap.
Now, again, why did you come here?
Amirantha paused, framing his response, then began recounting his experiences since the surprise summoning of a battle demon in a cave. Pug listened silently, asking no questions nor offering any comment. When Amirantha reached the part of the narrative where he met Kaspar and recounted his relationship with his two brothers, Pug stiffened in his seat and his eyes narrowed, but again he said nothing.
So, we rode out at sunrise in a display of overland travel, but once we were out of the city, in a small woodland thicket, the General and his soldiers dismounted, we were told to dismount, and for a brief moment I was almost convinced that Brandos and I had been brought to this out-of-the-way place to be murdered.
Of course, he quickly added, that was merely mysuspicious nature. The General could have just as easily had us tossed into the dungeon in Maharta and been done with it.
Your son appeared as if out of nowhere and we vanished. I assume the soldiers merely camp out until Kaspar returns, then they all ride back into the city in a few days and it looks like he went for a quick visit somewhere.
Something like that, said Pug, his eyes fixed on Amirantha.
Where is Kaspar, by the way?
If I know Kaspar, hes probably fishing off the north beach. He takes these little holidays when he can. If he returns to Maharta too quickly, people start asking questions. Hell guest with us for another three days, then head back.
Amirantha seemed amused by that, just as Magnus returned with Brandos, with Caleb trailing behind. Introductions were made, and the old fighter sat down in a chair in the corner, content to let his friend do the talking. Pug said, I need to ask you about your brother.
Which one? asked Amirantha.
Sidi, replied Pug.
Ah, I take it then youve encountered him.
Several times, never with a good outcome.
Kaspar informs me he is dead. Is that true?
To an absolute certainty, replied Pug. He alone pieced together reports from Jommy Killaroo that he had seen a Tsurani great one singing a Kingdom tavern song as he walked toward the Dasati Black Mound, their magic beachhead on the world of Kelewan. That description matched up with Mirandas identifying the body inhabited by Varen, or Sidi, who could jump from body to body. Either he had been on Kelewan when the planet was destroyed, or stranded on the Dasati home world where Pug had no doubt he would eventually perish. Despite his not-inconsiderable power, Sidi would not have the time to adapt to that environment before death overtook him.
Amirantha sighed. Good. He, like Belasco and myself, was a bastard, but he was a murderous one, and he slaughtered our mother for the sheer fun of it.
Brandos had heard the story before, but shook his head as he always did. Seeing the gesture, Pug gave the old fighter a quizzical look.
Just, well, its an interesting family.
Magnus was forced to chuckle and decided he liked the old fighter.
Amirantha looked slightly annoyed, but remained calm as he said, I am not my brothers.
Apparently, said Pug. Had you been like Sidi, I doubt youd have come looking for someone in authority to speak with.
Now, as we know very little about the demon realm, what exactly do you wish us to know?
Amirantha looked uncomfortable for the first time. Ive heard of your Academy at Stardock, Pug. No user of magic hasnt. I first became aware of it fifty years ago, or so.
I even visited there when traveling in Great Kesh, some years after, and realized that my sort wouldnt be welcome. So I noted with some amusement the self-congratulating smugness of a few magicians I spoke with in an inn in Shamata, then went about my business.
Pug nodded. He would have had a different reaction to the Warlock, but he knew the students and instructors around at that time were a conservative group of Keshians who would have made it clear that any summoner of demons was not a proper magician.
Amirantha continued. I was hardly surprised, you understand, even if I was slightly disappointed. I do not know who trained you, if you were an apprentice or how such things were done on the Tsurani worldI did hear that is where you came into this Greater Path of Magic, as some call it. But I and my brothers, we were raised by a mad witch, and we learned our craft the hard way. I hear you have many volumes of lore in Stardock, tomes, books, scrolls, epistles, and even a fine collection of stone and clay tablets, all to the end of allowi
ng magicians to learn from others who came before them.
My brothers and I had none of that. And we wereinfluenced by a mother who had made a compact with dark powers, I am certain. The madness, if you will, seemed to dilute with each child. If you encountered Sidi, you must know he was insane before he was out of boyhood.
Belasco is different, but his rages are uncontrollable, and he hates easily.
I have had mydifficulties, and it would be reasonable to say have made a fair number of mistakes. I have learned, however, that to constantly be battling for no good cause, to be angry without reason, is harming no one but myself. In the end, I have endeavored to find my own little place in the world and live there contentedly.
By tricking the gullible out of their gold? asked Pug.
Ah, that, said Amirantha. My reputation precedes me.
To be truthful, there are not a lot of demon masters alive. Its one of the problems we face.
Problems? asked the Warlock.
More on that later. Continue telling us about this event that caused you to seek us out.
Allow me to presume that while you are a master of many arcane arts, you know little of demons.
A fair assumption for the moment, said Pug, though I have encountered more than my share and have had to destroy them. He thought it best for the moment to forgo mentioning one almost killed him.
I dont know what sort of child you were, Pug, but I liked to poke around in things. Id sit over an anthill and prod it with a twig to see how the ants would react. My eldest brother liked to see things die, and my middle brother liked to hurt things. In my defense, I think my curiosities were the most harmless, except perhaps to the ants. He smiled, and seeing no reaction, continued. We spent a great deal of time alone. Our mother had little use for us after we could be set aside, as she had her own interests.
Looking back on my childhood, its surprising any of us survived. My mother provided charms and potions, wards and minor enchantments for local villagers, who endured her proximity because they occasionally found her useful. We three boys were shown at a very early age our presence in that village wouldnt be tolerated. Each of us in turn was allowed to wander into the village, without our mother stopping Sidi, or either of them stopping Belasco, or any of them stopping me. Each of us in turn was beaten and chased from the village. I had the dogs set on me. He rolled up the sleeve on his left arm, showing old bite marks. Ive had this all my life. I was seven.
Magnus said, Harsh.
In a way, yes, said Amirantha. But in another way I like to think I was tempered to endure a great many hardships. Its why Im still able to sit here and speak with you, rather than having had my entrails spread around some cave by a demon years ago.
My curiosity about poking in things led me to a cave a few miles from my mothers hut, and there I found ancient runes cut into the wall. Some primitive shaman, I think, because even at the age of ten I could feel the power in it. I had some lessons from my mother by then, minor cantrips and spells, things that would hardly amuse you, let alone impress, Im certain; still I was something of a prodigy, or at least my mother said so. My brothers, as could be expected, hated me even more for having shown talent at an earlier age than they did.
I was alone in this cave I mentioned, and suddenly something on the wall seemed to make sense to me. I dont know if there were ancient powers still abiding in the runes, or if some native ability I had seized on them, but I remember thinking there was something out there I could play with.
I conjured Nalnar, and we had a very rough-and-tumble introduction. Hes not malicious, at least not compared to his brethren, but like all manner of demons he can be unpredictable and combative. Fortunately, as demons go, he was also very young, and while he managed to singe my hair a little, I beat him into submission.
We then spent a good month learning to speak with one anotherthe demon language has sounds almost impossible for a human to make, without magic, and at that time I had no magic to speak of. I would bring him here once or twice a week over two years, and learn what I could from him.
Pug and Magnus now looked thoroughly fascinated.
When Sidi slaughtered our mother, Belasco and I went our separate ways. Our final parting was him accusing me of being complicit in our mothers death though Im certain he knew that false; he just liked having other people to blame.
Ive encountered him a number of times over the years, and despite two civil conversations, most of the time he tries to kill me. Ive been avoiding both my brothers for over a century now.
Both Magnus and Pug were unfazed by this revelation. Given how long Sidi had been a thorn in Pugs side, that his younger brother was also long-lived came as no surprise.
After fleeing my brothers, I wandered and Nalnar, my little demon friend, was instrumental in keeping me alive. Hes nimble and clever, and for nearly two years I had him stealing things for me, a pie from a window, a new pair of trousers from a wash-line, a coin from a beggars bowl. And while I was alone a lot, I had him to talk to.
I learned of the demon realm.
Pug said, Stop now. I think from this point forward, there are things here I wish for others to hear. To Magnus he said, See our guests are comfortable and let me know when
Amirantha sat bolt upright in his chair and said, Demons!
What? asked Magnus.
Where? asked Pug.
Here, close. He stood, and his head turned as if he was listening for or trying to see something. Then he pointed to the north. There. Not far. More than one.
How do you know? asked Caleb.
Flashing an angry expression, Amirantha said, Trust me. To Pug he said, They are powerful. We must go meet them, now.
North? asked Pug.
Then Magnus said, Kaspar. Hes fishing on the north beach.
Take us there, said Pug.
Brandos said, I should go. Im the only sword youve got that knows how to fight demons.
Pug glanced around the room and said, We all go.
Magnus reached out and Pug took one hand; Amirantha and Brandos understood and reached out, Caleb standing between them. When the circle was complete, Magnus incanted his spell and suddenly they were on the cliffs above the beach on the north shore of the island.
Kaspar of Olasko was giving a good account of himself as he confronted two red horrors. They had bat-like wings, which they were using to keep away from Kaspars sword. It was clear the struggle had only been taking place for a few moments, as the two winged monsters were being effectively kept at bay.
Pug shouted to Amirantha, Can you do anything?
Ive never seen their like, answered the Warlock. But I have something that might help. He reached into his belt pouch and withdrew a stone, which he tossed at Kaspars feet. Run toward us! he commanded.
Kaspar was no stranger to military obedience and recognized a command when it was issued. He swung hard, and as the two creatures withdrew, he turned and sprinted toward Pug and his companions.
The demons hesitated a moment, and then a pulse of energy erupted from the stone in a barely visible sphere, like a concussion from an explosion. The two creatures were hurled back, over the edge of the cliffs, and fell from view.
Kaspar reached them, and, almost out of breath, said, That was timely.
Amirantha shouted, They are not done!
Pug nodded and waved the others back and took three purposeful steps toward the cliffs. The two red-winged horrors, looking nothing so much as smaller versions of the monster that attacked the Oracle, save these had curving horns, like those of bighorn rams, rose up from the edge of the cliff. Pug shot out his left hand and a wave of force slammed into the leftmost one, driving it back again, while from his right hand a withering lash of pale-silver energy sprang out and wrapped itself around the other demon. The creature howled in agony as the energy leeched life from its body.
Magnus came up behind his father and cast a bolt of blackness, which engulfed the demon on the left. It convulsed within the sphere and tr
ied to howl, but seemed unable to utter a sound. Amirantha hurried up to stand behind them and said, These are something like elementals. Air or fire creatures. They do not like the touch of land.
How do they feel about water? asked Magnus, and with a cast of his hand he launched the one he faced into a high arc over the beach below to slam into the water. With an eruption of green flame and hissing steam, the creature vanished.
Pug did the same with his, and in a moment all was quiet. I should have recognized them, said Pug. I faced such outside of Stardock, many years ago.
Kaspar said, I was coming back up from the beach and just had cleared the top of the rocks when they appeared, out of the air. He said, I almost left my sword in the room you set aside for me. He laughed. I dont know how well I could have stood them off with a fishing pole. He carried a long surf pole, but it hardly looked equal to the task of being a cudgel.
Pug looked at Amirantha. The Warlock said, This was no coincidence.
I didnt think it was, said Pug. Your brother?
I dont know, said the Warlock. I used a stone Ive prepared to repulse a demon, giving me time to run if I need it. I didnt engage them with magic, so I have no feel for it He closed his eyes as if trying to sense something and said, No, I only feel the lingering presence of those two demons.
How did you know they were there? asked Magnus.
The more I deal with demons, said the Warlock, the easier it is to sense them and the farther away I can sense them. Time was I wouldnt know if there was a demon in the next room. Now I can feel them miles away. Comes from having dealt with them for over a hundred and twenty years.
Kaspar said, Well, Im glad you did. They were giving me hell to pay and, truth to tell, Im not as quick on my feet as I once was.
Pug looked out over the water, growing dark as dusk approached. So, who is sending these?
Amirantha said, I dont know, but whoever it was isnt very adept at the mastery of demons.
Why do you say that? asked Magnus.
Those two are minor demons, little more than elementals of the air, really. Not intelligent, not powerful. Sending these to an island thats home to magicians as powerful as you two is like turning two attack dogs loose on an army. He looked around. This is more to get your attention, I think, or to let you know someone knows youre here.