Spirit Past (Book 8) Read Online Free PDF Page A

true transference," Reiculf stated as fact. "He gave away his magic in hopes of transcending his own limitations. His theory was insightful, but flawed."
    The demon lord looked to Macheve.
    "Serp, you took magical slices from a wizard, but you did not empty your core. That was the proper decision, but you failed to take greater initiative. The magic connected you, but you could not utilize the energy of this wizard—this Neltus—for your own spells. Correct?"
    Macheve was still struggling from the daokiln's inspection of her core. She could not yet speak, but she managed to nod.
    "Your council obtained connection from the transfer, but again the magic itself was beyond your grasp. You were able to link your own powers, but you ignored a final connection, a bond that would have allowed you to employ the energy of the wizard as your own."
    Reiculf released a wicked laugh as he realized how close he was to finally obtaining his ultimate wish.
    "You were all fools! The answer is so apparent it is laughable. The serps failed to step far enough, and Ansas stepped in the wrong direction. Purification was unnecessary, even detrimental."
    Reiculf looked down upon Gnafil with a twisted grin. He could taste the expansion of his power and influence before he even began the process.
    "Tell me, infern, what do you think would have happened if Ansas ignored purity and instead focused on the true transference of magic through the cores of spell casters? What if, just as he placed a slice of his magic in you, he took one from your core and combined it within his own essence?"
    The infern wasn't quite sure what to say, but he knew he should not remain silent.
    "I believe he would have been able to cast spells of fire that were amplified by both orange and black energy."
    Scoffing at the answer, Reiculf sneered in disgust.
    "I should have expected a limited answer. You lack the awareness to see potential beyond simple hues."
    The daokiln turned back to Macheve.
    "And what of you serp? Are you ready to speak? Can you answer with any greater intelligence."
    "The mixing of cores would have allowed for a transfer of energy," Macheve replied through several coughs. "Ansas could have cast his spells through Gnafil."
    The daokiln appeared slightly more pleased with the serp's answer, but he realized that neither Macheve nor Gnafil could appreciate the magnitude of Reiculf's discovery.
    "A much better response, but still not complete. You both remained focused on your own petty situations. You both speak of castings. Spells give purpose to magic, but other forces can obstruct the influence of incantations. I can cast spells of total annihilation, but only within the confines of Demonspawn. I am, or rather was , forever blocked from reaching out into the physical realms. What good is a powerful spell casting if it is confined by dimensional barriers?"
    "I do not understand the question," Macheve admitted freely. "Your influence is felt throughout the dark realm and it reaches into other dimensions as well."
    "Only because those outside of Demonspawn reach back to me. Look at you. The wizard of Connel was able to send you here because you foolishly forced your will upon dieruhnes. I could not have touched you if you did not take the first step. But this... this changes all of that!"
    The serp began to understand Reiculf's musings. If she had not already lost her soul to the fiend, she would have fallen into despair. Her will, however, was gone and all she could do was profess what she saw as inevitable.
    "You will merge slices of our magical cores together to bridge the obstacles that contain you in Demonspawn."
    "Yes, but for now, I am only certain that it will work with those who have already accepted portions of magic from other spell casters. The choice must have already been made. That will remain a restriction, but it will not stop me. You and the infern will be my initial pawns. Through you, I will reach into other worlds... and I will begin with