Twixt Heaven And Hell Read Free Page B

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    “As were many other wizards, Lazarus, and thousands of other soldiers. It can hardly be said that he was the deciding factor in any of them,” Arric broke in.
    Holding up a hand to forestall any more interruptions, Lazarus continued. “It is also true that he has stopped more raids, prevented more surprise attacks, and rooted out more enemy plans than any traditional commander. Furthermore, his presence is encouraging to the troops. They feel safer with a wizard in such an active role within the army. I must admit,” he gave a raspy chuckle, “I have been reconsidering my arguments against Darius’s command.”
    Lazarus’s eyes, until now half-lidded in feigned weariness, unveiled in all their intensity, and locked with Arric’s. “I counter-propose that we make no decision until we hear Darius’s side of the story. Let us recall him immediately to Bastion. We have evidence of his sound motives in the past, and I believe that it will prove no less in this incident.”
    Arric raised an eyebrow. “And Fortress Nebeth?”
    “Ah, yes – the fortress. Due to the valiant efforts of our soldiers, Nebeth no longer lies directly on the border, and is not in immediate danger of attack.” Lazarus smiled. “I took the liberty of consulting with our senior generals on this matter – they agree that the fortress is secure without reinforcement.”
    Cocking his head to the side once more, Lazarus added, “To speak plainly, Arric, I was never sure why you wanted him sent there in the first place.”
    In the end, Lazarus’s proposal – in effect, to do nothing until Darius returned – was voted most favorable. As the council dissolved, each wizard returning to his own business, Lazarus stood and glanced towards the council leader’s seat. Arric stood there, regarding him. There was no malice in his eyes, merely contemplation.
    With a bow, Lazarus departed the chamber.
    Arric watched him go. The man’s movements were spry despite his age – but then, wizards rarely succumbed to the effects of aging until their final years. Lazarus had already lived longer than most men would. He was a wizard, and wizards were different.
    “Do you think he defies you?” said a voice from behind him.
    Arric turned to face his main ally in the council, a tall, stern wizard by the name of Callos, from the northern plains.
    “Defies me? I am no barbarian chieftain… this is a council. To disagree with me is hardly defiance.”
    “You have felt very strongly on this matter for some time. Perhaps you ought to push them harder to comply with your views.”
    Arric waved off the suggestion with a flick of his hand. “Nonsense. We both know that my position is more one of mediation than actual authority. It has always been so – I will not be the one to change it.”
    “What are you two muttering about?” asked another voice. As one, Callos and Arric turned to see that another wizard had joined them.
    “Venting more steam over Darius?” the newcomer, Geralt, guessed.
    With a sigh, Arric nodded, and Geralt chuckled in response.
    “You shouldn't let him get to you so easily, dear leader. It isn't healthy.”
    Callos looked with some annoyance at the intruder and answered for Arric. “You've never had to give the man orders.”
    Geralt chuckled again, but did not reply.
    “Did you want something?” Arric asked.
    “Oh, yes. It seems to me that you left something out about Darius's message.”
    Arric peered at Geralt. “How did you know?”
    Geralt raised an eyebrow. “I was in charge of the globes when his message came through. I'm the one who ordered you notified. I'm also the one who thinks you should have told the Council the entire message.”
    “The message came by globe?” Callos asked. “From the field?”
    “Yes. And no wonder. Darius's words – his exact words – were 'Something is wrong. I've detected signs of raiders on the road to Nebeth. I will pursue them.'”
    “'Raiders on the road to Nebeth!'” Arric