Legacy of the Darksword - Margaret Weis [30]
“Discovering that there were some on Earth who were plotting to travel to Thimhallan and conquer it, Joram returned, bringing the Darksword, to fight those who sought to destroy our people, our way of life. He was betrayed and would have been assassinated, but for another strange twist of fate. Realizing that Earth Forces”—Saryon glanced at General Boris, who was red-faced and extremely uncomfortable—”were winning and that our people were going to be either enslaved or slaughtered, Joram chose to end the war. He plunged the Darksword into the sacred altar, released the magic that was pent up in the Well. The magic flowed back into the universe. The war ended.
“The magical shell that had been cast protectively over Thimhallan was broken. The terrible storms that had once swept the land returned. The people had to be transported to a place of safety, and so they were brought here, to Earth, and placed in relocation camps. Only two remained behind: Joram and his wife, Gwendolyn. Now the most hated man in the universe, Joram knew that his life would be in danger if he ever returned to Earth. He chose to stay alone on Thimhallan, the world he had destroyed, as the Prophecy predicted.”
Saryon’s tale had gone on rather longer than the half hour Kevon Smythe had allowed for this business. He made no motion to interrupt, however, nor even glanced at his timepiece, but sat immovable, completely immersed in the catalyst’s story. King Garald and General Boris, who had lived parts of the story, glanced at their own watches and fidgeted, yet they would not leave Smythe alone with us and so they were forced to sit and wait. Looking outside, I saw their aides speaking into handheld phones, undoubtedly rearranging schedules.
I was just thinking that if they stayed much longer, we would be expected to offer them something to eat and drink, and wondering if there were enough biscuits to go around, when Saryon ended his tale.
“Truly,” said Kevon Smythe, and he appeared to be much affected by the story, “the Darksword is an interesting object. Its properties should be analyzed, to see of what benefit it may be to mankind. I know that several theories have been advanced concerning it. It seems to me important that these theories be tested.
“In one of my corporations, I have a team of scientists—top professionals in their fields—who are even now making preparations to study the weapon. They understand”—Smythe glanced smilingly at the irate King, who was on his feet—”that this artifact is extremely valuable. These scientists would treat it with the utmost respect, removing only small portions as necessary for study. Once the testing was completed, the weapon would be returned to the people formerly of Thimhallan—”
“Like hell you would!” General Boris stood up as well.
King Garald was livid. “Of course, we all know that the testing would never be completed, would it, Smythe? There would always be one more test to perform, one more theory to either support or deny. Meanwhile you would be using the Dark-sword’s power—”
“For good,” said Kevon Smythe quietly, “as opposed to those, such as your black-robed Enforcers, who would use it for evil.”
King Garald’s face muscles contracted and stiffened, so that when he tried to speak, no words would come through his fury. Smythe was able to continue.
“Father, it is your duty as one of the brotherhood of men to persuade Joram of his duty in these troubled and dangerous times. He used the Darksword to destroy. Let him now redeem himself and use it to create. Create a better