By David C. Daoust
Page 9 of 10
The pain in Efreet’s head was throbbing, and he dropped down to his knees, clutching at his skull with both hands. The fish swam around only momentarily, Efreet able to see the full length of the massive golden scaly hide. He had never seen such a thing.
“I imagine you have not seen ‘such a thing’,” the voice came again, answering his unspoken thoughts. “For I am the only one left from the Age of Immortals. I was promised seclusion! To be cut off from the light, and yet, thousands of years later the light returns.”
After a moment the pain receded, though Efreet was still tense, fearing for its return.
“You should not have come here small one of Aveen,” the fish said, its voice diminishing. “I see though in your mind, the clerics that promised me darkness eternal have all gone, and you know nothing of their pact.”
Efreet was able to relax a bit, at first unsure if the loudness of the voice was an attack or just the natural experience of such a communication. Clearly it was to subdue him enough, to read his mind. Efreet found the voice much less intrusive.
“You seek treasure?” the voice asked.
“Always,” the gnome answered with bit of a grin, though doubted his charm would affect such a creature as this.
“You will not find any here,” the voice returned.
At which Efreet rubbed his chin.
“Do not think to use me small one,” the loud voice returned, threatening pain. “For thousands of years I was used as Oracle, pressed into service to those that held me.
“For so long abused, thrust into the light,” finally the voice quieted once again, and explained “Light for me is far different than you. For I see light for what it is, and in it, I see the full length and breadth of time. Here and now, that tiny light has shown me more of the world, than you could ever learn in your life time. Not just of the here and now, but what was, what will be, and even what could be. A great burden is the light, something I was finally freed from, by those that overthrew my captors.”
“Overthrew them with my help,” the fish added.
