“My mages and I have finally come up with a counterspell,” the Emperor said. “Unfortunately, each pearl can only be used on one corpse. You will have to carry a pouch full of them on your missions. Administration is simple. Throw it at an animated corpse. The pearl will explode and release the counterspell. The corpse will be freed instantaneously. Trials have been conducted successfully on the corpses some of you secured for me, so I can say this with absolute certainty.”
The entire room broke out into applause and cheering. I joined in, finally knowing what all the fuss was about. A counterspell. It was about time. The only downside would be the corpses we'd be left with. Instead of burning them, we'd have to—
The Emperor held up his hand for silence, and the room instantly went quiet. “I know you will all be wondering what to do with the corpses once they are freed. They will be buried near whatever city or village they are found in, and stone markers will be carved to mark the mass graves, indicating how many of each race is buried there.” He paused, then added, “If it's possible to determine race. If not, you will give a general tally. I want the loved ones of the deceased to be able to visit those graves if they wish to. They won't know for certain who lies therein, but knowing people of their race are buried there may be of some comfort.”
“Yes, of course, Your Imperial Majesty,” General Rontor said. “It will be done. And thank you for the counterspells.”
The Emperor nodded. “When you need more, contact me, and I will replenish your supply.”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.”
At the General's words, the Wraith Lords got to their feet and bowed to the Emperor. I was a little late to standing and therefore to bowing, and when I straightened, I saw the Emperor's lips twitching.
“Line up to receive your portion of the counterspells,” Rontor said.
As I got in line with my men, the Emperor left Rontor's side and came to me.
I hastily bowed. “Hello, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“Hello, Lord Ember,” the Emperor said warmly. “So, you have been busy, I see.” He nodded at Keltyr.
Kel bowed. “I'm honored to have been chosen, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“I'm sure it has more to do with pleasure than honor.” The Emperor winked at him. “But I'm glad you've been empowered, Lord Keltyr.”
Kel, who blushed red as a rose, inclined his head and stammered, “Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.”
Rath rolled his eyes. “We are happy to have him with us, Your Imperial Majesty. He's a good addition.”
“I understand your last mission was a blessed one. You found more of your friends, Lord Ember?”
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty,” I said. “Some of the children have their parents back. But there are still many others to locate.”
“I'm glad you've found some of them at least. But I'm worried about what it means for the Corrupter to start using the living again.”
“When I was imprisoned, the Corrupter told me he was sending the Corrupted out on missions,” I said. “When the corpses started showing up, I thought maybe he was using the Corrupted to dig them up.” When Xae elbowed me, I added, “Your Imperial Majesty.”
“Yes, I assumed that as well.” The Emperor didn't seem to notice my lack of respect. “So why has he sent them now?”
“We don't know, Your Imperial Majesty,” Xae said. “But it can't be good.”
“No, Lord Xaedren, it can't,” the Emperor murmured. “He is up to something.” He stepped back to address the room. “Wraith Lords, the Corrupter has a new plan which we've yet to discover. Be extra careful on missions. Trust nothing you see and no one you meet. The Corrupter is adept at illusion.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!” the Wraith Lords shouted together.
“Good men.” The Emperor nodded. “May the Goddess bless and guide you all.”
With that, the Emperor of Varr faded away.
Chapter Six
Dinner that night was festive. The Wraith Lords laughed and played with the kids, pouches full of counterspells hanging from their belts proudly. The Emperor had come through for us at last. We'd all been getting worried, but he had been working as tirelessly as we had and had finally brought us what we needed to put an end to the Corrupter's new terrible trick. Even Xaedren lightened up about Caleb and let me speak to him after dinner.Withoutgrowling at either of us.
“I'm sorry about him,” I said to Caleb as I cast a look over my shoulder at Xae.
He was watching us, but when he caught my stare, he nodded.
“Is he your boyfriend?” Caleb asked, his stare locked on Xaedren as well.
