Theterm looked up into the night sky when he heard the noise. Something had flown over the keep—he was sure of it, but now nothing was visible. He turned to return inside when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. The darkness hid most of the detail, but there was a small shape crouched low. Theterm firmly grasped the object from the Way that he carried in his pocket.
“They don’t come quietly. At least not in my experience,” Theterm spoke.
“I wanted to give you a chance,” something replied.
“A hunt?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“I have something to tell you. Something to share.” The figure crouching in the darkness moved forward a few paces, revealing more of its spiderlike features. “I don’t want you to leave though.”
“Where can I go?”
“A Way.”
“You should know that’s nowhere near here.”
Again, the creature slowly moved closer. Theterm could tell that it was not human because it had too many hairy legs and was very close to the ground. “You need to know that I’ve never used a Way.”
“Traveled a long way to tell me that?” Theterm chuckled. “Why don’t you come into the light so we can better talk? You’re beginning to make me nervous,” he admitted.
The creature shockingly stood upright and was almost as tall as Theterm, but as it moved forward, he could see its extra legs fold so that they looked more a part of the matching sandy-colored cloak it wore. A hood covered its head, but numerous eyes gleamed momentarily as it approached. “I need to know why I’ve been hired to kill you.”
Theterm looked around nervously to make sure there weren’t any others lurking nearby.
“I assure you, I am alone and want to talk.”
“Someone hired you?”
“Yes, and the amount offered could make this my last assignment.”
“Are you going to tell me who?”
“I was hoping you could tell me that. You see, I usually don’t care about any of this, but something is not right. I never heard about any of you people before, and really, it bothers me that you don’t seem afraid.”
“I have to be honest; I am very afraid. I also have to tell you that I probably know plenty of reasons why many people would want me dead. I am not sure, however, what you mean about not ever hearing about us. Do you mean humans?” Theterm wiped his sweating brow.
“No, I’m talking about the ones you are a part of, the Alkaskre. I was told all about what you do and how you need to die. Once I heard the whole story, none of it made any sense, but I took the job anyway.”
Theterm sat down roughly on the ground. “Things are worse than I’ve feared. If they are willing to kill me, then I have no hope.” The creature moved in very close to Theterm and sat down.
“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you, and maybe we can work out a deal.”
Theterm laughed loudly. “I don’t have a good enough reason to stop you. I’ve done so much wrong, and maybe it is better to stop trying to make it right.”
“You are trying to make it right?”
“I keep telling myself that I am. I have this whole island trying to help, but I’m not sure it will be enough. Did they tell you everything that I’ve done?”
“I believe I know enough. What does not make any sense is why they didn’t do it when they had the chance. What is still more puzzling is why they sent you back to try again.”
Theterm thought for a few seconds. “It must only be a few who don’t want me to succeed. Did they tell you their names?”
“Succeed? What is it that you think you are here to do?”
“I’m supposed to train another to open Ways, to help that one lead from behind and by example, to try to return this world to what it once was.” Theterm looked at the creature as it stood up and turned away.
“I am glad that I held my venom. I was definitely lied to.”
“What did they tell you?” Theterm stood. “What were their names?”
“I was told you were here to destroy this world, that you failed once, but there was no chance of failure this time. Tell me honestly, are you here to ruin this place?”
“No!” Theterm moved quickly toward the creature. “I only want what’s best. You have to believe—”
The creature spun quickly and dove on Theterm, unfolding and wrapping strong, menacing legs around his body. “I do not have to believe a word you say. I do not have to do a thing you ask.” Theterm stared, horrified, into the creature’s six eyes. “Do you understand the graveness of this situation?” Theterm nodded slowly while clutching the item in his pocket tightly. “Good. Now, I’m going to release my grip and let you stand up.”
The creature’s legs relaxed, and Theterm scurried backward. “I don’t think I’m ready to stand up quite yet, if you don’t mind.” Theterm smiled nervously.
“Sicar.”
“What?”
“The name is Sicar. I thought you might want to know.”
Theterm nodded slowly.
“I am not going to kill you if that’s what you are thinking.”
“That is one thing I was thinking. What do you plan to do next?”
Sicar moved backward, folded his legs around himself, and sat down again. “I thought I would take you with me.”
“That is probably not a good idea, because the Alkaskre will be arriving here soon through the Way. If I am not here, they will come looking for me. Do you happen to remember the names of the ones who hired you?”
“No, and I am sure he would not have given me a real name anyway.”
“It was just one person?”
“Yes, a human, like yourself, but much younger. He had long white hair and a beard.”
Theterm sighed deeply. “I know who that is.”
“Who is it?”
“He’s the one who told me about Ways. He’s the one who told me what I had to do. Do you want to know what scares me the most?”
“Yes, I really do.”
“I think he told you the truth and has been lying to me from the beginning.”