Page 71 of Sundered By Fate

Sylas's lips drew into a thin line. "These are grave accusations, Master Solarian. Do you have any proof?"

"I have observed it firsthand," Aric said. "When I was a captive of the demons' armies. And I watched it carve through the demonic assault on Brenville—and harm the human forces almost as cruelly."

Sylas's eyes narrowed; Diviandra shifted uneasily in her chair.

"Master Solarian, while I appreciate your observations, we must remain pragmatic in these perilous times." Diviandra's voice was honeyed steel. "The weapon is our best chance at ending this war quickly. These disturbances are a necessary side effect of a crucial tool in our arsenal."

"Perhaps," Aric conceded, "but at what cost? If these anomalies continue to escalate, they could tear apart reality itself. We must halt its use until we can devise a way to contain the side effects."

Diviandra's lips thinned. "These anomalies are temporary. We can mitigate them once the weapon has served its purpose and the demons are vanquished. But we cannot afford to hold back now, when victory is so tantalizingly close."

Aric took a steadying breath, his frustration clawing at him. "High Mage, I fear they are far from temporary. The longer the weapon is used unchecked, the more entrenched these disturbances become. There may be lasting consequences—ones we cannot fully predict."

"I understand your caution, Master Solarian." Diviandra folded her hands neatly before her. "But you must recognize that we're in the midst of a war unlike any we've faced before. We need every advantage we can muster."

Aric's jaw clenched. "And what if that advantage comes at the cost of our entire reality? We've seen the damage it can do firsthand."

"As have I," Davin cut in, his voice sharper than Aric had expected. "The anomalies don't just disrupt magic. They've caused physical damage to structures, and even injuries to people. Thornhaven was nearly destroyed by one."

Sylas leaned forward, his gaze intent. "These disruptions you're describing . . . How frequent are they?"

"Far too frequent," Davin replied grimly. "And growing worse by the day."

"We're aware of their increase," Diviandra said briskly, "but I assure you, steps are being taken to investigate the cause and find a solution."

Aric shook his head, frustration bubbling over. "Investigating isn't enough! We need to halt the weapon's use until we understand the full extent of its effects."

The debate reached a fever pitch, and Aric sensed Sylas's temper fraying. But instead of lashing out, Sylas took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto Aric's. "Perhaps," he said slowly, "Master Solarian and Master Lyantros have a point."

Diviandra's head snapped up, her expression thunderous. "Lorekeeper Sylas?—"

"There are ancient texts," Sylas continued, his voice gaining strength, "that warn of similar magical disturbances when powerful artifacts are misused. We cannot afford to dismiss these warnings lightly."

Diviandra's lips thinned to a razor's edge. "We are well aware of those texts, Lorekeeper. But they are precisely why we must press forward with our current course."

"At the cost of unraveling reality itself?" Sylas challenged.

Aric seized the moment, his heart racing. "Lorekeeper, if I may—your expertise in magical lore is unmatched. Surely you understand the importance of caution in matters like this."

Sylas held his gaze, his eyes searching. "Yes," he said finally. "Yes, I do."

Diviandra's eyes were hard, merciless. "I'm afraid my decision is final." She rose to her full height, a towering presence. "The weapon will be deployed as planned. We cannot afford further delays. Your concerns, while noted, are misguided at best, and potentially treasonous at worst."

Aric bristled at the accusation, but bit back his anger. He'd known it was a risk coming here, but it still stung to hear her dismiss his fears so cavalierly.

"I sympathize with all you've endured as a prisoner," Diviandra continued, "and I have deep respect for your studies under Olaya. But I will not tolerate insubordination when we are faced with such grave matters." She shifted to Sylas, her voice softening slightly. "Lorekeeper, if you wish to look into this further, you have my permission. But we cannot stop our offensive now."

Aric's jaw clenched as he tried to muster one final plea. "High Mage, please—I'm begging you. The consequences could be catastrophic. We must take this seriously before it's too late."

But Diviandra only shook her head, already turning away. "Enough. You are dismissed from the Tower until further notice.If you or Master Lyantros interfere with this matter again, there will be consequences."

With that, she swept from the room in a whirl of silver robes, leaving Aric seething with impotent fury. How could they be so blind? So determined to press forward no matter the cost?

Sylas stood as well, looking torn. "Aric—I do believe you. I will do what I can?—"

"It's too late," Aric said bitterly.

Sylas hesitated before laying a bony hand on Aric's arm. "Do not give up hope just yet, young one. The threads of fate are woven in strange ways."

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