Conversation with the Boss!

The Contract, The Recommendation, The Report

“Maighstir Darkblade,” Balgair returned the greeting. 

“From the energy signature that Ibrix passed along, you are in Eola.”  When Balgair nodded again, Rhyslin leaned back, causing the image in the crystal to distort.  “I didn’t expect to hear from you for another two weeks when you returned.  Did something happen that stopped you?” 

“Aye, sir,” Balgair said, then reported what had happened in the past two days. 

Rhyslin listened intently, then looked Balgair in the eyes.  “Did I hear you right?  The Reve is dead.” 

“Yes, sir,” Balgair met those hazel eyes without blinking.  “Lord Huitzilopochtli mentioned that this town needed a new Reve and suggested that I might apply for the job.” 

The Draoidh raised one eyebrow, considered what Balgair said, and nodded. “That’s quite a recommendation.”  The enigmatic smile on his face made Balgair suspicious.  “Do you want to take the job?  There is a contract, and it’s open-ended.  It’ll last as long as you fill the job and can perform the duties.”

“I believe I do want to take the job, that is.”  Balgair replied, then paused, “I have one more thing to report.”  When Rhyslin quirked a brow, Balgair explained, “When we were in that building and heading down to the basement, Ariel mentioned something about the mage releasing something she called ‘The Ancient One’ from the outer dark.”

“Ancient One?” Rhyslin queried. “Did you get a good look at this Ancient One?”

“No, sir, by the time we got to the basement, the mage, the assassin, his cronies, and the ancient one were gone.”  He hesitated, ‘However, the Ancient One cast some sort of spell.”  He went on to explain. “It got dark, darker than the darkest night, and very cold.” 

At Balgair’s side, Heather started shivering as she relived what had gone on in the basement.  “The mage opened a maelstrom and called the shadows out.”  She whispered, catching Rhyslin’s attention.  When Balgair started to interrupt, the draoidh waved him off.  “I’ve never felt anything as cold and impersonal as what came out of that maelstrom.”  She rubbed her arms as if warding off the cold.  “She, Bridgit, spoke in a language I’ve never heard before, and the darkness reached out for me, and then I fainted.” 

Rhyslin seemed impressed.  “So, we’ve got a being of unknown power, released from the outer dark, speaking a strange language, and made out of shadows.”  He shook his head. “I wish we had seen it; then I’d know what we are dealing with.”

Heather bowed her head, “I’m sorry I’m not more helpful.”  She murmured. 

“It’s okay.”  Rhyslin looked down at her.  “Heather, is it?” 

“Yes, Maighstir,” She whispered as she dared to look up.  Even through the communication crystal, she could sense his spiritual pressure.  She was almost afraid to meet his eyes, but a glance showed the depths of his intellect. 

“I am pleased to meet you, Heather.” His voice was smooth as honey, and she wondered what would have happened if she had met him first instead of Balgair.  “You have given me more information than I had before.”  He shifted his attention to Balgair.  “Anything else, Captain?” 

It was Balgair’s turn to shrug. “I’m not sure if it means anything, but from when the spell was cast to when it ended, I couldn’t contact Ananke.”  He blinked and continued, “Come to think of it, the others couldn’t contact Huitzilopochtli or MixCoatl.”

“Couldn’t?”  Rhyslin arched a brow, obviously interested. “In what way?”

“It’s as if Ananke didn’t exist.”  Balgair stated, “It was unnerving.” 

The Draoidh pondered that information.  “If this Ancient One disrupted your bond with your god or the other gods, then it could be a god in its own right.  I’ll need to talk to Mathair and do some research.”  He shrugged, “I can talk to Mathair while you talk to your bannaichean; they’ve been waiting since this morning.”  He grinned. “It’s almost as if they knew you’d be calling.” 

Balgair shook his head and cryptically, “Almost as if M’Lady cued them in.” 

The Draoidh smirked, “Strange are the ways of the gods.”  Then he gestured to someone off to the right of the crystal.  “Ladies, I’ll leave you alone while you talk to your Maighstir.  Let me know when you are finished, and I’ll close the communications link.”

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