Ripples of Shadow
Chapter 9 - Before Dawn

Stone foundations and thick walls gave the entire place a very formidable feel. On the west and east sides of the massive room were staircases that led to a second level. There was a third and forth level that Mitsume could see, but they seemed inaccessible by merely physical means. A caster could teleport herself to each of those levels if desired, but no stairs climbed to their height.  Ringing the prison on all levels were magical containment fields of all sizes. Those fields held a myriad of prisoners safely inside their cells. Mitsume turned back to the entrance of the prison, and caught part of the conversation taking place between the other magisters.

“…right, and one can only assume they picked the Hold with the idea in mind that they could release some of these prisoners, thusly turning them on us in the midst of battle.” Behldan gesticulated to the various cells as he spoke to magisters and prison guards alike. “So we have a two-fold defense in effect.” Behldan spread his arms to encompass the group of magisters. “We will create a barrier here at the entrance, to prevent both the Blue Dragonflight, and any escaping prisoners from reaching the interior of Dalaran. We must stop the Blue of course from releasing prisoners in the first place if it can be helped, yet inevitably it will happen.” Behldan paused, and drew a breath. He pointed to a small golden lever with a brilliant ruby atop it that adorned the wall adjacent to the archway into Dalaran. “Secondly, several of these safety switches are placed around the Hold. They have been attuned to resonate fiercely against the magic of Malygos’ forces. They must only be used in dire emergencies, as they may provide a nasty side effect for us as well.” Behldan paused again at blank stares from some of the prison guards. “They haven’t been tested yet…so please again, only in an emergency use them.”

As Behldan finished, Kaihlyn turned her attention to Mitsume, and walked over to her. “Are you ready my sister-in-arms? Tonight will be a pivotal point in the war against Malygos. If we can succeed, then perhaps we can take the fight to him more directly. Mmmhmmm.” Kaihlyn nodded, and smiled. Her blonde hair was pulled into a tight pony-tail, with only a few strands escaping to play along her forehead in front of her eyes. She wore simple violet robes tonight, as did the rest of the magisters. A myriad of pouches decorated Kaihlyn’s golden belt. Mitsume supposed she had a stock of reagents and other tools to help her in this battle. Mitsume’s belt held similar items.

“I believe I am ready. Thank you for the training, and the encouragement.” Mitsume smiled back, but hers was forced. A fluttering in her stomach almost made her want to lose her lunch. But she wouldn’t give in to her fear. Instead, she forced it down, wrapped it into a ball in the back of her mind and focused herself.

Kaihlyn blinked in surprise. “Well of course, you are welcome. You have the potential to be…so much more. Mmm, yes. Tonight I want you to shine furiously. Remember, our very existence is at stake. Not only do we have to fear the Prince of the Dark, but also the maddened Aspect of Magic itself.” Kaihlyn glanced around the Hold, looking the very epitome of serenity and confidence. “There is something I realized long ago Mitsume. I thought that to be brave meant the abstinence of fear. However, as I grew older, I came to understand that bravery had everything to do with being scared.  By pushing forward, while being scared, that…is true bravery. We all do what we must, and before dawn, we will see if the mortal races of Azeroth have the courage to stand and fight the madness that has gripped this land, and prevail with all odds against us."