Legacy of the Darksword - Margaret Weis [142]
Saryon charms the dragon, who swears its loyalty to him. Saryon leaves the Darksword with the Dragon of Night, telling it that it should give the sword only to himself or the heir of Joram, Eliza. Bound by the charm, the dragon agrees. Saryon returns to Zith-el, continues to live there with his adopted children, Eliza and Reuven.
Smythe was going to put Prince Garald to death, but foreseeing his doom, the Prince fled Sharakan before the soldiers could capture him. He and his followers hid out in the Outlands, always on the run from the Technomancers. Garald dreams of driving Smythe from Thimhallan, but without magic, there is little he can do against the powerful Technomancers.
At this juncture Simkin returns from his travels to Earth. Garald accuses Simkin of betraying Joram and orders him put to death.
Simkin bargains for his life. He knows of a source of magic, if Garald is interested.
The Well of Life is sealed, but Simkin reveals that there is a tap, used by Smythe and his people to renew their own magic. In a daring raid, Prince Garald, his friend James Boris, Mosiah, and their knights steal into the Well and, following a swift, bitter battle, unseal the Well.
Magic is once again released into Thimhallan. Garald forces Smythe and his Technomancers to retreat to Earth.
Garald’s one worry is the Darksword. He knows that Smythe is searching for it and fears that if the Technomancers find it, they will use it to once more rule the world. Garald believes that Saryon knows where the Darksword is hidden. He finds Saryon and his wards—Reuven and Eliza. Garald is struck by Eliza’s beauty and guesses her parentage. Saryon reveals her true identity. Garald asks about the Darksword. Saryon is evasive.
Garald puts Joram’s daughter, Eliza, on the throne of Merilon. Merilon and Sharakan are allies. Bishop Vanya has died. Cardinal Radisovik has been made Bishop and he decrees that Father Saryon should be Eliza’s adviser until she comes of age. Father Saryon accepts this task reluctantly, thinking himself un-suited. He leaves Reuven behind at the Font, in training as a catalyst.
Magic is restored, but it is weak. Though the barrier surrounding Thimhallan is rebuilt, magic is found to be seeping out of it and there doesn’t appear to be anything anyone can do to stop it.
The people live on a combination of sorcery and steel. The Duuk-tsarith are the wizards, they being the ones with the most power left in magic. Prince Garald trains more knights to guard the realm.
Times are difficult. Though at first Garald was viewed as a savior, he has come to be reviled. Smythe, in exile on Earth, has his followers upon Thimhallan and they foment unrest among the lower classes, foretelling the coming of the end of the world unless Smythe is permitted to return to save it.
The Hch’nyv have attacked outposts and are closing in on Earth. Smythe is secretly plotting with the Hch’nyv, agreeing to give them Earth if he is given Thimhallan. The Hch’nyv have no intention of honoring the agreement, planning to kill Smythe as soon as he hands over the Darksword, which their own Diviners have warned them means ultimate defeat.
Taking the form of an angel, Scylla appears to Bishop Radisovik and warns him of a great doom coming to all peoples on Earth and Thimhallan. The Darksword must be taken to the tomb of Merlyn and this must be done by Joram’s descendant, Queen Eliza. Radisovik informs King Garald. At the same time a messenger arrives from General Boris, telling of the Hch’nyv’s approach. Garald is convinced of its truth.
Garald sends the Duuk-tsarith for Father Saryon. Garald explains their desperate situation and begs Saryon to reveal the location of the Darksword. Saryon at length agrees, but he will give it into the hands only of the heir. Garald gives his word of honor that this will happen.
More and more people are being drawn under Smythe’s sway. Mobs roam the countryside. Eliza, guarded by her knights, travels to Zith-el. On the way, the