And it has been some time since you've had a chance to sleep. We'll continue later this morning, as it's nearly dawn. For now, let us return to the main tower, shall we, ladies?" Khelben held out a hand to each woman and led them up toward the stairwell. "But what about Aldhanek's theories? That the sharn were Netherese transformed to fight the phaerimm?" Tsarra asked. She held her elbow out for the tressym, who flew down from the rafters. Khelben smiled. "One of my better attempts at misdirection, my dear. I made it up and wrote seven other books under three other names that expanded those theories until the idea itself was accepted as fact. Safer that way than to allow people to stumble upon the whole truth of things before the world is ready for them." "So you deliberately mislead people into accepting falsehoods? You write up lies to cover the truth?" Tsarra found herself getting angry all over again. "How can you live with the deceit?" Laeral put a hand on Tsarra's shoulder and smiled. "Child, those who truly seek the truth are rarely misled by these… hurdles, shall we say? Only those who greedily seek power-like our current foe, apparently-accept these short answers and are hoodwinked.
Besides, we follow both the dictates of our intellects and the directions of the Lady of Mysteries. The machinations demanded of us sometimes rival those of Shar's servants, but we do this willingly, knowing that we eventually expand people's understanding of magic."
"But-" Tsarra protested, but Khelben held up his hand to silence her.
"All right, Tsarra. Enough protesting. Time to directly learn one of my greatest secrets-one that may become a task of yours as well in the future. What do most common folk whisper when they guess what I am up to in my Tower? Other than the usual 'taking over the world' paranoia or 'conspiring with the Zhentarim' that has become popular the past few years?" "Most still wonder if you've truly abandoned both the lords and the Harpers. Oh, and the Watchful Order assumes you're producing major magical items for Piergeiron and the Guard without their due taxation or supervision." Laeral said, "It's astounding how fussy the guild of mages can be when they've nothing better to worry about." "Of course. Neither Laeral nor I need sleep unless we choose to-or are injured or ill. What occupies many a night-Stop smiling, Laeral, I'm not sharing those revelations-is writing. I enscribe as our Lady bids me or as my own heart deems. Even if what is written doesn't follow history, who is to say it doesn't hold a kernel of truth? Sometimes I work on my memoirs, and sometimes I write things to delude those seeking the easier paths to power. One of the reasons why the Darkholden stand with us is Sememmon proved more cunning about some things than did his former master. He saw through a thick web of intrigues and as a result, we struck a bargain, Sememmon and I." "Ah, I was wondering if they'd shown themselves or not," Laeral said. "You won't believe how angry Malchor is about having to work with them.
Still, these are all worries and thoughts to be wrestled with a freshly rested brain. Let us get you to bed, dear." Laeral slipped one arm through Tsarra's and led her toward the stairs. "Well, I can't possibly sleep now! I'm fine," Tsarra protested. "All of this changes so much." Khelben took up her other arm, nudging Nameless to the floor, and said, "You've had a hard enough day, my dear. I have endured your temper more than enough as well. That anger comes from exhaustion more than true outrage." He waved one arm, and the lights in the library dimmed. "Best sleep on this, and we'll discuss any further objections you have in the morning. I shall spend the night aiding Gamalon. Given our need for proximity, you'll have to sleep in one of the guest chambers. Besides, you need to be refreshed to properly wish Lord Wands the happiest of birthdays when we visit him tomorrow." "As long as he won't be offended by my wearing full armor and weaponry," Tsarra said. "If our foe is undead, as the evidence suggests, I don't intend to be caught without protection and a means of fighting back." "I wouldn't dream of suggesting otherwise, my dear," Khelben replied. As the three of them moved toward the stairs, Tsarra's eyes found a cabinet she'd not noticed earlier. Through its glass doors shone a flickering white light, only noticeable in the diminished light around them. The staff appeared to be blackened wood sealed along major cracks with silver metal. At the top, an axe blade, carved like a howling wolf's mouth in profile, seemed fused to the staff. Silver metal also filled in a multitude of runes carved into the staff along its length. "I've never seen this blackstaff, Master."
"That only leaves this chamber in the most dire of emergencies." "Why?
It looks like it's got powerful magic in it." "It does, but that power comes with costs and is not for idle use. In fact, it's the true blackstaff that ties my strength to the tower here." "When was the last time you used it? " "Not since the day I truly entered Mystra's service. Now, enough of things past. With some luck, you'll never know the burden of touching that staff. Let us go." "It's a good thing we know you love us, dear, or we'd be irritated by your half-answers and dismissals," Laeral teased him as they stepped around to the landing.
"I've no doubt he loves you with every fiber of his being, lady."
Tsarra whispered to Laeral. "I know," Laeral smiled, "so it's a wonder it's taken us over five hundred years to have our first child together." Tsarra gawped a moment and hugged Laeral fiercely.
"Laeral!" Khelben snapped, but his face softened. "I thought that would be our secret a while. Have you told anyone else?" "Only Sylune and Alustriel. I couldn't help it. Happy news is so rare among us, I had to share." Khelben sighed and nudged the two women ahead of him.
"I just hope our enemies don't get wind of a child of two Chosen before we're ready for them." "Isn't he sweet? Worried about them already…" "Them?" Khelben asked, his eyes wide. "Dear," Laeral caressed Khelben's face as they all descended the stairs, "do you honestly think I don't know when I'm carrying twins? I may not have borne as many children as Alustriel, but please. Besides, I'm glad you've no need to brag, but you've twice in the past bred twins. It seems you've done so again."
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
29 Uktar, the Year of Lightning Storms (1374 DR)