Adept (The Essence Gate War, Book 1) - By Michael Arnquist Page 0,98

said, frowning. “What alternative is there?”

When Bellimar did not respond, he swung around to face him. The old man’s eyes caught and held the lurid glow of the fire as he studied Amric.

“Out with it, man,” the swordsman demanded. “Share your theories.”

But Bellimar shook his head. “I do not have an explanation yet that would hold up to scrutiny, but there are some theories I can refute.”

“Go on,” Amric said, his eyes narrowing.

“Well,” Bellimar began, seeming to choose his words with care, “the Essence Fount is not a sentient thing, capable of an intrusive manifestation like you describe. It is a pure force of nature, more akin to a tidal wave or forest fire than to a living creature. Its power can harm or even consume those near it, and it might be tapped or directed somehow, but it has no will behind it.”

“You know that I have neither affinity for magic nor desire to work it,” Amric objected. “I could not have done what I did without something providing the power, and guiding my hand as well. And you said my aura became bright as the sun while I was under its influence.”

“I know all this, and yet it could not have been the Fount. It could certainly have affected you over time, changed or sickened you. But it could not come to your aid and then depart as you describe. It possesses no more intelligence than an avalanche, or a tornado.”

A sudden gust of wind raked over them, dragging at the flames of the campfire. Both men turned to see a broad grin creasing Syth’s face.

“You make your point, thief,” Bellimar said with a rueful chuckle. “I am referring to common such phenomena, however. And elementals are not capable of possession either, to my knowledge.”

Syth shrugged. “If not the Fount itself, then what?”

“That I do not know,” the old man said, his expression pensive.

“And what of the rage I felt from it?” Amric put in. “I thought perhaps it was the Fount, furious at the violation of the Wyrgens, seeking some way to retaliate.”

Bellimar snorted. “If that was the case, it was already having its revenge in small steps, robbing the surviving offenders first of their intellects and later, I suspect, of their lives. If a force of that magnitude were backed by intent, I doubt it would have needed agents as insignificant as us. No, the phenomenon coincided with your anguish and need. Are you certain it was not merely your own anger you felt, at seeing your friend fall?”

The warrior shook his head, staring into the fire as the memories of those chaotic moments tumbled past. “Whatever it was, it brought its own. It was separate and distinct until I accepted its help, and then it added its fury to mine. We became somehow fused, joined in purpose for a time.”

“I can think of many creatures capable of possession,” Bellimar said, his eyes boring into the warrior. “But few would wait on your acceptance while you were so vulnerable, and none would so easily relinquish control afterward.”

Amric blew out a breath. “I suppose I can live with the mystery, so long as it is gone now, and gone for good.” He met the old man’s unwavering gaze. “After all, that was not the only unexpected thing to happen back there in the fortress.”

A tight smile spread across Bellimar’s face. “Is there something you wish to ask me, swordsman?”

The fire snapped and popped as the two men stared at each other, and Syth’s eyes flicked between them as the silence stretched out and became brittle.

“There are many questions I would ask of you, Bellimar,” said Amric at last. “But only one of import, at least until we are clear of this foul wilderness.”

“Ask it, then.”

“Are you with us?” the warrior said in a tone edged with steel. He held up a hand to forestall a reply. “A moment, before you answer. No playing at words, no evasion. There is no doubt that your actions saved us in Stronghold, but in the past two days I have had all the treachery I can stomach. The truth of what you are and what you seek can wait, but if you mean any of us harm, I would know it now. I will have your commitment, or we part company tonight. Are you with us, and for us, until we reach the city?”

Bellimar gave a solemn nod. “A fair question,” he said. “I mean no harm to anyone here. I