@Aegis: Alright
* * * * *
A few important-looking mages talking to Corellan scuttled out of the room as Magus strolled into the Grand Wizard’s office. Sarak alone remained at his side.
“You!” Sarak growled. “What do you think you’re doing here?”
“I’m here to speak to Corellan. This doesn’t concern you,” Magus replied emotionlessly, staring at him fixedly.
“Why you-“
“Enough, Sarak. You may leave,” Corellan interrupted.
“But Lord Corellan-“
“GO. Attend to your duties and return when Magus leaves.”
“Yes, milord.”
Sarak left reluctantly, brushing against Magus as he passed. Magus ignored him completely, though Void’s eyes flared provocatively. Stopping, an expression of surprise crossed Sarak’s face. But he remained silent, and continuing on, didn’t look back.
“I’m almost curious as to how you managed to coerce Wendel into bringing you here. But I’m sure I wouldn’t enjoy the tale. So then, what brings you barging into our headquarters demanding an audience with me?”
“I want answers, Corellan. I want to know why you’ve targeted the Shadow Thieves for destruction this night,” Magus answered grimly.
“I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re referring to.”
“Do you think I bluff? I’m not accusing you of plotting against the Shadow Thieves; I already know it for a fact. I’m asking why you’d do such a thing. Why do the Cowled Wizards want civil war?”
“Why do we want civil war? Is that what you came all the way here to ask?”
“Yes.” Magus’s face was emotionless.
“First, this won’t be a “civil war.” We know from divination that the Shadow Thieves don’t suspect a thing. It will be over by dawn, their guild utterly destroyed. Second, we didn’t WANT this to happen. Our hand was forced.”
“Forced? By whom?” Magus asked, unconvinced.
“The Shadow Thieves’ murderous appetite knows no bounds. Not happy with the years-long stalemate, they sought to turn the tables by secretly enlisting the Black Helm’s aid. It would start with a couple of minor assassinations. Then one night they would seize control, arresting all of the wizards and razing our headquarters to ground. Swift and merciless, together they would eliminate the Cowled Wizards in one fell swoop.
But now it’s their turn to be annihilated, and at the hands of their own cowardly co-conspirators. We discovered their vile plot, and now they’ll pay with their larcenous hides.”
“One more question.”
“You’re beginning to try my limited patience,” Corellan cautioned, his eyes locking with Magus’s.
“How did you find out about this plot, as you call it?”
“One of our freelance operators warned us. After that, it was simply a matter of interrogation and divination. Now I must ask you to kindly wait within the building until midnight. Word of the attack must not be allowed to reach the Shadow Thieves,” he explained casually.
He snapped his fingers, and several wizards stepped out of dimension doors to form a ring around Magus and Void.
“These men will keep you company til then. You’ll find it in your best interests to cooperate.”
Glancing around at his stern-faced escorts, Magus smiled without warmth. “You forget who you deal with, Grand Wizard,” he replied calmly, a hint of danger in his voice.
Corellan rose. “You can’t fight us all. You can’t escape. What do you intend to accomplish?”
Magus and Corellan stared at each other for a long moment, the tension almost palpable.
“You’ve grown complacent in security, Corellan. Never let appearances deceive.” Suddenly the illusion of Magus vanished, leaving only Void.
-
I wonder; do the Wizards also deceive themselves?-
Before the wizards could react, Void had disappeared through the floor.
* * * * *
Unseen, Magus crept down the stairs going up from the first level and out the door. During the confusion created by the melting wards he had projected an image of himself, remaining invisible on the stairs while his image confronted Corellan. As he crept out the door, he saw someone staring directly down at him from the third floor above. It was Sarak. Sarak nodded, smiling despite himself. Even he had to admit it was a clever trick.
* * * * *
@all: Well, that concludes Magus’s little excursion. Hope that added a little suspense
@craig: You there? You have an important part to play as well
[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: Magus ]
[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: Magus ]