“There will be risks,” Aloisia said. “Of course there will be. But right now, you are the one who stands the greatest chance of seeing this plan through.”
Ezra pinched the bridge of his nose. “There is so much you don’t know. So much I cannot say. And I will not hang for this, not when I am as much a victim in this as those who have been killed.”
Inari crouched before him. “And you will hang if you do not assist. Give us the information, at least. If you would like to swing for not helping us beyond that, then I suppose it is your life to throw away. But I would like to live.”
Mavka moved from where she had been leaning against the doorframe, taking a seat beside Aloisia. “The way I see it, there is little choice to be had either way.” Her voice was soft and coaxing. “It is, of course, a difficult position to be in. None of us doubt that. And it is your choice. We would greatly appreciate your help. If these beasts are not stopped, nowhere in Teneria will be safe.”
Ezra lifted his gaze to meet hers, uncertainty dancing across his face.
Aloisia placed a hand upon Mavka’s, a silent thanks.
“You may return to Ephroditia,” Mavka continued, “only to be brought back in chains. Or, perhaps worse still, you may return for the city to fall to the Forgotten Gods. We have a choice, here and now. We can do everything within our power to stop them. Wouldn’t you rather be on the side of history fighting against this dark force?”
Ezra’s hazel eyes lit with curiosity.
“Wouldn’t you rather your name be listed as one of those who stopped this dark force, as opposed to one who idly stood by and let it happen?”
“You certainly have a way with words, Lead Huntress,” Ezra said. “I am almost convinced of this yarn you have spun. You would do well in the Mage’s Guild with such a silver tongue.”
Mavka smiled. “You are too kind.”
“I must admit there is a certain attraction to my name in the history books. However, the way you speak of this task belittles it so. Such a spell, to capture one of these gods, will take a lot. And my powers are barely beginning to return.”
“There is more than one magic user here,” Inari said. “Tell us your plan and we can work around it. Even with your powers depleted, the two of us should be enough of a match for one of them.”
“Perhaps.” Ezra scratched his chin. “In truth, I thought little about what this plan would entail. In order to capture one of these creatures, we could use a binding spell. If we subdue it for a short while, then the huntresses can physically bind it.”
“With what?” Aloisia asked.
“Chains. Or ropes. The shaman and I could enchant them to withstand the strength of the Forgotten God. The trouble I foresee is getting one alone. To bind one is going to be draining enough without having to fight off more.”
“Perhaps the wisps might help?” Aloisia said. “They have fended off one of the Forgotten Gods before. Is there a way to enlist their aid?”
Ezra raised a brow. “Interesting. With enough of them, we could corner one creature alone whilst barring others from interfering. But, as you say, the issue there is getting them to help.”
Aloisia looked to Inari. “The wisps have come to me before. Maybe they will again? I suppose the only way to get their aid is to ask it of them.”
Inari scratched his chin. “I see what you’re saying. However, as I know it, they are fickle beings.”
Ezra nodded in agreement.
“I do not think simply asking would convince them,” Inari added.
“Just so,” Ezra said. “An offering may incline them to help.”
“What kind of offering?” Aloisia asked.
“As the shaman said, they are fickle. They are also pure forces, so sacrifices will not be necessary.”
“Do neither of you know what we could offer?”
Inari and Ezra shook their heads.
Aloisia rose. “Then you two start on the enchantments. I’ll figure out this bit.”
“How?” Inari frowned.
“They came to me once. I will wait until they do again.” She moved towards the doors.
