Mark of the Fool

Chapter 394: Alex's Sickness

To Baelins credit, he did not twitch, flinch or show any reaction to the demons words.

Indeed, I am one and the same, his voice was measured. I gather you are revealing that information as a way of proposing a deal?

You catch on quickly, mortal, Zonon-In said, bearing her fangs in a wide grin. If you gave my master such trouble, then what am I to do to you?

And how many wizards have you entrapped with such lines and flattery, I do wonder? Baelin said.

Ohoh! She laughed. I can see you have done this dance before.

Indeed, a bit more than a few times, he said. Sonow you wish to deal, then?

Ooooh yes. She leaned down so her enormous face was level with Baelins. Yes, I do, mortal. You did come against my master before, but that is no reason we need be enemiesor even why you need to remain enemies with my master. Your search for this Hannar-Cim is not well known, and I only happened to hear of it by chance. If word were to spread however, then those of demonkind with information would be less inclined to share it.

I see, the chancellor said. Then, since you have been so polite thus farwhy dont you tell me what it is you want?

Well, first, why dont we chat a little first? The greater demon offered. I am curious as to why you search for this Hannar-Cim.

Indeed, and as an immortal, you would understand that an unfortunate thing about endless life is thatoftenmany of our little curiosities go unsatisfied. Why I search is not relevant, Zonon-In, Baelin chuckled. And since I shall not give you information for free, perhaps Ill now go silent and hold you in this circle until you tell me what you wish from me.

The demons face dropped. Ah, youre not cute at all. She rose up to her full height again. Two things I would ask. The firstI am looking for a particular weapon that lays on the material plane. Being such a powerful, resourceful wizard, I was hoping you might be able to locate it for me.

Alexs heartbeat quickened as he prayed to the Traveller that she wouldnt sense the war-spears magic through the circle.

I might or might not be able to find it, the chancellor said. It all depends on the weapon, of course.

Now the young wizard had to bite back the urge to laugh.

What is the other thing you want from me?

Well she said, clicking a pincer. an abyssal knights court often includes many greater demons. Often too many. Such an excess of subordinates can divide focus and cause a scrabbling for favour.

Alex raised an eyebrow.

There was a clue in there.

She survived our battle, but shed been soundly defeated, he thought. Her essence took a hit, she lost a powerful weapon and a whole army of cultists and demons, the defeat was witnessed, and she was forced to go home and lick her wounds, all a huge blow to her pride.

He felt a warm surge of pride at the thought.

Demons are creatures of whim and chaos, his thought continued. And its easy for mortals to believe theyre evil because of how self-focused they are.

Minervus came to mind.

I wonder how many lines he wouldve crossed to get what he wanted? When that golem started rampaging at Shales, everyoneexcept himsaw a deadly situation unfolding; but he saw an opportunity to advance himself and scapegoat a supposed rival. He didnt have the power of a demon, but he had the same mindset in many ways. So, what would a bunch of self-serving greater demons do to Zonon-In? Shes actually failed, and is vulnerable. Maybe shes looking for a way to get rid of rivals before they can get rid of her.

And you wish to have this scrabble for favour the archwizard paused. Reorganised, shall we say? You wish for the ranks of your compatriots to be lesscluttered?

That is a lovely way to put it, my mortal friend, Zonon-In smiled. Ormaybe not so mortal. She looked into the chancellors eyes. Those eyes have seen much, I can tell. So tell me summoner, which one is it, mortal or not?

You would like to know, wouldnt you? Baelins eyes twinkled.

The towering demons smile was mischievous. And if I would?

What would you trade for it?

What would you ask?

I can ask for much, the chancellors voice took on a note that had Alex guessing where he was going with their conversation.

Whats your master plan, Baelin? He wondered.

As can I. Zonon-Ins yellow eyes burned through the dark. And I can give much in return.

Strange, so can I. The chancellor's eyes lit up. What a pair we are.

Are we not? Zonon-In chuckled. Indeedyoure not cute at all, youre something else. Perhaps for such information, how about an exchange in time?

Something I have in abundance, as do you, I am sure.

Then such a trade would be hardly costly for either of us, she said. Unless the mighty wizard is too busy for a demon such as myself.

Things have a habit of rising to the top of my schedule when they proveinteresting. Perhaps something could be arranged at a later time, when the situation is less stressful.

Horror swept through Alex, and it was threatening his sanity.

Oh, by the Traveller! he thought, fighting the urge to flee the room. Oh by the Traveller, are they flirting? Please tell me they're not flirting! Oh, gross! Why? Why did I live long enough to witness something that makes Uldars possible betrayalseem tame!

In any case, what is to stop me from simply taking the information from you and then doing what I wish with it, free to not make good on my part of the deal? Baelin asked, cocking his head. Surely a demon, a woman asexperienced as yourself would have thought of this.

Well, here is the truth of it. Zonon-In frowned, placing both pincers and hands on her hips. I do not happen to have the information. But, I have heard a rival mention it, though. Several times. Ive also heard that they might keep such a piece of knowledge in one of their strongholds, and I could be persuaded to learn which one. Meanwhile, my other rivals have palaces filled with treasures that might interest even one of your obvious, towering powers.

Dont gag, Alex! Dont gag! The young wizard shuddered at the tone in her words.

Thenonce I discover where your information is locatedI could make your journey to claim it so much easier. You might get a name if you forced the information from me, but the location wouldnt be narrowed down for you, something I would take great pleasure in giving you. And to make things more difficult for you, my rival has many,many strongholds.

Wait did she just wink? Alex blinked rapidly.

The demon continued. As do I. Getting a name from me then going from one stronghold to another would certainly be trying, and it could also open you up to reprisals.

She clicked a pincer. But with me to narrow your search and direct your attention to my other foesyou would receive your information, you would also receive treasures and knowledge from several other greater demons, as well as direction to help with your search.

Hm, Baelin mused, a pleasant note in his voice. You thought this throughquickly. A rather swift reaction on your part.

I try to improvise. Helps one live longer, she said. Well, that is what I want. But what is it that you want? You summoned me, and not for this purpose, unless your powers of foresight rival my combat prowess.

Hm, well that is to sayI did have a plan, but perhaps I can work it into a relational summoning pact between you and I. It might make things a little more beneficial in the long run.

Oh? She raised an eyebrow. And what would you ask of me?

Time, Baelin said.

As we discussed earlier? You can ask for that any time you wish.

I need a bucket, Alex thought, clutching his mouth. Oh, by the Traveller, I need a bucket! A big one!

That just might be a two way path, the chancellor said. As one ages, interestingopportunities and individuals tend to show up less and less. One can become jaded, which is why one should pursue interests when they arise.

Kill me, Alex looked up at the dark ceiling. Uldar, please strike me down. Do it. Do it!

But enough of that. I will be forthcoming. I seek a total ban of yourself and any of your servants and allies from setting forth on this

He used a word Alex had never heard before.

until such time as I give permission or say Baelin gave the idea more thought. ...forty years have passed. In particular, you must avoid all temples associated with the god known as Aphrometh, I would see that as a personal favour.

Her eyes lit up in recognition of the name. I see. I see why you might ask for that, but forty years is a long time.

Not for those like us.

How about thirty years?

Thirty-five.

Thirty-two.

Thirty-three.

Acceptable, Zonon-In grinned. Very wellthose terms are most acceptable. In fact, such a long sojourn from this

Again, the word Alex had never heard before was used.

might make thingsmore enjoyable later on. A return is often more delicious when others no longer expect it.

Alex shuddered.

No doubt he and his friends were exactly what she was referring to in her covert way. He grimaced at the thought of it: three anxious decades, waiting for the demon to appear and claim her revenge. But as time went on, the memory of her would fade into the background of their lives, pushed aside by the neverending concerns of day to day life, new triumphs, new losses and new crises.

Thenwhen they were all in midlifeand she was a distant memory, she would return and strike. A cruel planof course, but by the time Alex saw a half century, he planned to be a much tougher match for this demon.

If he let her live that long.

Hows that for goals? Alexs mental laugh was dark. Probably not what the folk back in Alric imagined for me.

Indeed, striking when unexpected is just good practice, Baelin was saying. Let us seal our pact, then. I shall aid you in the destruction of your rivals, keeping all loot and treasure in the process. You will provide the locations of their strongholds and palaces, as well as their defences. I will destroysay, four of them. Then you will provide me with the information necessary to strike the demon with knowledge of Hannar-Cim. If you do not provide the information within a span of one week and a day of my completing my end of the bargain, then you will be considered in breach of our pact. You also agree to make every conceivable effort to keep yourself, your servants and your allies out of

He used the word Alex didnt know again.

for a period of thirty three years from today.

Four rivals? How generous. I thought you might wish to stop at one, she said.

It is generous to both you and I.

Fair. Those are good general terms. Let us hash out the specifics, shall we?

Then she and Baelin began speaking so quickly, Alex could hardly follow them, only picking up the barest bit of a word here and there. But, from what he could gather, they were creating what sounded like a rather lengthy verbal document that was labyrinthine enough, to make any barrister or magistrate proud.

Sometimes, Baelin would even stop using words and switch to something that sounded like an advanced mathematical proof: a construct of pure logic that sealed the deal from any loopholes or bad faith misinterpretations.

Done, Baelin finally said.

And I. Zonon-In replied. Thenunder the power of this spell and with full knowledge of all boons and penaltiesI seal this pact.

And I seal this pact as well.

A colossal wave of magic shifted in the air like some cosmic giant had taken a step.

Done! The ancient demon and archwizard spoke at the same time.

It has been a pleasure, horned one, she said. I ask that you summon me again in a weeks time. I shall give you the information you need to begin. After that? Take your time. Whats a few extra years to immortals.

No more than a few extra grains of sand to the sand dunes, Baelin said. I shall enjoy speaking to you again, Zonon-In. Farewell for now.

With a wave of his hand, the magic circle flared and the greater demon vanished. Then Baelin snapped his fingers, magical light flared in the chamber, the fireplace roared to life and the dark curtains drew back from the windows, flooding the office with moonlight.

How invigorating! Baelin laughed, his eyes blazing in triumph. Months of searching resolved! This has truly been a glorious evening. Though, Alex, I am quite surprised you did not ask any questions! I had given you the perfect set up to do s

He paused, looking at the young wizard closely.

Are you quite alright? You look positively green.

Alex was still fighting the urge to be sick.