Khan, Ssarak, & Leith Part 3
“To be honest and truthful, Ssarak. I don’t know. Every move Ovak makes seems to serve more than purpose and never a direct involvement. Consider your position, he sent you to converse and not himself, which makes it impossible to determine when or why he does it. Oh Inferno, when I learned my brother had died after he took his own life I couldn’t help but feel it was better if one of these Runes had actually taken my life. Like they were suppose to.” Khan stated as his hand raised to allow his eyes to peer upon his hand marked with the particular Rune. Even Ovak, odd as the archmage was, seemed shocked he had managed to engrave not just not but five without dying once. When he asked Ovak why, the archmage went silent then changed the subject abruptly.
”Maybe Ovak sent us because it’d make more of an impact on you than he would. Two concerned students talking to you would get your attention a lot more than the archmage coming to you. I mean, we didn’t have to do this, but here we are.” Leith raised his eyebrows at the mention of Runes.
”What Runes would those be, if you don’t mind me asking?”Khan settled into silence, taking a moment to absorb Leith’s words, before the pale youth inquired over his mention of Runes. For a moment, the Esyire relaxed and settled into his chair when his head turned to look Leith.
“A mistake of my youth really. Currently I have five Runes, each for a specific demon, which I can summon and haven’t been able to use my demonomancy since. It was a task I started in search for Kudd. The price would’ve been worth if I had been able to cure Riddic through my twin wouldn’t agree with me.”A small smile pulled onto Khan’s muzzle before it fade as quickly.
While Leith had asked about the runes, Ssarak had been thinking about Ovak, and his reasons for sending them. At first, he thought to perhaps determine the reason, but to attempt to do so would be pure speculation. All he really
knew was what was in his own experience, but that experience gave him a perspective that Khan might need to hear.
“Perhaps...that is why Ovak sent us, to make an impact on you. Because he believed it would work. Perhaps he wanted to give you new perspectives, or perhaps he is far less mysterious than we all think, and was simply lazy. We can speculate, but all I really know is why I came here. I submit myself to danger for the College, I agreed to question the Esyire diplomats for Uicle despite my status as an exile, and I came to speak to you because I believe in the College. While many saw the demon attack as a reason to flee, I saw it as the most compelling reason to stay. Kudd, the entity that brought that force to bear upon us, has a power greater than most in this world can comprehend. From what you describe, you have experienced it far more directly than I. Tiien, and all the nations upon it, all seem to be tearing themselves apart all at once, directly in the wake of this attack. Our homeland is on the verge of destroying itself in civil war. All of it is too convenient to be a coincidence; to anyone who can see the connections, it seems like the end of the world. But, in that attack a year ago, I saw what is perhaps the last bastion of hope. This College, despite how strongly the odds were arrayed against us, held against a force that would have destroyed any other city in Tiien. Ovak alone stopped the arrival of a demon who could rival the most fantastic of myths. From everything I have seen, and everything you described, he may be the most powerful single entity in Tiien, and he believes in you. And for me? That is more than enough to believe in you as well.”“True, but as I said, I might not be the best applicant for the job. My history with Kudd, should he ever get out of the Inferno will level this whole College easily. You have no idea of his power as I watched even Ovak have difficult, forced to distracted the being while the demonomancy teacher and his demons pulled my tail out of the Inferno’s fire. They were only able to hold him back. Not beat him and even behind the Veil, he still seeks to make his presence known.” Khan, unable to stand the prickling in his knee, abruptly forced his chair back as he reached for his cane and braced to raise. His anger was perfect energy and aided his rise to his feet. Through the headmaster flinched, his body immediately slouching to one side making his stance crooked. Slowly he open the top drawer, the sound of clicking glass as Kudd’s green vial smacked the edge, and the headmaster reached in for the tea box. It was something to calm his nerves which were building during this whole conversation.
“One thing I do know, and I believe that is something Ovak knows as well, is that I would fight, defend and die for anyone of my students within the College. Few headmasters will carry out that threat. That’s the big reason I suspect he sent you two and believes I can lead this college, but I fear he’s putting too much faith and ignoring my connection to Kudd. In the end, I fear that will cost us a lot more than we can ever brace for.” Ssarak leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together in his lap as he listened. Khan’s explanations of his past touched on types of power far beyond anything he had experienced himself, but he did what he could to understand. He did not have extensive knowledge of demonomancy as the Headmaster did, but that also meant he did not think along the same lines as a demonomancer. In some situations, the perspectives of a novice, or the uninformed, could create novel solutions that an expert might not be able to form simply due to their previous biases.
”Are you certain that is his reason? Have you considered that your connection to Kudd could, perhaps, be used against him? Out of everyone at the College, it seems like you are the individual who has the most experience with our enemy. In a military, someone with your kind of knowledge would be a prized asset. Can you say with certainty that this could not be the case? Perhaps Ovak has more knowledge of this connection than even yourself? I know you are a master demonomancer, but as I am quickly learning as of late, there is power far beyond that of mastery.”Leith started to stand up when Khan flinched. He was going to help him up if he fell, but when he didn’t, Leith went to sit back down when something caught his eye. A bright green vial in Khan’s desk drawer. Normally, he wouldn’t’ve taken note of a vial in a desk drawer, but it was the shade of green that caught his eye. It was a sickly bright green. Leith leaned back in his chair and nudged Ssarak. He tapped the side of his head and waited a few seconds before he spoke in his mind, hoping that Ssarak was listening.
”There is a vial in Khan’s desk drawer and it looks… unnatural, but I don’t want to draw attention to it. Can you see it from where you are?”Leith looked to Khan.
”It that tea? Could I have a cup?” Listening in on Leith’s thoughts, he looked into the drawer and gave a slight nod to him.
”I can. Perhaps it is his medicine? I cannot be sure. He may have many magical items and objects, so it could be unrelated. Perhaps you could ask once we are finished?”Khan nodded, his eyes showed the abrupt change in focus was enough for him. His hand finished fishing out the box and leaving the drawer open, he limped over to the fireplace where the kettle hung nearby. Taking the handle, he tapped the bottom as water filled the inside before he set the box upon the mantel then scraped off the paste that held several different leaves and plopped it into the kettle. Finishing up, he set it to brew in the fire while he moved toward the cabinets where the teacups were resting.
Realizing he still had to answer Ssarak, Khan’s voice began to reply.
“Whatever Ovak knows is staying a secret. That much I did know as I’ve tried repeatedly to gain some answers to what he knows. Through there is one that is true, my association with Kudd has brought nothing but misery and pain to those who I come in contact with. A better reason to stay away if I didn’t feel the need to uphold my responsibilities. Part of me wonders if that’s why Kudd attacked the College in the first place and those dead students are my claws, so could my presence be worth the lives of over a third of the students within the school? As for power beyond mastery, I agree. I also believe when you mess with forces beyond mortal ability there’s a price and one very few should ever be willing to pay.”Khan’s voice softened as he teased the younger Esyire.
”However, since I don’t like being lectured by my students, I’ll take in consideration everything you’ve mentioned. I just I don’t have to go seeking answers in places we’ll end up regretting.” For a brief, unsettling moment the headmaster’s eyes trailed back to the drawer during his last phrase as if hinting something he, himself, knew. Then finished gathering up the cups to deposit them onto the desk top.
”I think...” Ssarak began as his head turned to the side, looking at seemingly nothing. For a brief moment, he was silent, then he stood up and approached Khan.
”I think that, for both of us, there are many unknowns. Whether your connection with Kudd is purely a curse, or if it could be used against him, Ovak’s intentions, the ultimate effects of your medicine. All of those things are beyond my knowledge, and I am assuming yours. However...you know Kudd’s power, intimately, and if he has set his sights on Tiien...then you know what it means. Every struggle of every family, every nation, will be rendered meaningless. Everything that anyone has ever fought and died for...will be for naught. You have said that you are willing to fight and die for your students, and, well, I share that type of conviction. You know my past, what I have done. The only kind of meaning which can remain for my life is how I can use it for the lives of others. For both of us, there may be a time where that conviction will be brought to its conclusion.”Despite the rather severe nature of what he was saying, Ssarak’s expression became something approaching a slight smile.
”But, until that point, it would not do well to die for nothing, would it? I thank you for listening to my words, and I hope you will consider the possibility that you may yet have a key role in the fight against this...well, I do not wish to give Kudd the compliment of calling him a god. He does not deserve that distinction.””Ovak might be the only one that agrees with you on that part. Through I’ve learned, through key cases and my own experiences, Gods can be thwarted. It’s just a question of price we’re willing to pay and if it is one we can accept fully. As for your past, we all are mortal. We’re prone to mistakes big and small through it’s the intentions behind them that count the most. I just hope we can all survive to see this out to the end. Because if Kudd wins, there will be no Tiien left for anyone.” Khan turned, his cane in hand, hobbling toward the pair before noticing the drawer had been left open and the vial left exposed. His hand had the two cups down and immediately reached to slam the drawer shut. He could feel Zaad’s disappointment festering in his skull back but pushed it away instantly, tightening his ward on the demon’s emotions.
”Ssarak, are you sure you don’t want anything to drink as well?” Khan asked.
Ssarak nodded.
”Certainly.” He answered, taking his seat once more. His feelings on their conversation so far were encouraging, but cautious. Ssarak did feel that he had given the Headmaster an additional perspective, but he was not sure if the problem was solved entirely. He had a feeling that he would be speaking to Khan again sometime in the future.
Khan nodded then quickly proceeded to grab a third cup, taking a seat until the tea was finished. Something that wouldn’t take long as he folded his hands upon the desk and faced the pair, his eyes looking from one to another carefully. Through his face seemed calm enough on the outside, Khan was a slightly bit edgy when he realized how long that drawer had been open. Inside he couldn’t help but wonder if either of them had spotted Kudd’s little gift before he shoved the thought away. If they had, it was unlikely Leith or Ssarak would realize what the vial was or how much danger it could cause. Inhaling to relax, the headmaster finally asked a question he dreaded.
“Anything else either of you would like to know?” ”We’ll just have to make sure Kudd doesn’t win.” Leith said as he took his cup of tea. From the way Khan slammed the drawer shut, Leith figured it was because there was something Khan didn’t want him or Ssarak to see. He glanced at Ssarak for a second when Khan asked if they had anything to ask him. He set his cup down and started stirring the tea with his Hydromancy. They had already touched on a few sensitive issues, he thought that they didn’t need to add any more.
”I have no other questions. What about you, Ssarak?”Ssarak shook his head.
”No, nothing pressing. I am sure you will be needed back at the feast. Hopefully, the demonstrations will go more smoothly than last time. Though, I may not be present for them all.” He answered, a very slight grin coming across his face. Since reading Ovak’s letter, he had been thinking about what he was going to do after speaking to Khan, and what he had in mind just seemed...nice.
Khan nodded and enjoyed his tea for the time before finally accepting it was time to leave, enjoying the company for the time which was a change from sitting in the office alone late at night. Namely since Meirin could now sleep better and Aramir wandered aimlessly among the maze like hallways. Khan had been unable to keep up anymore in the month he was injured and hence, slowly started again. Through sadly, he realized, tonight and weeks after he would have once more cease them for relief in his leg. It made him slightly depressed since he would miss it.
Once the teacups were disposed of, Khan and the other students began to shuffle back to the feast. When the three entered, Khan bid them good bye and parted toward his own chair where he knew both Ovak and Uicle would be arriving shortly.
Fallenreaper