#earthrunes

((HA!))

Coradel taps lightly at the library door before stepping inside. "Miss Zara?"

"Aye, Coradel?" Zara looks up from her notes

"Ah, you are here. Good." She steps lightly over to the librarian's desk. "I meant to speak with you before we all venture forth in our various directions."

She puts her papers aside and nods. "Of course."

Coradel settles easily into a chair at the table. "I know you cannot tell me much. But...you have a plan? A...strategy?"

"A bit of one... Magnus is utilizing mortal authorities, to an extent."

"My plan revolves around Tantalus."

"You...intend to lure him out?"

"We have some good intelligence that has been funneled to us from the inside."

"Nay. We intend to catch them unawares."

She nods, pressing her lips together. Her fingers toy with the edge of a parchment for a moment.

"You...Zara...you will protect him." The statement is a question in disguise.

"Yes, absolutely."

"He is my oldest friend."

"I know." A pause. "You know why I must hear it?"

"I... in a physical fight, I cannot do much. But my magic is strong, I can bring luck his way, I can weaken our enemies, I can fool the eyes..."

"I do. You are his soulmate."

"I do not underestimate you, Zara. I know your power...or at least, I have a hint of it."

After a moment. "Is there anything I can do...anything...that will...that can help you see him safely home?"

She frowns.

"Mayhaps... make him promise?"

"His devotion to duty, well - sometimes, he would wish to sacrifice himself."

"It can be frustrating to wrangle with that streak. But... if he can be reminded of his duty to you, of his word?"

A fond smile at the thought of August. "Oh, I would not tangle him in promises any more than I already have, for they always seem to complicate his ability to decide in a moment." Quietly, "He will not forget his duty."

"No, I mean...is there any way I can help you? You are the strength in this venture, the secret weapon. Do you have all you need?"

"I... believe so. I have a bit of a surprise for the bunk, one that has been held in reserve for some time."

"Do not tell me. I would not weaken it. Not for the world."

A deep breath. "Then...then it seems...the best I can do is...wait." Clearly frustrated.

"A great sacrifice for one so passionate and active, aye. I do recognize your challenge here, and the sacrifice."

"And I also know that you are a fine warrior, and would lay mighty waste to our enemies."

A flicker of a wry grin. "I merely wish a target to hit."

"I understand there are targets here, as well. Damn the man. Tantalus.... he tasks me."

"A nemesis. I..." she pauses. "Zara, is there any chance his a more ancient foe than merely this life's offenses against you?"

"I... I had not considered, no."

"He does not much know me... I was not the most visible actor the last time we countered."

"That is good. It lets his eyes look elsewhere rather than seek you out. I merely thought that might be why he tasks you, as you say."

"He... enslaves." She frowns. "That is his pattern, again and again. To enslave and degrade."

"Much as Paler."

"...at least...as must as I know of Paler."

"Aye. Much like Paler."

Coradel looks at her. "You were merciful in allowing Tantalus to be imprisoned."

"I... I had hoped that it would keep him from harming another."

"I do not wish to kill him now. I... wish to stop him, aye?"

Coradel looks at her directly for a long pause.

Then she stands. "You know your part of it best. But should he come within my reach...I cannot say I would be so merciful."

She nods.

"So be it. I will not mourn him."

"I do not mourn Paler."