Return of the Eight

Act One: Scene Five

The large wooden door flung open suddenly, and a man wearing a green hooded cloak stepped in and slammed the door behind him. He dropped his hood and threw the cloak open, revealing a balding man with a devil's point beard and the long dark robes of a wizard beneath; although they were a rich blue, not green and ivory like his cloak. As a guard approached with his sword drawn, he realized the man was dry, despite the torrential downpour just outside.

"Now see here... this is Lord Ustev's hall!" The guard growled. "How dare you... oh, Master Elor... I didn't realize..."

Elor the Blue, Earl Gregorian's court wizard nodded at the guard. "My apologies, good sir. I am aware that my arrival was unannounced. I would speak with Lord Ustev at once."

"Of course, Master Elor," the guard answered with humility. He spun and indicated the lone figure in the wooden throne at the far end of the long hall.

Lord Ustev, the ruler of Blackwatch Hold, leaned forward on his throne as the pair approached. "Master Elor! Although I am honored by your presence, I am also somewhat surprised. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Lord Ustev, it has come to the Earl's attention that a witch may be practicing her dark magic in your hold. The Earl has had me chasing this woman for months, so that is why no official announcement was sent. With your permission, I would like to search your hold for her whereabouts."

"Of course, Master Elor," Ustev replied. "What do you need from me?"

"Only lodging and silence. If word reaches her that I am in the vicinity, she will run again and my whole process starts over."

"I am at your disposal. I will inform the owner of the Weeping Dragon Inn that you are to be lodged without question. Will there be anything else?"

"No, My Lord. I will try to keep you informed of my progress, but if I find her, I may have to strike without warning... I hope you understand."

Ustev arched a curious brow. "I do hope you will try to keep collateral damage to a minimum?"

"I will not endanger your people, unless I deem them in league with this witch. The Earl cares deeply about his citizens, as do I. Please continue with your day to day business, and the Earl will compensate you for my food and lodging. Good day, My Lord."

"May the Gods guide you, Master Elor," Ustev replied. "Oh, there is one more thing... it is pouring outside, how are you not drenched?"

"One of the advantages of being an elemental wizard," he laughed while pulling up his hood.

*

Talbetha was the largest province in the realm of Emporia, and it contained many cities, holds, townships, villages and settlements. Each town had its own form of government, be it elected or appointed, but all swore fealty to the Earl who sat near the center of the province in the capital city of Kar'eth. Blackwatch was one of the older holds, and it was one of the few that was still ruled by nobility. Ustev's family was nearly as old as Gregorian's, and in the days before Emporia rose, Blackwatch had been considered its own tiny province, although that was decades before either family grew to power. Today, Blackwatch was a thriving hold, filled with lush farmland and a thriving trade hub, and Lord Ustev ruled with a relative fairness, although he didn't share Gregorian's benevolence.

The rain that had pounded Talbetha for the past few days had finally subsided to a misting sprinkle, and the citizens of the western hold began to emerge and open shops and inspect their battered crops. The torrential rain hadn't included any damaging winds, but the standing water and thick mud created its own collection of problems, with travel being the most difficult. Horses trudged through the muddy streets outside of town, and carts seemed glued in place, buried to their axels.