“Tea?” offered Xflan.
“Sure,” agreed Copam. “Green Lion, if you’ve got it.”
Xflan filled two cups with water from a large urn. He placed his hands over the and started to chant the heating incantation, but then caught movement out of the corner of his eye. ”You idiot!” he hissed at Copam. “Close that door.”
“Oh, sorry,’ Copam hurriedly complied, and made sure it was locked. “Thank you,” he said as Xflan set the steaming hot cup in front of him. Xflan had summoned Copam to his quarters on the fourth floor of Castle Essenmore. He politely sipped his tea, waiting for the other priest to say what was on his mind.
“Boutland is sending missionaries throughout Goerthe, trying to convince citizens to use magic in their everyday lives,” said Xflan.
Copan waved a dismissive hand. “They’ve been doing that for years. And they aren’t exactly missionaries. They don’t preach any religion or moral code.”
“I know. That’s what makes them dangerous. They go into a village, maybe show dairy farmers how magic can increase milk yield, or tell homesteaders where to dig their wells. If somebody’s kid has the galloping crud, they cure it, then they go on their way.”
“Yes.” Copam nodded. “What’s wrong with that? Magic is not outlawed, you know.”
“It’s a threat to us, that’s what’s wrong with it.” Xflan pressed his thin lips together. “We - I mean we Diaballicans - Have spent centuries weaning the people off magic. Our religion prohibits magic.” He stood up, waving his arms. “Listen, Boutland is seeking to undermine our authority in Goerthe. Mark my words, Copam, their goal is to turn our own citizens against us. To reintroduce widespread magic and position themselves as leaders to whom the people turn in times of trouble.”
“Aren’t you a bit melodramatic,” asked Copam. “True, we haven’t been able to make Diaballicism the only legal religion of Goerthe, but we call the shots. King Brothgard won’t blow his nose without asking your permission.”
“I don’t have as much influence over him as you think,” said Xflan. “When I bring up the possibility of outlawing magic, he tells me to forget it.”
“Hmm. And I suppose it’s no use telling him Boutland is a threat to us and, therefore, to him?”
“Oh, he wants to cozy up with Boutland,” Xflan said in disgust. “He’s invited a delegation to come stay at Essenmore for the feast of Axeshame next month.”
“The feast of Axeshame? Boutland won’t send a delegation to celebrate the main holiday on the Diaballican calendar.” Copam picked up his teacup.
“Oh yes they will,” corrected Xflan. “The Assistant Governor is coming, along with several other dignitaries and their entourage.”
“Really? Odd,” observed Copam.
“Not odd. Those Boutland warlocks plan to turn Brothgard’s head with a few parlor tricks. They want him to take restrictions off magic and diminish the Diaballican influence.”
“That is bad. Once the people have free access to magic, there’ll be no way to stop it from spreading.” Copam pondered a moment. “We’ll look like fools and despots for having preached against magic for so long.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Xflan raised his voice. “’Scuse me, old friend.” He pointed to the empty cups and saucers, which lifted off the table and deposited themselves gently in the sink. “But if the Boutland necromancers were to tip their hand, to reveal their true intentions, Brothgard would crack down on magic. He would either destroy Boutland, or at least seal their border so no magician could work his nefarious evil in Goerthe.”
Copam frowned. He doubted anybody from Boutand would commit any blatant acts against Goerthe or the Diaballican Church.
“Furthermore, if he were to suffer a personal tragedy, he would turn to his Diaballican pastor for comfort.” Xflan nodded apparently satisfied with his reasoning. “When we have firmly reestablished ourselves as the power behind the throne, we will introduce magic to Goerthe again. On our terms.” He nodded again, and candles around the room sprung to life against the encroaching darkness.
Copam, perhaps not the sharpest knife in the drawer, did not see where Xflan was headed with this.
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