Page 26 of Killian
“I suppose that depends upon what the letter says,” Killian mused, setting aside his disappointment and sadness regarding his lost matebond.
A furious Grand Warlock marched in with several other leaders and his familiar. At the rear of the group were Chander’s sentinels, and they quickly dragged chairs to sit behind the Arch Lich. The Council had long ago given up the idea of suggesting Chander attend without guards. Instead of the small room up the stairs, Kaeden held their meetings in the Great Hall. He preferred the informality of the space and the proximity to the kitchen as the Grand Warlock had an endless appetite.
“Another village razed to the ground at the hands of dragons,” Kaedan growled. “Families dead and their corpses still lit aflame. To think I used to idolize these beasts.”
With a deep sigh, Killian begged Fate to care for the lost on their journey across the veil separating life and death. “How many dead?”
“Three dozen,” Grand Warlock Familiar Renny Leolinnia replied, his blue gaze tortured. “A mixture of wizards, warlocks, and a single necromancer family living in a once-prosperous village.”
Thanks to the cooperation and friendship of Council leaders, it was rare to find villages of a single race anymore, and the lives of everyone were better for it. Or they would be if the dragons didn’t insist on seeking them out and destroying everything in their wake.
“We had a request from the village to search for druids willing to join them. Their past harvest was less than ideal, and they wanted a prosperous future,” Saura lamented. Afterher sons had assumed their thrones, Kaedan had created new titles for his parents, and the Grand Sages remained as trusted Council leaders and advisors to everyone. “I had plans to discuss it with Aloisa later today. She is so wonderful at matching families to villages.”
“She will take the loss hard,” Killian said. “I am sorry for the destruction of the village.”
“Dragon fire lighting up the sky while innocents slept,” Kaedan snarled. “Oh, the magick I would use to end them if they were brave enough to own up to their evil. Instead, they skulk back into caves and castles, spreading their hatred of magickind, though they understandnothingof us.”
“We will have a dance tonight,” Egidius commented. “Light pyres, sing laments, and fill the air with magick.”
“We must do more,” Kaedan insisted. “I propose a monthly dance. Killian, I want no one to lack for food again.”
“My magick is plentiful enough. Find me a spell or potion to make my fruits and vegetables last as long as they are needed; I can provide enough for everyone.”
Saura clapped her hands together. “We can do better than that. Let us make it a monthly celebration of magick. To ensure it’s plentiful enough that even the weakest among us can borrow a bit of power to cast what they will.”
“Think you that is possible?” Renny asked.
“It will at least work enough for familiars like yourself,” Kariston replied.
“If it aids a single person, it is reason enough to do it,” Egidius said. “Jael and I will work on potions to aid with common complaints. Kaedan, can you find a spell to prolong Killian’s labors?”
“With Renny’s help, I can do anything,” Kaedan responded. “Consider it done.”
“What would you ask of us dark sorcerers?” Kariston asked. Like his father, Kariston had chosen the dark path of magick in the same week he’d taken over as Grand Summoner.
“Well, I can summon enough skeletons to distribute that food at the dance,” Chander mused.
“Brilliant, it will allow everyone to focus on revelry instead of chores,” T’Eirick replied.
“We will need to coordinate requests for certain foods,” Renny said.
“Are you volunteering for the project?” Jurdann asked.
“I would be honored to do it,” Renny answered.
“My mages will give you rain and gentle winds to aid you, Killian,” Jurdann offered.
“Much obliged,” Killian said, invigorated by the idea of stretching his magick far enough to feed an entire Council. He was eager to push himself to the very limits of what it meant to be a druid, and he welcomed any challenge.
“Your ignis mages can be useful for fires to keep us warm and cook meals if that is wanted,” T’Eirick suggested.
“I welcome earth mages to flatten the land for my use,” Killian said. “They can return it to its natural beauty after the dance.”
“What of our dear dark warlocks?” Saura asked.
“Allow us to offer a gift not limited to dark magick,” Kariston responded. “Scrying is a gift many wish for, and perhaps Fate will offer some clues to the future of those curious souls.”
“Wonderful idea,” T’Eirick told his son. “One I am happy to perform.”
