Preamble to Conflict

[Jacques du Mer]

-He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the Earth; He breaketh the bow,
and spliteth the spear asunder;he burneth the chariots in fire.-
(from a bad book)



Montjoy spotted Renée scampering down the hill from the forest. He called out to her. It was unnecessary, though, as anyone could spot the huge host from a distance. Assembled behind Montjoy, in neat ranks, were the two hundred members of the Police Battalion, the entire staff of the Wizard's College and a volunteer militia numbering sixty-five citizens.
She came to the foot of the hill before Montjoy, "Magister, I entreat you to peace!"
"What is the meaning of this, Renée?"
"Magister, if you believe my judgement is sound, then you must also believe that Jacob is reformed. He is not benevolent, but he does not desire conflict. That was made manifest in his enchantment," she said motioning to the impenetrable forest, "and in the one conversation we had."
"This is strange coming from you. Do you not hold him responsible for-"
"I do. But that is beside the point. He is not clear of his crime, but it would be wise to acquit him, I think. Why should we waste lives on this campaign if his interest is peace?"
"Because it's my job," Montjoy calmly stated.
"C'est risible! Have you no voice in the city?"
"These aren't the old days. Things are different. I must follow my orders if I'm to remain-"
"The Magister Magis? Do you place that above these people?" She motioned to the assembled force. "Jacques ne sera pas battu."
"I think," began Montjoy, "that you are overestimating his ability, Renée. He is, after all, just a Québécois."
"He's Nova Scotian, actually. But he's been in this world for two centuries. His mundane roots are not at issue. He is more skilled a mage than either you or I."
"Your protests are meaningless, Renée. I am attacking that tower with or without your consent. Go back to the city if you wish not to assist us." With that, he signalled his lieutenant, Gabes (the oldest living wizard at the College), and he and the various other mages began a ritualized casting.
"I will fight with you, of course," said Renée, "but you will soon see the folly of it."
Montjoy ignored her. When Gabes and the other wizards had finished, every tree in the forest burst into flames. He raised his hand in the air, waiting. He left it there for the forty-five seconds it took for the fire spell to leave the hills bare of every tree that had been there. Across them, a mere 120 yards away stood the tower and the buildings at its base. From this distance, it seemed deserted. Montjoy lowered his arm until it was parallel with the ground. Then the entire host charged across the hills.