The Heavenly Host

Sir Bastion, the Lord Chairman of the Council of Magistrates, who was there on behalf of the magistrates, spoke up. “This is a very critical meeting, My Lord Archimage; we have requested all to attend.”

Randolf nodded, acknowledging the point. “Unfortunately, he’s been called off to handle some issues for me in Turelane.”

“I thought you said he was indisposed,” Trevin D’Vils snapped as she seated herself.

Randolf turned gingerly to face her and sort of grimaced or simpered or something at her. “My apologies, Enchantress... a poor word choice on my behalf. I had hoped to avoid bringing up my issues at home and so chose words that added to the confusion. My sincerest apologies.”

Jenn whispered into Gastropé’s ear, “Is it just me, or is he slimy?”

Gastropé shook his head and whispered back, “No, he’s very slimy. I think he is actually a toad that Exador turned into an Archimage. He’s done the reverse often enough, so why not?”

Jenn giggled softly to herself. Damien overheard them and gave them a rueful grin.

Gandros stood to address the gathering. “Very well, then, I think we are all here. Due to its sensitivity and arcane nature, Lord Chairman Bastion is going to view this on behalf of the Council of Magistrates and will decide whether to show it to them. What you are about to see is, well, rather disturbing.”

He gestured to Damien, who stood up. “Damien ventured out today after the purge to reopen discussions with the Oorstemothians and the Rod, and to ascertain the state of affairs after we dumped a demon horde on them,” Lord Gandros explained.

Lenamare spoke up. “I do hope you know we appreciate your fortitude in your willingness to deal with these groups.” He made a small shudder.

Jenn raised her eyebrow; that statement seemed very uncharacteristic of Lenamare. However, he was probably feeling very magnanimous after having pulled off a rather unthinkable level of wizardry, of which everyone in the room was aware.

“Thank you, Councilor.” Damien bowed his head to Lenamare. Damien proceeded down the steps to a pedestal at the base of the auditorium, lifting a small bag from his waist. “Before I go into too much detail, I want to show you a balling[7] that was made for distribution by the Oorstemothians. This,” he held up a crystal ball from the small bag, “contains a copy of a Viewing recorded by Wing Arms Master Heron’s personal sorcerer.” He set the ball down on a mount in the pedestal.

“Now, first, some background. Lord Alexandros ventured out yesterday to negotiate us more time and to alert the Rod and the Sky Fleet of our plans. They devised a scheme to deal with the demons fleeing the city.”

“You mean kill or dispose of them,” Davron interjected.

Damien shook his head. “As best they could.”

“Better than them heading down the road to our cities,” Sier Barvon of Yorktown stated emphatically.

“Indeed,” Damien concurred.

“As we know, we were inadvertently playing host to several archdemons and likely a few greater demons.” There were a few gasps from around the room from those who hadn’t realized how severe the problem had been.

“Did we drive out the archdemons?” Trevin asked.

“We believe so; but that’s complicated.”

“Can’t Talarius fly over and look again?” Tureledor asked. “That’s what he did before, right?”

“I think it best if we watch the ball, and then I’ll tell you what else I know.” Damien gestured and the room lights went down. He waved his hand over the ball and the air above it lit up with a frozen vision of the Rod’s encampment.

“As I said, this was taken by Heron’s personal sorcerer. Given what we all know of the Oorstemothians, I have no doubts as to its authenticity.” Damien made some gestures to zoom in on the scene.

“My demon!” Lenamare exclaimed, nearly standing up and pointing to the demon currently frozen in the air.

“What’s with that miniature version of him over there?” Jehenna wondered.

“Isn’t that your demon, Damien?” Bastion asked Damien, referring to the smallest demon.

“I’m afraid so. As you see, this affects many of us in the room personally.”

“Gastropé!” Jehenna suddenly spoke up. “Isn’t that your ugly demon there as well?”

“Apparently,” said Gastropé, looking extra-pale in the dark of the room.

“As I said, let’s proceed; we can go back and watch it over again as much as needed afterward, but I think we want to get the full event shown first,” Damien said.

“Very well, proceed,” Gandros ordered. Damien waved his hand. The knight Talarius was speaking to the smaller version of Lenamare’s demon. Jenn had no idea where the small demon had come from. She had wondered where that Tom demon had been; apparently he was in the palace all along.

As the video started, the smaller demon was saying, “...I’ll be able to put up a fight.”

“I don’t think it will be that much of a fight; I’ve taken your measure once before, demon,” Talarius told the smaller demon.