Demonstorm

resistance were gathering.

He had no idea if that was true. So what if The Raven were back on the scene? So what if elves still fought in the open? He had heard nothing from any other college in over fifty days. For all he knew, his was the last that still stood free. Free. He almost laughed at the word. He had been right. They had grown complacent in their sanctuary. Lazy. They hadn't seen the signs. The growing numbers of demons, the sudden appearance of these seekers early one morning three days ago. They hadn't pieced it together.

And here they sat as a result with only the tower still to call their own. They had lost, temporarily it was to be prayed, access to all their tunnels and all but one well. If they couldn't regain some space

quickly, the next problem he would be facing was starvation. It was a factor that had escaped none of his dwindling band of survivors.

'My Lord?'

Heryst took his head from his hands and looked up into Kayvel's sick pallor. His old friend was dying by degrees. Gods drowning, they all were but something had infected this brave old man in the last days and he was fading so fast.

'Sit, Kayvel. Gods man, you should beresting.'

Heryst pulled out the chair next to him and Kayvel sank gratefully into it and rested his elbows on the table. In the centre of the table, guards completely obscured the casting trio who held death away from them all.

'We need a plan,' said Kayvel gently. 'They need to hear your voice, your strength.'

'Do they believe I really have any?' said Heryst, feeling the spear of doubt that had become all too familiar.

'Never let them hear you say that. You are their leader. They love and respect you. Don't ever forget that.'

Heryst nodded. T know,' he said. 'But it's so hard sometimes. Just look at what I have brought them to.'

He gestured around the council chamber, knowing what they saw was reflected in every room of the tower they called their own. Dirt, dust and rubbish covered the floors. The stale air was heavy with the smell of lantern oil and sickness. Every man, woman and child carried lice, was clothed in little more than rags and had the lank hair, dark expression and stoop that signified imminent defeat. He knew he looked the same. They had a mirror in one of the latrines but he didn't think anyone looked in it any more.

'Yes,' said Kayvel. 'It is dirty, it is squalid, it is diseased, and soon we will all succumb one way or another. But out there is the only alternative. Do you really have to ask which any of these people would prefer?'

'But am I not just prolonging their deaths? Kayvel, you are a realist. You know what is happening to you. If what you have is infectious, well . . .'

Kayvel nodded. 'And we have had to face it since the first day. But nothing will kill them faster than a lack of faith and belief.'

Heryst sighed. 'What can I tell them? They aren't blind and we arc

failing. What? That they should hang on and hope for salvation? That eventually the demons will get bored and drift away? What can I tell them?'

He felt helpless. He'd have cried but his tear ducts were, like his mouth, dry. How could he give them hope when he had none?

'You have to give them a purpose and that purpose cannot be simply to hold on until they are overwhelmed. Until four days ago, we thought we were secure enough and we were wrong. Look at the fear. Taste it. Do something about it.'

Heryst looked into Kayvel's face. He saw the fading light in his friend's eyes and knew he had to give the dying man something to take with him.

'You think we should try and leave, don't you?' 'Staying here can have but one conclusion, Heryst.' 'Dammit.' Heryst rubbed his hands over his face. T can't make them do this, you know. Gods burning, not all of them are fit enough to travel.'

'Talk to them,' said Kayvel, his tone gently chiding. 'Your silence is damaging.'

'Yes. Yes, I know,' said Heryst through a breath. 'Thank you.' 'I'll stay here with any that can't travel. None of us will be taken.' Heryst jolted at Kayvel's words. T wouldn't leave you.' 'Don't be daft, my Lord.' Kayvel smiled. 'I'm too ill to run. At least let me die with dignity because die is what I undoubtedly will do.' He paused. 'Anyway, this could all be hypothetical. We don't know if anyone will want to leave.' 'Well, let's find out, shall we?'

Everyone that could be spared from watching, guarding or casting was assembled in the growing light of the grand council chamber now that the seekers were beginning to melt away. While the light was welcome, what it meant was that the seekers had probably found what they were looking for. Heryst didn't necessarily have much time before the next attack came in.

He took a look around the gathering. He knew every name, he knew all their family histories. He knew their strengths and their weaknesses and he knew their desire to live. He was looking at about a hundred people. All of whom looked back at him, desperate for answers. That wasn't exactly what he was going to be giving them.

'I'm not going to patronise you and I'm not going to pretend things are any less desperate than you already know them to be.' Heryst smiled gentry. 'And things are extremely desperate.'

A dry chuckle ran around the chamber.

'Kayvel and I have been talking and we are faced with a choice. Long ago, I stopped being the man who told you what to do and we have tried to do everything by consensus. This is why I am going to put this choice to you now. The demons are getting stronger and we are weakening though we are far from beaten. I look at all the faces assembled here and I see the will to survive burning bright. The question is, how will we best achieve our survival?

'And so to the choice. It is stark. We can stay here. Defend more stoutly and pray for release because it is clear we will not boat them with the numbers and resources we have. Or we can leave. Head north for Xetesk where the rumour is that the last free Balaians are gathering to fight. But I must stress it is only a rumour. We have no confirmation from the dark college, they are silent.

'You know what we face should we stay here. Making a run for it might seem attractive and indeed we will be in the open air, we will have access to fresh water and vegetables, perhaps even wild animals.'

He paused while the smiles spread through the gathering.

'But we will also be vulnerable. There will be no walls to guard us, only the ColdRoom shell. And to maintain casting on the move will be difficult. We are going to have to steal our own wagons and horses before we start.

'Now, again, before you decide for yourselves, think on this. If we strike out, we strike out into the unknown and we might be overwhelmed quickly. Here, we know how long we can hold out, health willing. And there will be those of us who will be unable to travel.' He held up his hands. 'Please. Hear me out. Those of you know who you are. You could not survive the trip and you would be a burden on the rest. It is harsh but we must face the full reality.

'Among those who would not travel is Kayvel.' Heryst had to pause, fearing his voice would crack. The sick mage gripped his hand tight. 'It breaks my heart but he knows his condition and he still believes the fit should leave. He will be with those who have to

remain behind. He knows what it means and he will not let any be taken by the demons.

'Think on it, and we will talk at nightfall. Thank you. Thank you all for everything you have done so far and everything that you still have to do. We will prevail. We will survive. Balaia will rise from the ashes of this invasion.'

The babble of conversation that broke out was doused quickly by a screech from below. The demons were attacking again.

 

 

Chapter 27

 

Lord Tessaya was in the forward positions overlooking Xetesk when the demon master approached. Not for the first time, the creature came to speak to the Wesmen. Always feeding them their forthcoming doom unless they joined the fight to bring the colleges down.

Tessaya recalled the offer that had been made the day before, Something to do with the sanctity of the