Black wizards - Douglas Niles [122]
"But how can I stop them?" asked the king.
Cyndre's voice whispered persuasively. "With the Scarlet Guard, sire. Send the guard – all four brigades – against Doncastle. Think of it, Your Majesty – the prince, O'Roarke – all of your enemies slain with a single blow!"
"But…" The king groped for an objection. The plan was tempting, but some vestige of responsibility tried to rise through the magical curtain that held him enthralled. Sending the mercenaries against his own people… was wrong! But he was so confused, and now Cyndre's voice, soft and melodious, drew the curtain back across his conscience.
"I have my most trusted lieutenant approaching the town now. We can speak to him, have him work as our agent before the attack begins. Their defenses will be in a shambles by the time we strike!"
"Very well," sighed the king, collapsing onto his huge bed. "Summon your man."
Cyndre smiled, privately, and whispered a soft word. A moment passed, and suddenly another of the black wizards stood in the king's chambers. The monarch sat upright, clapping a hand to his mouth in surprise.
The newcomer was cowled in a dark robe like Cyndre's, but his hood was pushed back to reveal a narrow, bony face with a tight black mustache and beard. His fingers glittered with an array of diamond rings.
"Welcome, Kryphon!" said the wizard.
"Master, our Highness." The mage bowed to each.
"What news do you have?" demanded the king.
"I shall be in Doncastle shortly. I have a guide who has promised to show me the interesting features of his town. He will also point out the important citizens – the magic user and the high cleric, in particular."
"And the defenses?" prodded Cyndre.
"I can prepare a map and bring it to you by tomorrow. Do you wish me to eliminate the outlaw O'Roarke?"
The king looked at Cyndre for advice.
"No," said the master of the council. "It is best that he be left in command for awhile. His removal would open opportunities for someone with more vision to take control."
"Very well, master. I must return quickly, so that my… friend does not discover my absence."
"Make haste then, but report to us tomorrow."
Kryphon nodded silently and pulled his robe over his head. He said a word softly and quickly faded from sight. It seemed to the king that the image of his diamonds remained in the air for several seconds after the mage had gone.
"Sire, this is splendid" said Cyndre. "With this information and Kryphon's sabotage our success is assured!"
"Very well" said King Carrathal, nervously looking away. "We shall send the Scarlet Guard against Doncastle."
"This time," whispered the sorcerer, "there will not be a tree standing when we are through!"
* * * * *
The muscles in Robyn's wings were weak with fatigue, and she found herself gliding often to preserve her strength. Still, her progress was steady. They had passed over much of the farm country of Alaron, and before her now stretched a vast expanse of green leaves – it could only be Dernall Forest.
"Look at all of those lakes! Wouldn't a swim feel good? I think we should land and rest for awhile, and go swimming. Come on, Robyn – we've done enough flying for today!" Newt, who had been silent for nearly a full minute, began chattering again. In answer, Robyn dipped her wings and glided into a shallow dive.
Suddenly the sound of raucous cawing attracted her attention, and she saw hundreds of crows spring into the air from trees around the clearing. Screeching in rage, the black birds darted toward her.
With her druid's knowledge of wild things, she understood their anger. They saw only an eagle, soaring into their nesting grounds – and, like crows everywhere, they took to the air as a flock to chase the interloper away.
Robyn would have to land somewhere else. Wearily, she flapped her wings, trying to climb out of the clearing. She had not fully appreciated her exhaustion, and now she felt the strain as she struggled for height.
With a rising sense of panic, she saw the crows closing rapidly. In moments they swarmed around her, striking