 "The days before the war were filled with strange portents: scouts and herders spoke of villages reduced to ash, of farmers taken from their fields, and of foul beasts roaming the plains in packs. I know, for I spoke to them all."--Hakim Loreweaver |
You consider yourself very fortunate indeed to have the great storyteller and magician Hakim with you in the city. The Loreweaver has always been one of the greatest opponents of Kaervek from the first days of the invasion. Here in the city, he has been talking himself hoarse, stiffening the resolve of the cowardly, soothing the fears of the refugees, and learning as much as possible about Kaervek's magics. Now you have a chance to talk to him yourself. Your lieutenant has told you he is in the market each day after the noon meal, telling tales and receiving visitors.
Hakim is just finishing a small meal of bread and fruit when you arrive; he stands up to greet you. "I am glad to see you, Sidar," he says. "You lead our people well. I have given your suggestion much thought . . . but there are two problems." He wipes his hands and gestures to offer you dates and the heel of the bread.
"My first and most obvious source of aid is gone; I sent my drake to harry Kaervek's dragons, and it has not yet returned. It may be wounded; it may still be searching; but in either case, it cannot defend us now. Perhaps it was a mistake to send it against Kaervek so soon." Hakim's eyes narrow, and he looks at you.
"My second problem is that I have no magic at my disposal just now. Kaervek's sorcery has shimmered all sources of power for my magical devices--and the spells of the Shaper Guildmages as well. They and I have searched for an artifact or source within the city to provide mana, but we have found nothing, and will be powerless for as long as Kaervek's ensorcelment holds. However, if you can get me to a source of blue mana, I will gladly turn all the resources I can to help. Let me tell you what I could do for you, with the proper mana." Hakim settles into a storyteller's posture, and his voice flows forth like a river, slow and deep.
"The first wonder I have found is the cloak I wear," says Hakim. "It is a cloak of invisibility. With it, a person can travel through Kaervek's lines undetected and walk away safely. I do not wish to leave my people--as I am sure you do not wish to leave your soldiers--but perhaps there is someone whose life you would like to save." He takes off the shimmering cloak and lays it on the table between you. "Without mana and restorative rituals, it is a simple cloak, but if you wish I could restore it to its useful form. It would take a few hours.
"Second, I could summon a great champion, a knight of the mists, to fight with your troops on the battlefield. Though the mist-knight is the equal of any Zhalfirin knight, he is also unpredictable and sometimes leaves as quickly as he arrives. He might add a great deal to your strength on the field, but a fickle warrior rarely adds to a sidar's confidence.
"Third, I could tell a new tale to inspire the populace. I dreamt this tale last night. It is one of hope for a city besieged, of escape, and the downfall of enemies. My dreams showed me a ripple in the fabric of reality that saves the city--perhaps my dreams are a true vision, perhaps they are lies that Kaervek spreads by magic.
"Finally, I could undo and unravel two of Kaervek's greatest summonings, sending his dragons or undead champions far away. It is not quite the same as defeating him on the field of battle, but surely a battle not fought may still bring victory. This spell would require even more mana than the others, however.
"Now I have offered you four gifts; which will you accept?" Hakim settles back, waiting patiently for his audience's reply.