‘Close to my current home.’ He glanced at the other two men and the elf and said, if we’re going to talk, may I suggest we retire to somewhere less smoky?’
Pug glanced at Temar, who said, ‘Go. I can easily return to Baranor from here.’ Originally from Elvandar, Temar had elected to come to Baranor with others of his kind to revitalize the dying Sun Elves, the pocket of elven guardians who had been placed in the mountains ages ago by the Dragon Lords.
Duty bound, they had remained even though the toll on them had been terrible. When discovered by Kaspar of Olasko and his men ten years before, the Sun Elves had been barely able to defend themselves against a band of void creatures that had somehow reached Midkemia and taken up residency a few miles away from the elven enclave.
Now, many of those known as the glamredhel, the rustic elves who had once lived north of the Teeth of the World, had migrated to Baranor, swelling the population and revitalizing the community. Temar was originally from the Tsurani world of Midkemia, an eldar Spellweaver who had come out of simple curiosity, liked what he found, and remained. He was as fascinated by the mysterious Sven’gar-ri and their Quor protectors as Pug and the other magicians.
Speaking to the Quor was a frustrating undertaking, for while they appeared primitive, even simple at times, at other times they made observations that hinted at a deep, perhaps even profound understanding of things beyond Pug’s own considerable intellect. He had come to speak with the Quor and the Sven’gar-ri over one hundred times, and although each time he felt as if he had gained a tiny bit of insight, no whole picture emerged. He was convinced the Quor were not native to this world, but nothing they said indicated that directly. They spoke without regard for time, being content to live in the moment, and their only concerns revolved around protecting the Sven’gar-ri.
Those alien beings were most certainly not of this world, yet they were somehow connected to Midkemia in a vital way, perhaps essential. They didn’t communicate in any fashion Pug understood, but rather filled the air around them - or the minds of those with whom they spoke - with music. Sven’gar-ri music was unlike anything Pug had encountered over the years, it was pure distilled feeling.
He had planned to remain and study the Quor and Sven’gar-ri, but it was clear that his son thought the arrival of this stranger a more pressing matter. And, he had asked Magnus to find him an expert on demons.
Pug said to Temar, ‘Farewell. I will return again, soon.’
‘You are always welcome,’ said the elf, who bowed slightly to the others, then turned and began descending towards the pathway that would lead him home.
Both Pug and Magnus reached out and gripped Amirantha’s arms. Suddenly they stood in Pug’s study. Amirantha said, ‘That is the most wonderful thing a magician can achieve! To go where one wants with just a thought!’
Magnus and Pug exchanged glances. In their experience no practised magician was unaware of the ability to transport either via a Tsurani orb or through spells that take years to master. Even if he had never utilized the talent, he must have been exposed to it.
Pug moved behind his desk and motioned for Amirantha to take a seat opposite, while Magnus remained standing near the door. Pug said, ‘You are welcome here, Amirantha.’
The man smiled, though it was clearly not a genuine sign of pleasure, but a social concession, ‘I came with a friend, who I believe is being held hostage somewhere against my good behaviour?’
Pug glanced at Magnus who said, ‘Your friend is hardly being held hostage, but I didn’t feel the need to drag both of you along to find my father. I brought you with me in case he was unable to return here. If you’d like, I’ll send for Brandos.’
‘I’d like that very much, thank you.’
Magnus left the room, leaving Pug and Amirantha alone. ‘Why don’t you tell me why Kaspar thought it important to bring you here?’
Amirantha smiled and this time it was a genuinely amused smile. ‘And thereby betraying his relationship to another authority besides the Maharajah to whom he’s sworn fealty?’
‘Hardly a betrayal,’ said Pug. ‘Kaspar’s relationship to the Conclave of Shadows predates his taking service with the Maharajah. His service to his lord and to us is not in conflict. Our interests and the interests of the Kingdom of Muboya are never in conflict and occasionally overlap.
‘Now, again, why did you come here?’
Amirantha paused, framing his response, then began recounting his experiences since the surprise summoning of the battle demon. Pug listened silently, asking no questions nor offering comment. When Amirantha recounted his relationship with his two brothers, Pug stiffened in his seat and his eyes narrowed, but he stayed silent.