Week Four -- Beltron continued...
“That boy is my son,” Beltron said through clenched teeth. “And in the hands of the enemy, serving as her slave. Would you rather he slaughter and dominate the rest of the civilized world at her side?” “No,” Orion admitted. “Then what alternative do we have?” Beltron said, his tail lashing with a thump against the ground. “If you have a better suggestion, by all means tell me.” Orion grimaced. That was the problem. They were out of options, and he knew it, but the idea of sacrificing his old friend to the white dragon was too much. “I don’t.” ~*~ “Warriors from the earthen realm and sacrifice are the only way, Orion,” Beltron said. “You know it just as well as I do.” Orion nodded. He knew. That didn’t mean he had to like it though. “What did you see in your vision that led you to this?” “I would rather not share the whole vision until I figure out what all of it means,” he said. “I will say, though, that the ones who are coming looked strong and extremely capable.” Orion sighed. He supposed that was the best he could get. “All right,” he grunted. “I’ll help.” “Good.” ~*~ It was far from good in Orion’s opinion. It was reckless and borderline foolish. It would be adequate. However, he had given his word, and a wizard of his caliber never reneged on his promises. “These are going to take time to gather,” Orion said. “People do not usually part willingly with these items.” “So I am aware,” Beltron said. “And this spell requires all to be willing participants or it won’t work.” “I have prepared for that,” Beltron said. “How do you prepare to ask someone to sacrifice a part of themselves?” Orion said, frowning. “Give them my seal.” ~*~ “And do you really think that will be enough?” Orion said, arching an eyebrow. “For those who are truly on our side, yes,” Beltron said. He pulled another scroll from his clothes and handed it to Orion, “I have written down names of those that I think will be persuaded to help us.” Orion scanned the list. Most of them would. At the bottom of the list though… “Are you absolutely insane? He’s a Chanis, a soldier in Morag’s army. I can’t march down there and ask for his help!” “Are you going to help or not?” Beltron said. ~*~ Orion scowled heavily, “I might as well be pointing a gun at my head and pulling the trigger by agreeing to this,” he rolled up the parchment. “But I’ll do it.” Beltron looked satisfied. “Good. Keep the faith old friend, things will be set straight again.” “You had better be right about this,” but it was without any real venom. Beltron’s visions had never been wrong. “What are you going to be doing in the meantime?” “Gathering more support,” Beltron said, “The humans will need all the help they can get when they arrive.” “ So they will,” Orion agreed.