Chapter 18; The Council of Warlocks;
Characters of the chapter
Paro Thed Greeter of the Warlocks, Member of the council of thirteen.
The Wine King Member of the council of thirteen.
Tiraen Tasvius , Magister of the Tevinter Imperium, Venatori agent, ambassador to Meereen, commander of the 5th expeditionary legion of Tevinter, formerly apprentice to magister Cato Argos.
Judge Member of the Council of Deciders.
Ethereal Member of the Council of Deciders.
Foundation Member of the Council of Deciders.
Seer Member of the Council of Deciders.
Naysmith Member of the Council of Deciders.
Tiraen stood on the deck of her personal ship, the Huntress, watching the city of Qarth slowly grow as they approached, the city bathed in the morning sun, shining from the clear skies. Her ship was a trireme of two sails and two hundred oars, its hull painted in white as was typical of ships of the Imperium. The prow of the ship was exceptionally heavy, reinforced with sheets of shining steel, while a ram lurked just under the surface of the water, features built to help the ships carry out its intended purpose. The Huntress was not designed to catch and board an enemy ship, nor was it like the larger ships in their fleet that relied on firepower to win their battles. The ship was designed as a killer, to take on a smaller ship, ram it and sink it in one attempt, while still having the ability to heavily damage larger ships. If that was insufficient, the ship still carried a full company of archers and at least three other mages besides Tiraen. Tiraen had also insisted that the ship be rowed by free sailors, unlike other ships of the Imperium that typically were rowed by slaves. It had been practicality that had motivated her choice rather than a sense of mercy, as she thought free men more effective. And it was doubly useful in the event it the ship was boarded, since Tiraen would have a larger fighting crew than most enemies of the Imperium would expect.
Tiraen was quite proud of her ship, and she hoped it would be impressive to the Qartheen as well. First impressions were important, and the first thing the leaders of this city would see about her would be the mode of her arrival. She had spent the days of the travel in her cabin, reading about Qarth, learning all she could about the city, its history and its people. This way she hoped to learn what angles to pursue and present a face of sophistication and attentiveness.
The ship finally arrived at the docks, and she stepped to the pier, accompanied by half a dozen of her soldiers and a cluster of other imperial citizens. Pet was not at her side at this time, as she had left him at her mansion back in Meereen. She had thought he might unnerve the Qartheen to no good effect, potentially souring her negotiations. Furthermore she had not been entirely certain that in the coming Valyrian expedition the unusual conditions of that corner of the world would not affect the magic that sustained him. She had chosen to surrender the advantage of her best warrior rather than face this potentially devastating uncertainty. Selia had remained behind as well to take care of her home while she was away and assist Cato and Julius as they conducted their work to prepare their legions for war. Other slaves had been brought with her though, to carry her belongings and attend to her.
As she walked to the harbor, she was soon met with a group of people in elaborate clothes that Tiraen guessed were the Thirteen, reinstated after the unfortunate destruction of the previous council and the short lived reign of the self-proclaimed King of Qarth.
"Greetings My Lady. You are Tiraen, of the house of Tasvius, are you not? " One of them, a man with whitening hair and slight plumpness to him, greeted her.
"That is indeed who I am, come as an envoy on behalf of the Tevinter Imperium. To whom I have the honor of speaking?"
"You can call me a Merchant of Wines my Lady. I'm afraid that my actual name is quite overwhelming for the tongues of foreigners. Regardless, on behalf of the Thirteen and the people of Qarth I welcome you to our city. It is always a delight to host members of your nation." He said, motioning with his hand for her to enter the city itself.
"Cautious but polite in spite of it." Tiraen concluded, having seen the look in his eyes. He didn't seem to quite know what to make of her.
"I am curious, what is your assessment of the greatest city that ever was or will be?" Asked the Wine King as they walked the streets of the city.
"Magnificent. Even viewed only briefly and at a distance it is worth many a story. No doubt it has many more wonders to share later on." She said diplomatically. Then a mischievous smile crept to her lips:
"Although I would urge you to go see our capital of Minrathous. Perhaps you would rethink your designation for Qarth then. For my city is glorious indeed, though sadly time and cruel fortune have marred much of that beauty. Still, one need only gaze upon her to know she was once the center of the world." She said. "And perhaps one day she will be again." She added in her mind.
"Quite a bold statement, My Lady. I'm almost tempted to do as you urged and see the truth of it myself. But sadly your homeland is far, far away, and very foreign. I'm afraid such a voyage would be too much for the constitution of one such as I."
"Of course Thedas is home to many great capitals. For instance I have heard that Val Royeaux of Orlais is also an impressive city to behold." The merchant said, clearly intending his comment as something of a challenge.
Tiraen gave a dismissive chuckle. "Val Royeaux is a beauty among capitals to be certain. But her beauty is superficial, hollow. Under all that gold and marble there is little except a great deal of corruption and ugliness. A whore in a fancy dress is still a whore, even if she might be more attractive. The beauty of Minrathous runs deeper and lasts longer, and is more likely to survive hardships."
The Wine King chuckled. "Ah, we could talk about capitals all day. But I'm afraid my dear wife would be quite wroth with me if I got so carried away that I forgot to talk about business. So I would enquire as to the reason why you have decided to come to our city, ambassador?"
"There are… opportunities to pursue, bargains to secure, all that. We hope to get many gains from here." She said.
The merchant smiled at that. "I and my colleagues were hoping you would say that. There are many possible trade deals to consider. I'm certain we will be able to make mutually satisfactory bargains."
"Of course. I have brought merchants with me. They will be more than happy to discuss such matters with you." Tiraen said, motioning at the group Imperial citizens following her. "And of course should you wish to speak with me directly, I shall make every effort to meet with you. For now, however, there is another group that I have come to meet."
The smile of the merchant faded, replaced by a frown of puzzlement. "And who might they be, My Lady?" He asked.
"Why, the Warlocks of course." She said with a smile.
It was sometime later, as she was overseeing the move to the house the Qartheen had graciously offered to her for the duration of her stay, that a group of identical strangers appeared in the main hall. So sudden was their appearance that her soldiers drew their weapons in alarm and her slaves, that had been hauling her belongings, retreated to the sides of the room. Holding her staff at the ready, Tiraen's eyes scanned the identical men until her gaze settled on one of them. "Must we play games? I know full well which one of you is real." She said dryly.
"Impressive. Most could not see through the illusion." Said the man she was looking at, while the other versions of him simply vanished.
"That's because I'm a mage, just like you. You create a mirror image of yourself, but to reflect there must be an object to reflect. I can trace how you manipulate magic to create these illusions and track it back to its source, namely you." She said. "Now, explain yourself. Who are you?" She added coolly.
"Paro Thed is my name. I am a greeter of the Warlocks, and on their behalf I welcome you to Qarth. I apologize for the nature of my arrival. Dramatic entrances are something of a staple in my role." He said, giving a slight bow of his head.
"And why are you here?" She asked.
Paro smiled. "As I said, I am a greeter on behalf of the Warlocks. I understand that you came to the city seeking an audience with us."
"This is true. But how do I know that you are who you say to be? Anyone could make your claim." She said, keeping her staff at ready.
"My talents, for one thing. Few in this part of the world would know this particular brand of magic. Beyond that… you may have spotted me among the Thirteen? My order is still afforded a seat among them, albeit admittedly far more reluctantly since certain events of recent history. I rather think a seat is given to us now only because they are too afraid of us to refuse us."
Tiraen thought back, and she could indeed recall seeing him among the Qartheen, although she had not paid him any attention then. She considered for a time before lowering her staff. Her soldiers followed her example and sheathed their swords. "Maybe I believe you. Is it you then that I should treat with?" She said.
"No." Paro said, shaking his head and smiling softly. "I am merely here to ascertain whether or not you are fit to appear before the Council of Deciders, our governing body, and present your offer to them. The Council's time is very valuable, so valuable in fact that even greeters such as I are rarely called upon to make an assessment. The Dragon Queen Daenerys was the last to warrant such attention, although that story had a very unhappy ending, resulting in the demise of my predecessor."
It was Tiraen's turn to smile. "Then I am honored to be considered so special. I do hope that I can present a far more… mutually beneficial arrangement than the Dragon Queen."
"That remains to be seen." He said in a completely businesslike tone. "To evaluate your worthiness I would begin by asking what is it that you intend to propose?" he asked.
"I have come on behalf of the Imperium to create a partnership with the Warlocks, in the hopes that you would work with us… against the Dragon Queen and the Twin Kingdoms."
"Interesting. But our order is not known for warriors, and your Imperium is certainly more knowledgeable of magics suited for violence." He pointed out.
"True, but even so you have other things that might be of use to us, and things you could deny to our enemies and help us that way. I also believe that we would have common cause against the Twin Kingdoms, based on what you told me." She said.
"And you say you have come to speak on behalf of the Imperium? No one else?" He asked.
"No. No one else." She said.
"You're certain?" He asked again.
"Yes." Tiraen insisted, raising an eyebrow, wondering why Paro was pressing that point.
"Understood." Paro said with a mysterious smile. "Then finally I would like to know what would you offer in return for our partnership? I am certain the council will ask." He said.
"I thought they might." She said with a nod. "The core point of my proposal is best discussed in person. For now, to show off some of the more concrete benefits and reassure you of our good intentions, I offer a gift." She snapped her fingers and two of her slaves came forward carrying a large chest between them.
"A gift? What sort of gift would that be?" He asked.
"Something I have discovered all mages end up wanting sooner or later: Power." The chest was opened, and she motioned for him to step forward and take a look inside. Seeing the contents Parro gasped in wonder, his eyes and mouth wide open in amazement.
"Titan's blood! How came you by this?" He asked in awe.
Tiraen guessed that the Warlock was speaking of lyrium, briefly wondering why he had called the substance Titan's blood. "The Imperium counts the dwarves of Orzammar as our friends. They sell it to us, for a good price naturally. And now we will be willing to supply it to you, should we come to an understanding." She said.
The Warlock knelt in front of the chest reaching out with his hand before withdrawing it, looking at her uncertainly.
"It is safe, you can touch them. All the lyrium here is in objects or potions, so it cannot do harm. In addition to the lyrium potions and runes you will find enchanted rings, pendants, staffs, belt buckles, a spellbook or two. My slaves can carry the chest to where you want it brought. Bring it to your masters and let them know that this is just a small taste of the many benefits that can be gained through cooperation with the Imperium." She told him.
"I will." He said, admiring a rune he had picked up from the chest. "I have a high confidence that in light of this tribute the Council will agree to meet with you, within the day. I shall return to you when the time is right and bring you to them." He said to her in conclusion.
And return he did, later that evening. He insisted that she come alone since she was the only one who had earned the right to an audience through her gift. Deciding it was best to be diplomatic and play along she instructed her soldiers to stay and watch over the house. Paro led her through the winding, darkened streets of the city until she stood before a stone tower.
"Through here my lady." He said, pointing at a dark doorway in the side of the tower. Tiraen stepped through and descended a flight of stairs into the darkness. As soon as she stepped through the doorway she could sense the magic in the place, the sudden thinness of the veil, letting her tap fully into her powers. The air was heavy with illusion, and Tiraen realized the darkness was one of them. Here the darkness was not merely the absence of light, but seemed to have a form and substance all of its own. It behaved like very heavy smoke, retreating before her feet to reveal a floor of white marble and rapidly closing up behind her. There was a musty scent in the air, like decaying leaves, while the darkness seemed to swallow up all sounds, making even her own footsteps sound muffled and distant. Out of caution she took her staff into her hands and advanced further.
She stopped when she heard a voice of an old woman: "My, my, who comes before us now? A Scion of the Imperium! A potent creature to be certain. Glory made flesh, fierce and proud. White her garb, black her heart, and red her cause."
Tiraen felt the darkness draw closer, enveloping her, intending to swallow her whole. But then her staff struck the ground and an intense bright light emanated from its head. The darkness fled before the brightness, revealing a room of stone far larger than would have been apparent from the outside, a semi-circular table in front of her and seated figures with blurry outlines, shielding their eyes from the sudden light.
"Peace, Scion! We intend you no harm!" Boomed a male voice at the head of the table when the light finally began to dim.
"Then do not encroach upon me uninvited. Such provocations are like to make me wrathful toward you, and that is a poor foundation for our talks." She said sharply.
"We understand. We shan't give you further cause for alarm. You have our word." The man said, subdued. The darkness lingered in the room, cowering in the corners like a stung beast, fearful of coming near her again. Those gathered around the table remained in her field of vision although their outlines remained strangely blurry, like a reflection in rippling water, so Tiraen could not make out any details on the people around her. "Another illusion." She guessed.
"Her power is so …intense. A thundering storm bottled inside a person. I wonder if she is typical of her people?" A new, younger female voice joined the conversation, sounding awed. "A storm indeed, but that is also her weakness. Such noise quiets much else. She is deaf to so many beautiful songs of the Fade." She added after a moment of further contemplation.
"I have studied her fate. In her I see the second half of a greater being, the opposition in all things, a dark flame to match the bright one. Destined to rise to the challenge, but will she triumph or perish? The fates are uncertain. Curious." The voice of the older woman spoke again.
"Everything is curious to you, Seer, and your visions are always cryptic to the point of being incomprehensible." A new male voice joined in the conversation, irritation clear in his voice.
"Indeed. Such is the nature of fate, Foundation." Answered the older woman, unperturbed.
"Then fate is annoying, and so are you." Said the one called Foundation. "And you are no better, Ethereal. You, whose head is always in the clouds, always blathering on about you damn songs in the Fade."
"My head is in the clouds!? Perhaps, but at least I do not spend my days grubbing around with my nose in the dirt looking for shiny objects!" The younger woman retorted angrily.
"Silence!" Thundered the first male voice again. "We will not embarrass this Council by bickering like children in front of a stranger, and we will not insult our guest by examining her like some specimen. So do I rule."
"Your will is recognized, Judge." Said Foundation after a moment of silence, which the other two echoed shortly after.
"My apologies, Scion. Your visit has been the cause for many lively discussions lately. Now, I understand that you wished to talk with us?" The Judge then addressed Tiraen.
Tiraen gave a short nod of her head before answering: "I have been sent by my people to discuss an alliance with Qarth, an alliance aimed against the Twin Kingdoms of Westeros."
"Then it seems that you have wasted your time even before you appeared before us. We do not speak for Qarth. And even if we did, why would we agree to this? Why should the sons of Qarth go to die on the swords of the West for your benefit?" The voice of a third man spoke out.
"We do not ask you to commit your soldiers to our cause, though we would welcome them at our flank should you choose to send them." She answered. "In the end we will ask only what you will agree to give. You did not hear my proposal yet. We know that you do not govern this city, but you do have influence with those that do. We would ask that you apply that influence on our behalf, first in securing trade, and when war comes we would like you to supply us with the required resources. Our armies will have many needs, all of which must be met. In addition we ask that Qarth suspend trade and all assistance to the Twin Kingdoms, to make them that much weaker against us. "
"And why have you asked for our help instead of talking with the merchants directly?" Asked the Judge.
"Because those men are men of coins." She explained. "They have no causes, no principles, only profits. And try as we might, we cannot beat the argument that they will garner more profits from taking no sides at all. The warlocks have other priorities than money, and so the Imperium believes that you may be convinced to ally against a mutual enemy. The Dragon Queen wronged you when she visited your city, slaying one of your number. Because of the distance and strength of her kingdom you are powerless to exact retribution. Support us and we will deliver justice in your stead. Furthermore, you have something of great value to the Imperium, something the merchants could never give. In addition to the rest I have come to propose an exchange of magical learning: Your knowledge in exchange for our own."
"Those secrets have never been shared with an outsider." Said the Judge.
"Then perhaps today is the day to make history." Tiraen countered. "I have already taken the first step, gifting you tools of power and books of knowledge, all given in good faith, with nothing demanded in return. And that was just a taste of the feast we can give you. All we ask in turn is that we be given something of equal worth."
"Indeed her gift has been most generous, of great value to our order…" Said Foundation, to Tiraen's satisfaction.
"Beware my brethren! This one has a honeyed tongue, but her words carry a dread poison, as do her gifts. She would put us all to sleep with golden promises. And when we awaken, all we had will be gone. Stolen, by her people!" Warned the third man.
"And who are you to call me a liar? Or insult my people by calling them thieves?" She retorted, offended.
"I am the Naysmith, sworn to oppose. And today I oppose you in this." He said. Then he chuckled. "And your deceitful nature you proved before we even met. You have been dishonest with us about the one who you truly serve."
"I do not know what you mean." She said, her face betraying no emotion.
"Feign no ignorance, Scion of the Imperium. We know the truth. You are a member of the Venatori. You serve the King with the Red Crown!" The Naysmith said.
She narrowed her eyes, surprised. "You… you know of the Elder One?" She asked.
"We know much." Said the Judge. "That you chose to try to keep this from us does give us some cause for concern."
"It is not something that those of my order are used to sharing with outsiders." She said in her defense. "Clearly with you such secrecy is not necessary. Even so, I did not lie overmuch. Our cause and the cause of the Imperium are one. At worst, I omitted something."
"It was my understanding that this Elder one was destroyed by the Inquisition. If he is dead, how is it that you would still serve him?" Asked Foundation.
"Dead? Is that what you think? Well, perhaps there are still things that you do not know." She said, amused.
"It is true that had the Inquisitor struck the killing blow that fateful day, he might well have vanquished my Master. Instead he threw him into the fade, body and spirit, thinking that this would destroy him. Instead of destruction that place transformed him, allowed him to take the next step in his path to godhood. And now the Herald of Andraste is a Herald for us also, praised for his accidental service." She then told them.
"Now my Master is beyond the means of mere mortals, the God of Empires. Where peoples have built their nations and kingdoms, there he holds sway. That makes the whole world his fiefdom. He now walks the fade, seeking to complete his quest of ascension, and then return to the world, to rule. And in the meantime we of the Venatori prepare the world for his return." She boldly stated.
"Is this something you know to be true, or merely something you believe, blindly?" Asked the Naysmith, sounding dubious.
"Oh, I know it. Whether you believe me is another matter, and also not important to the topic at hand. Either it is as I say or I'm blinded by my conviction, driven to see what I want to see. Your choice. In either case I'm driven to act for the good of my people. And now that drive has brought me here, with the will of the Imperium behind me. That is enough." She countered.
"It is." Said the Judge with finality. "But the Naysmith has asked a question you have yet to answer to my satisfaction. Why should we align ourselves with you and yours? Clearly in the end you serve the Imperium and no one else. So why should we tether our destiny to yours?"
"Because we will win." She stated firmly. "And when we do, we will remember well who were our friends, and who were not. Those who side with us will prosper, and will get to keep what is theirs. The others… far less so. If you are wise, you will make sure to be on the right side."
For a moment a stunned silence reigned. "There! You have all heard her. If her words prove insufficient, then she would use force to get her way! This is no friend of ours!" The Naysmith shouted then.
"We do not take threats lightly, Scion." the Judge said angrily.
"Then I am glad I made no threats." She said. "I merely described one of the fundamental truths of our time. The Imperium will win out in the end. It is inevitable. What that means for you is your own choice. You are not our enemy, not yet. Nor do we wish you to become such. If we did, I would not have come here to treat with you."
"You speak of victory, yet the history of your people disproves your assertions. The Inquisition has laid low your order in the past. Before that many have stood against the Imperium and triumphed. It seems then to me that for all your bluster the only thing you are setting yourself up for is another failure." The Naysmith said, which made Tiraen roll her eyes.
"Many have stood against us, and the wounds they have caused have been numerous and grave. Yet for all that the Imperium has always endured. And so all that our myriad enemies have managed to do is delay our final victory." She countered. "Our triumph may not be imminent, but it is inevitable. I speak with the confidence of one who knows our destiny. That story is already written. The ink is dry."
"No one knows the shape of destiny, young one!" The Seer countered, sounding angry for the first time in the whole conversation. "Even those of us who have the sight perceive only threads of the great canvas that is fate. All who claim otherwise are ignorant to do so! And you least of all are able perceive such things, being the wrong shape! Your spellcraft pulls you back to the earth, to worldly magics. The Fade to you is nothing more than a tool, a hammer to build with and a sword to slay with! You lack appreciation for the inner beauty of that realm and cannot quiet your mind to listen to the greatest story ever told!"
Tiraen paused, amused by the dramatic delivery of the Seer. "Even if there is truth in what you and the Naysmith say, it will not be the people of Qarth that will cause our failure. Let us be honest for a while, shall we? You sent your greeter to me, and he gave me a display of the magic you wield. As such, I had the chance to observe the extent of his powers." She shook her head. "It was not all that much."
"And all this? These… theatrics you parade before me?" She said, motioning at the hall. "They only work because there is something here, something old and powerful kept in the deepest, darkest reaches of this tower of yours. I feel its presence even now. It weakens the veil here and gives you the ability to cast spells within the confines of this place. Outside of this structure your powers are greatly diminished. And it used to be even worse. I have heard the stories, the rumors, the ones that state that it was the dragons of Queen Daenerys that allowed you regain your magics. They are beasts connected to magic, and you can tap into that power, as you tap into the power of this tower. But without an alternate source, when her dragons pass from the world, so do your powers, and then you might as well not be mages at all. It seems then that my gift was more precious than I had anticipated. What is convenience for us is a lifeline to you."
She let her statements hang in the air for a moment. "So, in this litany of assertions, does any of it ring untrue to you? Have overlooked some critical detail? Have I made a mistake?" She asked.
The silence was her only answer.
"Good. Now that that is cleared up, I would ask this Council why risk opposing us when you could join us, as our friends? Why risk a life under our heel when you could be our equals, and rule whatever it is you wish to rule? Why risk being slaves when you could be lords and ladies, kings and queens? Why choose starvation when you could join us at the table and eat your fill? Why risk losing your powers for a second time when we could provide all that you need to keep them?" She asked.
"Why indeed?" Said the Foundation.
"Perhaps… perhaps the Scion is right." The Ethereal said quietly after a long silence. "It would be folly to turn her away when she offers the friendship of her people. And it is untenable for us to resist her and hers, even if we wished to. If she alone could overcome the magic of this place, then what could we possibly do against an entire nation of her kind? And our city would be alone against a nation of many, a nation with strong allies to bolster their cause. Better we bow our heads and serve as demanded, and make an ally of her. Pride now will only serve to undo us."
"Yes, I agree. We should heed her very carefully." Said the Foundation. "Let us also remember how very decent she has been towards us. She does not have to bargain with us. Her words, while harsh, ring all too true to me. If the Imperium wished it, I have no doubt that they could take what we have by force. Yet she is here, parlaying in good faith, offering fair compensation for everything she would take, even going so far as to provide precious gifts to start off our partnership on the right foot. That, to me, is generous. And consider also that even if we declined her it will not stop her people from pursuing their real objectives. And should they afterwards succeed, they will inevitably return here, certainly remembering our scorn. There is no love lost between us and the Twin Kingdoms, so why should we sacrifice ourselves for them? If the Imperium wants their lands I say let them take them, with our gracious assistance of cource."
Tiraen suppressed a smile, pleased that she was winning.
"What is wrong with you two?" The Naysmith said, shocked. "Has she cast some spell on you to make spout such madness? If we yield ourselves to her, her people will rule us forever! Can you not see it?"
"There is no spell on us. We are simply not blind to reality. And your protests are overruled." The Foundation said.
"None are overruled until I decide that they are." The Judge said calmly and firmly. "We must discuss this. A proper debate must be had, so we can reach an accord."
"Scion, I thank you for coming here, but respectfully I must now ask you to leave us to talk in private." He said to her next. "We will debate your proposal amongst ourselves and come back to you with an answer. Do not return here unless you are invited. That is our wish."
"I understand, and shall honor your request. Until I am called upon, I shall not return here. May wisdom prevail in your debate." She said before giving a formal bow and heading out of the room.
Paro was waiting outside the door and took a place at her side as they began the walk back to her house.
"I overheard your conversation. You did well. I am confident the Council will give you what you asked." He said as they walked.
"Not if your Naysmith has anything to say about it." Tiraen replied.
Paro gave a short laugh. "Well, if he did not oppose you he would not be doing his job."
"What do you mean?" She asked, curious.
"Every member of the Council of Deciders has a role they fulfill. In the case of the Naysmith his purpose is to oppose every proposal and every decision being considered. If his protests are overcome, we can rest assured that we have made a wise and considered decision. And so it was duty that drove him to argue with you, although in this case I fear he found his enthusiasm quite easily."
"I see. It is a peculiar way to govern, but I think I understand. What purpose do the others in the Council have?" She asked.
"The Judge is the head of the Council. His duty is to weigh the situation and make the final decision. As you saw, he also keeps the other members in line when the discussion becomes too heated, though that is an informal duty on his part. The Foundation attends to our interactions with the wider world. Greeters such as I are under his direction. It was he that was the source of our initial interest in you. The Ethereal is the polar opposite to the Foundation, focusing on the fade and arcane matters. Of all of us, her knowledge of magic is the most extensive. The Seer is always one of the rare individuals with the Sight, those who can sense past and future events, as well as current events happening over great distances. Sadly, since the talent is so rare, this vital seat often remains empty. Even when the seat is occupied the members are often less than satisfactory, prone to derangement or simply becoming detached from reality, unable to distinguish past from present from future." He explained.
"Fascinating. Thank you for enlightening me." She said.
"By all means." Paro said with a nod. "Please, if there is anything else you wish to know, simply ask, and I shall do my best to answer."
"There is one thing, though I don't know if you are allowed to talk about it. The power I felt back at the tower… what is it? It felt… ill, somehow."
Paro bowed his head. "I see there is no keeping anything from you. The thing you sensed… is nothing less than our most dreadful mistake, our gravest crime. It is the tragic result of our attempts… and success to achieve immortality."
"Yes, I see the hunger in your eyes." He said to her, having noted her expression. "Even at your young age you fear the relentless march of time. You dread the day when your skin is wrinkled and mottled, your breasts sagging, your hair grey and thin and your mind turned to sewage. You wish to be young and beautiful and sharp of mind forever. The world is full of people just like you. Most quietly submit to the inevitable, having concluded there is no other way. But those of us who are mages, those who know just how fragile the rules of our world are, we wonder about other possibilities. Even so I beg you to turn away from this. This is not the salvation you seek."
"How so?" She asked, trying not to hide her disappointment.
"You see, our experiment did succeed in keeping a person dying, but not from aging. Their bodies, and their minds continued to decline, while the spell we had worked on them kept them from passing away through any means known to us. Worst of all we discovered that what had been done could not be undone. Our spells proved impervious to all our attempts to dispel them." He said.
Tiraen gasped, horrified.
"Do you have any notion what becomes of a person that has aged for a thousand years?" He asked in a sharp tone. "When the waning of our magic became apparent those brave individuals incarcerated themselves to the lowest levels of our tower, binding their power to the very foundation stones of that place, so that at least some of our magics would be left to us. They remain there even today, in pain, forever dying, but never dead. They are the Undying for which our tower is now named, and we who remain exalt them for their sacrifice. Through them our magic survived, barely." He added quietly.
"Of cource, for all that, the power they could bring us was only so much. That was why, when the Dragon Queen came to our city, we lured her to our tower, intending to cast the same spell upon her and her dragons."
"You would have done that to someone else, even knowing the consequences?" She asked.
"Our cravings got the better of us. When her dragons were near, our magics waxed strong once more. We could not bear the thought of losing it all again, so we were driven to desperate measures. Because you were right when you said that a mage who cannot cast spells is no mage at all, and we cannot unless we have an external source of power. This is also why the Naysmith opposed you so vehemently. He worries that you will provide us with an alternative means of power, one that you control, and through that you would come to control us as well. He fears that if we give into you, you will dominate our destiny for all time." He said.
"But I would raise them high, to make them what mages should be in this world." She argued.
"Yes. But in so doing you would inevitably come to hold the leash. Surely you see that? We might be great, but we would only be great through you, and if you withdraw you blessing, then we would be nothing once again. And so you would always be higher than us, no matter how high we rise." He said.
"That is an… interesting observation." She said. "Do you think that will influence the Councils decision?"
"No. I think what you offered is just too tempting to refuse. Out cravings have gotten the better of us yet again. I just hope we can live with the price." Paro said.
"Cheer up." She said with a smile. "It is a beginning of great things."
After that they had reached her house. She bid Paro farewell and went inside, pleased with the progress she had made. If everything went as expected from now on, the Imperium had gained new allies today, all thanks to her. Now she could focus on her next mission, the expedition to Valyria.