Apostles of Doom

“I do not believe he could have anticipated that sword golem’s actions,” Jehenna said drily.

“Still, one of our foremost conjurors and demonologists is not here when we need him,” Alexandros Mien reminded them. “These things do happen, but we could certainly use his assistance now.”

“Randolf, Lenamare, Jehenna?” Gandros inquired, looking at the three wizards. “You have been pooling all your information on Exador?”

“Indeed,” Lenamare said before the other two could answer. “I also have Hortwell working with Randolf’s people in examining the history of the Exadors — or rather, Exador, since we now know he is but a single individual.”

“Have you been able to glean anything useful yet?” Davron asked.

“Only that, having been bested by the Council, he shall certainly seek a ruthless and unsparing vengeance,” Randolf said somberly.

“You have studied him for years, as a demon, yes?” Alexandros asked Randolf.

Randolf nodded. “My entire life, as did my father and grandfather.”

“I must admit, Randolf has an interesting contraption he is working on,” Lenamare told the Council. Randolf blinked in surprise at the public compliment.

“Indeed?” Gandros asked.

Randolf nodded. “I have been working for many years on a trap for him. Since it is highly unlikely that we could permanently kill an archdemon, I’ve been working on neutralizing him.”

“Neutralizing him?” Zilquar asked.

“Containing him, taking him off the playing field so to speak,” Randolf said.

“What trap could you devise that would hold an archdemon?” Tureledor asked.

“It’s not like you can just toss one of them in a deep dark hole, never to be heard from again,” Zilquar noted.

“It is a remarkable variant of a Vergian Time Stasis trap,” Lenamare said before Randolf could reply. “I had such a trap at my school, and in fact, presumably a number of Exador’s wizardlings are still stuck in it. Being in a complete temporal stasis, they would not have been hurt by my parting gift to Exador and his army.”

Randolf nodded. “The problem is that casting a Vergian Time Stasis is, as we all know, completely impractical in the midst of combat. Thus, I have been working on a means of getting him into an existing VTS. Something that Lenamare”—Randolf gestured to his colleague—“was able to do with his teleportation trap. Now, of course, it might be tricky to get Exador to teleport near us…”

“And we would need to ensure that none of our people accidentally teleport in the vicinity of such a trap.” Lenamare smiled in what appeared to be gentle concern for the wellbeing of his colleagues. Jehenna, by Lenamare’s side, cocked an eyebrow but said nothing.

“So we are working to come up with some alternatives. I have had some previous success, and I hope that with Lenamare’s assistance, we can perfect something demon-specific,” Randolf said.

“Excellent.” Gandros nodded. “However, we also need to worry about the wards, and maintaining them. Lenamare, between this trap, the wards and researching Exador’s methods, will you have any time to assist the newly formed demonic defense team?”

Lenamare sighed in resignation, but gave a weary smile. “It is a great load, but I am sure with the support of all my esteemed colleagues, I shall be able to accomplish what must be done!”

Jehenna twisted her head rather quickly to glance at Lenamare, as if in surprise, most likely at his unusually flattering comment about their colleagues.

“How are our supplies for maintaining the wards?” Gandros asked.

Jehenna spoke up. “If we stay in demon-repulsion mode only, we are good for another week. We are going to need to send out carpets to acquire more material components. We will need to scour the Council States and surrounding regions.”

“I expect there will be considerable overlap between the component needs of the wards, in this mode, with many of the other defenses and attack strategies the new demonic defense team will need?” Tureledor asked.

Lenamare nodded. “Indeed. I will work hard to coordinate. Jehenna will be overseeing the re-provisioning.”

“Speaking of demonic defenses,” Zilquar said. “Should we consider inviting the Rod and priests of Tiernon outside our gate inside? While I am not a fan of organized religion, an army of priests might be very useful against a demonic army.”

“Agreed,” Gandros said. “Given that Damien had been our main contact and he is still missing… Alexandros, can I prevail upon you to continue to be our emissary to the followers of Tiernon?”

The elder mage nodded. “Of course. We are going to need all the help we can get. Previously, Exador’s demons were only spying; I assume they will be coming back, with reinforcements.” He looked at Lenamare. “At some point, I should like to review the wards with you once more. We need to have an understanding of how they will perform under sustained attack.”