Consequences of Power

Interlude - Premonitions

There is a carelessness in his movements that hints at the countless times the same tasks have been performed in the same order. Methodically, Silvus Colla flicks through the pages of his notes, only taking in one or two words, only taking in one or two words a sheet. The words he does see stick in his memory: change, lake, no attention, power, danger.

As he pushes the sheets onto their shelf his brain tries to order the words so they make a coherent sentence. None of the combinations work, but some are chilling.

He laughs at himself and mutters under his breath in the language of the Guardians, only spoken by two others in Dustnum Tous.

Leaning across the dark wooden desk for his bow Silvus suddenly notices, for the first time, how small his study really is. The wall is covered by a massive bookcase made of the same dark wood as the desk and, despite (or perhaps because of) its size the book case isn't even half full. In his time as Guardian, Silvus had managed to collect one shelf's worth of texts and notes. As it stood almost directly in front of the window, the bookcase blocked most of the circular room's light, which came in through the stained glass window.

-0-0-

Running through the trees with his bow always made Silvus feel better - liberated, hopeful and inspired. This time is different. Too many times he has used the same paths, stopped by the same plants, admired the same animals.

Apprehensively, he glances into the trees surrounding him. The ground is covered in pink and purple flowers - the Arienne - however there is still enough space to get through. Taking a deep breath, Silvus steps in the direction of the trees. He stops, then takes another step. Repeating this pattern three more times, Silvus finds himself off the path. Before he can stop to consider this for too long he starts running again, back in the direction of his castle.

He has just started to make a world changing decision.