Azmeritus surprised himself at his reaction to the news of the escape. It didn't concern him in the least. It meant nothing. It was now so close to the time of Xenophus' reawakening that such petty turmoils had no significance. Soon, the mongoose thought, the world would be pristine again, devoid of the infection of life. Man, beasts, plants, fish and all the living manifestations of the planet's infection would be no more. The world would be as pure as the Scythian desert.

He understood why Gadral Neure came from and departed to, the desert. It was the model of a perfect world. Life was the curse he would eradicate. An existence where the greatest accomplishment could be overshadowed by the smallest tragedy, where beings lived from sorrow to sorrow pushed onward by the smallest illusions of joy. Only he, Azmeritus assured himself, saw the truth. It was life itself that tortured this magnificent world.

He would be its true father, saving it from the self-centered parasites who inhabited it. Arisha was called 'The Mother of the World', but that was a lie. She was an agent of the infection, protecting the creatures who tortured this world. It was he alone who truly cared for Eylysia and when the last vestige of the living was erased, he would blissfully follow them into oblivion, secure in the knowledge that every wrong in the history of the world had been avenged, that all greed had been punished and all sorrow had been eliminated.   

He suddenly found himself feeling giddy and joyously anticipating his own annihilation. Bringing himself back into the present he steeled himself for the task at hand. He glanced down at the scroll which had been nailed to the compound entrance. He re-read it.

"My dear brother," it began. Azmeritus found himself smiling, he continued reading.
"I will be brief. We have captured thirty of your accursed Gleaners as well as your Chief Acolyte, Zaphyr. We propose a simple exchange, our prisoners will be returned to you unharmed and you will provide us with one hundred doses of the potion which would allow us to leave this horrid place and return to our homes. If this is acceptable, light a fire at midnight. We will watch the skies for the next week. Bring the potions to Farewell Ridge. When we have received them, we will release the captives. They will not be there, you will have to trust our word, mine and Lord Egbert's. You know that I have never broken a vow and that Egbert is an honorable beast. There will be no further negotiation, these are our terms and not open for debate. The potion will, of course, be tested prior to fulfilling our end of the bargain.
Your brother, who prays for your soul each day,
Ozab"

As Azmeritus finished reading the parchment, Bishop Skaar entered the room. He approached the mongoose's desk and waited.

The priest looked up at his bishop and smiled.
"Ozab! I have often wondered what became of my brother. It is almost gratifying to know he will be around to see our triumph."

Skaar paused before answering.
"We can set up an ambush, or stage an all out attack, your holiness. More and more brothers arrive each day since your summons, we will have a significant army very soon."

Azmeritus shook his head.
"No, my loyal Skaar. We will resolve this quickly, the time of Xenophus' awakening is too close. We will do exactly as Ozab instructs, we will not allow our pride to threaten our goal. I need Zaphyr for the ceremonies, there is no time to appoint a new bishop. This is a good turn of events in point of fact."

"Eminence?" a confused Skaar asked.

"We will be rid of the insurgents, there will be no further impediments to our grand design. It is not as though they won't be punished, my friend. They will live a bit longer, true, and their place of elimination will be different, but they will be destroyed as sure as the sun rising in the morning...have my chemists prepare a hundred...make that two hundred doses of the potion and let me know when they are complete."

The bishop looked upset.
"Yes, holiness. What about the supplicants? They have escaped, there are none left and the full moon approaches. Should I send out more Gleaners?"

Azmeritus thought for a moment before responding.
"No, as a matter of fact, the Gleaners will no longer be required. When the exchange is made, let the freed Gleaner squad take the place of the supplicants. It is only fitting that the last few feedings before the awakening be with creatures of true faith. As you said, more and more brothers arrive each day. We no longer require the inferior flesh of the unbelievers."

Skaar was shocked, but made no comment. The albino mongoose continued, rubbing his paws together.
"We are so close now, my heart is singing."

"Can you trust your brother to keep his word," Skaar asked.

"My brother is misguided and an apostate, that is true, but he has never told a lie or broken a vow in his life and from the stories I have heard about the giant mole, he is an equally honorable beast. Fear not, dear Skaar, they will uphold their end of the agreement. Now go and see to my instructions."

Skaar turned and left the room to carry out Azmeritus' orders. He had long since given up trying to discern the mongoose's ultimate purpose. It was far too late for him to seek another path. He would ride the mongoose's dream and see what would become of his devotion.

There was a variety of strong emotion exhibited at Ozab's return, surprise, sorrow, pride, joy, hope, and every shade between. Surprise at seeing Egbert, whom no one had known was captured, sorrow at the deaths of Degar and Pretus, pride at the successful completion of Ozab's mission, joy at the rescue of the dozen supplicants, and hope that the Brotherhood would provide the means to escape the island prison.

Willum found himself tearing up and quickly acted as though a grain of sand had lodged in his eye. Ursamus, taking a break from guarding the prisoners on the galleon, hugged Egbert so hard that the poor mole couldn't straighten himself for an hour. Bobo was introduced to everyone and found a true friend in Wilbur, who was fascinated with the lucky knife throwing rodent. Gella cried in relief at the return of her brothers while Ophelia and Otto saw to it that all the returning beasts were well fed and mended if necessary.

After the greetings and reunions, Willum, Egbert, Max, Zian, and Wilbur sat around a blazing fire discussing the events which had transpired and those that might possibly come.

Zian addressed Ozab.
"Do you think your brother will make the trade?"

"I do," the mongoose said thoughtfully, "Azmeritus has only one purpose...to follow the prophecies. He only cares to aid in their fulfillment. Hurt pride or vengeance do not play a role in his grand design. He will make the most pragmatic choices. He is cruel and murderous, but he derives no pleasure from it, it simply serves his purpose.

"I am sure he will make the trade, the High Acolyte is integral to his ceremonies and his ceremonies are more important than your lives. I suggest we prepare for his answer."

Ozab suddenly broke into an oddly shy smile, "Do you think Ophelia has any of those honey-coated hazelnuts left?"

Willum laughed loudly.
"Bless yer heart...I'm sure she does matey, why don'ts ya go on board the Rose and git yerself some. Ya deserves 'em, ya did a fine job. Tel 'er ta give ya the ones from Michilmakinak, they be the best," he brushed his paw towards Ozab, "go on with ya, we can takes it from here."

Ozab stood and addressed the group before heading back to the ship.
"I just want to say I'm glad I can be of help to beasts again. Those years by myself...well...well...I like helping. Thank you all." He walked up the beach.

Willum chuckled.
"It's a strange world where me worst enemy's brother is a bloke I likes so much," he turned to Egbert, "so what now me fine mole?"

"Oi say we trust Ozab's judgment and assume that the exchange is going to take place. We should get our beasts to Farewell Ridge so that we're there first. They won't be able to sneak up on us, there's no cover. If they mean to double-cross us, we'll know. We'll bring Zaphyr and the prisoners along, they won't risk hurting their 'Hiogh Acolyte'."

Zian nodded.
"I guess we go at dawn...then we wait for the smoke."

Azmeritus was walking across the courtyard when Bishop Skaar approached him.
"Eminence, I apologize for interrupting, but the potions have been prepared."

The mongoose stopped. He looked down at his sandals, then into the sky, almost absently. He turned and looked toward his human minion.
"Good, Skaar, see to it that the signal fire is lit. We will make the exchange tomorrow."

"Very well, but I still think we can wipe them out. This bargaining leaves a foul taste in my mouth," the bishop said, mimicking the look one might have after drinking sour milk.

"We most probably could, but the exchange is on the beach, they would see our brothers miles earlier. Perhaps they would kill Zaphyr, perhaps not, but we would lose a great deal more than we would gain. This way we have the best of both worlds, we rid ourselves of them and retrieve my acolyte. It is settled Skaar, we will make the exchange," the albino said with conviction.

"As you wish, holiness. I will arrange an escort for the potions. Who will represent you at the meeting?"

Azmeritus fixed Skaar with a unflinching stare.
"There will be no escort and I will  represent myself. Prester Jauba will accompany me."

Skaar looked shocked.
"I must urge you to reconsider. They could take you easily," the bishop objected.

The mongoose smiled.
"They will fulfill the agreement, they are obsessed with their honor, they take great pride in it. It is their greatest weakness, but an admirable one. Besides, I look forward to seeing my brother after all these years. I also wish to see the measure of the beasts who oppose me, one is judged as much by his enemies as by his friends. We will leave at dawn. Inform Jauba." Azmeritus turned and continued his walk not waiting for the bishop's reply.

"It will be done, your holiness," Skaar called out.

The smoke rising from the Scarlet compound was seen by the various beasts positioning themselves around Farewell Ridge. The anticipation and hope among the waiting creatures was palpable. Otto and several other beasts scanned the distance through spy glasses.

Shortly after noon, the otter could make out two dots approaching along the ridge adjacent to the beach. He continued watching for an escort and when none was to be seen, returned his attention to the two beasts. His jaw dropped when he finally made out their features. He rushed to the edge of the ridge, where Egbert, Ozab, and Willum stood. Catching his breath, Otto blurted out his information.

"They're coming! There are only two of them. One is that Brother who tried to catch me..."

"Did you recognoize the other?" Egbert asked.

"Yes...," he glanced over toward Willum, "it's the albino, Azmeritus!"

Willum shot straight up, as though shocked by electricity. He clamped his jaw and hissed through clamped teeth.
"The beast! He's coming to me!"

Egbert placed his substantial paw none too gently on Willum's shoulder.
"This is not the toime, Willum! These creatures are depending on us, we can't allow your quest for vengeance to jeopardoize this chance. There will be toime for your revenge later."

Willum looked like a mad beast, all restraint replaced by a volatile hatred. He quivered and shook, biting his lip so hard that a small trickle of blood cascaded down his face. Eggy gripped harder. Willum faced him in a blind fury. He stared into the moles eyes deeply and then something happened. The tension left his body as suddenly as it had come. His eyes softened and he let out a long deep breath.

"Aye, Eggy, yer right. I ain't a gonna ruin this fer me mates. The mongoose'll keep. Besides, I wants him ta remember me afore I send him to the deep dark." The pirate could see the continued concern on the mole's features, "Don't ye fret my friend, I ain't gonna do nothin'...now."

Egbert released the pirate's shoulder.
"Thank you, Willum, I know this is hard for you," he said sincerely.

Azmeritus and Jauba made their way to the base of the ridge. Their hoods were pulled back and their features clearly visible. Jauba carried a large haversack slung over his shoulder. When they were within twenty feet they stopped. Egbert, Ozab, and Willum approached. Azmeritus was clearly pleased with his reception.

"I've always enjoyed reunions. Let me introduce you, Jauba," he said to his minion, "you know my brother Ozab. He does not like me very much and I am terribly disappointed in him and his taste in friends. The large creature next to him I have only recently made acquaintance with, he is Egbert of Gleneden...," he smiled at the mole, "I was hoping to host you a bit longer and introduce you to Xenophus...it was very rude of you to leave without notice."

"Oi suppose moi manners could use polishing, but Oi'm just a simple mole and unloike you, Oi'm not insane," Egbert replied sharply.

"Sticks and stones...lord Egbert," Azmeritus chuckled, he turned again toward Jauba, "last, but certainly not least we have an old friend...I honestly thought you were dead, Crookfang," he pointed at the pirate, "this is Orange Willum Crookfang, scourge of the seas. He and I had tea together once...sadly his ship burned while he nibbled on lemon cookies...lost some family, I understand...very sad. Ah well, life goes on...doesn't it captain?"

Willum was at the point where another word from Azmeritus would have caused him to erupt in rage. The mongoose sensed this and ceased his chiding. The smile left his colorless lips and he became deadly serious. His voice returned to its normal ominous monotone.
"Let's get this charade over with," he pointed at the haversack, "two hundred vials of potion...more than you asked for. Where is my Chief Acolyte and my Gleaners?"

Egbert stepped forward.
"Not so fast, Azmeroitus. We mean to test the potion before we hand over your beasts."

"I would expect nothing less. Take the pack, test a random vial, we shall wait." The mongoose took the backpack from Jauba and tossed it at Egbert's feet. The mole reached in and selected a vial from the center of the pile. He handed it to Otto, who stood behind him on the ridge.

Otto looked to Azmeritus.
"How is it used, priest? What must be done to breach the barrier?"

"There is no ceremony required, just drink the potion."

"What's in it?" Ozab asked.

"That was not part of our agreement and I have no intention of telling you, brother."

Egbert addressed Otto.
"You don't have to do this, someone else can test it."

Without answering, the otter removed the stopper and downed the potion in one gulp.

"Nasty tasting...don't feel any different. I'll run down to the barrier and see if it works." With that, he turned tail and moved at top speed along the ridge in the direction of the invisible wall.

Willum stared at Azmeritus intently and addressed him in a calm and measured voice.
"We got us about fifteen minutes ta kill till 'e comes back, mongoose."

The priest looked at the pirate disdainfully.
"I suppose this is where you tell me how you plan to kill me or some other shop-worn cliché"

"I got nuthin' ta say to ye, ye piece of scum. You already knows what I means to do," Willum spat out.

"Good for you, Orange Willum, a beast needs a goal in life."

Ozab interrupted.
"And what is your goal, brother?"

Azmeritus turned toward Egbert.
"May I speak to my brother privately while we wait?"

Egbert looked to Ozab. Ozab smiled and nodded.
"It's alright, my friend. I would like to speak to him."

The mole placed his massive paw gently on Willum's shoulder.
"Come on, let's let them talk." He and Willum walked back to the ridge, leaving Ozab with his brother.

Ozab looked at his younger brother carefully. He could barely recognize him. He remembered a pudgy, softer creature, laggardly, with dull eyes and the smell of sweat about him. The beast standing before him now was rock hard, more like cold white marble than soft albino flesh. His eyes were like ice, with a frightening and penetrating stare. It was easy, looking at him now, to believe this beast capable of anything. Ozab could see Azmeritus felt no remorse at killing their father and brother. It was a painful realization. Azmeritus seemed to know what he was thinking.

"My pursuit of the prophecies has changed me, made me better. The conniving, ambitious younger brother you remember no longer exists. I no longer have ambition, only purpose. I no longer pursue power, only destiny."

Ozab spat on the ground.

"Pretty speech, did you write it to convince yourself that kidnapping and doing god-knows-what to innocent creatures served some higher purpose? You are evil by any definition of the word and your 'purpose', whatever it may be, is surely evil as well."

Azmeritus smiled.
"My purpose is to save this world, is that evil?"

"And how do you plan on doing that? Save it from what?" Ozab asked angrily.

"Save it from us. I am awakening an Ürgod, just as Neure prophesized."

Ozab's eye's widened in shock.
"An Ürgod!? You can't control an Ürgod."

"I have no intention of controlling it. I said I was saving the world, not those who dwell upon it."

"You are insane, Azmeritus. To even contemplate awakening such a destroyer is madness, to actually try it is pure lunacy."

"In your eyes, perhaps, but it's a moot point now, he stirs already, he is beginning to awaken. My supplication ceremonies only keep him orderly...awakening calmly...rather than in a fury of ravenous hunger. I know what you are thinking...he is here alone...we are many, he is few...if I kill him now, this will end. Noble thoughts, but not true. Everything would happen exactly as it will happen...except that when I didn't return on schedule, the Brotherhood ships off the coast would sink any ships your little army has chosen for escape and you would all be dead before seeing the glory of Xenophus. That would be the only difference."

Ozab gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

"You would be dead, you wouldn't see your Ürgod either, that would be different," Ozab said angrily.

Azmeritus shrugged.
"You're no killer, brother and they won't break their vow, good beasts rarely do...oh look...," the albino pointed back over Ozab's shoulder in the direction of the ridge, "the otter returns, good news, I suspect."

"How do we know you won't betray us anyway, signal your boats...intercept us?" Ozab asked.

"It would be counter-productive. We would lose brothers needed to keep my Deev servants in check. Having you gone serves my purpose well. Do not think this decision is about sentiment or honor or some other nonsense, it is the pragmatic choice. Thank your stars and be gone."

Even as the albino priest finished speaking, Egbert ran up trying to contain his grin.
"It works! Otto went back and forth across the shield as though it didn't exist."

The mole turned toward the mongoose, "You've kept your end of the agreement, priest...and we'll keep ours. Oi'll have the prisoners brought here to you."

Azmeritus turned and began to walk away, beckoning Jauba to come with him. He answered the mole without turning.
"That won't be necessary, I trust you. Just let them go to find their own way back. I've had enough of family reunions and people trying to be heroic. I have wasted enough of my time on fools."

Ozab watched him walk away.
"My brother is a very dangerous beast. I wish you'd have let Willum kill him."

Egbert shook his head and patted Ozab on the back.
"Now is the toime for celebration and good-bois, not death. Let's go get these poor souls back to their families."

The old mongoose smiled.
"I like that plan."

The vials were handed out and the remainder of the unused doses, nearly one hundred and fifty, were given to Otto and Ophelia to distribute to coastal residents who wanted to leave. Willum called together all the castaways and creatures intent on leaving Xenoth as soon as possible.

"How many we got?" the pirate asked Zian.

"Fifty-three, cap'n." Zian replied.

Willum turned to Salto.
"That's enough to man five ships, barely. Salto, me ole rat, you're the scavenger beast here, be there five sea-worthy vessels about, countin' the Rose, of course?"

Salto didn't need to think too hard, he'd been in every stranded vessel along the stretch of coast they were on.
"Sure, Willum, more than that," he looked a little surprised, "I thought sure you'd be stayin' ta finish the priest. You ain't leavin' fer good, are ya?"

Willum's eyes became cold.
"No, matey, I'll be back. 'Tis only a matter of time, no matter what that pasty villain said, till 'e figgers it'd be safer ta wipe out any leftover castaways. We gots ta regroup and get more men if'n we wants to beat that beast. From what ole Ozab told me about 'is little meetin' o' minds with'n 'is brother, it sounds like 'e's got more of them red brothers joinin' 'im here. It also sounds like 'e's got some worries about the Deev, but 'e seems ta need them, or that Rubitar what they stole. It'll be hard ta tell friend from foe, I suspect.

"Best plan is ta get out the best ships we can, fast as we can afore Azmeritus changes 'is mind ta let us go. We'll make for World's End, let the beasties what is done with Xenoth go home ta their families and get us an army of fightin' beasts ta come back and show that walkin' ghost what for. Aye matey, I'll be back sure enough and I'll be rippin' out his heart soon enough."

Bobo who had been listening, walked up and clapped the pirate on the back.
"Always nice to meet a beast with a goal."

Willum smiled.
"T'aint a goal, me fine knife lovin' cove, 'tis a callin'."