Chapter Two

Bernard Danville allowed his senses to wash over his study. The familiar work space was filled with items of interest to him as well as testaments to his bachelor status. Plant samples littered the same table as the dishes from his last meal, and his recently discarded experiments in galvanic principles were draped in a recently washed set of sheets for his four post bed. Chemical smells competed with the aroma of brewing tea and burning wood. Bernard mused that some might find his life lonely. He preferred to think of it as being free of distraction. Besides, a woman would meddle in his affairs, and that could not be tolerated.

“As silent as a cat despite all that armor, I’m impressed Illian.” Bernard had known as soon as Illian had been informed of his summons, just as he’d known his position as he entered and crossed the room, but Bernard was still impressed by the grace such stealth required. Illian was like a black, armored lion draped in a cloak of menace, and it thrilled Sir Danville to no end that he was playing with such a dangerous pawn.

“What do you want Bernard?” Illian’s voice showed his irritation. Bernard smiled in what he hoped was a friendly manner, his thin lips exposing teeth beneath the blindfold that covered his empty eye sockets.

“Sit and let us talk as friends.” He gestured to the overstuffed chair near him, but Bernard knew that using the word “friends” would chafe Illian’s sensibilities. Illian responded by staying where he was.

Danville sighed and said, "as you wish." He paused a moment, carefully considering his words before continuing. "There's been an awakening in the village of Bentley. You must go and escort the initiate back here for the safety of all concerned."

Illian's dull grey skin crinkled as his milky white eyes narrowed. "Why are you telling me this? Where is the Avatar?"

"Dying", Bernard savored the word as he tossed it into the void between them. "The Counsel shall convene soon to pick his successor. We are in a volatile time Illian. If we don't act to safeguard this initiate, then many will suffer and the initiate will be lost to us."

Danville could tell from the set of Sir Larroset's shoulders that he was softening in his position. Illian had always been a sucker for "The innocent".

"You know the commoners fear me, why must this be me?"

Bernard hid his amusement. The monster actually cared what commoners thought! "You underestimate yourself Illian", Danville smirked, "more than just the commoners fear you! Trust me, if there was another that could do this I would have sent them. You were my only choice."

Although the chainmail veil hid all but Illian's eyes, Bernard could hear the frown. "Not good enough! Why am I the only one?"

Bernard's "gift" was knowledge of EVERYTHING that was occurring around him, no matter how distant. This was coupled with a mind that retained it all in perfect clarity. All the secret sins of the world had been laid bare to him just after his thirteenth birthday, and as he screamed himself hoarse he'd gouged out his own eyes with a spoon. It hadn't helped. The visions continued unabated and eventually Bernard had become their master. As to whether or not he was still strictly sane was open to debate. He prepared the standard speech yet again.

"I tell you what I can without tainting the flow of events. I can't tell you anymore and truly I find this mistrust vexing! Both of us know that you are going so must we really continue this dance?"

Illian stood in quiet indecision for a moment, then whirled on his heel with an irritated snarl. He was gone as quietly as he came, one shadow disappearing into many.