Delver Magic I: Sanctum's Breach by Jeff Inlo (read novels website .TXT) 📕

the table. “The emergence of the sphere from Sanctum seems to be a certain fact. In our travel, I noticed signs I could not ignore. It is also difficult not to simply sense the change in the air itself. Establishing that the sphere is free from its prison means we all, every race, now face a great dilemma. The sphere must be dealt with. If the only alternatives are destroying the sphere or facing extinction, I would have to agree that the sphere must be destroyed. However, if it is my brother’s contention that other possibilities exist, I would suggest we seek them out and weigh their worth as well.”

Mappel found little encouragement in Jon’s carefully weighted response. Why could they not understand that Shayed had stated there was no other option? He wondered how long they might debate the issue before accepting this one undeniable fact. Such a thought brought another concern, one he was willing to share with the hesitant dwarves.

“I will remind you that while time has not yet become a factor, it may yet have its relevance. The taint of poison will eventually cause greater sickness in my people as well as other races as it attunes to them.”

If not a deaf ear, Tun Folarok turned an apathetic one towards Mappel’s concern. “Unless the enemy is at your gate, there is always time to ponder the alternatives.”

“Then let us hear some of these alternatives!” Lief demanded emotionally. “Your brother has admitted the sphere is free, admits something must be done, but offers no option. What of you? What else can be done?”

“Close the fissure,” Tun said bluntly, in blatant rebuff of Lief’s outburst.

Mappel interceded and attempted to bring a calm tone back to the debate. “According to Shayed, the sphere will break free again. You must remember that the sphere has gained an awareness of its burial. Enclosing the sphere is no longer a viable solution.”

“Maybe Shayed is mistaken,” Tun argued still glaring at Lief. “How will we know that simply closing the fissure in the mountain won’t suffice unless we try it? If it was nothing more than a natural occurrence which broke the mountain side, sealing it would solve the problem. The sphere would remain buried and we would all return to our normal lives. Would anything be lost in trying?”

“Time,” Mappel replied.

“Time may be gained as well. The truth is we have no way of knowing. You are worried about the poison flowing freely over the land. Sealing the fissure would end that, at least temporarily, perhaps permanently. Once the opening is sealed, you could station guards at Sanctum to watch for changes. If you so wish, we could continue these talks after the fissure is closed in order to discuss how to deal with such matters in the future. If the energy breaks free again, we will know that the attempt failed, but we will be better prepared for other options. If the sphere needs to be destroyed, at least we will know we tried other alternatives first.”

“And what if the sphere grows stronger in this time? What if the chance to destroy it fades as we wait outside?”

“Is that a fact or an assumption?”

“It is an assumption based on fact. The sphere has obviously grown strong enough to break free this time. A power it did not have when it was first buried. That in itself allows me to conclude that it is growing stronger as time passes. I also return to the words of Shayed. She has stated that the sphere is gaining a greater consciousness of its surroundings. At this time, it may not know we are aware of its freedom and wish to end its threat to the land. That would be a distinct advantage if we were to make an assault upon Sanctum. If, however, our first attempt is to simply re-bury the sphere, it may consider us a threat in the future. The sphere has great power. If it wishes, it could block us from ever coming close again. We must make our first attempt a successful one. There is no room for trial and error.”

Tun shook his head strenuously. “That is simply more conjecture on your part. Again, I do not wish to sound as if I’m questioning Shayed. In respect for her contribution to all the races, I would not do such a thing. I will, however, question your interpretation of all these events. You are making a large assumption when you state that the sphere may block us from entering Sanctum if our first attempt is to close the fissure.”

Lief spoke again, this time with greater control. “Do you know how difficult it would be to close that opening? I saw it. Not only is it protected by an invisible barrier, Sanctum is a mountain of solid rock. This is no mound of dirt or loose gravel. Once granite is broken, you can’t simply stick it back together. The only thing you could possibly do is fill the opening up with loose debris. What will that accomplish? If the sphere has the power to break through solid rock, it will surely brush away loose dirt.”

Tun grimaced. His face became flushed, but he too maintained a semblance of control. “First, I am not yet convinced the fissure was caused by the sphere. In fact, I find that difficult to believe. I will grant that natural tremors are rare for the area of Sanctum’s base, but it is not an impossibility. This may be nothing more than a once in a millennium occurrence. It may never happen again, ever. Second, I will thank you not to tell dwarves about their greatest talents. You speak to me as if I know nothing about rock and dirt. I know more now than you could learn in a dozen of your lifetimes, and I know how long elves live. My brother is far more interested in these aspects, so I will let him answer if it is possible to seal the fissure giving it far greater strength than it had before the quake even occurred.”

Jon blinked but did not hesitate in answering. While he found little encouragement in the subject matter of the sphere, speaking of reconstructing Sanctum allowed him a topic of comfort. “I believe that any fissure can be sealed effectively. And yes, the structural integrity can be reinforced to maintain greater stress. As for the seams, they can be sealed to a point where not even an expert builder could locate them. As for the time …” he hesitated as he put a hand to his chin. His gaze coursed the ceiling as he made calculations in his head. “With skilled dwarves, I doubt time would be a factor at all. If I had a look at the fissure, I would be able to give an accurate estimate.”

“Then, maybe that is our first step.” Tun took back the reins of the conversation. “Escort us to Sanctum. Let us look for ourselves.”

“That may be a mistake,” Mappel dictated with tenacity. “Countless approaches to Sanctum may give warning to the sphere. I do not think we can afford to lose the advantage of surprise.”

“You speak as if the sphere is capable of thought,” Tun replied almost mockingly.

The flippant tone of the remark was too much for the elder elf to accept. “It is!” Mappel said with his frustration finally becoming apparent. “I will continue to point to the words of Shayed until this ceiling falls upon your stubborn head. We can not re-entomb the sphere. That course of action is no longer available to us. In her own words, she stated the sphere must be destroyed. And she also stated that it now has an awareness. It also has the ability to react, although again by Shayed’s admission, its reactions are slow. We must take advantage of that. Wasted efforts of examining the fissure or closing the fissure can not, will not, be tolerated. I will send an army of elves to be slaughtered in Sanctum to destroy the sphere before I allow you to approach the mountain.”

Stephen Clarin stood up from the bench before Tun could respond angrily. “Do not drive us all apart,” he stated with an emotional plea. Tears filled his eyes even as a smile grew upon his lips. His face glowed with an inner joy as if his soul was touched by singing angels.

His sudden outburst brought the attention of the others upon him. He took the time to look in each of their faces, all the while he appeared as if listening to some far away voice. The glow about him grew in its radiance. His smile deepened, a smile of a prophet touched by God. He could not tremble for such was the power in the revelation before him. It strengthened him, doubled and redoubled his faith. He held his shoulders as broad and erect as the dwarf prince. When he continued to speak, determination as well as bliss accented each word. “These are the two dwarves I see entering Sanctum. They will enter with others. I will be there, Lief Woodson will be there and another elf. I see the name of Ryson Acumen and four others as well. I can not yet identify them, but they will be there. We will enter Sanctum as instructed by Shayed, enter with the will and the desire to destroy the sphere.”

Silence filled the chamber. Even Tun held his tongue as he examined the interpreter with a perplexed expression. Indeed, all eyes were now upon Stephen. The joyous glow surrounded them all now and removed the anger and frustration from each. Mappel found his voice first.

“You did not speak of this when you first told me of your visions.”

“Godson did not make it clear to me until this moment,” Stephen responded. “When the two princes entered this room, the vision began to clear in the back of my mind. I tried to listen to the conversation, but Godson’s word would not be denied. The more I tried to concentrate on what was being said, the clearer the picture became. I will be involved as will the others I spoke of, including Tun and Jon Folarok.”

“What is this?” Tun asked with only curiosity toning his words. He showed no anger or irritation at the assumptions of the interpreter.

It was Matthew who responded. “He is graced by Godson, Tun Folarok. He has been given the gift of foresight as well as insight. He has revealed the secrets of the prophecies of Godson to us. He is now proving to be a prophet as well.”

Tun said nothing. He simply stared at Stephen in wordless wonder. The interpreter stood with such an expression of pure enlightenment, he doubted anyone could question anything he said.

Stephen returned the look with tears now rolling down his face. He spoke with a gentle voice. “I don’t expect you to lose your doubts with this revelation, although I have lost mine. It is the will of Godson you will be convinced, I will simply let it happen. Hold to your doubts as long as you wish, in the end, you will see the truth.”

A response came from across the table but not from the dwarf.

“You’re telling him to continue to argue the point even after what you have seen?” Mappel asked with great surprise.

“He may do as he wishes. I have faith that all will be as I have seen.”

Tun finally found his voice. He spoke to the interpreter allowing the greatest degree of respect yet shown. “You puzzle me interpreter. I almost would like to think this is some kind of trick, but for some reason I see in your face that it is not. I know of Godson and the power he has over his followers