Feigned? With his powers why should he bother lying to anyone? And why be honest with me unless he felt himself safe? I hoped for as much, though I could not count on him underestimating me a second time.
'Such candor is rare. Does it extend to other matters? Your reasons for establishing yourself here, for example, in the remnants of this particular manor house?'
'It is of significance then?'
I was curious to find out if he had been attracted to the house because of the terrible things that happened here so long ago. It might give me a clue as to what he was. 'I will perhaps know that when I know your reasons.'
Another shrug. 'It was the first structure I came upon after my puzzling arrival. And my need for shelter is not great.' He gestured at the place falling down around his illusionary ears.
'The Mists deposited you nearby?'
'Quite nearby. I was able to detect the presence of those four fools and their victim.' He paused, probably waiting for me to ask him to elaborate on the story, but I merely nodded for him to continue. 'I intended merely to question them, but the situation I found upon entering demanded my actions. But tell me, of what significance is this place to you?
Damn, but he was quick. I must have revealed something of my inner feelings. The problem with not projecting an illusion of oneself is that others can read your face if you let your guard down. This Azalin apparently possessed a talent for that, or he had picked up on the negative reverberations still echoing in the place and made an accurate guess. Or worse, he had picked up on my very thoughts. I would tell the truth then.
'One very dear to me was… slaughtered here many years ago. It has not been occupied since that time. I am surprised that, beneath the illusion, much of the structure still stands.'
A brief pause from him as he digested that little tidbit. 'You can see the truth beneath illusions, then?' His tone indicated he did not care much for that idea.
'In many cases.' I paused a moment as well and thought it best to be truthful again. 'The one you wrap so tightly about yourself, however, is, as yet, beyond my abilities.'
As yet.
The face he presented so convincingly showed surprise. 'You would not wish to be privy to my reality. I often wish that I were not.'
Interesting comment, that. Why would he be so displeased with his 'reality' as he put it? Perhaps he was disfigured in some way. People can be very vain. 'You are more than a mage, then?' More than human?
'And less,' he said cryptically. The words had the same finality as before when he had dismissed me. I would leave the subject for later.
'And your plans?' My gaze focused for an instant upon his stolen book. It all but glowed with power to my eyes.
'My only desire is to return to my own land.' On that he sounded entirely truthful. Harsh as his voice was-unless it was also illusion-he could not keep out the determination and… longing? It seemed too soft an emotion for him.
'And if you cannot? I trust you would not then try to steal mine.' By his manner alone I could infer that he had held a position of power in his land of Oerth. He might want to recreate that here.
'I would not steal what is another's.' Ever so slight emphasis on the word 'steal.' And a lie, considering the matter of the book.
'But to challenge that other? Is that acceptable in your eyes?'
'To challenge openly is always honorable. That is not, however, currently my intent.'
Currently. I noted that word. Barovia was small, but all I had. I nodded. 'I see. But in the future?'
'Whatever happens, it will be dictated by circumstance and necessity.'
An answer such as I would make myself. 'You do not rule it out, then?'
'I rule out nothing. Nor, I imagine, do you.'
I gave him a thin smile. 'It would be the height of foolishness to do so.'
'As it would be for me.'
If I could only see past his illusion, somehow gain a hint of what was beneath, I could plan how best to deal with him, for deal with him I would. My initial assessment of him on a personal basis was anything but complimentary, but he had knowledge and skills I could find a use for, so I could ignore the revulsion he aroused in me.
Though I hadn't faced it in many a year I recognized his kind of arrogance; it was backed up by true power, dangerous power. I could not control him, but perhaps I could talk him into controlling himself.
I am not modest to the point of downplaying my own powers and talents; they are considerable, but I am well aware of my limits. This Azalin, whoever and whatever he was, was superior to me on many important levels-I had sensed that much-but he had yet to realize it. I could play on that point to my advantage.
I had limits, but if there is one thing which I have learned as both a soldier and politician it is the art of the successful bluff.
'Well, Azalin, until circumstance and necessity raise their ugly heads, I will bid you welcome to Barovia.'
'As a subject?' There was a decided sneer attached to that query.
'As my honored guest.'
He gave me a long contemplative look, full of caution, but I could tell he was interested. 'There are sacred customs in my land regarding host and guest associations.'
'It is likely they are similar to the ones here.'
'Which are?'
'The host promises to defend and nurture his guest. The guest promises to honor his host and keep the peace and law of his house.'
'I can protect myself.'
'Are you so sure of that? There are dangers in Barovia of which you have no knowledge. I do.'
'Yourself being the chief amongst them?'
I spread my hands, smiling. He shifted slightly at the movement as if to react to an attack. 'I will not deny it,' I said, repeating back his own words. 'However, if you are my guest then I am obligated to protect you.'
'So long as I keep your peace and law.'
'Not a difficult task, I assure you.'
'You would accept my word?'
'I would, since the consequences of your breaking it would be… unfortunate.'
'Might you elaborate on that?'
'You are intelligent enough to imagine for yourself what you might do to me were our positions reversed and I attempted to violate your laws.' Excellent word, that: 'attempted.' I could almost see him turning it over in his mind. Certainly he must now be as curious about me as I was of him and wanting to learn more. 'I think you can see the advantage of cooperation over conflict. The latter would be a great waste.'
'I would not want my place as your guest to hinder in any manner my efforts to return home.'
'On the contrary, it would be my delight to aid you in the process. If you can escape this 'plane of existence' as you call it, then I, if not all of Barovia, could be set free as well.'
'You would help me?'
'We would help each other. I can provide you with the resources and equipment to allow you to begin work without delay. Give me your word to keep the law, and you may avail yourself of my own library of magical volumes. Then you need not be reduced to barrel scrapings such as this.' I indicated the priceless book with well judged contempt, not too much, not too little.
He made an ugly, mirthless sound, but I was certain it was a laugh. A bitter one. 'And am I to trust you to keep your word?'
'Mutual trust for us is an absolute necessity for mutual survival so long as you are here, otherwise neither of us will break free. I would keep my word. Anything less would be dishonorable.'
'And you trust me to keep mine?'
'Just so. I think you would prefer to search for a return path through the Mists without the distraction of constantly having to look over your shoulder.'
I would be there, anyway, but then he would know that and could be confident that I wouldn't put a knife in to
