Delver Magic Book VII: Altered Messages Read online

  Delver Magic

  Book VII

  Altered Messages

  Jeff Inlo

  All rights Reserved.

  120130701

  I have tried to make this eBook available in as many formats as possible. If you encounter any difficulty with the formatting, please let me know. Contact information can be found on my web site at www.sitelane.com.

  By Jeff Inlo

  Fantasy:

  Delver Magic Book I – Sanctum’s Breach

  Delver Magic Book II – Throne of Vengeance

  Delver Magic Book III – Balance of Fate

  Delver Magic Book IV – Nightmare's Shadow

  Delver Magic Book V – Chain of Bargains

  Delver Magic Book VI – Pure Choice

  Delver Magic Book VII – Altered Messages

  Delver Magic Book VIII - Coming Summer 2014

  Spiritual Thriller:

  Soul View

  Soul Chase

  When Do I See God? (by Jeff Ianniello)

  Science Fiction:

  Alien Cradle

  Humor:

  Counterproductive Man

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Epilogue

  To Joan, for sending me the best of messages!

  Prologue

  "Why are we here?" the serp asked plainly enough. He offered no dramatic pause, but continued in a forthright manner to avoid any misinterpretation of his words. "And I am not referring to the reason why I called you all to this inn. It is a much broader question that I ask. What do we hope to gain from our existence in this realm?"

  Desiv did not rise from his chair when he addressed the five other serps gathered in the back room of a coastal tavern. His long, scaled tail remained tucked between his legs as he sat with clawed hands folded in front of him upon the wooden table. His snake-like head turned to the left and then the right. He looked to each serp with genuine sincerity and a complete understanding that any attempt to influence those around him would not only fail, but would be met with angry rebukes. While treachery between serps was an accepted principle of life, direct spellbinding was not to be tolerated. Serps did not expect honor among their own, but none would endure being treated as a common goblin.

  "We are all serps," Desiv stated the obvious. "We all have plans—cunning schemes and devious desires—plans to obtain power and riches. There is no shame in what we are, but what is our ultimate purpose?"

  The serps gathered around the table returned Desiv's searching glances with annoyed gazes of their own. Their time was valuable and meeting with other serps was a dangerous proposition. They were not prepared to listen to abstract questions or offer theoretical musings.

  They had been told that a recent alteration in the structure of magic shifted the balance of power and created a condition which presented a path toward enormous reward. Such an occurrence offered interesting prospects, and they all knew of recent events that had indeed altered the flow of magic. The very realm from which they had sprung, an existence of darkness, had been nudged away from nightmare and closer to the light of a more hopeful reality.

  The serps did not care for such twists of optimism, but they appreciated that such events often swung the pendulum of opportunity. They wished to hear about lucrative prospects, not impractical ravings.

  "You actually wish to discuss the meaning of our existence?" one of the serps interrupted with exasperated surprise.

  "You waste our time with human questions," another responded with a hiss of dissatisfaction.

  "Do I? I think not. Every serp here understands the need to scheme. We navigate... we set goals."

  "Goals, yes. Philosophical nonsense? Absolutely not."

  "I am not grasping for some idealistic understanding. Let the humans seek out some higher truth. I am simply asking what it is we hope to accomplish. Being a serp means to scheme, but schemes require action and purpose. That is the focus of my question. I do not wish to walk the meandering path of a human, agonizing over the complexities of existence. My intention is much more blunt."

  "Then be blunt!"

  "Very well. In order to scheme effectively, we must understand both our methods and our objectives. I will use my own ambitions as an example. I exist to manipulate others, force lesser beings to do my bidding. The very essence of subtle control is as important as gaining access to unlimited authority. I do not seek fame or recognition. I prefer the shadows and to savor my victories in unseen appreciation. But I also strive for greater and greater influence. What satisfaction can I possibly obtain from controlling a small pack of goblins? None. But what if I gained domination over an army of dark creatures and an untold number of human cities?"

  "So you speak of grand desires? This is nothing new."

  "No, it is not. I seek only to obtain agreement of our underlying purpose. We, as serps, exist to manipulate others in order to gain dominion over lesser creatures. We wish to be conquerors, but not through direct combat. Manipulation is our weapon of choice; not the fist, not the sword nor the arrow, not even the magical spell of ultimate destruction."

  "A serp that wouldn't agree would be lying," yet another serp noted, and then revealed his own impatience. "This is an absurd waste of my time."

  "Is it? I have brought us together—six serps, individuals that would willingly thrust a dagger in another's back without hesitation—and I have managed to bring us to an instant agreement."

  The other serps failed to appreciate the magnitude of such a simple act.

  "And you expect by stating obvious facts you can somehow gain our trust?"

  "No, I do not. I state the obvious to create agreement. That is something very different than trust. Which of us here would form an alliance and not mistrust the so-called ally? If we are to be honest, which of us here would not try to manipulate the agreement for our own advantage? We would break a contract or a promise in an instant if it was to our benefit. Betrayal is as much a part of our nature as manipulation. If we were to join together, I will admit that I would still look for my gain and my gain alone, and I would strive to twist any pact for my own profit. You would not trust me and I would not trust any of you. Agreed?"

  "Are we supposed to be impressed with this absurd show of honesty? Honesty is the worm on the hook, nothing more. You are serp. We are all serp. You say nothing that surprises me."

  "But once more we are in agreement, are we not?"

  "We would agree the sky is blue. We would agree the sea is filled with salt water. I could go on. What is your point?"

  "My point is to find common ground between us. That is all. Once we find that common ground, I hope to utilize it for my benefit."

  "So you intend to use us?"

  "Absolutely, as you will use me. That is the common ground we must establish. I understand two principles, but they arise in direct opposition to each o
ther. The first is that we, as serps, share common desires. But again, as serps, we are unable to trust each other. We are alike, but our own deviousness prevents us from joining together."

  "You are actually suggesting an alliance?" one of the serps asked in clear astonishment.

  "That is the purpose of this meeting."

  Three of the serps cursed in absolute disgust. The other two sneered silently but with obvious contempt.

  "You truly do waste our time," a serp named Samk professed with near seething anger. "These are simple observations, yet you pretend to reveal some great secret as if to... what?... impress us? And you think this foolish display will convince us to allow you to lead us? You insult us. You insult me!"

  "No one will lead. We will all be equals. We will form a council. There will be no serp higher than another."

  A different serp pointed out an obvious fact of history.

  "An alliance of serps has always failed. The very truths you profess are the reasons any such agreement is doomed from the start."

  "That is undeniable," Desiv revealed, "or at least it was. Allow me to complete my explanation. If you feel I have truly insulted you, there are enough of you to deal with me here and now. In essence, I have put myself at your mercy."

  "Then speak quickly," Samk hissed. "Your life depends on what you say next."

  "Then I will continue to be blunt. It is possible for a serp to grow in strength. I have seen it happen, but it occurred through an alliance. You have all heard of Sazar. He joined with a sorceress and used her spells to grow his army. But Sazar forgot he was serp. He relied on the strength of his army, and when it was defeated, so was he."

  "I thought you were going to be blunt. You continue to speak in circles."

  "No, it is not a circle. It is a direct line, a line to the advantage that awaits us. Sazar formed an alliance, but then placed himself in a vulnerable position. We can form a similar alliance but maintain a position of stealth and security. Working together, we can manipulate several armies, even armies larger than the one Sazar controlled."

  "We cannot work together!" Samk shouted. "You admitted as much yourself. I would not trust you any more than you would trust me."

  "You do speak in riddles," another serp noted. "You state the obvious when you say we would only utilize a pact for our own individual purposes, and yet now you propose to create the very thing which by your own admission cannot succeed. If your life depended on this scheme, then I would advocate that it is now forfeit."

  A serp named Macheve surveyed the bickering serps. She had said nothing to that point, but she began to understand the scope of Desiv's plans. She wished to hear more, but she could not disregard the clear inconsistency in Desiv's own words.

  "Give him one more moment," Macheve decreed. "There is something he has yet to tell us. I know him well enough to sense something in his words. He would not place himself in jeopardy so recklessly."

  She then eyed Desiv carefully and offered him but a slim chance to remain alive.

  "You know we cannot trust each other, admitted as much. How do you propose we overcome this mistrust? I hope you realize that your life really does hinge on your answer."

  "A sorcerer named Ansas," Desiv replied, finally coming to the crux of his scheme. "He revealed the way. I watched him from a distance. Not an unreasonable action, for most of you knew of the magic caster and his power."

  "What does Ansas have to do with your proposal? Is this the alteration in magic of which you spoke? Speak quickly, for you are very close to death indeed."

  Desiv displayed no fear, even as he realized just how close he was to an untimely and probably very painful end. With one quick comparison, he made clear the ultimate path for them to travel.

  "Despite the sorcerer's great power, Ansas believed he could be even stronger by allying himself with other magic casters. He understood the benefits of an alliance, even among wizards and sorcerers of questionable integrity—a situation not unlike our own. He, however, found a most ingenious solution. I saw how he placed his pure magic into other spell casters. He linked himself to the others with a connection beyond a word of honor or a signed parchment of agreement. Trust was no longer an issue between him and those who would join in his quest for power."

  "Linking to others with magic is no alteration. Magical links have endured for ages."

  "No, not like this," Desiv argued. "Ansas took pure magic of his own and placed it in the core of other casters. This was the step that alters the way magic can bind those willing to join together, for it was not a link created by some spell that could be manipulated. This was a direct connection into the depths of each caster's core. Under such circumstances, nothing could be completely hidden."

  Macheve began to see the direction of Desiv's scheme.

  "Go on," she allowed.

  "We will do the same. We will find a single magic caster who will be used for our benefit. We will each take a piece of pure magic from the core of that caster and place it within ourselves. It will bind us together in a way that treachery would become impossible. Our thoughts, plans and desires would be obvious to each other. There is no scheme that would be hidden."

  While comprehending the benefits in such an arrangement, Macheve also noted the detriments.

  "Such a magical connection would reveal our inner most contemplations," Macheve argued. "As serps, it is in our nature to be devious. We would not be able to control our thoughts of treachery. A magical binding of such strength would only keep them from being hidden. We would remain deceitful and underhanded. None of us could avoid thoughts of betrayal."

  "Your honesty proves my plan would work."

  "How so? The magical link would not alter our devious nature. With each stray thought, we would still be at each other's throats."

  "Would we? Overcoming that obvious barrier is at the heart of my plan. If we all understand certain undeniable truths, then our deviousness could be handled in the open. We would have to accept that we each might wish to betray the alliance, but we would know that any such move would be rendered impossible. None of us could act against the other without the rest knowing. We would simply have to agree that the notion of treachery was an acceptable transgression, but the act itself could never be forgiven."

  "Thoughts of deceit would be disregarded, but actions would be punished?" Macheve asked, intrigued by the proposal.

  "Exactly."

  "Interesting."

  Desiv turned to the others who were contemplating the suggestion.

  "You see? We admit simple truths and then we can deal with them. We accept we are an untrustworthy lot, a group of thieves and murderers, but we create the means to prevent our own failings."

  The other serps no longer wished to kill Desiv on the spot. Some even found the concept captivating, but Samk retained his suspicions.

  "Your scheme is still flawed. A magic caster needs to be utilized. Who shall we trust to pick that sorcerer? You?"

  "He has a point," Macheve acknowledged. "If this notion is to work, we must all accept a slice of pure magic from a spell caster. That in itself is a risky proposition. While we can utilize safeguards to ensure the magic is pure—to guarantee that no spell has been placed within the magic—we would still be linked to the magic caster as well as each other. How are we to know the spell caster has not already entered a bargain of his own... perhaps with you?"

  "If such a bargain existed, it would be revealed the moment the link between us was created. Who would make such a bargain knowing that the revelation would lead to immediate extermination?"

  Macheve nodded with even greater interest in the plan. If their thoughts were all magically linked, betrayal would become virtually impossible. While it once seemed an unattainable goal, she began to believe she could actually work with other serps. She would never trust them, but she wouldn't have to. She would know their thoughts, as well as their actions.

  Desiv could sense her grudging acceptance, as well as the hesitant concur
rence of many of the others gathered in the dimly lit room. With growing confidence, he set out the first step of his plan.

  "With complete consideration for Samk's reservations, I believe that the selection of the magic caster must be the first consideration of this council. Once we can agree on this matter, then we can move forward with much more profitable designs. You see? We accept what we are, and then, we find the means to overcome it."

  Samk frowned, but the other serps revealed a growing inclination toward Desiv's proposal. Doubts, however, remained and they needed to be addressed.

  "Your scheme deserves consideration," Macheve admitted, "but there remains questions and obstacles."

  "Such as?"

  "Why six serps? Why not five or seven? With six, we could easily come to a stalemate, three against three."

  "It is exactly for that reason six is necessary. Our plans must never come down to one deciding vote. Our own selfish nature would entice us to manipulate such a situation. Even if our thoughts were magically linked, we would instinctively grasp for an advantage, and it would be an act that would not necessarily reveal pure treachery. With six members, four must come to an agreement for us to advance any plan, and it would take more than one vote to change our direction. Anything else?"

  "How would we divide our gains?"

  "Equally."

  "Easier said than done," Macheve pointed out. "What is of value to you may be of more value to me. Determining equal value could lead to considerable arguments."

  "You forget about the connecting magic. We would all know exactly what we wanted and how badly. These would not be some delicate negotiations where bluffing would be rewarded."

  All of the other serps appeared to lose their reluctance, save for Samk. He remained not only unwilling to trust Desiv, but openly defiant to recognize the advantages of the scheme.

  "Even if you have devised some way to overcome our own natural tendencies, why should we bother? What is it a group of us can do that we cannot achieve on our own?"