Writer's block

I had been having the worst case of writer's b lock this past weeend. I had written some, but it had been forced and I had been displeased with what had come out. Last night I got tired of it. I ended up scrapping what I had worked on yesterday afternoon in favor of completely rewrighting the section. I am much happier now. The new writing has a much better flow than the old had.

I think that I am now over this current block on my thoughts. If all goes well over the next few days I might be able to build up my lead on what is posted. The section that I worked on last night should be up in a few days. Right now my goal is to have enough written so that I am a full week ahead of my posts, just in case I encounter another slow spot.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. I am currently tossing around the title Torn as the title of this story, I don't know yet.

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19

Malchevio saw the flames. The whole village saw the flames.

The villagers thought that the lightning caused the fire. Malchevio knew better.

Malchevio heard pounding on the door.

“Malchevio, we need every mage that we can get.”

“For what purpose?”

“To bring more rain, to put out the fire.”

“If the gods wanted fire, then we shouldn’t put it out.”

The villagers were silent for a moment. They didn’t want to anger the gods, but they also needed the game that the forest provided. Finally, they decided what they wanted to do.

“Malchevio, we need to put out the fire. Will you help us?”

“I cannot go against the wishes of the gods. I cannot help this night.”

The villagers left without further question. They knew better than to question the decision of any mage. Questioning a mage was inviting trouble.

Malchevio watched as the villagers collected all of the mages that would help. He was glad to see that other mages had chosen to let the fire burn as well. If he had been the only mage to refuse assistance the villagers might have asked questions.

The villagers were lucky. They had more mages in this village than in most others. The number that had chosen to help with the fire would easily get it out. Well… maybe not easily, but it would get put out.

Malchevio retreated to his study. He would have to confront Jack, but that could wait for morning. Meanwhile he had his own business to attend to.

***

Malchevio didn’t even bother to announce himself as he entered the cave. He had had a visit from his bosses that morning, and they had given him a few words for Jack.

He traveled deep into the cave before he found him. Jack was pouting over the still unconscious body of the elf.

“Did you enjoy yourself last night?”

Jack turned and faced Malchevio. His mouth cracked into a smile. He merely nodded.

“Good. It’s good you had fun, because you blew your protections.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you serious?” Malchevio yelled. “You know exactly what I mean! You left, against orders. Luckily we think that our enemies didn’t notice you, but our side noticed. You blew it Jack!”

“Calm down, Malchevio. It couldn’t be as bad as they told you. I’m still here.”

“Yeah, you’re still here, but now without protection. You have to look out for yourself now. They will not conceal your energy for you, they will not send assistance if you get in trouble. You are on your own.”

“And you? How do you play into the new rules?”

“Information gathering. I can still do that, but nothing more, not even food.”

Jack gulped. Malchevio saw that he now saw how serious his recklessness had been.

“Jack, this is bad. As far as we can tell there is still at least a week before our forces will be ready, and maybe longer. She grows stronger every day, and now you will have to divert some of your resources to protect yourself.”

Jack walked away. He was angry with Malchevio, but knew that he was under just as much pressure as Jack was himself.

Malchevio wanted to get away from Jack before the full implications of the message sank in. Luckily he had an excuse.

“I must go. There is a planning meeting that I must attend. You will most likely not see me for many days, depending on what the commanders want done.”

Without giving Jack time to ask questions Malchevio walked out of the cave.

***

Malchevio was relieved. Twice that day he had survived possible near death.

Early that day he had survived the commanders, who had been very angry with him for not preventing Jack’s little adventure.

It had taken much convincing before the commanders agreed that Jack could not be controlled, especially by a human. It had taken more convincing to keep them from deciding to imprison Jack again.

Malchevio knew that imprisoning Jack again would only create more problems. First among them was that they would reveal that Jack had escaped.

The second problem with re-imprisonment was that Jack would most likely escape again, and then would not be found in time to monitor him.

Convinced that Jack was better off where he was, the commanders still had to decide how to punish him. Cutting him off from assistance was the solution that was decided on.

Then Malchevio escaped another possible death. Jack would most likely have killed him if he had not been so stunned.

If Jack had not had such fun the night before, or if he hadn’t been so sure of his protectors he probably would have killed Malchevio. Malchevio still wasn’t certain that his death might not come later, but at least he had escaped it for now.

Summoning his magic, he transported himself to the meeting.