Si'Dhuen of Trefrost Spire

3

The arcanist was named Tal'Rashan. He was the curator of a moderately sized repository of arcane knowledge in the Wisdom District in the city. He was a great deal older than Si'Dhuen, and he carried a title, given as a reward for service to the city. But his was a much more recent claim to nobility than Si'Dhuen's family. So, Si'Dhuen felt confident in his position to compel this arcanist to work in his favor, despite never having met the man.
Si'Dhuen made his way to the repository, arriving in good time. The large, ornate doors were open, so he walked in to look around. Inside the building tall shelves, all stuffed with large tomes of various colors, made up several long aisles. Near the entrance there was a currently unoccupied desk, covered in multiple piles of books. Si'Dhuen walked to the desk and took a look at a book on top of one of the piles. It was in a language he couldn't understand. He returned the book and scanned around the room. There didn't appear to be anybody here.
"Hello? I'm in need of assistance," Si'Dhuen called out. There was a long silence after he spoke, watching as dust fell from the ceiling and settled around him. He was about to call out again as a small rustling came from behind one of the shelves. He headed in the direction where he heard the noise. After a moment, he discovered a small boy with a tall stack of books.
"I need your help, child," Si'Dhuen called to him, approaching with a purpose. "I am looking for the arcanist Tal'Rashan."
The boy turned around, obscuring his view of his visitor with the stack he carried. He bent over to place his load down, and stood again to look at Si'Dhuen. He briefly took in Si'Dhuen's form before dipping into a small bow. "Greetings, my lord. Welcome to the fiftieth Trefrost Repository. The curator is working in the basement at the moment, but he can come up to meet you in a moment. May I ask your name, and if the curator is expecting you, my lord?"
"The curator is not expecting me, but my name is Si'Dhuen of Trefrost Spire. I wish to speak with him about some questions I have on arcane matters," said Si'Dhuen.
The boy bent in a deeper bow, hiding his suddenly wide eyes. "Of course, my lord," he said breathlessly. "I'll retrieve the curator right away."
He stood and looked around quickly. His face dropped as he apparently failed to find what he was looking for, turning to Si'Dhuen before speaking again. "Uh, my apologies, my lord. There is no real waiting area in the repository. The registry desk does have a pretty comfortable chair, if you want to wait there. I'll be able to bring more chairs when the curator arrives." He trailed off nervously.
"I think I'll stand. I will await the curator by the desk at the front, however," said Si'Dhuen, striding off to the front of the building.
Si'Dhuen paced restlessly as he waited, occasionally picking up a book to nervously thumb through. His mind was buzzing with all the questions he had for the arcanist. He shortly reviewed all of his reading of the last few weeks, recalling by heart many of the tales in his wife's books.
After a moment, two figures appeared from the back of the room. They approached him with a determined pace, and, pausing in front of Si'Dhuen, bent in identical dignified bows before addressing him.
One figure was the boy Si'Dhuen had spoken to earlier. The other was a tall, older, stately looking elf. He wore brilliantly colored, long flowing robes. His hair was a smoky gray, thin, but long, and he had it tied back in an orderly bun. He wore large, horn rimmed spectacles that he removed and hid in his robes as he spoke.
"Welcome, my lord. Your presence honors me and my humble repository. My name is Tal'Rashan, First of My Name and curator of the fiftieth Trefrost Repository of Arcane Knowlege. I am told you are Lord Si'Dhuen of Trefrost Spire, and have come to inquire on some arcane matters that you are curious about. So, tell me, Lord Si'Dhuen, how may I help you today?" He addressed Si'Dhuen with all the respect his title was due, though he also wore a friendly smile and kind expression, as if he was genuinely happy to see Si'Dhuen.
"Yes, sir, I had a number of questions that I was told you may be able to assist me with," began Si'Dhuen. "Is there a place where we may sit and discuss?"
"Of course, my lord. Please, follow me to my office," said Tal'Rashan brightly, as he pointed to a back corner of the room. Walking that direction, Si'Dhuen soon discovered a small spiral staircase that led up to a short platform. There was no furniture on the platform, merely a carpet that covered the area and a circle of large, colorful pillows. There were also several stacks of books scattered about, many in different stages of disrepair. Si'Dhuen walked to the center of the carpet, stepping over a set of tools and scrap leather sitting there, and turned slowly to get a better look. The only other thing there was an old looking lantern in the corner that was currently extinguished, which sat in a corner of the space. Next to the lantern was a small vase that appeared to contain multicolored incense. There were no walls enclosing the space, but the edge of the platform was lined with a low rail, presenting a clear view of the tall shelves in their aisles throughout the main room.
The arcanist came up the stairs behind Si'Dhuen, crossing the platform to assume a seat on one of the pillows in the center of the area. "Please be seated with me, Lord Si'Dhuen. We can discuss the questions you have shortly." He turned to the boy behind them, who was waiting at the top of the stairs. "Ambrose, if you would be so kind, and bring us a pot of tea for our visitor. Fresh tin, if you please."
The boy nodded a quick affirmation before turning back down the stairs and departing. As he left, the arcanist turned back to Si'Dhuen, eyes still bright and friendly, and began. "Now, my lord, let's get to the meat of your visit. How may I help you widen your knowledge of the arcane?"
"I thank you, sir. Your day must be spoken for, given the look of this place, so I'll attempt to take as little of your time as possible," began Si'Dhuen. "I've recently come across a series of stories that featured some unfamiliar magic. To be honest, most arcane practices are a mystery to me. I realize it may be silly to chase down fantasies from children's stories, but I've recently had a troubled moment in my life. I think understanding these stories will help ease my mind."
Tal'Rashan considered these words for a moment, his face inscrutable. "Very well, my lord," he finally said. "Can you tell me of these stories you discovered? And, about your concerns, it is not a silly endeavor to find truth in tales. Most themes and elements from all sorts of stories are based loosely on some factual basis. Of course, there is artistic license taken with most magical activities, but there is often some kernel of truth these stories grow out of."
"Of course, sir, I would be happy to tell you," Si'Dhuen started up again. "Now, I've recently discovered several more frightening tales in my wife's old volumes. They centered on the idea of death, mainly the concept of reversing the process or preventing it indefinitely. This one story in particular had to deal with a young woman who was slayed in a tragic accident, so her lover–" This was as far as he got into his explanation before the arcanist raised his hand to cut him off. His face was now ablaze with rage, and he spoke slowly in his response.
"Lord Si'Dhuen, am I to understand that you now seek the power to recreate these stories? To master the dark art of undeath, and cheat the natural order of our plane?" Tal'Rashan growled his response, glaring harshly at his visitor. He seemed keen on making his disapproval known.
"Now, sir. I'm certain I don't have to remind you of the traditions of our city, and the demands of honor enshrined in law. I would watch your tone, to avoid misunderstanding, my honorable host." Si'Dhuen's tone was even, but his countenance was decidedly hard.
Tal'Rashan's expression softened, but he rose from his seated position. "I'm sorry, my lord, but I can be no further help to you. I recommend you seek advice from one of Trefrost's various temples. The clerics at any number of them will guide your search better than I can." He made to leave, but Si'Dhuen held a pleading hand up to try to stop him.
"Please, sir, I am certain only you can help me. I seek arcane guidance, not the spiritual kind," pleaded Si'Dhuen, dropping his hard expression and bringing his pain to his eyes. Behind him, Ambrose returned holding a small tray, pausing most of the way up the stairs.
"Please, I beg you, Honorable Tal'Rashan. My wife and children have recently died. They were claimed by the mysterious plague that swept the city. I did all in my power to save them from the sickness that passed me up. Now, I am beginning to think I missed some opportunities, failed to turn over some stones, to try to keep them with me. I'm just attempting to alleviate my worries and guilt. I have no practice in the arcane, and wouldn't know how to start or conjure in the slightest. Please, just allow me to state my questions and alleviate my anxiety over this issue!" Si'Dhuen's plea was tearful, and passionately spoken.
Tal'Rashan was having no part of it.
"I am sorry, Lord Si'Dhuen. I have no answers for you. I wish the best for you," Tal'Rashan said flatly. He left the platform, pushing past Ambrose and disappearing among the shelves.
Si'Dhuen quickly stepped to the rail and peered over the edge of the platform to attempt to catch sight of the arcanist. "You will help me, Tal'Rashan!" he shouted. "Honor demands it of you! Your fealty to our city lends fealty to me as well!"
There was no response, and he could detect no movement below. Disgruntled, he descended the stairs and stormed out of the building.
Si'Dhuen returned to the repository several times over the next few weeks. Each time, the arcanist refused to speak to him, or even let himself be seen. To him, it was as if he had fallen into the ether. Each visit was spent pleading with Ambrose to arrange an audience with the curator. The boy was surprisingly strong willed, however. Every request of the young lord was met with the same resounding, "No."
Just as Si'Dhuen beginning to lose hope, during an early evening visit, Ambrose finally pulled him aside. He spoke quietly but earnestly. "My lord, I have to insist that you quit your pesting of the curator. He will not help you out of duty. The knowledge you seek is known to him, but within the city, it is a forbidden practice. The volumes regarding such magic are heavily guarded and hidden, to keep them secret!"
This was the first Ambrose had spoken of anything other than his curator's wishes to be left alone. He looked nervous, and was shifting uncomfortably.
"I don't understand," complained Si'Dhuen, furrowing his brow in annoyance. "Isn't this a place of learning? What's the point of collecting all the knowledge if not to study and understand these mysteries?" Despite his huffy attitude, the exhaustion and pain in his face was clear. He stumbled into the chair behind a desk and buried his face in his hands.
Ambrose considered him slowly, apparently torn. Finally he approached, pity coloring his expression, and spoke in soft, calming words, kneeling down to eye level with the despairing lord. "My lord, this pain will pass. This is only one obstacle that we all must make it through, and we can gather strength from those who have surmounted this darkness. I implore you to seek spiritual help, my lord. The temple nearby is a personal favorite of mine, if I may make a suggestion."
As the boy finished speaking, Si'Dhuen stood rapidly, the previous exhaustion and despair now wiped from his face. Towering over Ambrose, he now wore a mask of rage and disdain. "I would have you remember your place, boy. You have no right to influence my mind, or speak in such a familiar tone! I am descended from the founders of this city, and I have guided it well the last two hundred ten years! I am owed any service I ask, for I have served nobly and selflessly." As he spoke, Ambrose slowly backed away, only to be met step for step. His sudden rage frightened the boy greatly, and he cowered slightly at this outburst.
"But, my lord, there is nothing anyone in the city can do for you!" Ambrose cried. "It is forbidden for the arcane users here!"
"What do you mean?" asked Si'Dhuen angrily. "How can magic be forbidden?"
"It is a dark line of practice, the arcane art that you have been asking about! The arcane magistars banned its study and practice long ago. Places like this are responsible for keeping this knowledge secret, for safekeeping," rushed Ambrose breathlessly. As he finished, he winced, as if in great pain.
"But what I ask is known to you, at least in theory? You can tell me something of the nature of this magic," pushed Si'Dhuen, with an intensity that caused Ambrose to stoop lower.
"I know little. I don't have access to such secrets, because I am just a servant! I cannot help you," moaned Ambrose, but he failed to meet Si'Dhuen eye to eye.
"I know you're hiding something, boy," growled Si'Dhuen, looming more harshly over the boy now. He brought his face closer to the frightened child, his breath began to disturb his hair.
"I promise you, I know nothing! I am not given information like that!" There was panic in Ambrose's eyes now. He was looking for an escape.
"Tell me!" bellowed Si'Dhuen.
"I told you I don't know anything about necromancy! And anyone who does is forbidden to even speak of it to you!" shouted Ambrose in return, quickly catching his mouth as he finished. From the look in Si'Dhuen's eyes, he could tell the damage he attempted to avoid was already done.
"Necromancy, you say? That is the practice that I came to learn about? I suppose you are not as useless and simple as you seem, young one. And if the city of my birth will offer no help for me, I will have to continue my search elsewhere. Adieu, young master." Si'Dhuen swept around to leave. As he did, the arcanist appeared in view, having noiselessly joined them from behind.
"What is going on here? I heard raised voices," the arcanist inquired, looking from Si'Dhuen to Ambrose with a level, piercing stare.
"I was just on my way out, sir. It appears I have gained all I can from you and your ward. Adieu, sir," said Si'Dhuen. He strode past Tal'Rashan to the exit.
The arcanist let him pass, continuing to gaze into Ambrose's still frightened eyes. Finally he said, with a grave and rumbling voice, "My lord, the knowledge you seek is hidden for a reason. Many more powerful than you have sought to control death and met grisly ends of their own. I warn you against throwing your life away on such a foolish endeavor."
Si'Dhuen stopped, frozen in curiosity, and turned slowly to face the arcanist. Tal'Rashan was eying him carefully now, expression unreadable but eyes aflame with emotion.
Si'Dhuen smiled slightly, then turned again to leave the repository, stepping purposefully now into the night.