Lich

It was probably the most ridicules question handed down from generation to generation repeated whenever such times allowed such as now “what are you doing here?” Quinten said looking incredulously at Ireselan. Talisor and the little ghost girl had disappeared as soon as the first words had left Quinten’s mouth

“Aren’t you the captain of the city watch” said Han at the same time his brother on his other side said “looks like they couldn’t wait to arrest us again, eh Valasar.”

Ireselan only had eyes for Quinten. “oh my dear Quinten didn’t you see this coming I practically told you it was going to happen didn’t I. it seems that even those that had top marks in the academy can still be duped by someone of lower standing.” Ireselan practically spat the last part out “how does it feel Quinten to be outsmarted by me? Someone who used to follow you around, for your crumbs, not now though not anymore.” at the last Ireselan started to laugh a small chuckle that never reached his eyes.

The men-at-arms had started coming into the room slowly eyeing their commander and their surroundings with equally wide eyes. Quinten and his companions were no idiots as the soon as the men-at-arms had started coming into the room they had begun to back into a corner to prevent the new arrivals from flanking them. As they wedge themselves into the corner Heljah placed herself solidly at Quinten’s left side Valasar taking up the rest of the space to the wall. The twins had taken up positions on Quinten’s right side to the wall. Soren in the back had started to unlimber his small crossbow carefully using the lager bodies in front of him to hide what he was doing from the men-at-arms. The men at arms continued to come in fanning themselves around Ireselan.

“Oh everyone had such high hopes for Quinten D’Lyrander oh yes they did. Top marks in every category you had but to try only open your hand and power and money would have fallen into them. But what did you do you threw it away for what monsters and scum.” He sneered at Quinten’s companions flanking him. “But all that ends here. I will never have to follow you again.” Not turning his head he addressed his men at arms. “Search for the scrolls take anything else of value.”

“What are you doing here Ireselan why are you impeding our Quest? Did your superiors change their mind?” Quinten demanded.

“Oh no Quinten this has always been part of the plan. I’m just here to kill you.” this time Ireselan’s smile touched his eyes. “Didn’t I tell you when we meet together the first time that we would send another team in after the documents one that was sure to come into conflict one that would result in the loss of life.”

“So you are here to assassinate me?”

“It shall be my pleasure. Of course your grandmother and your merc captain will have no idea that we were involved to them it will seem that you were killed in this forsaken town by the evil the walks its streets. And with your death I will be able to have access to the inner circle I told you I was expecting a promotion soon.”

The men at arms had begun to throw the useless books onto the floor loose pages spread out covering the floor with runic writings. Quinten had to think quickly. There was no way that Ireselan was doing this on his own he practically admitted it. And since his grandmother did not know what was happening it was not part of the top, our was it. This could only mean that there was someone else in the Aurum looking for a higher position and power. Someone with enough power to command Ireselan and send all the men-at-arms with him.

“So all of this is another ploy for the Aurum to take control of the world?” Quinten had to keep Ireselan talking. It was as much for the need to gain information as it was for time to come up with a plane.

“Eventually the world will be ours anyway. The scroll is just a means to see to it that the wizard’s position is increased and with it mine as well” Ireselan said his eyes narrowing with thought. “A pity really you could have been in my position without effort. But now look at what trash you associate with” he sneered again it could be that he couldn’t help making comments about Quinten’s companions. “I used to admire you and now I don’t know why. You have become trash just like them.”

“Ser, we found it.” A stocky man came up and placed a book into Ireselans hands. It was black leather somewhat cracked and Quinten could just make out ruins on its cover in a deeper black than the leather. The book somehow gave the impression of sucking in what light there was in the room.

“Yes this is it.” Ireselan said turning the book over in his hands. “And now it looks like it’s time for you to die.” Ireselan said looking up and smiling in Quintens direction. The men-at-arms not still searching readied themselves to rush at the small group.

“So you’re going to take the book back to the Aurum?” Quinten asked.

“Yes. Now make peach with whatever gods you have Quinten D’Lyrander.” Ireselan replied. Now it was Quintens turn to smile.

The papers and books that covered the floor were thrown up by an unseen hand. Boiling and spinning like a small tornado they filled the air. Settled and started just spinning around the eternally weeping skeleton of Talisor. The skeletons hands came down slowly and griped the arms of the chair and little by little the skeleton pushed itself upright its head still down in its original position.

“You have chosen and now he and his can stop you.” Quinten told Ireselan coldly. With that the skeleton lifted its head staring straight at the soldier’s twin blue fires filling its empty eye sockets.