Darion was surprised at the lack of responses from the young man. Not only had he not made a comment about the phantom weapon, but he also seemed to have absolutely no reaction whatsoever regarding the shift in environments. They'd come into that room from within a building. They exited, through the same door, into a field. The angel silently noted to himself that, if Leric continued to have these types guarded reactions, he may be even too difficult to be helped at all.
Nevertheless, Darion was currently in a position where he had no other options. He moved to the center of the circle and placed the tip of the sword he held onto the ground. He then released it, and stepped back. The weapon remained in place, and was still visible. In fact, not only was it visible, but it began to pulsate with light. It was faint at first, but it quickly brightened. The pulsing also increased in speed, starting off slow, and working up until the flashes were so quick in succession that it nearly appeared to be a single, steady, glow.
At this point, Darion moved to the opposite end of the circle from Leric. In one motion, he threw off the cloak he'd been wearing, revealing the angelic armor he always wore. Almost instantly, the sword flashed, and there, in the middle of the circle, facing Darion, stood a man holding a sword that looked identical to the one Darion had placed there. This time, however, it was quite obvious that the sword was solid.
"You are a fool to think I will help this youth, Darion. The man's voice was deep, powerful, and literally echoed upon itself as he spoke.
"It's good to see you, too, old friend. I must say your welcoming could use some work."
"And why, pray tell, should I feel welcome? You know better than to think I am unaware of the reason you called me. If you believe, for an instant, I will not kill this whelp where he stands, you are sorely mistaken." Whoever this stranger was, he was obviously not pleased.
"Oh come now." Darion's voice was still just as peaceful and calm as it had been. Now, it seemed, perhaps, even a bit playful. "You know I won't let you do that. And so long as he stays here, you can't keep me from stepping in when I need to."
The man sighed. "Yes, Darion. I know. That does not mean I intend to help."
"Then why did you come?"
"I can honestly say, I do not know. Call it curiosity."
.
"Well this is a surprise. I don't think I've ever known you to be curious about anything."
Darion looked over to Leric, and motioned for him to join them. "Come, young Leric. There is someone here you need to meet. Just stand behind him there."