laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Sitting within the lavish parlor, he read over reports from his many missionaries who had taken the new religion to far off lands, recruiting men of all nationalities and languages. Those who would now gladly give their lives for a life free from the oppressive doctrine which had plagued the world for far too long.

"My Lord,
The Jann fight a front against the crusading armies of the Astaran and Kuzomen Empires as well as mercenaries from many other countries and kingdoms. I have successfully garnered the support of many sheikhs and sultans who believe these infidels tread upon sacred land and have only brought evil. In time, they will take the fight to Couronne and Brabant itself, I'll see to it.

In Your Service,
Khoury"

Grinning with the successes, Enestius refolded the letter and held it up. Concentrating, the parchment erupted in flame which he dropped into the metal basket beside his long, dark wooden desk. As his dark eyes moved to the next correspondence, the brush of wind through the long dress announced his grandmother and godmother, prompting him to rise and smile.

"How is my darling," Alysia grinned. Her body also magically preserved to seemingly vanquish the test of time and appear in only her thirties.

"Fine, grandmother," he accepted her hug, then backed. "And you?"

"Good," she sat in the high backed, beautifully crafted chair as Argenya took the seat to her left. "I've word from one of our spies to the south that she's located a suitable avenue into Warwick. She's a competent herbalist that's been trained well by a witch. We should be getting good news soon."

Enestius grinned skeptically as he reclaimed his seat. "I hope so." He glanced to the witch sitting across from him, then back to the elder mage. "Grandmother, I really wish you would allow me to conduct this war. What happens if she's discovered? Everything will have to be accelerated and that's how things got...."

"Trust me, my boy. We were planning these types of things long before you were born. Give credit where it's due."

* * *

Kailee readied herself for another day as Adgertesse' headed out the front door, then held it as Selyria entered and greeted the chamberlain. As she closed the door, Kailee moved to the spry, yet aging archmage kept so by the love of an elven husband.

"Good morning there, young lady," Kailee smiled warmly. "Don't you have a class this morning?"

"We have a problem."

News that wiped the smile from her face. "Oh? What is it?"

"The girl that Annaleah and the girls brought back with them tried to poison us this morning. I found traces in the water and juice while preparing breakfast. I wanted to make you aware. I also talked to Lericanin and we found some in his well also."

Kailee shook her head slowly and sighed. "I'll notify the priest to have it purified."

"Actually, Lericanin already did that. I just thought you should talk to this girl and find out what else was done last night."

"Okay. Everyone's alright though? No one got sick?"

"No. I caught it in time."

"Thank you," Kailee hugged the bard tightly, then backed. "Never gets easier, does it?"

Brown eyes smiled sympathetically. "Keeps us sharp."

* * *

Sitting out on the long and wide veranda, she looked out over the river which cut the fertile valley in half. Many of the mills and homes on the western bank left in ruins as the population hadn't grown large enough to warrant the restructure and she allowed the quiet breeze to relax her. It worked until the door opened and she sensed Tess who led the quartet of girls through Kailee's bedroom and out onto the covered patio.

"Have a seat," Adgertesse' motioned as she leaned against the stone railing to Anneliese's left.

Kailee waited until the curious teenagers sat. "I've been given some disturbing news this morning," she eyed the nervous newcomer. "Selyria mentioned finding poison in the water before breakfast."

All three of the familiar granddaughters glanced to the one they had rescued in a camp of treasure hunters a few days prior. "Poison," Annaleah glared, then glanced to Kailee who nodded.

"I take a dim view on those who come here looking for trouble," her golden eyes slowly burned hot as the would-be assassin began to sweat.

"They told me to do it," Anneliese began. "They said I was helping rid the world of evil and I actually believed that until I met you," pleading, hazel eyes went to the trio. "I hate them for lying to me."

"How do we know you're telling us the truth now," Danaca drilled angrily. "How do we know you're not just scared now that you've been caught?'

"I invited you into my home," Annaleah's anger grew with each word. "And this is how you repay me?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you," the victim began crying.

Katsandra glanced to Kailee who's mind bored a hole into the spy's soul. "What are you going to do with her?"

"That's up to you three. You brought her here."

Turning to the sobbing suspect, the druid leaned forward. "Do you want to change your ways and join us?"

Anneliese nodded, wiping tears from her cheeks.

"Who sent you," Danaca continued.

"A witch in the western mountains, east of Varberg. She took me in when my parents died. I can take you to her."

Kailee began to sober as suddenly, Annaleah produced a dagger and stabbed the girl in the heart, violently taking out her frustrations for being betrayed, then walked out. Leaning over, the girl clutched her chest, as Katsandra's hands went to her mouth in shock, and dropped to the stone floor at Adgertesse's feet. Deed done, Danaca wrapped her arms around the druid and led her back through the bedroom as Kailee rose.

"I'll take care of this," Tess mentioned as she leaned over, grabbed the body and disappeared into thin air, leaving only the small puddle of blood to dry in the afternoon sun. A symbol of another life that this new leader was willing to throw away for his goals. Extending her hand, Kailee launched a gout of flame that cleaned off the stone, then sighed as she walked into her room and headed back downstairs.