As one of the "Abbot's" incarnations, Mairedin had revealed a great many chilling details in his declaration before the battle, but this was no time to examine them closely.
The latter had no intention of saying anything more, either.
The former Tower of Purification master and the current leaders of the Tower of Rings began a battle to the death in this natural cavern. They unleashed all manner of terrifying psychic spells with casual ease, turning this rarely visited place into a slaughterhouse where psychic energy ran rampant.
But as a mind flayer elder disguised as a psychic overlord, Sim realized the instant the battle began that Mairedin in front of him did indeed show signs of being "mind-controlled."
An alien consciousness had taken up residence in his mind. Perhaps this was the "soul vessel" control belonging to the Mysterious Councilor Steiner that he had mentioned. His battle here did not come from his own desire, but there was no doubt that, just as Sir Ferdinand was plotting to sabotage Dusk's plans, Mairedin—who had been controlled by the "Abbot" as an incarnation for the past century—clearly had plans of his own.
Sim sensed a hint of danger.
He had a feeling that even if the old knight hadn't tried to save himself earlier by drawing Murphy's attention, Mairedin would still have found a way to expose the Abbot's whereabouts today.
As he'd said, Dusk would suffer a terrible defeat today, but for Mairedin, who was being controlled, that wasn't a bad thing.
Damn it!
Everyone involved had their own agenda. It was a plot within a plot.
Unfortunately, there was no time to alert Murphy, who was rushing this way with his people. But, well, Mr. Sim was overthinking things as he furiously traded psychic spells with his old friend.