He paused, cast a sharp glance at Haplo. The younger Patryn’s expression did not alter; he made no opposition to this plan. Xar continued.
“We do not have sufficient numbers of Patryns to form an army, as I had hoped. But, if we have armies of the dead to fight for us, then we do not need to waste our people. It is imperative, therefore, that I go to Abarrach, imperative that I go now, for I am wise”—dry emphasis on the word— “enough to know that I must study long and hard before I can master the art of raising the dead.
“But this trip poses a problem. I must go to Abarrach but, at the same time, it is imperative that Bane returns to Arianus, the Realm of Air. Let me explain. It involves the great machine of Arianus. The machine the mensch call, somewhat fancifully, the Kicksey-winsey.
“In your report, Haplo, you stated you found information left by the Sartan which indicated that they built the Kicksey-winsey in order to bring the floating islands of Arianus into alignment.”
Haplo nodded. “Not only bring the islands into line, Lord, but then shoot a geyser of water up to those that are now dry and barren.”
“Whoever rules the machine, rules the water. And whoever rules the water, rules those who must drink it or perish.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Review for me the political situation as it was when you left Arianus.”
Xar remained standing. This summary was obviously meant to be brief, and was probably for Haplo’s benefit more than the lord’s own. Xar had read Haplo’s report many times, knew it from memory. Haplo, however, had visited three other worlds since he’d been to Arianus. He spoke hesitantly, trying to refresh his memory.
“The dwarves—known on Arianus as Gegs—live in the lower isles, down in the Maelstrom. They are the ones who run the machine, or rather they serve it, for the machine runs itself. The elves discovered that the machine could supply water for their empire, located in the Mid Realm of Arianus. Neither the humans nor the elves, who live in the Mid Realm, are able to collect water in any amount, due to the porous nature of the continents.
“The elves traveled into the lower realms in their magical dragonships, took the water from the dwarves, paid them in worthless trinkets and refuse left over from the elven kingdoms. A dwarf named Limbeck discovered the elven exploitation of the dwarven people. He is now—or he was when I left —leading the rebellion against the elven empire by, as you say, cutting off their water supplies.
“The elves have other problems, as well. An exiled prince is leading his own rebellion against the tyrannical regime currently in power. The humans, led by a strong king and queen, are themselves uniting and fighting against the elven rule.”
“A world in chaos,” said Xar, with satisfaction.
“Yes, Lord,” responded Haplo, face flushing, wondering if this was, perhaps, a subtle rebuke for words spoken earlier, a reminder that the Patryns wanted worlds in chaos.
“The child Bane must go back to Arianus,” Xar repeated. “It is vital that we take control of the Kicksey-winsey before the Sartan can return and claim it. Bane and I have undertaken a lengthy study of the machine. He will put the Kicksey-winsey into operation, start the process to realign the islands. This will, no doubt, further disrupt the lives of the mensch, causing terror, panic. In the midst of the turmoil, I will enter Arianus with my legions, restore order. I will be looked upon as a savior.”
Xar shrugged. “Conquering Arianus—the first world to fall to my might—will be easy.”
Haplo started to ask a question, paused, checked himself. He stared moorfily into the flickering embers.
“What is it, my son?” Xar urged gently. “Speak freely. You have doubts. What are they?”
“The serpents, Lord. What about the serpents?”
Xar pursed his lips. His eyes narrowed alarmingly. His long, thin, strong hands clasped behind his back, maintaining the calming circle of his being. He had rarely been so angry.
“The serpents will do what I tell them to do. As will you, Haplo. As will all my subjects.”