“If you will not join me, then I will take you down with him.” The mage’s dark eyes glowed red in tandem with the crystal of his staff. “I may not be able to enter his tent, but this camp is set on the ground. You seem to have forgotten to which guild I pertain.” Benton slammed his staff into the dirt, and the earth trembled violently. The tent shook, and the pots rattled, dishes crashing. “What is to stop me from burying you all alive!”
Elon joined Von’s side and raised his glowing blue palms. “Cease or this will not end well for you.”
“I do not fear you, pointy-eared toff!” Benton spat. “You elves utter your incantations. I’ll kill you before you speak a single word—”
Von hurled the knife. It pierced Benton’s shoulder, knocking him down. The mage screamed as a brilliant wave of roaring red power peeled out of him and whooshed into the hilt of the knife. The tremors immediately stopped.
Benton panted, sweat gleaming on his insipid face. “You siphoned my Essence?”
Von yanked out the knife and showed it to him. Studded in the pommel was an amber bead glowing with the power it had consumed. Within it was a tiny black plant with three heart-shaped leaves.
“Black clovers,” he said, examining the bead. “Nasty little buggers.”
Benton’s eyes bulged wide. “Where did you get that?”
“Where is not important. I’ve siphoned your Essence within an inch of your life. Rebel against the master again, and I will take all of it.”
“He would never allow it. I am worth more than you.”
“He has no need for rebellious slaves. There are mages aplenty but his patience is limited.” Von cleaned the blade on Benton’s robes before he stood and tucked it away. “This is not the only clover we have, but you only have two sons. Know your place, or they will suffer the consequences with you.”
“Touch them and you die!” Benton bellowed. Weak sputters of magic sparked at his fingertips, but that was all he mustered.
Dalton rushed into the tent with his older brother, Clayton. The boys gaped at their father and Von. They must have sensed magic in the quake, and who had caused it. Both ran to Benton’s side.
Clayton shot Von a glare as he pressed on the wound. He had the same narrow face and nose of his father, along with the defiant twist of his mouth. His palm glowed yellow with his Essence as he healed Benton. Neither he or Dalton asked what happened. This was not the first time Von had to subdue the old mage.
“Rest, Benton,” Von said, giving him a casual smile as he deliberately laid a hand on Dalton’s shoulder. “Once you’ve regained your strength, prepare the location spell.”
Benton’s face turned purple, but this time he didn’t refuse. Clayton helped him up, and the mages shuffled out without another word.
Von sighed and rubbed his face. He hated making such threats, but it was necessary to keep them alive. If Benton had revolted while Tarn was present, this bluster would have ended differently. The old mage must have known it as well. His antics never started when the master was around.
“Track the Maiden in the meanwhile,” Von told Elon. “Keep your distance and find out what you can about them.” He paused then added, “Take Novo and Len with you. Leave Bouvier behind. I have another task for him.”
Elon nodded and soundlessly slipped outside.
The tables rattled as Sorren moved around the tent stiffly. With each of his heavy steps, his thick slave bangles clanked against his hooves.
“Let me.” Von waved him away and helped pick up the dishes off the floor.
The Minotaur’s deep voice rumbled in the tent, “So, it is happening.”
“Aye, it has begun,” Von said, letting his informal brogue accent seep through. He didn’t need to hold up airs around his friend.
“Benton is right. Why do you refuse to fight? I’d stand with you.”
Von busied himself by tossing the broken dishes in an empty barrel. Discussing it would only lead to arguments with Sorren and Yavi. As it had many times before.
He’d sworn to serve the Morken family many years ago, so perpetual enslavement to Lord Morken’s eldest son was not much of a difference. The terms of his life-debt were binding law on earth and in the Heavens. Ironic thing it was, as he constantly committed crimes to fulfill his obligation.
“We’re slaves. We have to obey whether or not we agree with it.”
Sorren dumped two bowls of mutton stew on the table, the contents spilling on the surface. “I never agreed to be that man’s slave,” he growled. “Nor did Benton. Did you?”
Von looked away. He bid Sorren thanks for the food and left the stuffy tent. The activity outside was bustling as the men broke down the camp and loaded wagons.
Abenon marched through the camp, barking commands. “Drop those tents! Load the horses! Pick up the pace you daft, lazy swine!”
