I saw Greybeard's face. His eyes were those of someone suffering. He was not the only one. He knew our problems had just become bigger. The invasion of elven mentality had been contained in the cities dominated by Whitecaps. Redcaps did not care about their people, but we did. That was why my friend was in pain. He had become my friend after these years working on enemy lines. Were they enemy lines after all? I did not think that term applied anymore. We were enemies of everyone, and he was genuinely disturbed by Lilith's loss. I did not know what to think. Even though the Queen of the Succubi had worked hard to prove that the Dark Forest—I differed from those who called it the Dark Forest, since around the coast on almost the entire continent there was a true forest of trees that originally bore the name—could work without interfering with those of us seeking peace, my companion's feeling was something more than concern. I did not know if he desired her or loved her, but he was unwell. He could not explain anything to me. I had been watching him for ten minutes as he told me his plans—many of which I had no knowledge of. That was why I let him speak. But he had begun to repeat himself, so I asked him to calm down—not as a friend, but as his leader. He obeyed.
I left him while I reviewed the map. This map, like the mirrors, I had prepared so that things noted on a similar map would be reflected here. He had already shown me how his troops were organized—a very organized group. I wished my people in Stormhammer had that level of efficiency. The people from villages seeking refuge were trained to improve their crops, their farming methods, and their combat skills. If what he told me was true, some of these peasants had faced soldiers or mercenaries and made them flee! Such an achievement would not be possible in my city. The troops, the magical races that took refuge there, were treated with respect and equality—similar to what I had recently done to leave the Blood Elves' influence out of here. I designed many magical filters, but she had already prepared something similar. It was more advanced than what I had devised and cruel to those who violated its commandments. She exiled great numbers of orcs to the plains, bearing marks on their faces and bodies. According to Greybeard, they were lethal and crazed. To that point, I thought it was very good. Yet the other thing—Lilith's capture—that I did not understand.
When my former secretary left, he was very proud of his power, of his ability to attract the most impressionable. Those were the kind of sorcerers I did not want in my order. None of them sought to do good for their society—they wanted power for themselves. Something similar to what happened with my ex-secretary's son—much power, little knowledge. That was why I never let them rise beyond my floor, not where I kept all the magical items and books I had written. Few mages could come here. Greybeard had been before, when he came for the magic Lilith requested. Would he be capable of achieving what he sought? Just after the conversation with Greybeard, a couple of adolescents came to leave a letter on the city's outskirts. They asked for a specific book. Normally, no one would bring the request to my tower, but for some reason, the guards came very promptly. They looked a little embarrassed, but still brought and delivered the book requested. I could not tell my friend that—it would betray the agreement I had with the keep's queen. Besides, even though it was not wrong, it stank as if it were... I could not believe that woman would send children on such a dangerous mission!
The letter was still in my hand. The lines written there could only be seen by me, though I did not discover how they managed it:
"Thank you, Master of the White Tower.
I have finally finished the enchantments we were missing. I know you know the Blackcaps' weakness, but you want them to find it and solve it themselves. I don't—I want them to help the community. We cannot allow more sorcerers to join the elves across the sea. That is why I ask—without that great mage who now accompanies me finding out—that you send with these young people a book of 'Dreams and Appearances,' the one you wrote when you were young. Do not worry—I do not know its contents. My lord told me this. He said the answer lies there, that we have the means to train humans no matter which faction they answer to.
I will probably not live to thank you for this copy. But you should know I will be very grateful for keeping this secret. Greybeard loves me—in his way—and I like him. But I am not alive for love; I am alive to bring peace and justice to Greenleaf. If I live, I will be able to be by his side.
Yours in this training,
Lilith."
I still heard my friend sobbing. He spoke haltingly about search and elimination parties, about risks we had to face. But we were not the only ones involved. If he went, the whole charade would be exposed. If I went, I would be imprisoned by the elves, even if I killed thousands in the process. I knew they were strong, though they did not know how strong I was. No, this must be subtle. So I asked for patience—to come to Stormhammer. Here, I would give him an object that no one in Midnight Raven could refuse. Then, and only then, would he make the decision to rescue her or kill her if what he saw did not please him.