The Lengthening Shadow

“When I first came to the Bluff, it was simply rough-hewn rocky caves. However, I alone, of all my fellow Destromancers, saw the use in it. The castle of Tengdært is a miserable copy of my power base in the South. I grant you it is powerful, commanded by your king’s nemesis, but I am still stronger. Anyways, when I presented my idea to Ra’vok, he was much pleased. The idea of a secret fortress was interesting and useful. It could serve as a military base and as someplace to have secret projects. There is one here, which that miserable Fernwood has experienced.”

“The Scorpionguard!” exclaimed Jake.

“Exactly. Now, when I offered the idea, the Black Master was so excited that he promoted me, if you will. I became one of the Command Quintet. I held one of the stronger places, topped only by the Captain of the Souleaters and her dwelling. When I had a good enough operation running, he input his newest project into the lower levels. Occasionally I was inspected by the Souleaters until I did not need any inspection or monitoring. Sometimes I attended meetings of the Quintet in Thazanc, leaving Havka and Scovu in charge, but I…”

Samuel interrupted. “Who are Havka and Scovu?”

“They are my… assistants. Second in commands. You’ll meet them shortly. Now, at a meeting of the Quintet, the Snake Baron brought his son to Thazanc. Karakssass, I think his name was. The young one offered his services to me, and i accepted. I gave him an army and sent him off northwest. Later, I heard that he had conquered a beaver settlement, then no more.”

“Karakssass! I fought him! He’s dead.” cried the mouse.

Spera was mildly surprised, and he raised an eyebrow. “Oh, is he really? I was not expecting that. But it is no loss to me. He was an idiot. I also wrote the ‘stop all travelers’ order for Skardle and his Sandraiders, and Fisskin too. Everything in your way, Samuel, was of my design. Ordinv was sent by me. I called Smake to Greenbloom. Glinger’s orders were from the Bluff; me again. I was the one who organized the Valakundir. All your journey, I was watching you, calling you here. Even Alrack Bloodfen, the great pirate, is another of my lackeys.”

With each new piece of information, the picture became clearer.

“And finally, everything was not actually for Ra’vok’s resurrection. It was for you, Samuel Lenolin. Now, you are here, at the heart of my kingdom, right in my hands. Perfect, just perfect. I must admit, even I am surprised at how well it worked. However, everyone with you, all the Fernwooders and your meager Company of Light, are disposable. When the Scorpionguard arrives, your friends will be as good as dead. Now, the reason. I sense you have great power. Far beyond what the Verdancers have. Power enough to destroy Ra’vok himself. If you live, your child will be strong enough to destroy evil itself forever. But, since that cannot happen, I must kill you. Before you die, I will show you that every last detail of your adventure was to serve my whim. Hagfrall, a ferret you might remember, Tarsch, for you saw what happened, is one of mine. In fact,” Hagfrall stepped out from a tunnel behind Spera, “He is here now.

“The Slip Oil on the shaft of the Vengeful, that was to bring the pirates to Brushtipp and get it out of the way. The mutiny of Axetooth and Finnel, controlled by me, was to slow the pirates enough so that Brushtipp would not expect them. Whiphide, the murdered stoat, knew too much about me and would reveal it before long. He had to die. Everything was my plan. And you took the bait, hook, line, and sinker. And, Fernwood had to go. It was only the incompetence of Alrack that saved it.”

Samuel advanced until his swordpoint was at Spera’s throat. “Tell me, mink, was the death of Thayder supposed to happen?”

“Indeed it was. That otter is one whom I hate.” The Destromancer swished his cape aside to show that his left hand, inside his cloak, was mechanical.

“I lost my hand to his blade. It may not have served a purpose, but I have my revenge.” Quick as lighting, Spera grabbed Samuel by the front of his tunic and lifted him into the air until they were face-to-face, for the mink was a head taller than him. Spera’s breath steamed in the air.

“Mouse, you are a deadbeast. A deadbeast in Deadbeast Bluff. How fitting. I will give you a last choice. Join with the Destromancers. Become one of us.”

“Never. I would rather die!”

“Then die you will. Samuel Lenolin, meet the Scorpionguard.” A gate in the lower levels opened, and something began to come out.