ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Turn Of The Wheel

by Ellianora

Rating: this tale would be gen/alt/uber

Disclaimer: The characters are of my own creation an as such my property. Even though the two main women resemble a pair we all know and love they do have some differences.

Violence: The story does contain violence and some of it can be quite graphic so be warned.

Sex: Not too much here only a little hugging and kissing. A developing relationship between a person who is attempting to discover who she is and one who is hesitant to trust another with their heart and soul

Feedback: I have been working on this project for sometime and any comments would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank Trisha and Lesley for their time and patience in reading my work and putting up with my artistic tantrums.:)

Chapter 19

The following day passed quietly for the companions. It had been sometime since they had slept so comfortably or enjoyed such pampering like they received from the grateful Gehron. One adept by the name of Rathen was particularly attendant. He even offered to give Terrell a complete tour of the massive library of the academy. This actually seemed to spark life back into the priest much to the relief of Zafrina and the rest.

They later learned Gehron was quite proud of the young mage who had proven to be very devoted to his studies. Gehron had chosen to admit him to the academy personally, deciding to wave the rather hefty donation normally given by those wishing admittance.

"The arts," Gehron stated proudly, " should not just be for the privileged few, any willing to put forth the effort should be allowed to learn." Rathen was his prime example of this philosophy.

Despite the glowing praise, Venom found herself distrusting the young adept, there was something about Rathen that didn't seem quite right to her. Ellie felt the same uneasiness concerning the young man. He reminded her of a snake waiting for a snake to strike. Nonetheless, his generous suggestion did have a positive effect on Terrell. That was all that mattered for now.

It was difficult to say which one of them first suggested leaving the confines of the academy to enjoy a night at one of the local taverns. All save Terrell were very much in favor of the idea, especially Gasqule, who was becoming increasingly at ease with the fairer sex. They all knew soon they would be on the road again, searching for the artifacts to vanquish Kahn before he had chance to make good on his threat. However, for tonight at least, they would forget their current predicament and enjoy an evening of carousing.

It was close to dusk when the band exited the gate of the academy. Zafrina was dragging a reluctant Terrell in tow.

" Come on," she urged the young priest, " a bit of fun might do you some good."

" I may find as much enjoyment within the confines of library," Terrell argued.

" Humor her, " Ellie chided, " it will make it easier for us all, we all know easy going our great mage is, especially since she had practically every adept in the hall fawning over her."

" Can't help it if they recognize talent," Zafrina countered, " you're just jealous because no one as asked you to sing, small wonder."

" I thought we were out to enjoy ourselves," Gasqule remarked nonchalantly, "with music and song."

" They are," Venom said with slight grin, " if these two couldn't argue they'd probably drop over dead." Ellie playfully attempted to jab Venom in the ribs in response to her remark. She grimaced in pain upon striking the rock hard side of her companion.

" Not a wise move," Venom laughed.

" Not really fair," Ellie pouted, rubbing her throbbing elbow."

" Life isn't fair," Venom said placing her arm around her companion's shoulder drawing her closer. " So where are we going?"

" There is a tavern close by the name of the Masqued Lady," Ellie replied. "A nice establishment. I've visited there a couple of times."

" Nice name," Gasqule observed.

" You would think so," snapped Zafrina, "since that night at the feast you have been incorrigible."

The group continued to talk among themselves in the same friendly manner till they reached the tavern. The drinks here were expensive but they were on a tab from the academy. Gehron had insisted on that much at least to repay them for rescuing the recuperating Orisa. The friends continued to enjoy their night of carousing and laughter. Ellie even attempted a few notes of a song much to the dismay of Zafrina, who covered her ears.

" Well as I live a breath, Eliannora Bladedancer," Ellie heard a deep base voice echo from behind her. The voice sent a cold chill running up and down her spine. It was impossible. None of the guild members frequented this particular tavern. She had taken steps to choose a tavern avoided by the local guild members.

Eliannora turned around, as if she was constructed of ice her self seeing the toothy grin of a short stout dwarf with a long black bead and long wild hair. His bulbous nose and brown eyes peeked out of the mass of hair on his face and head.

" You must be mistaken sir," Ellie said in a faltering tone, as a hush fell suddenly over the group, like the quiet of a tomb.

" Eliannora Bladedancer of Weston, lovely blonde hair and soulful violet eyes," the dwarf said cheerfully, " I don't think so. Last I heard some mage hired you to dupe a dull witted warrior type to do his bidding in Madwand." The color washed out of Ellie's face as the condemning words of the dwarf resounded in her ears. She could feel the entire room crashing in on her.

Eliannora stared hard at her accuser. He was Cright of the thieves Guild, the greedy dwarf had been sent here for the express purpose of exposing her as a liar and a fraud. The dwarf normally never frequented this tavern. The payment for this betrayal was high to risk being recognized by the more upstanding citizenry. Then again, whoever said there was honor among rogues.

" Well anyway got to go, " he said turning to leave, the dwarf had carried out his part, " be seeing you, take care."

Ellie swallowed hard, turning to face her friends. She could feel Venom's ice blue eye's burning into her heart. The young half-elf had rarely known such a feeling of dread.

" What is this all about," Venom demanded, " and who was this dull witted warrior you were suppose to dupe?"

She thought briefly of a clever fib she could use to extricate herself out of this tight situation, like she had done so many times before in the past. Though, as she looked into the cold ice blue eyes of her companion glaring at her accusingly, Ellie realized resignedly that was not an option, not anymore.

" My full name is Eliannora Bladedancer, I've seen thirty-two plantings " she began in a halting voice, " and no I am not a minstrel," she said offering Zafrina a weak smile.

" That's not much of a revelation, " Zafrina quipped offering a slight glance of consolation to the shaking half-elf. Venom's head swiveled back shooting the young mage a hard cold stare, warning her this was not the time for lighthearted banter.

" Go on," Venom said in a cold even tone.

" I guess the best way to describe my profession is as rogue, not quite a thief more of a spy," Ellie continued. " I am usually hired to uncover information, plans and such, occasionally create dissension if necessary among opposing forces."

" So you're a spy and rogue," Venom stated folding her arms like a judge passing a verdict, " I take it you weren't in Madwand by accident."

" No," Ellie said hanging her head like a convicted felon. " A mage by the name of Primerian contacted me and said he had a assignment, high pay low risk. It seems he had gotten wind that a nefarious villain was planning on murdering him, had sort of set it up actually. He was going to lure her into a trap." Ellie said pointing a half raised hand towards Venom. " My job was easy, he was going to cast a selective mind wipe on her then toss her stumbling out in the streets before she could recover. I was supposed to find her wandering aimlessly and direct this person towards the targets the mage would name later. Odds were good she wouldn't survive."

" So what happened? "Venom demanded." I assume I was to be the weapon this mage Primerian wanted aimed like an arrow shaft mindlessly towards his objective."

Ellie could only nod mutely confirming Venom's words. " The mage didn't count on our small but bold priest coming to your rescue, he got there before I could."

" Good thing too," Venom added curtly, " or else you and this mage would have succeeded in your plan."

" I don't work for him anymore," Ellie said weakly.

" I can understand that you seem to have failed this job. I would fire you too," Venom said, her cruel words biting into Ellie like the sharpest of swords. " So you knew all about what happened," Venom said taking a step forward, " you knew about all of this, you lied to me, to all of us," she paused slightly, " about everything."

" I am sorry," Ellie begged, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Venom pulled back her fist, the emotions was churning in her as she shifted between rage and pain. Ellie stared unblinking, her violet eyes red rimmed. Venom's trembling fist was suspended in mid-air as she bore those cold ice blue eyes into her companion.

Finally, Venom opened her fist as her strong hand descended down upon Ellie, slapping the half elf across the face with enough force to spin her completely around once before she collapsed down on the hard tavern floor. Eliannora's entire body was numb. She didn't feel the sting upon her reddening cheek, as she remained sprawled out on the floor.

Venom's body was shaking has she stared down at the one person, the first person she could recollect she had ever trusted, a professional liar and a thief. Venom spun about, storming out of the tavern without uttering another word, her flowing crimson cloak billowing behind her.

Zafrina crept up to the half-elf thief, apparently still dazed by the shock of the encounter. Ellie roughly shoved her away as she leaned down to help her off the floor. Ellie leaped from the cold floor dashing off into the dark night, her cheeks still streaked with tears.

" We must do something," Gasqule commented solemnly, breaking the awkward silence, " we can't afford to have anything stop us now."

" You are correct there," Gasqule heard a strong authoritative voice issue from the entrance of the tavern. A voice he knew to belong to his father, Lord Quinell Cormier.

Lord Cormier stood in the portal of the doorway, his designer plate gleaming even in this dull-lighted room. Though his face showed the ravages of time, his muscles and eyes did not. They still marked him as one who was skilled in combat, a leader of men

" Most of our order would be disbanded for your conduct," the elder Cormier reprimanded his youngest entering the room, " not only didn't you carry out your mission. Here you are associating with several people of questionable reputations, not to mention one who is wanted for more murders and atrocities then most can count to."

" There were extenuating circumstances, " Gasqule argued," I am sorry sir if you feel I've brought dishonor on our house but I only did what I thought right."

" Disobeying orders was right?" Quinell Cormier exclaimed.
" Though since my short arrival here via temple teleport I have heard many stories of your exploits along with this Venom person, but that doesn't excuse her crimes."

" I realize that sir," Gasqule said dutifully, " and we had full intent of returning to Sidanthra after taking care of one small matter."

" I suppose Venom was just going to turn herself in for execution," Lord Cormier shot back sarcastically.

" As a matter of fact yes," Gasqule answered, " she gave me her word."

" And you believed her?"

" Yes." This was Gasqule's only reply to his father's query.

The elder Cormier paused slightly at the conviction of his youngest son. He had always believed his son had the makings for a fine knight, as did Countess Fyre. She had suggested Quinell give the family heirloom to him rather then his brother. Through the years, he had known his son to be naive concerning the realities of battle and combat. Now though, he could see something more, something different.

"I am a fair man," Quinell said finally, " I shall give you a chance to convince me about the wisdom of your decisions. I understand you are staying at the academy, it has been quite sometime since I have visited with Gehron."

" You have never been anything else but fair," Gasqule said admiringly, " we will go to the academy, then I shall explain to you what has transpired these past weeks and what I know of this Venom as she is now."

The elder nodded in agreement, turning abruptly leaving, Gasqule barely a chance to say brief farewell to his two friends. " Find Ellie and Venom," he said hurriedly, " talk to them." Gasqule then Raced to catch up with his father, who was already well on his way to the academy.

" Well," Terrell said, rising to his feet, " I believe this night's festivities to be at an end I shall take my leave as well."

" Not so fast friend," Zafrina said sharply behind the retreating priest, get back here we've got a few things to discuss. Now seems like as good a time as any, probably better then most."

" I fail to comprehend what you feel we must discuss so urgently," Terrell said innocently, " we both felt there was much more to our half-elf companion then there appears on the surface."

" That's not what I am talking about," Zafrina said rolling her eyes in frustration, " since we left the castle you've been extremely quiet and withdrawn. We've all noticed it," she added, " but most felt it was best to let you work it out on your own. You being the most levelheaded would inform us in your own good time. But now," She said waving her arms to emphasize her point, "we don't have that luxury."

" I am still unable to fully garner your full intent," Terrell said in a faltering voice.

" Come on," Zafrina snapped, " what happened at the castle that unnerved you so? I know you enough by now to know when something is wrong."

The young priest looked at the delicate face of the silver elf mage, she knew him probably better then any he had ever met. They both understood their own barriers keeping themselves safe from the world, which had proven repeatedly harsh and cruel. Terrell had always believed in logic and reason. The one time he had let passion rule had brought him to this juncture.

" I killed the man," Terrell confessed averting his eyes away, " he made me promise to save him. I said I would. I lied."

" He would have killed us, " Zafrina said sympathetically, gently taking the young priest's hand in her own, " you had no choice. I wish to the gods it were not you that had been forced in that position but it had to be done. We gave him a chance before and he betrayed us."

" I know," Terrell said as a single tear trickling down his cheek, " I've turned that rationale many times over in my head. If that was truly the reason for my actions I could possibly be vindicated for the subterfuge."

" Then what?" Zafrina insisted, " tell me please don't carry this weight inside you."

Terrell turned looking deep into the violet saucer eyes filled with compassion. " I executed the mage as an act of barbaric revenge. When I viewed his visage all I could discern was the torture the fiend had forced you to endure." the young priest took a deep breath, " I desired nothing less then the death for that twisted poor poltroon."

This took Zafrina completely by surprise. She had never in all her formative years and those on the road have another really care about her. Terrell had executed the man to avenge the wrongs done to her. Her own limited ability in dealing with true emotions caused her head shortly to spin, barely able to believe anyone would be so incensed at the thought of her mistreatment.

" Listen," she said tenderly, stroking his damp cheek, " I appreciate you feeling so strongly about this, but you must understand. I would prefer to endure that degradation all over again, rather then see you suffer like this. You killed him, regardless of the reason he needed to die."

" I executed him," Terrell said touching the elf's hand on his face, " that makes me a killer."

" You acted impulsively," Zafrina, countered, " you regret it now, it makes you no different, Then Venom, or Ellie or me. We've all done things we regret, even Gasqule, I would imagine, but we keep trying. We'll continue to do so till we get it right."

" You really are quite wise," Terrell said admiringly.

" Don't let that get around," Zafrina said with a half-smile, " it could ruin my reputation.

The two embraced each other. Then suddenly broke apart just as quickly, turning away from each other.

" Well I suppose since we have settled this matter," Terrell said nervously, " we should ponder on how we may rectify the situation within our little group as effectively and timely as possible."

" True, " Zafrina replied, the same nervous timber in her voice, " perhaps you should see if you could locate those items that can destroy Sherrit Kahn. If we get those, we should be able to convince Lord Cormier to allow Venom to remain free for a short time at least. I've never known a knight who could pass up a quest to slay evil."

" That would be a logical step, " Terrell agreed, the pair swiftly leaving the tavern. " Yet, with two of our members so highly distraught such an endeavor would be difficult to say the least."

" Agreed," Zafrina concurred," we'll get Rathen to help you with the research that should speed it along, while I set off in search of Ellie. I've visited this city before, I've got a good idea where she may have headed."

" Please be careful," Terrell said with more then a little of concern.

" Don't worry about me," Zafrina said as they passed by the guards into the hall, " I grew up in Archeon Cess district. The worst area here is tame by comparison."

Upon entering the academy, they learned Venom had marched through the gate straight to her quarters, slamming the door hard behind her. Gasqule and his father had arrived later. After some necessary pleasantries to Gehron, the elder Cormier had retired to a private study with his youngest son to talk on this matter.

Terrell managed to locate Rathen who was eager to aid him in his research. Zafrina departed back out into the streets in search of Ellie who had yet to return while Terrell and his new aid began delving into the large volume of material on magiks held at the hall,

Gehron sensed the presence in his study before his visitor had a chance to speak. One of the abilities of mages of his skill was the ability sense when another powerful mage was near. " I have been expecting you," Gehron said in a stern tone, not bothering to glance up from the scroll he had been studying.

" Really," Primerian said with a dramatic sweep of his massive purple cloak. The elderly gentleman appeared in front of the desk, " I told you I would find a way to free Orisa from the clutches of that madman without requiring a full out magikal assault."

" True," Gehron admitted, glancing up at the stern face of the arch-mage, " but you didn't count on it involving your own daughter." The sudden revelation caught Primerian unawares. He stood dumbstruck, unable to respond. " By the way," Gehron said, resting his arms on the desk. " Would you please drop the human facade, I prefer to deal with people and things as they truly are."

" How did you know?" the mage in Purple queried while his image shifted from those of the stern aged human to the royal visage and stature of an elder silver elf."

" It wasn't difficult Zarlorn," Gehron said using the elf arch-mages true name, " with her raw talent, who else could she be but the offspring of you and Xaivia. May Mathyr bless her spirited soul. I told you sending her away was an error, she has her mother strength."

" I did what I thought was right," Zarlorn argued defensively."

" For who," Gehron said scornfully, " like you thought it was right to manipulate two people. Your plan was to use mind manipulating magiks and a little spy to destroy Demarian and perhaps even Sherrit Kahn."

"It went completely awry," Zarlorn, confessed, " not only did Venom manage to avoid my trap, when she broke in she also stole the helmet and gauntlet of the Golden knight. None of this as turned out the way I planned."

The revelation caused the Gehron's face to crease in a slight smile. " So Venom has been able to surprise you as well, it seems you underestimated those you were using."

" Venom was a murderous butcher and the half-elf was little more then a talented sneak thief," Zarlorn shot back," Iamoore would not miss the likes of them if they failed."

" Still," Gehron said standing up from his desk looking directly into the Violet eyes of the elf arch-mage, " those two you so casually dismiss have been instrumental in accomplishing feats rarely seen."

Zarlorn nodded wordlessly in agreement stepping back from the desk. "I know I was wrong, " he sighed, "that is why I convinced Zafrina to join them despite her fear, another reason I wanted that mistake of nature destroyed. Now, with things as they are, I feel Zafrina should leave before it's too late."

" I think not," Gehron disagreed, " this is where she belongs, leaving her stranded in Archeon damaged her heart but she has a strong will."

" Then I must," Zarlorn started to say only to be halted by an up raised hand by Gehron.

" You will do nothing, " Gehron countered, " except sit back and watch. You've done enough. I don't think this little group is finished yet, whatever many may think. They no doubt will surprise you and others. These are bad times, my old friend and rival filled with hatred and duplicity in every corner," Gehron observed walking toward the exit of the room," Ellie would be surprised," Gehron, thought amusingly to himself, " a mage does use a door occasionally."

Gehron turned around to face Zarlorn." Iamoore needs heroes like those of old, perhaps even surpassing those."

" And you think this group are those?" Zarlorn remarked with a note of disdain.

"Perhaps," Zarlorn answered with a shrug, " now if you'll excuse, I wish to speak with who you thought would be your weapon of vengeance. The woman whom if the stories I've heard are correct has more courage and heart then a dozen noble knights of the Lady." Gehron departed his study, leaving the elven arch-mage to ponder his words.

Meanwhile, Ellie had stumbled through the alleys finding herself in front of the tavern known as Rumor Mongers, one frequented by those who were members of thieves and spies guilds. Taking a booth, the half-elf sat curled up in a booth, her slender legs tucked beneath her body. Her face was red and puffy from crying. On the table sat a full mug of ale she had been sipping on steadily. The pain of the rejection stung her heart worse then the reddening mark from venom's vicious slap. Not that she could blame her tall dark companion " It was suppose to be another job," Ellie thought sobbing softly, burying her face in her hands, " When did it get so complicated?"

She knew she should have confessed much sooner, possibly when she had faced down that manipulating wizard Primerian. Now, it was too late. She had lost everything once again. This time the pain was worse then any she had ever felt.

" That is quite a mark on your face," Ellie heard a deep smooth voice comment behind her, " it must hurt quite a bit."

Ellie lifted her head to see a very handsome dark haired man attired in black plate mail. Despite the armor, one could see the fine chiseled muscles and broad chest. His face was one of the most attractive Ellie had seen with a square chin and finely combed and trimmed moustache. His eyes were gray like those of the wolves of her homeland

" Is this seat taken?" he asked with a disarming smile.

" As a matter of fact it is," Ellie retorted.

" Then I'll leave when the person comes back," he said taking the seat," if they come back. Allow me to introduce myself Iam-"

" I know who you are, " Ellie snapped, " You are Censor, Prince Regent of Archeon and slime worm extraordinaire."

" Such harsh words from such a lovely lady."

" You set me up."

" Not I," Censor replied in an innocently, " think about it, the dwarf who exposed you to Venom is the head of the thieves guild, and you know who controls the thieves Guild here."

" Sherrit Kahn," Ellie's said, her words dripping with venom.

" I warned him not to," Censor continued taking a sip of the ale on the table, " but the person was unreasonable, in fact he has come to be something of a liability. Perhaps we can help each other."

" And how is that?"

Censor smiled secretly to himself, the woman had taken the bait as he had anticipated.

" Well," Censor continued in a casual manner, " I have no love for Sherrit Kahn, in fact he has become of a nuisance and an embarrassment. I believe there is a certain shield and sword that causes even the great Kahn to quake with fear."

" That would be the Sword of Velia and the Shield of Mitra," Ellie replied, "what do you know of them?"

" I know the location of the shield," Censor informed her, " provided to me by a ally. Unfortunately, " the Prince said leaning back in his seat, " I lack the skills to obtain this item and my friend, lets say does not have the proper belief system to get close."

"That would be Tenaria," Ellie deduced. " You need a rogue to get the shield. The only question is what is in it for me?" She was studying the poker face of her adversary. Her agile mind was already computing on how she may yet turn this to her advantage.

" Revenge," Censor said matter of factly, " Sherrit Kahn exposed you to Venom, not to mention a sizable amount of triones as a token of my gratitude."

" I could expose you as well," Ellie threatened, " let the world see what the great noble hero really is like, then obtain the shield myself."

" Blackmail," Censor smirked, " Very bold of you little thief, but there are a few problems I feel I must point out to you. Mainly, who would believe you? I am Prince Censor, one of the greatest and bravest heroes of Iamoore and you are little more then a sneak thief with all do respect. It would be your word against mine." Censor leaned closer burning those predatory eyes into her, " whom do you think they'll believe."

" Venom is many times the hero you are. "Ellie shot back." You are just playing a part and all roles come to and end sooner or later."

" Be that as it may," Censor replied under his breath controlling the anger welling up within him. " You are trying my patience woman. Do you think Venom will forgive you for your apparent act of treason, regardless how high a pedestal you and the other fools place her on, trust me I know her. She is not the forgiving type. She holds her hate for a long time half-breed. The best you can hope for is revenge against Sherrit Kahn. Now do we have a deal or not?"

" He's afraid of Venom," Ellie thought amusingly to herself, " despite his position and power he's afraid of her."

" We have a deal," Ellie said with a sly smirk, taking a sip from her mug. " I'll get you the shield and you destroy Sherrit Kahn, except you shall need the sword."

" I am working on that as we speak, Censor said as a relieved smile washed across his face, he had to be careful with this one, she had almost caused the normally composed Prince to lose his temper, not an easy feat. " Here is an envelope containing the location of shield, fairly close I believe too," he said handing her an envelope rising from the booth," when you get the shield bring it to me in my quarters at this very Inn in the uppermost room."

Ellie delivered a mock salute with her mug as he departed. The Prince had literally dropped the shield into her lap. It was almost to good to be true. Censor may be right, she would probably never get back in the good graces of her companion, but that didn't mean she couldn't help them defeat Sherrit Kahn. She was determined to help Venom.

" So what was that all about?" Ellie heard a familiar lyrical voice beside her inquire. The thief turned spotting the young silver elf mage standing next to her. " As if I didn't already know," Zafrina added in a scornful tone.

" It's not what you think," Ellie replied, "and what are you doing here anyway?"

" Looking for you," Zafrina said taking the seat recently vacated seat formally occupied by the Prince, " and how do you know what I am thinking, that was Censor. I'd recognize that elf hating slime anywhere."

" It was," Ellie confessed. " I am sure after my confession, you must be thinking the worst right now. I am surprised you even attempted to find me."

" First I hate to break it to you," Zafrina said smiling, " but your confession was hardly a revelation to me or the others, only Venom. You should put some ice on that by the way." Zafrina added commenting on Ellie's glowing cheek.

" I am fine," Ellie said distractedly, " so why do you trust me now, why did you come after me?" She seemed to remember those words echoing in her mind. Venom had used nearly the exact words to her when they first met.

" Don't let this go to your head," Zafrina explained, " but you're good, too good to expose yourself the way you have. You were obvious even to the likes of Gasqule, incredible that Venom didn't notice, but then emotions can blind people. Somewhere along the way you started being yourself, which isn't half-bad. " We also have another problem too."

"What is that?" Ellie queried, she had never had people desire her company. Usually it was just on to another city and another job.

" After you ran off Lord Cormier showed up, seems he wants to take Venom back in chains."

" Oh no! Ellie exclaimed, "We need to do something. We can't allow that."

" Agreed," Zafrina stated, " Terrell is trying find the locations for the items we need to destroy Kahn. A baddie hunt could pull Lord Cormier off of Venom's heels. You know how these knights can't resist a quest."

A brilliant thought popped into Ellie's head. There may be a way she could get the shield, trick Censor into exposing himself to Kahn and possibly set the villains to kill each other. " Censor gave me the location to the shield," she told Zafrina excitedly. "We can present that to the all mighty Lord knight and tell him we can vanquish a much more pressing danger with the aid of Venom."

" But what of Censor," Zafrina said considering her idea," he isn't exactly a fool."

" True," Ellie agreed, but if I get the shield then you or one of your many admirers at the Hall could create a glamoury shield duplicate. I'll give him the false one while you rush the real one to Gasqule and his father. If I've judged Censor correctly, he will waste little time threatening Sherrit Kahn with the shield. Of course, being an undead he'll see through the glam right away."

" Not bad, Zafrina commented appreciatively, " Kahn may very well destroy Censor outright while we have the shield needing only the sword to eliminate him. I knew you were good. Still risky for you though."

"Thank you," Ellie said with a wink, " and don't worry about me, it wont be the first tight spot I've wiggled myself out of."

"Then it's settled, the elf mage replied leaping from her seat, " let go talk to Terrell at the academy."

Back at the Hall of Hazarle, Gehron was rapping on the door to Venom's compartment. " I hope I am not intruding." Gehron said with a disarming smile as he cracked open the door, sticking his head through. He could see the lovely dark complexioned warrior brooding, her left hand wrapped around a bottle of rye whisky she had grabbed as she hurried up to her room.

" Actually you are," Venom replied bluntly, " but come in anyway." She took another swig from the bottle of rye.

I just wished to insure all your needs have been met," Gehron said in pleasant tone, " I want all my guests to be comfortable."

" They are," Venom said in flat unemotional voice, " is they're anything else?"

" Not really," Gehron said with a shrug, " oh yes it may interest you to know Gasqule's father has arrived, seems he has his heart set on taking you back to Sidanthra. Gasqule is trying to convince himself otherwise."

" You really should work on your acting," Venom observed with a half-smile.

" Really," Gehron asked looking perplexed, "why do you say that? "

Venom leveled her icy gaze on the elderly mage, " when we told you about Demarian, your reaction was an outburst of moral outrage that such a person should exist."

" As well I or any other person should be," Gehron countered defensively.

" True," Venom agreed, " but that reaction is totally unlike you even now you seem very calm and in control. I rather think you put on that show for our benefit. You knew about Demarian and I would wager about Orisa too. How could you not know? A mage of your abilities, I can only guess it has to do with something of a mage's code of neutrality that you would allow such a thing to fester practically in your own backyard."

" You don't understand about being a mage," Gehron said staring out the window into the night sky. " We wield power most can't dream of. It can warp a person like poor Demarian. If mage's engage in magikal battles the entire world of Iamoore could be at risk." Gehron turned to the former pirate, gone was the friendly father continence. It was replaced with that of a stern man of power and authority. " Yes, we knew of Demarian and of his capture of Orisa, the insane fool had overstepped the fragile bounds we have set for our number. We were preparing to assault the keep in a massive magikal attack. Then one of our members got a better idea."

" Let me guess," Venom interrupted, placing the bottle on a stand rising to her full height. " Some mage came up with a plot to use a warrior with the ability to counter most magiks as a way to eliminate this problem child of yours. A simple task, just get her memory erased then have her manipulated by some spy or thief to do your dirty work for you. You're right," Venom said with a note of disdain, " I don't understand about being a mage."

" Nor should you," Gehron replied solemnly.

" Why," Venom snapped," Because I am just a dull-witted warrior?"

" No," Gehron replied, with wise grin, " you are far from that. My dear Venom, you are very intelligent and perceptive young lady."

" Most times," Venom replied in a low voice as she reached for the bottle on the stand."

" And it bothers you when you are fooled," Gehron said. Venom looked away from the elder mage towards the blank wall. She could still feel the emotions seething inside her. The feelings of hurt and betrayal still burned her heart.

" We'll get back to that," Gehron said in a matter of fact tone, " I've replied to your questions now it seems only fair you answer a few of mine."

" Fair enough," she said returning her gaze to Gehron.

" It must be terrible with your memory gone, not recognizing the world you lived in," Gehron said as he raised on eyebrow quizzically."

" Yes it is," Venom, admitted, it is odd to enter a city and you realize you have no idea where you are. Worse that you may have been there before but have no recollection of it. I listen to others speak of things that are old and to me it is all new and strange. They speak of many races, but nothing really makes sense. I can remember when would Ellie tell-" The tall dark woman stopped in mid sentence, turning her back to the mage.

" Then a question remains," Gehron continued if he noticed the sudden abrupt stop he chose to ignore it, you must know if we have the magiks to restore Orisa we surely can restore your own memory to you."

" Of course," Venom said obviously annoyed at such a ridiculous statement.

" Then why haven't you requested we restore you," Gehron continued, " especially since you've already deduced, and correctly I might add that one of us is responsible for your current situation."

" Because," Venom responded as she dropped in to the comfy chair, " I've seen what I did before, what I was. I saw it in Lamoore and I saw it again in Demarian's keep." The tall dark woman then stared up at the mage with a look of total despair. " I don't want to be that monster again, if there is even the slightest chance that sick fiend could re emerge I can't allow it to occur."

" So rather then take the chance you might revert to your former self you choose to live in a world totally alien to you, not even knowing or understanding the most basic information about it," Gehron said rhetorically. " Well," he said with a sigh as he helped himself to Venom's sack, " everyone deserves a second chance my dear. Are you familiar with the wheel theory of fate?"

"Developing a sense of humor mage," Venom shot back. "I just told you that I remember nothing of this world."

"Sorry," Gehron apologized, "I tend to forget things at time.
"The basis of theory is that fate works like a giant milling wheel. If an opportunity is missed, the wheel will come back around again. Of course the trick is not to be crushed before the wheel returns to desired position."

Venom wondered if perhaps the mage was commenting on Ellie, even though she had not informed Venom of her own part in all of this, she never truly betrayed her companion. A part of her was still burning with anger, yet a portion still remembered the half-elf doggedly nursing her back to health after her fight with the orc champion. Venom called to mind the night they fell asleep in each other's arms. Ellie weeping at the cruelty of fate that soon Venom would be taken from her.

Completing his lecture, Gehron drew out the helm and gauntlets he had found in her sack. "These don't appear to your normal style my dear," he observed looking over the pieces of armor.

Venom failed to hear the mage. Gasqule was struggling to keep her free and alive, at least long enough for them to complete what the five of them had began. All of her friends were doing their best. Here she sat holed up in her room with a bottle feeling sorry.

" You said Gasqule's father was here?" Venom asked rising from her chair.

" Yes," Gehron informed her, "two doors down and two the left," Gehron added absently, " Though I wish him luck. I feel he is fighting a losing battle. Quinell is a good man, but he can be stickler for rules, comes with being a light warrior I imagine."

" Perhaps," Venom answered hurrying toward the door of the compartment, " we shall see."

" Here," Gehron said tossing the helm and gauntlets to her," these would be more useful in the possession of a knight don't you think?'

Venom nodded with a slight wink, " I wont ask why you were rummaging through my things," Venom remarked as she rushed out the door.

Sometimes dear lady," Gehron said behind her, " one must accept things as they are without question."

Her emotions were still churning concerning Ellie. She had decided to set them aside, at least for now. Venom could imagine the angst poor Gasqule must be going through, trying to defend a sadistic murderer to his father. The poor lad was growing up fast. He would make a fine knight someday. She was certain of that.

Venom boldly strode into the room. Both of the light warriors looked up in amazement, the elders' visage soon became that of total hatred and disgust.

" There is no reason for you to be here," Lord Cormier declared, especially unannounced.

Venom bit her tongue trying not to respond at the outburst for Gasqule's sake. " I realize that sir," Venom said politely, " I made a pact with this young knight and intend to keep it. To emphasize her statement, Venom unbuckled her sword belt dropping it on the table. The sudden action caught the elder by surprise as she hoped it would, perhaps giving Gasqule a slight advantage.

" I will tell you we started on a mission and I would very like to finish it," she continued, " but I will abide by whatever you two decide. Venom handed over the gauntlets and helm to Gasqule who accepted them gratefully."

" Thank you," Gasqule said startled by the sudden gift.

" You've earned them, " Venom replied smiling, " clean them up and they'll shine like gold."

Next, Venom turned her attention to Lord Cormier still sitting in stunned silence. " I beg your pardon for the intrusion," she said with a respectful bow, " then glanced back at Gasqule, " I'll be in my room awaiting your decision," just as quickly the tall dark woman exited the room leaving the elder man still dumbfounded.

" Well played my dear," Gehron laughed quietly to himself viewing the entire exchange in one of his many scrying mirrors, " you may well have managed to shift the advantage over to our young knight. I fear my esteemed rival underestimated his chosen target when he picked you. Then again underestimating people, was always a fault of his." The elder mage returned to the scrolls awaiting his attention. There was nothing to do now but wait.

Chapter 20

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